A/N: This chapter is sort of a redux/fix of chapter 3. After going back over chapter 3, I realized that it didn't seem as natural or realistic as I wanted it to be. So, while keeping chapter 3 up for people to read, I'm making this chapter the ACTUAL third part in the continuity. Not everything is different, but there's more added in and a few things have been completely changed. Just wanted to say that so people don't get confused.
"Whoa-ho! That's a pretty snazzy looking lunch you've got there, Kyon!", Taniguchi said, as I opened the lunch that Haruhi had made me.
I just decided to change things up, is all, I lied.
"Hmm? You sure some special girl didn't make it for you?", he pried.
Don't be ridiculous, I retorted, taking a bite of the fried chicken. Luckily, Haruhi didn't write anything embarrassing in the lunch or make a heart or something. I guess I know her well enough to assume she wouldn't do something like that, which is why I opened it up without hesitation. Haruhi and I may be closer now, but that still hasn't changed how dysfunctional and awkward she is with Romance. She wouldn't be so open about it. Thinking about this whole situation over again, I've realized that Haruhi has probably never had anything like this before. I mean...I haven't either...but that's beside the point. Haruhi may have dated a bunch of guys in Middle School, but I think this is the first time she's ever legitimately taken an interest in someone.
...Taken interest in me...it still feels strange admitting that. I've known for a long time, I guess. I just never wanted to admit it. The thought of being together with her...was incomprehensible to me. Now...it was a reality. Well...almost. I guess that should be something that makes me happy. I've had a few days to adjust to this whole situation, but it's still pretty alien to me. Ah...no pun intended. Koizumi was right though. Meeting time travelers, espers, and aliens; getting trapped in a monochromatic world filled with giant monsters; even skirting by death a few times. Sure. Why not? But, Haruhi and I...being 'close' like this? I never really thought I'd see the day. I don't think I ever wanted to. I guess I have to ask myself if I'm happier now than I was before. I'm not necessarily...unhappy. I did make this choice for myself, after all. I'm in no place to complain. I guess I was just expecting this whole ordeal to feel more natural. But "natural" isn't a word that you can use to describe anything to do with Haruhi, really. I guess this is no exception.
On the plus side, it seems we're starting to get a better understanding of our relationship at this point, though I certainly wouldn't consider us "dating", yet. We've exchanged a few romantic gestures, but this situation is still pretty strange to us both. I wonder if it would have been easier if I asked some other girl out...but...I chose Haruhi. I'm the one who asked her out. I guess...I really do like her. It feels almost painful to admit that for some reason, but it was something I had to face at this point. Like a cancerous tumor, she grew on me.
Actually...that was kind of mean. She wasn't that bad. She was...different. But, I liked different, I suppose. I wouldn't have chosen this world over the one that Nagato created last winter if I didn't. Like Kunikida always joked, I guess I really had a thing for strange girls. As I ate the lunch, though, I remembered just how amazing of a chef Haruhi was. I didn't know if she would make lunch for me often, but even just having something this good every once in awhile was a blessing. Much better than the lunch I usually had. Not to mention it really felt like she put a lot of effort into it. One of the perks of being close to her, I guess.
Perks...huh?
That slider guy mentioned 'perks' when he was first suggesting this whole thing to me. But...anything more than what's going on is unfathomable to me right now. Haruhi and I would never do any lovey dovey stuff. That's just not the kind of person she is. I really don't think she'd be capable of handling something so intimate. With how isolated she's always been and how unconventionally her mind works, I think it's going to take a while before we can finally settle into this whole thing. Maybe then we can really be considered "dating". But, on top of that...she isn't interested in that stuff, right? She certainly doesn't seem like it. She's said in the past that she gets in the mood for stuff like that, but she never attempted to do anything about it. Now that she has someone to show that affection towards...would she show it?
Or maybe...maybe she'll just keep hiding it or something...
I did...kiss her, once. It was how I was able to escape that closed space. I guess that wouldn't have worked if it didn't make her happy. I guess looking at it that way, she wouldn't dislike doing that kind of stuff. But...she would never willingly agree to it. At least, not in her current mindset. I don't think I'd be comfortable with it either. Our relationship could be best described as a 'romantic gray zone' at the moment. Neither of us are really sure where to go or how to proceed. It's not something either of us have truly experienced before. Because of that, we're sort of stuck in a singularity of sorts. But, maybe taking it slow like this is really the best way to handle it. Rushing into it so suddenly...I feel like it would hurt Haruhi more than it would help. And as much as I hate to say it, I don't think I'm ready for it either. Not yet, anyway. But...who knows? Maybe something will spring up and change everything.
"Well...?", Haruhi asked during passing period, as she sat behind me.
Well what?
"How was it?", she asked, turning her head and looking out in the window with a pouty expression. How was what, I wondered? I wasn't really focused on her meaning at the moment. I was trying to prepare for chemistry. However, as I saw her get more and more annoyed as I took longer to respond, I quickly got my head together and realized she was talking about lunch.
Oh! I-it was great, I stuttered, clearing my throat afterward.
"...I see...Well, of course it was great!", she said, proudly, holding her head high again, smiling smugly and internally praising herself. Glancing back to see her gladdened expression admittedly made me smile a bit. The fact that she was acting so proud of her work probably meant that she was glad I enjoyed it. I doubt she would ever come out and say it, but I was smart enough to infer that meaning for myself. It seemed like I would need to do that pretty often with this one.
So, after class, I headed right to the clubroom. Alone, this time. Haruhi insisted that she had some things she wanted to do before going to the clubroom, and I should go ahead without her. And honestly? It felt a bit better that way. Whenever Haruhi and I found ourselves all alone, it felt uneasy. It was probably because both of us want more from this situation, but don't know if we should proceed or not. Neither of us really had the courage to make a big move. Haruhi has been making small efforts to push things along, and I've gladly accepted most of them, but she still isn't being completely honest. I think it would be more out of character for her to admit she's doing something out of the kindness of her heart for me. I haven't really done much in the way of moving things along, but that's mostly because I don't want to push her any further than she's ready to go. Not only because I don't want her to be hurt, but if her mood or psychological state gets upset, then it could spell trouble for the whole world. That's the last thing I wanted to do. Moving at her pace is probably in everyone's best interest.
I knocked on the clubroom door, expecting to hear Miss Asahina's response, but all I heard was Koizumi. I opened the door to see Koizumi smiling creepily at me, like usual. I guess he happened to be there alone. Well...besides Nagato. But, she was more like a room fixture. It would be more strange for her not to be there.
No one else is here?, I asked, walking over to the table.
"Nobody except Miss Nagato and I.", Koizumi smiled, "I believe Miss Asahina is organizing some things with Miss Tsuruya. As for Miss Suzumiya..."
Haruhi said she needed to take care of some things before she came to the clubroom, I told him, sitting down in the chair across from him.
"Ah, I see.", he said, acknowledging the situation, "Well then, how about a nice game of chess? I'm sure we'll have time to talk while we play."
What made him think that I wanted to talk?
"I just find that we usually have interesting discussions when left to our own devices. And...Since Miss Suzumiya isn't here..."
Yeah...I get it. We could talk about how everything was going.
"I think it's good to see you being so faithful to Miss Suzumiya, if you don't mind me saying so.", Koizumi commented while setting up the pieces.
I had no idea what he was talking about, I told him.
"I just notice that you've been looking less at Miss Asahina and more at Miss Suzumiya. That's all.", he explained, "I'm sure Miss Suzumiya has noticed it, as well. It may be why she's so chipper lately. And it may also be why she's treated Miss Asahina so differently."
It wasn't intentional, I replied.
"Well, that just makes it all the more genuine now, doesn't it?", he chuckled as we began our game. I guess he was right. Typically I'd just disagree and throw it in his face, but there was no reason for that anymore. I asked Haruhi out, after all. I basically admitted to liking her. I realize that I do like her...but there are definitely some things she could improve on. She could be a little more honest with herself, for starters. She's going out of her way to move our relationship along, but she never admits to doing it. I mean, would it kill her to be a little more genuine? As I was contemplating all that, Koizumi moved his King on his second turn.
Moving a King from a safe position? Was that supposed to be a joke?
"I was just thinking that the King should set an example for his men, is all.", he replied.
That was fine and all, but it's still not a wise move.
"True!", he agreed, laughing, "Perhaps I'd just like to spice things up. Seeing you and Miss Suzumiya having so much fun...I think I might be a little jealous."
Yeah, well I think he'd be surprised of how easy it would be for him to get a girlfriend. Not that it mattered to me, or anything.
"I suppose you're right. But, having a secret identity would definitely be a tough thing to maintain while dating, don't you think?", he added, honestly.
"I guess so." So, Koizumi and I continued our game, lightly chatting about various subjects, but also bits and pieces about Haruhi and I. Thinking about it, Koizumi really was my only confidant when it came to my relationship with Haruhi. That kind of made me feel pathetic for some reason. You'd think after all my time in High School, I might have a couple friends that I could share something like that with, but Koizumi was all I had. Maybe it was because he was one of the few people that really understood Haruhi, or at least saw past her eccentricities. I'm sure Nagato and Miss Asahina were the same way. Probably Miss Tsuruya, too, though I'm not a hundred percent sure on that one. I think Miss Tsuruya probably empathizes with Haruhi more than anything...
With that thought, there was a soft knock on the door. There was only one person it could be.
"Come in!", Koizumi called, happily.
"Hello, everyone! Sorry I'm a little late!", Miss Asahina apologized, opening the door.
"No worries. We were just enjoying a game.", Koizumi assured her.
"I'll prepare some tea!", she smiled, brightly.
As Koizumi mentioned earlier, something else that's changed since I asked Haruhi out was her treatment of Miss Asahina. Ever since then, Haruhi isn't requiring her to wear any outfits. She's been treating her more like a friend than a toy. That was definitely a welcome change. Maybe it really was because she didn't feel that she needed to compete for my attention anymore. Miss Asahina wasn't an obstacle between her and I, so she had no reason to vent her frustration. Or...maybe she was just happier. Whatever the case, it definitely makes it easier on me, but I was glad that Miss Asahina had some breathing room. She has been abused and molested by Haruhi for long enough. This was her Senior year, after all. She deserved to have a break. Perhaps due to that, she had been in a lot brighter mood herself.
After Miss Asahina gave us some tea, Koizumi and I continued our game. We didn't have much time, though, because only a few minutes later, Haruhi burst through the door, saying,
"Sorry to keep you waiting, guys!"
"No problem at all, Miss Suzumiya.", Koizumi smiled. As I sipped my tea, I didn't notice the strange silence until I saw Koizumi smiling at me. Glancing to my left, I saw Haruhi looking at me with a blank expression, as if waiting for me to say something.
Uh...w-welcome back, I said, fumbling with my words. With that utterance, she lit up once more, returning her attention to the room as a whole.
"Well, I think it's time we get to making some decorations! I ran out and grabbed all the materials for us, so we can start right away!", she exclaimed, as she set the bag down on the table and began unloading all sorts of arts and crafts items.
You mean you aren't gonna send me to do the legwork?, I snarked. She paused, rather unexpectedly I might add. She didn't throw an immediate comeback at me, telling me that I was stupid or anything. She just...paused, if only briefly.
"You can't always trust a grunt to do everything. Sometimes you have to do something yourself if you want it done right!", she replied, taking on that high and mighty persona once again. Both Koizumi and Miss Asahina were probably just as shocked as I was. She wasn't going to admit it in front of everyone, but she actually gave me a break for once. Normally, she'd send me to run all the errands...but...this was a welcome favor. Realizing that she did this out of the kindness of her heart, I thanked her. Koizumi and Miss Asahina smiled warmly at our exchange, but Haruhi brushed it off, per usual.
"It's not like I'm going to stop sending you to do stuff!", she bantered, "You're the lowest on the Brigade ranking system! You're required to do the hard work! Jeez..."
Yeah, yeah, I replied, waving it off.
Based on the reactions from Koizumi and Miss Asahina, I think that the Slider was right. I guess Koizumi was right, too. Haruhi and I being together like this...it really did make things a lot better for everyone involved. Haruhi's little bits of kindness were tossed my way from time to time. Even though it was only directed at me, the whole clubroom felt a lot warmer during those times. I guess this really was the right thing to do. This was probably for the best. I'm sure it was the same for Haruhi. No...especially for Haruhi. For two whole weeks, we worked on decorations and planning for the stage show. And even though the work was a bit monotonous, the atmosphere in the clubroom was warm and positive. It made it a lot easier to deal with all the work we put in. We all really enjoyed the time we spent, however little the difference was.
But, on the first Saturday, I decided that I wasn't satisfied with how I was doing things. I don't want to pressure Haruhi into moving too fast, but I also didn't want her to be the only person trying to make this thing work. I decided to make some kind of effort. Something small and harmless. So, after we got home, I looked on the internet for anything interesting happening in our area. I knew it couldn't be just anything. I had to look for something that would interest Haruhi in particular. Luckily for me, it just so happened that the perfect kind of attraction was right by us. So, I called Haruhi up and invited her to spend the following afternoon together. But, this time, it would be a lot better than before. There was a new attraction in the next town over. A sort of museum of occult and strange things. Conspiracies and theories, unsolved mysteries and world wonders. All the kind of stuff that Haruhi loved to delve into. It was a perfect time to thank her for all the effort she was putting in, and a time for me to show that I also cared about making this whole thing work. I had to build up a lot of courage to do it, and I wasn't sure how receptive she would be to it, but I wanted to try.
"Are you serious?! There's something like that right by us?!", she shouted on the other side of the line.
Yup. So, I figured we could use a little break from all the work we've been putting in, I told her, she's been working really hard, after all. Even though she's the Brigade leader. Even though she tried her best to hide it, I could hear her sigh happily on the other end. It feels embarrassing to say, but it made my heart skip a beat, I guess.
"Are you inviting the other Brigade members as well?", she asked, taking on a curious tone.
No, this was just an outing for the grunt and the Brigade leader, I assured her, the others probably had other things they needed to do, anyway.
She paused, then returned to her confident tone.
"Hmph! Very well, then! I commend you for finding something so useful! I suppose I should I accompany you as a reward!", she boasted.
I would be honored, I told her.
"Right, then! We'll meet at the station tomorrow at ten o'clock! Don't be late!", she ordered, giddily.
Aye aye, I replied.
After hanging up, I clenched the phone tightly in my hand and sighed deeply. I did it. I invited her somewhere and she accepted. Hopefully this would be better than the last time. We certainly had more to focus on, and it was something that really interested Haruhi...so...it should be fine. Guess there was no need to worry about it until tomorrow. So, I just got everything I would need for the following day ready, even though I had plenty of time.
But as I was preparing, I noticed something. I was...nervous. I was nervous to go somewhere with Haruhi. But even stranger than that, I was nervous to call and ask her to go somewhere. But...why? It's not like this is the first time we've done something alone. Not the first time I asked her to go somewhere with me, either. Why, then? Why did this feel so...foreign? Could it be just because we're...together now? I don't really know why that would make a difference...but I did ask her on a date, not just a outting. It was different now.
A date...I was going on a date with Haruhi. I asked Haruhi out...on a date. I almost didn't believe it. It just seemed...so surreal. Before today, this crazy setup would have seemed impossible...but as I've said before, I guess this was my reality now. Whether it felt natural or not, I just wanted to do my best to make it work. As uneasy as it felt and as slowly as it was moving along, I don't think either of us were unhappy about our choice. That alone was motivation enough to keep trying. So, I spent the rest of my day doing my own thing, but the thought of our date tomorrow hung on my mind all throughout. It wasn't hindering me or anything, I was just thinking about it. Sure I was nervous, but it didn't feel...bad. Time went by slowly, but eventually, night came and I fell asleep. It wasn't a peaceful night, though. I woke up about every hour and a half or so, probably because of how nervous I was. Why every hour and a half? Well, I can only assume it's because of the REM Cycle or something. A full REM Cycle lasts about 90 minutes. But, it could just be a coincidence.
But, the following morning, I woke up at eight thirty, sharp. Normally, I'm pretty groggy in the morning. Today, however, I was up and ready. Maybe because I had been waking up all night. I certainly didn't feel nervous about the date anymore. I mean...Haruhi and I have gone out together plenty of times. Sure, it wasn't really a date back then. There was always some kind of excuse to explain it some other way, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it didn't really make a difference. I was ready to handle this. I guess a restless night was all it took to prepare me.
So, I got up, brushed my teeth, got dressed...the usual. I didn't feel like I was in a rush, but I didn't want to be late on a day like today, so I was sure to be timely. After getting ready and everything, I left the house at about nine twenty, giving myself plenty of time to get to the station. I made sure to bring a pamphlet that I printed out to guide us around the place, as well as a few other things we might need. This may just be something that we normally do, but I wanted it to be...somewhat special, I guess.
Seeing as how I didn't arrive an hour early, I was fully expecting to see Haruhi waiting for me with an annoyed expression, preparing to shout something about the death penalty and how I lack motivation. But...I didn't see her as I rode closer. I was shocked, to say the least. I locked up my bike, then walked across the street to the station center...and still no Haruhi. Looking at the clock, I could see that it was nine thirty. Normally she'd be here much earlier than this. Was she just late..?
Haruhi? Late? Impossible.
I checked my phone for any messages or anything, but there was nothing. Not even a missed call. For a moment, I felt the urge to call her, but I realized she said we'd meet at ten, so I should probably give her at least until then to get here. So, with a short sigh, I closed my phone and turned around to sit on the bench. But, just as I did, I saw Haruhi right behind me.
Whoa!, I exclaimed in shock. That startled her as well.
"W-Why are you freaking out like that?! You scared the heck out of me!", she barked.
I didn't think she was here yet, I explained.
"W-Well, I just got here. So...", she muttered. She just got here? If she got here at the same time I did, why didn't I see her anywhere?
I just got here as well, I said. Another awkward silence. She looked down at the ground, avoiding eye contact. Yeah...this was weirder than I thought it was going to be. Even though we have done this many times before, things were still different. I guess I shouldn't have underestimated that. Haruhi's embarrassed face was undeniably cute, though. Looking over her a bit more, I realized she was wearing an outfit I'd never seen on her before. It was a lot longer and frillier than most of her outfits. A lot more feminine, too. I guess...this was probably her way of giving this her best shot, too.
That outfit looks really great on her, I said after a short silence, trying to lighten the mood. I didn't get a response for a moment. Haruhi just tightened up and didn't say a word at first. But, eventually, she came at me with her usual response to compliments;
"Naturally. Anything fashionable would look good on me, don't you think?", she asked, looking back up at me and smiling cockily.
"Of course, it would.", I agreed, half-heartedly, but still glad at the improved atmosphere.
"Well then, since we're both here, we might as well get going, right?", she suggested.
Our train wasn't gonna be here for another thirty minutes, though, I responded.
"O-oh...right...hm...", she stuttered, completely thrown off. Since we had time to kill, I suggested we go and get some coffee or something.
"Hm...yeah, good idea. Let's do that.", she agreed, holding her chin and nodding seriously.
"Heeeey! It's Kyon! How's it goin'?", we heard a peppy voice call out. Glancing behind Haruhi, I saw Miss Tsuruya with another young girl beside her that I haven't met before. Haruhi turned around slowly and stiffly, obviously terrified that someone we knew was here.
"Miss Suzumiya, too?! Oh, wow! What a coinki-dink!", she exclaimed, walking up to us.
After greeting her, I asked her what she was doing out and about today, trying to keep things as natural as possible.
"Oh, well my little Cousin is here from out of town, so I thought I'd show her around! This is Sachi! Sachi, these are my friend Kyon and Miss Suzumiya!", she explained, the little girl sheepishly waving to us. Smiling at her and waving back, Miss Tsuruya continued,
"So, what about you two? Out lookin' for mysteries, nyoron~? Ahahaha!"
Yeah, well we have a lead this time, so to speak.
"Hmmm? Sounds like fun! So, where's the rest of your team?", she asked. When she asked that, Haruhi tightened up again. Jeez. Talk about failing to act natural. I was doing all the talking here, and she still couldn't keep her cool.
They had stuff to do, so it was just us today, I explained. One look at Haruhi told Tsuruya exactly what was going on.
"Oh-ho! I see! Well then, I won't intrude any further!", she chuckled, smiling, "Seeya at school! Bye-bye!"
Yeah, see you later, I called back. Still, Haruhi remained silent and in shock.
You aren't even gonna say goodbye?, I asked. Haruhi got annoyed at that.
"It's not like we're on a date or anything! Why'd she have to say something like that?", she pouted. First of all, Tsuruya didn't say anything offensive. Secondly, I hate to break it to you, but we are on a date.
Yeah...well telling Haruhi that probably would have just made things worse. So, I kept it to myself. Trying to keep things moving smoothly, I reminded her of the cafe, and after a few more seconds of her pouting defiantly, we made our way there.