Hello again! Sorry about this chapter. It only serves as a transition chapter for the next one. So not too much going on. I hope it still delivers though. :)
By the way, just in case anyone's wondering where I got the idea for the current title. I got it from a manga called Horimiya, which was originally called Hori-san to Miyamura-kun. It's one of my favorite Shoujo mangas, definitely a nice read (it has good art).
Chapter 4: And so the birthday party comes to an end
The excitement that ensued after Orimoto's reveal of my so called close friend still lingers in the air but has considerably decreased since we began eating dessert. Leave it to chocolate, ice cream, and cakes to calm a group of gossiping teenagers. I think this is like that myth where if you throw chocolate at an angry girl she would calm down. Not that I believe that, but still, I haven't really tried it so I can't exactly shoot the idea down.
But even so, I can tell my schoolmates are glancing at me from time to time. That's to be expected since the recently found out that a loner like me was close to a girl(that isn't part of my family). Then again, it's not like I'm really close to my mother or Komachi. I still haven't rooted out the possibility of all of this being a hoax. This girl must be non-existent. There's just no way she's real.
"Hey, Yui?" asks Miura
"Uh, yes, Yumiko?" asks Yuigahama in a slightly surprised tone.
"How is your birthday party?" asks Miura.
"O-oh! Yeah! It's going great! I mean, the food is so good! And of course I'm glad my friends are here!" says Yuigahama with a smile.
It's funny how you prioritized the food before your friends, Yuigahama. Then again, the food is pretty good.
"That's good, then." says Hayama.
"Yeauh!" beams Tobe while pounding his chest.
"Indeed." smiles Yukinoshita
"Preach it!"
I guess you can tell who said that.
Yuigahama's phone rings and she excuses herself to answer it. Since the restaurant's still pretty busy and noisy she leaves to find somewhere private to answer the phone.
"So! Who brought gifts!? Apart from Orimoto, of course!" asks Ebina as soon as Yuigahama was out of sight.
It is kind of customary to bring gifts to birthday parties so it was obvious that everyone brought one. Those who had small gifts, like me, carried them in our pockets. The ones who had bigger gifts left them to the Goose Place Storage whatever.
Then everyone began talking about what gifts they bought, or in some cases, made.
While everyone else was busy chatting together, Yukinoshita leans towards me and whispers.
"What did you get for Yuigahama-san, Hikigaya-kun?"
Why was so so interested?
"What did you get for Yuigahama?" I retorted.
"A cook book." she says with a smile.
Hah?
"A cook book?"
"Yes."
"But, why?"
"Yuigahama-san wanted to learn how to cook, remember?"
Of course I remember, who could possibly forget that episode? A cook book? Even if Yuigahama follows the recipe by the letter she somehow manages to mess it up, how would a cook book be any better?
"Uh, Yukinoshita-san, your gift is completely useless. Yuigahama can't even follow recipes." I say definitely
"I wrote it myself. It's was made for Yuigahama and her...capabilities." she whispers back.
"As thoughtful as that may be, Yukinoshita, I don't think anything good will come out of that."
Yukinoshita looks crestfallen because of my remark.
"Ah, indeed… I just thought that it could have been somewhat useful." she says bitterly.
"It's fine, it may not be useful but it'll still be one of the best gifts she'll receive this year."
She looks surprised. "How so, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Well, firstly, you made it yourself. Secondly, it was to help her reach her desire. I think that's a lot of good in a gift. Yuigahama will cherish it for sure." I reply.
"I...I'm glad then." she says as she gives me a small smile.
Suddenly, Yuigahama appears out of nowhere. "Yahallo, Hikki, Yukinon. What are you guys talkin' about?"
"Ah, we were just-" I begin
"Talking about how late it is getting, Yuigahama-san." finishes Yukinoshita.
Oh? Why'd you lie to her? I give Yukinoshita look. In response, she gives me a "not now" look. Sigh, fine. Knowing Yukinoshita she she should have a logical explanation for me later. Besides, this lie isn't hurting anyone.
"Yeah, I think we should really call it a night, Yuigahama." I agree.
"Yeah, Hikki. actually my mom told me that I should let everyone go home, since it's getting so late" she says.
Mm… Good thinking, Yuigamomma.
"Uh, guys?" begins Yuigahama.
Everyone stops chatting and looks at Yuigahama.
"Uh… It's been a really great night with you guys, but it's getting pretty late, so I think we should call it a night." says Yuigahama.
The group nods in agreement.
"Alright, then. Should we get going?" asks Hayama as he stands up from the bench.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm pretty beat myself." says Tobe as he stands, yawns and stretches.
"Eh? Hayama and Tobe are going home together?" asks Ebina with crazy curiosity
Don't make things weird, Ebina!
We stand up and start walking towards the stairs.
It looks like the restaurant is a lot more quiet now, it is getting late. Tobe, Hayama, Ebina, Miura and Yuigahama walk close together while Yukinoshita, Totsuka, Kawasaki, Orimoto, Zaimokuza and I form our own little cluster. Hang, on. There's someone miss-
I feel my arm getting grabbed by hands. Then I feel something soft cling to me.
"Senpai…" whines Isshiki as she buries her face in my arm.
Isshiki! No Public Display of Affection! Actually, scratch that. No Display of Affection at all! Get off me!
"I'm tired, senpai… Carry me home will you?" she says.
Yuigahama's group didn't notice this development of events and so they continue walking towards the stairs. Meanwhile, my group on the other hand stares at me and Isshiki. Everyone's wearing the same wide-eyed expression.
"Isshiki-san, you should stay away from an unruly beast like Hikigaya. I fear for your chastity" says Yukinoshita with a snicker.
"It's not like I'd do anything to her in a crowded place like this." I grumble.
"Oh my, so you were planning on doing something?" sneers Yukinoshita
"If I said I was, what would you do about it?" I retort.
That takes Yukinoshita off guard. I bet she didn't expect me to come up with such a lewd retort.
"I… ah. I would, I would call the police on you, Hikigaya!" she says.
"Lucky for me I don't actually intend on doing anything." I say
"Senpai! Carry me!" Whines Isshiki.
"Hell no! Walk by yourself!" I say forcefully.
Isshiki pushes me away, gives me a frown and starts walking towards the stairs.
"Uh oh." says Totsuka.
Relax, Totsuka. You're safe with me! That kouhai will not stare at you with such a face!
"Guys, let's go already." says Kawasaki dismissively.
"Umph!" replies Zaimokuza
Without another word we continue walking. We get down the stairs and reach the front doors. We see Ebina standing alone by the door.
"There you guys are! What took you so long? Yuigahama and the others went to the deposit area to pick up her gifts. She told us to wait outside." says Ebina.
"Yeah, okay. There are benches outside, we could hang there." says Kawasaki.
Good, a breath of fresh air. Finally.
We step out of the restaurant and into the street. It must have rained a not too long ago because the sidewalk was wet. Water was dripping from the nearby trees. Ah, there goes the benches…
Since we couldn't sit anywhere else we just stood there by the doors of the restaurant. The street isn't so busy anymore, most of the people probably went somewhere to eat. Kawasaki and the others chat by one side of the door. Isshiki, meanwhile is by the roadside talking to someone on her phone. Not wanting to converse with anyone I decide to relax far to the other side of the restaurant doors. I lean on the glass walls, it's a good thing these are tough. I wonder how long I can put this up before someone warns me not to.
In my peripheral vision I see Yukinoshita walking towards me.
"Hikigaya-kun."
I grunt in response.
"Tonight was fun." she says while staring at the ground.
"Yeah. The food was good."
She laughs a little. "Indeed, you certainly enjoyed the food."
"Why'd you lie to Yuigahama?" I ask.
"Huh?" she asks, still staring at the ground.
"Back then, when we were talking about your present. Why didn't you want to tell her?"
"Ah… You see… I wanted it to be a surprise for her." she says.
"Ah, okay."
Frankly, I bet there's more to it than that. But since she was getting kind of awkward I'm not going to persist. This is Yukinoshita we're talking about, I don't think I'll get anything more out of her if she doesn't want to tell me.
"Hey, Hikigaya-kun."
"Mm."
"Are you busy next Friday?" This time she faces me.
"Huh?" I ask. She probably needs me to join her for a diet party. Her father is part of the diet, and most of their parties involve bringing "dates".
"There's a party next Friday, my entire family is supposed to go. We have to bring dates."
Bullseye. Right on the spot. I should be a fortune teller.
"Why me?" I ask, although I already know the answer.
"Uh, because I asked you?" she says quizzically.
"Any other reasons?" I ask. Surely that isn't the only reason she would invite me.
"Well, I don't have any other guy friends, and our dates have to be of the opposite sex. You know how these things are." she finishes.
No I do not. My parents are mere corporate slaves. We never go to parties like that.
"What do you say, Hikigaya?" she asks once more.
"Sure. I'm free on Friday." I reply.
There's no room for misunderstanding between me and Yukinoshita. If we were normal teenagers we'd think of this as some sort of indirect confession but we are unusual, so it's all good. Just two mutual benefiters working together, that's all. Also, there's bound to be good food, so I'm not entirely wasting my time.
"Ah, that's good then. Then I will tell you the details next club meeting." she says.
"Right. Looking forward to it." I say.
"Indeed." she says with a smile.
The doors of Goose Place opens and Yuigahama, Tobe, Hayama, and Miura walk out.
"Yahallo! We got the gifts!" exclaims Yuigahama.
Everyone comes together by the front doors.
"There's quite a lot isn't there, Yuigahama?" Says Tobe as he stares at the four bags Hayama's holding.
"Yeah, well, Yamato and Ooka couldn't come to the party so they just gave us their gifts for you. Miura's, Tobe's and my gifts are in here as well." says Hayama.
"Hey, Tobe. You should help Hayato with these bags." commands Miura.
As expected. Her favorite, Hayama Hayato, must be treated well… I begin walking to them.
"Uh okay, but I live in the other direction. " reasons Tobe.
"It's fine. I'll take the bags." I say.
"Huh, Hikki? Why?" asks Yuigahama.
"Yeah, Hikio, why are you going to take the bags?" asks Miura.
"My little sister ordered me to walk Yuigahama home." I say.
"Eh? Really Hikki?" says Yuigahama.
"Ha! A true gentleman Hikigaya is!" says Zaimokuza proudly.
Idiot, a gentleman would do this because it's part of his character, his morals, his code. I'm doing this because I have a sister complex.
"Alright then, here you go Hikitani." says Hayama as he hands me the bags.
I know you know me name, but I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt, as usual.
The bags aren't really that heavy. It's just pretty bulky though. What's in this?
"Well, let's get going then." says Hayama.
Everyone greets Yuigahama one last happy birthday and everyone exchanges goodbyes. The group then separates. Hayama, Miura, Tobe, Totsuka and Kawasaki walk towards the train station. Ebina, Zaimokuza, and Isshiki take a cab together since their houses are further and they say they're too lazy to walk any more. Yukinoshita is picked up by her driver.
Soon it's just me, Yuigahama, and Orimoto left.
"Well, I guess this is it. It was a fun night, Yuigahama-san. Thanks a lot for allowing me to join the party." says Orimoto.
"No problem! Any friend of Hikki's is a friend of mine!" Yuigahama proclaims.
Oi, we're not friends. She's a former classmate, nothing more, nothing less.
Orimoto laughs a bit. "Yeah, yeah. Anyways, Happy Birthday, Yuigahama-san."
"How're you going to get home?" I ask.
"Oh, a cousin of mine works at the Goose Place. She'll take me to her place and I'll crash there." replies Orimoto.
Oh, who could this cousin be?
The doors of Goose place opens and out comes a lady with blue hair and blue eyes wearing a black leather jacket,brown jeans, and military boots. Well, well, well. Rikka the attendant, we meet again.
"Hey, Kaori! Ready to go?" says Rikka as she walks to a red sports car by the sidewalk.
Damn, is that her car? She could afford that as a Goose Place attendant? Maybe, maybe not. I'm not one to butt into other people's personal business so I doubt I'll ever know.
"Bye, Yuigahama! See you later, Hikigaya! Tell me if you meet her again!" says Orimoto as she enters the car with Rikka.
The car's engine starts and rumbles. Yep, sounds like a sports car, except it's been silenced for urban driving. The car slowly rolls by us, the passenger side window rolls down and Orimoto waves at us one last time. We wave back as the red sports car gains speed and drives away. The car turns a corner and we lose sight of it. Yuigahama and I enjoy a moment of silence, it's just me and her in the deserted street now.
After a while, Yuigahama turns to me.
"Hikki, let's go home." she whispers.
Not yet. Not for me anyways. I still have to walk you home.
"Yeah, let's go." I say
As we walk down the street I unintentionally look up, there in the blackness of the sky, was a full moon, shining with moonlight. Walking with a girl at night during a full moon… Yep, nothing romantic about that.
And there's that chapter. So, all HachixYui fans rejoice! Can I hear a round of applause from the Yui fans? *silence*
Hahaha! Just kidding, I know Yuigahama has a lot of fans. So as you guys may be suspecting now, the next chapter will be around the HachixYui ship.
Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter, I hope you also write a review, no matter how short. It's just makes me really happy to hear from my readers. Even those reviews that criticize, because in the end I think you all mean well.
This is Veltus, signing off.