Making up for lost time
- Chapter 2 -
~The First Request~

- Interlude -
~ Yukino wants to confront ~

I decided that I would pay Shimizu-sensei a visit during lunch break. I wanted to ask about what Fujiwara-san said—Shimizu-sensei had apparently mentioned to her that I was capable of helping her on matters of love. What made her think something so ridiculous?

I get that I'm often labeled as an expert when it comes to academics and whatnot, but unfortunately love is something I'm completely unfamiliar with. Of course, there are things that even I have no idea about… I had enough trouble with Hachiman's misconceptions, I didn't want to add onto that if this led to even more people coming to the club asking for love advice. At the very least, we weren't at the level to handle such requests. Determined to settle this before it got out of hand, I entered the faculty office.

"Excuse me, where can I find Shimizu-sensei?" I asked the first teacher I came across.

"Oh, Yuzuki-san? She's not busy right now, she should be over there at her desk."

"Thank you very much. Then, please excuse me."

Parting ways with the teacher, I walked over to Shimizu-sensei's desk. She was sitting in her chair casually reading a book, clearly doing nothing of any importance. In fact, once I was close enough I could see she was reading a manga. Out of curiosity, I looked at the title. One Piece? I don't know what that is, but it sounds like a waste of time. Anyway, I tried to get her attention.

"Shimizu-sensei, I need to have a word with you."

"Yuzuki." She said, not even looking away from her book. She wanted me to use her first name.

"Do I—"

"Call me Yuzuki-sensei."

"Ugh..."

She's just as Isshiki-san described her. Well, it's quite obvious from her appearance and body language—Yuzuki-sensei was from overseas. It's not like I have any issue with her request. It's been a while since I had to deal with someone like this, but it doesn't bother me in the slightest. Back when I was in elementary school, I lived in America. Calling each other by first names was normal. Although I would question why she insists doing this while in Japan, I figured she had some kind of reason.

"Very well, it's not like it does any harm."

"Thanks! I don't like the stuffy feeling I get from formal speech. I think we're better off just speaking plainly. So? What are you here for?" she put her book down and gave me her full attention.

"I want to ask about Fujiwara-san's request."

"Oh, did you accept the request? Need any help?"

"No, that won't be necessary. We accepted her request but that is not why I came here. I want to know why you told Fujiwara-san I was the best choice to give her romantic advice, instead of yourself."

She looked puzzled, as if she couldn't understand why I didn't already know what her intentions were. She answered quickly and plainly.

"You two are around the same age, aren't you?"

That was her idea? That teenagers would know what's best for other teenagers? That may be the case for other matters, however I felt that was wrong here. Clearly age and experience would be better suited for this.

"Yes, but that doesn't help with my lack of knowledge... on the other hand, you have many years of experience. What could possibly be the benefit of sending her to us?"

"Hmm, you may have a point. But I think you are missing something you haven't considered yet."

"What could that be?"

"That I'm an awesome advisor with a great plan!"

I face palmed immediately. Why did I ever expect to get a straight answer from her? She was planning something, and asking her about it would somehow ruin it, I suppose. I wasn't going to get anywhere asking that, so I made an attempt to ask about something else.

"Moving on, there's another matter I want to ask about."

"Shoot away."

"How did you even know about my relationship with Hachiman to begin with?" Not entirely unrelated to my previous question, but still something that I was curious about. For some reason she knows that I'm already in a relationship with Hachiman. Neither of us went out of our way to tell anyone, and I thought only the people close to us knew.

"Sorry, my lips are sealed on that one. My source wants to stay anonymous."

I sighed; she wasn't going to give me any of the information I wanted… But it seems someone did tell her about it. "You must have a reason for doing all this at least."

"You could say that."

"What is it then?"

"I'm here to watch over you two."

"Watch over the two of us? What for?"

"Well, someone is very worried about you two. Of course I couldn't turn them down! It's my job to look after my students, and I wouldn't miss the chance to help them. But I can't deny that this is also a personal desire of mine."

"Personal desire? What do you mean?"

"I'd like it if you two could be prepared for the future."

I looked at her with curiosity, not really understanding what she meant. She noticed this and tried to explain a little further.

"All relationships have their drama, their troubles, things they have to overcome. It would be best if you could be prepared for when those times come, that way you don't mistakenly throw it all away."

"Yuzuki-sensei, I'm getting the sense that you're doubting my relationship with Hachiman."

"No, no, I wouldn't say that. You certainly have the drive for it, it's plain to see. But we all aren't immune to trouble, that goes for you too."

"Sensei, did something like that happen to you?"

"You're spot on, Yukino!" Yuzuki-sensei adjusted her sitting posture and continued to speak, but did so with a melancholic expression.

"My husband and I started dating in our last year of high school and we've been together ever since. I'm speaking from experience when I say this—the time you two have together right now is very precious. Once this year is over, you'll graduate and become adults just like us. You'll go off to college or get a job, and you'll find that life doesn't get any easier."

"I see, that is true. But I'm not going to worry myself over it."

"Ha, you say that now Yukino, but I'll bet you'll start worrying pretty soon. You want to stay together for a long time, right?" She smiled at me teasingly.

"W-Well, that's what I plan to do… of course."

"Oho, you really like him, don't you? You want to marry him or something?" She mocked me with her face, truly an expression that made me want to slap her on the spot. Though I couldn't do that to a teacher…

"Sensei, please don't push my buttons." I sharpened my glare.

"Haha, you're really funny Yukino. You know you remind me of someone, I think Hachiman's a pretty lucky guy to have someone like you around."

"Yes, well, he's not the only one that's lucky. I feel lucky too. I don't know if I'll ever meet someone like him again. And I might be the only one who can put up with his troublesomeness."

"That's great. I feel reassured that you two can pull it off somehow. I'll be looking forward to watching your growth over the next year."

"Thank you."

Yuzuki stretched her arms. "So, is there anything else?"

"No, I accomplished what I came here to do. I've also taken up too much time already..."

"Alright then, well, I'm gonna get back to doing something really important." She says, but I don't see how reading a shounen manga is important at all…

"I'll be taking my leave then, thank you for your time."

"Not at all! Take care Yukino!"

I parted ways with Yuzuki-sensei and left the faculty office. I wonder if she'll make any sudden appearances in the near future; it felt like she was going to get herself involved with the service club. Whether or not that was good or bad, only time would tell.

- Interlude II -
~ Yukino wants to spoil ~

Earlier this morning I insisted to have lunch with Hachiman. Though this was not our first time eating together, that didn't make today any less special. The reason for that is I came to the realization I had the power to request things from Hachiman. Of course, he's my partner now. There's stuff I've wanted to do for some time—like holding hands, sleeping over, being alone together, and spoiling him. They were now achievable.

I remember a long time ago Yuigahama mentioned Hachiman has a favorite spot to eat lunch when he's not in the classroom. He would never come to the club room at lunch, even if Yuigahama invited him. Recently now he comes to the club room to eat with me, where it's just the two of us. However, I want to see where he had eaten by himself all this time.

I asked him about it once before, but he gave me the cold shoulder. That was before our current relationship—so this time, I would use my power as his partner to finally get an answer. When I asked him, he was still giving me excuses. That conversation went something like this:

"Why do I have to show you where it is?"

"Why wouldn't you?"

"Eh, ahh… well. It's my getaway spot. I'd like to not be bothered by anyone."

"Are you suggesting that I would be bothersome?"

"Urk…"

"I'm your partner after all. Why would it be bothersome? Or are you saying that you would like to have some kind of secret spot where I can't find you?"

"Ah, that's-"

"I see, keeping secrets from me. I'll be sure to remember that Hachiman."

"What?! Ah okay fine! Sheesh, I'll show you! You don't have to say it like that with such a scary face… Are you happy now?!"

"Mufufu, yes. Thank you, I look forward to our lunch today."

I cannot lie that I had a triumphant smile on my face when I got through to him. This was a chance for me to do something special for Hachiman. Now that I finished what I needed to do in the faculty office, it's time to enact my plan to spoil Hachiman.

~ x ~

I was waiting outside the cafeteria for Yukino to return from the faculty office. That witch, she used that scary aura of hers to get her way again. She even did a little fist pump like she had won. What's up with that? I don't know why she wanted to go to my special lunch spot so much, I mean, I thought it was better to just eat in the club room…

I'm not too against the idea though—my spot is really amazing. The feeling of the wind that blows through from the sea, the view of the tennis courts while the girl's tennis team practices, and being able to breathe in the fresh outside air. Ah but it's not like the tennis team is the reason why I enjoy the spot so much. Seriously, it's just a coincidence!

I wasn't waiting for long—ten minutes had already passed. Yukino made her way down the hall and walked right up to me.

"There you are. Sorry for making you wait." She looked a bit tired, and her breathing was heavy. Did she run here from the faculty office?

"Hey, you look and sound tired. Did you rush here? You didn't have to—your stamina isn't that good y'know."

"What are you talking about? It's not such a big deal, I didn't want to waste time is all."

Then all of a sudden she coughed into her hand clearing her throat, stood up straight, and fixed her hair with a blush. Hey, I saw all that just now you can't hide it!

"We should get a move on, there's only 25 minutes left." I said. Yukino quickly brought herself closer and wrapped her arm around mine, which made my heart pound faster.

"Let's go."

"We're at school y'know…"

She pouted. "It's just for a little bit, let's go already."

Ah, Yukino it's not like I'm against this or anything…

~ x ~

We made our way outside to my favorite lunch spot. Once we arrived Yukino let go of my arm. Thankfully, no one was around on our way here, so Yukino continued to hold my arm the entire time. I felt that if someone had noticed us along the way she would have let go immediately. She's not used to doing this kind of stuff in front of others, though I am too…

"I see, so this is the Hachiman's natural habitat."

"Oi. I'm not some kind of animal." This isn't an animal documentary… Don't talk about me like that you snow woman. If anyone should have a documentary it should be you! A full forty-five minute video on scary youkai would fit you perfectly.

"Haha, I'm surprised your secret lunch spot wasn't the bathroom. I'm relieved to know you were eating out here in the daylight."

"I wouldn't do that! I'm not that depressing!"

Really, what a sad assumption about my character. My presence was so low I never got bullied to the point where I had to eat in such a place. To all the people who had to do that, my condolences. Also, how lucky are we that we can freely move about during our lunch period. I hear that schools in America don't allow you to eat anywhere else except the cafeteria. Imagine, having zero friends but having to eat in silence surrounded by literally everyone else. Truly a terrifying thought.

"Here. This is yours."

Yukino and I had sat down already, she rummaged through her bag. She pulled out two bento boxes and handed one of them to me.

"Thanks. I'm a little excited, I get to eat your specially made food."

A smile crept across my face, and I think I might have been drooling. I knew Yukino was a good cook, and now I get to eat her food that was made just for me. I get excited just thinking about it.

"It's not much but I hope you like it."

I opened the bento and was immediately hit by the smell of pure deliciousness.

"This smell… EH?"

I did a double take to make sure what I saw was right. The contents of the bento consisted of juicy looking pieces of steak, rice which had vegetables cut into heart shapes on top, sausages cut to look like little octopuses, and the bottom had a section that could be pulled out. Wow, heart shaped veggies… I didn't know Yukino had it in her to do something like this.

I'm glad Komachi isn't seeing this, holy crap. I can see it now, "Big bro got a bento from his girlfriend, she even made the veggies into hearts, how cute! My brother is growing up! *sob*" I bet she would talk about it forever and would even tell mom and dad all about it. Now that would be quite embarrassing… I'll just keep this a secret. No one else needs to know, I'll have Yukino's cuteness all to myself.

I pulled the bottom section out which was a container for soup—wait, there's soup?! This bento is going all out!

"What kind of meat is this anyway?"

"I used filet mignon for the steak."

Holy shit! "This bento is already like a fancy restaurant!"

"It's nothing like that, it's just a bento. But I guess I put in a lot of effort into making it so it came out like that."

She's trying to be modest, but it looks really good. I'm so happy I get to have this five-star bento made by Yukinoshita Yukino. I've already complemented her multiple times already, though I feel like it's not enough.

"This is really nice, thanks. I can't wait to eat more of these in the future."

"…!"

Yukino gasped but I didn't pay any mind to it. Having opened the bento already I inspected it once again. Wow, the insulation in this box is so good the food is as hot as if it were freshly made.

"This is crazy, the food is still really fresh. This is a pretty luxurious bento box huh?"

"Yes, isn't technology amazing nowadays? These boxes are really good at keeping the freshness of the food intact."

She opened her bento too. I looked at the contents of hers to compare it to mine. It was similar, except her rice had Pan-san in it. The difference in appearance was quite big, there was no doubt in my mind that Yukino made this with love. Yukino is gaining even more cute points…

Well, I've spent enough time gawking at the bento. It's time to dig in. As I said my thanks and put the chopsticks into my hand to take a piece of steak, Yukino stopped me.

"Wait a second."

I looked at her confused. Why is she stopping me from eating this awesome bento!?

"Don't eat it just yet, there's something I want to do first."

"What's that?" Wait, what is it? Is there a secret sauce she's yet to unveil?! My curiosity was soon answered; however, it wasn't what I expected. She took her chopsticks in hand and moved them over to my bento.

"This."

She lifted her chopsticks up with a piece of steak firmly within its grasp. When I saw the look on her face, it was too cute. It's slightly killing me. But this is…

"S-say 'Ahhh'."

That...! Is this happening? Oh no she's really going for it. This is so unexpected!

"R-Really?"

"Yes, really. Come on, why won't you do it?"

"Ah, well… I mean, why?"

"Why what? I'm trying to feed you, isn't it obvious?" She was pouting a little.

"Yes, I can see that, but that's exactly what I'm talking about! Why are you trying to feed me?"

"Why not? I want to spoil you a little."

"S-Spoil?"

"Yes, that's what I said. Doing this once in a while is fine, right?"

"Ah, but—I can eat it myself…"

Yukino still pouting, glared at me. "Hachiman."

"What? Mmf—!"

She took her chopsticks and shoved the steak into my mouth without warning. I was going to say something about her forcefulness, but the steak made me completely forget about that in an instant.

The second the steak hit my taste buds an explosion of flavor filled my senses. What is this?! What recipe is this? How did she make this? Everything from the smell to the taste, and even the texture was simply exquisite. Even though I know next to nothing about cooking, I can tell how good it is. The sauce was savory, and the meat was juicy. The steak's umami was so incredibly delicious...! If I eat something like this, it'll definitely spoil me for the rest of my life! For a split second I thought my clothes were going to explode, thankfully it was just my imagination.

I swallowed the small piece of steak and could finally talk.

"Yeah, it's pretty amazing as I expected."

"I see, t-thanks…."

There was a short silence, but Yukino went back to my bento again and this time gave me one of the sausages.

"Here."

I opened my mouth and let her feed me again. It goes without saying everything in this bento was good. Each dish complimented the other, no matter what order you ate in. For example, this sausage paired really well with the steak she just gave me. In fact, I dare say it enhanced the flavor even further! W-What will happen if I try another piece of steak… or heck, what about all these other sides?! I was beginning to fear for my palate.

She continued feeding me for a while until I got an idea. "Yukino, why don't I do the same too?"

"Huh, you don't have to do that…"

"If you're going to spoil me then I might as well do the same. Here, I'll do it too." I reached over and grabbed some of her food too, putting it up to her face. I could tell she was hesitating in her head for a bit, but she reluctantly opened her mouth and ate the food I presented to her. Her cheeks were slightly flushed. Oh my gosh I've never seen her make a face like that before, she's freaking cute as heck!

"It's my turn..." She got another cut of steak and brought it to me. Then I grabbed food from hers and fed her again as well. We continued to eat like that, and didn't drop our pace. It was incredibly embarrassing for me, and I forgot that we were doing this outside. Nobody… saw us, right? Oh my goodness that would kill me!

~ x ~

We finished about half of the food before we took a small break. I pulled out the soup which I hadn't even touched yet. As expected, Yukino's clear soup was amazing. Meanwhile, Yukino had pulled out a container and poured herself some tea.

"Say, Hachiman." She paused from drinking her tea.

"Hm?"

"Do you think Fujiwara-san and Akiyama-kun could make it work?"

"Oh, we're talking about club work now…"

"I'm just wondering about their circumstances." Yukino gripped her teacup. "I heard from Isshiki-san that Akiyama-kun is popular on the soccer team. Well, it would be better to say he's one of their star players among the second years. There's also the difference between their personalities and social standings…" Yukino was worried about Fujiwara, but I couldn't help but feel that she had something else on her mind.

"It's an uphill battle for sure. Are you thinking they aren't good for each other?"

"It's certainly crossed my mind, but I can't make such comments on someone else's love like that... at least for now. They should try to make it work, and if it doesn't, then that would be the only conclusion."

"She may not be capable of pulling off some of the stuff we'll suggest, but it's ultimately up to her if she wants to go through with it."

"I can understand her plight on a personal level. Even with what the two of us have done so far, I was really just doing all that in the heat of the moment…"

H-Heat of the moment huh… I'm not sure if that makes me feel relieved or completely stressed out. On one hand, I'm not the only one struggling with what to do. On the other hand, Yukino was basically doing what came naturally to her. This girl is really powerful…

"We're only judging the situation from one perspective. If we find out how Akiyama-kun feels about Fujiwara-san our job will be much easier."

"So we're going to talk with him, huh?"

"Let's see… Akiyama-kun is on the soccer team, so that means you can go and talk to him after practice."

"So, I have to go talk with him..."

"Is there a problem with that?"

"N-no... but, are you not going too?"

"No?" She tilted her head.

"Why not?!"

"You're a guy, aren't you? You will have better luck than me, and if I'm present, I could hinder your chances of getting good information."

"Like what?"

"Let's see, you two could form some kind of male bond that allows you to share information about girls that you would otherwise not share in the presence of a female."

"What are you suggesting!?"

"Was it not obvious? You'll talk about—"

"Alright! Shush! Whatever, I'll get it done...!"

"Good." She smiled, but she knew exactly what she was doing... I'm worried, it's either Isshiki or Haruno that's rubbing off on her. Whoever it is, she needs to stop!

"Here's to hoping Fujiwara's boyfriend is not aggressive..."

"I'll be cheering you on, Hachiman."

Of course...

The two of us eventually went back to eating. Although, this time we ate the rest by ourselves. Once we finished, we returned to our separate classes like normal.