Hikigaya Hachiman doesn't know much about science.
Oh. Someone already did that? O-Oh okay. Sorry.
So as to that, let me rephrase.
I am incognizant, when it comes to the term of knowledge about science. A branch of education that I would say in Japan, is a requirement to have a grasp on. As judging from the TV shows that I watched and the newspapers that I read, a majority of job opportunities that inhabit this land has got something to do with science. Or I would go to a certain extent and say every job opportunity here acquires a mind that excel in the knowledge of science.
Even so, I would say it is lucky for me that pursuing a career of being a househusband does not have acknowledgement about science as a necessity. I think it only requires the skill of making curry as far as I'm concerned.
It's right, right? Right? Future Hachiman help me out on this one!
Anyways, there are one of those science-related information that were able to creep its way to my brilliant mind. The source of those information I would say come from the TV shows that I accidentally turn the channel to while I laze around in the living room. In which I would immediately turn the channel again.
But anyway, one of those info that I was able to perceive is, thermal equilibrium.
I would try to elaborate this as compact as I could. It is the act of transferring heat from one object to the other that are in contact. In which the one donating its heat is the one with more heat to it. Thus there comes a condition where the transfer of heat becomes zero. So as one object donates its heat while the other collects it, they will then achieve a thermal equilibrium.
...
In which I would say is completely outrageous and unfair. Why would one that has more of something, have to share with something else to achieve equality?
Although I do know the concept of physics, biology and whatnot are not ones that we could disagree as it was influenced by nature and have been studied for centuries. I would like only to imply that even nature itself is based on the act of such unscrupulousness.
Willingly or not, you can only give blood and not receive any, O.
Willingly or not, you can only donate electrons but not receive it to become ions, cations.
Willingly or not, you can only give your heat to this ice-queen, Hachiman.
Wait what?
...Didn't I just say I don't know much about science? How many times did I accidentally switch to a science-related channel in my daily eventful life?
And what did I just say at the last part of that monolo-
"Senpaai~!" Wha-! Close your trap, Isshiki. You're disturbing my train of thought.
"Senpaaaaaiiiiiiii~~!"
And now you just downright blowing the rails. Yup. Looks like the train's going nowhere.
I turned my annoyed face to the malicious being, currently making her way to our location with a fast pace. Randomly, her brown hair sways on her head as the bearer brought one of her hands up for a wave as she's closing in.
"Senpaaaaii~!" Wow, aren't your vocal chords get sore though? The amount of verbiage she have on saying that word holds the equivalent amount of my voice usage for a week.
As she practically runs towards us, I see her small hand, slowly stopped its motion, and descent nearer to the ground. I instinctively take a look at the girl and came to meet her eyes, slowly spreading wider every second. If she could spread it any wider it would've covered her entire face.
Why is her expression gradually changing? If I recall the last time I saw that expression adorned on her face was at the time we were at the glasses shop. When Isshiki made me wear a pair of glasses there with the same manner that Yuigahama did the time we were at the shop : forcefully. It was kind of a nice pair though. Got a unique body and theme to it. Didn't bother to buy it though.
Where was I? Oh right, her face.
As I see her being closing in sight, the quivering of her lips became visible to the eye.
"S-S-Senpai..." My ears caught the stammering of her words. The reason to justify it is unbeknownst.
As I was utilizing my mind to analyse Isshiki's sudden change of behavior, I hear another voice, coming from the source at my right.
"H-Hikki..." I tilted my head to have a clear view of her face. Equally to Isshiki's, Yuigahama's face was painted with a tinge of pink, portraying confusion and... other elements that I'm having a hard time to decipher.
Wait?
Did I just had to tilt my head? Why is Yuigahama seems to be taller than me?
And what is this sense of cold that is currently occupying my skin? Not to mention the feeling of my heat being taken away from me?
These questions left unanswered rambling in the thoughts of my brain as I felt the fabric wrapping my chest being gripped, successfully catching my attention.
After confusingly staring at those two figures, I drop my gaze at the sudden draw of attention. Slowly I turned as I suddenly feel a sudden weight on my arms, albeit light, and the temperature of my surrounding became warm.
Dumbfounded, I stared into her startled eyes, while the hallway became as silent as ever. My hands, each wrapping her waist and shoulder, while hers both helplessly holding on the fabric on my chest. Her pupils became visibly dilate and her lips moved as the same manner as Yuigahama's. Our breaths collide, being that our faces were mere inches from each other.
... And after what seem to be a long interval of distributing and collecting, Yukinoshita and I achieved thermal equilibrium.
"H-Hi-Hikigaya-kun..." Her voice seem to finally manage to find its way out of her throat.
Finally realizing the gravity of our situation, I carefully bring the startled ice-queen back on her feet.
"S-Sorry about that." Sigh. Looks like my Onii-chan instinct activated unconsciously. Or was it Hachi senses? I don't even know. Nevertheless, very sorry about that, Yukinoshita. Hate to know you have to quarantine your clothing to dispose of my unhealthy germs.
"N-No, it's fine, Hikigaya-kun. Th-Thank you." She spoke with pink color printing the majority of her face. Her hands close to her upper parts.
Yeah, that might've gave her a traumatic memory. Must've thought her chastity was in danger or something.
"Y-Yukinon, are you doing okay?" The pink-haired urgently asked with her hand extended while though I caught her eyes glancing awkwardly at my direction.
"Yes, I'm doing fine. Though humiliating, I have to say I was careless for a moment there." For a moment, huh?
They exchanged slight words after that, as I register the new arrival to our group.
"Yukinoshita-senpai, are you okay?!" She exclaimed as she arrived to her destination. I instinctively back a step away hoping to avoid the awkward situation.
With her hand upright elegantly, she gave an equivalent answer to the girl. My eyes catch Isshiki's as she hastily glance at my being.
After what seem to be an eternity of silence, Yukinoshita spoke...
"S-So, what sort of ordeal are you up to that brought you here, Isshiki-san?" In which I think is to break the awkward atmosphere between us. Damn, that is making me blame my Onii-chan instincts even more.
I have to say, it is quite a coincidence having to bump with this girl, seeing that the school is a very wide structure. Adding to that, we're not that close to the Service Club headquarters yet if she was to have the intention of calling us for more inevitable torture. Anything Ishhiki was looking for must've been somewhere near here.
"Oh, it was nothing. I came to get some school utilities for the StuCo room." She answered with her usual foxy behavior. Yukinoshita, on the other hand is still fidgeting with her fingers.
That's the reason she's here, I see. Whatever utility you're looking for right now is beyond me tho-
...What...is this?
"Oi. What are you doing?" I looked at her kilowatt smile after glancing at my sleeve.
"What are you talking about, senpai? I'm taking you to HQ, of course!" Her fingers tightened, gripping my sleeve with little more force. What the heck is this girl insinuating?
"What am I have to do with this?" An ambiguous expression crept into my face.
"Mouu~ Senpai is really slow sometimes. Don't you get it?" How am I suppose to know what you're talking about? What does it got to do with when you're looking for the school utilities?
...Oh.
"It means..." Hachi senses triggered!
"You're the school utili-! W-What are you doing, senpai?!"
"What do you think?!" Forcing myself to do another exhausting labor will not at all bring me any good. There is zero to no possibility that you're going to have me do another tiring chore!
With an unusually existent vigor, I tried releasing my unlucky hand from the girl's grip. But well, the type of grip I'm trying to escape myself from is another matter. And as a result, the only action I'm able to materialize is trying.
"L-Let go off me, demon!" I stammered between breath of exhaustion in trying to free my pathetic hand from the iron lock. My mind wandering through possibilities in how Isshiki's grip could be this strong and vigorous.
"Mouu~ It's not like you do this everyday, senpai!" Okay, now you're just copying the lines from another certain vexatious being in getting me to do things that amass my exhaustion. I'm afraid phrases that are used to get myself working twice is against the violation of my work proto- W- Why can't I get my hands of this grip?! Did you also join the excruciating training sessions that those guys had to suffer?
The war continued with bated breath on both sides, while the other parties did nothing but only to their capability that is stand and watch the never yet ending battle. After seconds of prolonged struggle, the opposition made her next move.
"I'm not letting you go, senpai." That phrase would be occasionally heard as a line from a romance movie, but having to hear the words come out from this girl's mouth, it can only amount anything but that. Her arms that suddenly find its way hugging my right side did nothing except justifying that. The instant sound of distinct gasps became audible to my ear.
But even so, the blush that suddenly creep it's way too my cheek is something to be retain and remain hidden.
"O-Oi, what are you doing?" I asked in bewilderment while gazing at the being that is currently hugging my arm.
"I thought that this is the best way to not let you escape." She cheerfully answered with her head tilted up to have a better view of me. Although, the grip was enough of an action to prevent me from running away but I realize that fact is unknown to her.
"You were already giving me enough difficulty by gripping my sleeve, you know that?" Simultaneously, I tried to inch my arm from both of her surrounding arms.
"Well, I must be sure about that. I have to be cautious with someone that inhabits your slick attitude." My action was to no avail, as I felt her arms tightened against my arm. The distance between our bodies became gradually closer and closer.
Do you think you have the right to call people slick, when you yourself is rich with such attitude? Don't feign ignorance to your own negative personalities!
Although I'm confident that I am not one to take notice of my own repulsive antics. But regardless of that menial fact, stop getting to close woman! I can smell the aroma of your perfume at this distance!
"I-I think Hikki's not going to go anywhere Iroha-chan. So isn't it fine to let him go?" As if revealing her secret abilities of being an esper, Yuigahama phrased the words in my mind with an uncomfortable expression. But then, another entity lets her own arrogant self have a word...
"Agreed. I am also fairly impressed of your capability being in contact with this lump at such long duration." She mused with an alien color of pink on her cheeks, as if she was contemplating her words. Then the girl continued...
"Although I have to suggest that as to prevent dangerous diseases to disrupt your health, this... this protozoa is not something to be occasionally near with." I looked expectantly at her finally composed face, with the thought bored into my mind about the names that Yukinoshita might've compiled to give to me whenever she gets the chance.
"You know how senpai is right, Yukinoshita-senpai? This guy might run away like a prisoner from captivity whenever he gets the chance." Isshiki spoke with an annoyingly cute tone, bringing her body slightly away from Yuigahama's outstretched hand, which only brought to the distance between her and I to zero.
Really?! This is how you're going to test my testosterones?!
When it comes to these sort of situations, I guess all those fancy parties that I had to reluctantly provide my presence to actually pays off. Be it the lousy communications and interactions that I had to get myself into, I would say the boss level is undoubtedly the dances. The amount of skin contact with the devil itself got my adolescent mind to become more mature and sharper, lessening the possibility of wandering through delusional thoughts. Although her unnecessarily arousing dance moves and revealing dresses really gets the blood flow on my cheeks to reach its apex.
And as if reminiscing the latest occasion with Yukinoshita-san, my cheeks gradually became warmer and this girl's arms wrapped onto me is not making it any better.
"Okay then, Yukinoshita-senpai, Yui-senpai. We'll best be on our way!" She jested after glancing at her peach-colored watch. Those two seems to still have something to say with their eyes still fixated on the location of contact between me and this troublesome girl. I, for that matter, have nothing anymore to say but accede to this act of farce.
And as if she'd found the words to say, Yuigahama replied, "Y-Yeah. I think that'll be best." My mind starts to wander the reasons on why her tone felt quite dejected. And another part of my mind starts to wander the capability of Yuigahama to think.
The thoughts contemplated in my mind was soon interrupted by the sudden pull off my arm indicating the start off my journey to another exhausting chore. I faced them with a detected expression on my face, giving them a picture of my feelings right now.
I was half expecting for them to reply with a disgusted expression of their own but what came instead is, "Do your best, Hikki." With an unpredictable look on her face. I answered her wave with a slight nod with my feet following the steps of this girl at my side.
After receiving the verbiage from Yuigahama, I focused my vision to the person beside her. I was expecting a sharp, venomous vituperation from the well-known Ice Queen but instead I came to a sight of abnormality.
I stared at her hieroglyphic face while my arm being helplessly dragged. Her expression brought to an indication that she is to have something to say but couldn't form the words. With a contemplated and blushed face, she stared into my gaze without letting out another word.
After that, I turned my head forward with an exaggerated amount of reluctance to my another inevitable torture. The vibrant ray of evening sunlight grazed the walls of our surrounding, orange, crimson, and red in color.
Damn upon you, Mother Nature. Serenading a beautiful atmosphere ain't gonna help healing my exhaustion.
This came to my thought as we continue our stride to the headquarters of the student council.
... Although, regardless of the accusation I made before, the evening scenery are akin to be an apple to the eye. Not only the glistening sunlight and the wistful wind that catalyses the peaceful atmosphere at the places that it grazes its presence with, it also gives people the ability and ease to think and reflect the actions they made and those they would make. But that can only be applied to certain individuals that actually have enough humility to think about their mistakes and weaknesses.
Am I one of those certain individuals? Of course not.
The amount of time me contemplating about my mistakes is definitely and undoubtedly zero. And I am pretty sure humility is something that I strongly do not own, let alone a sense of chivalry that all the riajuus surely possess.
Do I have an exacerbated amount of hate towards raijuus? Of course yes.
Although it is not something petty such as jealousy and overwhelming inferiority. I am sure I'm smart and mature enough for that. The motive their of lives and the way they live their lives are mostly the reason that amass the amount of hate towards them.
But does that necessarily mean there's something faulty and erroneous in their motives? Well, us humans are given the freedom to choose the path we strive our lives and how we choose to utilize it.
But unfortunately, there are those poor humans that are forced upon slavery and have their decisions and actions being made by others.
And unfortunately, one of em is me.
Thus, despite the enchanting scenery portrayed behind the transparent window, I find it hard to savor the phenomenon as I came back to my senses and realize my current predicament.
Our stride became something referred to by eternal as the vast hallway makes the distance to the end of it equivalent to infinity. The rays diffracted to the inside of the building with a paint of orange hue.
After analyzing the atmosphere, I brought my vision to my right arm, that is currently being softly grasped by the two palms of a fox. If a random person is to incidentally come this way, the thought that we could come to their mind would surely be something that I don't want to come to their mind. So with the thougt of the situation being materialized, it would be best to remind her that she's still holding on to my arm. And drop that giddy, energetic smile on her face.
"Oi. Wouldn't you think it'd be fine to let go of me now?" Because I don't think I can and will run off at this point. I phrased those words to strengthen my judgement.
"No way, senpai! You might bail on me again." She answered and lightly shook my arm with her small hands, making an uncomfortable feeling on me at the slight touch of her body.
"What do you mean 'again'? I've never bailed on you before."
"Well you might do it now." As she strengthen her grip on my arm, I realized that it was better keeping my mouth shut. Her hair is now in contact with my shoulder, and her whole body is practically leaning itself onto me.
With a feeling of annoyance and embarrassment at the same time, I decided to initiate the skill I have been sharpening for the past two years...
Insults. So one point for rarity, thank you Yukinoshita.
"Your perfume is intoxicating it's making dizzy."
"It's coffee though, senpai." It's true though.
"You're heavy."
"That's why I'm leaning to you to carry my weight." Devil!
"You're not cute."
"You're lying~" She mused as she brought her face clearer to my vision with a teasing smile on her face, further emphasizing her point.
As a reply, I tilted my head to the left although the pink on my cheeks could not remain hidden. Isshiki became further entertained at my response with a giggle escaping her lips.
Although annoying, Isshiki having a cute face is not something to be denied. In fact, it is intensely annoying that all the XX chromosome suppliers that I have come to be acquainted with have a strong grasp on the characteristic of being immensely cute. The image of Orimoto with the hair clip I bought her the other day came to mind.
With reluctance, I let her have her way and walk our way to the StuCo room that we are currently becoming nearer to.
The thought of having a monologue about modern infrastructures came to mind, but it was stopped by the girl beside me.
Slowly, I felt her head softly leaning against my shoulder with her small hands loosen the hold on my arm.
...
"Tough day?" With the softest voice I could phrase, I asked.
"E-Eh? W-Well it's not what I would say tough. Hehe." Although startled at first, she answered with her head more comfortable on my shoulder.
"You sure?" I felt slightly depressed at the thought of her hiding her problems from me.
"Yeah, senpai. Same old, same old." I captured her slight smile that crept on her face although the reason it was there is unknown. But nevertheless, I would want it to stay that way.
Then the thought came to me.
That Isshiki Iroha might be sly. Cheeky. Astute.
But she is a kind girl.
She must've taken note of my laziness and reluctance in solving her problems that she would take a little of the load off me for herself to carry.
...Uuhhh I'm such a dumbass.
"You know, Isshiki." My words breaking the silent hallway. She replied with a soft 'Hmm.'
"I'm sorry."
"Eh? What for, senpai?" She asked with her head still on my shoulder as if both body parts have been glued together.
"Well, you know. I've been really trying to get away from those work that you get me to do. Until I've been really ignoring the things that you might keep to yourself to relief the burden off me a bit." My words greeted with silence as if she was analyzing my every words.
"I'm really sorry for that. But really, Isshiki, if you have something that is troubling you anything at all, and if you want to..." As I continued, I felt a slight movement on my shoulders as if something is shaking.
"...just tell me, okay?" Soon after, I felt the pair of hands that were wrapping my arm silently gripped my sleeve in an instant. Her hand quivered with the sudden motion and from my vision I capture the color on her face.
Isshiki gave me a clearer view as she tilts her head to justify the seriousness of my words, torpid and stagnant. It became difficult for me to let my gaze away as I stared at her completely abashed face. For a moment of time, we stared at each other in silence as if it was our gazes that were engaged in a conversation.
After truly getting a complete hold of myself, I managed to look away and stammer...
"W-Well I mean, it's me who got you into this trouble, wasn't it? So it's only logical and a must that I take matters on my hands as well." I reasoned, with the thought that my words were extremely cringey and awkward. Isshiki on the other hand did not say a word nor does the pink on her cheeks is near to be fading.
After awhile, her flustered face finally subsided and is replaced with a cheeky one...
"Hehehe, senpai. You sure are taking responsibility, aren't you?" Her sly, teasing tone indicated that she had regained her composure. And don't phrase it like that, woman. People who heard that might've misunderstood.
"Well, I could. If some annoying girl would let me take it." I spoke with a giggle. Isshiki lets a pout formed on her face as a response.
"What do you mean 'annoying', senpai?" She mouthed while simultaneously using one of her hands to give a little hit on my arm. And as always, it felt like getting hit by a soft pillow.
"Well, she wouldn't do it if her senpai wouldn't nag about having too much work." Oi. You plagiarizing?
"The guy nags. But it doesn't mean he doesn't want to help."
"...Yeah."
The silence that came after was soothing. The rays of orange sunlight and the wistful sound of the wind also brought upon a calming atmosphere.
"So it's fine if the girl asked favors for too much?"
"She didn't ask for too much in the first place. And yeah, it's not like her senpai got an eventful lifestyle anyway." After my honest reply, an audible gigggle came out of her lips.
"I'm not sure about that." Isshiki phrased as I wonder about the reason of her disagreement.
After everything that was said and done, I really hope that she can make up her mind easily without having to hold back. At some point, I feel like it helps me out as well. After about a year having this girl as an acquaintance, I can somehow conclude that she sees me as her own big brother. Someone who she could ask for help and show her own true self behind the mask. Although, I can't see there's anything wrong with it nor do I disagree.
Softly, Isshiki lets out a sigh and rubs her head on my shoulder.
"There's going to be a big meeting next week. The guest of honor is from the education ministry." She said. No wonder this girl felt a bit pressured. I decided to have my mouth shut and listen first to what she has to say.
"It's a given there's going to be a meeting with the student council, right?"I nodded, then she continued. "I'm just nervous about the meeting. The things I might say or do wrong might inflect to the reputation of the school, you know." After realizing she have said enough, I give a reply...
"You're going to be fine. You did great with the Kaihin guys, remember?"
"Yeah, but this is a whole different level." Yes, I know. That's why it's unfair for me to say something like that. That's why I've already thought about a solution for it.
"You know, if you feel it's gonna help you out, I don't mind being in that meeting. Maybe I could cover you up on some stuff. Like, I'm practically a part of the student council, right? You can get me in the meeting. I'm pretty sure the other guys wouldn't mind. But, you know, if you want to that is." I finished my rather random recommendation. It was awkwardly greeted with silence, but then a sweet giggle became audible.
"Yeah... That would help a lot, senpai." She continued with a whispered 'thank you' and with much vigor, rubbing her head to my shoulder bringing her hair swaying about.
I also let out a giggle at her childish behavior. Although she have been holding me for some time, I still had to fight the embarrassment as she brought us to a distance that I never knew existed. My arm was now in contact with her clothing and the feeling of fabric of her skirt is captured by my palm.
"Ah." It was only then I realized...
"Hmm? What is it, senpai?"
"Oi. We missed our stop." I phrased with usual indifference.
I instantly looked back and manage to gaze the door of the designated room. With my whole body is now moved to the other way, Isshiki's hold on my arm was done not on purpose. With a quick 'Come on', I started walking back to our destination.
Realizing that I was walking alone, I looked back to see the reason to it. Looking back, I saw Isshiki frozen with an unpredictable expression, her hand seem to be outstretched.
"Well?" I asked, curious on why she suddenly became shocked.
Seeming she have finally gained her composure, with a cough she answered...
"Y-Yeah. Coming." Slowly yet clumsily, she started walking beside me to the room.
Thus finally, we reach the StuCo room as she reached the pocket of her blazer to get the key to open the door. With little anticipation, I waited for her ordeal.
Wait a minute...
"You locked the room."
"Yeah?"
"Why is that necessary?"
"What do you mean, senpai? All rooms here have keys to open its lock." Well, duh but...
"What I mean is isn't those guys in there? Why do you have to lock it?"
"What?" She said cluelessly as she opened the door, revealing the remnants of the student council HQ. After getting ourselves in, my question was still unanswered and Isshiki seems to remember to fill it in.
"Oh, them? I let them take a breather for today and go home early. They ought to deserve it, too." Well, I guess that's a wise thing to do. I got myself seated to a chair nearby and gazed at Isshiki who is currently closing the door.
As the sound of the door clashing to its end became audible, my mind suddenly registered the current predicament.
Wait, does this mean...
In this room...
Isshiki and I...
Alone...
... Is going to have a load of work on our own frickin' selves?!
"You are excruciatingly atrocious." I phrased while narrowing my eyes at her figure.
"Eh?! Why, senpai?!" Taken aback, Isshiki asked with a surprised tone.
"You're letting them go home early... the same day you ask me for help." Instantly I covered my face on the table in agony while covered by both of my arms.
"Ehhh... but senpai~" As I was burying my face on the table, only her footsteps became audible to the ear, gradually getting closer and closer.
Until the wind escaping from her mouth tickling my ear as she spoke...
"But didn't you say you would take responsibility?" Her teasing tone catalyzed the flow of blood through my cheeks, making me bury my face even more.
After the fluster from my face was brought away, I answered...
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Let's just finish this and we all can go home. " She giggled at my response. I got myself up and stretch my body to have it ready to the upcoming torture.
"So, what do have to do exactly?" I asked the girl that is currently making her way to the drawers.
"There's going to be the people from the ministry coming, right? This is something that the students need to know so they could, like, clean their classrooms or wear the proper uniforms." She explained while carrying a pile of papers with a couple of double-tapes and paper cutters on top of it to the table. I simply nodded to her explanation and stare at the content of the papers.
"You really think things through, huh?" The thought suddenly came to me.
"Hmm?"
"Well, it's just... How responsible you are surprised me a little." I said while pulling the chair to have myself seated in front of the papers.
My statement was first greeted with silence, but with the pull off the chair she nonchalantly answered...
"I won't be like this if it weren't because of you, you know?"
"You're giving me too much credit. You probably already had it in you."
"Well, who knows. But whatever it is..." While pulling a strand of hair behind her ear she continued, "It was you who got it out." I did nothing but sigh to her statement.
"So, how are we going to do this?"
"We'll start by cutting the posters to separate pieces..." She said while taking hold of one of the paper cutters, "Then we'll put these double-tapes at the back so we could glue it to the information boards."
"Sounds like a plan."
"An awesome plan." I paid no heed to her boasting tone and grab the paper cutter then lazily took one of the sheets of paper.
Isshiki followed my motion with a pout and we initiated our mission. The warm breeze from the creaking fan and the chirping of the birds did good in making our ordeal a comfortable and peaceful one.
The cheerful atmosphere that mostly came from Isshiki somehow made me feel lighter and less reluctant in doing it. Constantly, we talked and nagged about both life's activities and somehow the pile of posters to be cut was almost finished.
"How many times do I have to tell you? I don't live that much of a busy life. You're making me sound like some damn riajuu." I shivered at the disgusting, repulsive thought.
"Well, then why can't we have our date last weekend?" She asked to justify her statement with a tinge of pink on her cheeks.
"Correction: Practice date. It's because Miura forced me out of my house to help her buy some clothes for a party she's going to go to." I reasoned monotonously.
"And why would Miura-senpai ask you of all people?" Does my face deliberately say that I know the reason to that?
"How am I supposed to know? Her clique might've been busy that day." I phrased with a shrug on my shoulders.
My answer was once again resulted to a pout on her face. It was quite a silence after that but then she continued...
"Well, senpai. Are you, like, free this weekend? Because I think we haven't done our dat- practice date for a long time now." With a lowered voice, she spoke. Before I could give my answer the girl spoke again...
"I mean, I might forget the moves that I could use for Hayama-senpai, right? S-So it should be wise that we'd do it again." Her words continued with a soft, 'And more often' which made her head lowered for reasons unknown.
I don't see the reason to decline Isshiki's plan and as I clarified earlier, it's not like I have much to do in the weekend.
"Sure, why not." While finished cutting another piece of poster, I said in agreement.
Although I said that, Isshiki doesn't seem convinced as she brought her head up with her eyes narrowed.
"You sure you'll be free that day, senpai?"
"Yeah."
"You're going to be there for our date, right?"
"P-Practice date. But yeah, I'm going to be the-"
"Then that means you're going to tell them that you're busy that day, ri-"
As Isshiki said the words with unexpected vigor, the sudden predicament shocked me.
"Ow!" She reflexively moved her finger away from the source of the pain. And as if from impulse, I gawked to see the reason of her sudden scream.
There, I see her holding on to her left palm, a drop of blood formed at the tip of the pointy finger.
"Wait here." I spoke with unusual haste as I walked to the drawer containing the Band-Aids kit in which I knew well of its location because of our latest chore at the student council room. Isshiki replied with a painful tone, indicating she would do as told.
After reaching for the kit, I quickly walked to Isshiki's direction. A sheet of tissue was taken as I opened it.
"I-It's fine, senpai. I can do it myself."
"Don't be stupid. Come on." I responded as I urge her to show me the injury. Slowly and hesitantly, she showed me her left hand.
Instinctively, I took hold of her hand and wiped the blood on her finger. A piece of cloth was taken afterward and I slightly bathe it with the liquid that I can't be bothered to know the name of other than the fact that it was in the kit.
"You sure know what you're doing, senpai." She stated as she once again offered her hand.
"This happened to Komachi awhile ago, so I guess I still remember how it's applied." And then there's that time when Harley Davidson treated my injury when I accidentally cut myself, but I guess that's something Isshiki doesn't have to know.
With the best elegance I could master, I rolled the cloth to her tiny, soft fingers. Ours made contact as I hold on to her hand to give ourselves more ease to treat the injury.
While doing so, I realized Isshiki's uninjured hand make its way into mine.
"What is this, senpai?" She asked as she softly grind her fingers to my bandaged one.
"Got it from recess. It's from a bush somewhere near the tennis court." I explained.
"While you were having your daily match with Miura-senpai?"
"Yup." She then continued rubbing the bandage on my finger.
"You sure you're fine?"
"Yeah. It's not that much."
"Hehe. The way you're treating my hands, you're making it look like we have couple ite-" Before she could finish her misunderstanding statement, her right hand managed to be fast enough to close her mouth from spouting any more nonsense.
She hastily phrased with a crimson hue on her cheeks, "I-It's not like I mean it that way, senpai. Like, I mean it l-looks like it. B-But it's also doesn't mean that I don't wa-"
"No, no. It's fine." I somehow managed to battle my embarrassment and gave her a normal response. It seems that the constant clumsy words from the girls managed to enhance the strength of my logical thinking.
After finished treating her hand, I walked back to my seat with a, 'There, all done'.
"Thanks, senpai." She said in a whisper as she stared at her now wrapped finger.
"Since we're already done with cutting the posters, just let me do the double-tape part." I spoke in a tone of recommendation, much to Isshiki's disagreement.
"Eehhh! But I wanna help too!" She pleaded as she flailed her arms.
"Let yourself have a rest. It's not even that much in the first place." As I was about to reach the scissors on the table, a small hand was able to make its way there first.
With a pair of scissors and a double-tape in hand, she mouthed...
"Just let me do this much, senpai." With the thought that I couldn't fight back the puppy expression her face, I sighed in defeat as I waited for her motion. Isshiki starts by cutting the double-tape.
Thus, our mission continued with Isshiki cutting the double-tape and me being the one to stick it to the posters. Our fingers grazed constantly as she passes the double-tape one by one in which I did my best to ignore.
After some minutes or so, the posters are finally set aside to be plastered the next day and we sighed in contempt as a sign of our success. Both of us made or way to the exit and Isshiki brings out the key to lock the door.
"Thank you again for helping me out, senpai." Isshiki expressed her gratitude as she locks the door.
"Don't mention it." What time is it? It's not that late yet, right?
"And here I thought that I could do things with my own hands now." She phrased with a giggle.
"Don't worry. You could do plenty of that next year." I took a stare at my watch to know the time as I spoke the words. After glancing at the watch, I realized that it suddenly became silent at her side. I gained attention to her and asked...
"You okay?" She became startled at my voice and hastily puts the key back into her pocket.
"Y-Yeah. I'm fine." She answered as she pulled a strand of hair behind her ear.
"So you're going home, senpai?" Isshiki asked as she motioned me to get a move on through the hallway. After taking another glance at my watch, I provide a response...
"You go ahead. There's something I need to check."
"Really? I don't mind going with you, you know?"
"It's fine. Go home and have a good rest."
"O-Okay." After the exchange of words, I walked to the opposite direction and made my way to the destination.
I was about to continue my stride, as a loud shout of, "Senpai!" interrupted my journey. I briefly looked back only to see the unfairly beautiful creature with a smile adorned on her face. Rays of orange sunlight colored her very being.
"Thank you, senpai!" She shouted as her treated hand was waved left and right on top of her head. I replied with a slight wave of my own and continued my journey.
The walk was as quiet as I thought it would be, although it is not something that I'm opposed to. In fact, it had to be something that I would mostly cherish. Having a quiet moment to relish and refresh my mind can be said to be rare for me to have these days.
As I was approaching the destination, the imaginary sound of commanding footsteps became audible to the ear and the back of a devious, malicious teacher became a sight.
I sighed at the sudden reminisce of my memory.
Being that it is almost an hour to go for the club to close, adding to Yuigahama's absence, it would deem to be logical that the girl would make the decision to leave early. But due to Yuigahama's own insistence, and my own thought that it would be dangerous for the girl to be alone at this hour, I thought it would be wise to check on the club to get a better confirmation.
And after what seems to be an eternity, I reached the clubroom with my hand on its door handle.
Then, my thought was proven to be wrong as the door was easily pushed to the side, making way for me to gaze upon the contents of its domain.
And as if for a moment, I gazed upon the mystical creature at the far side of the table. With a book in hand, and her hair dances to the greeting sound of wind sourcing from the opened window, her piercing blue eyes meet my gaze.
And the silence that have long inhabit the atmosphere was broken...
"Ara..."
Conversation with Isshiki
4:30 PM
Isshiki : senpai! i found a pamphlet advertising about universities around the area.
Me : Congratulations. You actually took heed of a pamphlet that portrays something other than fashion. Now leave me be.
Isshiki : mouu~ senpai thats not what i was going to talk about.
Me : Then what does that pamphlet got to do with me?
Isshiki : i was thinking about asking you which university you're going to apply to.
Me : Does it matter?
Isshiki : im just worried that my senpai wouldnt already thought about life after highschool.
Me : You're thinking too low of me. But, since you asked, it's UniChiba.
Isshiki : ...does that university even exist?
Me : Pretty sure the author made it all up.
Isshiki : eehhh?! senpai from this pamphlet it says that place is quite elite. you sure are aiming high.
Me : Well, I guess.
Isshiki : looks like someone is going to have to be my tutor after this.
Me : Who?
Isshiki : you.
Me : What?!
Isshiki : well im going to need someone to help me apply to a university like that.
Me : You're planning to enroll there as well?
Isshiki : yeah it seems like an awesome place. the cafes look great too.
Me : I'm sorry. But I think I saw a sign that specifically says 'Annoying, Sly Foxes are Not Allowed To Enter'.
Isshiki : oh yeah? i think i saw a sign that specifically says 'Lazy, Cynical Senpais are Not Allowed To Enter.'
Me : That is evil.
Isshiki : 'Hikigaya Hachiman is Not Allowed To Enter'.
Me : That's worse.
H-Hi guys! F-Finally I managed to finish this one. I-I'm sorry if this was like too long because whenever an idea comes into my head I just wrote it down not caring if it is not well organized.
B-But whatever it is thank you for reaching this pile of junk and I salute you if you ever read it without skipping any lines.
A-And for those that didn't realize the reference I was doing at the first line of this chapter, it was from a chapter in a wonderful, magnificent compilation of oneshots called 'Essais'. S-So shoutout to ImaNukeYourFace for making such beautifully written oneshots for this amazing series. I-I'm your biggest fan!
L-Look at me, talking (typing) like I'm so good that I could give people shoutouts, amirite?
H-Hahaa haahaah haahaha haahahaaahhh
haaaaaaaahhhh...
A-Anyways!
P-Please leave a review if there's an abundant of flaws that you can highlight from these chapters. A-And hopefully I'll be seeing you guys in the next one.
B-Bye.
Sorry.