"So you're saying Miss Suzumiya coerced you and Nagato? Why don't you just pretend like that event never happened?"

Damn, this guy is annoying. Why do I even bother talking to Koizumi about the things Haruhi does? Luckily I didn't have to respond to that question.

"I suppose it makes sense, though. If you and Nagato never became, as they say, "an item", Miss Suzumiya would simply put you back in the same situation."

Of course she would. Haruhi just has to get her way, and nothing can stop her. If she wants Nagato and I to date, then who am I to defy her? You just don't argue with Haruhi.

"You act as if you really hate the circumstances, as if there is nothing worse than being with Nagato. Somehow I don't think that's the case..."

He lets that sentence hang, feeling almost like a threat. But I won't be fooled by that stupid little smile of his. He won't get me to admit anything.

After all, I wouldn't ever tell him I'm actually grateful for my current situation.

"Hey, hey, Nagato! You and Kyon seem to be absent from club meetings a lot lately... you wouldn't be doing anything without your brigade leader's approval, would you...?"

I do not respond. Suzumiya continues, assuming the affirmative.

"It's good to know that a girl like you has someone they like. Even if Kyon doesn't really deserve anyone..."

It had been agreed upon that Kyon and myself would take leave from several club meetings so as to convince Haruhi that her goals were met. It would appear that Haruhi is finally coming to realize what is happening...

"I don't blame you, though. I thought I had a thing for Kyon too at one time. Just don't let things get too obvious in the club, or I'll have to institute the death penalty!"

An empty threat, but her requests shall be met. Very little has occurred since the meeting in Suzumiya's special Closed Space. It has been also been agreed upon that Kyon and myself will not rush anything.

"I am a bit surprised, though. I was originally planning on locking you and Kyon up somewhere anyhow... Well, it kind of ruins all the fun I was going to have! Oh, I know! This time, it'll be Mikuru!"

With that, Suzumiya runs out the door of the brigade room, stopping only to pick up her bag. Mikuru makes a little squeaking noise at the sound of her name, but quickly returns to normal. She places tea in front of myself.

"Ah... Eh... It's nice to see someone make Kyon happy... and it's also nice to see you happy too... I mean... Ah..."

Mikuru folds the serving tray in front of her face, covering all but her eyes. She simply backs away and goes to make more tea.

It's good to see me happy too? Yes, I suppose so.

"Man, how you got Nagato Yuki to go out with you is beyond me. An A- should be way out of your league. Though, after seeing you push her down on the floor..."

Taniguchi should never be allowed to speak. Ever.

"Push her down on the floor...? What are you talking about, Taniguchi?"

Great, now Kunikida will think I am some sort of pervert... Time to step in.

"Nothing. Taniguchi is an idiot and completely misunderstood the situation. You see, Yuki has chronic anemia, and..."

I go on with the completely made up story I presented to Taniguchi earlier. Luckily, Kunikida seems to buy it.

"Still, I have to agree with Taniguchi. She seems way out of your league."

Great. Apparently I just rate so low its a mystery as to how anyone could find a reason to date me. And Taniguchi seems to only want to make things worse.

"Really though, that means Haruhi's free, right?"

If anyone can remind me of the reason I hang out with these two, please tell me.

"Shhhhhhh! They'll hear you, Mikuru!"

"Eeeeeeeh... Suzumiya, you're sitting on my lap..."

"I said to be quiet! And besides that, it's way too cold out here!"

"Miss Suzumiya, perhaps it would be best to remove yourself from Miss Asahina? She will not stop making noises until you do."

"You're almost as bad as Kyon, Itsuki. Fine, next time someone brings blankets though!"

"N-Next time? Kyon and Nagato deserve to have time alone occasionally! Especially after they go on a date..."

"Yeah, yeah, but- wait, what are they doing?"

"It would appear that it is time for us to leave."

"Is Yuki letting that stupid Kyon kiss her?"

"Miss Suzumiya, it really is time for us to leave."

"No, it looks like she's letting him do more than that! We really can't leave now, we just- Why are you dragging me away, Itsuki? Itsuki? Itsuki!"

And that would be the end of that. Entirely too much writing in too small a space of time. Hopefully Mikuru, Haruhi, and Itsuki are in character because my next story will have all the characters in it.