Living the life of a kind we know as humans, mistakes are some of the things that are prone to occur.
"Some tea, perhaps, Hikigaya-kun?"
Though if we made it our life goal to not ever let mistakes get in the way of our already miserable life, it is utterly and undeniably unavoidable.
"Sure."
Let it be spoken, although humans have the tendency of making mistakes, those that admit to it and strive to correct it, isn't a matter of normalcy. A vast majority would've gotten to the route where it brings most comfort and happiness to their own selves; ignoring those we call mistakes. And this is not one from imagination, but one from observation.
"Um, Yukinoshita, can you p-"
"More sugar?'
"Y-Yeah…"
"Affirmative."
Although I'm just one to talk about other's flaws.
"I strongly suggest you lessen your intake on these unhealthy nourishments, Hikigaya-kun."
I wouldn't say I'm one who brings a lot of mistakes in life, and I surely wouldn't say avoiding it isn't my best call. But regardless of it…
"Yeah, yeah."
I've made a mistake. A big one at that.
Would I say it was due to the lack of sleep that brought my brain to a halt in remembering stuff, but now I could only think of is the excuses. Reasons I may use on how to avert the consequences of my careless actions.
Although it may be hard to believe, but I'm seriously and gravely trying to correct my mistake. Who knows, it may just be the fear of potentially death-inducing glares or the sharp, shallow words from my fellow peers talking. But nevertheless, this mistake, is one I would have to take responsibility.
And like others who may have the rare consideration to care of their wrongdoings, one that they can only first do…
Is let out a hopeless sigh.
"That gust of air might've potentially reduced your lifespan to a shorter duration."
"Yeah?"
"Although it would be much more preferable if you let it in you. I fear the possibility of it being contagious." Then don't you think coming to my direction isn't something to be done?
"How can a sigh even deplete your lifespan? And no, mine is not contagious." With an amused chuckle, the Pan-san cup is placed on the table.
"Here you go, Hikigaya-kun." Her left hand put firmly on the head of the teapot, and her body bent slowly following the flow of hot tea from it.
It's these kind of moments that made me wonder if Yukinoshita had gone to a 'Be a First-Class Woman that Occasionally Make Fun of Fish-Eyed Pessimists and Pink-Haired Bimbos' camp in her child years. Damn woman serves tea like a boss.
Preventing my adolescent mind to delve into adolescent imaginations, I started staring at the tea hoping to ignore her unusually close distance to my own. Yes, I know, Hachiman her buttoned blazer is seriously emphasizing the shape of her body, but ignore it!
While staring at the flow of tea, I slightly register her clumsy gaze as it watches my face. As I stared at her with curiosity, she instantly gained her attention to the cup that was almost spilling with tea if she hadn't.
…Was there something on my face?
"E-Enjoy." With those words, she hastily walked back to her seat.
"Thanks." Carefully, I took hold of the cup while patting it with the hope of decreasing its heat. One hand make its way to my face as I checked if there was something abnormal on it.
Minutes were spent on savoring the warm cup of tea as it travel its way down my sore throat.
"How do you like your tea, Hikigaya-kun?"
"I like my tea very much."
And minutes more.
Words weren't that much spoken, but her book was still there, motionless on her side of the table not being constantly read. Thus, I couldn't help but feel the scene was quite aberrant. Taking another sip of tea however, she lets out a word…
"So…" Her fingers play with the mouth of the teapot in a slack off manner.
"What?" I put a halt on my drinking ordeal and gained attention. The girl, though looked like she was startled to death with pink colouring her cheeks.
"No, i-it's just… I was wondering about the reason to your exasperated sigh." With the cliché' pull of a strand of hair behind her ear, she continued…
"T-Tough day?" Accompanied with the spoken words, her eyes clumsily met mine. Heh. The way she asked that, wouldn't that be something a spouse would've said to their lo-
Oi! What're you trying to pull off here?!
"N-Not that I would say tough. It's… tiring, I guess." I phrased the words awkwardly while rubbing the back of my head.
"I see…" The words were almost spoken in a whisper as she lowered her head down to look at whatever is interesting on the table. Damn, like how we are seated facing each other isn't making it anymore awkward.
Although, there was a reason for that sigh. And making me remember it is something I would have thank her for.
"Oh yeah. There was something." But I wouldn't.
"What is it?"
"Let's just say, I've made a mistake." After the exchange, I picked up the phone that was placed inside my bag. I was about to make the call right then and there, but even I'm now acknowledged of the things we call common courtesy.
"I'm going out for a while." I phrased as I placed the bag back, leaning on the leg of the table. I wasn't asking for permission, and I'm sure she knows that, but the absence of acknowledgement made me questionable.
As I stand up, I land my gaze to the girl. Her gaze however, is currently analysing my right hand, which is currently holding my phone. Quite a moment passed, until she answered…
"You're making a call?"
"Yeah." With that short word, I started walking to the door. But it fell short on my third step.
"Who?" Abruptly, I stopped my current stride.
I wouldn't say confused. I guess the word is curious, to the fact that Yukinoshita had the willpower and consent to ask me who I'm calling.
"What do you mean?" And did curiosity get the best out of me.
"I'm merely… curious on who may be the unlucky fellow to be called by such lowly organism." Dummy. Nincompoop. Hachiman.
I couldn't help but let out a sigh at the expected yet unexpected answer. But, since it would let out no harm, I guess it wouldn't be wrong to tell her.
"It's Isshiki." I answered in an annoyed tone as my fingers started tapping on the phone to check for the battery remaining. Instantly, my fingers no, my whole body started to shiver at the sudden gust of wind entering from the window.
Not to mention it was insanely quite. While rubbing my arms to slightly increase my body heat, I continued…
"Then, I'll be goi-"
"Wait." Once again, my first steps was brought to an abrupt stop. There was no words after that, until I decided to look back as a response.
If you would have the desire to witness a real woman being real scary, don't be looking over here because this is way scarier!
"May I be inquired of the reason for you to be calling her, Hikigaya-kun?" Scary!
"W-Why?"
With her eyes narrowed, "Isn't it obvious, Hikigaya-kun? As the higher-ups in society, I am merely fulfilling my duty to protect the innocent citizens of Chiba from devious perverts."
"Wait, wait? How is calling her make me a devious pervert?"
"You would be less of a devious pervert if you tell me your excuse." Maaan, this is going nowhere. Might as well tell her before I wouldn't even get the chance to straighten things up.
"Well, like I said. I've made a mistake. And it is something involving her." That's what I said.
Yukinoshita first took seconds pondering and contemplating my words. With her eyes back open, she spoke…
"Then I would very prefer if your conversation with Isshiki-san is to be held in the clubroom." Before I could answer, she continued…
"It would be much wiser if whatever you're saying to the girl to be in my range of hearing, don't you think?"
"What do you even think I'm gonna say to her?"
"I'm not sure. Something vulgar might match you."
"Well, then you're terrible at match-making." After that tiring exchange of words, I decided to accede to her qualms. Damn, woman. It was sympathy, consideration that made me want to get out from the room.
Unfair is world.
"Sure, sure." Sitting back at my desk, I searched for Isshiki's contact number on the phone at a fast pace, wanting to get this done with.
"You have Isshiki-san's phone number as well?"
"Yeah."
"…I see…" Found it.
Placing the phone on my right ear, a voice was heard from my front.
"Put it on speaker." What?
"What?"
"Hearing the conversation from both parties would have me a better grasp on what you are talking about. It is most efficient, after all."
"How is that efficient? After all, aren't you cautious about what I say to her, not the other way around?" It's going to be too loud for my ears too. And having someone who likes to scream, wailing on the phone not caring about the condition of the ear of the receiver isn't helping me.
"I'd have to take note that it is Isshiki-san you are calling. God knows what words she's going to use to lead you to a one-sided misunderstanding." Had to be cautious to everyone, huh? And how is Isshiki not answering yet?
"You're being sceptical to anyone, Yukinoshita." I commented as the phone was brought to my eye level.
"Thank you."
"Okay, even you should know that wasn't a compliment." A chuckle.
"I suppose you know which button to p-"
"Shut up." Another one.
Thus, the beeping sound that is casually heard before the receiver picks up the call is heard for the whole clubroom to hear. Wouldn't say the long awaited answer was unexpected, but the call was eventually answered.
"Yahallo, Senpai!" This answered the reason why I'm reluctant to put it on loudspeaker. A glare was sent Yukinoshita's way although the receiver remained calm and collected. With the initial unwillingness, I responded…
"Yo…"
"Still sticking with that usual greeting, huh?" Got a problem, woman? "What's the occasion, Senpai? Do you seriously couldn't wait for the weekend to spend some time with me? Although the notion is appreciated but it's quite unappealing so please stop it." Your tone is seriously screaming that you're having a fun time with this, though.
After her words, I registered the aura and sense of coldness from my front. In which I did my best to ignore.
"Well, yeah… about that, Isshiki…"
"…What about it, senpai?" Although it was distant, the sudden change in her behaviour of words were caught by the ear.
Well, I guess you could predict the mistake I was talking about earlier, me.
"I already had things to do this Saturday." To think that was the only thing I could phrase, after all that thinking I've been wasting my precious time for. But that is the only thing I could and should do. It was a mistake I myself made, after all. Sugar-coating it would only make me a lesser guy.
Silence became the loudest sound after my unforgiving statement that I actually thought about filling the large hole. But then her voice responded…
"With who?"
…Not a question I would've expected her to ask though.
"What do you mean?" I've been asking these type of questions that even I'm getting annoyed.
"You had something to do this weekend, right? With who?" Her voice was not cheery nor malicious. I'd say it is, 'maintained'?
I took a glance at the lone figure it front of me as she took a slow sip of cup of tea in a manner of a rich, smug lady. Taking it as a token of approval, I responded…
"It's a study session. With Yuigahama and Yukinoshita." Thinking about it, I don't even know when or where exactly this study session is being held.
"…I see." You see.
"…"
"Well, I guess from how you're making your decision you already planned this before we did for our date, right?" It's a practice date, though. And drink your tea properly, Yukinoshita. It's spilling all over.
"Practice d-"
"Then look at the bright side, right? I don't think we ever did our date in an educational surrounding before."
"Yeah, yeah. I guess you'r-" What?! And you're not doing any better at drinking that tea, woman!
"Sorry, what?"
"Isn't it obvious, Senpai? I'll be joining you guys, of course!" With that cheery tone of hers, she explained cheerily.
"Uuhh, sure." Abruptly I covered the phone with my palm and turned to my front, "Is it okay for you guys?"
Without an answer, she first sent a glare to my direction albeit it was slightly faltering. Is it anger? Annoyance? Indignation?
Jealousy?
I took a better look, inspecting the details of her face for my conclusion.
…
No, no. No matter how you look at it, it's definitely undoubted fury.
"I suppose there's no avoiding the current circumstances," she spoke while tapping the surface of the table. "…I'm fine with it but… you might need Yuigahama-san's approval as well…"
"Yeah, I'm sure she's gonna be fine with it, too," I chippered after her response. Putting back the phone to hearing range, we continued the conversation. With a slight shiver from the sudden cold in my shoulder.
"What are you doing, senpai? You went quite all of a sudden."
"Yeah, was asking for Yukinoshita's approval on your sudden self-invitation." No harm done, would it?
"What do you mean 'self-invitation'?! Isn't it Senpai who told me about it?!" Didn't say anything along the lines of inviting you, though.
"…"
"Well, whatever it is, Yui-senpai and Yukinoshita-senpai is letting me come over as well right?"
"Actually, Yukinoshita's the only one I'm asking for approval from. Though I'm sure Yuigahama would say the same."
After my response, the other side of the call suddenly went uncharacteristically quiet.
"…What do you mean?" Hm?
"I don't get i- Ah. Oh, it's umm… Yuigahama went home early so, yeah." Uncharacteristically quiet again.
"…So it's only you and Yukinoshita-senpai, right now?"
"Uh, yeah."
"…Alone?" I'm not a devious pervert!
"Seriously, Yukinoshita already made this joke. I'm not going to do anything that defines me a pervert." Suddenly covering your body isn't justifying my statement, Yukinoshita.
"Wha- I- O-Oh, that's right. Well, I hope you could control your beastiliality, Senpai." I couldn't help but sigh. And 'beastiality' isn't a word, Isshiki.
"Yeah, yeah."
"Well, I guess you could. You did practice controlling it just now." That statement piqued my curiosity. And truthfully, the person in front of me, as well.
"I don't get it." As I provided a response, I registered her smooth breath from my phone as I could predict she lessened her distance with her phone. With the aid of the loudspeaker, her voice was… engaging as ever.
"We were alone at the student council room just now, weren't we?" The heck!?
As I tried to regain my composure, the sudden clank from the collision of a cup at high velocity with a table is heard. With eyes of a furious cat, she hissed…
"I believe your conversation can be brought to a halt now, Hikigaya-kun?" It was a suggestion, no a question. But that tone of hers just emphasized her verbiage was nothing more of an order.
And for now, I think it'd be best for me to accept it.
"W-Whatever you say, Isshiki. Then, I'm hanging up."
"Eehh, so early, Senpai! Let's talk more!" No, no, no. It might be fine for you but you're not the one receiving death-inducing glares from a death-inducing woman, aren't you?
"There's a schoolwork I need to get done right now. Would've been too lazy to do it in the house." Besides, who's gonna attend to Vita-chan if I'm busy in the house.
"…Okay then, Senpai." Hoooh, she actually relented. Although the schoolwork wasn't a lie.
"Anyways, you reached home yet?"
"N-Not yet. I'm still in the train. I g-guess another fifteen minutes." I see.
"Got it. Goodbye then. Be safe, Isshiki," I phrased while on standby to press the red button.
"Y-Yeah, Senpai. See you tomorrow." And the button is pressed.
…
As expected, the atmosphere in the clubroom was silent as ever. Although the coldness inhabiting my body and the gust of wind entering from the window isn't one of my expectations.
"I see you're having quite an amusement, Hikigaya-kun?"
"If you see that as an amusement, then I couldn't imagine what you do in your free time, Yukinoshita," I continued with a response.
"Ara, I believe different people have different things they find as a form of amusement in their lives."
"What do you mean?"
"I was merely stating something that you would find as a form of amusement, Hikigaya-kun. Namely, talking with innocent kouhais that are unbeknownst to your wild desires to put dirt on one's chastity." With a hand holding her chin such as the pose of The Thinker, she responded.
Knowing the conversation would've took this route, I grab hold of my bag at the side of a table.
"Me, embracing the life of a riajuu is as believable as you stopping to accuse me as Jiraiya-sensei's disciple." Rest in peace. Though it's already a long time ago.
"The fact that you already addressed him as 'Jiraiya-sensei' just strengthened my belief."
"Oh, right." I pulled the zipper and searched for my book.
"Truly, I strongly fear for the unlucky women that have to live their lives as your spouse." You never know, would you?! Maybe there is a woman that have a strange affinity towards cynical, pessimistic, dead-fish-eyed boys who occasionally cares and considerate to her condition and wellbeing.
"Well, better find one that doesn't care that much about that, huh?" Hah. You said it like it's gonna be a piece of cake, Hachiman you self-proclaimed judas.
After those words, silence struck the atmosphere as I found the book that I was searching for. Putting it on the table, I chance a look at my front to answer my curiosity to the sudden silence.
With a slight confusion, a contemplating expression greeted my gaze. While putting the book on the table, my curiosity and gaze, not yet faltered.
"Is something wrong?"
"N-No, it's nothing."
"I see." After, I brought out the pencil case and calculator from the bag. Yes, me it's Maths. It seems my ordeal took Yukinoshita's interest as she lifted her gaze back from her probably English novel.
"You did mention about having schoolwork to be done just now…"
"Yeah." Not to mention it had to be one of the subjects I despise the most.
"Science?" Thank God it's not.
"Maths." Getting myself started, the book cover is flipped open.
"Recalling back, I believe understanding Mathematics is to become one of your many flaws?"
"What do you mean 'one of many'? But, yeah. I'll try figuring it out first."
"…I see." While inspecting the questions that were given by the guy, I played with the tip of the pen.
Come on, Hachiman. If dancing with Yukinoshita-san is something you could master, wouldn't this just be a piece of cake?
…
Hachiman. It's the first question…
How can you mess up right at the start, oi!
"Judging from you crestfallen expression, I may conclude you're already having a difficult time on your first question." Chuckling ain't helping, woman.
"Why do Maths even exist?" I further buried my face on my exhausted hands, laid down on the table.
"Intelligence. Jobs. Future. The things I suppose you will never obtain." You know what? I think I'm just exhausted from the hard labour I had to do today that my brain cells are having trouble functioning. I guess doing it at the house is better, after all.
"Whatever. I'll do it at the house, I guess." Confirming my decision, I phrased. Although thinking it was a great time to take a nap, my head was still buried in my hands.
Silence inhabited the area awhile after, which brought me slightly at ease being in the peaceful atmosphere. Unexpected it was, but her voice suddenly filled in the gap…
"…I suppose there is no helping it." Her quivering tone and the hesitance in her voice made me slightly peculiar to the current situation.
"What?" My muffled voice responded to her statement. Yeah, albeit peculiar, I guess laziness is something it will never overcome.
My question was left unanswered. Although my sharp ears slightly register a soft grunt and the sound of footsteps gradually being louder and louder. A clank on the floor became the finishing sound as I shook my head slightly to soften my dizziness.
The sudden sense of coldness harbouring my body however, took my attention. As a result, I decided to lift my head back up. Upon allowing my vision to explore the current scenery, a cat is registered sitting at a very uncomfortable distance between mine.
After comfortably getting herself in position, she finished with a classic pull of a strand of hair behind her ear. It seems like my dumbfounded gaze finally caught her attention.
"Is something wrong?"
"Rather, I find it… abnormal?"
"What is?" Can someone even be more oblivious?
"Unless you're unaware, but you're currently sitting at a place that I wouldn't have expected you to sit at." At an uncomfortable distance too.
I took a glance at her initial seat where one chair is of course, absent between the two.
"Well, as I said. There's no helping it."
"Well, as I said. What?" After the spoken words, Yukinoshita landed her small hands to my source of eternal suffer and agony. Uncharacteristically, she utilized her fingers to play with the surface of the book. Seeing this, made me realize how oddly close of personality between this woman and her sister.
"Based on your recent expression, a situation in which you finished this task is something I would hardly see materialized. Unless, you were luckily given the assistance of a well-mannered being who is dedicated to live her life in helping pathetic human beings." Oh, yeah. Sure. Well-mannered.
"Sure…"
"Thus, from the process of elimination, I would likely deem to be the well-mannered being to help the pathetic human being. Namely, you." There's seriously nothing in my power at that point accept to sigh.
Grabbing hold of the pen, I got myself ready for the second round. Although the hope of wanting to get out of this is not yet depleted.
"You know? I don't want to trouble you and all. Besides, I could do this in my house. I'd just bother your reading session." Ugh. All this talking is making me feel tired all the more.
"The fact that you're actually being considerate of my situation just made it all the more unbelievable," she suddenly silenced after her words. "…For your information, this doesn't bother me at all. Besides, you'd just bother Komachi-san."
"How would this even bother he-"
"I strongly suggest, Hikigaya-kun, that you comply with your current situation. It is a matter of rarity after all for an elegant woman such as me to offer such humble assistance." With those knives-for-eyes look, I don't see how I can even not comply.
Just like she said, Hachiman. Comply, comply.
"Sorry for the trouble. Thank you for your assistance," I phrased with a slight bow to show how much of the remained courtesy I have left in my already strained body. Yukinoshita then replied with a "Hm" of satisfaction.
"Then…," as that was phrased, the raven-haired takes out a case from her blazer in which I believe contains an accessory that I have long become accustomed to see.
Of course I'd become accustomed to it. The one who bought it was me, after all.
She puts the spectacles on her clear, white face with her lips slightly curled. It was discrete, but I could tell she is smiling.
Don't know why, though.
"Let's get started."
Aaaagh, I'm seriously too tired to have a monologue about the torment and anguish brought upon the people that study Mathematics.
So let's just leave it at there.
As you can probably tell, my brain is exhausted. I don't know if that is legitimate or not, but hey, having to study Maths for 30 minutes straight with an egotist woman who casually spouts insults for every question that you have trouble answering, I suppose it is realistically possible.
Taking a glance to the clock, I realized that there is not much but 15 minutes left. Further realizing that my inevitable torture is almost coming to an end.
A soft sigh took back my attention as I turned my gaze to her…
"One question left, huh?"
"Really? I didn't even realize." I stared at the book and saw that her statement was correct.
"Despite your excellent results on the other subjects, I suppose Science and Mathematics are some things you will never master in your miserable life, huh?"
"Oi, oi. It's just the questions Math-sensei gave this time is crazy hard. I could've aced this if he'd just toned this down a bit." Maybe. "Besides, is the word 'miserable' even necessary?" She replied with a hand covering her lips and a chuckle.
Soon after though, her curled lips suddenly fades and slightly turned into a growl.
"What is unnecessary is some of the skills you master." Wait, wait, wait. Did this woman just praise me?
"What do you mean?" Curiosity got the best out of me again. Hence, I readied myself from the blow that I'm likely to get after that question.
But what came after, was a faltering gaze with a pink hue on her cheeks. I was about to comment on her sudden change, but then…
"If I would to provide an example, dancing, could potentially be one." Huh?
"Huh?" She quickly hid her gaze as I answered hers with a dumbfounded one.
"I-I mean, the fact that you're able require the skill in dancing is something I find not required," she phrased while still hiding her face. "That's how you escalated her interest on you too."
"Her? Who?" It was then she turned her face back to me. But instead of the expression I had expected, her face was screaming alleviated fury.
"Isn't it obvious?" she paused for a while, in which I think she'd hoped I would get the answer myself. Realizing it was going nowhere, she continued with a sigh.
"I'm talking about Nee-san of course." Ah. The owner of many toys.
"How is my capability in dancing be associated with that devil?" Thinking back I was, to the reason on why I harnessed the skill in ball-dancing. Before I could find an answer however, Yukinoshita spelled it out for me…
"Isn't it Nee-san that taught you the art of ball dance." The heck, art? "And the one who's been inviting you to be her partner in countless parties," she then finishes with a whisper. "Constantly, too…" Then, I decided to let in my own rebuttal.
"Oi, oi. It's not like I do things that is not beneficial for me. You know I'm not like that."
"Then how is being her partner beneficial to you?" Checkmate.
"…I don't know." I sent my gaze away to directions except her stern one.
The smooth air from the window enters our surrounding.
"…Adolescent imaginations aside."
"You're late."
Our conversation was brought to a pause as the air played with the smooth strands of our hair. The birds chirp. The dogs bark. The riajuus explode.
I was about to savour the imagination, but a cough was heard. A soft one, at that.
"Then, I believe we should continue for your last question, Hikigaya-kun," she suggested as her finger touches the page of my book.
"Guess so." Absorbing the last ounce of willpower in my body, I started working on the last problem.
But was it the small sentences, or the complicated numbers, Yukinoshita started discretely moving closer and closer to my direction, grinding the chair to the floor. It was obvious at this distance, the smell of her perfume was captured by my nose.
Oi, chastity. Chastity! Did you forget you have chastity?!
Fortunately, she finally stopped as our shoulders made contact, softly and gracefully. Wait, how is that fortunate?!
"Yu-"
"Did you find the solution to it?" she asked as she gawked herself slightly to inspect the question a lot better. Unfortunately, this made our contact even more visible. Her exhales are practically registered in my ear and the pink on her cheeks is nowhere near to fading.
It isn't a common predicament that girls would get themselves in a close proximity to me. But when they do, that is when you know you have to let your guard up. Women, after all, have the tendency to care less about their surroundings.
Okay, if there's anyone you wanna sue for sexual harassment, feminists, it's the author okay? Not me.
Most of my willpower were used to focus on the task at hand.
Sharpened knowledge, after minutes, gave me ease in finishing the question. Thus, Yukinoshita accomplished none as she stared at my hand as it wrote the final answer. Yup. Of course I did this all by myself.
With a nod, "I see you've finally able to complete a question without my guidance," she phrased.
"It's nothing, really." I'm awesome.
Countering my smug behaviour, she turned her gaze to me accompanied by annoyance. It seems my exhaustion was contagious since Yukinoshita relented to release one of her vicious words and sigh.
Upon her response, I tilted my head the clock, wondering the current time. Seeing that it's already closing hours, I continued to notify her.
"Looks like it's 6 o'clock already. Time to close up shop, Miss President?" I suggested.
Yukinoshita at first, looked slightly shaken by proposition which is probably due to it being unexpected. She then looked up to the clock to make sure, which is something I find very Yukinoshita-like. Damn woman. Can't even trust my own eyesight.
"…I suppose so." Although curious on her unforeseen change of tone, I continued packing my bag and getting ready for myself to go out. Yukinoshita on the other hand, stood and stride to her initial seat to pack hers.
…
Being that I was now only standing like an idiot, waiting for her to finish the activity, I decided to carry her chair and bring it back to its original position. With a grunt, I started my walk.
Upon reaching the destination, I came to saw a visibly startled Yukinoshita as she visibly finished packing her bag. Yeah, must've been terrified on why I came straight to her direction. I know I would.
"T-Thank you, Hikigaya-kun…," she said.
"Sure," I answered. Damn, that was tiring.
Walking out of the clubroom, I waited for her to finish locking the door while staring at the vast and wide hallway.
"You're done?"
"Yes." The key was inserted into her pocket.
While taking a look at my watch, I phrase, "You're going to have to send the key Hiratsuka-sensei, right?"
"Y-Yes." Was that a rude way of asking it? Sorry.
"Then you should better get going. Don't want it to get too dark," I suggested as a gaze is sent to the window to inspect our current surrounding.
"…True…" Grabbing hold of the strap of my bag, I continued.
"Then, I'll be going. Thanks for the he-"
"Wait." Once again for the day, I was instantly interrupted by her. Bringing my walk to a halt, I stared at her being.
At first, she was visibly hesitant, as if she was contemplating to the reason on why she told me to stop.
"…I-I think it'd be best if I went straight home today. Since it has been quite late, Hiratsuka-sensei might have went home too." But didn't we always close at this particular time? Wouldn't see the reason why Sensei would go back this early.
"Sure." Since I didn't particularly care, I went on with it while reminding myself to slow down the walking pace.
Thus after, we walked till reaching the gate of the school. I gave the sky a look and realized despite the time, it was unusually getting dark earlier today. I took a time contemplating my further action, and came to its decision.
"No butler picking you up?"
"As usual, no."
"Then…" I wouldn't say it was embarrassment or nervousness that made it difficult saying. I guess it was, worrying about her own comfort? Yuigahama isn't here to take the role, too.
"Do you need me to accompany yo-"
"Yes." Her words was shockingly quite loud, as if it was something coming out from the mouth without the permission of the brain.
With a crimson hue, "I-I mean… Yes. That would be best. Thank you, Hikigaya-kun," she continued. Her face still staring at whatever is interesting on the ground.
"No problem." I started our stride with my trustful and loyal bike at my left.
"Would it be fine for you? It would be quite worrying to know you're going back at the dark?" Worrying, huh?
"It's fine. I got this guy anyways," I answered Yukinoshita who is currently walking behind.
With the silence that followed after, I gave myself the rare chance to relish the cool breeze and astonishing scenery that the beloved Chiba has to offer its citizens. The birds chirped and flew and the trees danced and wave. Adding to the fact of the lack in people walking on the street made it much more peaceful.
I was starting to enjoy it, until the sudden appearance on my right took my attention. The person who made the appearance however, seems to avoiding my curious gaze.
…I suppose it is getting dark, huh? It would deem logical for her to close the distance with her bodyguard, since dangerous things are common to happen when it gets closer to the night. Heck, Yukinoshita might've become a victim of rape that is performed by a disgusting man. And I'd be knocking the heck out of the guy with a broom I bought from the store due to Komachi's never-ending pleas.
Yup.
As I expected and hoped, the air of awkwardness was nowhere to be felt. It was the usual mutual understanding about the affinity towards the situations we call silence.
As I unexpected however, she suddenly lets out a word…
"I have been contacting Okaa-san recently." What? Oh. Right.
"Yeah? How did it go?"
"She seems pleased about it. Knowing that I made some time to talk with her everyday." I started to feel some of the exhaustion go away after that statement.
"Good to know."
"If it's fine to you, I would like to return the favour."
"What favour?"
"Well, it was you who came up with the idea."
"Don't mention it. I was just spouting random ideas that came out of my head," speaking the truth, I did as we gradually see the shape of her large apartment. Meanwhile, the girl beside let out a soft chuckle.
"To think some of those that came out of your head is actually logical for once, I find it extremely bizarre."
"What is bizarre, is that you only find that idea from my head to be logical." The occasional banter then continued for a while until we reach the front door.
As we reached it, I slightly register a soft sigh coming from my right. As I turned my head to see her, the expression she was wearing wasn't one I would expect. It is one that people would see as melancholic, in a way as something she would always remember her current events.
Seeming that she got herself together, Yukinoshita met my gaze while a slight of her initial to expression still remaining on her face.
"Well then, Hikigaya-kun…"
"Yeah." I got myself ready to ride on my Dullahan.
"Thank you for keeping me company on my way home."
"Don't mention it." After getting myself seated, I turned my head to her.
As usual, the small, awkward and slightly adorable wave was sent my way. And as usual, I responded with a slight nod.
"Thanks as well for helping me out on that schoolwork." Can't be an arsehole to the end, right?
"Merely fulfilling one of my many responsibilities to the society." After a slight laugh at that statement from both parties, I made my way cycling to my humble abode. Although I could still sense her gaze from behind until I made the first turn.
Maaaaaannnn, wasn't this an exhausting day. The prospect and reality of knowing that this is how I'm going to spend my lifespan every day is making myself more fatigued. Might as well throw myself on the couch after getting home and ask for Komachi's kindness to make me a smoothie with my own Onii-chan appeals.
And also remembering that she have said she might be busy for a few days due to an assignment her lecturer brought up, I might be able to indulge myself in a longer interval of resting.
Thinking that, I registered a vibration on my pocket as the light from the phone suddenly came up. Making sure there was not much vehicle around, I took it out and carefully look at the caller's number.
Wait? But she did say she was busy. Maybe she thought I forget.
But the prospect of hearing her voice made me more inclined to answer it. And no, I'm not being a pervert. It's just the words, the tone of her voice can be clearly heard and seen that there was no sense of malice nor evil coming out from her mouth. It was just pure, as clear as the white sky.
Pressing the green button, her voice was immediately heard…
"Haro Haro, Hikigaya-kun!"
Conversation with Yukinoshita
7:00 PM
Yukinoshita : Good evening, Hikigaya-kun.
Me : A bot? Are you a bot that manage Yukinoshita's communications on the phone?
Yukinoshita : The fact that you tried engaging a conversation with one you proclaimed as a bot is already a whole new level of stupidity.
Me : …I guess it is you. It's just your greeting was so right, it felt so wrong.
Yukinoshita : My apologies. Then I shall correct it.
Me : Yukinoshita just apologized? I need to screenshot this.
Yukinoshita : Good evening, Hikigaeru-kun.
Me : Why did you have to change my name and not the greeting?!
Yukinoshita : Good dog, Hikigaya-kun.
Me : How is that a greeting?!
Yukinoshita : Rest in peace?
Me : …1998–2017.
Yukinoshita : Since you are able to come up with a reply, I suppose you have reached your household.
Me : Of course I have reached my household.
Yukinoshita : Then I suggest you have a good rest, Hikigaya-kun.
Me : Yeah, yeah. Still contemplating where to have it, though.
Yukinoshita : I may come with a suggestion on the location where you can have a good rest.
Me : Where?
Yukinoshita : You can rest in peace.
Me : Peace off.
Me : Pun is intended, by the way.
Anyone wanna skip the occasional excuse that I do every chapter for this series, it's below Mr. Lenny.
Soooo…
There's this thing, the MOE of Malaysia came up for the most senior students harbouring the schools in this country, which is SPM (Malaysia…Education Certificate? Idk). To put it in a nutshell, it's a bucket load of examinations.
Soooo…
Basically it's the gateway for students before entering university or college in which case is familiar with other countries. As a result, this brain neeeeedddss to be filled up with KNAALAAYJJJ (Tai Lopez, look it up.)
Soooo…
Catching up to this fanfic – in which I very hold dear – is something I couldn't do for these past few months. I've tried controlling my schedule, like, doing one after the other but I'm so much of a dumbass that I couldn't concentrate to the both of 'em.
Soooo…
Yeah, it's obvious which one's more important at that time right? Since it finally ended (thank goodness), this would probably be updated at a faster rate. Emphasis on 'probably'. Nonetheless, the new chapter is out anyways! YAAAYYYYYYYYY!
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
As always, pleeaaaaseeee drop of a review after reading this chapter. Especially this chapter! Some might not realize it, but I kind of changed the, writing pattern so I could explore a bit more and hoping it could better my writing. And since it's Yukinoshita's, I reaaallly enjoyed writing this one. I don't know, English have always been a language that I see and learned as… free (as in no boundaries)? That it makes me feel motivated to try writing in different ways. So, sorry if this was, like, too long. That's why, feedbacks and comments are hiiighhlyy appreciated!
Oh yeah, I guess this could be said. So, what triggered me to write this fic immediately after the Chemistry exam's ended was katjaguar's review, about me deciding not to continue. Triggered me like crazy man! Yeah, you better be looking forward! But, thank you.
Please correct me if I got Hikigaya's lifespan wrong.
See you soon, guys.
.lrig tseb rof retpahc tseB
Sorry.
.emanresu sih sa citehtap sa si citirC nifnaF
Not sorry.