I stood a few meters in front of him, my breath returning normal bit by bit. He looked back at me with his blank expression, as his eyes let out a slight feeling of bother.
"Were you just stalking me, Yukinoshita?" He asked first.
"I just saw you here."
"You seem to have run a long way to reach me, though."
"Why didn't you come today? Why did you ignore Yuigahama-san's messages?"
I directly brought the main issue into the conversation.
He scratched his hair, thinking thoroughly.
"And more importantly, why did you lie?" I took a few steps closer.
"So you all figured it out already?"
"Yes, we figured it out the same day you told this lie to us."
He sighed softly and walked towards me.
He got closer and closer. What did he have in mind?
I instinctively tried to step back, but his next move took me off guard. He had grabbed my shopping bags.
"What are you-"
"Leave them to me, do you live nearby? I'll walk you."
Huh? Why is he suddenly offering to walk me home? What is he on today?
"Listen, I don't have the energy to argue right now. So, let's just talk calmly, shall we?" He said, his tone of voice serene.
For some reason, the grip of my fingers loosened as he took my bags.
It was the most mature choice he could have made in this situation, so that surprised me. I expected him to avoid my questions and find excuses again. But he just accepted that he needed to talk to me and even offered to walk me home and carry my shopping bags for me.
I took a deep breath to calm the little quiver I felt in my chest. He better not think he can satisfy me with this simple gentlemanly act.
I led the way out of the park with Hikigaya-kun at my side. He stayed silent, as if letting me speak first. Though I asked him questions, I should be the one waiting.
"Can you just... answer this question honestly? Why did you not come today?"
He thought again of an answer.
"Isshiki-san's request isn't student council-related, you know."
If this was the reason why he tried to avoid coming, then it should reassure him.
"Really?"
"Yes. Were you afraid of having to deal with that stuff again?"
"No, I wasn't actually afraid. It's just that I don't feel like getting involved with that any more. Too much effort and energy to provide."
"So, it's just laziness?"
"It's more complicated than that."
"Is this another excuse you give to yourself to clear your conscience?"
He didn't reply to my last question. Not because deep down he thinks I'm right, but more because he doesn't want to tell more about it. I can see it clearly in his eyes.
I'm not falling for it this time. If he thinks I'll accept the idea that he's just super lazy that easily, he really does underestimate me.
"I'm not going to get anything out of you, am I?"
"..."
"You don't trust me that much, Hikigaya-kun?"
Then, he suddenly interrupted his pace.
"It's not about trust, Yukinoshita." He said, his hand slightly tightening its grip on my shopping bag.
"Then why are you hiding things from me? I just want to know, to understand you."
"Do you remember that accident when I tried to save Yuigahama's dog?"
My expression darkened as I nodded.
"Yes..."
"You knew it was me, the boy who was hit by the car.. But you still didn't tell me that you were involved in the accident, even after I joined the Service Club."
That... is true.
"Was it because you didn't trust me? No, it wouldn't make sense, especially in this context."
He retrieved his pace.
"Sometimes, there are things that are hard to say, even to people we trust. So don't think I don't trust you or Yuigahama."
I couldn't counterargue this. He was right. Though it frustrated me, I can't lie to myself.
"It's that personal?"
"If you were me, you'd have done the same thing."
I sighed in defeat.
"Fine, I understand. I won't try to interfere with your personal space ever again. I'll wait until the time you'll be ready."
"Thank you, Yukinoshita."
After a few minutes, we finally reached my apartment.
"It's here."
He gave me back my shopping bags and put his hands back into his pockets. He started to walk away, but I needed to know one more thing.
"Hikigaya-kun."
He turned toward me.
"Yes?"
"Will you participate in Isshiki-san's request?"
He gave me a soft and warm smile.
"Yes, I will."
There was something about hearing him say those words that made my heart feel strangely warm. It had been a while since I had seen that smile of his, and it felt unexpectedly delightful to witness it again in that moment.
"Okay. See you around, Hikigaya-kun." I waved, smiling back.
"See you."
He walked away, his silhouette slowly getting smaller and smaller as the distance grew.
I entered my apartment and placed my bags in the kitchen. I went directly to my bed after that and held my Pan-san plushy against myself.
I didn't learn very much from him, but I strangely don't feel mad any more.
I let him go without letting my curiosity take over.
While I was talking to Hikigaya-kun,I couldn't shake the feeling that something was weighing heavily on him. It was as if there were an invisible burden on his shoulders, one that was hard to pinpoint but impossible to ignore. It was a subtle shift in his mannerisms, a hint of something more beneath the surface, that made me feel like there was something troubling him.
He doesn't want to talk to me about it, and as his friend, I disagree with him not sharing it. But I can't force him. That's how it is.
I bit my lip and squeezed my plushy tighter against me.
What was this feeling stirring within me? This profound sense of concern for Hikigaya-kun? Why was it so powerful and intense? Deep within me, a small voice was whispering that he was concealing something of great importance.
I'm so ashamed to be in such a state over a boy...
The next day...
*Ring!*
The bell rang, indicating the end of today's classes. I gathered my things and headed out of the classroom.
Firstly, I needed to go to the teachers' room where I can get the key to the clubroom.
"Good afternoon, Hiratsuka-sensei." I greeted.
"Oh, hello, Yukinoshita. Here the keys to the clubroom." She handed them to me.
I quickly took them and began to leave the room.
"So, how's the request going?"
I stopped, the door half open.
"We're going to have some difficulties, but I think that everything will be alright." I said confidently.
Isshiki-san's grandfather seems stubborn, but it's not the first time we're dealing with people like him.
And with the help of Hikigaya-kun, I think it's going to be fine.
"I spoke with Hikigaya-kun... All I can say is that he'll participate in the request. I still don't know why he chose to lie the other day, but we agreed not to push the issue any further." I explained.
"How did he even manage to make you accept that so easily?"
I looked away, unable to provide a clear answer.
The teacher sighed. "Anyway, go. You shouldn't make your client wait."
I nodded and left the teachers' room.
The first thing I did after entering the clubroom was preparing the tea.
Yuigahama-san and Hikigaya-kun should come soon, maybe Isshiki-san will be with them.
The door opened.
"Yahallo!" She waved.
I looked at her and greeted back.
"Good afternoon, Yuigahama-san."
She walked toward her seat as I kept staring at the door, only after several seconds I realized that she came alone.
"Where is Hikigaya-kun?"
"I don't know, Hikki left the classroom before me and I didn't see him waiting for me at the usual spot today. I thought he'd be already here, but it doesn't seem so..."
"He's coming today, right?"
"Yeah, I think."
He promised he'll participate. If he doesn't keep his words I'll...
"Hi guys!" The door opened as Isshiki-san came in.
"Yahallo!"
"Good afternoon."
She took her seat in front of Yuigahama-san.
"Senpai's not here?"
"No, we're waiting for him right now." I informed.
"What is he doing?" Isshiki-san asked, looking at Yuigahama.
"I really don't know where he went!"
It wouldn't be a big deal if he came later than expected. But I really hope he wasn't just trying to reassure me to then disappear again without telling anyone.
I want to believe that he was telling the truth when he said he'd come, and the smile he showed back then seemed sincere. So, why isn't he here yet?
"The tea must be ready, let's have some while waiting." I proposed.
They both accepted the idea without a word. I carefully served a cup of tea for Yuigahama-san and Isshiki-san while they had started to chat about meaningless things.
"You're in a much better mood than last time, Iroha-chan!"
"Yes, I managed to recover since then. I still have a character to maintain around here. Since you're the only ones who saw me in my most vulnerable state."
Yuigahama-san smiled brightly.
"Don't worry, you can cry as much as you want with us. I'll cry with you!" Yuigahama-san exlaimed.
The girls seem to be normal today. Yuigahama-san is still as energetic as ever, and Isshiki-san recovered a little bit.
The only one not totally normal...
I looked to the side. My tea had started to get colder as I still hadn't put my lips to the cup yet.
"Yukinon?" Her voice snapped me out of my trance.
"Ah, yes. We're with you, Isshiki-san."
"Are you okay, Yukino-senpai?"
"Yes, I'm fine." I said as I finally took the first sip of my tea.
The sound of the door handle being grasped and moved reached my ears and immediately focused my attention on the door.
The door opened.
"Yo."
The rotten boy finally arrived.
"Took you long, Senpai!"
"Why didn't you wait for me?"
"...Good afternoon, Hikigaya-kun."
He took his seat at the opposite side of the table.
"Sorry for the late, I had to go toilet quickly."
I sighed in relief and annoyance. Did he really have to worry me so much for nothing?
"Senpai, what happened to you last week?"
Of course, he wasn't going to answer her.
I had already his cup of tea made, so I stood up and went to give him.
"Thanks."
I went back to my seat silently and finished my cup.
The girls stared at us, confused.
"What's going on with you guys? Yukino-senpai didn't reprimand Senpai."
I think they'd need an explanation.
"It's okay. We agreed to not talk about what happened last week any more. So, please, do not try to make Hikigaya-kun talk."
"You're sure about it, Yukinon?" Yuigahama-san looked at me, wanting a confirmation.
I nodded.
"If Yukinon said so then I'll let Hikki be."
"So that's all? No one's gonna scold him?"
"I think we have more important matter to deal with right now, right Iroha-chan?"
"Sure..." Isshiki-san gave in.
"While you drink your tea, we'll quickly explain the situation to you." I said to Hikigaya-kun.
He then looked at us attentively as we explained Isshiki-san's request and what had already been done till now.
"I got it. So, we have to convince Isshiki's grandfather that he shouldn't keep regretting his past choices, that's it?" He asked.
"Yes, friday will be his last birthday. This will be our last chance." Isshiki-san explained with a serious tone.
"I see..."
Hikigaya-kun wasn't expecting Isshiki-san to request such a thing. I understand why he looks a little troubled now. I felt the same.
He seemed to have finished his tea. So, I guess it's time to go now.
"Shall we go?" I asked if everyone was ready.
"Yes, let's go evreryone." Yuigahama stood up and grabbed her bag.
I stood up too and the others followed.
We all gathered our things and finally left the clubroom. I closed the door with the key.
"Let's pass by the teachers' room so I return the key to the clubroom." I said.
"I'll go ahead." Hikigaya-kun made his choice.
"Where do you think you're going? You stay with us." Isshiki-san commanded.
Honestly, I was about to say the same thing.
He was hesitant for some reason but he gave in Isshiki-san's demand.
I then led the way toward the teachers' room.
"I'm returning the keys to the clubroom." I said, handing the keys toward Hiratsuka-sensei.
"Thanks, good luck for the request."
We nodded and began to head out.
Until one of us was called out.
"Hikigaya, may you stay here for a minute?" The teacher said, her eyes were as if they had Hikigaya-kun in their grip.
"Sure..." He turned to her.
"Everyone else, go ahead. I promise I won't keep him too long," she affirmed.
"I understand, let's go, Yuigahama-san, Isshiki-san."
We silently left the teachers' room, leaving Hikigaya-kun there with Hiratsuka-sensei.
I had my own idea of the reason why she wanted him to stay. I told her that we agreed to not push it further but she's still going to interrogate him? I wouldn't appreciate the idea of her forcing the truth out of him.
We all have secrets we hide from people we love. Being forced to reveal it can lead to bad endings.
That's why I decided to wait for him. We have all our time. So, maybe.. If I get close enough to him I'll know.
...
After a few minutes, Hikigaya-kun came back.
"What did the teacher want to talk about with you?" Yuigahama-san asked.
"It was about the test I didn't write. She explained how I had to make up for it."
I don't think he was speaking the truth at this moment, and I am not sure Yuigahama-san believed him either.
"Oh, I see. But don't worry, the test isn't so difficult even for you." She said with a small smile.
He approached us as we were making our way to the hospital.
It is a little far from the school but we should arrive in around 26 minutes of walk, according to the GPS.
Hikigaya-kun's been pensive since he was demanded by the teacher. His expression only confirms what I thought.
Hiratsuka-sensei definitely did not talk about the test earlier.
I didn't try to ask him, because I knew he would most likely avoid saying the truth. So, I let it slide.
"There is something I wanted to say, Yuigahama." He spoke up out of the blue.
"Yes, Hikki?"
My attention was mostly on them now.
"I'm sorry, for ignoring your messages. Even if I wasn't going to come, I should have told you. It was... wrong."
Yuigahama-san's expression softened.
"I forgive you. But don't ignore me ever again. Got it?" she said, leaning towards him and faking a glare.
"Yeah got it." He scratched his hair as he looked away subtly.
Well, at least he is aware that he's been rude towards some people around him.
"So it's you, the boy named Hikigaya?" Isshiki-san's grandmother asked.
"Yes, nice to meet you, Ironaï Isshiki."
We arrived in the courtyard of the hospital, Hikigaya-kun got to meet Ironaï-san.
"Hanoru is currently resting in his room, so I'd like you to not bother him for now."
"Understood." I replied.
I know that he'd need time alone to rest so for now we're going to think about how we'll prepare his birthday.
"For the cake, we'll manage that together. As for the gift..." Isshiki-san spoke up.
"I think we'll leave that to you. You're the one who knows the most what would your grandfather like." I said.
Ironaï-san nodded in agreement.
"I think I've got an idea..." Isshiki-san said, stroking her chin with her delicate fingers.
"You have 5 days to prepare it. Make sure you put all your heart into it!" Yuigahama-san said.
"I propose that we meet at my place on thursday to cook the cake."
So I can keep an eye on Yuigahama-san during the cooking. I wouldn't want her to accidently intoxicate Hanoru-san and get him dead before his time.
"Seems fine by me." Isshiki-san replied.
"I'd be glad to come over too!"
I then looked at Hikigaya-kun, noticing the hesitation in his eyes.
"I'll see if I'll be free.." He answered.
"But you're always free." Yuigahama-san pouted.
"Let me know if you'll come or not."
Hikigaya-kun returned my gaze and nodded.
Ironaï-san clapped her hands softly. "Well, now that you're organized why not sit down and discuss for a while? I would like to know more about my granddaughter's friends."
"Sure. This bench over there is free." Yuigahama-san pointed at a bench near the water fountain.
We took our seat.
Ironaï-san was sitting on the middle, between Isshiki-san and Yuigahama-san. I was next to Yuigahama-san as Hikigaya-kun was at the opposite side of the bench.
Ironaï looked at Hikigaya-kun.
"So, it's Hikigaya right? May I ask you a question?"
"I guess yeah."
"Are you alright? I noticed that your expression was tired or.. How shall I put it? Distant maybe?"
"Don't worry, Grandma. Senpai's always like that."
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for asking though."
"This reassures me, I was afraid you would've been here by force from the girls."
Yuigahama-san and Isshiki-san chuckled at her words.
"I had something to ask." He said.
"Go ahead, young boy."
"Would you let me talk to Isshiki's grandfather alone?"
"What do you have on mind, Hikki?" Yuigahama-san's curiosity was piqued.
"I just wanna talk to him and see directly what kind of caractere he has."
I know what he's thinking about.
But I don't see how he'll try to change his mind with a single conversation.
"I already tried to talk to him, Hikigaya-kun. So, may I warn you that it won't be easy to change his mind."
"I'm not going to change his mind right today. I don't think I'd manage such a thing. But I can try something else." He explained.
Now i'm curious about the 'something else' he's going to do.
"Care to elaborate?" I asked.
"Here's the plan..."
...
"Do you really think that'd work?" Isshiki asked.
"I can't insure you but, if Yukinoshita is willing to let me proceed then you'll see."
This will surely go bit by bit. His mind isn't gonna change in one second. Since the regret he's feeling is pretty deep, I can try to deepen it to the point he'll become desesperate.
"I guess, this is our only option for now. So, let's place our hopes on Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita said in a serious tone.
"Thank you, Yukinoshita."
Isshiki's grandmother glanced at her watch.
"I think he should have woken up now. If you really want to talk to him, then go ahead." She declared.
I stood up and looked down at the girls as they nodded.
Then I made my way to the hospital building and entered it.
I was given the number of his room so I already know where it is.
To change a man's mind, you need to put yourself in his situation, to understand his reasonnement as much as possible. He probably think that the right thing to do is what he's doing.
While he thinks being in the right, people who love him suffer. He's aware of his small remaining time here, but doesn't get that he's wasting it by isolating himself.
If my time were reduced to a few weeks, how would I be convinced to spend my time with my closest people?
I arrived in front of the door of his room.
I knocked.
"Who is it?" A deep voice came from the room.
"A friend of your granddaughter."
"Again? Please leave me alone."
"It's just for a small talk, may I enter?"
"Didn't you hear me?"
He's really as stubborn as they described.
"So what? You're so scared by your regrets that even facing a friend of hers you can't?"
"Tch... What do you want?"
I pulled the doorhandle and opened the door. I stepped into the room, closing the door behind me.
"It'll be your last birthday, you know that?"
"I do. But it's useless to think about it now."
"Really determined to ruin her childhood to the end, huh?"
He finally looked at me. Took him long though.
"You caused her to be alone for a part of her childhood and now you're restarting it during the last part of her teenager time. You must be very good at making your granddaughter feel lonel-"
"Don't you dare to say one more word, boy." He said coldly.
I touched a nerve it seems. But this was only the truth.
"Unless... I am wrong? But you don't seem to prove it very well."
"Get out of here, now." His hand squeezed the sheet of his hospital bed.
I can tell my words went right into his mind.
"What I'm saying is that she's missing you right now. It's not her parent that can provide her what she's asking for. The act is done so you'll have to deal with it instead of uselessly regretting."
He looked down and stayed silent.
"It's worthless. I took too much from her. There is no way I'll fully make it up in twenty days."
"It's not about making it up. Have you ever asked her how she felt about it?"
"..."
"So how can you say that she's unsatisfied by everything you've done for her?"
He eyed the hospital courtyard through the windows. From here, he was able to see Isshiki and the others outside talking on the bench.
"That's not as simple as you think..."
"Maybe you're just making it complicated."
I understand how he's feeling. But if he could do anything during his small time left. It'd be spending it with people he shared the most of love with.
There isn't the time to isolate himself, what matters is Isshiki's feelings about this.
The fact is, she wants to spend time with him but he's preventing it.
That's why I talked about him wasting his time. Lying alone in a hospital bed and staring at the window would be much more useless than making his granddaughter happy, one last time.
I said all I had to say. Now, I should let him think about it more deeply alone.
I can say for sure, that I could make something move within him.
I turned to the door and opened it.
"I leave you alone as you asked."
"Wait."
I stopped.
"Haven't I seen you somewhere before?"
"I don't think so."
I then left the room and went back to the reception.
My words might be enough to make him think about his current actions. I don't know if he'll be convinced by that only. The chances are very low.
The look in his eyes was one of a doubting man, not a convinced one.
It'll surely take some time while he'll need to be alone. So we'll have to avoid visiting him tomorrow and even the day after.
One thing done, now there's his birthday. Yukinoshita invited us to her place to cook the cake together.
I don't know how I'm feeling about it. A mixture of nervousity and fear to be honest. Isn't it a bit too risky to go?
No, I don't think so. I mean, I won't be alone there, right?
Yuigahama and Isshiki are coming too. So, everything should be fine...
There is no reason things would go likethe last time...
I finally walked out of the hospital and joined the girls.
"So, how was it?" Yukinoshita asked.
"All I can say is... Things might be moving now. But it'll take time."
Isshiki's eyes widened slightly.
"You're sure about it, Senpai?"
I nodded.
"I think we should leave him alone for the next days and focus more on the preparation of his birthday." I suggested.
"Hikki's right, if he said that he managed to get something from him then we shouldn't be too present around him. But nothing prevent you from trying to approach him if you want to, Iroha-chan." Yuigahama explained.
Isshiki thought, she'd need a minute to make her choice.
"Well, you did a good job. You can go. I don't think you need to stay any longer today." Ironaï said.
"You're sure? Is there anything else we can help you with?" Yukinoshita asked but she shook her head.
"I already appreciate a lot the effort you make. I don't want you to spend all your time here at the hospital."
I looked at Yukinoshita. I'd understand if she feels that she didn't do so much to day.
"Let's go, Yukinoshita, Yuigahama."
"Okay, Hikki."
"Alright, see you later, Ironaï-san."
Isshiki took her decision.
"I'll stay with Grandma a little longer. You can go without me."
"Fine."
"Goodbye, Iroha-chan!" Yuigahama waved.
"Take care." Yukinoshita waved.
We told our goodbyes to Isshiki's grandmother and began to head out.
"Hikigaya." I was called out by Ironaï.
"Hm?"
"I'm deeply grateful for what you've done. If it changes the way things are... I don't know how I'll repay you."
"Your welcome, and... I do that because..." I quickly glanced at Yukinoshita and Yuigahama, then back at her. "Because I promised I'd participate in the request of your granddaughter."
She smiled warmly and thanked me once more.
Yukinoshita turned away as if preparing to walk away. I barely managed to catch the small smile that had spread across her lips before she gets it away from my view.
"Goodbye.. I guess." I waved at the old lady and we finally left the hospital courtyard.
"That was... a good day, wasn't it?" Yuigahama broke the silence as we walked.
"I guess so." I replied.
"Yes."
Yukinoshita, although I thought I saw a smile on her lips, didn't look satisfied with the turn of events.
"Everything's alright, Yukinoshita?"
"Oh, well yes. I'm fine. I just feel like I didn't do much."
"That's wrong, you too had participated." Yuigahama tried to reassure her.
Of course she might have done some things the previous time. But what about today?
Till now I am the only one who managed to make things move.
I stayed silent as I understood how she may be feeling right now. She was right. She didn't do anything today.
But...
She shouldn't think she's useless. I hope she doesn't think that way, because she isn't at all.
"Thank to you, Yukinoshita, I managed to get under his skin. It's impressive how clear you can be when it comes to remembering and explaining something, even down to the details. I could understand where I had to aim." I explained, hopping this would reassure her.
Yuigahama beamed.
"Yes, that's true, after all." She said, pulling a strand of her hair behind her ear.
*beep!*
A car beeped at us a couple of time, startling us by the way. We turned towards the car to see who it was.
"Hi Yui, it's me!" A woman who looked exactly like Yuigahama, but with a slightly different hairstyle, stuck her head out of the window of her car and waved at us.
"Mom?"
She opened the door of her car and got out.
"How are you doing? Are they your friends?"
Mom? So this woman is Yuigahama's mother. Not surprising though, they literally have the same face and the same other particular features...
Anyway, they're quite alike.
"Good evening, I'm-"
"You're Yukinon, aren't you? And you must be Hikki!" she interrupted.
"Yui talked so much about you guys! It's a pleasure to meet you."
"It's a pleasure for me as well," Yukinoshita replied.
"It's nice to meet you too," I said.
It seems like they're both physically and mentally alike.
"I was going home after doing some shopping. Since I crossed paths with you, would you like me to take you home so you don't have to walk?" she asked Yuigahama.
"Ah, yeah that'd be good." Yuigahama said, walking toward her mother.
"Wait, I wanted to talk to Hikki a little bit, since he's the first boy you talk about so much at home!" she said out of the blue.
Well... Thanks for the spotlight.
"Mom!" Yuigahama shouted, her cheeks flushing with embarassment.
"What's wrong? I wanna talk to Hikki!"
"L-Let's get going Mom! These two are also in hurry we shouldn't keep them here too late!" she spouted, trying to pull her mother back into the car as she got in as well.
"Good night, Hikki, Yukinon!"
"Good night you two! It was good to meet you." The mother waved as she drove away.
"..."
"..."
"Ara, someone really wanted to talk to Hikki," Yukinoshita teased.
"Yeah yeah, I got it."
She chuckled. "Anyway, shall we?"
I nodded as we picked up our pace, this time without Yuigahama.
One by one, the lanterns around us flickered to life, casting soft pools of warm light on the pavement. The stars in the night sky gradually faded as the glow from the lanterns grew brighter, bathing the surroundings in a cozy, and a somewhat intimate atmosphere.
The evening air was crisp and fresh, causing a slight chill as it caressed our skin. We continued walking side by side, the only sounds being our footsteps on the pavement and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.
"Hey, Hikigaya-kun..." She called out my name.
"Yes?"
"Earlier, when you were called by Hiratsuka-sensei. It wasn't about the test, was it?" She said, her deep blue eyes holding my gaze with an intense and unwavering focus. They seemed to pierce right through me, as if she was searching for something in the depths of my own eyes.
I guess it'd have been useless to hope she'd believe such an easy lie.
"No, it wasn't."
"I see... It was just to make sure."
"Are you going to ask her?"
"No, this wouldn't be fair. And I think that if she wanted to talk to you alone, that means she didn't find it necessary to keep me and Yuigahama-san there too."
"..."
"If you're willing to talk to me to me about it... I'll gladly listen to you."
She smiled at me. That was the kind of smile of hers that would make anyone confess everything they'd have on mind to this girl. This smile that was able to make my heart skip a beat.
A small gesture yet so powerful. So powerful against me.
My mouth opened, without realizing it, I was about to reveal something I've been trying hardly to hide till now.
I forced my mouth close, bitting my toungue by the way. My body wanted to share it with this wrothy person but my mind couldn't let it happen. I wasn't ready yet.
Her expression was soft, making me feel so safe, so comfortable. A simple sight made me feel like a child, envelopped by warm arms of a caring mother.
I couldn't explain why I was feeling that way for this girl. Why does her smile not feel the same as Yuigahama or Isshiki?
She's known as the cold Ice Queen but here... Is someone completly different than the description people would make of her.
Keep that mouth of yours shut, Hachiman. This is not the right moment.
"She told me that she knows the truth about me... That was the reason why she kept me alone there."
"So, she does know now..."
I still remember each of her words from earlier as if it had happened a few minutes ago...
...
Flashback : Few hours ago.
...
The girls left the teachers' room, as I was now left alone with Hiratsuka-sensei.
"So... Why am I still here?"
She pulled out a cigarette from her pocket and lit it.
"I'm gonna be direct with you, Hikigaya. Yesterday, I called your parents."
I flinched at her words. That means she learned somehow that I had lied about my absence last week. This was supposed to remain unknown by her, unless Yukinoshita or Yuigahama told her.
"And what I learned from it..." She paused, the grip of her fingers tightening on her cigarette.
"...Was a real shock for me..."
A/N : I don't think this chapter was as good as the previous ones, but I promise the next ones will be back better than this.