"Onii-chan, wake up already! We're burni-Woah, Onii-chan, your face looks extra dead!"

|7th March|

|6:10 AM|

Komachi's morning wakeup call was as loud as ever, but even though I heard her words, I wasn't processing it.

Instead, my brain was focusing on the tiny screen currently held right in front of me.

Click

I turned off my phone.

Click.

I turned it back on.

|7th March|

|6:10 AM|

7th of March.

7th of March.

Komachi was saying something. But all I heard was how I was going to waste our last day.

7th of March.

The last day of our trip.

Komachi had finally relented and moved on to waking up the other guys in the room. That was good, especially since she wouldn't be able to see the frustration and bitterness forming on my face as I cursed underneath my breath.

My plan yesterday didn't work.

What I thought would finally solve the riddle of this conundrum was false.

Utterly and completely false.

But most importantly.

I was still stuck in the time loop.

And for some reason, I was angry.

Not only at myself for being so presumptuous.

But also, at someone else for betraying my trust. Whether she knew it or not.

Something that was unexpected. Yet upon closer look, was completely expected.

Those were what the masked shrine maiden said.

And for some reason, I took it upon myself to give that person the benefit of the doubt. Even though a little corner of my mind was whispering to me that she would do this, I denied it. Why shouldn't I? I thought she changed. I thought she moved on. Swept what she did to Yukinoshita under the rug and be buddy-buddy with her and me again without any ulterior motives.

But I thought wrong.

"Well, a good morning to you too, mister grumpy face!"

Yuigahama Yui didn't change.

"Morning."

I gave her a curt greeting as she approached me.

"You're hella early today, Hikki," remarked Yuigahama as she got some drinks from the nearby vending machine that we always meet by, "Was Komachi-chan extra loud today or something?"

Shrugging, I received my can of MAX Coffee before replying, "Something like that."

"Ah."

We both took a small swig from our drinks.

MAX Coffee tasted as sweet as ever.

Yet even I couldn't erase this bitter aftertaste from my head as I glanced at Yuigahama, who was wiping the corners of her mouth clean.

"Uhhh, Hikki?"

I quickly averted my gaze.

"Sup?"

"You okay?"

"Of course, I am. Well, to a certain degree anyways," I shrugged again, "Why do you ask?"

"Aah. I mean, that makes sense, I guess, since we still have this time loop to worry about and all," she stayed silent for a while before asking again, "You sure you're okay though?"

"I am."

"You don't sound like it."

"This is how I normally sound," I replied before adding, "In the morning anyways."

"I'm pretty sure you sound different…also you look grumpier than usual."

"Aren't my eyes similar to a dead fish anyways?"

Yuigahama pouted, poking my arm like a child as she chided me, "I know you normally look like, mister. Y'know, if there's something wrong, you can tell me. I mean, I can't help much…but it's better to get it off your chest, right?"

I stared at the woman offering me this kind of advice, trying to not let slip any emotions or clues about my sour mood in the morning. The way that her brows were furrowed together, how her lips quivered, and how her eyes softened – even though they were gestures of care and comfort, I couldn't help but silently seethe at these actions.

Somewhere inside my mind, there was a tiny little thought that told me it wasn't her fault.

Maybe it was a desire that she thought she was over.

Perhaps a wish that she told no one about.

Possibly even a longing that she herself didn't know.

But as I stared into Yuigahama's pitying eyes, I snapped myself out of that delusion.

"I know, I know. But trust me, I'm fine."

Yuigahama still did not forget what she desired. She still wished for what she couldn't have back then. Her want for it was so strong and unforgettable that she couldn't help but write it down on a wishing plate and asked the gods to help her with it.

Even if that silent wish of hers would go against the very friendship she cherished so much.

"You sure?"

Even if that desire, if known, would tear apart her own best friend.

"Yeah…I am. Just had a nightmare last night, or well – you know what I mean."

Even if what she coveted for would shatter what little semblance of respect that I still had for her.

"Aww…you should've told me earlier," Yuigahama cooed in pity before gently reaching up and patting my head, "You wanna talk about it?"

But right now, I had a goal right in front of me. One that can be achieved with actual reachable steps and objectives. I wasn't going to let it get away from me. Not this time, when I was so close to breaking apart this whole ridiculous time loop. This time, I had the answer. One that I would rather not believe in, but it was the only conceivable answer that formed in my mind when I actually ruminated about what that shrine maiden told me.

"It was just a bad dream where I thought I was stuck in this time loop forever."

"Awww…"

Something unexpected.

"It's okay, Hikki! I'm here for ya!"

Yet upon closer look, was completely expected.

"I know that's not much coming from me, but hey, we'll get through this together. No matter what."

I nodded at her superficial encouragement, forcing myself to muster up some semblance of a smile at her attitude to throw her suspicions off.

"Yeah, thanks, Yuigahama."

"No problem!"

I knew what I had to do.

It wouldn't be pleasant for me.

Nor would it be for Yukinoshita.

But I need to do it. Otherwise, me and everyone else would still be stuck in this accursed time loop and we would never move on with our life. Which was a notion that I would rather not entertain.

"Sooooo, what's our plan for today?" Yuigahama asked as she finished off her coffee before me, "I know you said you wanted a rest day and all, but like, maybe I can do something, y'know?"

It'd be for the best if I just bite the bullet and go through with Yuigahama's wish.

"Because, not gonna lie, you have been doing a lot of heavy lifting in our investigation and stuff. Like talking to that ghost shrine maiden, figuring out some important stuff, and even planning the hangout yesterday!"

But what was even her wish in the first place?

In the previous loop, I boiled it down to her wanting to spend one last hangout with two of her good friends as she would be leaving Japan soon.

I tricked myself into believing that because I gave Yuigahama the benefit of the doubt.

"And because of that, I'm feeling juuuust a bit guilty, hehe. So, like, I'm thinking that instead, maybe you can tell me what you want me to do! And I can just do them. Umm, maybe except talking to the weird shrine maiden?"

The past me sincerely believed that Yuigahama had changed for the better, therefore, her true desire would change as well. I truly believed that it was completely expected that Yuigahama would value her friendship with me and Yukinoshita to an extent that she would spend her one 'guaranteed' wish to cherish that friendship.

"Okay, fine, maybe I can talk to that creepy shrine maiden, but no more than five minutes with her!"

I was dead wrong.

Completely and utterly wrong.

Not only in my assumption of her wants.

But also, in placing my trust in her.

"But like, the other normal shrine maidens give good info too, y'know. So maaaaybe, I can just talk to them instead."

This trip would be the last trip in which the seniors of Sobu high would be gathered together. Not only that, but it would also be the last one in which all three Service Club's members would hang out with each other. And most importantly, from Yuigahama's perspective, it would be the last trip that she would spend with me.

It didn't take a genius to see that after all these times, despite her platonic demeanors towards me and her utter giddiness around Yukinoshita, there was just one thing about our relationship that Yuigahama couldn't let go.

Yuigahama Yui was still in love with me.

"Oh! If you're gonna be prince charming and whisk Yukinon away, then I got a couple of date spots! Well, I noted them down in my phone but the stupid time loop reset…"

To be honest, that desire of hers completely blindsided me.

"But like if you give me five minutes, I can totally just jot it down right now and send it to you via LINE."

But upon looking closer at Yuigahama's personality, I should've totally expected it.

There was indeed one simple answer as to what Yuigahama's wish, which had trapped us in this accursed time loop, truly was.

Yuigahama Yui wanted to have one last date with me on this final trip.

"Oh, also you want me to send you the Google Map links too? Because I can totally-"

"Yuigahama."

I cut her off.

The sooner we begin getting her wish fulfilled, the quicker we would finish it and be freed. And I wouldn't have this disgustingly bitter taste in my mouth for long. But even as I thought that, I knew that we have the entire day in front of us.

An entire day of pretending to happily go along with Yuigahama's whims and desires. Normally, I wouldn't oppose to such an idea at all, since we are good friends and she has made me genuinely happy in the past with her antics.

However, with the knowledge that I currently possessed about where her true thoughts lie, my perspective of her completely changed.

"Why don't we hang out today?"

"Eh? I mean, sure? You got any new places where the three of us can go?"

A small, almost invisible sigh escaped my lips as I tried to put my head in the right mindset for what I was about to do.

I didn't want to do this.

But like I told myself over and over again, I had to. I just had to get it over and done with. No hesitation. No thinking over it. I just needed to grit my teeth and push through this absurd torture that I was in.

And with those last mental pushes to myself, I uttered the words that Yuigahama was probably waiting to hear all these times.

"Nah, I'm talking about hanging out with…" I gulped, a lump in my throat making it hard to breathe, "Just the two of us."

I almost spit out those words in a very harsh tone but held myself back at the last second. If Yuigahama wanted one final date with me, then so be it. I might as well pretend to be the ideal date just so that her selfish wish would be realized without a hitch.

"Eh? Eeeeeeeeeeh?"

Yuigahama exclaimed in shock and surprise, a light tinge of red dusting her face as she jumped back while posing dramatically at me, as if ready for a fight.

"What?"

"W-Who are you and what did you do to Hikki?" said Yuigahama in an exaggerated tone, "You're the creepy ghost shrine maiden, aren't you? And you took over Hikki's body?! You fiend!"

"Don't be ridiculous," I retorted, nursing an incoming headache, "Was my offer that ridiculous?"

With her combative stance still up, Yuigahama squinted as she replied, "Not that it was ridiculous exactly…just very…unbelievable."

"Why would that be?"

Pouting, Yuigahama dropped any pretenses of trying to fight me as she explained, "Well…I thought that since you have a free day and all, you would want to spend it with Yukinon, right?"

I shrugged, "Yeah, your assumption make sense."

My response only caused her to stare at me in confusion, as if trying to decipher an invisible puzzle that was engraved right onto my stoic face.

"What?"

"If my assumption make sense…then why don't you just spend your free day with Yukinon then?"

Another small sigh slipped from my lips as I gathered my thoughts. I'd basically given this offer to Yuigahama on a silver platter already so why didn't she just accept it? Why did she have to be self-conscious and considerate towards Yukinoshita now?

My annoyance at her was steadily bubbling up

But instead, I scoffed. Or tried to in a humorous tone. As if what Yuigahama had just asked was merely worthy of a friendly eye-rolling.

"Well, I was just thinking of ticking off another item off our bucket list, y'know? And it just so happens that that item is the two of us hanging out with each other."

"Uh huh."

"And considering the fact that we're in a time loop, and have all the time in the world, I just thought why not, y'know?"

Just accept my offer already, goddammit.

"Still…" Yuigahama began speaking a rather pitiful manner, "I appreciate the sentiment, Hikki. I really do. But shouldn't you spend that time with Yukinon? And our remaining time on figuring things out?"

"Like I said-"

"I know we have all the time in the world," she cut me off without a hitch, "But don't you wanna get out of this thing as soon as possible?"

My right eye twitched.

That was exactly what I was trying to do.

But I didn't tell her that.

Instead, I just shrugged in an aloof manner, "I'd be stupid if I said I don't. But at the same time, I'm also just thinking ahead."

"What do you mean?"

"When this whole thing is over, Yukinoshita and I are gonna be living together so we'll have a lot of opportunities to…y'know, hang out," I explained, "But you'd be abroad and we won't be able to interact."

"True…"

"And so, I'm just thinking that we might as well abuse this little time loop thing and just have a hangout with just the two of us. Just before you inevitably leave Japan. After all, it's been a while since we've done so, right?"

Just accept it.

Please.

But instead of doing so, Yuigahama's gaze was casted downwards as she awkwardly rubbed her left arm, "I don't know. It just feels a bit weird?"

"Weird how?"

"I don't know! It just does…" muttered Yuigahama, staring in confusion at me, "I mean, I'm super-duper happy that you wanna hang out with me and all, but it just feels…off."

I pursed my lips, before giving her my thoughts.

"Tell you what; why don't we just think about it as we go to the shrine with the others?" My head gestured in the general direction of our usual destination, "There's something that I want to clarify so I'll be talking a bit to the shrine maiden."

"Oh…"

"And afterwards, the two of us can hang out. You got some places in mind, right? If you don't, we can just do some exploring."

"You sure?"

"Positive," I scoffed again in a good-natured manner, "Don't feel too hung up about it. I know that it's pretty rare and weird for me to be this forward in inviting you, but come on, can't a guy hang out with his friend for once?"

I tried to put on a smile, hoping that Yuigahama wouldn't notice.

"Honestly, the moment I try to do something nice for once, you doubt me like Yukinoshita would. Like jeez, am I that usually that horrible of a person or something?"

Yuigahama fervently shook her head at my own self-deprecation.

"You're not! But it's just…"

"Like I said, don't get too hung up on it, alright? I'm just inviting you on a normal hangout, that's all."

I expected Yuigahama to act all concerned about this whole thing. Or perhaps, show some apprehension at the fact that I was willing to spend my time with her alone, but she didn't do any of that.

Instead, she asked one simple question.

"...what about Yukinon?"

"What?"

"What about Yukinon?" repeated Yuigahama as she stepped forward, "You said that we would be hanging out with just the two of us, right?"

"Yeah…?"

"What if she wants to join?"

"I can just tell her that this hangout is just between me and you."

Yuigahama pursed her lips as her fists balled up, "But wouldn't that make her sad? If you tell her that, won't she feel like she's done something wrong and that's why you don't want her to hang out with us?"

I took a few long seconds to digest her words before replying with the only logical answer.

"It's fine, it's fine. She would just forget about it when the time loop resets anyways."

Even though I said that in a humorous tone, there was nothing more that I wanted to do than to punch myself for saying such crude, tactless things.

But I didn't let my façade slip.

I could not and would not do that.

"Oh…"

With Yukinoshita and the others slowly coming out of the inn, I walked past the still thinking Yuigahama.

"Well, you can just think about it on the way. No rush," I said, even putting a sarcastic smile on for good measure.

The silent, hushed howls of the winds were soon replaced by the rowdy bustling voices of our little group. We took a few short minutes to get ready and before long, our feet were carrying us to the shrine again.

The same path.

The same sights.

Even the same conversational topics.

The only thing different was Yuigahama's unenthused participation in all the talks that her friends roped her into. Even Yukinoshita couldn't get her as excited as yesterday. It seemed that she really was taking my offer to heart and was in deep thoughts about its ramifications.

But honestly, why would she start thinking about the consequences of her actions now?

But it was fine.

I know Yuigahama and I know that ultimately, she would accept my offer. It was just a matter of time. Time that I would be killing by pretending to talk to the shrine maiden. And when that was done, Yuigahama would be waiting to tell me her choice.

And speaking of interacting with the shrine maiden…

"Good morning, dear patron!"

God, I forgot how annoyingly cheerful this shrine maiden's greeting was.

"Good morning."

A curt greeting was my only response. She clearly took it well, a beaming smile stuck on her face.

"Dear patron, if I may be so presumptuous, I have but one question for you."

"Which is?"

With a smile and without missing a beat, she bluntly asked, "What are you still doing here?"

The suddenness was on-brand for her, but the brusqueness of her question caught me slightly off guard.

"…what do you mean?"

"Exactly what I had asked, dear patron," Her smile got wider as she tilted her head slightly, "I was simply wondering why you are still here. At this shrine. In this very queue. Despite apparently knowing the answer to your own questions already."

Ah, so she was referring to that.

And to that, I simply shrugged.

"I'm just killing time."

"Is that it?"

"Yep."

"I see," remarked the shrine maiden, her enigmatic smile not faltering in the slightest, "If I may be so bold-"

"Just ask your question."

"Oh my, dear patron, I wasn't about to ask a question."

"Then what is it?"

"Just a word to the wise from but a humble shrine maiden, dear patron."

Those words again. It made me roll my eyes but I still had time to kill. So, I just waited for that woman to get what she needed to out of her system.

"I was not being sarcastic when I told you that Yuigahama Yui-san is a nice girl," said the shrine maiden before she pivoted to another topic, "But that miniscule tangent aside, I simply want to warn you, dear patron."

"Warn me about what exactly?"

"If you are indeed certain in proceeding with this plan of yours, then at least do so with some thoughtfulness, dear patron."

So, this shrine maiden knew my plans as well?

Was nothing hidden from her?

"…"

"Humans are not animals. You can't simply look at their behaviors and guess their thoughts. To do so would be extremely presumptuous," Every single word that came out of her mouth only served to annoy me, "The same applies for Yuigahama-san."

"Do you know her wish?"

"I never forgot it, dear patron."

"So, you also know the validity of my plan to give her what she wants then."

The shrine maiden gave a smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes, "I cannot confirm nor deny that fact, dear patron. I am but a humble shrine maiden after all."

I couldn't help but scoff.

My suspicions were basically confirmed by those words.

Yuigahama really did want to have a date with me before she goes abroad.

"I see."

Those were my last words as I turned around to leave the line. As I did so, the shrine maiden was uttering some more nonsense. Nonsense that I simply blocked out.

It wasn't worth listening to her drivels anyways.

Besides, I had to focus on this little two-man outing.

"Hikki!"

And currently, my partner in said outing was barreling towards me before stopping just short, hands on her knees as she panted in exhaustion.

"Yo."

"Wew! I was searching for ya!" She popped back up with an enthused smile, "I was…thinking about what you said this morning and at first, I thought that it feels a bit weird?"

"Mm hm."

"But like at the same time, I mean it's only weird because you're like always being a smartass and all," Her small fist jabbed my arm in jokingly again, "So I was kinda surprised that you would bring this up!

"Hey, I can be nice once in a while."

"Ahaha! I guess I shouldn't have doubted you. But yeah, let's hang out!"

I smiled, barely holding back a sardonic laugh.

Of course, she would accept it. Why would she pass up this opportunity to get her one true wish after all? After all, Yuigahama Yui is still the same person, even after all this time.

"Good. Got any spots in mind?"

"Oh, I got some!" Yuigahama exclaimed before quieting down, "Umm, I also told Yukinon about this already, if you don't mind?"

"Ah."

"Yeah…I just thought that she should know, y'know?"

I nodded begrudgingly, "That's fair. Just saves me the trouble of telling her myself then."

"Ahaha, right, right," she nodded along, "I'm just gonna talk a bit with Yumiko-chan and the others, okay?"

"Sure."

I didn't really care what she did. All I cared about was what would happen after we leave the shrine's grounds. Yuigahama said that she had some ideas and I could only hope that said ideas weren't too over the top. Otherwise, I might not able to stomach it.

"Hikigaya-kun."

A soft, familiar voice spoke out behind me and as I turned to greet the source of it, a dainty little finger poked into my cheek. My eyes trailed from that pointer finger down her arm and finally to her smirking face.

"Yukinoshita."

I muttered softly, my stoic voice and face betraying my true emotions as I involuntarily heaved a sigh.

"Oh my, did you seriously not want to see your own girlfriend that much, Hikigaya-kun?"

I snorted, immediately grabbing her hand before she pulled it away, "Of course not. Was just surprised that you were so thorough with your wish-writing."

"Well, it is just one wish after all. Can you blame me for wanting to be detailed with it?"

"I'd call that being fussy."

"Detail-oriented, Hikigaya-kun," she corrected me before we both chuckled at our inane talks, "Yuigahama-san already told me by the way."

"Ah, right."

I almost forgot about that, just from how content I was with this little conversation with Yukinoshita.

"I am rather surprised that you would take such an initiative," snickered Yukinoshita as she gripped her chin inquisitively, "I never thought I'd live to see the day where you would want to hang out with Yuigahama-san alone."

"What can I say? Just trying to be a good friend for once."

"For inviting her to this, you are," Yukinoshita reassured me, "I actually wish I had done the same thing, but I was afraid that it would interrupt the flow of our group outing."

"I see."

"Mmhm, but you actually stepped up for once. I'm impressed."

"I can be impressive once in a while."

"Once in a while," repeated Yukinoshita humorously before her tone softened, "Yuigahama-san is going to be away from her home for four long years so it's really thoughtful that you are doing this."

I wish I could tell her the actual reason.

Or maybe, even the true content of Yuigahama's character.

But that was impossible.

"It's nothing really."

"Oh please. You two are very close to each other yet it's been quite a long time since both of you have hung out together," said Yukinoshita, "This outing for her will be really important."

"I suppose so."

"I know so. Though, I just hope that you're not bringing your usual tactless self to this hangout, Hikigaya-kun," Yukinoshita sighed dramatically, "Because honestly, I fear for Yuigahama-san's enjoyment if you do end up being your typically charmless self."

"Ugh, what do you even mean by that? I'm full of charm."

"Oh yes, so full of charm and ever so lovable."

"You got charmed by me."

"Debatable."

"And you love me."

"Debatable."

Yukinoshita smirked as she gave her single-word retorts.

"But I am serious, Hikigaya-kun. Please do try to treat Yuigahama like a gentleman would," continued Yukinoshita, "Attending cram school and study sessions alone for months on end can have an impact on one's mind. The least we can do is make her feel at ease before she leaves."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm not gonna ruin her last hangout with me. Give me some slack."

"Well…I suppose you're right. Underneath all that snark is my boyfriend after all," Yukinoshita snickered and tightened her grip on my hand, "Don't forget to have fun, okay?"

"I'll try."

"Don't try, just do it. I know I won't be there to entertain your every whim but I'm sure my ever so smart boyfriend can figure something out," said Yukinoshita in an amused tone, "And don't feel guilty about not spending time with me either, okay?"

"I would say I'll try but…"

"I'll just say that you just shouldn't," she completed my sentence, a small smile on her face, "We'll have all the time in the world once our university starts. But right now, let's make Yuigahama-san feel at ease, okay?"

I nodded, mustering up a matching smile to Yukinoshita's own, "Sure thing."

"Good, good. Well, I certainly hope that you haven't left the planning all up to her."

"Oh please, she already has a plan in mind. I got some too in case we run out of things to do, but I highly doubt that."

"Your propensity to have a bad hangout plan is making me doubt that," I was about to retort before she cut me off with a quick peck on the cheek, "Well, I trust you this time so you better get going. Seems like we're about to leave this place soon."

"Yeah…I guess."

"I'll inform the others about this. So, you can just focus on making Yuigahama-san's day."

"I will."

I had to.

I needed to.

I kept reminding myself to endure this just a little more.

Just half a day of being alone with Yuigahama.

The moment this little pretend-date ends, I'll drop the act and just go to sleep. And when morning comes, I'll forget this ever happened.

Yeah…

Just a few more hours, Hachiman.

Just a few more painfully long hours.

With a smile, Yukinoshita began walking back before her eyes met with Yuigahama, who quickly approached her, said a few words, and with an understanding nod from my girlfriend, Yuigahama gave a soft smile before bolting over to me.

"I told Yumiko-chan already too!" she exclaimed, excited as ever, "Umm, everyone is gonna walk around the city soon, so do you wanna go with them for now or just like…?"

The sooner we finish this off, the better.

"Let's just go on our own then." I said before making sure to add, "Otherwise, those guys will never leave us."

"Oh, sure, sure!"

We made sure to bid farewell to our little group. Komachi certainly made sure to jeer and boo me for leaving her adorable self alone, but I just gave her a smirk and waved goodbye. But the toughest part was meeting Yukinoshita's eyes, which were filled with pride at how I was being such a good friend.

I really wasn't.

I really didn't intend to be.

I just wanted this to be over.

And so Yuigahama and I walked.

And walked.

And walked.

Till we were far away from the shrine and entered the city, thereby officially starting our two-man hangout. Far away from everyone else. It was just us two time-loop buddies in Kyoto's tourist center.

She made sure to talk my ears off about her plans and how Miura helped with them. I, of course, made sure to respond appropriately, but otherwise, I never really started the conversation. I didn't need to since Yuigahama seemed to be a lot more energetic today, as she started all our conversations.

Well, I suppose that it was expected, since she knows that nothing will be in the way of her little date today after all.

Not even her own best friend.

And as it turned out, Yuigahama really did have a list of activities that she wanted to do. Some of them were done as a group already, but she wanted to actually experience them with me.

I did not refuse her invitations.

With smiles and nods, Yuigahama enthusiastically hopped and skipped to each and every spot on the map that she had marked out. Without missing a beat, I silently followed along with her peppy steps, making sure to always keep a smile on my face no matter what, and responding with enthusiasm whenever she'd asked for my opinion on certain things.

Kimono try-ons.

Ramen noodles making.

Mochi pounding.

Those were just the tip of the activities iceberg that Yuigahama had noted down.

We even rented bikes just so we can get around the city faster to complete Yuigahama's seemingly endless list of things to do.

And before we knew it, the sun dipped just below the horizon, marking the beginning of the local festival that our little group had always made sure to attend. When Yuigahama noticed this, she asked if we should regroup with the others and pick up the hangout from there.

But I refused, citing that since we already hung out with just the two of us for almost the entire day already, why not just push through the last few hours without the others getting involved? After all, they wouldn't remember anything by the end of this loop anyways.

Yuigahama's eyes screamed that she was hesitant but as I had predicted, within one second, her switch flipped to her usual energetic self. With fervent nods and a cheerful smile, she proceeded to drag me through the festival by my arm, making sure to look back at me to flash her megawatt smile every so often.

I, of course, made sure to return a smile of my own.

Just like our outing in the city center, Yuigahama basically repeated the activities we did as a group and then some. Festival foods, games, cheap plastic masks were all on her itinerary and again, I didn't protest.

I just went along with it.

Whatever she thought of on a whim, I made sure that she was able to do it.

Wherever she wanted to drag me to, I shrugged and walked behind her.

Whenever she wanted to take a break, I would be there waiting for her.

It would be all worth it – I told myself.

Even as the fireworks began glowing in the night sky and my mind wondered if Yukinoshita was seeing the same sights as me, I didn't protest when Yuigahama gingerly grabbed the hem of my shirt as she stared in wonders at the pyrotechnics.

We both stood on one of the secluded spots overlooking the entire festival as I quietly allowed her to indulge in the view.

It was almost over.

Almost.

No words were exchanged between us as we quietly walked back to the inn. Yuigahama didn't have anything to say, most likely because she was more than content with what happened today. Which was good. That meant I'd succeeded.

The others, as Komachi had messaged me, had already returned so it was just us two who were late.

And as the sight of the shrine finally came up, Yuigahama had something to say.

"Hey, Hikki."

"Sup."

I'd expected this. Of course, she would say something at the end of this pretend-date.

"I…" She gave a small laugh, "Thank you for today. Really."

"It's nothing."

"Aww, don't say that. It's not nothing. You really made my day, y'know!"

"Well…" I would rather not say anything but that would bring her mood down, "Just a reminder to you that I can be nice sometimes."

"Haha, I suppose you're right."

We both fell silent. Yuigahama was shyly looking at the ground, the flickering lamp lights around us illuminating her slightly flushed face.

This blanket of silence continued to fall between us for a good minute or so as I patiently waited for Yuigahama to get whatever it was off her chest.

"Hikki."

And there it was.

"There's…I'm not sure if I should say this or not," Yuigahama laughed sheepishly, "Considering that, y'know, you kinda did make today super fun for me and all."

"…"

"I don't know. It's just that…there's something that I kinda need to get off my chest?"

My mind began racing as I heard her words. Yuigahama was still averting her eyes from mine, only taking the occasional glances.

"At the same time, it's kinda like rude for me to say it too. Because I just think that it's a bit unfair to you, y'know?"

She wouldn't…right?

No, not even Yuigahama would do stoop to such a level.

"But I think it's for the best if I do."

Yuigahama's voice turned resolute as she finally stared at me.

"Hikki, I really think that-"

"Yuigahama."

I decided to cut her off before any further damage was done.

"I think we should go to sleep for the night."

"O-Oh."

"It's already late," I explained, "11 PM in fact."

"Ah…I see."

"You can tell me about it tomorrow morning, alright?"

Yuigahama pursed her lips before nodding, "Mmhm, sure thing."

"Good," I turned to head into the inn building, "Let's get some shut eye and discuss our plans tomorrow."

"Yep, yep!"

The pitter patters from behind indicated Yuigahama following me. Not that it mattered if she did or not.

All that mattered was the fact that today was finally done.

The little pretend-date was finally completed.

Which meant…that this time loop was finally unraveling and everything would be over.

I breathed a sigh of relief as my head sank into the pillows. My phone was right next to my hand but I didn't even bother to look at the time. Today was far too exhausting, both physically and emotionally.

And as the lights turned off, the only thought in my head was about the inevitable 8 hours wait till the new morning sun shined again.