Important.

I think there was some confusion regarding the previous chapter. Although Raiden and Yukinoshita had an impromptu date, it was just that, there's nothing more to it.

I simply had the two interact with each other, just like in this chapter.

Just because I made Yukinoshita appear in this story, doesn't mean she's going to fall in love with Raiden, that would be stupid.

They are both very different, plus Raiden likes girls with big breasts xD.

So, don't think that there will be NTR or anything like that, because I don't even know what will happen later on, I just write according to the ideas that appear in my head.

Monday, the beginning of the week, as well as the most exhausting day, in my opinion.

Of course, if we compare it to the work of an average Japanese, I guess I'm exaggerating.

The weekend was somewhat unexpected, I never thought of going on a date with Yukinoshita, although I was to blame for it. Besides, I feel as if I did well on my first date.

But leaving that topic aside, after saying goodbye to Yukinoshita, I went back to the mall and bought the stuffed animal I reserved, so I already have the gift for Rumi.

Although maybe it was a bit exaggerated to give the first stuffed toy I bought to Yukinoshita, but as I forced her to accompany me all day, I figured that was the least I could do for her, plus the expression she put at that moment is something I will remember until the end of my days.

And even though I didn't plan for something like that to happen, I can't deny that I had fun, but I'm not one to enjoy being mocked and insulted indiscriminately as Yukinoshita does. Good luck, Hikigaya, you will need it.

The bell rang indicating the start of lunchtime.

Getting caught up in your thoughts does make the time go faster, or so I think.

I didn't bring lunch today, so I'll have to go to the cafeteria to buy some.

Before I would have gone to the rooftop after that, but now that Kawasaki joined Yumiko's group, it would be a pain in the ass to have to dissuade them every time they start arguing, although the last few times they've done it, I could see they had smiles on their faces, like they enjoyed doing it, maybe I'm overthinking it.

As I was getting ready to leave for the cafeteria, I noticed that the whole classroom became silent, and as I looked at the others, I realized that their gazes were fixed on the door. I felt a sense of déjà vu, as if I had already gone through this situation.

And just like that time long ago, there was a girl at the door, but this time it wasn't Miura Yumiko.

She has jet black hair, blue eyes, porcelain skin, a slender figure that gives her a perfect appearance, and a biting language that would even intimidate any tough man.

There was only one question on my mind.

What is Yukinoshita doing in my classroom?

With her gaze she seemed to be looking for someone in particular, I wanted to hope that person was not me, but when her gaze focused on me, I knew I was wrong.

She started walking towards my seat.

''Tsurumi-kun, right?'' Her voice had a tone of doubt in it.

I'm sure I'm an easy person to forget, and Yukinoshita just confirmed it for me.

''I thought you had a great ability to remember people, but I guess I overestimated you.'' I said with a mocking tone. It's not that I'm hurt that she forgot about me so easily or anything. Although she did mention that she wouldn't forget such a disgusting person easily.

''People choose to say hello when someone speaks to them, but I guess expecting such a detail of cordiality from you is too much to ask.'' Her tone was resigned, as if my words were an insult towards humanity.

''Sorry for not sticking to the standards of an average person, b..'' Even before I finished speaking, she interrupted me.

''You're forgiven, so you don't have to keep seeking my forgiveness.'' She said with air of grandeur.

Seriously, this girl is unbearable.

As I was about to answer her, I could hear my other classmates talking.

-What is Yukinoshita-san doing with a guy like Tsurumi?

- Are they dating?

-They say that quiet guys attract the attention of beautiful girls, I guess it's true.

-Really? Then I'll be mute from now on.

I doubt very much that something like that would be true, but letting him be in his fantasy isn't so bad either.

Yukinoshita also realized what my other classmates were saying, and knowing how she is, she will degrade me to a mere animal. No, expecting her to compare me to a living being is already too much, maybe to a stone?

''Yukinoshita, whatever you want to tell me has to be in the classroom?'' The longer we stay within sight of each other, it will only make any rumors arise. And I'm not interested in being the center of attention.

''I don't see the need for it.''

''Then.'' I stood up from my seat and headed for the door. ''Shall we go?''

And just as one would expect from someone like Yukinoshita, she understood the reason for it, so she followed me to the outside my classroom.

Once away from the gazes of the others, I could feel at ease.

''So, what business do you have with me?''

Since I doubt that I just came to say hello. It would be unthinkable that Yukinoshita would come to visit me to ask how my day was.

''That's right, I didn't come to greet you, in fact, why would I have to? But leaving your meaningless word aside, here.''

Yukinoshita handed me a wrapped box, at a glance I can tell it's a bento.

''A gift? What did you do with Yukinoshita and where did you hide it?'' That Yukinoshita would hand me something like this after what happened over the weekend is unthinkable.

''How rude of you, but I'm sorry to tell you that not all people are your type not to return a gift.''

I understand it's like a compensation for the stuffed animal I gave her.

''You know it's not necessary to do that. Besides, I did it because I simply wanted to do it, I had no reason to receive retribution or anything like that.''

It was more like a way of thanking him for accompanying me shopping since, if we omit all his insults, I guess I had fun.

''I know, but it's the first sincere gift I've ever received anyway, so I felt I should return it.'' This last was said in a low tone of voice, plus she averted her gaze. I guess Yukinoshita can behave like a girl her age, after all.

Refusing is no longer an option, so I have no choice.

''I didn't bring lunch today, so I'll reluctantly accept it.'' It's the first gift I was receiving, so I couldn't help but respond somewhat excitedly. ''Although coming back with a lunch after I went out with you would only create some rumors.'' It would be tedious to have to deal with it.

''I appreciate that you care about me, but what others may tell about me is of no concern to me.'' She said with a serious tone.

''Because of you? In your dreams. It's annoying to have other people bothering you with questions, so I was just saying it for me.'' I highly doubt that other people would come over to ask Yukinoshita questions.

''I should have guessed that something like esteem would be too much for your person, but it was my mistake in the first place to expect something from you.'' And we went back to the Yukinoshita I knew. ''But if you're worried about it, I guess I can do something about it since I was the one who got you into it, though you should be happy if someone like you is lucky enough to be able to be the topic of someone's conversation.''

''Leaving aside that I'm the most pathetic student you know, I guess I'll take you up on your offer.''

''In that case you can follow me, unless you can't accomplish such a simple task, then I could claim that even an animal is smarter than you.''

''That's a surprise, I thought you had already demoted me to something lower than an animal.'' My tone was calm, I had gotten used to it by now.

''I wanted to give you the courage of doubt, so if I were you, I wouldn't waste it.'' She said with a mocking tone.

After saying that, I followed Yukinoshita until I reached the old part of the school, in particular, to a clasroom that seemed to be used as a storage room.

What memories, I thought I would never get to see this classroom, specifically because I didn't know where it was located, plus I didn't have a reason to come to this place. Although I thought I would bring a common problem next year.

When we were at the door, Yukinoshita took out a key and proceeded to open the door.

''Forward.'' Yukinoshita walked in and proceeded to invite me in.

I entered the classroom, and just as I expected, it was a warehouse classroom as there were several tables in the back, and in the center there was a chair that was sure to be occupied by Yukinoshita,

''As expected, you even have your own private classroom.''

My words earned me such a cold stare that I'm sure the temperature of the place dropped.

''I'll take one of the chairs.'' Some things are better left dormant, and Yukinoshita's anger seemed to be one of them.

I went to the back and took one of the chairs and placed it in the center, of course I was away from Yukinoshita, I didn't want to incur her wrath again.

Yukinoshita gave a big sigh, took her seat and took out the bento she had on a nearby table. I guess this place was already hers even before everything happened.

I sat down and opened the lunch Yukinoshita prepared for me.

My expectation was that it would be a common lunch or something simple, but the result was something I would have never expected.

''Yukinoshita, have you prepared this?''

I wanted to believe that my eyesight was deceiving me, but it wasn't.

''It's rude to criticize other people's food, but yes, I prepared it, though I doubt you know what kind of food it is, since it's a dish from abroad.'' Yukinoshita said rather proudly.

I know it very well, after all, it was my favorite food in my former life.

Of course, once I learned to cook, I tried to recreate it, and I succeeded, but it was different from the taste my mother gave it when she cooked it. I tried everything, using the same ingredients, preparation taken from tutorials of famous chefs, but still, I could never recreate that peculiar taste.

''I suppose I should praise you for cooking something from abroad, though I doubt I'll be surprised.'' I said with an arrogant tone as I highly doubt I will manage to surprise myself.

''You sound very confident, but I have no doubt in my ability when it comes to cooking, so go ahead.''

I thanked for the food and brought a portion with my chopsticks to my mouth.

When I tasted it, I knew I had made a mistake.

-Today I cooked your favorite food, so enjoy it. (Primary)

-Don't be discouraged, you will do better for your next exam, but I still prepared your favorite food. (Middle school)

-Congratulations for entering the university, maybe we should go to a restaurant to celebrate, but we don't have much money, but I still prepared you something special to remember this moment, enjoy it.

I have never known how my mother managed to make that dish taste so delicious, even now I don't know the answer to that.

But one thing I am sure of, what I am eating now is my mother's food.

This was such a nostalgic taste that I couldn't remember it for more than 17 years.

I couldn't be wrong, something like this just managed to remind me of some moments I spent with my mother in my previous life.

''Tsurumi-kun?''

Even when in the end our relationship wasn't the best, she always supported me in the worst of times, and what did I do? I was just an ungrateful bastard.

I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. Even if I regret my actions now, I can't do anything anymore, after all, I'm dead.

''Tsurumi-kun!'' Yukinoshita's voice brought me out of my thoughts. She sounded a bit worried though.

''Is something wrong?'' I asked.

It's strange, I feel something on my face.

''Why are you crying?'' There was concern in her tone.

''What do you mean...''

As I brought my hand to my face, I understood I had been crying without realizing it. Remembering those moments had an unexpected result for me because no matter how hard I tried to keep it inside me, in the end it was enough to remember those moments for those emotions to come out.

I quickly turned around and started to wipe my tears.

''Something got in my eye, don't worry about it.''

Even though I tried to stop crying, the tears kept coming out on their own.

Damn it, calm down, though my mind was in chaos.

In the end, no matter what I do, remembering won't change anything, you're dead, and there's nothing that will change that. I tried to record that to myself and push those emotions deep inside me, a place where I hope they won't come out.

Once I felt that I had calmed down, I turned to Yukinoshita, since my behavior was strange.

''How annoying it is when you get dust in your eye, hahaha.'' I said nonchalantly though Yukinoshita had a dubious look on her face. ''But I must admit, your food is delicious.''

I would even want to eat it for the rest of my life.

I could see a smile on her face.

''Unfortunately for you, this time was an exception, so don't expect to have my food on a daily basis.'' She said with her usual tone.

Wait a minute. ''Did I say that out loud?''

''You did.''

I guess I should get out of this habit of saying my thoughts out loud, since for the second time in less than 3 days it's already causing me trouble.

''Don't pay attention to me, they're just ramblings, besides I can cook better than you.'' I wanted to quickly change the subject.

''Someone as you can cook?'' I'll take a guess, instant ramen?'' She said with a mocking tone.

''Unfortunately for you, I have a recipe book more varied than you can imagine.'' I said arrogantly.

The next few minutes we were discussing my cooking abilities, plus I was eating Yukinoshita's lunch, as I'm sure I would never have the chance to taste it again, so I made sure to remember this taste.

After I finished eating, I thanked for the food and returned the bento box to Yukinoshita.

''It looks like you can at least say thank you.''

''Sometimes I can exceed your expectations.''

''I don't think it's possible when there's no expectation at all.''

I don't know when, but there comes a time when I will respond to Yukinoshita out of inertia.

Although the sound of the door being opened caught our attention.

''Yukinoshita, I'm coming in.''

''Hiratsuka-sensei, I told you that you must first knock before entering.''

''You never answer when I do.''

''That's because you get in before I can respond.''

It shouldn't be strange for Hiratsuka-sensei to come to this place.

I could tell how sensei noticed my presence.

''Oh, Tsurumi, it's a surprise to see you around here. In fact, it's somewhat unexpected to see you together with Yukinoshita.''

''I had no other choice, so I ended up in this place.''

''I don't remember forcing you to come to this place, in fact, it was you who suggested going somewhere else.''

''It was you who committed me to that situation in the first place.''

''I didn't know that being grateful was a bad thing, but I guess under your logic it must be. Tell me, Tsurumi-kun, how does it feel to constantly live apart and have no relationship with other people? Since, under your thinking, that would be your perfect lifestyle?''

''It is, but someone came to my classroom and interrupted me.''

''You two seem to be getting along very well.'' Sensei interrupted us.

''No, we don't!'' x2

''You're even well-synchronized, huh. But I'm glad you have someone to talk to, Yukinoshita, since I found it strange that you asked me if I knew which classroom Tsurumi was in.''

I highly doubt Yukinoshita knew what classroom I was in, since she just found out about me a few days ago, so consulting Hiratsuka-sensei must have been her answer to finding me.

''I just needed to thank him properly, that's all.'' Yukinoshita said it with her usual tone.

''So you didn't invite Tsurumi to join the service club? And here I thought you'd finally have a new member.''

''Service club?'' Although I already knew what place this was, it's best to feign ignorance about it.

''Yukinoshita didn't you tell you?''

''Don't consider it something necessary, in fact, I don't think this person is suitable in the slightest.'' Yukinoshita said with complete indifference.

This time I agree with Yukinoshita, that helping strangers just because they asked for it is not something I'm interested in.

''That you won't know until you explain to him what the club is about. Besides, if you want this club to be considered an official one, you need minimum 3 members.'' It seems sensei wants me to join the service club.

''Sensei, actually, I agree with Yukinoshita. At the moment I'm not interested in joining any club. Besides, I like to go home early, and it's not as if I can force myself to join a club either.'' I said with total disinterest. Having to put up with Yukinoshita on a daily basis will be a headache.

Yukinoshita nodded her head, as if agreeing with me.

''But I think you two…''

Before Sensei finished speaking, the bell rang indicating the end of lunchtime.

''I guess it's time for me to go.'' I stood up from my seat. ''I must say, it was not a pleasure to meet you again, Yukinoshita.''

''We feel the same way. I hope I'll never have the bad luck to cross paths with you again.''

''Why are you acting like a victim when that's my role? After all, I was the one who had to endure all your insults.''

''Is that so?'' Yukinoshita said with a smile on her face.

''Whatever Ojou-sama says.'' I said mockingly.

''That you recognize our great difference shows that you can at least still compare yourself to a living being.'' And as usual, Yukinoshita already had the words ready to respond. That girl is terrifying.

''I can see why you can't manage to find new members for your club.'' I could see Yukinoshita eyebrow at my words, a sign that I should leave.

Before Yukinoshita could respond. I walked out of the classroom. Although the last thing I saw was that Sensei had a smile on her face.

Although my lunch didn't go as planned, at least it didn't end with me joining the service club, I feel as if I dodged a bullet.

Though next year, Yukinoshita will have their best member forced to join, and then Yuigahama should join as well, so it's only a matter of time before she gets new members.

But now that I think about the clubs, I'm curious about the kendo and judo club, more so the Kendo club. Wielding a sword and looking to beat your opponent sounds interesting, I guess on the way out I could go take a look.

With these thoughts, I returned to my classroom.