A reputable yet cruel in nature of a fact: criticizing others is a norm.

With the ability of being highly observant and the quality inside each and everyone that is hatred, humans tend to find a form of entertainment in the misfortune or flaws of others. Since in being human, is feeling fulfilled in people's misgivings.

Others would also utilize the sensitive information as a substance of communication. They would tread the seas in finding people with a mutual hate and form their own group and circle jerk. And usually, something like this wouldn't be so hard.

People love gossiping. If not, celebrity dramas and reality TV shows shouldn't have grown so far. Regardless of it being fake or true, things that could spice up the curiosity and entertainment inside would be entirely acceptable.

Though it's undeniable that with this growth in the social spectrum brings in some good to society. With the awareness of the eyes of others, some would take into consideration the things they do in life to prevent any unwanted attention or false insinuations.

Me?

I couldn't say I've changed the things I do in life because I haven't done anything wrong in the first place. But nonetheless, I couldn't care less for what people say.

I've lived a life filled with false accusations around my head ever since I was in middle school. And everything I did now just alleviated it. Sagami's blunder in the cultural festival, for instance.

Simply put, even how nice of a person you can be, escaping yourself from being a topic of criticism is still impossible. These things are not exactly driven by truth or facts. It's fuelled with hatred and jealousy.

…

But there exist people.

Those who are immune to whatever form of vulgar and negative talks from others. In fact, if there is people talking bad about them behind their backs, said people would be the ones on the receiving end of a bad image. Heck, even I'd feel about myself for talking bad of them in my inner thoughts.

These entities are untouchable to criticism. Because it is in their form, people can't complain to their wrongdoings.

It is in their nature. They haven't given the mind to know what's good or bad. Everything is either fun or boring.

Thus with this, they are given the freedom of doing anything they desire without complaints and criticisms. If it even exists, the accusations wouldn't be directed to them, but instead their guardians.

I suppose it's clear from here who are those people I'm talking about.

…

Being children can really be a bliss.

"Hachi-onii-san!"

"Onii-chan's here?!"

"Acchii!"

Numerous footsteps came scurrying from the living room to the doorstep with squeals and screams coming out from the owners' mouth. Demands as expected were also made known, each being different and none gave the courtesy to hold back.

"Onii-chan, I just drew something cute. Take a look at it!" One have already took a strong grip on my sleeve, taking no heed to the difficulty in pulling my shoe off. Her fellow comrades chippered words of objection at her "unfairness" and "stupidity".

I tried to equally ignore their banter as they did to my fatigue and tie the shoelace off.

Kids, I just came here after an exhausting journey under the hot, burning sun. Can't a guy get a short rest?

The answer is apparently no since the kids came to a sudden truce and told me to get in faster.

"Yeah, yeah," I responded lazily while letting my body being pulled and pushed by these caffeine-overloaded children.

I took the second to observe the surrounding, seeking to pick up any toys or sharp items that could be dangerous to me.

Reaching the living room with no litter at hand, I stared at their demeanour with slight amusement as each one went to their respective items to put into exhibition.

Some of them who were busy to pull me from the doorstep greeted me simultaneously while still being focused in the task at hand.

"Good morning, kids. I'm kind of tired right now, so behave like good kids and I'll give you candy." Despite my obviously biased request, the kids answered with their usual vigour.

At this moment, a small force was felt at my lower part while arms was felt wrapping my right leg. A head is seen shaking left and right as I looked down with her face rubbing to my trousers. Her hair was enough for me to identify who the kid was.

Letting my hand rustle her soft, grey hair I spoke, "Good morning, Keika." The girl responded first with a muffled chuckle.

"Good morning, Onii-chan." Her head was shook smoothly left and right in motion at the accompaniment of her greeting.

At the thought of our first meeting, I could say there have been a quite number of weeks that consisted of my time spent with this small bundle of joy. I've never thought a sleaze ball such as myself to have such a close relation to kids furthermore having a personality that is entertaining to them. But looking at this one, in time I started to put that logic at the back of my head.

"What were you up to?" I didn't see her joining the pack in dragging me off the doorstep.

Looking up to me, she answered, "Helping Onee-chan at the kitchen." Didn't think she know the difference between helping and disturbing, so I let it slide.

As if a light bulb just activated on top of her head, she continued with a gasp. "Oh yeah! Onee-chan told me to c-"

"Kei-chan! Tell him to get here!" Her soft yet loud voice in spite of calling out to her beloved sister rang the living room. The kids might've gotten used to it since none paid that much attention.

I looked back to the girl rounding my leg who is already sporting a cheeky smile on her face.

"You heard her."

"Yeah, yeah." Rustling her hair yet again, which she responded with a helpless squeal, I settled on making my way to the kitchen. "Before I get to your sister's nerves, I'll better get going. Have fun, kid."

"You too, Onii-chan!" I highly doubt that. I just answered with a raised palm at her enthusiastic wave from behind.

I was just starting to tread slowly to the designated location with my hands in the pocket, but at the scream and objection of the kids with their exhibits behind me, I turned to a startling mess and ran to the kitchen.

Upon reaching, I grabbed the handle of the door and swiftly close it at the speed of light and twist the lock.

"H-Hikigaya?" A greeting was put behind as I put primary attention to blocking the kids. Several knocks and rams on the door came after with voices of complaints and discontent. Which one in particular I grew fond of.

What are you doing joining them, Keika?

Easing my body slightly after the lock of the door, a chuckle was heard behind my head. I released a gust of breath after.

"Quite a morning, huh?" she asked amidst her giggles.

"You bet." I stretched my back and mentally thank my body for it's fast reflex. The kids can be entertaining at times, but come the times when promises are not kept and demands are not fulfilled their violence level can reach that of Hiratsuka-sensei's. And I'm having none of that.

Getting herself back together, she breathed after the number of laughs. "Come on. You already locked the door. Breakfast's not gonna make itself." The girl urged my assistance.

"Got it." I walked to her direction while the boisterous knocking still continuous from behind.

"The kids are not going to stop themselves too, it seems," I phrased after reaching her side.

"Guess so." Putting down the pan she was wiping, the girl walked commandingly to the source of the vibrant noises. I was about to feel slightly satisfied to what might be coming for the kids, but knowing her it would've just been false hope.

Opening the door, the larger volume of sound that was blocked by it is heard and the kitchen just became a lot noisier. Perhaps being adapted to her sister's demeanour, but the woman have always being skilled in managing the behaviour of children. Pitched voices were countered with her own soft ones which promised candies and my presence to see what they have to show.

Oi.

The conversation continued from there and fortunately, the grey-haired won the battle and the children went back to the living room to continue their respective activities. She placed her hands on her waist for a short while and closed the door.

Despite having the disturbance deterred from the kitchen, the clicking sound after the closing of the door was still registered. Perhaps she didn't want anyone to bust inside suddenly when we're preparing the meal, I just let it slide.

Turning to the pan she just wiped, I guessed today's choice of food and asked, "We really do have a fixed breakfast, huh?"

"Well, the kids seem to like it. I don't see the need to change it."

"Yeah." I nodded in agreement. Omelette does sound and taste nice. And a free one just made it nicer too.

"Oh, yeah. And it seems we're almost out of eggs. If it's not enough, you're going to have to sacrifice yourself for the team." She continued, trying her best to keep the stern voice.

"My energy is needed for the day. I can see disorganized children in the future inside my head already."

"You saying one of them isn't going to have a meal?"

"...I didn't say it had to be the-," The swift turn of her head to my direction was enough for me to doubt my words.

"..."

"...I'll gladly do it for the sake of everyone's stomach." I let the emotion just slightly get the best of me as I turned to the wall beside me.

"Good." The girl answered before redoing her apron lace, accentuating the shape of her body. Getting that done, she walked to my direction and stopped beside me. Her sleeve was pulled and the slender, white arm became visible to the eye.

"Let's get this done then."

"Agreed." Having done this with her countless times, I grabbed the plates under the cupboard impulsively.

Releasing a sigh, she mouthed, "About the eggs..."

"Yeah?"

A quite chuckle was heard before she formed her next words...

"It was a joke."

"Thank you for the meal!"

Simultaneously as if soldiers would, the kids phrase their gratitude to our cooking after minutes of feasting onto it. Praises and compliments were also given which I shamelessly think it was a way for those brats to get some dessert.

"You guys know what to do! Put it in the sink gently, okay?" Softly, the chef ordered and the kids abide to the command after.

I lazily gaze to the line of children, each patiently and noisily waiting for their turn to place their respective plates to the sink. Seeming it would take quite a span of time, I took the chance to rest my eyes with a small smile on my face.

That quickly turned to my usual frown, since one was smart enough to know that queuing right now would be a waste of time and hanged on to my arm to convince me on playing a game with her.

I turned in disdain to the person in front of me who is trying her best to cover her laugh with a smile at the entertaining sight in front of her.

Grumbling quietly to the situation, I shifted my head to the active child. "Yeah, yeah. Let's get this chore done."

Ignoring my blatant impudence to her request, the girl squealed in delight with arms in the air. However, her excitement was cut short at the comment from our front.

"Sorry, Mari-chan. This guy's going to help me wash the dishes." With a smile on her lips, she tried reasoning to the disappointed child.

After getting me up and dragging me off with the pull of my sleeve, we move to our next ordeal.

"We'll get to you after the dishes are washed. I promise," the girl continues to convince as we did so.

Reaching the kitchen after clearing the masses of children in it, we stood side by side at the front of the sink. In it are the expected cluster of plates and cups, each smeared and filled with sauce and drinks of their own dirty pattern.

Seeing the person beside me letting the water flow from the sink, I took the cloth from the window in front of me, getting ready to do my part.

Things started from there. We initiated some small talks during the time and the number of dirty plates gradually decrease as the time flows.

Being there is no gap or compartment to separate the two sinks, the constant contact between our shoulders is something I need to adapt to. Adding to the water and soap, giving off the feeling of her soft fingers every time ours collide.

"S-Sorry."

"It's fine." Who are you supposed to blame, right?

Minutes after, we were done wiping our hands after the chore and the expected cries of demand from the living room filled the kitchen.

"Yeah, we're coming! Come on," she urged hurriedly before things go out of control.

I answered with a small grunt of compliance and walked to the source of all commotion behind her.

Godspeed, me.

Humans can really make a mess to a once peaceful, beautiful world.

This thought came to me after cleaning up the stains of war the kids left behind in the living room. Flexing my hands, I turned to the bodies lying under their respective futons, nodding to whatever dream of innocence and happiness they currently experiencing.

Yeah. While you guys are the ones responsible for this mess, I am the one given the duty to clean it up. Very logical, kids!

After doing the finishing touches, I settled on getting out of the house to the special seat that was placed just outside. If anything, this is one moment I would always look forward to every time I visit this place.

Opening the door, I was greeted once again by the petal of flowers and the small pond. The drops of water became audible to the ear sourcing from the waterfall combined to the pond.

I turned my head to the desired spot, where the blissful wind have already inhabited the area. The warm, fresh air entered my nose as I took the time breathing into the atmosphere while I walk to the chair provided.

Sitting down, I felt myself letting out a soft gust of air seemingly to diminish the exhaustion from cleaning the living room. I looked beyond to the gate of the house, since these two chairs are already made to face it, so that waving the kids goodbye can be less tiring.

Leaves rustled, birds chirped and my hair dances in the waves of the wind, each in an equally peaceful atmosphere.

Perhaps it is being close to noon, the neighbourhood have always been filled with silence at this time. Wouldn't be that peculiar, since the majority of people would've been resting at their houses or out in the city. And I couldn't say it's bugging me that much.

My hands are stretched to the front, accompanied by a different sigh of comfort and contempt.

After all was said and done, I can't deny how comfortable and relaxing this is.

Thus before I know it, my eyes dozed off and my mind delved into the memories of the past.

...

I need money.

...

That's what my gut was telling me.

No, it's not just childish desire. It is something I find after moments of contemplation as something compulsory in the future.

See, after everything that has been going on I still can't deny that my adherence to past beliefs still stand strong. Though I suppose the spirit of it is different.

It is not anymore the path of being a loner. It is the path of having the strength and power to stand for myself.

Though I believe now there are people that would take attention if I would ever encounter a problem, regardless financially or mentally. But wouldn't be wrong for me to take matters on my own hands, right? Lessen the burden of the two government servants, too.

Furthermore, I've been spending the papers on my wallet these few months too frequently, as well. With the amount of games and light novels coming out, my eyes were just easily led astray.

Oh, and there's the outings I had to reluctantly provide my appearance that Yuigahama frequently conduct. Adding to that, the chore I had to endure in Isshiki's road to capture the heart of her beloved Hayama-senpai.

There's that Comiket going on next week that Ebina planned for the both of us too.

...

Damn.

I seriously need money.

But all things said, I can't deny the sheer coincidence the situation brought.

Since the moment I thought about this, is right before the door of the Service Club was knocked.

Right before a certain silver-haired enter the room.

And right before she brought forth her request.

Silence filled the atmosphere a while after.

The bundle of energy responded first, "I see. So..."

"You're in need of manpower," the bundle of arrogance continued.

"You can put it that way, yeah. Kids can be really hard to handle." I saw myself the only one to mumble in agreement as the other two definitely find it irrelatable.

Hearing the full story, Yukinoshita places her hand to her chin, seeking for a solution. Yuigahama roamed her eyes to the entirety of the club room to find the answer in her own dumb way.

I let myself think this through for a moment. Not wanting to let some hopes down or annoy certain people.

Seeming to obtain the solution, the raven-haired spoke, "I suppose posters can easily make it work. Have it plastered to the notice board or the frequently visited locations of the school? We may ask Isshiki-san's assistance regarding the printing."

Letting Yukinoshita finish her opinion, I politely interrupt...

"That's not necessary." Three pair of eyes turned to me curiously at my sudden voice.

Opening the lid of my eyes while turning slightly to face them, I raised my hands slowly with a neutral expression.

"I'll do it."

"Huh?"

...

It was pure silence after that. As if I just throw in the most abrupt confession to each and everyone of them. Eyes were widened and mouths were gaped. I could only stare in irritation at their reaction to my statement.

We're seriously doing this, huh?

"H-Hikki..."

"Yes, I'm Hikki."

"I can't fix the picture of you phrasing that in my mind at all."

"Yes you can, Bob."

"..."

"T-This is a job we're talking about, you know? Like, you have to move your hands and stuff?"

"I know."

"Considering my sane state of mind I shouldn't really say this, but are you an alien? Where have you been hiding the big lug that you abducted?"

"I'm me. Thinking that you're sane to conclude me as the fake Hikigaya-kun is already insane."

"...Well, I-I guess that settles it."

All eyes turn to the requester. After looking at me, the girl addresses the fellow club mates while straightening her uniform.

"You guys wouldn't have to go through the hassle of recruiting people too. It'd be much easier for me to find someone to help me quicker," she reasoned while I stared in curiosity to her sudden change of behaviour. A strand of hair beside her clear face was twirled as she finished her statement.

Somehow, the two girls in front was silent after a while. Yuigahama indicated an expression of realisation seconds after for some reason and turned to me. The girl beside her followed the gesture.

What is it?

"Y-You sure you can handle it, Hikki? You might end up making it harder for Sakki."

I took her words into consideration, as I pondered over my thoughts in my mind. Seeing my behaviour, it would be undoubtedly true that I might just end up being a burden to the girl.

But I guess it's not wrong to give it a try.

"Yeah, I suppose," I answered with my usual vigour.

"Then it's done." Changing her gaze to me, the babysitter gave her final decision.

"Yup." I assume it's fine either way. If I so happen to do a bad job at taking care of the kids, she could just use her authority to kick me away. Although I'm not entirely opposed to that, the impending doom to come if it ever happens from my fellow club mates made me think twice about taking this job lightly.

If I suck at it, she can fire me. And I could think again about having children of my own in the future. Haha. Although that's an 'if'.

And if I somehow miraculously do a great job...

...

"Nice work."

I grumbled lightly as the inexplicably soft voice woke me up from my stupor. The eyelids that were closed shut, opened again to greet the currently dim sunlight.

Impulsively, I placed my hand back to my hip that I just used as a material to lie my head on during my daydream.

A clank on the small, round, wooden table at my left made me turn to see the source of the noise. I stared for a second at the cup placed on it, savouring the smell from the visible mist of its aroma.

With an expectant smile, I faced myself to the girl who is currently placing her own cup on the table from the tray she is carrying.

"Thanks."

"No problem." I turned back to admire the view from the front as the girl bent her body slightly to prevent any liquid of her cup to drop out of it. A glimpse of her slender figure due to her tied apron was caught just before I was able to dodge it.

Slapping myself mentally at the immature thought, I took hold of the given cup and the girl sat on the chair beside me. Taking a sip, I had to hold myself from expressing my pleasure of it too much.

"Is that sweet enough for you?"

"Perfect." I just let that word to be enough on showing my gratitude. A muffled "Thank you" was heard as she took a drink at hers. And why the heck is she thanking me for? Regardless, I ignored it with the assumption I might've just heard wrong.

Getting ourselves more relaxed after the hours of strenuous activities, I laid myself back slightly on the hard wall behind me while the silver-haired leaned her body slowly at my direction. Both her hands holding on to the tray on her hip.

Considering our seat arrangement, our respective chairs are separated by the wooden table in the middle, so any of her gestures doesn't bug me too much.

We took in the warm breeze for a while and occasionally took a sip at the warm coffee.

"Do you need anything else?"

"Nah, I'm fine."

"Not that I would help you with it, though."

"Yeah, I know."

After a brief chuckle from both sides, the conversation then started from there. Flowing with the soft wind, our talks ranged from my situation in the Service Club and her own activities which is currently, still filled with part-time jobs.

We were never a fan for nonsensical talks, so the atmosphere was given some moments to fill the silence every now and then. Luckily, both are smart enough to know when to let out their word.

"You should really take it down a notch. Who knows how much your body can even handle." I'm not one to experience fatigue to the level of passing out, but the number of cases in this country regarding the deaths of people due to overworking was enough to keep me to notice. The anime industry would have a treasure of them.

"I know." Hearing my slight mumble in disagreement, the girl chuckled to dismiss her statement. "I'm fine, really. I just took them recently, too. Maybe it'd take until we finish our year. The college entrance fees aren't exactly cheap."

"Oh. Right..." I grumbled quietly yet again but now for how stupid I was. That was quite a selfish suggestion I just gave.

A 'ring' from a bicycle became audible in front of us for a second as the occasional police patrol went by the area.

Placing the cup down after another sip, I hear the girl continue, "B-But, you know..." Her stammer triggered my curiosity thus I turned to her. "How do I put this..."

Still not facing me, the girl decided on staring at the small waterfall, an inexplicable tint of pink on her cheeks.

"Thank you... For everything you've done here."

...

I settled on leaning my head back, admiring the wood carving that was placed as a decoration on the ceiling.

"It's just been a few months. I'm pretty sure I didn't do that much." Really, I didn't.

"But the fact you've been a helping hand for this is something even you can't deny."

"All I did was taking care of those hyperactive kids." I don't like being pampered upon. In fact, I hated it. So arguing with her statement isn't in the sole purpose of having her praise me more. I just plain disagree to what the girl says.

I was getting ready to what she is about to fire at me back, then a giggle came and I just turned slightly confused.

"Though you say that..," Wiping off a tear that formed in her eye, the girl softly turned her face to meet mine. The equally soft smile that casted on her lips made me visibly flinch as I fought the blush that was about to show itself on my cheeks.

"The mysterious boy who told our boss that she can cut half of his salary just to raise mine," A cheeky expression that I never knew she had bared her small teeth as the girl form her next words, "Who was it?"

Complete knockout.

It was embarrassing enough that she caught me in the act, but the smile that was carrying cheekiness and glee on her face made me give up on holding back the blood flow. As fast as I possibly could, I turned my face to the right.

Saeko-san, can you even keep just one secret to yourself?!

"I-I just really didn't need the money. Might just wasted it on some worthless stuff."

"You thought this right at the first pay check already? Would've been more logical if you gave some time to think about it."

I didn't answer. I couldn't answer. The girl already cornered me and there is little to no gap that I can slip myself into.

Seeing the lack of an answer, the person continued with her amused tone, "Or it might have just been your intention all along?" Geh!

"All right, all right. I give up. Please stop asking about it already." The smirk from my side signified her merciless victory.

Straightening herself back on her seat, the girl mouthed, "I asked her to just give it back to you. Or keep it to herself, even." She paused for a moment while fiddling to the hem of her skirt behind the apron.

"But then she said you would definitely disagree with that. And something about wasting a man's chivalry or something." The heck?

"I really hope you don't feel even slightly indebted to me for this. Anyone else would've done the same." The back of my head was rubbed before I continue, "I just thought you'd need it more than I do."

I tried to smile slightly as a confirmation to my statement. Creepy or not is a different matter.

"...Thank you..." It was delivered in a soft whisper, and I responded with merely a grumble.

The wind took the wheel of our conversation once again while I took in the air after the exchange we just had. It is then the silver-haired initiated it once again.

"I'm not the only one who'll be going to college here. Sure you don't need the money."

"Of course." Then a fact came to me that may just serve to be a reasonable excuse. "Besides, now I have a strong enough backup to refuse their invitations."

"What do you mean?"

"Those people that would order me on joining their fiascos every weekend. If a lie wouldn't work, then you should work a bit harder to build a truth."

Silent.

"Those people... Yuigahama and Yukinoshita?"

"Hm? O-Oh, yeah. They're one of 'em." I answered off-handedly, thinking that I already made my point.

Dead silent.

With a slightly frowned face, I sipped to the last remaining drop of coffee in the cup. Placing it finally to the table, I briefly glanced to the girl who is currently looking down. While not solemn, she seems quite upset about something. Probably because her tea is finished as well.

"There's more?" Once again for the day the girl whispered, which seems like I was eavesdropping in the conversation between her and an imaginary friend.

More what? Ants on the floor?

...Woah. If you really look into it there is more of them, I guess.

While stupidly joining her staring to the army on the floor, the quite screech beside me was heard. It took a small turn to the left for me to see the girl who already stood from her chair.

"Well," she spoke while bringing her hands back to fix the ponytail. "I guess I'll be keeping the money then."

"Huh? O-Oh, right." I idiotically stuttered after getting those adolescent thoughts out of my head when she suddenly graced my vision with the curve of her assets.

Placing our cups back to the tray, the girl gestured for me to get a move on.

"Come on. Their sleeping time is up." Flexing my hands to the front, a reluctant sigh was released.

But to be honest.

If this is what I get for working here, a quarter of my initial salary is something I would've taken gladly.

"Yes, ma'am."

After another hour of goofing around with the kids, come the imminent sunset and here we are. Sitting back on our chairs while waving them goodbye as their guardians drive to their respective homes. And there goes the last one for the day.

"See you later, Saki-nee! Achi!" Where's my initials, dammit?

The kid gleefully enter the car accompanied by the smile of his mother who is currently holding the door. Making sure the kid is completely inside, the woman closed the door and turned to face us. Our backs instinctively straightened.

"Thank you again for taking care of Kazuki. I hope he wasn't much of a nuisance."

"No, it's fine. He was a really good kid. It's what we signed up for too." I really thought what the girl responded with is enough. But the light kick to my left leg from her extended right made me feel otherwise.

"...Yeah. He helped me around a lot. Nice kid." If you could call writing your messy signature on another's palm without permission, then yeah. Nice kid.

Lying my hand flat to my lap, hiding the abused palm, the mother in front of us smiled at our response.

"I see..," A smile is the thing I really thought coming. But then a palm made its way to her mouth, hiding what I seem a cheeky smile over her face.

Seeing the woman stare amusingly to the female beside me turn me even more confused. Thinking I'd get an answer, the drop of my gaze was sent to her face.

The flushed cheeks with her head facing down the floor just rendered me clueless at this point.

"What's wrong?" I decided to ask.

"Heh?! I-It's nothing." The girls flailed her hands as her response, though the blush didn't seem to fade. I'd say it just got clearer.

I decided to ignore it and steer back to the woman who is currently giggling in amusement.

"Well, I'd hate to take too much of your time. I'll be off then." After phrasing her gratitude once again, we bowed in courtesy and the car drove away from the vicinity.

Letting out a sigh of relief, I start the conversation, "It's finally done, huh?"

"Yeah..."

Standing back up first from the seat, I stretched my body for a moment and the girl followed suit seconds after.

Since our duty here is done, I thought it's about time we have ourselves head back home.

"Then, I'll be waiting outside."

"O-Oh, yeah. Got it." The girl scurried off back to the house while I walked to my beloved steed as a preparation to leave. Her faint voice calling out to the sister who is definitely playing around inside is heard.

I brought the bike to the gate. The girls are out from the house. The scary one is currently locking the door while the overly active one ran her tiny steps towards my direction.

Another collision was made on my leg as the girl vigorously hug herself to it.

"Yeah, yeah. You're welcome." I spoke calmly, rubbing the strands of hair on her head.

Having done with the finishing touches, the older sister tread lightly to join us. Her white, sleeveless shirt and blue, short jeans visible in sight.

"We're good to go," the girl spoke while inserting the key to her pocket. After getting that done, she settled on dropping her gaze to me.

"...Sure it's fine for you to bring us home first?"

"We've done this plenty of times already. I'm getting used to it." I paused for awhile. "But you know, if you're against it the-"

"No! I-I mean, no... I'm fine with it," the girl clumsily stuttered. Then just in seconds, she's back to her neutral expression. "Don't blame me for what's coming, though."

"What does that supposed to me-"

"Onii-chan! Onii-chan!" Without having able to finish the question, I looked down to the entity that interrupted our exchange.

Then a sparkling smile coloured my vision. Which became a realization that for how much adorableness provided by the child could be, the more unreasonable the request shall be.

"Let me ride on your shoulder!" And there you go.

I'm not going to go into detail for how long that ordeal of simply getting her up on my head took. Probably because I was kind of exhausted.

But now here we are, on our way to their humble abode. With the active one cheerfully playing with my ahoge and the other walking beside me with the bicycle at hand.

Fortunately, since there's no one around, it took a few minutes for me to ignore the distance between her and I. Despite having able to place the bicycle between us, the girl probably thought it wasn't that big of a deal to just bring it the other way around.

Though you can't really say that when I have a small child whose physical trait is identical to yours on my head. Furthermore, having a fun time as if I've known for her whole life right now.

She's also too close for comfort, though. Probably a means to prevent collision from incoming vehicles but people would definitely get the wrong idea at this point.

Grazing our shoulders once again, I asked the person above me, "Doing okay up there?" Which the girl responded zestfully to the question.

Us three conversed in the entire journey, mainly about the games and activities we did back at the kindergarten. With the presence of this gleeful munchkin, the exchange was far more vigorous and noisier than the one I had before with her sister.

Before we know it, the house is in front of our eyes and the area is struck with the beautiful evening glow. Since there is no one in the house, the place currently carries a ghostly vibe.

A hug to my head which made me remember Yuigahama for some reason was felt. Although I couldn't see her face, I bet there's a girl whose reluctant on going down from her human horse up there.

I can only look beyond the road while the person standing beside me tries to sugar talk the damsel in distress in going down.

"Come on, Keika. Hikigaya needs to go back to his house. It's getting darker, too."

"Then let Onii-chan sleep here then!"

"Y-You know that's out of the question!"

I miss my bed.

Heaving out a sigh, the girl looked down and faced me.

"Hikigaya." While pointing to the ground, she continues, "Get down."

...

"You trying to fulfil your fetishes right no-"

A sudden blow to my stomach forced my leg to give in and kneel to the ground. The girl above me was still given priority in her safety though, as I hold on to her leg while I surrender to the one punch.

I have no guts to look away from the ground as I heard knuckles cracking and footsteps hitting the mortar. Knees on the road, it's as if I'm getting ready for a public dogeza.

Seconds after, my eyes are greeted by blue sports shoes, and legs that were bare until the part of the thigh. The evening sunlight made it seem glistening under its reign.

"Then I'll have to force you down, Keika." Spreading her arms like a mischievous paedophile, the younger one squealed in terror mockingly as I seem the both of them are actually having a fun time. Although, I really can't reflect the feeling right now.

Because for some reason, this silver-haired decided to drag her sister down from the front. So I'm given the view of the woman's slender body up close, my head level to her waist.

Did she not realize this?

Somehow struggling to pull the girl above me while I hassled to keep up the body balance, her clothes decided to give their own reaction.

And did I mention it was short? Until the point I had to blushingly jerk my head to the side when the clear, white skin under her shirt was briefly exposed.

Anyways, the girl is down and the world just become a tad bit better.

Getting ready to blast with my ride, I spoke, "I'll be going. Thank you for today."

"We should be saying the same," her sister nodded vigorously to her statement. "Thank you for keeping company on our way home."

"No problem."

Nodding them goodbye, I cycled my way home with the faint cries of farewell from behind.

Several minutes were taken for me to clean myself up from today's activity. Reaching the house an hour ago, I promptly greeted the family resting in the living room and basically joined them for quite a while. Then I excused myself and went away to my humble room.

As for right now, eyes are focusing on the wooden bookshelf filled with rows of novels for me to indulge into for tonight before getting myself to sleep. Finally pulling one out of the group in the span of five long minutes, I sat on the edge of my bed and wondered aimlessly at the ceiling.

Nothing was particularly interesting up there, but I can't get myself to look at anywhere else. As if something from inside struck at the moment I turned to it.

…

As in everything in this world, there is one thing it all have in common.

A finish line.

And looking above, it suddenly made me want to say…

…

"It's almost over, huh?"

Conversation with Black Lace

10:30 PM

Black Lace : Hey, Hikigaya.

Me : Yo.

Black Lace : Just want to tell you Saeko-san sent her regards. And some oranges as gratitude, I guess.

Black Lace : I'll pass it to you tomorrow.

Me : Got it. Thanks, man.

Black Lace : ...

Black Lace : I've been wondering for a while now.

Black Lace : Hikigaya.

Me : Yeah?

Black Lace : You forgot my name again, didn't you?

Me : What makes you say that?

Black Lace : Dude, you didn't mention my name for the whole chapter.

Me : Esper?!

Black Lace : No. But I guess I'll have to help you out again, huh?

Me : It seems that way…

Black Lace : It's got something to do with a motorcycle brand, Hikigaya.

Me : I always thought I knew someone with the name Suzuki.

Black Lace : Except her name's not Suzuki.

Me : Samsung?

Black Lace : They don't even manufacture motorcycles.

Me : Nutella?

Black Lace : Oi. Wanna die?

Got a lot of transitions in this one, huh XD? Sorry if it gets annoying! I don't entirely sure of how the Kawasaki sisters address the MC and vice versa because I haven't really read the light novel. So if that turns you off, sorry. Since I've also heard Hikigaya and Kawasaki interacted more with each other in the light novel, the possibility of my writing for her being OOC is high.

You thought this was going to be the last chapter?

Too bad! But it is me! Epilogue!