Chapter 9: The Truth Retold is Wrong As I Expected

Yuigahama POV, Kaihin Sougou High Meeting Room

Oh..my god. When Shiromeguri-senpai walked in the meeting room and declared her support for the project, my insides literally exploded in excitement. We're saved! The senior festival is going to happen with success! I could see the excitement of our student council, mostly led by me jumping up and down. Even Yukinon looked pleased that things may as well be looking positive from today on forward. I turned around to face Iroha-chan and Hayato, and both of them seemed happy too, now that a once inevitably doomed project has been saved from disaster by none other than the former student council president! The past few weeks have been pretty uncomfortable, and I was beginning to worry that we weren't going to make it by the deadline next week.

Actually, I was probably freaking out on day one...let me see…

"Yukinooon….what are we going to do?!"

"Yukinooooooon!"

"Mou….."

Yep, that was me. But I can't help it when everything was going downhill in the first ten minutes, especially when I was so passionate about this request from the very beginning. I mean, this was the first request we got for some time, and it'll be the last request for Yukinon and I as 2nd years. It's surprising, that it's been almost one year since I joined Yukinon and Hikki as part of the service club, though I still vividly remember ask the fun times we had over the months...the summer camping trip, the cultural festival, the Christmas festival, the sports festival, the trip to Destinyland… it was all so much fun.

Though, I still feel a bit of sadness that things won't be the same anymore now that Hikki is gone. I'd be lying if I said I'm already over this whole thing, that I have completely moved on in life...which is expected, since it's been only a few weeks, not even a full month. Though, I do believe that things have been getting slightly better as everyone adjusted to the fact he's gone for...maybe it's still a sensitive issue. I know Yukinon is dealing with it surprisingly well after the talks we had over the past few weeks, and Iroha-chan's doing just fine after the first few days...I still wonder what made her so upset the first couple of days after I left with Hayato and Yumiko in the café. Anyways, the students at Sobu have taken the news pretty seriously...must have hit home for some people as for some magical reason Hikki's reputation had been slowly losing its rotten qualities.

Actually, it's not magical, just a little help from the people who know him, as in his true character. Aw...now I feel like he should really come back.

Y'know, I still have a little hope that someday Hikki will find it in himself to show up again, as his logic will tell him that leaving us would have a negative impact on our feelings...eventually. For now, that hope is small, like a little birthday candle in a giant room, but it's there to stay.

I turn around again, realizing that the space that once occupied Yukinon has been suddenly vacated, meaning she was no longer in the room. In all the excitement of the good news, Yukinon must have left...but she was right next to me so I should have noticed it.

"Yukinonn?" I shouted in the meeting room even though I knew she was not in the room. ...where was she?

Then, my phone vibrated in my pocket, causing me to take it out and check. It was Yukinon!

Yukinon: Hiratsuka-sensei asked me to accompany her. I will see you at school tomorrow.

Oh that makes sense! Well, whatever Sensei has to do with Yukinon is alright with me, so I'll leave it at that. So, I quickly replied:

Okayyyyyy :):):):):):):) 3 3 3

Now that this situation was cleared up, I felt at ease that everything to come was going to go smoothly and happily...for once at least. Gee...I know something wrong always happens when events like this happen this way, but a girl has to hope sometime. Same goes with Hikki coming back...he just might.

Eh...why's Hayato giving me that look again… I mean to anybody else it looks like any happy expression between friends, but I can see he looks sympathetic, like he feels bad for me of something? Did I look that hopeless or something?!

"Yui, you feeling okay?" Hm, I must have looked totally weird at that moment.

"Yeah! I'm totally fine! Don't worry so much about it, we gotta celebrate!" And with that I returned to my former bubbly state of happiness and, to be honest, oblivious mindset, which I'll explain later. After most of the excitement settled down, with the help of Shiromeguri-senpai and Hayato, the meeting went over a few points that actually made sense for once, so the meeting was called a success and "adjourned" (I think it means closed, but I'm not entirely sure). I got my belongings and walked with Iroha-chan and Hayato outside. Once into the evening street, it seems that both Iroha had just noticed something, because she just started looking around like a crazy person.

"Eh? Where's Yukino-senpai?" Heh, Iroha-chan, you just noticed like right now that Yukinon left? I guess I'll break the news to her then.

"Oh, Yukinoshita-san left earlier, I believe with Hiratsuka-sensei...I'm not sure why though, but I think she'll be fine."

Alright, Hayato can break the news the her then. Wait… did I ever tell Hayato about Yukinon leaving, because even I didn't know that she left with Sensei until she texted me….does Hayato have superhuman powers?

"Hayato, how'd you know she left with Sensei? I didn't see her and I only knew after Yukinon texted me."

"Well...I saw Hiratsuka-sensei's car pass by and noticed Yukinoshita not there anymore, so I just connected the dots."

Woah...Hayato figuring out just because of those little facts...hm maybe I'm a little jealous but that doesn't really matter. Another chill breeze swept by us, and now I'm starting to feel cold just standing around and stuff. I think I'll head home now, before I catch a cold and get babied by my mom again. Also, I would leave Iroha-chan and Hayato together, which is great for Iroha...I mean it's not good for Yumiko, but then it;s good for the group, cause we all want to stay friends...ooh I love how my brain works sometimes XD.

"Alright, I'm gonna head home now, so see ya tomorrow!" We said goodbyes and I headed in the opposite direction of the two, heading towards my humble home. My shoes made a steady rhythm on the concrete sidewalk as I passed block after block, the light getter slightly fainter as the day slowly turned into night. And while the world around me became darker, I started to think deeply...hey I'm fully capable of thinking deeply, even though I'm considered a sort of airhead at times, but that's not the point!

My thoughts mostly centered around Yukinon, because even though I've seen her constantly on top of things and doing her best staying calm and collected through all of this, I could kinda see something not alright happening. I'm perceptive in that way, y'know cause I've been with Yukinon for almost a year and I can see when she's acting normally and when she's really trying to just act. It's like when you do something pretty bad at home and you try to act innocent to your parents; they just know but they go along with it until you realize that they know you did it.

Like, I could tell Yukinon's hurting on the inside the whole time… they only thing is I can't tell how much she's hurting because she's such a good actress at concealing her feelings from everyone. Yet, beyond all the "facades" she puts up (thanks to Hikki I learned a new word), there's someone who's scared and needs help. Ironically, I feel like I'm part of the problem as well, but that requires an explanation. Even though I'm academically hopeless in some ways, I can pick up all the social signs and hints from like a mile away, so I knew from the start that Yukinon has feelings for Hikki. When?...probably from the start of the Service Club. On the surface, it always looks like two incompatible opposites bickering about little things, but Yukinon seems to enjoy these conversations more often than not. It became like super obvious whenever Hikki decided to commit social suicide again, cause she would always look hurt even though she wasn't the one getting hammered by peers. That's when I could confirm it, but the story's not over. It gets worse when she knows that I had feelings for Hikki as well, since I wasn't so discreet about it either. That's a fault on my part, so that's why I feel bad for her since I know that she knows that I know about this whole situation….woah that's confusing. Since she knows that I know that she knows about my feelings for him, she's been cautious about getting closer to him, and this only frustrates me and puts me in a difficult situation. I love Yukinon so much, but I also love Hikki, but above all I love the Service club, and I can't keep any of them without breaking the other two. I know she's in the exact same situation as I am, yet she's trying to take it in a collected manner while Hikki's gone and I'm just clueless.

I kicked a small pebble across the sidewalk in my frustration over this dilemma… what was I gonna do about it? I really want to help Yukinon through all of this, but I just don't know how, or when, or where, or what, or…I think you get the picture. I continued to think deeply until my nose almost crashed into my front door, so I got my keys out and opened it, returning to the warmth and homeliness of home. My mom was in the kitchen making dinner, so I took off my coat and boots and plopped myself on a chair, still thinking.

"Ah, you're back Yui-chan. How was the meeting? Hopefully you guys made some progress on the graduation festival?"

"Huh? Yeah…" I replied, passively watching the space in front of me as my mom placed a steaming cup of tea near my face.

"Heh...I thought you'd be more excited now that Shiromeguri-san is helping out."

This caught my attention. "Mom, how'd you know Shiromeguri-senpai's helping us?"

"Oh, Hiratsuka-sensei called earlier." Called? Sensei? Whaat?

"Why'd Sensei call you?" Seriously, Sensei never calls someone unless it's (A) her mom or (B) a potential date. And I'm really sure neither option applies to Mom.

"Well, she checked to see if you were home yet, explaining about how she picked up Yukinon for some school-related thing. She also said that Yukinon's feeling down and that it'd be nice if you talked to her about it."

Mou...that's the last thing I want to do right now. I mean, I really want to help Yukinon right now, but I just don't know how….

"Hmm...what's wrong? You're usually more than excited to help out Yukinon." Ah...she's right about that, oh why do moms have to be so sharp about these things? She like totally understands me and everything.

"Well that's because I'm your mom and moms know everything." I suddenly realized I've been talking out loud.

"Did I say that out loud?"

"Yes, just like Hikki does." I blushed a little, so embarrassing. "But in all sincerity, it's because I was a teenager too, and when I was your age I felt the same emotions you're probably feeling right now, so I understand the confusion and frustration you must be going through. It's okay to be confused, since that's all a part of life, though it's better to have people with you to help solve your problems. And even if the problem doesn't physically go away, you feel better having company anyway, right?"

She sat down beside me, lifting my head up from the table and smiling. "I don't really know what's happening with you and Yukinon, but I can tell she needs a friend like you to talk to. Even if it doesn't clear everything up, she'll probably feel much better seeing you than just being by herself right now. Right now, you're probably the closest person to her, so you have a special responsibility to be with her and provide comfort, since that is what best friends do."

I felt tears starting to well up, knowing that my mom was so right...she was the best. I hugged her really tight, feeling the warmth of the embrace calm my nerves and let me relax. My mom, even though she's pretty embarrassing at times, is one of the greatest moms in the history of the universe!

"Thanks Mom," I finally replied, removing myself from the tight embrace in order to straighten myself up. "I know I gotta find Yukinon and talk to her, though I'm not sure how to approach the whole thing...it's kinda intimidating going up to her alone, especially when she's feeling down…" Which was totally true...I would probably fall into a nervous wreck trying to get to Yukinon, and we'd probably fall asleep before anything meaningful comes in any sort of conversation.

"Hmm… I see your dilemma." Mom thinked a little bit before showing signs of an answer. "Well, who said you had to do it all alone? You have friends that care about Yukinon too, so bringing one of 'em along wouldn't hurt, right?"

That's….genius! This is why moms are so great, since they always know the answer...our maybe it's just my mom who's so smart. Why can't I be as smart as her….mou….

But seriously, bringing someone with me is definitely a good idea...but who? Sure, I do have many friends, but anyone who cares as much as I do for Yukinon narrows it down to zero. Ok, maybe someone who does care but not to the level I do, but still a lot. There are a few people who fit the category, I think? Well it'll be a girl to girl problem, so perhaps….maybe….

Iroha-chan! Of course, she cares about Yukinon enough to help me help her out. She literally spends more time with us in the service club than at student council anyway, so she's a basically part of us. It'll work out perfectly!

Wait, but I have to talk to her first about it so we could make up a plan of action. I checked the time on the clock, aww it's already half past six, which means I'll miss dinner. Well, I could talk with Iroha-chan at a café so we're full and ready to take on Yukinon and her sadness.

"Ok, is it okay that I go now and bring Iroha-chan with me to see Yukinon? I'll grab something to eat with her before we head to Yukinon's apartment." My mom pondered for like less than a second before replying.

"You do whatever you can to help your friend. I'm rooting for you Yui-chan."

Awwwww….."Thanks so much, I won't be out too late!" I was already grabbing my coat and putting my boots on when Mom spoke up.

"It's fine, you can sleep over with Yukinon if you feel that's better. And don't worry about me...I figured you would want to go out, so I only made dinner for myself...teehee."

Whaaaaa she already kinda knew I was going to leave for Yukinon from the start? Too clever!

But there's no time to think any more about that, since I'm on a mission now to help her. I waved to my mom and closed the door, entering the cold once again. I started walking in the direction of the café we were at a few weeks ago, since I think that would be a good meeting place before we head to Yukinon's apartment. The café's where most of the shops were anyways so I wouldn't get lost I think. As I neared the bookstore, I think I'm forgetting to do something pretty important...what could that be...oh. Woops...forgot to tell Iroha-chan about the whole thing! I grabbed my phone from my pocket, finding Iroha's contact and pressing the call button. I kept walking, watching my two feet move in and out of my field of vision as my phone dialed her number.

Ring….ring….come on Iroha-chan, pick up!

Ring…

Ring…

"Hello?"

Iroha POV, Kaihin Sougou High Main Entrance

I see Yui-senpai start walking in the opposite direction, leaving me and Hayato-senpai alone in front of the high school. I couldn't help but laugh on the inside at Yui-senpai's effort to pair Hayato-senpai with me at this time, since she doesn't know about my true intentions. I can't help that, cause I have been pretty discreet about it, so I wouldn't expect someone like her to figure it out anytime soon. Only Yukino-senpai knows, since I told her matter-of-factly a few weeks ago...it felt so long ago...and at times it feels like I was at the café only yesterday. Ugh...that's so cliché, but seriously that's how I feel.

Not long after Yui-senpai left, Hayato-senpai and I parted ways to head home. Of course I talked to him about little things; I wasn't some anti-social loner who would leave a perfectly normal student like Hayato-senpai in silence. Though I felt less obligated when we headed our separate paths home...usually I didn't feel this sense of obligation to socialize, and I have a central culprit over who made me this way.

And he's the same person I fell in love with.

It definitely wasn't all the times he "confessed" to me, though I had to agree that both he and I were being foxy about it. Mostly me to be honest. It didn't make sense at first; for most of the year, I was so certain that Hayato-senpai was the guy for me. I mean, he's smart, talented, charming, all the things a kouhai like me would want in a guy. And then Senpai comes along, literally the opposite of Hayato-senpai in every single way, gets me voted in as Student Council President….and in the process stole my heart.

Sometimes it still doesn't make sense; Senpai's cold, lazy, anti-social, crude, dark...why would I go for someone like him? He had one thing going from the start: he was genuine. Something Hayato-senpai just wasn't, and he knew it. Maybe that's how I unknowingly gravitated towards Senpai...he and I had pretty similar goals in life, which would lead to certain financial problems if that road was crossed...but that doesn't matter really. The thing was Senpai's character was so true to himself, no matter how twisted, came out as a guy who helped people in ways nobody could ever compete. And they were genuine intentions. In all honesty, that's the difference between my feelings for Hayato-senpai then and Senpai...even now; I had a crush for Hayato-senpai, but I felt love for Senpai.

I guess that's really how life works sometimes. People come into life, they change themselves, they change you, and they leave. And sometimes you wish that you never met the person in the first place since before you know it, you're hurting on the inside. It's a sad notion, yet a true one.

Hm...that's enough philosophy for today, just needed to think a little before returning to being someone I may not truly be, but still a part of me. Besides, I had some time to kill before heading home, so I think I'll go and check out some shops down the street. So, I decided to spend the rest of the night walking around the city, returning home to a warm dinner, did some homework, and went to bed to end another somewhat normal yet underwhelming day in life.

Or not. I made it about half an hour into walking by the shops. Clothing stores, mostly, seeing the displays...reminding me I'm gonna have to wear something nice for the graduation festival. Have to impress the graduating class as Student Council President, right? Believing I have time on the weekend to pick out something, I continued my stroll down, passing down a bookstore which I...well only very infrequently visit. Hey, I have a pretty busy life myself, so reading comes at a price literally and time-wise. Anyway, glancing at the front windows, I couldn't help but notice the posters advertising some light novel. Mostly because there were a dozen other large posters covering the whole front of the store. I stopped to see what kind of book would get so much attention: "My Teenage Romantic Comedy is Wrong As I Expected" by Wataru Watashi [1]. I heard from Senpai before he hit the road that he was interested in that series. Ironically, it came out around the same time he left. I wondered why Senpai is so interested in this type of….strange literature, but I felt definitively against reading it. So, you know what I do?

I buy the book. I don't know why, or how, but before I realized it I was back outside holding a copy of this light novel...and I feel stupid. I was probably getting tired, so heading back home would be a good idea before I buy anything else and go broke. However, just as I was about to turn home when my phone started ringing. I checked the contact, saying it's from Yui-senpai. Huh...what would Yui-senpai be calling me for? Hmm...maybe she felt bad for leaving me with Hayato-senpai at the school, or...whatever, let me just pick up and ask her.

"Hello?"

"Iroha-chan! Yahallo!" Strange, was I hearing double?

"Hey Yui-senpai! Um...you need anything right now?"

"Oh-yes! I-"

At that moment, I felt something crash into me from behind, sending me tumbling onto the ground. Oof! Well, since I was wearing a winter coat, the concrete sidewalk didn't really hurt me, but whatever crashed onto me knocked the air out of my lungs. I somehow managed to roll around so I could see the sky again, and I slowly got back to a sitting position to see what-or instead who bumped into me. Once I got a look at her coral hair and phone in her hand, I figured out pretty quickly that it was Yui-senpai herself. She also seemed to recognize me around the same time, showing a look of shock before giving a face that says "sorry."

"Eh..heheh...woops!" she said. "I didn't see you there while I was calling you."

I smiled at her, replying "That's alright. What were you saying earlier?"

"Oh! Come with me!" Well, I didn't react fast enough before Yui-senpai got a hold of my arm and started dragging me in the direction of...the café? I mean...I guess that works out, since it seems neither of us had anything to eat since school. For once, good thinking Yui-senpai. We entered the familiar café through the front doors, finding a booth by the front windows. I think we were sitting at the table behind Yui-senpai a few weeks ago, when...events occurred when Yukino-senpai and I were here. I still felt a tingling sensation when the thought of him surfaces...somehow...but back to the present. After ordering drinks and something to eat, we both started staring at each other patiently, though I was beginning to wonder when Yui-senpai will bring up the point of this impromptu meeting. It took a good thirty seconds before a there was a flash in her eyes like she remembered what she was supposed to say.

"Okay Iroha-chan! I remember what I was going to tell you now!" See what I mean? "So...you've noticed Yukinon acting kinda strangely lately?"

I thought about it. It was true Yukinon was not 100%, but she seemed within the realm of her character. "Well, she may seem a little off, but I didn't notice too much."

"Well, Sensei said she's been pretty down ever since Hikki disappeared...and...well… it does make some sense when you put the pieces together…" Okay, now Yui-senpai has stopped making sense.

"Um...pieces? What's with Yukino-senpai and this whole pieces thing?" I just needed a little more elaboration, that's all. Nevertheless, Yui-senpai give me this look like I'm some clueless idiot. Look who's talking!

"Iroha-chan, haven't you noticed this whole year about Yukinon and Hikki?"

"Um...well I only met you guys a few months ago...but yeah Yui-senpai and Senpai seem to get along fine." Yui-senpai seems slightly frustrated with my response, and at a perfect time since the stuff we ordered just arrived. Some food would definitely calm ourselves and make this conversation more...productive. We ate for a moment before Yui-senpai continued with a reply.

"Mou...well it's more about Yukinon than Hikki, since to be honest he's an anti-social, logical, but really dense person." It was true Senpai is extremely dense...he couldn't tell if another girl even had a hint of a crush for him even if she straight-up confessed to him. Go figure. But what does that really have to do with Yukino-senpai? Then...hold on...the only reason for Yukino-senpai to be so upset, as Yui-senpai says, about Senpai leaving would be that she also...but that means …. And I said… so she was … and… I ….really...screwed up then…

"You see Yukinon l-loves him. Even though they like to verbally abuse each other at times, she seems so much...happier with him around...so it wasn't long before I saw her feelings for him."

Well, that really explains why she's so upset about the whole thing. After realizing the giant picture, I felt guilty already for telling Yukino-senpai that...that I had feelings for Senpai, and she took it knowing her feelings as well. I looked down at the table with my hands locked in a tight grip on the seat. I felt so bad right now, that maybe my confession may have influenced this whole problem to get worse. I didn't mean to hurt her, but it still feels like my fault at least…

"I-I see." was all I could say as I was still recovering from shock and guilt. "Well, I probably wasn't looking deep enough to see how she really felt...I feel kinda stupid right now, really."

Yui-senpai looked at me with slight confusion. "Well, it's not your fault since it's Yukinon's feelings and her feelings alone that led to this." Oh, how wrong everyone is with everything in this world.

"Well...we haven't been helping the situation that much either...when I-" I stopped myself, thinking for a second of what would've happened if I continued. Mentally, I probably couldn't tell Yui-senpai the same thing I said to Yukino-senpai without getting emotional again. And...Yui-senpai likes Senpai as well, so it won't make anything better talking about the past right now. So, I'll leave it at that. Fortunately, she seemed satisfied with the first part of my reply.

"Exactly, so what I wanted to do was help cheer up Yukinon and talk to her about trying to solve this problem. And," she then looked at me with an expression of determination, " I was hoping you would accompany me to see her."

I closed my eyes to see what would be best in this case. I mean, after realizing what a mess I made a few weeks back, I feel almost obligated to help Yukinon. Well, I just really want to help her feel better. But, now that I know how she feels, I don't know if she'll feel better or even worse seeing me at her apartment. That's how all those romantic dramas work, where the woman feels horrible whenever a love rival pops up and she tries to act kind and stuff but inside they all hate each other…I don't want that to happen in this situation. There's already enough drama to fill up all the light novels Senpai probably read in his entire life. So there's the negative...dang I'm really thinking this through too much.

Really, I just want to help Yukino-senpai...that's all there is to it. I felt like there was a real purpose...a genuine purpose for seeing her when she needs company.

"Yui-senpai", I then faced her with a meaningful expression before saying, "I would be more than happy to come with you. I care about Yukino-senpai too, so I think both of us going to her would be even better." With that, her face brightened, and her bubbly persona became apparent again.

"Alright! Let's do this!" she seemed super excited, ready to burst out the door before she noticed me pointing at the half-eaten food at the table. She chuckled, replying "Ooops, we can finish our meal first." I couldn't help but laugh a little as well, since Yui-senpai was such a kid sometimes, in a cute way of course. So, we finished our meal quickly, paid for the bill, and was about to leave before she noticed my bookstore bag.

"Ooh...did you buy something for the bookstore Iroha-chan?" Of course I bought something from the bookstore, I can't just steal a bag without getting something. But this was Yui-senpai, so it's alright. I can't tell her this is a light novel or else it'll be the end for all of us.

"Oh..yeah! It's for school though." Please believe it…

"Oh, ok...that's not fun, but if it's for school than whatevs! Let's go!" Phew, that was a close one. Now, after an unexpected encounter with a bubbly Yui-senpai, we're on a mission to help Yukino-senpai out. Definitely not underwhelming, probably the opposite even, but I felt motivated to go out and hopefully sort things out, because sometimes it only takes a little company to make a big difference.

Yui POV

Okay, so that worked out great! Except for the part where I bumped into Iroha-chan, that was a little embarrassing, but it's all good now. We left the café, bracing the colder temperature as we headed in the direction of Yukinon's apartment. On the way, we passed by the bookstore again, where we met unexpectedly. I didn't get the chance to see the giant posters hung up at the front, promoting some new light novel. It looks like something Hikki would like...maybe he bought one wherever he is. Or maybe he doesn't have one and is practically dying to get his hands on them! I mean, if he ever did come back, giving him one of those would sound super corny but a nice show of how we all care about him too...but that's for a later day, we have to find Yukinon first!

"Hm.. Iroha-chan, that light novel would be a nice gift for Hikki if he ever comes back, since he probably doesn't have the time to get it himself." Iroha-chan only nodded, and I could see her gripping her bag a little tighter. Too bad she has to get some school book...though I don't remember having to buy a school book in my first year. Maybe the curriculum changed I guess. Since Yukinon's apartment was a pretty long walk from the café, it wasn't long before it was totally nighttime outside. It was getting pretty cold, the wind started picking up, and there were no stars out since the clouds were covering them. It looks like it might even snow tonight, which is alright because I brought my umbrella with me! I almost forgot when leaving, but you know who was there to remind me.

"Alright Mom see ya later!"

"Oh Yui-chan! Don't forget your umbrella! It looks like it might snow tonight!"

"Oh, thanks Mom!"

So I'm prepared. Well, I got Iroha-chan covered too since my umbrella's pretty big. Ok, time to prepare what to say to Yukinon. Should I go in nicely like I always do, since I'm a nice girl and stuff? But she would be expecting me to be nice and kind and it might not be enough. Then maybe I should catch her by surprise and be super serious about the whole thing, so she would be more intent on listening to what I'm saying instead of falling asleep! But then she might not believe me if I act too out of character...ooh this is a tough dilemma. But I have a secret weapon: there's Iroha-chan. She can use her social skills to get Yukinon to talk, so I can jump in and deliver the final blow! But I don't want to overwhelm her or she might not reveal anything in the first place. And for some reason this sounds more like some video game the more I think about it...mou…

Anyways, we're almost at her apartment, so let's just go naturally, go with the flow, be cool and smart about it….something that's not me but I'll try. Sounds weird but I think it'll work. We got to the end of the block, and I see Yukinon's apartment just over there. And… what appears to be… a tall black garbage bag opposite the apartment. And there's little white puffs coming out of it.

"Hey, Iroha-chan, you see what I see?"

"Yeah, there's a person just standing there, creepy." Oh… it was a person. Woops. But I could swear he looked like a black garbage bag, even though there's no one who lives on that side of the street to throw out garbage...and Japan doesn't even throw garbage out that way...what am I thinking? A spur of the moment thing I think. We stopped at the intersection, just watching the person just standing there, motionless, little puffs of white floating in the air. It didn't look like the person was smoking; it was just so cold to begin with...mou now I'm cold.

I wonder if Iroha-chan's cold or not...I look over to my right, and she's shivering through her winter coat. I guess we're in the same boat then. "Hey, how much longer are we going to stare at that person before we go to her apartment?"

"True...let's go." I started walking forward, but I stopped when the dark figure started moving...in our direction. I stopped Iroha-chan as well, as we both followed the figure's movement with our eyes. This is getting really creepy, since the figure, which I can assume is a guy, is walking closer and closer to us. He's still on the other side of the street though, so perhaps he'll just keep going on his merry way. Maybe he realized it was too cold outside and that it might snow tonight, so he'll go back to a warm and cozy home.

Or maybe he'll cross the street and confront us...oh no what if that happens? I mean, hopefully that doesn't happen. I cross my fingers….if I could feel my fingers in this cold. Then came the moment of truth, when the man was directly across the street from us, the (hopefully) shortest distance between us. Then, I could see him turn his face slightly, as if to see who we were. I almost jumped back in fear, but I kept my ground like Iroha-chan did. The streetlight casted a shadow over his face...so I couldn't tell his face. It was a split second of time, before he turned back and continued on his way back. He walked down a block, turned, walked across the street, and...into a parked black car. Now that's really strange...not so creepy...but really strange.

"Hey, Iroha-chan...wasn't that kinda strange how that guy just walked into that car." No response.

"Iroha-chan?" I looked over to her, and she's still fixated on the black car a block away. She wasn't moving, just like a stone statue or something. "Iroha-chan?" I tapped her on the shoulder, and she slowly reacted by turning her face towards me. I couldn't read it, maybe because my vision isn't that clear right now. "You okay?"

"Heh...yeah. I'm fine. Let's go now-"

Suddenly, the sound of doors flung open caught my attention. I turned back towards Yukinon's apartment...and...Yukinon's there?! She's outside, surrounded by a bunch of steam floating around her...looks kinda cool...except she's not wearing a winter coat! She's gonna freeze! We have to go get her!

I took a step forward and stopped. Iroha-chan didn't follow, and I felt something terribly wrong with going up to her. I couldn't figure out exactly why, but I wasn't able to move any closer as I just kept staring at her. My vision of her got blurrier as time passed, and it didn't take long before I realized it had started snowing. It's not the fluffy type of snow that looks pretty when it falls. It's the wet, heavy, mean kind of snow that's almost disgusting to be in. I had my umbrella out, so both Iroha-chan and I were protected from the rain-like snow...but Yukinon was still out there, seemingly staring into the darkness. I reached for Iroha-chan in order to bring her towards Yukinon, but a sudden sound left me frozen mid-grab.

It was Yukinon's voice, very faint at first, but getting louder until I could hear the words.

"Idiot...Idiot.."

"Stupid!"

"Diwit!"

"Hachiman-"

Suddenly, she collapsed onto the sidewalk. I could hear her sobbing now, feeling tears start to well it in my eyes as well just witnessing her fall to the ground. The snow started getting heavy, as my vision of her starts fading away into white. However, her voice still pierced through the air, almost jolting me and Iroha-chan off our feet.

"H-Hikigaya-kun…I'm sorry..." Her voice started rising again...I desperately wanted to just run up to her and get her out of this horrible weather, but something kept me in place. Some part of me wanted to stay and just hear out what she was going to say; I don't have a clue why, but in the end my feet stayed planted on the snow-covered concrete sidewalk, no longer able to advance forward. I noticed Iroha-chan also refusing to move, putting us both in the same boat then.

"I'm sorry…I-I…" Yukinon….please….let me, let us…

"Yu-"

"I-I'm sorry I'm in love with you...Hikigaya-kun!"

My voice failed as I took in what Yukinon just said. I couldn't hold on to the tears anymore, and they started streaming down my face. I looked over to Iroha-chan, and she was also crying too; we made eye contact, and suddenly she grabbed onto me and started sobbing. We were both sobbing at that point, except we could no longer hear anything but the wind rushing past us.

No….I'm sorry Yukinon...I thought through all the tears...I'm sorry…

I'm sorry I can't even support you when you need us the most….

Iroha POV

"I-I'm sorry I'm in love with you...Hikigaya-kun!"

With that, I broke into sobs, knowing all too well how she felt, and feeling all the guilt inside me erupt as I grabbed onto Yui-senpai's arm and cried. It was my fault...at least partially if not the majority...for putting another burden on her without knowing that she was also in love with Senpai...I should have known that, now seeing how oblivious I was all the time at the Service Club. Even up to that point when I told her only a few weeks ago, I had no idea what she was going through as well. But, possibly more importantly, I failed to comfort her when she needed it, especially when she was there for me then. I was in no shape to offer her anything, in the emotional state I'm in now...how pathetic. This was probably the lowest point in all three of our lives...all because of one single event escalating so quickly into a giant mess.

There was no point in mentioning anything about the man who passed us by...that would only complicate things further...so forgetting it would be best...

Yui-senpai was also sobbing as we were both entangled physically and emotionally. It was true Senpai brought all this on all of us, but for some reason I can't find any ground to blame him for this...all the guilt is pointed in my direction. I felt selfish for clinging onto Yui-senpai and not confronting Yukino-senpai, but I no longer had the courage to go any further. So I was left with nothing but regret. In the end, there was nothing we could do to comfort each other, since we were so close distance wise, yet so far away.

If this was meant to be a Service Club reunion, there would be no point in any sort of celebration. Perhaps I said too much.

I'm sorry...I failed as a friend to you Yukino-senpai…

Haruno POV

It felt strange.

Seeing my younger sister, once cold and aloof, allegedly impenetrable to feelings, brought down by a certain loner. A part of me did feel a slight hint of guilt in witnessing her in tears, as in all sincerity I was her older sister, her "nee-san" as she affectionately calls me. Of course, there's no affection at all, as she sees it more as familial obligation, especially when it comes to her mother or myself. Maybe a small sliver of myself indeed desired a more normal familial relationship, and it may have been in my hands whether these unfortunate events occurred or not.

But then again, I wasn't a real believer in self-causation anyway. In other words, people can only facilitate what would eventually happen. This situation was no exception; it was inevitable that her feelings would reach this point, yet this breakdown occurring before any signs of her mother's intervention could prove beneficial in the long run. There would have been no telling if Okaa-san was made aware, but the events itself chose to unfold this way, so no harm done. Even Yukino-chan's fall today isn't necessarily all for naught; there was a reason, a purpose, for everything that happens. If it were futile, then there would be no point in it happening. That's how society works.

Outside the windshield I could see Yui-chan and Iroha-chan clinging to each other, unable to provide support...in fact I didn't expect those two to come to Yukino-chan's aid at this time, perhaps a miscalculation somewhere. Or in the end, fate proved to be in favor of bringing everyone together, yet unknowingly, showing how close they were yet how for they really are apart. Irony, if I believe is the correct way to describe it.

I believe that it was time to bring today to a close, so I gestured to the driver that we were ready to head back out. As the car started to exit the scene, I turned back to the person sitting in the back, stilling wearing that winter coat, signs of heavy breathing from the winter night still noticeable. We were all in silence since viewing the spectacle, though I decided to break the ice a little, perhaps reflect on things.

"I didn't expect those two to be there, though it didn't matter in the end."

No response, though it was fine because I didn't expect one.

"This isn't over yet, you know. If that brain of yours is still functioning, just say anything so I know." I figured there was no point in bothering, so I started to turn back before I caught a shift in this individual's position, as if my words did cause a physical reaction. This time, I waited for a response, to which I expected to be music to my ears. At last, a voice, dark but clear as day, broke the silence.

"You satisfied yet?"

I smiled.

[1]: "My Teenage Romantic Comedy is Wrong As I Expected" is written by Wataru Watari.

A/N: Welcome back, after another heartfelt chapter which has become the longest chapter in the story so far (8k), the story is going places, definitely. As for the next chapter, which I'm going to make even longer if that's even possible, prepare for another roller coaster. I have to thank all of you readers for supporting this story, since this is my first fanfic and I feel great that there are people out there enjoying it. Please continue with with your awesome feedback, and I'll keep working on this. Peace out.

As a side note, I have a rough draft of the beginning for a second fic, though the plot can take two paths: one towards Yui (as mentioned) and the other towards Saki (woah). Towards the end of this fic I'll post a poll to see what you guys want. You can post your preference as a review, but I'll focus on the current story for now. See ya next chapter.