Cloud's Silver Lining

I have solely vowed ever since that one dreadful evening in middle school, to live my short, fulfilling life without even the slightest bit of expectation.

Life is full of tricks up its sleeve that plays out of it. And expectations are simply a one-way ticket to the most unforgettable and traumatic memories you'll ever experience.

But if I'm going to be completely honest right now, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't even slightly taken aback.

"So simply put, as what you call a new year resolution..,"

"Yes." A nod.

"You're aiming to become a fully independent college woman..,"

"Mhm." Another one.

"Who strives astoundingly in her studies, while foraging for her own set of income."

"Exactly!" That last one was accompanied by an energetic thumbs up and an equally enthusiastic wink to my being. "That's actually the best way to put it. As expected of you, Hikigaya-kun!"

With the lack of resolve to resist the small smile that crept my face, I sigh softly and lowered my head to the warm coffee.

Well, I'm glad of all things, her childish demeanour didn't change. But I'd be a bit more contented if Mom would've simply told me the identity of my tutor from the get-go. Was it even necessary to keep it a secret?

Perhaps seeing my contemplated expression, the corner of my eye was able to register Shiromeguri-senpai's face as it gradually turned to worry.

"Uhm sorry, Hikigaya-kun. Could it be that you're not satisfied with the current circumstances?" The guilt that was apparent on her expression as she pointed at herself made me instantly blurt an honest answer.

"No, not at all, Shiromeguri-senpai. In fact, I'm glad that Mom was actually helping you out in some way," I started with a slow wave of the hand. "It's just I find it unnecessary for her to be so cryptic about who my tutor is going to be."

Hearing my response, the girl immediately puffed and placed her hands on her waist once again. "But, of course, it was my own idea!" What? Why? How?

Seeing that my face was already doing the talking, Shiromeguri-senpai continued, "Well, I thought it would provide a pretty good shock factor when our first meeting would come. You did look pretty confused for a moment just now, Hikigaya-kun." The girl covered an amused giggle once again as she reminded herself of our unexpected encounter.

Taking a sip from my warm cup of coffee, I responded, "Then, if it means anything to you, I'd say it was pretty good."

She smiled at that one. "But truthfully, I would say it's an eye for an eye, Hikigaya-kun. I was equally shocked when I was given a picture of you as my soon-to-be disciple." She expressed with the wave of my valuable picture in her hand.

"Wish she had given a better picture, though." Not that it matters, but did you really have to give a picture of a reluctant me with a suit during my cousin's wedding, Mom? It's a candid, too.

"Ehhh, you think it's that bad?"

"It's awful." Well, to be fair, any picture that has even a portion of my physical parts in it can be considered awful. So, who is it to blame in the end?

After my dispirited opinion of the picture, Shiromeguri-senpai settled on staring at the picture in her hands with a wondering hum, the pleasant smile glued on her face.

Upon realizing that the picture is not necessary for her anymore, my hand almost motioned to her in the means of receiving it back. However, the words were immediately caught in my throat when she furtively slip the picture back inside her purse.

Well, you already meet me. There's no need for you to keep the bothersome picture in your place anymore. She probably hasn't realized that yet.

"Shiro-"

"Sorry for the wait!" Before I could notify her about it, an energetic waitress abruptly made her way to our table, holding on to what I see as two cups of aromatic coffee on her tray.

"It's fine." Shiromeguri-senpai replied with a wave of her hand. My eyes followed hers as we stared at the waitress, carefully placing down our respective cup of coffee.

Wait, me as well?

"You shouldn't have ordered your drink immediately, Hikigaya-kun," the woman exclaimed, mocking an angry face. "Now we have an extra cup hanging around."

"Please spare me. I had no idea of knowing." I tried to justify my actions while pushing away my former drink to give way for a hotter, warmer one.

"Maybe we could ask for a refund."

"That's not something you say in front of their employee, Hikigaya-kun."

During our short exchange, I can slightly see the amused smile playing on the waitress' face. I'm pretty sure she's definitely misunderstanding something about this situation, but I lack the energy to be bothered by it.

"Is there anything else I can help you with?"

I just let Shiromeguri-senpai do the talking while I was busy taking in the sweet aroma, "That would be all for now."

Right after we both deliver our respective gratitude, the waitress promptly bowed and exclaimed something that I might've just expected.

"Enjoy your date!" Giddily, she went to deal with the other tables after that.

Not containing the energy to correct the stupid girl's misconception, I continued to ask the girl at my front something that suddenly came to mind.

"Sorry if this comes off as rude, but come to think of it, are you fine with this, Shiromeguri-senpai?"

Perhaps feeling the same sentiment, the girl nonchalantly replied while swirling her cup, "Hm? With what, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Having a guy as a student, I mean." I continued while imitating her action.

She giggled, "Isn't that what I should be asking you?"

"Well if I'm being completely honest, Shiromeguri-senpai, having a valedictorian of the school as a tutor is definitely a major convenience."

"Former valedictorian," she voiced like a mother lecturing a son. "And flattery won't get you anywhere, Hikigaya-kun."

"It got me this." I taunted as the cup of tender coffee is slightly raised. Giving up with my abrasive comebacks, her cheeks were puffed and a chuckle followed immediately after. Taking that as a possibility to take a sip, I raised it higher to my lips.

Woah... This coffee.

"Is it sweet enough, Hikigaya-kun? I asked the waitress to make the coffee extra sweeter for yours. Hope it suits your taste." Suits my taste?

"This is perfect." The very ratio of sugar, liquid and coffee itself was commendable and compelling. Pour this stuff in a metal can and I would've thought I was drinking MAXX.

"Glad to hear." Shiromeguri-senpai smiled at the comment.

"How did you know I like it this way?"

"I've lost count on how many times you brought in that can of sugar every time we have our Cultural Festival meetings, Hikigaya-kun," the girl cheerfully explained. Perhaps seeing my content expression in drinking, she decided to follow suit.

It was the moment a portion entered her throat with a strong gulp, Shiromeguri-senpai simultaneously winced. With an incomprehensive ''Blegh...'', she turned to me.

"On second thought," the girl paused for a while. "I might've accidentally asked them to do it for both of the cups." That wry smile won't cover the overwhelming sweetness inside your mouth, Shiromeguri-senpai. As adorable as it may be.

"That happens, I guess..." While I was already on standby to call over a passing waiter for a glass of water, the girl was already clumsily roaming the area for anything that can relief her tongue. It was something at my left that left her stare suddenly paused.

"Hikigaya-kun?"

"Yeah." The girl pointed to the cup.

"Did you ask for extra sugar for that, too?" I then turned to my former beverage, mist still apparent with its aroma.

Wouldn't take too long for me to remember, "Uh, no. I didn't." I answered, albeit slightly curious to where she's going with this.

Then it came to me.

"Sorry for the suddenly uncouth behaviour of this Senpai of yours, but can I take a sip of that coffee, please?" Seeing your hand already preparing to jump at a moment's notice, how can I even refuse, Shiromeguri-senpai?

"Y-Yeah, sure. Go ahead." I abruptly answered with a nod of the head. I'd say I see it coming, but wouldn't expect her to just go for it.

Mind was immediately focused on calming the immature thoughts currently harbouring as she innocently continued to grab the cup by the ear and drink the remaining coffee.

It met.

"Now that, is warm coffee." The tender smile she wore after the drink made me reluctant from calling her out on it. Come to think of it, this could have just been me who's still stupidly influenced by these childish beliefs. Would've made it so awkward if I did, too.

"I can't believe you could actually drink that everyday, Hikigaya-kun."

"I suppose these taste buds are hard to please."

"What sort of logic is that?" she amusingly asked while taking another load of the cup. While I'm sitting here, trying to comfort the gradually increasing heartbeat just because of a childhood myth.

"Though I think a glass of plain water could've done a better job," I reasoned.

"I am steadfast to the belief that fire should be fought with fire, Hikigaya-kun," she exclaimed with head held high.

What sort of logic is that?

Staring at her bright smile once again, I took the moment to relief my voice with the coffee and savour the comfortable atmosphere around us. For several minutes, silence was doing the talking. The chatter of customers and the clatter of utensils filled our ears.

"This brings me to my next fundamental agenda, Hikigaya-kun!" Emphasizing her declaration, the table was dramatically hit with her palm.

It was approximately five minutes after that, Shiromeguri-senpai decided to continue our meeting objectives for today. After the dose of sweet coffee, I was somehow energetic enough to adhere.

"Let's get down to the details of our tutoring session." Oh, right. That would be important, huh?

"Here, here."

"Regarding the times for our study, I believe your mom would've filled you in on that?"

"Yeah, she did." But still, "I don't think I'd have any problems with it, but wouldn't it be bothersome for you to report for duty almost everyday?" Like, how about your college affairs?

"I'll manage!" That's not convincing at all!

Seeing my disapproving reaction, Shiromeguri-senpai chuckled. "It's fine, Hikigaya-kun. I've already got a big schedule framed with utmost precision. Perhaps you're underestimating your Senpai here?" Saying I'm actually worried rather than underestimating would make me sound like an obsessive father, so I had to digress.

"Besides," the girl suddenly continued before I could reply. "It's not like I'm doing something I don't want to." After finishing whatever it is she's writing on that notebook of hers, she raised her head to meet me with a smile yet again.

That's sincerity right there, Hachiman. Cherish it.

"Whatever floats your, boat, Shiromeguri-senpai," I responded with a sigh. "But please don't hesitate to let me know if you're having trouble keeping up with this. You're a freshman in college, too." I decided to let her know.

The girl replied with what I would say an appreciative smile and giggle as she turned back to her book with a pen in hand.

"...that is sooo like you..."

"Sorry?" Having trouble hearing the barely audible statement she just made, I asked her again.

"It's nothing." Whatever she's writing in there must've been so important that she didn't find the need to raise her head but shake it.

Not intending to pry any further, I settled myself back to the sofa and pondered aimlessly for awhile.

Oh, right. "What about the venue, Shiromeguri-senpai?" That should have been the most important thing to discuss, isn't it?

Right after my curious question, the woman muttered a humph thrice with her body already posing in a proud manner. "I'm glad you asked, Hikigaya-kun." Before the big reveal of her shocking secret weapon, I unconsciously gulped and stared at her suddenly intriguing being. "See it as an astonishing trump card while studying under my purview."

With arms folded, the girl opened her eyes and with the proudest voice, exclaimed, "I have no idea!" ...

"...Sorry, Shiromeguri-senpai. Being the hermit that I am, I've never been to that place."

"Hm? It's not a place, Hikigaya-kun." Really? Wakaranai sounds pretty rad to me.

So in that case, "You were being serious about not having any idea?" I asked monotonously for assurance.

"It's not, not having any idea in its complete sense, Hikigaya-kun," the girl start to explain. "I'm saying that our study venue can be anywhere," she floundered her hands to emphasize her point, "and it will be everywhere."

"As in, it constantly changes?" A few strong nods answered my assumption.

"I'm going to use the leverage of a tutor to the best of my capabilities, Hikigaya-kun," her voice suddenly mocks a serious tone. "Sometimes, what you really need is a change of atmosphere around you to get all those knowledge to stick." That's exactly what she said.

I contemplated for a moment after her explanation. Shiromeguri-senpai seems to take the hint and lets me take my sweet time.

Some part of my being really wants to agree with her right now… Okay, that was a lie. None of my being wants to agree with her right now. Imagine how much pointless energy would this cost me if I'm just travelling around Chiba to study?

Scrutinized eyes were formed before I muttered an answer, "I'm afraid I have to object, Shiromeguri-senpai. The amount of energy that I imagine going to be sucked away from my soul is giving me the creeps." Seemingly not satisfied with my answer, the girl drew a pout on her face.

"Youth is the prime time to move that body of yours, you know that?! That body needs it." Eyes that were tired now closed shut, hearing the inevitable lecture from this apparently counselor in front of me. Placing both her fists on the table, she continued, "Comfort zones are as lethal as that of danger zones. It should be something you're aiming to avoid."

I wasn't actually giving too much thought about thinking right now. Closing my eyes let me feel temporarily in peace. Although, taking my silence as another form of dissension, the girl stresses on.

"Come on, let's give this a try, Hikigaya-kun. What about this, I'll give you a chance to pick some places of your choice at some point?" Your persuasion ability needs to be questioned if you think that's going to influence me, woman.

"Well, if it's up to me, I'd say we just have every lesson at my place." Much more convenient and easier that way. All the resources that are needed for my bodily needs can be efficiently acquired as well.

After a moment of awkward silence, the mistake of my words were finally realized and with a mental slap to the brain, I clumsily continued, "B-But you know, if it's not that far from our respective residences, I guess I can comply with it." Trying my best not to falter my gaze at this smiling girl in front of me, I rambled on to change the topic.

"That's the spirit, Hikigaya-kun!" Fortunately, Shiromeguri-senpai didn't put much heed to it and continued, "Besides, don't you have that bike with you?" Yeah, but riding it would still drain much of my spiritual and physical energy. That is essentially why the vehicle is so powerful.

I nodded while slightly wondering how she knows about that, "Yeah, that's right. Come to think of it, how do you usually commute, Shiromeguri-senpai?"

"I walk, of course!" What? And you expect me to agree with the constant change of venues?

"More to the reason why I'm reluctant with your proposal," I sighed, taking that as a demand for some coffee to my throat.

"For your information, it's not that exhausting for me, Hikigaya-kun. You do know Chiba U, is like, the centre of this province, right?" Well, you didn't make it a necessity to let me know of that information, though.

"I have no idea you're continuing your studies there, Shiromeguri-senpai." Makes sense, though. With her grades it should've been logical for her to go to one of the most prestigious campuses around the area.

"The more you know," she proudly stated. Then all is well, I guess.

I was going in for the drink from my cup right after that. But the moment I tilted the cup to my mouth, only to be met with nothing, I was brought back to the reality of how long we've been staying at this café. Looking out through the glass window then justified my suspicion.

"Wow, we're already that late?" Surprisingly, it wasn't me who asked that. Turning to the one who did I simply answered with a grumble.

"Then, I suppose it's time to wrap things up." Putting her notebook to a close, the girl softly suggested.

"Sure," I briefly responded while bringing the strap of my bag to the shoulder. Standing upright before doing a little stretch to settle the strain of sitting for so long, I became peculiar to the person in front of me who's still sitting on her chair.

"It's going to be a waste..." A dejected expression is indeed a rarity to befall upon the persona of Shiromeguri Meguri. Maybe that's particularly why it felt uncomfortable for me in seeing her in this state right now. With the hopes of getting that expression away from her, I turned to what may be the source of her problem.

Of course, of all the things that a normal person can feel dejected about, she just had to feel sad for an unfinished coffee. Looking hopelessly at the cup, with my initial one already empty beside it, I simultaneously contemplate the best course of action in getting this problem solved. Turning my attention to the girl, I figured whether or not it'd be fine for me to go with it.

...

Right before Shiromeguri-senpai could bring back her attention to me, I swiftly took the cup in front of her, still receiving her attention but now in a different way. I refrained from holding the cup with its ear, and rapidly bring it to my mouth.

Of course, I was drinking through the other side of the cup, one way of settling my immature thoughts during getting this done as soon as possible.

Placing the empty cup back to the table, I muttered, "Sorry, Shiromeguri-senpai. All the talking made my throat dry." Restraining my embarrassment, I continued, "I hope you don't mind that I finished the remaining coffee."

The girl was of course quite shocked with my abrupt action, mouth slightly agape. But only a short moment was needed for a tender smile to make way to her face as she responded, "Not at all, Hikigaya-kun." And she finally stood up from her chair after that.

"...Let's go."

...

"Thank you for coming!"

Reaching the exit of the place, the both of us walked for a short distance and stopped.

"Shiromeguri-senpai, I gotta grab my bike from the parking area over there," I started while gesturing to the area on the right of the café.

Didn't take a second for her to answer, "Sure thing." The smile still not faltering after a day of use. Taking that as my cue, I immediately walked away.

The feeling that Shiromeguri-senpai is following her kind tendencies to wait for me instead of simply walk her way back to campus drove me to retrieve my bike a little bit faster. After a number of swift movements, bicycle now at my side and I'm striding back to the initial location. As expected, the lone figure standing there is none other than her.

I suppose our surrounding and situation at the café didn't provide me time to actually glance at the attire she's wearing. Not that is a bad thing. But the light green sundress and thin layer of black cloth coating her upper figure really compliments her petite figure. Before the woman would come to realize my rude behaviour of staring, I promptly turned my gaze to her face.

However, she was already occupied with her thoughts as she stood astounded with whatever is intriguing above her. Reaching her side, I finally project the little ounce of willpower I have in joining her.

...Wow.

"The stars are pretty nice today, isn't it?" she started to ask.

"Haven't put much thought into it, but I guess it is." Silence was given way to fill the conversation as we stared above to the countless blinking lights.

Taking in some of the peaceful breeze for a moment, I switched my gaze to the enthusiastic tutor.

"Then, I'll be taking my leave now, Shiromeguri-senpai."

"Oh, before that, Hikigaya-kun." Hearing her call for my attention before our parting, I turned to her. The girl is seen rummaging the materials inside the purse before grabbing hold of what I conclude as a mobile phone. "Can I have your phone number?" The device was raised, putting emphasis to her question.

"Oh, right. Completely forgot about that one." The hand was instantly inserted to my pocket, grabbing hold of mine in the process. "Though you could have just asked for that from my mom."

"I thought it'd be more ethical this way." That's one way to put it, I guess. Facing our mobile phones to each other, and the exchange is ready to be done.

A moderate amount of clicking. A brief moment of waiting. A pitched beep from the respective phones. And both of us just currently received a new contact number.

Looking at my phone, I typed on her name to my ever abundant Contacts list in a listless manner. It was right after that process, I hear the abrupt clicking noise of a phone and a blinding flash. Realizing the sound and light wasn't coming from mine, I turned to my front, puzzled.

Staring at the girl who is smilingly pressing on the buttons of her phone, I inquired, "Did you just took a picture, Shiromeguri-senpai?" Relenting on answering my question verbally, the girl pushed the screen of her phone to my vision. It was then I saw the specific details of my contact number with a picture of a too exhausted to live human being on top. I nod understandably. "I'd like it better if you told me first, though. I look retarded," I guess I whined.

"Really? I think you look better in candid pictures, Hikigaya-kun." The phone was put back into place inside her purse. "Want to take mine for my contact number as well?"

Checking my phone once again, I answered her offer, "I'm afraid my phone doesn't have the feature, Shiromeguri-senpai." Random buttons were pressed to somehow emphasize my statement.

Perhaps I was too focused on aimlessly typing or too exhausted to be observant of my surrounding, I don't know. But the unknown and aromatic scent of shampoo and perfume made me clumsily realize the sudden close distance between me and my tutor as she craned her head to clarify my reasoning. Grazed shoulders made it harder for me to keep my composure while Shiromeguri-senpai took much longer than supposed to in staring at the screen.

"Yeah, you're right." Being that I didn't actually show it right to her face, it makes sense the girl had to bring herself uncomfortably closer to look at what I was talking about. It is like her to take the initiative to correct the wrongdoings of others.

After a moment, she finally backed away while I silently released a sigh that have been strongly kept in my throat. "Well, there's no helping it, I guess!" the girl exclaimed.

Agreeing to her with a nod of the head, I continued, "Is there anything else you need, Shiromeguri-senpai?"

Straightening the strap of her purse on her shoulder, the girl responded, "I guess that's all for now, Hikigaya-kun." Once again, I nodded. This time however, our quite surrounding took the attention from me.

I've never realized it gotten so dark. Did we spent that much time inside the café?

Taking this aspect into consideration was what lead me to ask, "Do you need me to keep you company back to the campus?" Shiromeguri-senpai didn't instantly answer, just staring at my gaze for a moment. Perhaps the fatigue also got to her until it's making her need some time to formulate a proper answer.

"...Oh, it's fine. As you can see over there," the girl pointed to the area behind her, and I followed. "The lamplights are actually doing a job well done. Cars frequent that area too since many of them came from that campus. Besides, I shouldn't bothering you any more than I already have." Hearing her assurance to kindly decline my offer, I just nodded comprehensively.

"Don't worry. It's for my own future as well." In fact, shouldn't it be the other way around? Now putting both of my hands on the handle of Dullahan, I promptly turned to the girl again. "I guess now I'll be really taking my leave, Shiromeguri-senpai?" That quip brought a giggle out of her.

After letting that out, the woman strongly nodded and responded, "Thank you for today, Hikigaya-kun. Make sure to keep your eyes on the road, okay?" I couldn't help but have my mouth curled slightly at her motherly request.

"Same goes to you." The traffic in front of Chiba U can be congested right now but I suppose that is needless to be said towards someone who resides in it.

With the small wave of her hand and a nod of my own, the both of us muttered our parting words, "See you tomorrow."

Walking our separate ways simultaneously with now our backs facing each other, our journey to our blissful home and dorm have finally started. The atmosphere is one I tried to adapt with since this will soon become a familiarity. Though I can't say I don't enjoy it. The occasional clicking of the crickets and the radiant light from the ball above is a new but welcoming experience.

Toeing my strenuous way to the bicycle area with this lug on my side, the vibration in my pocket took my attention from this perilous walk.

Seeing the caller's name, I turned curiously around to see the figure of the woman that I've just been meeting these past few hours. She gave the impression of a mysterious enigma as the woman stood under the bright lamplight. Unknown to her purpose, I answered the call and brought it up to my ear.

"Who might this be?"

"Don't tell me you didn't save my number. In fact, you were already looking at me just now." Still looking, actually.

"I know I rarely do it, but that was a joke." Why is it the more fatigued my body is, the more petty words come out of my mouth? "Why are you calling, Shiromeguri-senpai?"

"Wanted to check if I got the right number. Would've been embarrassing if I was giddily talking with some clueless stranger."

"Yeah, can understand that. Well, for all it's worth, it is me." I know she's far for me to even tell, but I could imagine the smile that crept her face right now.

"Good to hear! Sorry for bothering you again," her apologetic voice now filled my ears.

"Not at all, Shiromeguri-senpai." The temporary silence that came after made me realize the initiative I should take to end the call. Though before I was able to have it done, the girl's pleasant chuckle was audible to my ears.

I took a glance at her in front of me, only to see the girl amusingly stare at a tree on her right. Then her voice came, "Hikigaya-kun?"

"Yeah?" I cluelessly answered.

"...It's difficult, isn't it?"

"What is?"

"My name." The statement caught me off guard for a while, several seconds were filled for me to find the polite way of answering.

"I have to admit, saying it for time to time is really tiring for a conservative like me," I answered with honesty in a light tone.

Shiromeguri-senpai fortunately took this equally lightly and giggled, "How about shortening it then?"

"...Sensei?" The suggestion was immediately shot down by an instant grumble.

"You know I was only joking around that time, Hikigaya-kun," she complained. "You're making me sound like an old lady." Be careful, woman. Someone might just choke you to oblivion if she caught that.

The swift glimpse of a sly underclassman made me phrase the next suggestion, "Senpai?"

"That's oddly general and specific." Which one? "What are you going to do if there's something you need me in for a matter of urgency while swimming in a sea of upperclassman?" Another one into the trash. And what kind of logic is that, Shiromeguri-senpai?

"Then..," This one had come to mind for a while, but was abstained in the hopes that my previous suggestions would be approved. Knowing that none was, what other choice do I have?

"...Hm?"

"...Shiromeguri?" I muttered the words, knowing that I won't be suggesting it a second time if the girl wasn't able to catch it.

As if it was a sacred word, everything around me suddenly felt slower. The floundering leaves, the chipper of birds, the clamorous wind, everything around felt somewhat blurry. All attention was given to what is front of me, the figure of a college freshman holding on to her phone.

At some point, and at some way, I can see that our gazes met. Staring at each other for a moment leads me to one of the sincerest smiles I'll ever meet.

"That's better."

After all the surprising and hectic situations I encounter this morning, like any other day the end point will always be home.

The soundless night was spent reading the remaining pages of what is another intriguing novel before I delve into the realms of sleep. What filled my ears is only the creaking of the fan above while I lie down, indulging the comfort of the bed underneath me.

"...Another one, finished." Though I can't remember much about the plot of this story at all, knowing that I was able to read all of it does not make it less satisfying.

The book was left rested on top of my chest while I mindlessly stared at the ceiling above, wondering how in the world did the lizard got stuck on a web up there.

I'm too exhausted to even put back the book on its shelf. With that in mind, I closed my eyes with the book as a complimentary pillow.

"Hachiman, I'm coming in." That was the plan, at least.

"Sure, Mom." Before I could even phrase the short response, the woman have already brought herself in with a pile of clothes in tow.

"Just finished folding the clothes, here's your portion." Promptly sitting upright on the bed, I watched as she opened the drawer.

"You didn't have to. I should have done this myself." This kind of gesture from Mom is scarce, but the fact that she still had the time to do the house chores with the pile of work behind her made me all the more uneasy. "But thank you, anyways."

Placing the clothes neatly at its area one by one, she responded, "See it as a small act of gratitude for complying with my request," wistful was her voice. "I wanted to know how your meeting went as well."

Oh, right. Of course she wanted to know about that. "Well, it honestly went better than I had expected. Our meeting was able to meet its agenda and we hope the details discussed can be realized in the near future."

"Oi, don't make it sound like you just got home from a conference or something." After all is put and organized, Mom stood upright and briefly slapped her hands. "Besides, that girl is far from being a formal person, don't you think?"

The strain deep inside my throat after the excessive amount of usage couldn't help but agree to her words by releasing an exhausted sigh, "Yeah..."

Mom somehow found this a bit entertaining and giggled. I added, "Though it'd be much appreciated if I could simply know the identity of my tutor beforehand." At least that would've given me an upper hand.

"Heh..," That came out too discretely for Mom to hear as I wasn't able to contain it inside my throat. Who knew I could still make stupid jokes while I'm in this wearied state?

Putting my attention back to her, I found an amused Mom as she rested both her hands on her waist. "Didn't she tell you? It was Meguri-chan's own idea." I can merely nod.

"She got you good, didn't she?"

"Yep." Mom continued to laugh at that. If that was able to get some of your stress out, you can laugh at me all you want.

"I was quite astonished at first, you know? Who'd figure that my son was able to be acquainted with the prestigious student council president of his school?"

"I was involved with the committee for the Cultural Festival last year. Though I didn't actually help much." Me and Shiromeguri don't even talk much that time too.

While I was slightly busy with my thoughts, a flicker on my forehead brought me back to reality.

Turning to the culprit, Mom continued, "You just had to slip that one in, huh?" Probably having enough talk for tonight, Mom walked towards the door after briefly messing with my hair.

Stopping right at the door, Mom turned to me and asked, "Well, seeing that you're not that much against it after today, I'd say the two of you are getting along?" You think so?

Before I was able to articulate the question I've thought about, the sudden vibration of my phone on the study desk took my attention.

Somewhat giving priority to that first, I swiftly stretched my hand to grab hold of it, curiously looking at the notification bar.

Despite the short time we just spent, I kind of able to expect the text that's coming after taking a brief look at the sender's name.

Sender: Shiromeguri-senpai

Looking forward for tomorrow, Hikigaya-kun! Don't go staying up too long. Sweet dreams.

The short message reminded me of the conversations we had back in the cafe, and was it enough to form a small smile on my face.

"Hachiman?" Mom's calling of my name made me realize there was a question harbouring that is still unanswered.

...

"It was alright."

Hallo! So being out from for so long made me oblivious to the fact that my beloved country had banned this site from roaming around its Internet. I don't know how I was able get through it right now, but any Malaysians or Indonesians that have a permanent method of getting over this, please teach me your ways! I tried to manually change my location and am now a Central Africa Republic citizen.

Really hope this wouldn't end up like Density all over again. First two chapters come out early and the others feel like an eternity.

Thank you for reading, and as always your feedback is forever appreciated!

See you guys on the next one.