Chapter 3: Even Then, He Would Not Yield

As soon as the final lesson of the day ended, Hayama went straight to the club. Or to be more precise, Hiratsuka-sensei came and stood guard at the door for the last 30 minutes of the lesson, to the dismay of the presiding teacher.

Naturally, Hayama's group had wanted to come along with him, but they were all promptly told to go home when they showed their faces, save for Yuigahama. One of the decisions I actually wholeheartedly agree with Hiratsuka-sensei. Even though it would have made sense to invite Ebina and Tobe, them being Council members and all, I couldn't imagine attending a whole orchestra of youthful diatribe. I would literally disintegrate after hearing the first measure.

When we arrived, Yukinoshita was already waiting at her usual spot, the tea completely done as well. Of course, since she wasn't told about Hayama's arrival, she found herself a bit lost at her seat for a moment. But Yukinoshita is Yukinoshita, and she knows her way around these kinds of situations. She got up to get another disposable cup and filled it with tea.

After that final preparation, she went around the table and placed three bespoke teacups around the same seats at one end of the table, and two disposable cups on the other.

The other three and I went and sat down as usual. Hayama, not being a regular at the club, was hesitant at the seating arrangement at first, but eventually sat down at his designated spot across from me.

The room was almost silent, with only the sound of its frequenters slurping up tea. It was soothing in a way, almost like watching a culture documentary. But not everyone appreciates a slower pace in life, and that was apparent when I saw Yuigahama almost having a mental breakdown.

Hiratsuka-sensei, after taking her cup of tea, stood up and walked to the middle of the table.

"Hayama, do you know why I called you here today?" she said.

Hayama took a swift, shallow breath and switched his celebrity aura back on.

"I don't really know, Hiratsuka-sensei. Could you please tell me why?" Hayama said with a polite smile, the same self-serving smile that used to make me puke. If smiles could solve a problem, then this world would be a utopia.

"Then I'll say this very clearly, so that we're on the same page Hayama, since apparently we're not: Your very first activity as the new Student Council may be your last, so why don't you explain to me what the heck is going on over there?"

Wait.. Right off the bat?! I thought we agreed not to do this Sensei?!

In one strike, she shattered Hayama's narcissistic, egotistical barrier into pieces.

"I– I'm not sure how you would get that impression, Sensei. Even if it is just the first two weeks for us, we're trying our very best."

"Trying your very best at extortion it seems." Hiratsuka-sensei as, crossing her arms.

"Whatever do you mean?..." Hayama said, blinking wildly.

"You're asking every class for half of their class money every month. Don't you think that's a bit excessive?"

Hayama simply stared back at the teacher and gulped down the ample content in his mouth.

"We are serious about improving the experience of our fellow students, and their contributions are also necessary for that. Also, with the recent change in retail duty and a myriad of other things, it's becoming harder to do our jobs."

"What a load of bull, Hayama. I checked the city office's database the other day, and our district already accounted for that in this quarter's budget. If anything, you are already better off than other people.. A lot better than me at least.."

And then the room fell silent once more. Hayama had not touched his cup of tea once since he sat down, and it remained so for as long as he had the defeated look on his face. Hiratsuka-sensei, on the other hand, took another sip as she stood there, staring at Hayama.

"Here's what I want you to do, Hayama: I want you to retract this stupid bill so we can all go home and relax already."

Hayama swiftly breathed another set of air.

"It's not as if I was fully on board with it, Sensei, but Iro–.. President Isshiki refuses to give up on it… And as a member of her team, I felt it was my responsibility to support her vision."

Hiratsuka looked in Hayama's general direction and smirked.

"I see, so you're still just a glorified personal assistant of hers, all things considered."

Yukinoshita, who had been drinking tea silently this whole time, put down her cup and slowly opened her eyes to see her old friend. Her usual cold gaze had absolutely no hint of malice. But as elegant as it was, it was instead filled with some other flavor of hatred.

"If you have trouble convincing Isshiki-san, then why don't consider our support on the matter… Secretary Hayama?" she said, with a very strong emphasis on his title.

Right after she said that she immediately switched to an expression of disbelief, as if she had just witnessed a betrayal. The trigger of that was me subtly shaking my head. Even without any weird looks from my end, Yukinoshita still didn't take that very well. But then again, many would feel weird being looked at by these eyes at their default state. Some would even run, but I am used to it.

And this is why you have plans, so that you don't say things randomly like this.

But despite the relentless battering, Hayama remained firm in holding the fort. His breathing pattern, though rapid, had not a rhythm of anxiety. He had retreated into himself, again without a hint of anxiety, or any strong emotions toward the two. Most of it was directed within, as if he had found a piece of him that he thought was lacking.

"I appreciate the offer, Yukinoshita," he said as he raised his head, "But this is an internal matter, so I strongly believe that you guys shouldn't get involved."

"I strongly believe that you should get your head out of your behind, Hayama." said Hiratsuka-sensei, his homeroom teacher, "Just admit that you need the support."

How long are they going to keep going at this? What exactly is this going to achieve? I thought, and apparently so did Yuigahama with that worried look on her face.

Hayama took one quick glance around the table before replying, "With all due respect, Sensei, I object to having the Service Club involved in any capacity. Their solutions are simply unsuitable.. Inappropriate even, for dealing with this matter."

"Oh, so you want a deal? Alright, I'll give you one, Hayama." Hiratsuka-sensei said, "How about you don't get purged along with our idiot principal?"

Hayama almost shot up from his seat but caught himself just as he stood up. Something had set in within Hayama's train of thought, and whether it was understanding or confusion, the outcome was the same.

"S– ..Sensei.. What are you saying?.."

"I don't know what kind of black magic you were able to work on him, but the principal is happy.. ecstatic even, with your idea of 'funding' your projects. But there's another side, a major side, yelling for explanations while you at the Council go lalala. Yesterday, I already had the parents of two of your classmates come up to my desk."

"Huh?!" Yuigahama spoke up, having made some kind of connection. "So parents did come to you, Sensei?"

Hiratsuka-sensei slowly moved toward Hayama as she continued.

"Yes, they absolutely did, and they.. had a lot to say about the bill. Your principal can indulge in some prideful fantasy about 'grown-up' students all he wants, but I am having none of it. If things get any crazier, I'll bring this issue to the district office myself before the parents can. Then, that idiot can go find another job, and hopefully not in School Management."

The teacher placed her hand on Hayama's shoulder. She took on an empathetic, almost motherly expression with a gaze that completely contrasted with the ones she gave him earlier.

"Believe me Hayama, you do not want that kind of mark on you, even for a short period.. I can't.. guarantee that you'll come out of this completely unscathed.. But even then, this place is always open. We accept even the scummiest of the earth. Heck, we even house one here."

I'll take that as a complement.

Hayama gave the teacher a defeated smile, that was, until he got up from his chair. He stood firm in his position and also in his conviction. And so, Hayama looked her in the eye and made his declaration.

"I understand, Sensei, but even then.. I will not yield."

Hiratsuka-sensei giggled.

".. I see, even in a situation like this you'd still want to be the hero."

"No Sensei, it's simply that this is something me and my friends must figure on our own. I simply cannot let anyone else interfere."

"Well, I don't really care what you do from here, the results are going to be the same no matter what. So, for you and your friend's sakes, I hope you have some sort of plan lined up."

Hiratsuka-sensei then looked around the table as she said the next bit, "And that goes for the rest of you, as well."

While I found some of the erratic actions today to be objectionable, it can be said that I had misunderstood Hiratsuka-sensei, for she did not really go back on her word.

But that didn't mean that all was right in the world. I have come this close to entering the world of dishonesty and failure. Hayama simply could not let anyone else interfere, and neither could I. The RomCom gods are my witnesses; I will see it through that Hayama's vision, as disgusting and self-serving as it is, comes true.

Saki's File: And So, I Joined Forces With The Trio

It was quite late in the afternoon, and I was about to leave through the school gate. I decided to wait at the cafeteria for some time after school as my shift today doesn't start until the early evening. I had recently taken up a new job, since I had some extra costs pop up around the house.

Hmm, maybe Taishi could go for a better computer? His current one seems to be acting up lately.

As I thought that to myself, I was stopped by a voice in the distance, calling out my name.

"Saki-Saki!"

"Yuigahama?"

It was that bubbly girl. She had run ahead of her group and caught me right at the school gate.

"Are you going home, already, Saki-Saki?" the girl said as her friends slowly caught up to her.

Ugh.. What a dumb nickname!

"I told you to stop calling me that.. And anyway, it's already 5PM. I should be the one asking you that."

But then again, the other day I went up to them around this time, and they were still here. I guess they usually finish their club activities around this time, I thought.

"Kawasaki," said Hiratsuka-sensei, calling my name as she approached me along with Hikigaya and the other girl, "Are you about to go home?"

"..Yes, Sensei." I said, "Have you just finished your club activities?"

I didn't want to stay and chit chat, of course. I was about to go and have dinner before my shift began. But since I had already done that thing that time, I didn't want to set us up on another collision course – that would only bring about another bothersome episode.

"That's right, we were working on your case, actually."

Heh?!

Hearing that, I suddenly felt some sort of swelling within me. Within my heart, there was a weird mixture of happiness and sadness.. and a little bit of pride? Like I felt like an important person, almost? Whatever it was, it was annoying. I could feel it in my cheeks, even.

Ah, this is so annoying! Come on! Pull yourself together, Saki!

"S– so, have you made any progress?" I said as I found myself fiddling with my hair.

"Lots, actually!" Yuigahama said.

The other girl walked up to me and dismissively hit up her long, black hair. "Yuigahama-san, I'm amazed that you would consider that 'progress' when we have just barely set foot out the door.

"It– it's not like we could help it! Hayato really cares about his friends.. that's why he wants to do things his own way. He's always been good at that."

"I can assure you that he is not at all adept at such a thing."

"How can you be so sure about that, Yukinon? So mean!"

Oh, please don't start..

"H– hey, hey, it's okay." I said as I practically prepared to physically separate them, "Creating a rift in a group is bothersome, I get it. You get into all kinds of trouble and it's hard to work together."

And that's why I'd rather be by myself, like now.. wait.. Hmm?

I looked over at Hikigaya, who had been watching the whole thing in the background this whole time. But it was only after I said what I said that his gaze seemed to get more intense. Maybe it was just me, but..

Why the heck are you staring at me, Hikigaya?!

As I thought that, the guy rushed up to me and suddenly grabbed my hand. Seeing what just happened, the two bickering girls immediately stopped and watched what happened in horror.

"You're a genius, Kawasaki! Please.. I need you!" Hikigaya said, his face filled with excitement.

Eek! Wha– What is he doing all the sudden?!

Was that a genuine gesture?! Was he trying to scam me?! My cheeks are getting warm again, what was going on?!

That thing you yelled out in the hallway that time, you really meant it?! I'm a really bothersome girl! I have zero interest in doing fun things! The dates will be boring! Also, I have three siblings, Hikigaya, can you really handle that?! Not to mention extra members in the future!.. Agh! I don't care anymore! If you're ready, then I'm ready! Let's go, Hikigaya Saki!

"Y– Yes.. please take care of– "

Suddenly, the two girls yanked Hikigaya away from me and started berating him. Eh, what in the world?

"Hikki! What are you doing to Saki-Saki!? Get away from her right now!"

"Hikigaya-kun, do you not have any sense of decency?! This behavior is most inappropriate! Apologize, now!"

That's what they said but.. They're staring daggers at me right now!... So this is how you two operate?! And I thought I was the archetypal character here!

"Oookay, I think that's enough, girls." Hiratsuka-sensei said, having decided to finally do her job. She went up to the three and swiftly separated them by pulling Hikigaya out by the collar. It seems I was worried for nothing. Whatever..

"Hikigaya, do you have a plan?"

"Yes, Sensei: Divide and Conquer. Kawasaki-san is right in that if there is a rift in the Student Council, it'll be difficult for them to perform their duties together. We just have to capitalize on that, and strike them at their core."

Yukinoshita looked at him, all confused. "And why exactly would we want to do that, Hikigaya-kun? Wouldn't it be better if they maintained cohesion? That way if one of them had a change of heart, we could still 'strike them at their core' without creating unnecessary conflict."

"Yukinon is right. Even if we can't convince Hayato, maybe we could convince Hina and Tobecchi to help us." Yuigahama said.

"We don't have to tear the rift open ourselves. We could just pretend that it is already there. If we can convince the Student Body that such was the case, the entire governance structure would collapse on its own without us having to approach the four of them."

"Still, I find this puzzling. You would think the next logical course of action would be to use our progress today as a basis for a plan for Isshiki-san or your classmates. But your plan here would most likely get us farther away from them, not closer."

"Yeah. Think about it, Hikki," Yuigahama said, as she looked at him with a worried expression, "If we choose to back off, then we would literally erase all the progress we've made in the past three days, y'know?"

Hikigaya thought of something for a bit. He took a quick glance at Yuigahama and then shifted his full attention to Yukinoshita.

"I have other, less roundabout ways. And it doesn't involve Hayama, Ebina or Tobe.. or even Isshiki for that matter. They're a bit extreme but they'll get the job done. Do you two care to hear about them?"

Yukinoshita seemed horrified at what she had heard, while Yuigahama seemed to not have grasped the meaning of the words.

Yukinoshita, with a defeated look on her face, said "M.. Maybe you're right.. it is premature to approach those four directly."

Yuigahama looked back and forth between the two, now even more confused.

"Eh? What? Huh?.. Yukinon?.. Why?"

"Maybe Hikigaya-kun is on the right track in trying to create distance between us and the Student Council. Come to think of it, we still haven't figured out who the relevant players are, or if there are any, even. If act too rashly, it could destroy our whole operation, and Kawasaki-san's request would never be fulfilled."

"B– but.. We could.." Yuigahama then stopped herself halfway "Ah, yea.. Alright, then. I guess you two are right."

Suddenly, the atmosphere got very heavy for some reason, even with all three seemingly being on the same page. It had gotten to the point where I got uncomfortable just listening to them.

Man, are these three bothersome.. Just.. Okay, fine.

"Okay, what do you guys want me to do?"

After I said that, all of them turned to me.

"What are you asking, Kawasaki-san?"

"If you guys are not going directly to the Council, then it can only mean that the scope of your thing gets broader. In that case, it'll only get harder for just the three of you to manage. You are going to need an extra pair of hands. So if there is anything that you need me to do, then I am always on standby. "

The heavy mist of uncertainly suddenly faded, and smiles resumed on their faces, except for Yukinoshita.

"I see.."

She didn't have a smile on her face like her friends or her teacher, but I feel I could think of that stern look of hers as one. She got closer and closer to me, retaining a determined gaze all the way.

"Usually, we expect our visitors to be a part of the operation from the beginning, but considering the scale of this matter, we held off on getting you on board. Kawasaki-san, if you prefer to cooperate with us, then you're very much welcomed to do so. Our next club activity is next Monday, please be there at 3:40PM sharp, and we can resume our planning. For the time being, please go home and take a rest."

And that's how I got directly involved in this case that I started.

Of course, I couldn't possibly 'take a rest' for the next few hours. but Yukinoshita didn't know this, didn't she? Nevertheless, I was ready. If anything, my interactions with this entire circle of people only strengthened my resolve.

The other day Miura came up to me and offered to pay my share into the class fund. That wench.. that was never my concern when I came to these three. I just couldn't stand by and let the contributions that were promised for a goal be cheated out of those who set it. Thus, I have made up my mind...

Whoever is behind this, I swear that I'm going to stop you.