He and She, Their Winter Is Still Continued.

Chapter 3

Author/ NothingHeart

Translator/ Demon_Homura


Every man has his history, no matter the glories, or the dark past.

That's right, guys. Don't tell me you have already thrown those dark pasts away, it is impossible to forget those even one piece. These dark memories are "you trying every effort but still can't get rid of" kinds of memories. According to some research, most memories people still remember are painful ones. On the other side, most of the delightful memories are easily forgotten. For me, I'm the guy who is fully occupied by those most painful ones in my whole life.

But well, even with those painful, embarrassing past, people can still live happy life afterward. At least I pretty much worship myself, who makes his own way to now, enduring those countless darkest pasts. That said, without those past, I may not become what I am now. But I know, I'm the most handsome guy in the whole Chiba since I have survived those deep dark past.

So, it is not a bad thing to have some embarrassing pasts. At least I agree with this. Everything is done under my own choices; those dark pasts are the proofs that I become me. But well, no matter the past, the present, or the future. Actually, you don't need to really forget those pasts; instead, you should be proud of them, saying "I really, really don't want to admit the mistake I made in the past…" in a nostalgic tone while drinking Max coffee with that stupid yourself in the past.

"So, you just going to be arrested by cops, you really don't need to be freaked out by these tiny disturbances."

"…Hachiman, your hands are shaking."

"Th-this is called mushaburui(武者震い), w-wa ha ha ha!"

I laugh in a pretty weird tone. Well, let's face the music. First, take a look at the situation right now.

Ninth grade. *Current*

A girl. *Confirmed*

Completely wet. *Not my fault*

Came to my house. *Actually Yukinoshita's house*

…JC! *Not that company. By the way "Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon" is actually pretty nice.*

(P.S. JC, Joshi Chūgakusei, 女子中学生, means a ninth-grade girl student)

After all these come into my mind, I can't help but have a serious headache. Ah shit, I'm fucked. I'm totally fucked. Even kneeling on an abacus can't have mercy for me if Yukinoshita sees this scene. For her, it is a piece of cake to call the cops without hesitation. Well, guess I am going to countdown for the New Year with a radio while being in custody in the police station. Better prepare the bail before everything goes down. Arrrrgh….

"…Would fifty grands be enough…?"

"Seriously, what in the world are you saying right now?"

Tsurumi Rumi, the girl in front of me, gives me an upset look. She tucks her wet hair back to her back, with a cold voice, "Move, let me get in."

"Ah, right."

Since so many pictures come into my mind all of a sudden, I almost forget we are having a standoff at the front of the door. Slightly moving my body aside, Rumi slips through like an agile cat. Some drops onto the hallway from her wet uniform, umm… Hope Rumi the cat won't lick it.

Without saying anything, Rumi walks into the bathroom, takes a towel, and starts drying her hair like she is at her own home. Without any word coming into my mind, I sit in front of her in silence.

"…"

"Stop staring at me, it makes me pretty uncomfortable."

Noticing my sight, she raises her head and glances at me with an irritated face. Just like old times, this girl still speaks mercilessly… Sigh, I try to say in a pretty tolerant tone, "…Anyway, better give yourself a shower. Anything should await until you have a comfortable shower."

"You are so gross when you show your compassion, please stop talking."

"Why said 'please' now!" Now I feel a considerable distance between me and her… Don't even talk about that we have known each other for such a long, long time! Shouldn't you be more bashful, with your face flushing, nod your head and whisper, "Thank you Hachiman Onii-chan"?! All of the above are my sincere hopes from my heart. Of course I won't really expect naively that she does these reactions. After all, she is Tsurumi Rumi.

The fact that she acts no different than usual somewhat reassured me a bit. I point to the wardrobe in the bedroom, "There are some Yukinoshita's clothes that you can wear for temporary."

"…Where is Yukino-san?"

"Oh, she is outside with Yuigahama. Don't worry, she won't mind it. And you better take a bath ASAP, or it will be too late if you catch a cold."

"…"

Rumi slightly opens her mouth like she is going to say something, but soon lowers her head like she gives up everything. Whispering, "I get it. But, Hachiman…"

"Yes?"

"Please don't contact my parents, for now."

After hearing what she said, silence fell over us. Rumi notices my hesitation, she starts become anxious, with her whole body becomes tense. The face usually cold somehow becomes panic. Standing up, she said overwhelmed, "I-I didn't do anything bad! J-Just, that, um, I don't want to let them know, for now…"

"Uhh, it is not like that. Well, I totally forgot that I can call your parents."

I won't even have a single thought of that if she didn't mention it… Right, why do I totally forget about that since I have ways to get her parents' contact info? Must be because RumiRumi is too freaking cute which makes me want to keep her inside our home… definitely not like that. Well, it is because Yukinoshita does all the contact works, since it is she who was officially hired by Rumi's parents for tutoring. Although Yukinoshita and I both teach and assist Rumi doing her homework in fact, Yukinoshita is the only one who has Rumi's parents' number.

Rumi fell off dramatically like she is defeated by my stupidity. I wave my hands, trying to comfort her, "Alright! I won't, I won't. Everything awaits until you finish your shower. But you should be honest afterward, sounds like a good deal?"

"…Deal."

Rumi responds in a weak tone. She pushes away the chair slowly and walks toward the bathroom. Since it takes time, I should prepare some hot drinks for her… And that is, MAX Coffee! That's right, no matter the joy or the suffering, a cup of hot MAX Coffee will always be the best friend for everyone in the winter. Don't tell me how much sugar is in it, is that even edible? Umm, wait, it really can.

As soon as I'm going to make her some drinks, Rumi calls out to me when she is going into the bathroom with clean clothes in her hands.

"…Hachiman."

"Yes?"

"T-Thanks…"

She said in a very low voice that I could barely hear, and soon walked into the bathroom. Man, can't this girl even say 'thank you' in a much more natural way? That's not my cup of tea. My ideal is a girl being honest, acts and talks softly. Also, with a perfect figure… Wait! Arrrrgh, my head suddenly hurt! Did I just recall something I shouldn't remember, or is it my King's Power awake…?! Boku no oo no chikara ga…!
(P.S. From the anime "Guilty Crown")

Alright, just calm down, Hachiman. Count to four, inhale. Count to four, exhale. Now, say the following words five times with your most sincere heart, "bigger one always sags". Now, back to reality. And that's right people, the bigger won't always be better. Don't even mention that Kurosaki Ichi-something guy, he chose the bigger one at last. If I'm able to 'Final Release', I would beat him to Soul Society millions of times.
(P.S. From the anime "Bleach")

In the end, I choose to brew her some black tea that Yukinoshita usually drinks. It is sufficient that only I know the beauty of Max Coffee. Soon after I put the tea on the table, Rumi walks out of the bathroom. She wears the cotton trousers Yukinoshita usually wears at home, but the tops are from mine. My clothes are way too big for her. The long sleeves sway with her arms.

"Yukino-san's clothes look too expensive for me, I don't dare to wear them."

Facing my confusion, she simply spits out these words with no mercy. Girl, do you mean all my clothes are some cheap, unfashionable stuff? That hurts. But well, she's right. Compared to my clothes, her wearing are double as expensive as mine. Although Yukinoshita seldom buys clothing, when she does, the price, it scares me. So why the hell women's clothing are always that expensive? And why Togashi has his back hurt again? And why Watari… Never mind, just forget what I said.

(P.S. Togashi Yoshihiro, 冨樫義博, the author of "HUNTERxHUNTER")

But, it really makes me embarrassed since Rumi wears my clothes… That said, men are unsaveable creatures. Even if the girl isn't his cup of tea, anything trivial like that, can still make a man have a crush. That must be because I haven't Imoutolized Rumi-chan. For example, my lovely Imouto, Komachi. Even if she wears my clothes my pants my underwear using my brush my toothpaste and brushes in my room, I won't even have any feelings about it. That's the spirit! Komachi! And Imouto! It would be best if the government could invent "The complete Imouto transition vaccine" and give them to all teenagers, it must be the savior for those who are troubled by countless puberty matters.

Rumi seems notice I am a bit overwhelmed, she gives a long, deep sigh like I'm the most boring man on Earth. Her slim fingers touch the edge, cautiously bringing the cup to her lips. Looking at her with eyes squinted, looks like it is about time to ask her the truth…

"…So. Why are you coming here, at this time?"

"…"

Her calm face once again becomes hesitant. If you put her expression on my face, that is me when I'm facing the toughest choice about admitting to hiding all the porno in the drop panel of the third drawer. But, after a few seconds, filled with determination, she looked at me with stubborn eyes, and says, "…I run away from home."

"Ah. I see."

"…"

I answered carelessly. Well, mostly that would be the answer. When I was in junior high, I also had the thought to run away from home after I quibbled with my parents. But I got rid of the idea since I realized I had no money and had Komachi at home. By the way, my brain must be malfunctioned at that time since I thought there would be no problem sleeping in the park every night.

But, unlike others, I have no place to go after running away from home since I have literally no friends. As the saying goes, "Outside of the home, you count on your friends". I can only count on my rotten brain and the only choice is to return home. Supporting my head with arms, I ask Rumi who lowers her head, "So, the reason? Quibbling with your parents?"

"...With my Mom."

She whispers, "I tell her my willingness for the high school, and we argue over it…"

"Huh? Why? Aren't you planning to go to Kaihin Sougou High…"

"I changed my mind."

She mumbled, "…I'm going to Sobu High."

"…You what?!"

Gasp with surprise──Well, actually not that surprised. But kind of.

The current junior high Rumi studies is the same as mine.

As I said before, Sobu High is one of the best high schools aiming to be admitted to top universities. And don't ask me which is the second or the third, it is difficult for a guy who is bad at math. Back when I was in junior high, there was only around one person average could be admitted to Sobu High. And that's also the reason why I almost went into berserk while studying to be admitted to Sobu High.

So, how about Rumi-chan? Not bad, but also not good enough. Her grades hold around first twenty place in the school, and that's kinda difficult to be admitted to Sobu High. As for that, she never targeted Sobu High since the start, but Kaihin Sougou High that is a bit easier, until now.

Naturally, if her target is aimed for Sobu High from the very start, it may be possible since she might put more effort into it. But Rumi-chan now is in ninth-grade, it is too late to aim for a higher target. Besides, it is late December now, there are only two months left for the entrance exam. Definitely not a good choice to make at the eleventh hour.

"Would it be a bit too late for now to change your goal? Although we have seen progress since we gave you tutoring, I still don't think it is achievable."

Maybe because the words are too blunt, the corner of her mouth is obviously pointing down. "How would you know without even trying? You too, saying the same let down as my mother."

"I bet everyone will say the same thing for now… Besides, why did you suddenly change the goal you aiming for?"

Hearing the undoubted question, Rumi falls into a weird silence. From her face, I can definitely tell that she is hiding something difficult to tell. Mein gott! Just give me a break! As the saying goes, "To understand a woman, is like finding a needle in the bottom of the ocean." And let me tell you something, the girls in puberty are much worse. You can say those are the needles in the bottom of the Mariana Trench. Although Komachi was easy to understand when she was in ninth-grade, that is because of the bonds accumulated over the years between us. Rather than guessing what a ninth-grade school girl is thinking, I am much more willing to read a photobook with big boobies and laughed like I freaking enjoying it right in front of Yukinoshita… Wait, um, wrong analogy. This is way too over. I sincerely apologize for that.

Since she starts refusing to talk, the atmosphere becomes much awkward between us. A minute later, well, I just can't take this no more! Fine, I surrender! Sigh, "Alright, alright. If you don't want to talk about it, fine… So, what's planning next?"

"Well…"

"Hide forever? Even if I don't care, Yukinoshita won't allow it. But well, I guess only one night won't be a trouble. But what about tomorrow? Do you still have places to go? Like, your friends' places?"

"…No."

Rumi lowers her head. Seems like she ran away from home without thinking much at all. I don't know her social clearly. From what I know, it is better than when in elementary school, but just a bit better. That said, there might be little to no friends who can provide a place for her to stay. The proof is the first place she went is here.

"Well then. It is still pretty late now, better call your parents…"

"No! Please don't!"

She suddenly raises her head, overwhelmingly, "I really don't want to let them know where I am now. If they know, my mother will definitely come and drag me home!"

"Despite what you said, it is still not a good thing to let your parents worry about your safety."

"Hachiman, don't you ever think about escape? From all these nonsense?"

She shows a grieved face, "Of course I don't want them to be worried, but I have no choice but to escape. Even if I tell her the reason I changed my goal, she will definitely refuse to accept it… Moreover, I just can't. I'm afraid to say it all out. And that's why I can't go back, for now."

"So, seriously, what happened? At least this is my place, you can't ask me to have you stay here without letting me know the reason. Who do you think you are, a stray cat?"

"I…!"

Once again, she becomes awkwardly silent.

After a few seconds, still lowering her head, she whispers like she is suppressing those messy feelings, "I thought Hachiman, you, would definitely know me…"

"If you don't tell me anything, how should I know?" Do I look like Saiki Kusuo? By the way, the live-action movie is filming right now. Who told you guys to film that creepy live-action sh*t?

(P.S. Saiki Kusuo, 斉木楠雄, from the manga "The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.".)

As I think of these unrelated complaints, Rumi gets up all of a sudden, running towards the door fast like a frightened rabbit. Holy molly, what is wrong with the girl?! I stand up and grab her in a hurry, "Wait, hold up! Where are you going, kid?"

"…I'm leaving. Let me go."

She's trying to shake my hands off. But, after all she is just a ninth-grade JC. Although she looks like she is using all her power, to me it is literally nothing. Finding out it is useless, she starts to struggle with her whole body like an irritated cat to disentangle herself from me. Yelling with suffering and pain, "Fine! Forget it! If you don't understand me, then just leave me alone! You and Yukino-san are outstanding, how would you two know about my feelings! I-I…!"

"…"

Good, now the mental breakdown sets that a junior high student would specifically have. Set A: "All of you never understand me!" Set B: "I'm all alone in this world." Set C: "Parents are completely idiots." And go on and on and on. Most of their thoughts can be classified as the above sets. For example, a guy named Uchiha almost ordered from Set A to Set F, maybe more.

(P.S. Uchiha, 宇智波, from the manga "Naruto")

But, don't look down on me, because I'm the "King of the loneliness" of Chiba! That's right! The Isolator! Umm, this joke sucks. Anyway, I'm pretty know what her feelings are now. Abandon herself to despair, with no place to retreat. Like someone who was caught by his parents completely failing the exam, crying out to his parents, "Yes I'm that fucking stupid, the fuck do you want from me!", that kind of childish act. But I know someone who will go crying for help from Doraemon. I really wish to fly freely in the sky~! Here, the jetpack!

(P.S. "The Isolator", a novel written by Reki Kawahara川原 礫)

Anyway, since I know the reason for her furious reaction, of course I have ways to deal with her. Grabbing both her arms heavily, staring at her atrociously (I think I am), and intimidating her coldly. "…Quiet."

As I expected, as soon as I did that, she becomes completely silent and calm in no time, looking at me timidly. Looking straight toward her, "…Now listen to me, Rumi. If you thirst for a shelter that can comfort you, give you their compassion, and tell you lies that are soft and sweet as cotton candy, then sorry, this is definitely not the place. Not to mention Yukinoshita, you won't find those things from her."

"No, uh, I-I didn't mean it…!"

"It doesn't matter what you mean, but you act. Refuse to tell, to listen to anything. Selfishly saying whatever you want to say, listening to the words you only want to hear. And you still yelling nobody understands you?"

Sure, talking doesn't equal understanding.

It is arrogant to think that once you said then everyone should definitely understand you. That is a fantasy that only exists in dreams.

But…! Without saying, expressing your feelings. Nothing would begin.

So, you must tell, you must express.

Even if it comes with countless pain, showing how embarrassing you are, and how ugly you are. Even if you want to cry out loud, screaming to exhausted. You have to do it.

I have gone through all of these. So, I can say that to her, without any hesitation.

"After all, I won't dislike you or despise you just because of this. Not to mention there's nothing to afraid of. I have seen much worse, how bad can you be?"

Her whole body suddenly gave up all the strength, with her hands dropped powerlessly. With head lowered, she said in a weak tone, "…But, it is humiliated."

"How humiliated can it be for things that a junior high student can worry about?"

"…I have said many times, don't treat me like a kid. I am not a sixth-grade little girl anymore."

"Junior high is still a kid to me…"

"Eek?!"

Before I could finish my words, with a cute scared sound, Rumi is suddenly shocked by something and fell off. And since I am still holding her arms, I also fell off with her. Omfg! Just give me a break! Those "Nisekoi moment" is outdated and a pretty bad joke to me! And also I hear something like "judgment day" outside, but I have no time to realize what is going on.

…Rumi's face is right in front of me. Very, very close.

Compared to Yukinoshita, her shorter dark hair is still a bit wet, blooming on the floor. Her eyes are opened widely because of shock, with tear stains around them, showing she might cried a moment before. Her fair skin is tainted peachy. Hmm, as I thought, Rumi is totally unlike Yukinoshita. And I can't tell why my head first comes to this mind when she and I are at such a close distance between us.

And then, the "judgment day" comes.

The door is opened with a bang, and I heard two voices. One is vigorous and silly, while another is calm and peaceful like an ice lake.

"Yahello~! Hiki! How are ya doing! I'm howme uwu~"

"…This is not your place, and your slip of the tongue makes me a bit worried. Hikigaya-kun, we're back…"

The time is iced as soon as our sight crashed into.

…Well, let's face the music. Here's what they have seen.

Boyfriend/Friend is pressing somebody on the ground.

That somebody is a girl. *Confirmed*

The hair is wet. *Caused by some guy*

Wearing her boyfriend/friend's clothes. *And the trousers are Yukino's*

JC! *Not that anime company. Btw "Kill Me Baby" is such a good anime*

…Oh shit. Am I completely fucked?

If I could, I wish I could see Komachi's face one last time. And also, it is such a joke to be executed because of some cheap love comedy accident like this.

Farewell, my Imouto.

Onii-chan have a very wonderful life.


"W-Well, Yukino-chan…Didn't Rumi-chan said she was shocked by Rumi rubbing her leg causing the accident? Can we forgive Hiki now…?"

"What are you talking about, Yui-san? I am totally not angry. Please show the evidence that I'm truly irritated."

"Isn't what you're doing now proved enough arghhhhhhhmyhead!"

While I'm Dogeza(土下座), Yukinoshita sits in front of me, with her foot steps on my head, and looks at me coldly. Someone who has a special fetish might be pretty jealous of what I'm facing now. Unfortunately, I have no interest in that, but only feel extreme pain in my head. Rumi sits beside me, looking at me worryingly. As I expected, RumiRumi is so kind and sweet. Hope you won't grow up becoming a woman who will stomp on others freely. And also, will have some part of your body better than her.

"Frankly, I'm not mad at all. Even if I saw Hikigaya-kun pressing Rumi-san on the ground like a pervert as soon as I came back, I'm not mad."

"If you aren't angry at all then stop stomping on me ohhhhhhh my head is crushing onto the ground!"

I will definitely be a dead man if she keeps going on, for real! Our floor is built with tiles, Yukinoshita-sama! I demand humane treatment! At least let me grab a pillow and put it on my head!

"Even if Hikigaya-kun is looking pervertedly at Rumi-san I am not mad at it. Even if Hikigaya-kun let her put on his clothes I am not mad at it. Even if he missed multiple calls from me I am not mad at it."

"Damn girl you are mad as hell! Wai-"

She heavily stomps on my head again, pressing my forehead completely onto the ground. Hmm, this cool touch… Umm, looks like there is a stain on the floor, better clean it up later. I am the model of the househusband since I can still notice this even at this moment, should award me a "Hikigaya Prize" like "Naoki Prize". By the way, how long is this woman gonna step on me? And when she scolds facelessly, she is just like Tsutsukakushi Tsukiko for real, do you want some meat bun?

(P.S. Naoki Prize, a Japanese literary award presented biannually. Tsutsukakushi Tsukiko, a character from the anime "The 'Hentai' Prince and the Stony Cat")

Finally, her foot moves away from my head, running her hair, she says coldly, "Anyway, back to the topic before."

"Finally…"

"Well then. About a hundred ways to punish Hikigaya-kun, which should be first? Tell me your thoughts."

"Wait, I don't think this is the topic we discussed before!"

"Me me me! Yukino-chan pick me! I think the twenty-third is the best for now!"

"Twenty-third, huh…Hmm, it is great indeed. But it is difficult to get us a chameleon right now…"

"Hey, what you girls are discussing is making me more curious and afraid!"

What kind of punishment needs a chameleon? Aren't these a hundred of punishments too diverse? Are they gathered from the Earth to the space?

I stand up and sit beside Rumi. In front of me are Yukinoshita and Yuigahama. Uggggh, it's just like we are having a PTA meeting. Yukinoshita-sensei, did our Rumi perform well? She is being good as always also at home. Please, I beg you, write her a recommendation letter!

(P.S. PTA, abbreviation of Parent-Teacher Association)

"So, the issue is Rumi wants to be admitted by Sobu High, right?"

Yuigahama tilts her head confusingly, "Did you really need to quibble with your mother for this? You can attend more than one qualification exam, just put Sobu High the first place on your willing list."

"No other school…"

Rumi shakes her head, "Just Sobu High."

"That's troubled…" Yuigajama didn't keep asking the reason; instead, she held her head like she is really troubled by this. "No wonder your mother is angry at your decision, after all it is at the eleventh hour, and our school is pretty difficult for qualification."

"Yui, we have already graduated."

Yukinoshita sighs, and then she suddenly stares at Rumi in a very serious and terrifying way. Rumi becomes a stone. "So, the reason?"

"Umm, I-I"

"No matter what, the creature beside you and I are your tutor after all. We have the rights to know why you changed your decision."

"Creature? Isn't your description weird?"

"You, stop talking. There is a roach motel in the kitchen, go wait there until I call."

"You are such a master of insulting others!" Calling others a cockroach, tell him to go to hell, and what's more impressive is there is not a single insulting and cursing words in it. For real, are you majoring in Curseothology in college?

But indeed, this is a just cause. Rumi can't argue anything because of it. Silence for a while, then she completely lowers her head.

"…I know it is weird to say this, but I really can't tell the reason. But there is one thing real, I want to be admitted to Sobu High. So…"

"If you think I would accept it by what you just said, you are dead wrong. For now, your performance is away from being admitted by Sobu High. After you handed in your will application for the High school qualification exam you going to attend, Sensei definitely told you the expected result, right?"

"…Dad said it is probably C."

"That's…" Yuigahama can't continue the words. C, huh? It should be highly credible if it is analyzed by Tsurumi-sensei. So, it is a forty-percent chance to be admitted by Sobu High, even though it sounds not that bad, the High school qualification exam is not about luck. If she can't get an A, then it would just be a dream. Study hard, and improve her grade from C to A, it is as difficult as nailing jelly to the wall. If she really did it, she probably takes some illegal drugs or needles.

(P.S. In this fiction, Tsurumi Rumi's father is assumed to be a teacher.)

Rumi knows she is in the wrong. She became silent after telling. Yukinoshita stares at her, and the atmosphere suddenly becomes heavy. She looks at me like calling for help. Sigh. Alright, the relief pitcher is coming to save the day! Please call me Hachiman Rivera!

(P.S. Mariano Rivera is renowned in Taiwan, so the Taiwanese have many memes about him)

"…We are saying 40 percent, not zero, right? How about you? Yukinoshita?"

"I think it is definitely not a wise choice to change the target now, and also not a right decision to run away from home."

Oh shit, mission failed! Yukinoshita strikes mercilessly! A critical hit! It's super effective!

"F-Fine! Yukino-chan! Rumi-chan looks pretty worried. When I was in ninth grade, I often quibbled with my family, too!"

Seeing Yukinoshita roasting harshly, Yuigahama tries her best to calm her down. But seems like Rumi can't stand these roastings anymore, she stands up again, "I know it is very hard…I will try to find my own way, sorry for taking your time, I'm leaving."

"Here we go again. You aren't going home after leaving, aren't you?"

Pointing out her plan, she shakes her head weakly, "…There must be ways. Thanks for your clothes, I will return them afterward."

"Y-Yukino-chan!"

Knowing Rumi is really going to leave, Yuigahama pulls at Yukinoshita's sleeves in a hurry. Sighed, Yukinoshita says to Rumi, "…Hold on. I didn't say that I won't help you."

"…"

"I'm just trying to tell you my opinion. But it is your call. If you still insist, I will provide you my assistance. But I can't promise what the result will be."

Hearing what she said, Rumi opens her eyes widely with surprise. Well, I know this would happen…Although Yukinoshita is harsh in her mouth, but actually an angel in her act. She won't leave Rumi behind.

"Anyway, first should we contact her parents. It is too late right now, they are definitely worried about you. It is a felony to let parents worry about you!"

"If that so, you should have been sentenced years ago."

"Hehe, my parents never worried about me. I have no value for that."

"What a proud self-abusing declaration!"

Yuigahama opens her mouth widely like she is shocked by my words. Hehe, I am the poor child whose parents only asked him "Do you buy me some snacks?" when he finally came back home after wandering outside at midnight. The only child they will worry about is Komachi. But that's totally fine, because Komachi is born to be spoiled. Now I'm pretty worried about Komachi being lured by some bad guy. But after she grew up, *I believed* she would marry me, so I'm not that worried at all!

"Wait. If you decide to fight for admission to Sobu High, we need to have a study plan first."

Stopping my nonsense, Yukinoshita hints to Rumi to sit down, asking, "I remember there will be some practice exam during this time. When does your next practice exam take place?"

"…Next Wednesday."

"It is Monday today, we have at least a week to prepare."

Yukinoshita says calmly, "Good. Let's get an A in the next test."

"Wait, what?"

I look at Yukinoshita confusingly. Yuigahama also has an "Unbelievable!" face. Not to mention how shocked Rumi is. However, Yuikinoshita replys surely, "If you want Aunt Tsurumi to accept her determination, you must get A to push that. It is reasonable, isn't it?"

"B-But, there is only one week left! Isn't it an impossible mission…?"

"It is difficult, but not impossible. Yui-san, Human is a creature that will show all his potential when facing death, do you know that?"

A cute smile appears on her face, but her words are not cute but terrified. That said, showing all its potential is not a specialty of Humanity, isn't it?

"Not 'only' one week, but 'still' one week. I will put my whole efforts into improving your performance. But it definitely not an easy way to go, can you take it?"

Rumi gives a nod without hesitation as her most determined response to Yukinoshita. "…Of course, I can take no matter what you give. Please help me, Yukino-san."

"Good, call your parents first. Tell them you are going to bet your whole effort on the next practice exam. Also, it is too late now. Tomorrow you are going home to do some preparation."

"…Prepare what?"

I ask. So does Rumi, looking at Yukinoshita confusingly.

"Do I really need to say? Any ninth-grade student has no obligation to go to school during this period, right?"

She smiles once again, with her dark eyes glinting with the light of the ambition of victory.

"Prepare the clothes, all the reference books, and lecture notes. You are going to stay here with us this week. Hikigaya-kun and I will put every effort to assist you."

…What?

After Rumi went calling her parents, Yuigahama going to stay here for a night goes to take a shower first. Now only Yukinoshita and I are still in the living room. She cuddles Rumi the cat and puts her on her lap. She looks comfortable, stretching her legs and squinting. I squinted at Yukinoshita.

"…Is it the right direction?"

"You mean what?"

Without raising her head, she asks back. But I know she clearly acknowledges what I'm asking. Letting out a sigh, speechlessly.

For Rumi, to be admitted to Sobu High, is truly a nearly impossible task.

However, she's right. It is difficult, but not impossible.

To be frank, for what we are facing now, we have three people who have exactly graduated from Sobu High. Yukinoshita Yukino, is the one who is good at the education and discipline of Iron and Blood, and there is literally no 'love' inside of her education. I, am the one who has skills to find every loophole in the exam. Yuigahama Yui, is the one who proves there do exist love and miracle. And also, the inexplicable determination of Rumi-chan. All of these, will be the biggest turn-around victory like the drama "Dragon Zakura".

…But.

"…This might be not what she wants in fact."

Yukinoshita blinks slightly, raising her head to look at me.

I continue, "People behave like this. They are motivated when excited, but always regret afterward."

"Ah, right. Just like someone who yelled like an idiot outside the class building in order to apologize."

"Please don't remind me of it."

And that is completely not my fault! I paid the miscellaneous fees on time, and the girl in charge of fees, who is always cheerful inexplicably, held and shook my hands excitedly. And I can't believe you really ignored me for two whole days just because of that! The best part is she still had breakfast, lunch, and dinner with me. It made me feels like I was eating meals with a doll, and it really hurts my feeling.

She smiles warmly, "Well, but you are right. I know doing all of these still can't help her."

"Then why are you…"

"But."

She interrupts, and looks at me once again. With confidence filling her eyes. "So, 'WE' can help her. You know what I'm talking about."

"What are you ta-" Before I finish my words, suddenly I understand what she means.

'The creature beside you and I have the rights to know.'

'Hikigaya-kun and I will put every effort to assist you.'

'I know doing all of these still can't help her. So, we can help her.'

Yukinoshita never thinks Rumi's request is to her alone. She counts me in from the very start.

Seeing the realization on my face, she gives a cute smirk, "…So, what comes from your mind right now? H.H-kun who simps for junior high girl?"

"I'm not simping for a junior high girl…"

And what is that nickname? H.H.? High School D×D? Or Hunter×Hunter? No, thanks. "I get it, I get it. Anyway, we just finished our test lately, I'll do some investigation on it."

"Good. I'll also keep asking her the reason. Let me do the tutor part since you will only teach her some nonsense weird things."

"Hey, watch your words. I'm pretty solid in preparing exam. Although I cram for it much often since college…"

"You dare to say that. If it is not me that keeps an eye on you, I can't imagine how bad your grade would be…"

She sighs speechlessly. Well, she's right. "Having fun as much as you like in the four years of university" is true. If I were not living with Yukinoshita, I'd probably be one of the students that are kneeling in front of the professor's office after the final exam. It is funny when first watching that scene, but it becomes a sad scene to watch times after. To every freshman, please study hard. It pretty much hurts your kneel to do that often.

(P.S. "Having fun as much as you like in the four years of university" in Chinese is a homophonic pun of "University" in English. So In Taiwan, people always joke about it.)

At the moment, Rumi pokes her head into the living room, "…Yukino-san, Mother asks you to talk to her…"

"Okay, I got it." Yukinoshita nods as expected. Since Rumi didn't bring her phone in order to keep her in the dark, she uses our telephone in the study room. By the way, we don't place the telephone in the living room since Rumi the cat loves to play with the wire, and the telephone always ends on the ground every time.

Rumi anxiously looks at Yukinoshita standing up. Yukinoshita signs her to come along, and then Rumi goes into the study room with her. Well, she is Yukinoshita, and she will definitely persuade her mother sensible and reasonable…

Rumi the cat lose her warm 'pillow' after Yukinoshita left. After wagging her tail unsatisfied, she soon jumps onto me and cuddles into a ball. Wow, what a cat that always goes with the flow. I will call you "wind vane" from now on. Wind cat! Petting her head, I go back to my thinking.

…The reason Rumi changed her willingness all of a sudden.

The reason she can't tell out.

The determination she is going to achieve even running away from home.

It would be a simple job if the problem could be solved by being admitted to Sobu High. But as the saying goes, "Where there's smoke, there's fire". If you didn't steal others' boyfriend, you wouldn't get your shoes to have nails in them… Well, that's not always true. After all I know someone whose slippers were always hidden by other girls even if she didn't do anything. Just leave those slippers alone!

(P.S. In the original novel, Yukino said her slippers are often hidden by other girls because of jealousy.)

A door opened sound comes from the bathroom. Looks like Yuigahama finishes her shower. Her face becomes peachy. After saw me, she blinks.

"Hmm? Where's Rumi-chan and Yukino-chan?"

"Talking on the phone in the study room."

"Oh. Ah! That's wonderful! Yukino-chan definitely can persuade her mother, right?"

She sits down on the couch in front of me delightfully. Somehow says in complaint, "Umm, your bathroom is still luxury as always…The shower head in my place always broken, and it is really bothers me!"

"Go tell the landlord, not me. Do I look like your landlord?"

She gives me a hard look. Whispering, "B-But…If I complain about this kind of nonsense, maybe it will make the landlord think I'm troublesome…"

"Girl, you paid for that! You paid, you deserve better! Customers are kings, and so are the renters!" But I'm the renter who is always being treated like a cockroach. Becoming more and more like a Blattodea makes me feel heartwarming. Instead of a renter, I'm more like an eater. Let's go home, my sword! No Imouto at home! Yukinoshita-sama, do you need me to prepare three hare holes for you?

(P.S. "Let's go home, my sword!" is from an old Chinese story 馮諼客孟嘗君 "Fong Xuan being a customer of Lord Mengchang". The story is about Fong Xuan isn't satisfied with how Lord Mengchang treats him as useless. So he shows his intelligence to make Lord Mengchang believe he is a talent and make him his staff.
"Three hare holes", Fong Xuan tells Lord Mengchang that a smart hare will always have three holes to hide, when emergency they can hide in one of the holes to confuse the hunter. So he also creates "three hare holes" for Lord Mengchang to stay away from danger.)

"Hmm…You're not wrong on this…Let's not talk about this now, what did you two come up with?"

"Yukinoshita will take responsibility for her homework. For me, I'll go find out the reason she changed her target."

"Ehhh?!" Yuigahama opened her eyes in shock, "What about me, what am I going to do?"

"Uhh, you are not her tutor. I mean, you really don't need to do anything…"

"Don't say something like that! We are service club! If someone asks, we help! How does it say? Oh right! Give and take! Double play!"

"Don't put some baseball term in it just because it sounds good…" And also, we WERE in service club, not we ARE…Well, it would definitely trigger her again. Forget that. "Well, maybe you could bring something delicious to us. I will pay you from the tuition, since Rumi is going to stay here, Tsurumi-sensei may pay more."

"You are still fussy about every penny as before…Fine! I will come here occasionally."

Yuigahama smiles speechlessly. Good, especially for food, you must BUY it. Please, JUST BUY IT! I won't be stingy to give you money for this! For the love of God, I beg you!

"Alright then, I'm going to be busy now!"

She stretches herself and then stands up. Busy? Busy for what? She smirks after seeing me confused.

"Didn't Yukino-chan angry at you just then? Seems like she cooled down. I'm so envious of you, Hiki~ You are being well loved~"

"Is she that easy to cool down…?" I strongly doubt that. After all, she is that Yukinoshita Yukino! Not a refrigerator or something. "So, what do you want me to do?"

"Yukino-chan said that you probably hadn't had your dinner before I took the shower. You must be hungry now! So she asks me to make some supper for you!"

"She is definitely still angry now!"

Once again I deeply realize that this woman can't be irritated! For real, let me make the supper. You can go rest now, and I mean it. As the saying goes, "A son from a wealthy family should never be killed by thieves." A great man like me should also never be killed by your cooking. Also, I'm "8man"! I should value eighty grands!

(P.S. "A son from a wealthy family should never be killed under thieves." originated from a passage of Su Shi. Means life is too precious to die at the hands of thieves. Rather than being killed, better give off the money to the thieves.)

"No need for supper, I'll find myself something to eat. By the way, is there no problem at all? I'm a guy, at least. If we let her stay here…"

Hearing what I said, Yuigahama somehow tilts her head confusingly. "…Eh? Hiki, you, will do something bad? Not possible at all!"

"…"

"There are Tsurumi-sensei and Hiratsuka-sensei on Rumi's side, and don't even mention me have Yukino-chan here. If you really do something bad, I…"

She takes a deep breath, lowering her head. After a few seconds, she opens her eyes, looking at me mercily with a bitter smile. "…I just can't imagine how miserable you will become…"

"If you can't even imagine of it, then I better don't, either." True, true. It will come with a horrible consequence. My body won't remain intact after being a dead man.

"But, well, even if Sensei and Yukino-chan aren't here. I bet you won't do anything at all. After all Hiki is such a…Umm…How to say that…A man always plays everything safe? Herbivore? Not a single bravery at all?"

"The words are becoming harsher and harsher…"

I frown. But she's right. I will never do something bad. A good Chiba citizen will never do bad things to a junior high child. Not to mention I am the best of the best, I will never simp for a child. But that's not the point.

"The point is a girl lives with a man in the same house. That doesn't sound good at all. I'll better go home for days."

"…No necessary."

A cold voice comes from the hallway. Yukinoshita returns to the living room, with Rumi following behind her. Both of them sit in front of me. Glancing at Rumi, I ask, "So, the result?"

"…Mother agrees our proposal."

She answers. Look like she is really relieved and not as tense as before. Yukinoshita continues, "Now Tsurumi-sensei knows you are going to stay here. He has no opinion over this, so you don't need to go home specially."

"Am I right? Looks like my honesty and kindness are well-known!"

"I think they are your useless and timid that are renowned."

"Don't roast me like that!"

Both you and Yuigahama are so mean to me! Please call me gentleman, okay? Let me claim again, as a best of the best Chiba citizen, with the spirit of wisdom, trust, love, bravery, and high standard, I will never do anything that will violate the discipline. And here everyone, take your impulse-prevention card, and you guys better remember to bring it when the next pocket inspection comes… Umm, wait, what exactly am I saying right now? Well, guess I better forget it, and should never recall it for the rest of my life, what cards or pocket inspection, sounds stupid af.

(P.S. When the author is writing this chapter, he just retired from the army. The Taiwanese army does a lot of stupid things. For example, due to some privates having heat stroke, the HQ will demand corporals to have measures to have privates never heat stroke again. So they will make "water-drinking cards" and give them to the privates, forcing the privates to drink water at a certain time and record it. They will check if you do the records of you drinking the water, if you don't, something bad will happen to you.)


Anyway, the plan is made. Yukinoshita soon arranges a schedule for Rumi to completely improve her weak subject and the mistakes she often makes. If one of us is free then we will supervise her studying; if don't, we will arrange for her to study on her own or do some exams. Well, it is not a big deal since the distance between the college and our place is very close.

But, sometimes I am totally free even if I have no schedule at all.

In the afternoon after Rumi brought all the necessaries from her home, I go to visit her parents without her acknowledgement.

I'm sure you know my target, JC's room, and the primary target is her wardrobe! …This would be true if I were that Hentai prince. Fortunately, I still keep my high morality although someone is becomeing more and more like Tsutsukakushi-chan! Oscar Wilde, the poet whom I hold in high esteem, once said that… Umm, sorry, I actually don't know who he is.

(P.S. Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi, a character from the anime "The 'Hentai' Prince and the Stony Cat")

"Hope there will be some useful information…"

Of course, hope. She has already argued with her parents, so she might expose some information. And that is what I come for.

Tsurumi-sensei isn't at home because of work. It is Rumi's mother who opens the door, with a confusing smile once she saw it was me. Anyway, she invites me into the door.

I directly explain the reason I visit right after we went into the living room. After hearing, she sighs at first, then says in apology. "…Our girl really troubles you two. We both really appreciate your assistance."

"You're welcome, it is really not a big deal. Yukinoshita will keep pushing Rumi's performance with her whole efforts. But there is a problem…"

When was the last time I talked politely to an adult? I choose my words carefully.

"We think that it would be better to know the w-weason first…"

Damn! I cut my tongue! The legendary Hachiman is dead *because of himself*!

(P.S. A joke of the title "The Legendary Hero Is Dead!")

Glad she isn't bothered by it. Lowering her head, "…Back in the day, Rumi told me she only set Sobu High on her intention list for the High school qualification exam. So I quibbled with her for a while. To be frank, she is always a good and obedient kid. There must be a reason she rebelled. But instead of asking her with patience, I blamed her without thinking…"

After telling, she saw me not knowing how to react, smiling in guilt. "Ah, sorry about that. Shouldn't tell you these things. What did she say back then, right? Let me think… Ah, she might talk about something about art recommendation."

"…Art recommendation?"

"Yes, But I don't why either. At the end, our girl whispered 'But, the art recommendation…', then she stopped talking anymore."

"Hmm, art recommendation…"

"I haven't told my husband about this… Hikigaya-sensei, both you and Yuinoshita-sensei graduated from Sobu High, right? As I remember, there is no quota of art recommendation for Sobu High."

"Right, it isn't."

Confusingly frown. True, there is an International Education curriculum. But that's all, all the others are normal curriculum. Sobu High is a high school aiming for the top universities. Maybe others have special quotas for sport, art, or proficiency in flute piano guitar or whatever it is. But not Sobu High.

"…Or Sobu High just has those recently? Art recommendation quota."

"If they were, I would know. Besides our girl never had interest in art. No need to say she is nearly graduated, so I was pretty confused back then…"

Rumi's mother is mumbling. Suddenly, she is like recalls something important, asking me, "Right, didn't you study in the same junior high as Rumi? Would it be related?"

"Our school? I don't clearly know about that… All I know is there is an art club, but kinda small." After all I went home to study right after school... Uhh, what did I do more than study back in junior high? When I try to recall, my body instinctively refuses to load those memories. Ahhhhhh my brains trembles, trembles, trembles! Sloth! Sloth! I am truly slothfuuuuuuuuuul!

(P.S. A joke related to "Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti", a sin archbishop representing sloth of the witch's cult. From the anime "Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World")

"Then I have no clue…" She lets out a sigh.

Then, I tried to ask some questions about Rumi's behavior recently, but the answer is "as usual".

After a half hour, there is still nothing special. Guess that's it… So I thank for her help, get up and am going to leave. She walks me to the door and apologizes once again, "…It is embarrassing to say this from me…Please take care of Rumi this week."

"You can count on us."

"…Our girl is always a considerate child when at home."

She shows a bit of tiredness, "She is always a good girl. Often told us what she experienced in school. So we are seldom worried about her, thus have nearly zero deep conversation with her… To think it through, maybe me and my husband have never understood her at all."

"Well, kids in her age are always hard to understand. When I was in junior high, I also quibbled a lot with my parents for some nonsense, too. If I could return to the past, I would give myself a serious punch."

Somehow, she froze a few seconds after hearing my words, then she laughs, "…Hikigaya-sensei, you really like to tell some jokes."

Umm, that's not a joke for real…In a bit of panic, "So, umm, well…Anyway, don't worry about her too much. We will keep assisting her to reach her goal."

"We count on you, please take care of our girl."

She bows, watching me walk away. Once outside, the warmth of winter's sunshine comes to me. Take a deep breath.

Well, at least something… I guess? But, what's next…?

At the moment, my phone rings. Look at the screen, turns out it is Komachi who calls me. What trouble is she in this time… Oh! I know! She is definitely thirsty for some Onii-chan elements since I left home for so long! Once the scene of Komachi rolling on my bed with a lonely face comes into my mind, I can't help but think she is so cute cute cute cute cute *just imagine*! Here I come, Komachi! Full of joy, I pick up the phone.

"Hey~Komachi! What's up! You really must missed me a lo-"

"Ewww so freaking gross sorry wrong call Onii-chan please don't mind and if Onii-chan can please live again."

"Are you calling for a fight!"

This is not the Komachi I once knew! Where is the "thirst of some Onii-chan elements"? And what's that brand new way to roast me? You better call the last president of the student council to explain to me about this!

"It is not like that! It is all on you since you were trash talking at first! It is your fault!"

She complains from the other side of the phone, then asks, "So, I just heard from Yukino Nee-san that Rumi-chan is staying in your home now. Is she okay?"

Oh, right. I remember that Komachi is also Rumi's senpai since she used to study in the same junior high. Of course she is caring about her.

"I'm outside right now. RumiRumi is probably studying with Yukinoshita at home."

"Hmm, heard that she is studying to be admitted to Sobu High?"

"Yeah, but kinda a reckless act in my eyes… But she keeps refusing to tell out the reason, so I'm investigating about it."

"Wow~ Investigation! Sounds cool!"

"I know, right? Tamaki Hiroshi!"

"Komachi prefer Cumberbatch more. Ah, but Fukuyama Masaharu is also handsome! What a hard choice!"

" 'The Devotion of Suspect X'? The novel is also such an enjoyment. I'll lend you next time I go home."

"Sounds good! ...Umm, so, what you have found?"

"Nothing special. But Rumi once mentioned something about art recommendation…"

While saying this, I suddenly realize that Komachi might know something although she is graduated for a period. But after all she was in the same junior high, and also a Sobu High student now. So I ask her, "Right, Komachi. Did Sobu High add more quotas for special recommendations recently? Like art or music or anything else."

"Hmm…Komachi remember they didn't."

She answers after a moment of thinking, "And talk about the junior high I was in, there might be even no one using art recommendations this year. I heard my Kouhai tell me that there is only one left in the art club."

"Wow… That sounds terrible…"

I do know the art club in my junior high isn't good, but don't know it has only one person left…This Art Club Has a Problem!

"Anyway, we have no progress since here…It wouldn't be an issue if she is willing to tell us the reason…"

"Nii-san need to have compassion for her! Girls' minds at her age would be pretty complicated! Even Komachi wants to 'chop! chop!' Nii-san very often when in ninth grade!

"Hey! Don't try to use some cute onomatopoeia to cover your intention to murder your Onii-san!"

"Ahaha~ So, what's next, Onii-chan? Keep investigating further?"

Komachi covers it with a cute laugh like a ringing bell. Damn, my Imouto is terrifying! With a moment of hesitation, finally, I answer, "…Well, actually, I am going to ask her classmate about it."

As I expected, Komachi "Eh?" with surprise as soon as I said. "I-I can't believe it! That Onii-chan! Who always refuses to talk to any stranger, even unable to chat with the same gender! Saying initiatively that he is going to ask questions to unfamiliar junior high girls!? I just can't believe it! No! You are not the Onii-chan I once knew! You are not my Onii-chan! Abbreviate not Onii!"

"What kind of abbreviation is that… Well, you are way too looking down on me! Just talking to some junior high girl… U-uhh, s-some j-j-j-junior high g-g-girls…! It c-can't be d-d-difficult…!"

"Woooow… Nii-chan's sound is trembling…"

It is bad, since Komachi reminds, I realize that is a pretty difficult challenge for me. Umm, can I normally chat with a junior high girl…? Wait, I have totally no problem chatting with Rumi-chan. But, is she counted as a normal junior high girl…? Uhh, no? Well…

"Komachi think it is too difficult for Onii-chan! Hold on!"

With a "click" sound, seems like she puts down the phone and leaves temporarily. What is she going to do? Wait! Is she going to change some cheerleader's wearing specially to cheer me up? Damn, Komachi! I can feel your sincerity even through the phone, but it doesn't count if I don't get to look at it personally! Please let me prepare the camera first to preserve this precious scene! Oh shit, I remember the camera memory card is completely filled with Rumi's photos! What the hell, Yukinoshita!

A minute later, her voice comes back on the phone. "Phew! Sorry sorry! I forget where it puts, so I try finding it for a moment."

"Huh? Finding what?"

"Komachi know Kouhai's number. Onii-chan would be better if talking to them on the phone, right~?"

"Ooooooh! That's right! That's my Komachi! Brilliant! I love you Komachi!"

"Thanks! But Komachi don't love Onii-chan even a bit though. Hehe~"

"Sob sob…" My imouto, so uncute… "But, it can? I mean, wouldn't it trouble you? Like, your reputation…"

"Don't mind! After all Komachi has graduated for a long time. And she is probably not that kind of person."

Continued, she adds, "Besides, you are Komachi's Onii-chan! I don't need a Kouhai talking shit about my Onii-chan!"

…Correct, my Imouto is cute as hell! I'm on the verge of tears! Sobbing, "K-Komachi~~"

"Well, looks like it really scores Komachi a lot of points! Hehe."

"Wait, that said, I remember Yukinoshita and Yuigahama bad-mouthing me a lot…"

"Ah, Nii-chan, Komachi is going to say the number, don't bring away the topic."

"…"

This girl still knows how to give me the runaround, really should award her some trophy for this.


After getting the number, Komachi said she will notify her by email, then I shall invite her by phone. But it is a bit late right now. They are all in ninth grade, and should also be busy studying for the exam… Well, better tomorrow. Tomorrow after tomorrow, there are a bunch of tomorrows, like a ton of! There's only "tomorrow" left in my life, so "yesterday" isn't important at all! But the pudding in the fridge I ate yesterday should buy a new one for real. Although Yukinoshita probably won't mind it, since she is not some magical Patissiére girl. Having said that why did the main story end so quickly? It is way more interesting than the spin-off!

(P.S. A reference joke about "Magical Patissiére Kosaki-Chan", a spin-off of "Nisekoi". The "main story" here refers to "Magical Patissiére Kosaki-Chan" while the spin-off however refers to "Nisekoi", since many people think "Magical Patissiére Kosaki-Chan" is way much better than "Nisekoi" itself.)

Returning home, I see Rumi holding a pen on the couch in the living room, groaning with a struggling face on her face against the reference book. Yukinoshita wears a crimson red sleeve with a light-colored dress, reading her books beside. hearing my footsteps, she raises her head.

"Ara, welcome back."

"I'm back, what subject now?"

"Algebra."

Ohhh, algebra, huh? I remember her math isn't good either. But most of the math in junior high only needs to be recited, not realize. So shouldn't be a serious problem. Hmm? If there is a question that never recited? Then read the solution and recite it, you stupid!

"Your method is for the unsavable. Rumi is just not familiar with the basics."

Yukinoshita says calmly with a smile like she sees right through me. Right, right, I have already given up math anyway. Saying I'm beyond saving is not wrong at all. I sway the pudding box in my hand, "I'll put this in the fridge, feel free to take one if you want."

Hearing this, Rumi turns away from the reference book and looks at me, "…Hachiman, what's that?"

"Yamamotodou… Uhh, you probably don't know, but it is kinda famous for making delicious puddings."

Yukinoshita blinks, "Isn't there still left in the fridge?"

"Well, sorry. I ate the last one."

"So it was you…I thought it was Yui."

Yukinoshita gets up, and turns out Rumi the cat sleeps beside her. "I have found some reference books used back in junior high, you better have a look of them."

"Oh, okay. Rumi?"

"There are still ten minutes for the next break. Before that, she needs to complete that part of the quiz."

"Damn, that's strict…"

"Consider the time left, it is pretty loose. If it is Yui, the break time will be half."

Rumi's attention is back to the quiz. Better not disturb her anymore. Go put the pudding in the fridge first, then the study room. Yukinoshita is choosing the books on the table, asking me without raising her head, "So, the result?"

"Her mother said that Rumi mentioned about art recommendation."

I join in choosing the book, picking out some of them published by some renowned publishers. Her slender figure is beside me, with her dark, long hair wiggling with her action. Her body keeps touching my arms with a tickling sensation.

Hearing my words, she tilts her head in confusion. "Art recommendation…? If that so, she doesn't need to study hard as now."

"I know right? Besides, there are no quotas for art recommendation in Sobu High. In addition, I never heard of her being capable of art."

"She was going for Kaihin Sougou High before. right? Wait…"

Yukinoshita crosses her arms in front of her flat chest with literally nothing bulging, mumbling, "Her other willingnesses…I remember they are Chiba Girls' High and Chiba West High."

"You still remember them? I totally forgot them!"

"Please remember them hard. We are her tutor after all."

She gives me a slight stare, and with a moment silence, she slowly continues. "…Hikigaya-kun, these three high schools have art recommendation quotas."

"…They what?"

"For what reason you can't understand what I'm saying? Her original intentions all have quotas for art recommendation."

She said it once again clearly. Wait, does that mean…?

"She is not going for art recommendations, but a school without art recommendations?"

That confuses me. However, she nods after a moment thinking. "Consider that, in the first school district, there are only a few that have no art recommendation quotas, and Sobu High is one of them. Deduce by that, this would probably be right."

"What is this girl thinking…?"

"…I can only give out this speculation. She refuses to talk more here, but at least she is serious in her manner. I think it won't be a bad thing to improve her academic performance at this point no matter her reason."

"…You're not wrong about that."

True, she is saying the just argument. Even if she fails, as long as she has improvement, that's good news. Seems like Yukinoshita has more energy because of that, calmly, she says, "After all we just taught her for half a year, and we still don't know if she knows the basics well for each subject. It is good to check that by this chance."

"Wait, half a year? That said Rumi (the cat) came to our home for one and a half years already."

"What in the world the way you memorized that…But yes, you're right."

Her face appears a bitter smile. We adopted Rumi last summer, exactly the half year after the date we were delegated to be Rumi's tutor by Tsurumi-sensei. So I remembered it clearly. By the way, I finally noticed that Rumi and Rumi the cat have the same names all of a sudden once Hiratsuka-sensei contacted us for Tsurumi-sensei. I specifically asked Yukinoshita the reason she named the cat "Rumi". And out of my surprise, she answered "Because…it pronounced cute", in embarrassment, rarely. I gave her a pass since she is freaking adorable when answering this. Cuteness is invincible, cuteness is justice!

"So, what's your planning next?"

Sidling her body, she tilted her head looking upward at me. Through her sidled hair, her fair nape shows unguardedly, making me stiffen. Looking away, I try to answer with ease, "Well, guess I'll go meet her classmate…"

"Rumi's classmate?"

"Also Komachi's junior sister in the school. I already have her number. Will contact her once Komachi sends her email."

After hearing, she soon squints. "…Sister? Did you just say her junior 'sister' in the school?"

"Yeah. Uh! Wait wait wait wait! Wait wait wait wait WAIT! That's definitely not my fault! This is an inevitable situation, I didn't tell Komachi specifically to find her junior sister in the school! So I didn't wrong at all, please don't arrrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhhh you still pinch me!"

She pinches my legs very hard, and once again I feel and realize how heavy her love is…You are now called "heavy woman" in my mind from now on, and your love weighs about eighty-seven tons. Why is everything so heavy?

(P.S. Eighty-seven is a homophone joke since it sounds similar to "idiot" in Taiwan.)

With a sigh, she says, "Forget it. After all you are in charge of this part, there's nothing I can argue."

"Just asking some questions, nothing to worry about…"

"Not about worrying. Once the scene where you chat with a girl with you two alone comes into my mind, I can't help but be unwilling to accept it."

Try to cover her shyness, she smiles, "…Well, there won't be any girl better than me anyway. Am I right, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Are you dumb? Even if there is a better one I won't like her either."

"Ara, you can say something sweet now. Who is going to be credited to?"

"Of course my princess, your majesty! Please notice that the princess doesn't refer to Komachi."

She nods satisfied, and looks like I successfully eased her anger. Good, another daily achievement achieved!

"Anyway, do what you gonna do. I'll continue keeping an eye on her studying, also going to ask her reasons once have a chance."

"Sorry, there's nothing I can do more on her academic performance. After all you are pretty good at studying…"

"Never mind. We both are proficient at different things. Although I am proficient in much more things than you."

With the additional words, she runs her hair and smiles with the ambition of winning. She really insists on saying that, my girl!

There comes the sound that Rumi gets up from the living room, looks like the break time finally arrives. Yukinoshita holds the chosen books in front of her chest, turning her head to me, "Then I'll go for her now."

"Sure, I'm counting on you."

Then she leaves the room. Listening to their chat, I turn my sight to the studying table.

If our speculation isn't wrong, the school Rumi is going for is the one without art recommendations.

So, to conclude, is there anyone she hates going for the art recommendation? Well, guess not. Even if this is the reason, once she knows the school the one she hates is going for, she then can choose another school from her wish list. There is no reason to go for Sobu High only.

So, there must be another reason.

Somehow, I still feel something isn't right. Not the feeling about something bad or afraid of it. But I know something isn't right. No matter whether Rumi or I, there must be misunderstanding for some of the aspects.

But, am I qualified to question her about that? About Tsurumi Rumi, the girl we finally once again had a connection with just half a year ago. Both Yukinoshita and I are only being her tutor but nothing else. What are we knowing about her, and how can we blame her?

"I thought Hachiman, you, would definitely know me…"

Her face that is going to cry when she were saying these words comes into my mind. But even for now, I still can't tell I have known something.

Words are immature. No matter she, or me. We can't speculate each other's thoughts through the shallow knowledge of each other.

…So, we have to seek, to find.

There is the thing you need to fight for, and there's also mine to devote myself to.

Hands move towards the telephone, calling the number from my memory.


The next day, as usual, it is cold AF. Usually, I have no class before noon, and I can keep lying on my bed until some bad guy forces me to get up. But not today, and I feel sorry for that. Deeply in my mind, I decide if there's next time, I'll definitely drag her onto the bed to be lazy with me on the bed without any love element inside.

There are not many peoples on the streets. After all it is morning at the working day. There are people wearing suits walking past the sidewalk cafe. Once realizing that our society is filled with these Shachiku, I feel it is too good that I had already known the facts this early. Thank you guys, and be cheerful! Japan depends on you!

"…Excuse me, are you Hikigaya-senpai?"

While I am silently cheering for these people, a sound of hesitation comes from beside. Turning my head, a young girl wearing plain with refreshing short hair comes into my sight. But if looking closely, she is kinda cute. After I nod, she pulls the seats on the other side of me and sits.

"Sorry for seeking your help during this period." Start with an apology, but my gratitude is sincere. If I were her, I wouldn't accept this kind of weird invitation. She shakes her head with a smile, "Don't mind! It is frustrating to non-stop studying. So I'm willing to go out for some fresh air."

She said with a refreshing tone. Can't tell from the phone, but Komachi's Kouhai seems pretty kind and generous.

"So, let us order first. Well, umm…Usuka-san?"

"It's Uduka."

"…Oh, sorry for that."

"It's okay! Komachi-senpai also wrongly said my name very often. You two are pretty similar!"

The girl in front of me starts giggling like she saw something very interesting. Never tell Komachi these! She will definitely irritated! Let me guess, hmm…Like "Whaaaaaaaat! Komachi is completely different from Onii-chan from the bone, from the blood! Umm, wait, since Komachi is his Imouto, the blood should be related. Hmm…NO! Completely not related at all!" Right, definitely like that.

Uduka asks the waiter for a Latte. Although I have already told her I'll pay for her, she still orders a cheap drink gently. What a polite good kid…Before the drinks come, Uduka, out of curiosity, asks, "So, Senpai. Are you going to ask about Tsurumi-san?"

"…"

"…Senpai?"

"Ah, uh, right…Sorry, I was thinking something."

There are very few people would call me Senpai, make me stoned for a moment. A brown-haired girl suddenly flashes through my mind. Cough, "So, here's the question. I heard Komachi said that you are the classmate of Rumi-san?"

"Hmm, I guess so. Was back in eighth grade, but not in ninth grade."

"…Do you count as her friend?"

Hearing my question, somehow her eyes become dark. With hesitation, she asks, "Senpai, the relation between you and Tsurumi-san…?"

"I'm her tutor. So don't worry, she is totally unaware of our meeting, all of our conversation will be concealed and classified." Wait, why the atmosphere now feel like I'm cheating? Rumi is my girlfriend, and you are the mistress? No no no no no! I have Yukinoshita now, I will never cheat on her! But if I have to…That's right! Totsuka will be my first and only choice!

Hearing my promise, somehow she is still a bit hesitant. Finally, lowering her head, she answers, "…Forget it. It is a well-known thing anyway."

The waiter brings the coffee. Holding the cup with the hot Latte, Uduka once again looks at me. "Tsurumi-san have nearly no friend in school."

…I see, as expected.

Seeing my face without surprised, somehow Uduka-san is the surprised one. But soon she continues, "How to say…Well, Tsurumi-san seldom talks. When others try chatting with her, she replies pretty…indifferently? Or stiffly? I don't know how to depict it appropriate…"

"Sigh. Well, that's her."

Never thought that one day it would be my turn to worry and sigh for others' loneliness, does that mean I'm becoming more mature? ...Well, seems the answer is "no". When in the classroom, usually there is literally no one would come chatting with me. But the situation is still considered good. When Yukinoshita comes to find me, those boys' sights on me really make me tremble! Run, Hachiman, run!

Well, although Rumi shows pretty indifference to somebody she is unfamiliar with, I know, from her deep inside, she is a warm and gentle girl. However, she would make others have more antipathy toward her by this due to some reason.

"Besides, Tsurumi-san is pretty, so…"

She once again stops saying with reservation. That's right! If you are not outstanding in your look, you will only be neglected. But being pretty and indifferent to others? That's something totally different. Everyone will easily get jealous and hate you. Why do I know about these? Because there is an exact person besides me is an exact example of this, she became much more tactful after we went to college.

"I get it. So, do you know her willingness investigation?"

"Umm, no, I have no clue about that. What's up with her willingness?"

Umm, after all that just happened before days, it would be strange if she knew. With a moment of hesitation, I decide to not tell her that Rumi changed her intention. Ask her another question, "Well then, have you heard of anyone is going for a specialty recommendation in your school? Like art or…"

"Ohhhhhh! I know this!"

Uduka answers cheerfully, with her eyes sparkling. She tilts her body towards me, "Senpai, do you know the county art competition that just held?"

"Uhh, well, no. Sorry."

Suddenly she shows a disappointment, mumbling "So we are the only ones who know…" Continues, "It is renowned in our school before. We have a schoolmate who gets the gold award in the county art competition. And everyone is saying that she now has plenty of schools that are willing to admit her. Besides, since the principal specifically had a celebration for her, her reputation was going wild at that time!"

"…"

"She is in the art club, but Senpai, I bet you know, that our art club was pretty weak. For this year, she is the only one left. The consultant of the art club doesn't even know a thing about painting! That person, under such circumstances, she kept drawing and drawing, and finally got herself a big award. That is pretty inspirited!"

"So, I guess she would go for specialty recommendation by this?"

"I bet she would! So she can keep mastering her painting after going to high school. As I remember, the principal said that with this award, she can go to a better art school across the district!"

"…That good?"

"That good! Senpai, do you know? Before that the art club was pretty unpopular, nearly nobody would go there. But after being awarded, there are usually full of people admiring her work. Since she is always painting, she also has nearly no friends. And she became delighted when she saw there were a lot of people who came for her work. Oh right! Tsurumi-san is also close to her."

While I am thinking about how it related to Rumi, she spoke out something important like nothing happened. I ask her in a hurry, "Wait, what? Why?"

"Because I remember that before Nansei-san was awarded… Ah, Nansei is her name. So, before Nansei-san was awarded, she always stayed in the club room during lunch break and club time. Occasionally, I saw Tsurumi-san go there. They probably knew each other well very early. And I even once saw Tsurumi-san being Nansei-san's painting model."

"…Is that so? What's her full name, can you write it down for me?"

"Nansei-san? Hmm…I remember her last name is Hatsuho."

Uduka takes out her phone, and types her name in Kanji on the screen. Hatsuho Nansei (初穗南晴), right? I remember that. Standing up, "That's all I need to know. Really appreciate all of these."

"Uh, is that enough?"

"Yeah, take your time, I'll go check the bill."

"Ah, okay! Thanks, Senpai!"

Uduka seems a bit overwhelming, but still shows her appreciation with energy. What a good girl! Seems like Komachi's reputation won't be damaged.

After paying the bill, I leave the café. Looking at the sky, it is still early, the warm sunlight touching through the clouds. I squint to avoid the light, with a deep sigh.

…Looks like there's one more person to search.

Silently, I take out the phone, and search with the keyword "Hatsuho Nansei".


"So, the result?"

After a week, Yukinoshita and I are preparing dinner together. We are going to have Udon tonight. She puts the noodles into the pot experiencedly, with the steam coming up, while I am taking out the kelps and bonito flakes. Rumi is wandering around our feet as usual like hoping we can feed her. While dropping some flakes intentionally, I ask her back, "Huh? What result?"

"Playing dumb…Aren't you seeking that girl? Do you find her?"

"Unfortunately, no."

Shrugging, "If she is going for admission by art recommendation, she should still probably go to the school. But her appearance never came."

And yes, once I was free from class, I always ambushed in front of my old school when after school. If I wasn't born with a weak presence, I might be arrested someday. Police I swear to god, not simping for a child! …Gladly there is no chance for me to justify myself with this.

But, I never have a sight of that girl called Hatsuho Nansei that I have known from the news. Uduka I met before and Komachi also don't have her number or contact. Although I want to try Rumi by saying this name, once I remember the exam is right at the corner, I really don't want to distract her by this. I even thought about sneak peaking her phone, but gave up after Yukinoshita gave me a furious stare.

Yuigahama also knows this, at first she energetically said "Just count on me!", but is being completely frustrated these days, telling me she also can't find her. Even Yuigahama's chaos…Uhh, I mean her wide information network doesn't work, then I also have no clue.

"But…I can tell that you already have ways to find her out."

Giving me a glance, she smiles. Uhh, does that count…? "…Well, no matter what, it won't be an issue before the exam. Didn't she perform well recently?"

"Yes. Although she would think longer when the question varies, with more time she can still solve it. Without being nervous, getting an A would also be possible."

She clearly informs that. Well, since she said, then she meant it.

The dinner is ready, and so is Rumi's break time. We prepare to enjoy our dinner.

Rumi and Yukinoshita sit together, while I sit on the other side. In my view, they look pretty like sisters. With hands together, she picks up the chopsticks after saying "Thanks for the dinner".

Although the test is tomorrow, she still looks pretty indifferent as usual. I talk to Rumi who is eating noodles, "…Do your best tomorrow."

"I will."

She answers in no time, with a smile, "…I am really thankful to both of you these days. If I can get an A, all credits go to you two."

"Stop talking dumb things, the exam even not start yet."

Yukinoshita also rains on her parade in no time. "And even if you get A, that's all because you hard-studying. I said from the beginning, the only thing we did was assist."

"I know Yukino-san would say these as expected…"

With a slight sigh, Rumi and I look at each other with a knowing smile. At the moment, Yukinoshita looks toward me speechlessly. "You…There's something on the corner of your mouth."

"What? Really? Here?"

"No, the other side. Forget it, let me do it for you, stop moving."

She stands up towards me, with her slim finger wiping my mouth. Ah, so it is cilantro on my mouth. Gladly not blood stains on my mouth.

"Thank you~"

"Still acting like a child…"

I thank her casually then continue eating my noodles. Damn…she always cooks so perfect and delicious…Even if I'm not willing to, it feels great! With a bitter smile, she licks off the cilantro on her fingertip, then also starts to enjoy her dinner.

Somehow, Rumi is silent for a while. Then she asks, "…Yukino-san."

"Yes?"

"Why do you like Hachiman?"

I almost burst out of the soup in my mouth once I heard her question. Eww! So filthy! However, Yukinoshita still keeps calm. She gently wipes her mouth with a tissue paper, asking her back, "Why ask this all of a sudden?"

"…Because I never asked it before."

Seems like she accepts this as the reason, she blinks her eyes, with her long eyelashes wiggling. Glancing at me, she answers while pretending serious, "That said, I never told you that I like him, right? Are there some misunderstandings?"

"Hey! That's way too over to say that a misunderstanding!" It is waaaay too over! Does that mean your majesty doesn't date and even live with me because of love? Man, that is really a big mistake. So I think I'm that, right? Like a refrigerator or some kind of furniture?

"Just joking."

She smirks naughtily. Tilting her head, she looks toward Rumi-chan. Slowly, she answers. "…I just can't answer you clearly at the moment if you want to know it. But the biggest one…I think is…'understanding'.

"Understanding…"

Rumi starts thinking like she's trying to understand the meaning. Nodding her head, Yukinoshita continues calmly, "…I think that this world is dumb and stupid."

She once again glances at me. To respond, I raise my eyebrows silently. Somehow she smiles bitterly, but with a pretty peaceful expression.

"There are a bunch of foolish people and way too many dumb things. There are many who think they are smart, but do some unseemly things. Try to achieve some unreasonable things in a completely wrong way. So this world is stupid."

"..That's what I exactly thinking."

"…So, I want to change this world."

She says without hesitation, "I have confidence that I am right, and I can achieve it. I have done many things that I considered right. But…"

…The world hasn't changed at all.

Believe in herself being on the right side, and believe in herself she would never do things wrong. But even with such a confident faith, there are still so many ridiculous dramas going on.

If I'm right, why there is not a single change in the world?

So there's only one conclusion coming out.

"…The foolish one, should be me."

Calmly, however, she smiles. She looks toward Rumi staring at her. "But, at the time I trapped thinking those to myself, Hiratsuka-sensei persuaded me, so a club began."

"The service club?"

"Yes. At the club, I finally met people who were willing to understand me, to support me. Hikigaya-kun is one of them, and that's it."

She gives the conversation a clean end. Rumi, however, winks in confusion. "…That's it?"

"Well, there were still a lot of things we have gone through." I added vaguely. While Yukinoshita lowers her head, with clear eyes looking at Rumi.

"…Not 'that's it', but 'that's good enough'."

"…I don't get it."

"One day you will, I didn't understand it back then, either."

Closing her eyes, her face is calm like a clear lake in the early morning. "Even if the world is really dumb and stupid, once there is someone who knows you, understands you, and is willing to accept you. From that time on, you can keep walking on your way without any hesitation and confusion. So, the point is…"

Opening her eyes wide, she concludes in deep meaning, "…You have to find that special someone."

Rumi opens her mouth, like trying to say something. But soon she closes it like she was shocked. Lowering her head, she places the chopsticks neatly on the bowl, "…I'm full. Thanks for the wonderful meals."

"Good. Prepare for the next round after a break."

Rumi nods slightly in response, putting the bowls into the sink and then walking towards the living room. I squinted at Yukinoshita continuing to finish her noodles, "…You also talk well now."

"Just spitting out the truth." She answers with ease. Well, just as I guess she would answer.

"…That said, I am still unable to say that I have understood you."

"…True, but we still have plenty of time, right?"

She gives a pleasant smile. Ohh…! That is a direct strike to my heart! ...To Heart! By the way, I prefer the first title to the second one.

(P.S. "To Heart", an adult visual novel game.)

"But well, it is also not a good thing if understand too clearly."

"Is that the thing you want to tell her?"

She directly hit what I'm thinking, girl…Do you really not consider being a detective? You will definitely make big money! Let me think, hmm right, first with a smoking pipe in the mouth, saying "My fountain of wisdom has already found out the truth!" something like that. It would suit you very much! Com'on! Let's start today being a free detective! You are a detective, and I'm doing free! Here comes the money! Here we go! Money talks!


The next day, Rumi starts preparing everything she needs very early to catch up the exam. Yawning, Yukinoshita and I going to watch her leave. While tidying up Rumi's collar, she asks her in worry, "Everything set? Admission ticket, your ID card, and all the stationeries. Are you sure they are with you?"

"Yes, all in the bag."

"Do you bring additional pens? Would be extremely embarrassing if you broke your pen during exam, and would be worse if you have no friends to borrow."

"Don't scare her…But he's right, did you bring the spare ones?"

"I got it all neat! Hehe, Yukino-san is really like my mother!"

She can't hold any longer but laugh with her hands covering. Yukinoshita sighs speechlessly, while I'm in a good mood for hearing these.

"If that so, I will be RumiRumi-chan's father! Rumi-chan, Dad is here~"

"I don't want Hachiman to be my father."

Can't believe my tiny wish is vaporized in no time. Hmph! Never mind, I still have Komachi! I love to destroy this world just for Komachi, and that's why fully understand why Lelouch did all of the things, and I cried like an idiot when I finished the last episode. Well, guess it is time to rewatch the whole series again.

Watching her leave for her battle, since both of us will have class until 10, we still have some time. Yukinoshita looks at me, "…Are you going back to sleep for a bit longer?"

"Yep!"

After a moment of thinking, I change my mind, "Well, actually no. Since we get up, let's do something."

"Ara? It is rare to hear this from you."

She smirks naughtily, "So, what are you gonna do?"

"…To be honest, I have suppressed my thirst for that thing since Rumi stayed here, and I can't hold much longer."

"Eh? You mean…!"

Before she can finish her words, suddenly she widely opens her eyes like she realizes something. Her fair cheeks blush, and her breath rush. She backs off a step like trying to keep a distance away from me, and then says in a troubled manner. "W-Well, umm, I totally forgot that…"

"You, too? Well, since I seldom do it."

"S-Seldom? Three times a week at least, don't we?"

"What? Do I? I'm not that indulgent."

"…Indulge you said?"

She holds on to the wall fatiguingly like she was completely shocked. So, why are you so shocked? I just don't get it. "Anyway, since decided, let the preparation begin…Yukinoshita, can you give me a hand?"

"G-Give you a h-hand? Well, umm…Even if you said so…"

"It is not that hard! You have seen me doing it before already! By the way, you still know how?"

"I have seen you do it before? I-I have no image about that."

"No? But I have seen you do it yourself a lot…And you did it quite good."

"& #$!?"

She seems completely overwhelmed. She keeps shaking her head like she is unbelievable to what I just said with her face totally flushed. Umm, although I don't know why she is in panic, it is fresh to see her panicking. She answers overwhelmingly, "A-Anyway, if you want to, it's not impossible that I-I can give you a pass…But, that, umm, that early? Right now?"

"What? It is not about the time! And we are going to have class soon, right?"

"Y-You are not wrong about t-that…"

Like trying to calm down, she takes a deep breath. Looks like she is a bit calm, but her face is still flushed out. She whispers timidly, "…Well then. I'll go prepare in the bedroom…"

"Why? We can do it here."

"H-Here?!"

"I should say it can only be done here."

"…But, w-we put it in the nightstand, right…?"

"What, why did you put the controller in the nightstand?"

She looks like her buzz is completely killed as soon as she heard what I said. Furiously, she stares at me, "…The controller you are talking about?"

"Of course for PS4! I remember I put it under the television last time…Uhh, so you took it away after?"

Are you going to do research on that gamepad? Well, it's just a normal gamepad, nothing special at all. "So, do you remember how to assemble it, right? I remember you did it last time I forgot how."

"…I'm going to ignore you."

Really didn't expect that she just storms off and locks herself inside the study room.

…Strange. Why is she irritated all of a sudden?

At last, I still can't manage to finally play my beloved Dragon Quest Heroes II I haven't played for a week. I was even late for class just to apologize to Yukinoshita. But she didn't tell me what she misunderstood for 'til the end, and it is still confusing me to now.

When the class afternoon, since she is still angry, she sits far away from me even though we are in the same class. Well, guess I should keep on apologizing later…But I also benefit from this for I can finally slack off in this class. Looking at my phone boringly, suddenly a message comes. It is from Yuigahama.

"Hiki! I found it!"

…Found what? Dreams and hopes? She soon replies after I messaged her these.

"Of course not! I have those with me always! I'm talking about Hatsuho Nansei! Aren't you searching for her?"

Oh, right. I remember that is a thing. Let me think…"…Well then, ask her for me when she is free, I want to ask her about Rumi-chan." Okay, send it!

Minutes later, my phone turned to silent turns on again, "She says anytime you want. Your reply?"

Hmm, out of my expectation, it is quite easy to invite her out. But I can't do it without finding her. That's Yuigahama, she is good at it, and it is right to ask her for this. When I'm still considering about time, the phone once again turns on. What's so hurry, Yuigahama-san? I look at the phone impatiently, and soon open my eyes wide shockingly.

…It is a very simple message from Rumi-chan.

"B."

…Well, Yukinoshita, guess there is no time for going on a cold war now.


When Yukinoshita and I finally found Rumi-chan, she is swinging on a swing in a park near the school, staring into space.

It is about evening, with the sunset casting a long shadow over her tiny figure. Once she sees us she stops swinging. Coming up with a bitter smile, she apologizes right off the bat.

"…Sorry."

Somehow, calmly, "I…I only got a B."

Yukinoshita and I don't know how to react at all. We both go into silence for a moment. Rumi, however, misunderstood our reaction, lowering her head, "…I'm really, really sorry. You both helped me a lot, but I still…"

"…Well, you managed yourself to get a B just for one week. Umm, well, you really need to be proud of yourself and don't take it too seriously."

I finally squeeze out a reply to her after trying hard thinking for seconds. Yukinoshita reaches out her hand, but soon hangs down like she giving up. "…I said it from the very start. I can't guarantee you anything. Since there is no guarantee, you shouldn't blame yourself too much."

"No…It is not like that."

Rumi-chan shakes her head, whispering in a weak tone, "I…I am such an awful person."

"…"

"Always consider myself only, quibbling with my parents for selfish reasons. I am the one who still can't reach the goal even asking for your help…Gosh, what exactly am I doing right now…"

Choking with sobs, but soon becomes more and more hoarse, "…I am really, really like an idiot. There is nothing I can achieve. Friends, family, grades, and I…"

…Failed all of them.

I become silent again. A saddened face appears on Yukinoshita. With a gulp, I say, "Yes, you failed."

"…Yes."

"Hey, do you think you can cross all of these failures?"

"I try so hard, and got so far...Yet I still can't do them good…"

"So what? Then don't cross it."

Both Rumi and Yukinoshita look towards me with shock once heard what I said. Saying with resentful, "If there are setbacks we overcome, if there are difficulties we overpass. Take bitterness as a challenge, take hindrance as a trial…You got to be fucking kidding me! I have no fucking patience and perseverance for all these BS! Frankly, I would exhaust myself just for trying to wake up in a cold, shivering winter morning! Who cares about those shitty ass trials or whatever they called? If I should endure those hardships to become stronger, I would rather be a useless prick!"

"It is truly convincing when these words are coming from your mouth…"

She said in surprise. However, without replying to her, I keep preaching my ideologies to Rumi. "Let me tell you something, life basically is full of frustrations. Those who succeed would tell you overcoming will bring you a transformation into a better person. But!"

How about those who failed?

How about those who failed to overcome the difficulties? Should their failure completely blame themselves?

So, I despise this ideology.

The one who can overcome those difficulties is me, the one who can't overcome them is also me.

Once it is me, I will always embrace myself, and forgive myself no matter if I fail it or not!

"Those BS are said by the one who has succeeded. How to overcome those setbacks is not the hardest thing in our lifetime, but how to keep forwarding even crawling after defeated is! Try hard thinking to barely run away from those you can't overcome, to solve the difficulties in an easier way. To think, to find, to use every means, with your whole efforts to run away…This, is the real thing, the most difficult thing you can achieve!"

Walking next to her, I pat her shoulder, "…So, if you failed, if you are defeated, then you run away. If you can't overcome it, then you let yourself be knocked out. I won't blame you for these."

"…Hachiman."

"…So does those about Hatsuho Nansei."

Clearly, I said. She shockingly opens her eyes wide, "H-How did you know that!"

"…The reason you change your intention, is because you thought you were left behind, right?"

The only friend, suddenly became the focus.

Losing the only comfortable place, no matter the lunch break or the club time.

Watching her friend delights in all of these, I can understand how Rumi felt.

"No! I…It is not like that…

"But the reason you chose Sobu High, is because there is no quota for art recommendation, and also there won't be too many who have known you. Am I right on that?"

…Want to have a fresh restart.

No matter the people she likes, or hates. Want to be in a new place where no one knows, and have a new life.

How shouldn't I know? Since she is the past me. Who wants to have three more years with a bunch of assholes? I won't take it even if you give me money for that!

"T-Ture, but I…!"

"…The reason is not the point. You choose to run away, but is that bad? If you can feel better without hurting anyone, I don't think there is a problem."

That's the human nature, one kind of instinct. Should we deny the instincts? Just run away, girl! No need to be ashamed of it! Your frustration won't be cheaper with these cheap emotions.

Seeing Rumi mumbling with her head lowered, trying to argue. As soon as I'm going to strike my final decisive words, a familiar sound comes from behind.

"End it now! Hiki, shut your mouth!"

"…Yuigahama?"

Surprisingly, I turn my head. Yuigahama walks fast towards me furiously with her arms akimbo, while Yukinoshita is looking at me calmly. Umm, must be her who notifies Yuigahama.

Looking clearly, there's a girl following behind Yuigahama. Since in a poor light, I can't tell who she is. Once Yuigahama comes beside me she gives me the hardest kick on my calf! Arrrrrrgh that's hurt! What the hell did you just do! Now I have to call in sick when morning exercise! It is such a pain that I can't participate in 3,000 meters long run! Wait, what exactly am I saying?

(P.S. Also a joke about army life.)

"Nansei-san never leaves Rumi-chan behind! How can you say all of these nonsense when you literally know nothing at all!"

She starts scolding me as I crouch down painfully, and it is only then that I realize the girl behind her is Hatsuho Nansei herself. Kinda different from the photo on the Internet, the long hair replaces her dark, short hair. The look on her face also becomes more pronounced. But somehow those don't change the warm feelings she brings.

When Hatsuho walks toward Rumi, she explains in a hurry, "No, I-umm- Nansei, it is not like that! I never think of t-"

Before she can even finish her words, suddenly, Hatsuho holds Rumi. She becomes much more overwhelmed because of the sudden action. Confusingly, she looks at Hatsuho with her head lowered. "Nansei-san…?"

"…I know. There is no way that Rumi would ever think like that."

She whispers. Her voice echos steadily in this small park, and we all silently wait for what's going on next. "I know, Rumi-san…You do all of these because you are concerned about me, right?"

Once heard of it, tears come out from her eyes. Choking with sobs, "Nansei…! I…I…!"

At this moment, I finally realize.

…Realize I am the one who misunderstands all of these from the start to the end.

I thought Nansei grew apart from Rumi because she was surrounded by people who celebrated her. So Rumi decided to leave away from her, unwilling to go to a school where Nansei may be. The only left choice would be Sobu High.

And that was a big, big mistake. Because, not only Rumi treats Nansei as her only and best friend, but also does Nansei. If Rumi is going to be admitted by the school she originated scheduled, Nansei would also have a high possibility to go for the same high school. Which means, Nansei will abandon a great chance to go to a better school because of her, and that's the exact reason why Rumi insists on going for Sobu High.

"Nansei…I really, really like your work…!"

Rumi is held tightly by Nansei. She can't stop choking, with tears rolling down her cheeks unstoppably. Trembling, weakly she says, "So, I really wish you could go to a better school to further improve your skills. The last thing I want is…!"

...is you give up a better chance just for me.

Rumi spits out her deep thoughts from her heart without saying it. Nansei holds her more tightly.

"…Rumi." Nansei seems also trying to keep her tears not to drop, she says in a reproachful tone, "…did you still remember what you said the first time you saw my paint?"

"…Are you talking about the white birds flying high?"

"Yes. Everyone who ever saw it would only praise it bring real and splendid…But you, you are the only one asking me if the paint is put upside-down, do you still remember it?"

"Of course I remember!"

"And I never tell you, that you are absolutely right…The bird, is actually falling..!"

She continues in a sad tone, "Even if I can go to a better school, so what? If there is no one understands me, no one likes my art with their heart, then what's the point of painting anymore? Do you ever know why I keep painting? Do you really think I like to stay in that club with no one left but me? Right, I was really happy when I was awarded! But, after that, you…!"

…you never come to the place anymore.

"If this is what I got in the end, I hope I was never awarded! The reason I keep painting, the reason I enjoy painting, all of these! It is because…!"

Because there are you, the one who really understands my art.

Because there are you, the one, the only one, who understands me.

So, Hatsuho Nansei can keep on her painting.

Not only for Rumi but also for herself. And only with her, then she can keep on painting, continue her journey on the canvas.

Rumi looks toward Yukinoshita, and she gives her a nod, with a "now you know" look. "…I guess it is time for us to leave."

"Yep, looks like it."

"Good! They finally make up with each other…Wait, there was never a quibble!"

Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, and I decide to leave, giving them two some time and space. Alright! Now, let the young do the undone! What a happy ending! The only miserable one is me with my calf still hurting. But well, I bring that to myself, so I better not complain about it.

Before we leave, Yukinoshita turns around and gives Rumi a warm smile, "So…Now you can go on with determination."

"…Yes. Thank you, Yukino-san."

Tsurumi Rumi gives her so far the best smile, filled with determination.

Seeing that, I thought to myself. Well, they are truly alike to each other.


So, here's the afterword. Yes, but actually no.

After that, the misunderstanding was solved. Rumi apologizes to her parents, and we also get paid more. And Tsurumi-sensei is really surprised that Yukinoshita significantly improved Rumi's performance in under one week.

And Rumi? She still decides to go for Sobu High admission, but not the only target. Asking her the reason, she somehow becomes embarrassed, "…Because Nansei said she can paint anywhere…". Besides, Nansei is doing well on her academic performance, if both of them are admitted by Sobu High, that would also be another wonderful story. Umm, although these kinds of teenage things make me wanna puke, I will hold it because Rumi is really putting all her efforts during this time. Anyway, even if she fails, there are still Kaihin Sougou High, Chiba Girls' High, and Chiba West High.

Their future is wide, with everything possible.

Ours are narrow, but there's still a light.

So, easy ourselves! Let's live on leisurely but also diligently!

The next day, Rumi is packing and going to leave. Since Yukinoshita has class very early, she can't watch her go. And me? Rubbing my eyes, I take her to the door going to watch her leave as always.

"Well then…Take care of yourself."

"Got it. Thanks for troubling you these days."

"Well, it is really troubling me a lot…"

Hearing my complaint, she gives me an irritated stare. What? You really troubled me a lot! Because of you, I have to sleep on the couch for more than a week! But well, it is comfortable to sleep on once I combined the two of them.

"Anyway, I don't see bads in keeping on fighting for Sobu High. And you also have a better relationship with your friend, right? If you work harder, maybe you can be our Kouhai."

"Hachiman, do you know why I still want to go for Sobu High?"

"Why? Isn't it because…"

Wait, talking about that, she did have no reason to keep Sobu High as her first willingness. Also, by her grade, she will be admitted to any other school except Sobu High. Watching me overwhelmed, she let out a deep sigh speechlessly.

"…Sigh. Why does Yukino-san love this person?"

"You asked that before…So, why? I really can't tell."

"That's your job. I'm leaving."

She walks away and never turns back. And I am cheerful because the peace finally come! Yay! First the PS4! Before that, let me find my phone first…

At the moment, I see the local news magazine that might be left by Yuigahama on the table. Hmm, why she took it here specifically? Out of curiosity, I open the book and give it a look. A bitter smile comes out after I read one of the reports.

"…If I had seen this earlier, I wouldn't have made a mistake. Geez…"

In the report, there lies the awarded artwork by Hatsuho Nansei in high definition.

In the painting, a girl with long, dark hair, is smiling adorably at the girl gazing.

(To be continued…)