"I came to return the key to the clubroom, Hiratsuka-sensei," I said as I handed the key to the teacher.

"Oh, thank you. Everything's alright?" Hiratsuka-sensei asked as she took the key.

I had deliberately left the clubroom first to have some time alone with myself and my thoughts. I had only walked for a few minutes, but during that time, Hikigaya-kun and Isshiki-san's cases were stuck in my mind. I was already thinking about how I was going to help Isshiki-san.

I was already anticipating a future meeting with her grandfather. So, as always, I had begun to prepare for the request in advance.

But when it comes to Hikigaya-kun's case, it wouldn't be the same at all. No matter how much I thought about him, I couldn't come up with a solution yet. The only option left for me was to let Hikigaya-kun take care of it on his own. Of course, I didn't like it.

When I entered the teacher's room, Hiratsuka-sensei quickly noticed my thoughtful state. She felt like she had to know what was behind this.

"What did Hikigaya do again?"

Hiratsuka-sensei already had a good idea who might be responsible for my condition.

"I guess I won't be able to stop you from putting your nose in our business once more, will I?" I sighed. "Hikigaya-kun's been distant for a while; he hid things from us, and we argued because of it. And Isshiki-san came with an uncommon request at the same time."

"Ehh... The service club is going through a lot currently. So, what's going on with him?"

Hiratsuka-sensei discreetly pulled out a packet of cigarettes from her pocket after she asked.

"You're smoking within the school..."

"No, I'm not." She then began to smoke.

"Fine, you're not."

I guess I'll do as if I didn't see.

"About Hikigaya-kun, a couple of days ago, he was absent due to an accident. Him, getting into an accident again... This brings back bad memories. Now he seems to have changed, and not for the better."

"Hikigaya had an accident? Really?" she asked, her voice getting louder and her eyes widening.

"Why that expression of surprise? I thought you'd already know."

When a student is absent. They have to justify it to the school, or they may call the parents directly.

"I didn't know at all."

I raised my eyebrow, doubting. Hiratsuka-sensei, not knowing that Hikigaya-kun got into an accident, which should be the reason for his absence, was surely suspicious.

"Then what did you think was the reason for his absence?"

"Well, I was given the typical excuse of a guy who would try to skip class—a cold."

My eyes widened in realization as I understood what was going on.

"..."

"I mean, really, I'd never heard of an accident. So your words surprised me quite a lot." Hiratsuka-sensei ended her explanation.

"I see... Thank you for the information."

I turned toward the exit of the room, about to leave.

"Wait."

I turned back to my teacher.

"Did Hikigaya really tell you that he got into an accident?"

"Yes, that is what we were told by him," I confirmed.

Hiratsuka-sensei also realized that something was wrong in this story. What was he thinking about when he told this lie to us? Was the real thing really something so big that he would rather lie to his friends than tell the truth?

"So he lied to both you and me."

"..."

"Okay, you can go. For now, I am not able to help you, but if I find anything, I'll tell you, alright?"

I then nodded and left the teachers' room. Both Hiratsuka-sensei and I were determined to find out what was wrong with Hikigaya-kun. What was he hiding from us?

I was pensive all the way to the school gates.

My expression was grave and cold as I approached the girls who were waiting for me.

"Hikigaya-kun... lied to us," I stated firmly.

Confusion and shock washed over Yuigahama-san and Isshiki-san's faces.

"He lied? What do you mean, Yukinon?" Yuigahama-san asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

"He didn't get into an accident." I clarified, my words cutting through the silence like a knife.

Yuigahama-san and Isshiki-san's eyes widened in surprise, their jaws dropping as they processed this new information. For several moments, the silence was broken only by the gentle sound of the wind.

"So what? Senpai wouldn't have just skipped class out of laziness, would he?" Isshiki-san finally broke the silence.

"I don't think Hikki would skip class just because of his laziness so easily."

As I stood silent, my mind couldn't digest the information. Hikigaya-kun lied to cover himself and ran away. That's what I thought.

I began to head out at a quick pace. Yuigahama-san and Isshiki-san also walked behind me, trying to match my pace.

"Yukinon, please slow down." Yuigahama-san asked as she barely caught up with me.

She wanted me to come to her house earlier. I thought it'd help me get my mind off of this whole thing, but I've got the feeling that it'd be just blank and awkward.

I stopped in my tracks.

"I'm sorry, Yuigahama-san. But I'll part with you here."

Yuigahama-san wanted to protest, but deep down, she understood my decision. So she only accepted it.

"Fine..." She then turned to Isshiki-san.

"I think I'll go alone too, Iroha-chan." Yuigahama-san decided to separate too.

Then we separated, each of us heading for our own way home.

I wasn't in the mood to have fun right now. Since I learned that Hikigaya-kun lied about such a topic, I can't help but feel irritated. I felt it was a betrayal. I remember the day Hikigaya-kun confessed about wanting something genuine—a friendship without lies or fake masks.

As for Yuigahama-san, I don't think that irritation would be the right word to describe her emotions. Of course, she is probably still a bit mad at Hikigaya-kun for lying, but the biggest feeling lingering in her mind was worry. If Hikigaya-kun had to lie to us, then what was really going on with him? But, like me, she felt like there was nothing she could do yet.

When I entered my apartment, I slowly took off my shoes and coat, hanging them neatly beside the door. I then walked into the kitchen and began to prepare my favorite tea, a soothing and relaxing ritual I had done countless times before.

The steaming, hot liquid filled my cup, the aroma wafting up to my nostrils. With the tea in hand, I then reached for the remote and turned on the TV, setting it to an episode of Pan-san. The cheerful music and the colorful characters filled the screen, providing a momentary distraction from the turbulent thoughts swirling up in my mind.

...

Meanwhile, Hachiman...

...

I stared at the darkening sky through the window of my room until I saw the reflection of what I was becoming. I thought all would be well. But I am too weak to keep my words.

There is a girl I have tried to avoid since what happened that day. She put me in danger, or I might say that being close to her put me in danger. I don't like the way things are going, but I have to deal with it.

I lied to Yukinoshita and Yuigahama, and ran away. This isn't me anymore...

The phone in my pocket suddenly rang. It was Yuigahama. She had sent several messages to me.

"Good evening, Hikki. It's not often something like this happens."

"You know, the quarrel between you and Yukinon."

"The thing is, we are simply worried about you. We don't want to invade your private life, so... I can understand if you still don't want to share your problem with us."

"You just have to understand that we're here for you and that we care about you. We want you to be honest, that's all."

"I don't know if you're going to answer my messages, but I hope you will."

"Most important, take care of yourself, Hikki."

I read each message but left them all marked as 'seen'. I then put my phone down and lay back on my bed.

I'm wondering if they've already found out that it was a lie. I just gave the first good excuse that crossed my mind earlier, but I didn't think about whether it would last long or not.

Now I wouldn't be surprised if they discover it in the next few days.

A few seconds later, my phone received another notification from Yuigahama. I hesitated but decided to read her message.

"Also, I almost forgot, but Iroha-chan came for a request today. We'll explain the details to you tomorrow. Since it'll be the weekend, we're already planning to meet at a park near Iroha-chan's home. I hope you'll come."

I sighed at the idea of helping Isshiki again. Knowing her, I'm pretty sure it is related to the student council again. Sometimes, it gets annoying to deal with her problems.

And Isshiki shouldn't become too dependent on us, or she'll regret it deeply when Yukinoshita and Yuigahama graduate.

Yuigahama talked about a meeting tomorrow to explain in more detail Isshiki's request to me. I don't think I'll be able to.

It's not like I want to either.

After reading Yuigahama's message, I put my phone aside and closed my eyes. The tiredness took over.

"I wrote him last night, but it seems that he ignored my messages," said Yuigahama-san, showing her phone to us.

"I see..." I replied in an emotionless tone.

"Senpai could have at least told us that he wasn't coming!"

I don't know why, but I had the feeling that he wouldn't come. I am still disappointed by the fact he didn't tell anyone about it or the reason for his absence today.

I had waited for this moment, especially to confront Hikigaya-kun once more, but my opportunity just vaporized before my eyes.

Fine, I don't need him for this request anyway.

"Maybe Hikki is just late. He might still come."

"I think it would be pointless to waste time waiting. Let's just go now. If he really intended to come, then he should have told us," I explained.

It'd be pointless as well to keep some hopes for his presence.

Isshiki-san sighed after seeing me eyeing the surroundings.

"Let's just go, girls." Isshiki-san led the way by going forward first. We followed suit.

"I was wondering, where are we heading today?" I asked.

"To the hospital. My grandpa is resting there. He's not able to leave it now."

"That's sad... He must feel lonely."

Isshiki-san turned to look at Yuigahama-san.

"I don't know. We visit him occasionally. Even if he sometimes refuses to see us."

He even isolates himself. It won't be easy, I guess.

After a while we reached the hospital yard.

The hospital courtyard was a tranquil and peaceful space, surrounded by tall, immaculately kept trees and lush greenery. The paved walkway was lined with benches, offering a place to rest and relax. In the center of the courtyard, an intricate water fountain gently sprayed a fine mist of water into the air, adding to the soothing ambience.

"There she is," Isshiki-san said pointing atan elderly woman was standing by the water fountain, watching as an older man made his way around the courtyard with the assistance of a doctor and a wheelchair.

She was the first to approach the old lady. "Hi, Grandma."

Her gaze was gentle and loving as she turned to greet her granddaughter.

"Good morning," she called out pleasantly, "It's good to see you, Iroha."

"Look, I brought two girls from my school today."

The old lady's eyes landed on us, and then she smiled.

"So they're your friends? Good morning, young girls. I hope you're having a good day," she greeted, bowing to us.

I don't think I'd call Isshiki-san a 'friend' but, well, let's go with it for now.

"My name is Yukino Yukinoshita. I'm pleased to meet you," I introduced myself, bowing.

"And I am Yui Yuigahama. It's nice to meet you," Yuigahama-san greeted and bowed as well.

"You two are really beautiful young girls, I'm glad you're taking care of Iroha in high school."

"Hihihi, thank you, Mrs.." Yuigahama-san replied.

"You can call me Ironaï."

"Oh, that's a pretty name."

"Thank you, yours is prettier."

"So, how is he going?" Isshiki-san then asked, talking about her grandfather.

Ironaï-san eyed her husband once more, a faint expression of sadness filling her face.

"His state got worse. He's got only a few weeks left now..."

The shock splashed over us three. A few weeks only? It's got that bad...

But the one who was most hurt by the news was Isshiki-san. Her eyes widened in shock and disbelief, and a choked gasp escaped her lips.

As the reality of the situation sank in, her features contorted in despair, her expression a heartbreaking mix of fear and heartbreak. The corners of her mouth quivered slightly as she struggled to hold back a flood of tears that threatened to overflow her cheeks.

"What? A few weeks? But the doctors said that he had at least 4 months to live!" Isshiki-san expressed her surprise, but Ironaï-san only closed her eyes, her head slightly leaning down.

"Sorry, Iroha..." she said.

The sight was really heartbreaking. Even if I do not see Isshiki-san as someone close to me, it still affects me to watch her go through such depressing events.

Her tears welled up in her eyes. She tried to wipe them away, but just couldn't.

"S-Sorry I..."

"Iroha..." Ironaï-san attempted to reach for her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her, but she walked away, her tears reaching her cheeks.

The expression of her grandmother saddened even further. It must be hard for her too, if not more. She is going to lose her husband, and her granddaughter is in total breakdown.

I had to help them, or at least do as much as I could to fulfill Isshiki-san's request.

"Ironaï-san... May we know more about your husband and granddaughter's relationship? Were they close, especially?" I asked.

She glanced at her husband and then approached us.

"Let's have a seat first, shall we?"

We agreed to sit down on a nearby bench, where we could still keep an eye on the old, ill man.

"When Iroha was much younger, her parents were extremely busy due to their past work. During a part of her childhood, she didn't have the opportunity to spend time with them and learn more about them. She learned very soon how to take care of herself when she was alone at home."

"I didn't know... She must have felt very lonely," Yuigahama-san commented.

A child who didn't get many opportunities to spend time with her parents...

How familiar.

Ironaï glanced once more at her husband.

"But she wasn't lonely, thanks to her grandfather. He was the one who mostly took care of her when she was a little child, and they shared a very deep connection within the time."

"He was kind of like a father figure to her at that moment?" Yuigahama-san asked.

"He was like the parent that Iroha needed. The person who gave her affection, care, and love when her real parents couldn't."

Isshiki-san had a father figure, even though her parents weren't there for her. She is lucky.

I understand how she may have felt. I understand it very well.

My own father had probably seen his office more than his daughters in his life. I'm not even exaggerating.

My mother wasn't helping either.

I still love my father very much. We may have not shared a lot of moments together, but every single minute I spent with him was the most precious of my life. I wish they were longer.

Mother was more present than him, but I feel like I shared a much deeper connection with my father than with her.

"I'm glad Iroha-chan still has a father figure in her life. I never got to know mine; he left a few years after I was born. If it weren't for the photos Mom saved, I wouldn't even remember what he looked like," Yuigahama-san unexpectedly confessed.

I glanced at her, my eyes widening slightly in surprise.

Yuigahama-san was fatherless, and I never knew about it. I can hardly imagine her growing up without a father.

"Your father left? That is truly unfortunate. I hope that you'll be able to meet him again in the future," Ironaï-san said with sympathy.

Yuigahama-san smiled sadly and shook her head. "It's impossible for me to see him again," she replied in a soft voice. "He's gone forever."

Ironaï-san gasped softly after hearing Yuigahama-san's clarification.

There was such a thing that I didn't know about her. I don't know how to react to it. I complained about my father's lack of presence during my childhood, while she had never known hers.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Yuigahama." Ironaï-san presented her condolences.

"I'm fine; let's talk back about Iroha-chan." Yuigahama-san quickly brought back the main topic.

She tried to shrug it off, acting as if the topic wasn't worth discussing at the moment. But despite her efforts to brush it aside, I noticed the slight trembling of her lips as she forced a smile.

I could sense that this was not the time to delve further into the matter. So, I remained quiet, letting Ironaï-san continue with the conversation.

"When she learned about his illness, it was a real shock for her. He won't be able to watch her graduate or become a grown woman. So, this year she said that she was going to integrate the student council and show him how capable she became, thanks to him."

"I see..." I said, looking down.

Ironaï looked at her husband with a nostalgic look.

"It's as painful for him to know that he won't see his granddaughter become an adult."

"Is it why he became distant with his family?" I asked.

"Deep down, he is hopeless. He gave up on everything, thinking that it was worthless. He thinks that Iroha should focus on her own life now and stop thinking about him. He told Iroha many times that he wouldn't be here for her forever. Now he's showing it."

"That's not right... He should spend as much of his remaining time with her as possible," Yuigahama-san retorted; her emotions were felt through her tone of voice.

I agree with her. He may not be able to be there for her forever, but that doesn't mean he has to be distant from her in order to get her used to his absence.

When someone you care about begins to be distant from you, it only leads to a sense of frustration and painful worry.

These emotions are often triggered when the usual communication and interaction with the person becomes less frequent or less meaningful, leaving you feeling confused and uncertain about the reason behind their distant behavior.

As the gap between you widens, it becomes increasingly harder to bridge the divide, exacerbating the pain and uncertainty of the situation. The feeling of helplessness and powerlessness in the face of such distance only adds to the frustration, making it hard to reconnate with them again.

I know what I mean.

"I would like to make him understand that, but this is not easy."

I suddenly stood up.

"Yukinon?"

"We'll make him, I promise."

"You're..." Ironaï-san looked up and watched me walk towards the grandfather.

"Wait, young girl." She stood up with Yuigahama-san. "I can't insure you that he'll open up so easily to you."

"I know; I've dealt with a lot of stubborn ones," I replied as I made my way over to the old man in the wheelchair.

I approached him, each step sounding determined.

I stood behind him. He was on the edge of the walkway, looking at the flowers on the grass in front of him, as the doctor seemed to have already noticed my presence.

He bends down to his patient's ear "A young woman seems to want to talk to you."

The patient raised his head and mumbled. "Show me."

The doctor executed and grabbed the wheelchair to turn it around so he could face me.

His eyes swept over me from the bottom to the top.

His face mirrored my expectations. There was a stark difference in his eyes, no longer carrying any hint of determination. His expression was solemn and aloof, and it was evident that my presence was troubling him.

I could easily tell that he wanted to be left in solitude right now.

"Who are you? And what do you want?" he asked, his voice deep and tired.

"I am an acquaintance of Isshiki-san, your granddaughter."

"So?"

"I wanted to ask first, how do you feel? I mean, about your current situation."

"I am not in the mood for an interrogation."

"Fine, I understand. Then may I get right to the point? You're causing your granddaughter more pain than she's already feeling. Choosing to isolate yourself from people will only lead you to regret."

"Regrets? I've got plenty of them already. They'll be*cough* the few to add to a long list of life's regrets."

"What regrets?"

He looked away.

The memory that had resurfaced in his mind was something that he would be unlikely to share with a stranger, I suppose.

"I ruined her childhood," he stated, his voice carrying a sense of finality as it filled the air and reached my ears like a tolling bell.

The weight of his words lingered in the silence that followed

"That is not true. You were the one who saved her from loneliness, weren't you?"

"That was just a recompense, the least I could do for her after what I had caused."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice filled with confusion.

For what is he blaming himself? From what I'm hearing, I feel like Ironaï-san didn't tell us everything.

As I was asking for more information, Yuigahama-san and Ironaï-san joined us.

I turned to the old lady.

"Irona-san, is there anything you might have forgotten to tell us?"

She looked at her husband.

"You're restarting with this? How many times did I tell you to stop blaming yourself?"

"I can't run away from the truth. The fact on the matter is that I am the one who suggested our son choose this job without caring about how busy that'd make him and his wife become."

She didn't try to retort against her husband's words, as if knowing that he was speaking the stabbing truth.

"Hanoru... Please, it's unbearable to see you treating yourself like this." Ironaï-san said, her voice trembling as much as her eyes.

"Doctor, I need to rest now. May you take me back to my bed, please," he ordered the doctor to hold his wheelchair as he executed without a word.

The sounds of the wheels and footsteps of the doctor became quieter as the distance between us extended.

They disappeared from our sight once they entered the building of the hospital. Ironaï-san stared at it, the grief playing in her eyes.

"He said that he ruined Isshiki-san's childhood. What did he mean by that?" I spoke up.

"He still thinks that it was all his fault."

"What did he do that was so terrible?" Yuigahama-san asked.

Ironaï-san closed her eyes for one second before answering.

"When Iroha was born, her parents weren't doing very well, financially speaking. They had underestimated the cost that a child could have."

I and Yuigahama-san intently listened to her.

"It had been extremely hard for them to take care of Iroha for the first five years. But that was until Hanoru, my husband, gave them a hand."

"Was it the job he mentioned earlier?"

She nodded.

"First, he suggested a new job for Iroha's father, one that would pay much better than the one he was currently doing. He told them that their daughter's well-being was the most important thing they should think about, and they'd worry about the rest later. Convinced, Iroha's father quickly managed to get hired by the first company he found that was hiring for the job he was looking for, and his wife joined him soon after."

"And this was where it started," Yuigahama-san commented.

"They earned money from their new job and managed to provide for all of Iroha's needs, but at what cost?"

"Their time..." I answered.

"Exactly. Hanoru was the first to realize what needs Iroha truly lacked. He didn't want to tell her parents to stop their jobs, but he felt bad when he saw how alone Iroha became."

She paused for a short moment before continuing.

"Since this realization, he has felt guilty and responsible. He volunteered to stay home with her and take her to school instead of them while they worked. He was willing to do this until she reached 15."

"Has he been doing that for ten years? That's incredible." Yuigahama-san declared.

Ironaï-san smiled softly.

"Yes, he really took matters into his own hands. Now, Iroha can take care of herself very well, as her parents have become less busy with their work," she ended.

That's a lot. Before this day, I had no idea that Iroha and her family had gone through all of this.

We all hide a somber part of our lives within ourselves. Isshiki-san and Yuigahama-san were two girls, and we'd think that their lives were filled with joy and happiness. But here they are: one was fatherless, and another missed the connection a child is supposed to share with their parents.

I have my own as well, and I don't need to remind myself.

I couldn't help but think about someone else.

Hikigaya-kun.

He sure has his own obscured part. But I have the feeling that it is much more than I already know about him.

"Does he still feel guilty for taking away what Iroha-chan should have had?" Yuigahama-san queried.

"Yes, he knows all the good he has done, but he thinks that it is nothing compared to what she would have had if her parents were there for her."

"I think Iroha-chan wants to show him how happy and grateful she is to have him in her life."

Yuigahama-san took a deep breath.

"All we have to do is make sure he realizes how much he has made his granddaughter happy and how much he means to her. At least before it is too late."

"You're right, Yuigahama-san. May I ask, Ironaï-san, on which day will his birthday be?" I asked.

"Friday. It'll be Friday."

"So we've got 6 days to prepare the best birthday he has ever had!" Yuigahama-san exclaimed.

Ironaï-san smiled at us and bowed.

"I'm really grateful for your support; that means a lot to me and Iroha."

"Talking about her, where is she?" Yuigahama-san asked.

"She went to the building earlier. I hope she's okay," I answered.

"Let's head in."

We went to the hospital building and spotted Iroha sitting on a chair. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy, the aftermath of tears that had streamed down her face.

Her sleeve was damp, likely the result of her crying alone in that place for some time.

Ironaï-san quickly sat down next to her and pulled her into a warm embrace. Isshiki-san hugged back.

That's true. She literally learned at the same time as us that her grandfather has only a few weeks left. She thought he'd live at least 4 months.

4 months reduced to a few weeks must have been really hard to digest for her.

We comforted her and calmed her tears. I never saw her so overwhelmed before. I even had to comfort her by holding her in my arms, even though I do not like being clingy. Yuigahama-san did so as well.

I don't know if I'll find the strength to show such a vulnerable state of myself to anyone someday. I hope I won't have to. That's not how I was raised.

After a while, we left the hospital with Isshiki-san.

She was walking alongside me, holding Yuigahama-san's hand.

"That was a big day," Yuigahama'-san expressed.

"I agree."

Isshiki-san only nodded at her.

"So, how shall we proceed?" Isshiki-san asked.

"After school, let's visit them," I suggested.

"Seems fine by me. I should be free next week."

"Will it be fine for you, Isshiki-san?"

"There might be some days where I'll be busy with the student council but I'll be there most of the time."

"Alright. All that's missing now is..."

"What if Senpai can't come?" Isshiki-san asked.

Hikigaya-kun remains a complicated case. He refuses to answer Yuigahama-san's messages and keeps acting mysterious.

I don't know what to do with him.

"He's a member of the Service club. Of course he'll have to come!" Yuigahama-san said.

"You're right, Yuigahama-san. If he refuses, I'll make him," I affirmed coldly.

Isshiki-san smiled at me.

"Then we're good."

"I'll go this way." I said, indicating that we'd have to separate.

"Okay, goodbye, Yukinon." She waved.

"Yeah, see you."

"Take care, Yuigahama-san, Ishiki-san." I waved and began to walk away.

Before heading home, I decided to go do some shopping at the mall. It was crowded today as it was weekend so I expected it. My weekly routine involved shopping for groceries on Saturdays, and today was no exception.

I purchased a variety of vegetables, a selection of teas, and some starches, conscious of the importance of consuming a healthy diet. Walking through the lively mall, I took my time to browse for the products I needed.

Once I was done shopping, I left the store and walked toward the exit of the mall. On my way out, I was suddenly approached by a man who appeared to be in his 20s.

"Good afternoon. I've seen you earlier at the store and I found you very cute."

He followed me here?

Now I realize how careless I'm being with everything that's happening. I didn't even notice some older men following me.

"I appreciate the compliment." I began to speak, my eyes scanning around quickly until I find a way to leave.

But something had caught my attention. My eyes landed on a pharmacy. The pharmacy itself wasn't the center of my attention. Actually, it was the boy who just came out of it.

The pharmacy was behind the man so I couldn't see clearly.

I slightly leaned up to see over the man's shoulder.

"So, can I have your number?" He asked.

I recognized his face and hairstyle. It was him and he was about to leave the mall as well.

Seeing him about to disappear from my sight now made my heart pound. I couldn't miss it, not today.

"Excuse me, I have to go."

I tried to walk past the man, as I could see him more clearly. I was totally sure now.

The man abruptly stood in front of me again, blocking my path and view.

"Please, just a number. Or do you have instagram?" He continued.

He's preventing me from seeing where Hikigaya-kun is going. My eyebrows furrowed. It was seriously getting irritating that he couldn't understand that I don't give a damn about him.

"I already said I had to go, and I am not interested. So, please, leave me alone." I said as I picked up my pace and passed him once more.

But he insisted.

"I promise you won't regret. It'd be a shame for such a beautiful woman to stay alone."

"I'm 17 years old." I finally used this card.

"H-huh... Ah, sorry, I didn't know... Aight, have a good day." He said, his tone awkward as he quickly walked away.

Finally.

Now, where was I? Yes, Hikigaya-kun. He isn't here anymore. Did he leave? Surely.

I left the mall through the same exit he seemed to be headed for.

I looked around hurriedly.

Where did he go? Left? Right? I had to decide fast.

I'll go right.

I walked further away from the mall until I spotted a woman carrying a baby in her arms. I hoped she would have seen him.

"Excuse me, have you seen a boy with black hair and an ahoge? He's a little taller than me and has dead-looking, rotten eyes."

"Ahem... Maybe. I might have seen someone like the one you described walking past me. I think that I heard him cough so all I can say is that he was heading towards the park over there." She pointed at the area.

"Thank you very much." I then rapidly headed.

I stood in front of the park's gates and finally spotted his silouhette, far away.

I walked—no, I ran through it and tried to catch him up. I was only able to see his back and how his hands were pulled in his pockets as he walked peacefully.

I managed to close the distance enough to be able to be heard by him now.

"Hikigaya-kun!" I called out his name loudly enough.

He stopped, his head raising subtly.

"I know this voice..." He mumbled under his breath and slowly turned to face me.

"It's you..."

Many emotions swirled in my mind as I looked at his face. His eyes were still as rotten as always. I'm glad I didn't call out the wrong person.

"Let's talk, please."