If we humans came to a common sense in basing our actions and decisions in life by desires, then the coming of change would be something we surely repel. Living the life in a constant, unchanging atmosphere with the absence of unknowing and mysterious predicaments, is something that is expectantly preferred by the majority.

Although the aforementioned statement is also subjective and highly debatable.

Let it be imagined, ourselves living a life of those we constantly see on the streets, tarnishing their pride by begging for a speck of those we have on our wallets and pockets.

Then came that fateful day, when the newspaper showed that you have won a grand fortune by an admission you have luckily put in. Or came a wealthy, unknown man who unknowingly puts a bag filled with money beside you while you were asleep, while knowingly attaching a note to it.

That would be said as a massive change to one's life. And truthfully, we would love that change.

Flipping the coin, you have started living a life as a wealthy merchant, spending whatever you own as you please and desire with the speck of those you have on your wallets and pockets.

Then came that fateful day, when the government delved in your plethora of bribe activities in order to increase the wealth you've already own – in which I already considered that bribery is the only solution in getting rich – and bring you down to the depths of bankruptcy. Or came a poor, unknown man with an intention of a robber into your house and somehow grab every valuable possession of your own.

That would be said as a massive change to one's life. And it would be something we truly abhor.

Okay, the examples are literal but bear with me here.

Hypothetically speaking, change is not something humans hate.

It isn't something we love either.

What matters is the things that change brings with it; either it is a change with misfortune, or a change with benefits.

Humans hate change with misfortune. And we love change with benefits.

Living in a life full of deceit and pride, pretending that we are content with what we already own is something human.

Thus, in itself, humans are nothing but ignorant hypocrites.

…

How did it came to this monologue, you may ask?

It isn't something big, really. Could be said to be equivalent with how eventful my life is, really.

Uneventful, really.

To start it all off, let's say there's a large, ancient library that is currently filling my vision. While the sporadic sounds of birds and other homo sapiens filling the currently cold atmosphere.

Staring at the unnecessarily high stairway I was, as the feeling of anguish on the muscles at my feet harbouring my body. Hands were further buried into the pocket at the sudden arrival of a gust of wind.

It wasn't very much crowded, so contemplating my further actions at the middle of a walking space wouldn't be that much of a big deal. The actual big deal is the fact I decided to drag my body all the way from my beloved sanctuary to the rarely visited Chiba Library.

Rarely visited by me, that is.

Now here's where the reason of my arrival to this location come in.

You see, there are those moments when your parents started talking in the morning about an upcoming visit by their colleagues or friends. Basically people that are eventually going to disrupt your daily weekend activities, albeit packed or uneventful.

Although I'm very much sure my existence isn't something they would be fairly proud of, but the manner of introducing your mating products to other people is in fact a normality. It gives yourself a sense of security, being acknowledged of your ability in raising a child that is good-natured and warm-hearted.

But looking at me, I'm sure the sense of acknowledgement would've depleted.

Thus, with the kind intention of sparing the Hikigaya clan's honour, I retreated myself from the house at the arrival of the guests to the town's library, with the hope of indulging myself into an interesting novel that have been stored. With the excuse about the test that was supposedly, maybe, going to come up, I asked her permission to absent myself from the meeting.

In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm doing them a favour if you think about it. They could boast to their friends about their son that is too busy studying in the library. That is definitely not just because he was too lazy on meeting you guys.

Therefore, here I am. Wouldn't be surprised that Mom actually relented with it. Komachi is there to catalyse the cheerful atmosphere in the family anyways.

The wind strengthened its speed, as if the option of me entering the library is to become of its favour. Gawking up to the door, I released an exasperated sigh.

"The stairs are too high though," as if complaining would get me somewhere, I started the walk with high amount of reluctance.

Upon reaching the entrance, I immediately opened the door providing the cold air of the outside to the inside of the large building. Wouldn't want to waste too much time out on the cold when there is a warm confinement in front of your eyes.

I first absorbed the contents and atmosphere of the place with my vision before initiating my further action. My feet started walking in a slow, calming pace.

Looking back, I started questioning myself to the reason why I haven't gave the library of Chiba much of a visit. The monotonous lifestyle I'm living in should've been a prime factor at making me a constant library visitor. I suppose reading in my own abode is something more preferable. Besides, libraries don't have Vita-chan that I can play with when I get bored.

Shoot. Forgot to bring her with me.

As I walked, the beautifully organized bookshelves and tables became a sight. There was a few amount of classical paintings and pots of plants to give the library a bit more colour.

Plenty of what I'm currently seeing, are those of my expectations in a library.

A librarian sorting out books at the reception desk.

A grown man typing actively on his keyboard.

A girl trying to reach a book on a bookshelf.

…

I stopped.

…

And stood.

…

Seconds more.

...

And currently, nothing is yet to happen.

I turned my head to the tables, in which a majority of people is currently sitting at, in which there isn't that many people in the first place.

Come on. Ain't anybody seeing this? You're getting a chance to be a hero here.

I stared back at the girl that is still vainly continuing her conquest. Tiptoeing, as I could see her doing, isn't doing any good either.

Okay, listen. It's not I didn't want to help, alright. I'm not that immoral. And since this is a girl, wouldn't it increase my morality even more?

I am confidently sure that standing here as a spectator would've given more of a favour than coming in to the rescue. I can already picture the terrified expression on her face as I make my way to help her out.

This unbelievable situation made me sigh. Those riajuus, they desire the life filled with excitement and romance but when the time comes, you're not embracing it? A romance situation is currently in front of you, you ignorant!

And the girl is already like, well, o-of my preferences is like, w-wel-

Get your sick head out of there, Hachiman.

Seeming that the whole situation is going nowhere, with no charming, tall guy to be found and the girl being not even close to getting her book, I started walking to her direction.

Well, wouldn't have expected those riajuus to spend their teenage years in a library, right?

Getting closer to her, I could gradually inspect her details. White shoes, yellow sundress and a peach jacket to top it all off, I suppose she's the kind of person that gives a sense of delight and happiness to the people around her.

My eyes then made its way to her face. In which got me slightly taken aback.

Not to the fact that she was beautiful. But how I did not recognize her from the start.

The viridescent hair, the hairclips on it, and the braids that emphasize her very character. How did I not?

Shaking my head off by the slight irritation on my poor eyesight, I continued my stride.

Slightly knowing the girl's usual demeanour in school, I wouldn't think she be sporting a scared nor annoyed expression upon my arrival. But due to past experiences, I wouldn't really push my expectations.

Reaching the intended destination, I stood facing the row of bookshelves at a respectful distance between us. She, as expected, realize my sudden appearance and brought a quick halt to her mission.

"Oh?" A curious expression adorned on her face. Decided that a greeting wouldn't be compulsory, I looked up to the row of books she was looking at.

"Which one?" Making better use of my vocal chords, I kept the talking short.

"O-Oh..," she still looks quite puzzled at first, but then continued, "The black one."

What?

"…Shiromeguri-senpai."

"Yes?"

"…Almost every one of 'em is black, though." I stared hopelessly, thinking that my mind would magically bring forth her desired book.

"O-Oh, right. Sorry." After the abrupt apology, she lets out a chuckle.

Might I say it was… calming.

She then joined me on staring to the row of books and for some reason, readied herself for a jump. The girl then, as her pose had shown, jumped slightly with a hand at the highest point of the jump.

The book then was barely touched.

"D-Did you see it?" she asked while instantly straightening her dress.

"I suppose so. Although you could've just pointed which book you wanted." Luckily, it was at the height that doesn't require me tiptoeing, thus conserving my small amount of energy.

After my statement, she lets out a giggle. Again.

Pulling the book out, I finished the bustle with a grunt. I gave the book a quick look on its title.

Guides on Writing the Perfect Essay

Would've expected no less from a former StuCo president. Although not knowing if it is a break in college or not, I presume Shiromeguri-senpai would be the kind of person to study in all times of her life.

I would say she is an equivalent to Yukinoshita. Except she's polite.

After being acknowledged of the title, I give the book to her.

"Thank you..," in a somewhat grateful tone, she smiled at my direction, seemingly being a token of her appreciation.

"No problem." After finally getting that out of the way, I turned and walk back to my initial position.

Think again, what kind of book I am supposed to indulge myself in this place? Pretty sure they don't provide light novels and mangas in he-

"H-Hikigaya kun..!" I abruptly stopped my walk.

Being that we are in a library, I registered her shout that was made in a most quite way as possible. I turned my head, curious to her sudden calling.

Was it the wrong book?

With the book hugged to her chest, her smile made its way back to her face.

And it was… quite mystical than ever.

"Do you mind if I join you?"

I suppose, that was how it all started.

Although the prospect of having to do this for a month now still boggled my mind. Of course, the idea of having a study group every night of the weekdays isn't something that came out of this head.

Yes. It came out of her head.

For some reason, Shiromeguri-senpai is known to my excellent, tremendous and praiseworthy results when it comes to Japanese Literature. In which I think is one of the perks of being the president.

But to think she would know my results among the hundreds of students in the school. She must've really kept every students' into attention, huh?

Putting it in a nutshell, she started asking me for a favour, which is having a study group every night of the weekdays to help her on Japanese Literature. A subject in which she surprisingly have difficulty understanding.

As to counter my rejection to her favour, she also gave an intriguing offer. Where when I would consult her in writing an essay, the girl would help me out in everything else. Namely tough, strenuous, gruelling, and back-breaking schoolwork.

Upon that, we got ourselves a beneficial deal. And everything inexplicably stayed the way they are for a whole long month. And the feeling of fatigue and annoyance did not come over me, surprisingly.

Even so when I already have an exhausting day behind me, the fact that I'm riding my bike to the library actually became a reality.

I slowed the bike down, making the turn.

"W-What did you say, Shiromeguri-senpai?"

"Hm? That we can have our study session tonight?"

"What about that crazy assignment you said you were having?"

"I finished it!"

"Super-fast!"

"Hehehe… It wasn't that much, really."

"I see…"

"So, h-how is it, Hikigaya-kun? Can you come?"

Okay, the decision that I went with just now was probably and tremendously out of character. With the activities I amazingly went through this morning did much in catalysing my fatigue.

And then there's her assignment that can be put into notice. She did mention last week about an overwhelmingly difficult assignment she needs to go through – that can be further seen its difficulty by her expressions. In which usually, is bubbly and cheery.

Even though we didn't have the study session in Thursday and Friday, the fact that she finished in a short interval of four days is seriously bizarre. Adding to the fact that she might've not got enough rest from working on the assignment.

And so, for the better of both of us, I brought forth my considerate suggestion. In which got redundantly countered after.

To be honest, I suppose that my body is gradually being accustomed about it, I wasn't feeling exhausted to the point that I'd feel like passing out. Probably due to this sort of ordeal being continuously repeated for a month.

But really, I just took her own well-being into consideration. Wouldn't she feel even a little bit tired after that?

This played inside my head at the time, until she uncharacteristically spoke...

"Hehe.. I-I just thought that it's been quite a while..."

...

And the prejudice inside my head went instantly away.

Then it came to me, that Shiromeguri-senpai really needs to take a breather. And this just might be her way of having it.

If you could call nagging about your kouhai's eating habits and daily activities as a way of resting, that is.

Hence, after an hour worth of resting inside my sanctuary, not to mention replying to messages that greatly induced my annoyance, I once again am out of the house.

But nevertheless, here I am, standing again in front of the archaic Chiba Library. Dullahan – that's what I'm going to call him now, by the way – is parked at its place, beside the few amount of bicycles currently inhabiting it.

Beside UniChiba, I was informed that this library is also a venue located close to her dormitory. So there wouldn't be a need for her to use any mode of transportation beside her own pair of feet.

Adding to that, apparently my desired university to be applied to do not allow the entrance of outsiders except for those who only desire to visit its citizens. This, of course also applied to its library. So, me going there is a no go.

But to compare the distance of this library and the other, it is an axiom that UniChiba's is closer to her. The fact she could drag her legs all the way here rather than a place closer to her, did more in alleviating my respect to her.

Must've been crowded there, huh?

With the cold from the wind, I opened the large door accompanied by the loud creaking sound from the friction between the old door and the old floor. The slight echo that was heard after, gave me the assumption that there weren't many people currently here.

I stared at the vast ceiling, giving away a slight sense of deja vu.

"Oh? Hikigaya-kun, you're already here?" I turned to meet the voice.

Glasses. Purple hair that meets its end at her shoulder, in which looked like it splattered in all directions on her head. Like an octopus.

Basically, it's like a mess. But wouldn't say it's not a good way to have your own image.

"Good evening, Kumiko-senpai." With miniature courtesy, I slightly bowed. The person continued walking at my direction with apparently a white-coloured mug at hand.

A hand made its way to her mouth to cover a yawn, "Shouldn't it be 'good night', though?" Suppose so.

"Do you see Shiromeguri-senpai anywhere?"

"Yep. In fact, I just gave her a goodbye just now. Thought about giving this to her before I leave," she phrased while lifting the mug slightly to emphasize her statement.

"Coffee, huh?"

"Yeah. But then I saw you came in. So I thought you could pass this on for me," she motioned her hand to the front, giving me the indication to take it.

"Will do." The warmth from the cup had shown this was just being brewed. It did good in supplying me heat from the cold in the outside world. But wait?

"Does the library even allow drinks in here?" I asked while she grabbed a coat from the reception desk. Perhaps already getting to leave, she walked back to my direction.

"See it as a perk of being a librarian."

"More like there's no one here to be a witness," she then pats my back.

"Mouu, you're too uptight, Hikigaya-kun." More like realistic.

"Well, whatever it is, thank you, Kumiko-senpai. On behalf of her." I thanked her while gazing at the well-brewed coffee which I wouldn't even get a chance of tasting.

It's after that I felt a pointy finger poke my cheek slightly enough to make me turn.

"It's Kumiko-san," A pout, "You're seriously making me sound old, Hikigaya-kun."

"Ah... sure." Well, if she wants it, that's fine. Less tiring, too.

Upon my response, she continued her stride to the exit.

"Good night, Hikigaya-kun. Thank you for coming. She's at the second section." She sent a wave at my direction in which I replied with a slight bow.

Then the door closed. And I walked to the designated area.

I savoured the warmth of the mug at the remaining seconds during the walk. The numbers hanged at the ends of the large bookshelves were given higher attention.

Then I stopped at the bookshelf hanging the sign displaying the number '2'.

Expectedly, there she was, fiddling with a pen while wearing her usual carefree expression. Currently working on whatever exercise there is on her book.

Walking too her direction, I realise the slight change on her appearance.

Glasses, which is displayed at the same colour of her hair, is currently being adorned on her face. I looked as she gave it a small push with her finger to the bridge of her nose, probably not being too accustomed to it.

Is Shiromeguri-senpai's eyesight at a low of a level? I'd have to say this is the first time I've ever seen her wearing one.

Well, couldn't say it didn't fit her. Because it really did.

At a closer distance, she finally saw my arrival to her table. The smile she instantly wears were too sugary, though.

"Haro Haro, Hikigaya-kun!" she shouted while correcting both her glasses and sweater.

I seriously might get diabetes from this. And you shouldn't shout in the library, Senpai.

Heh. Even my brain got tired to address what I used to call her.

"Yo." She giggled at my response, followed by a curious expression as her gaze fall on my hand.

"That..," I gestured the mug to her side and place it on the wooden table.

"Coffee," I answered as I have myself seated at the also wooden chair in front of her.

She then wears a look of admiration, one that I would've expect from her.

"Ohhh! It's still warm too!" Wow, at this rate I couldn't even inform her that we're in a library. But since there isn't anyone here to disturb, I can't say something's wrong with shouting in here.

"Yeah, I met her at the front just now. Kumiko-san told me to bring it to you," I provide an honest answer.

I zipped open my bag and rustled my hand into it. Currently looking for the books I wanted revised, I realise the sudden silence at my front. I turned my gaze to her as a result.

"Is something wrong?" I asked to the person that was already staring at me the moment I turned to her.

"O-Oh, no, it's just..," she went silent for a moment. "I didn't know the library allowed drinks in here."

I shrugged in response, "One of the perks in being a librarian, she said." She chuckled at that.

The desired books were then put on the table.

"How's school?"

"As per usual." I once again see Shiromeguri-senpai adjust her glasses at the corner of my eye.

Bringing out the pencil case, I gazed to her, thinking about asking on her change of appearance.

"You're wearing glasses today?"

"Oh? Y-Yeah..," she answered with a smile.

"Did you hurt your eyesight or something?"

"Umm, no. I saw it at the convenience store. Thought it'd be a waste not to buy it." So there's nothing wrong with her eyesight, huh? Kind of glad hearing that.

"I see..," I responded while turning the cover of my book.

The silence that followed after is now filled with the sound of spinning ceiling fan right above us. I was about to indulge in the moment until Shiromeguri-senpai continued...

"Does it look weird?"

"What is?" I turned to her, getting a better understanding of her sudden question.

With a finger pointing at her cheery face, "The glasses..."

"Well... I suppose it fits you," I answered with an honest reply, in which I receive a small gratitude in return.

"So then!" Her hands clapped as a sound effect to the exclamation, "Let's get started!"

"Suppose so."

"Which one do you want to get done?"

"Every one."

"That's impossible, Hikigaya-kun!"

"Push it to the limit." Always wanted to say that. Always wanted to stay away from doing that. Got to remember scratching that off from the bucket list.

The girl opposite me however, seems to pay no heed to my badass one-liner and appears to be thinking with her fingers touching her chin.

"Is there any schoolwork you need to be done doing?" she asked as a product of her thought process.

And once again, I responded with an honest reply, "Yukinoshita helped me out on finishing it at school."

"O-Ohh... So I guess that is said and done, huh?"

"Yeah. So I thought about revising the ones I couldn't understand a speck about in school here."

She then second my notion, "Yup! I guess you could do that."

I nodded slightly to her agreement. Seconds after, both of us brought our gazes back to our own respective books.

Our study session unofficially started and is now filled with questions asked back and forth regarding our own respective subjects.

"What does parasitism supposed to mean again?"

"I guess it's the relation between two organisms, in where one organism benefits from another."

"Hoohh? Sounds like an efficient way to live."

"Eh?! But you'll cause great inefficiency for the other party though. Since whatever nutrition that you obtain is by stealing from what the other organism has."

"Hoohh? All more to the reason why it is an efficient way to live."

"...Hearing you say this, I'm glad this type of symbiosis is only applied to animals and plants."

"Hoohh? Then I don't mind being the first."

"Hikigaya-kuunn."

I presume it goes the same way as our study sessions that were held before.

"I'm always having trouble in writing long sentences. What do you even write in it to get it very long, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Other than combining the the sentences you make with those conjunctions, you could always put the the adjectives after every word. And in the the essay, you could always add the the word 'the' twice every time you use it."

"Hikigaya-kun... Why did you repeat the word 'the' every time you said it?"

"...I guess it wouldn't work if you say it, huh?"

"Don't think it would work even if you write it, Hikigaya-kun." I hope it worked.

The library was filled with her and my enthusiastic and stoic voice. And whenever silence came in it was undoubtedly a comfortable one.

I didn't need to turn to the clock hanging at the wall to know it's been an hour of gruesome studying. As it seems my fatigue is already fulfilling the infformation to my body.

The exhausted condition that is in my body resulted to a release of an equally exhausted yawn.

"You're sleepy, Hikigaya-kun?" Shiromeguri-senpai as she saw my action at the corner of her eye, turned to me and asked the question.

"Maybe," I answered unmanly as my arm is stretched to the direction of the ceiling.

"You could take a nap for a while," she suggested as a soft smile crept on her face. With the glasses she's wearing, I felt a slight sense of freshness at the view.

The very notion is in fact intriguing, so I wholeheartedly took note to that.

"Yeah, maybe I should." A brief chuckle was heard after my response, and the girl in front turned back to her book on the table.

It was then I saw Shiromeguri-senpai slight twitch on the eye as she ggazed on to her book. Her fingers tapping on the table, indicating her difficulty in reading what is on there.

Despite its purpose, I assume the glasses is giving her a hard time in reading. Provided that she wore it for a quite a time. She did say it was something she bought from a convenience store, not an actual glasses shop.

Seeing her ordeal continues, I decided to ask her about it...

"Not thinking about taking it off, Shiromeguri-senpai?" My goodness. This fatigue is seriously getting to me. The heck kind of question is that, Hachiman?

"Eh?" She instantly turned to my direction with an expected colour of pink that grazed just slightly on her cheeks.

I took the chance to correct my mistake while gesturing my hand to my own eyes, "The glasses."

I was slightly taken aback by her response. In which instead of the colour on her cheeks being subsided, it grew clearer all the more.

Shiromeguri-senpai then clumsily fiddled the side of her glasses with an audible gasp that was kept in her mouth. I stared curiously at the sudden change of behaviour.

As a response, she gave a brief giggle and asked, "I guess it does look weird, huh?"

"No it's just, I saw you were twitching a little bit while reading the book," I corrected, "Thought that thing is giving you a hard time." I once again have my finger pointed but this time to her own eyes.

In this concise exchange of words, I realized the colour on her cheeks wasn't even close to disappearing. The girl grazed her braids for a while as she seems to contemplate her further action.

"Ah. But you don't have to take it off if you're not comfortable about it. It's more of a suggestion in my part." I decided to correct my misbehaviour.

Shiromeguri-senpai then met eyes with mine and continue on with her response, "N-No it's fine, Hikigaya-kun..." With her hands gesturing it is fine.

A short silence filled the air after as the sound of creaking fans became audible again. I was just going to initiate the suggestion she recently made until her voice breaks the muteness of the library.

"I guess... it is kind of hard to read with this," she spoke the statement. I responded with nothing, thinking it'd be unnecessary.

Her hand then made its way to her ear and pulled the glasses off her face. The glasses was put to the side as she pulled a strand of her long hair behind her ear.

Her next move was unexpected however, as she hurriedly turned back to her book with her face almost unseen by my vision.

At the glimpse of it, I was able to see the slight eye bed under her eyes as she tried to focus herself back to her book. Needless to say it was there, but one couldn't say it's obvious if they were at a far distance from her.

...

That's normal, I guess.

Everyone have to keep their appearances in check at times. And Shiromeguri-senpai is no exception. There might've been a quite amount of people on her way here or in the library that made her have the need to wear the glasses.

But since there isn't anyone here anymore, wouldn't she could take the glasses of then?

Maybe she forgot?

As I mind continued to wander, an unwarranted yawn came out of my mouth. And I stretched my hand to the side.

Think I should take her advice into consideration. There is only but a half an hour left, so I thought taking a nap isn't that bad.

"I think I'll take a nap after all, Shiromeguri-senpai," I phrased as I got myself on standby.

The college woman didn't turn her head to me as she answers my statement with her gaze still on th book, "O-Okay, Hikigaya-kun. I'll wake you up when we're finished." As always.

I gave a curious look to her direction and turned my head to our surrounding. As expected, there's no one left in the library.

I turned my head back to her as I saw her troubled expression in continuing the essay she's writing.

...As I thought, the eye bed isn't doing any difference to her face, at all.

Before I tucked myself to bed, I spoke, "The bed under your eyes isn't that obvious." My head was now tucked in my folded arms and rested on the wooden and warm table.

"Eh?" I didn't need to turn back to her to know she's now facing me. It is just now her expression that is a mystery.

Already feeling exhausted just to carry my head back up to face her, I continued staying in my arms with a muffled voice.

"Besides," a yawn suddenly came to me, "I don't think your bea- look, is anywhere to being disrupted." I'm pretty sure half of what I just said is gibberish due to it being said at the process of my yawn. But I was too tired to correct anything, and went to my beloved Dreamland.

With the soft breeze from the air-conditioner, and the pure warmth from the table, I dozed off.

And I woke up.

And it's already the end of our study session.

How I could tell?

Because this girl told me. It has become a habit, where I would casually take a nap at the end of our study and the girl being on duty to wake me up from my stupor.

It was a habit. And I knew it would something that will always be the same.

...But why?

Instead of being the same, why is today different?

Instead of the occasional pat on the back which had to be done frequently in getting me off my slumber...

Why am I getting a relaxing massage on the shoulder instead?

"Oh, you're already up, Hikigaya-kun." Her cheery voice fed my ears as I felt slightly confused at our current predicament.

"Y-Yeah."

"Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up yet." How can you not wake me up if you're doing this?

My body, however, is feeling the opposite of my command as I could feel the relaxation seeping into my body. Her small hands are registered to continued massaging my neck.

"I'm supposed to be sorry. How long did you do this?"

"Umm..," Shiromeguri-senpai appeared to be thinking, "About five minutes." That long and I didn't wake up?

"I-It's okay now, Shiromeguri-senpai. I'm all up." The sudden feeling of guilt came to me at the thought of the more exhausted fellow bestowing their good deed to the more pathetic fellow.

The girl still havee her hands massaging me and asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Very sure." I willingly straighten my body as to justify my point.

"Okay then." At the end, her hands gave my shoulder one soft press and caressed it to her fingertips.

I hope my dumbfounded expression isn't that obvious, as she made her way back to her side of the table. The books and pencils were then arranged and I see the spectacles was already put in its case.

A green one too.

After giving my body a onne long stretch, I followed suit and carry on my own belongings. Putting the books in place, I see the cup that is unexpectedly brimming with the air that came out of it.

"You made another one?" I asked as I stared at the freshly-brewed coffee.

Placing the books in her bag, she turned to me, "Oh. Y-Yeah. Thought about making another one," she chuckled.

I once again gaze to the filler of thirst. My throat felt drier every second at seeing it. Too bad, huh? Should've brought my own cup.

"That's for you, Hikigaya-kun."

"What?" I abruptly turned to her as the words came out of her mouth.

"Yeah. I thought it would relief the exhaustion a bit," she continued while zipping her bag.

"I see..," Hearing her reason, I once again gaze to the cup with the feeling f hesitance in my mind.

...This was her cup.

She drank from this.

Hurting my neck right again, my head was turned to her direction. And I was greeted by her eyes with her lips curled further at my gaze. The bed under her eyes did nothing in affecting her cheery smile.

...What are you thinking, Hachiman? Of course she had washed it first.

Taking the cup and cherishing its warmth in my hands, I started our walk.

"Not drinking it here, Hikigaya-kun?"

"I can drink it while we walk." My ears register her footsteps beings closer and faster as to catch up with me.

"It's going to spill all over, though."

"I'll be more careful, " I reasoned before taking my first sip.

Soon enough, we were walking side by side and out from the library. The cold night of Chiba greeted us again with the gust of wind and leaves as its company.

Making our way down the stairs, Shiromeguri-senpai spoke, "You're exhausted now right, Hikigaya-kun? I don't think you need t-"

"The one who should be exhausted is you. I don't think I even deserve the status of being exhausted." Besides, it's seriously getting darker right now.

Reaching the end of the stairs, I gestured her to continue our walk to the destination. The usual walk to the usual destination.

"Let's go." The green-haired was thinking for a moment and came to her decision with a smile.

"Thank you, Hikigaya-kun..." With that we continued our stride to her dormitory.

We continue with idle chatter, mainly about how both of our respective lives are going. Her college life was one she shared a lot about and my high school life was one she had to ask about first before I give an answer. Because really, what is even to talk about my activities at that place?

The chirp of birds greeted our senses as we reached the front of UniChiba, my desired university to be studying at.

It was also then that Shiromeguri-senpai seem to always join the chirp of the birds by preaching about the pros of this university.

I wouldn't say she became loud, but the contrast between the rates of her vocal chords being used before and after we reach the school is blatantly obvious.

She became an Isshiki. Except an Isshiki is more loud.

This time she started pointing me at the cafe that she claimed have the best of coffees served in Chiba. And did that intrigue my attention.

The stride continues with the accompaniment of streetlights and the moon. The coffee was occasionally sipped as to relieve the thirst in my throat after responding to her preachings.

The decision of mine to continue my studies in this place is undoubtedly influenced by Shiromeguri-senpai's advice and adverts. In all honesty, I might've gave other places a look if not for that.

I suppose she's the kind of student that constantly tries to bring in beneficial students into her choice of university, huh?

Well, I had to say you brought in the wrong person, Shiromeguri-senpai. I can't see anyone who benefits from me studying in this place. Beside my parents, that is.

Reaching the dormitory, it brings an end to our walk and an end to her advertisements.

"Thank you again for walking me back, Hikigaya-kun."

Taking a last sip from the remaining coffee that is inside the cup, I answered, "It's fine, Shiromeguri-senpai."

The girl suddenly joined the silence of the night as she fiddled with one of her braids. Seconds after, she finally continued...

"You know, Hikigaya-kun..."

"What?" While checking the condition of the bike, I asked.

"Don't you think addressing my name is too hard?" You have no idea. My monologues are even tired just by trying to saying your name. Even the author feels like having a finger ache typing your name.

"Umm... I suppose so."

"Then," almost immediately after my response she continued, "'Shiromeguri'."

"Hm?"

"How does that sound, Hikigaya-kun? Although it's still a bit long, you could drop the honorific." A smile that was coloured by the moonlight followed her suggestion.

"Y-Yeah. Sure..," I slightly stuttered at the sudden view.

And with that, she chuckled and gestured her hand to the direction of my hand.

"Oh it's fine, Shiromeguri. I can wash it at my house."

"It's okay, Hikigaya-kun. We also have sinks in our dormitory, you know? Besides, it's dangerous riding the bike with that in your hand." Good point.

"Then," I passed the cup to her hand in which she received with a smile.

After that, I got on my bike and getting ready on my next tiring expedition. I gave Shiromeguri one last look as she waved a small goodbye with the cup on her other hand. Occasionally, I replied with a nod.

"Good night, Hikigaya-kun."

"You too, Shiromeguri."

The soft breeze from the wind greeted my body as the bicycle moved gradually faster. The junction to the left from her dormitory is taken, and the sense of a stare from behind disappeared.

The chirps of the birds and the randomly flying leaves greeted me as I once again pass through the street of UniChiba. The stars above emphasize the majestic look of the moon as it continuously blinks in an untimely fashion.

"May I bring forth a request of my own, Hikigaya-kun?"

...

Do people say a silent night brings out one's fright?

"It is one that only you can fulfill..."

If they don't, then I might have made that up.

"At Friday night..."

But if they do...

"Every Friday nights of your life..."

I have to say it's true.

"Be with me."

Conversation with Shiromeguri

10:45 PM

Shiromeguri : Hikigaya-kun. Are you there?

Me : Yeah.

Shiromeguri : Have you reacced your house?

Me : 10 minutes ago, yeah. Safely, as expected..

Shiromeguri : Gopd to hesr :)

Me : ...You really didn't have to wait for me though. You're exhausting yourself.

Shiromeguri : It"s gine, Hikigaya-kyn. Thwre's some thimgs needd sorting out in mu room as wel.

Shiromeguri : Besidez, Umiko-chan"s here keping me conpany!

Me : Okay, now I've reached my house, get yourself a pillow and go to sleep.

Shiromeguri : Yeag... I thinj I'll dp tgat.

Me : ...Please do.

Shiromeguri : Okay thrn... Goid might; Hikigay

Me : No, no, no. Shiromeguri, I know you're tired but can you please use the little ounce of willpower you have left to correct my name.

Me : Shiromeguri, please wake up and mend the scar on my name.

Me : Shiromeguri!

Me : ...

Me : Have a good night's rest, Senpai.

Shiromeguri : Good night, Hikigay.

Me : You're not exactly helping, Kumiko-san.

'Nde...

Ever had those times when you thought the time of leisure and relaxation have finally came to you after those gruelling times of horror and stress?

...Well, it did happen to me.

In fact, I'd say I had the most tranquil moment of my life after that. That I actually had the time to, you know, surf on whatever there is on the internet like any other slackers in the world.

And of course, as in all of us, we would watch some of 'em animes that we missed!

'Nde...

I came to a trailer featuring the upcoming (already coming now) anime movie that was going to come out.

...I have a feeling you guys know where I'm going here.

As you guys may already know, it's that...

Your Name.

Uuugghh another guy that's going to preach about the beauty that is Kimi No Nawa. Just a usual day on the internet. Thanks for feeding the hype, weeb!

Bear with me! Oh, that wasn't how you react to it? O-Oh, okay sorry.

'Nde...

I wasn't known to the hype about the movie at that moment oh and how lucky I was for that, thus I went to the nearest mall and watched it on the big screen.

I'll keep this short.

Wouldn't say I came out of the theatre with bag of tears in my eyes, but it broke me. I seriously don't know how else I would describe it.

It seriously, broke me. So that's that. I went home in silence, browsing the internet and this website as to try resurrect the feeling of writing back into this fragile soul.

'Nde...

I also went to Youtube.

And somehow, while watching the Host Club arc in Gintama...

Shelter found its way to my recommended.

I'm frickin' blaming Youtube's stupid algorithm for this.

Yeah, that Shelter. Made by the bastard otaku we love and the bastard studio that made the bastard anime we hate. Porter Robinson and A-1 Pictures.

Oh, and MADEON. Don't forget MADEON.

'Nde...

That's it, I guess.

I don't know if I should say it's a writer's block, because I seriously feel like a pretentious bastard giving that excuse (though I made that excuse at Chapter 2). But the storyline, the vocabs, the plot, everything. It went... poof.

I'm sorry guys.

I don't need to read the reviews to know you're feeling the obvious contrast between this chapter and the previous one.

But seriously...

Blame Shinkai and Porter for this!

The only thing that can cure me right now is a fanfic actually giving a proper AND happy ending for Rin. Like, I don't care if it's nonsensical just please give that girl a well-deserved closure!

...

You know what? I guess I'll go and look for that.

...Until next time, guys.

I'm so sorry for this mess.

P.S Oh yeah. One more thing. The introduction of the frickin' OC. I seriously thought I was drunk when I was writing this. Like, is she even necessary?! I guess that's what i wanted to apologize the most. I thought about deleting that part of this chapter but then I thought it was kind of cute and it is my story I decided to keep it.

And am I the only thinking this chapter was too long? I had to give an excuse of low amount of screen time in the anime inside my head as a reason to it.

...Please review, guys.

And some of this was inspired by Barbarossa's Expiration Dates.