4G4cAKSU

1Interlude	1
2
3Again	and	again.
4
5I	look	back	again	and	again.
6
7The	distance	widens	and	time	passes.
8
9I	go	far	to	the	point	I	can’t	go	back.
10
11So	that	I	can	finally	look	back	and	remind	myself	of	what	was	right.
12
13Even	 while	 knowing	 this	 is	 a	 mistake,	 I	 persuade	 myself	 that	 this	 is	 the	 one	 and	 only answer.
14
15Again	and	again.
16
17I	look	back	again	and	again.
18
19At	the	first	light	of	day.
20
21At	the	trickling	rain	and	dew	of	the	early	afternoon.
22
23At	the	light	snowfall	dancing	as	they	scatter	in	the	twilight.
24
25At	the	hazy	moon	shaking	in	the	midnight.
26
27There	 was	 always	 a	 place	 and	 opportunity	 to	 answer,	 and	 that	 time,	 it	 looked	 as	 if	 I would	be	guided	towards	the	optimal	solution.
28
29However,	it	never	looked	as	if	the	correct	answer	would	be	said.
30
31Probably,	maybe,	surely.
32
33I’d	thought	this	was	probably	for	the	best.
34
35I’d	made	an	ambiguously	grey	decision	that	neither	got	it	right	nor	far.
36
37Maintaining	 a	 reasonable	 distance,	 not	 hurting	 anyone,	 neither	 right	 or	 wrong,	 fact	 or fiction,	and	unclear.
38
39It	 wasn’t	 that	 I	 couldn’t	 say	 what	 I	 wanted	 to,	 I	 just	 didn’t	 know	 what	 I	 wanted	 to	 say even	was.
40
41What	right	did	someone	like	that	have	to	say.
42
43That’s	why,	at	the	very	least.
44
45I	just	want	to	be	correct	this	time.
46
47I	don’t	want	to	forgive	my	errors	or	mistakes.
48
49Because	I	can’t	afford	to	be	wrong	anymore.
50
51
52
53
54
55Chapter	1:		Deeply,	Hiratsuka	Shizuka
56
57Reminisces	the	Past
58
59Countless,	countless	times	have	I	turned	back	my	head.
60
61
62
63Yet	every	step	moves	out	without	stopping.
64
65
66
67Let	my	heartbeat	accelerate	,	let	my	breathing	fall	out	of	place,	and	refused	to	wipe	off the	accumulating	sweat.
68
69
70
71If	I	don't	do	this,	every	small	detail	might	just	become	my	excuse	to	stop.	Yet	this	doesn't stop	me	from	looking	back	again	and	again,	how	disgusting.
72
73
74
75That	image	of	a	single	drop	of	tear	right	before	we	parted	refuses	to	leave	my	head.
76
77
78
79The	remaining	traces	of	rainwater	on	the	road,	looks	identical	to	the	trace	on	her	cheeks.
80
81The	puddles	of	water	my	running	feet	tries	to	avoid,	the	unnatural	disrupted	footwork, every	step	screams,	urging	me	to	turn	back.
82
83
84
85But	what	can	going	back	do	for	me,	what	should	I	say	to	do	anything	about	the	situation.
86
87
88
89No,	there	is	a	solution	lying	somewhere	in	my	heart.	Yet	my	legs	refuses	to	decide	on	any option,	repeating	its	mechanical	yet	unnatural	movement.
90
91
92
93Even	if	a	standard	option	exists,	that	isn't	mine,	that	can't	be	our	answer.
94
95
96
97The	sun	slowly	falls	into	the	horizon,	turning	itself	crimson	red.
98
99
100
101The	shadows	of	houses	elongate,	to	the	point	they	seem	so	close	to	blending	in	with	the darkness	 from	 the	 faraway	 twilight.	 Refusing	 to	 be	 swallowed	 by	 this	 darkness,	 I continued	to	run	forward.
102
103
104
105Every	step	felt	solid,	yet	thoughts	are	floating	with	no	direction.
106
107
108
109Thinking	 about	 what	 that	 drop	 of	 tears	 meant,	 my	 thoughts	 fall	 deep,	 to	 the	 point	 of witnessing	every	reason	possible,	however	no	conclusion	could	be	made	out	of	them,	and all	clues	were	found	only	to	be	left	behind.
110
111
112
113Just	like	everything	that	happened,	just	like	how	everything	has	been	done.
114
115
116
117The	path	leads	straight	towards	the	sea.
118
119
120
121The	chilling	seabreeze	slips	into	the	gaps	of	my	coat	and	muffler,	stabs	my	burning	face, reminding	it	of	stiffness.
122
123
124
125The	cold	continues	to	linger,	yet	sweat	continues	to	drop.	Removing	the	scarf	wrapped up	on	my	neck,	only	makes	me	feel	that	a	part	of	my	body	is	being	binded.
126
127
128
129Whatever	 that	 was	 stuck	 within	 my	 chest	 gets	 exhaled	 out	 as	 I	 struggle	 to	 regain	 my breath.
130
131
132
133Despite	my	anxiousness,	as	if	something	is	grabbing	onto	my	hair,	my	footsteps	start	to slow	down.
134
135
136
137Being	lucky	enough	to	run	into	a	red	light,	I	take	a	deep	breath	as	my	hands	rest	on	my ankles.
138
139
140
141Running	to	escape	something,	being	followed	up	at	the	moment	I	stopped.
142
143
144
145The	meaning	behind	that	tear,	the	weight	within	those	words,	they	are	all	questioning, they	are	all	criticizing.
146
147
148
149Reassuring	me	that	I	was	wrong.
150
151
152
153In	front	of	my	glaring	eyes,	stands	an	old	traffic	light	that	refuses	to	be	replaced	with.
154
155
156
157Its	blackened	blood	that	screams	of	illness	suddenly	disappeared.
158
159
160
161Time	to	start	running	again.
162
163
164
165Releasing	a	sigh	that	sounded	so	similar	to	a	shriek,	I	straighten	up	my	body	and	started stepping.
166
167
168
169Towards	that	deep,	dark	green	light	that	signals	us	to	move	forward.
170
171
172
173
174
1751-2
176
177As	I	reached	school	and	entered	the	campus.
178
179
180
181My	thoughts	started	to	calm	down.
182
183
184
185To	the	point	where	those	sad	yet	gentle	words	are	echoing	clearer	than	before.
186
187
188
189From	 the	 moment	 I	 picked	 up	 the	 phone	 call	 till	 now,	 have	 been	 thinking,	 have	 been running	around	in	circles.
190
191
192
193Words	that	have	been	said,	words	that	could	have	been	said.
194
195
196
197What	should've	been	shaped	solid,	seemed	as	ambiguous	as	it	had	always	been.	What	I have	sealed	up	without	a	second	thought,	refusing	to	take	a	closer	look	at	it.
198
199
200
201If	 that	 is	 the	 case,	 what	 weight	 does	 my	 words	 even	 hold?	 Probably,	 the	 only	 reason Hiratsuka	sensei	purposely	made	me	speak	out,	is	because	this	is	the	last	time	I	have	a chance	to	do	so.
202
203
204
205Sensing	that	the	time	of	parting	is	approaching,	I	looked	up	at	the	twilight	that	filled	up the	entire	sky.
206
207
208
209Reaching	to	the	doorstep	of	the	staff	room,	my	hand	that	was	about	to	knock	on	the	door, suddenly	held	back.
210
211
212
213Teasing	at	the	fear	I'm	feeling	right	now,	I	let	out	a	sigh.
214
215
216
217But	I	can't	stand	here	forever.
218
219
220
221Because	she	won't	either.
222
223
224
225Hiratsuka	sensei	will	one	day	leave	us.
226
227
228
229I	never	knew	that,	thus	I	never	tried	to	prove	anything,	to	show	her	any	results.
230
231
232
233But	the	one	thing	I	can	do,	is	to	not	show	her	this	embarrassing	side	of	me,	this	is	the	one thing	I	should	do.
234
235
236
237After	another	sigh,	I	knocked	twice	on	the	door	before	entering	the	staff	room.
238
239
240
241My	eyes	swayed	naturally	towards	that	one	position	I	have	always	looked	at.
242
243
244
245On	that	place,	sat	Hiratsuka	sensei.
246
247
248
249She	seems	to	be	working	on	documentations.
250
251
252
253That	 familiar	 figure	 works	 relentlessly	 facing	 her	 desk,	 her	 long	 hair	 that	 sways	 from time	to	time,	the	slight	rotation	on	her	shoulders	seemed	like	her	trying	to	relax	them.
254
255
256
257The	 backview	 of	 her	 working	 seriously	 felt	 refreshing,	 and	 staring	 at	 it	 doesn't	 feel boring,	 I	 didn't	 feel	 like	 bothering	 her	 by	 this	 moment,	 thus	 I	 didn't	 called	 out	 to	 her immediately.
258
259
260
261Actually,	there	are	some	lies,	a	lot	of	lies	within	this	thought	of	mine.
262
263
264
265I	refuse	to	witness	the	end	of	this	never	ending	daily	life,	which	is	why	I	didn't	call	out	to her.
266
267
268
269Losing	 someone	 also	 means	 that	 the	 scenery,	 the	 moments	 that	 I've	 always	 took	 for granted	will	leave	me	too,	something	that	took	me	so	long	to	realize.
270
271
272
273Hoping	to	take	a	closer	look,	I	carefully	moved	towards	her,	trying	not	to	make	a	single sound,	while	trying	to	recall	how	I've	always	started	our	conversation, But	she	spoke	right	before	me:
274
275
276
277"Sorry,	give	me	a	few	more	minutes."
278
279
280
281As	if	she	already	knew	of	my	presence	without	making	sure,	Hiratsuka	sensei	pointed	at the	deeper	parts	of	the	staff	room,	the	spot	where	we	always	had	our	conversations.
282
283
284
285Her	tone	sounded	like	how	its	always	been,	so	I	replied	briefly:
286
287
288
289"Alright."
290
291
292
293"Umu."
294
295
296
297With	her	head	still	facing	the	desk,	she	put	a	halt	to	our	small	talk.
298
299
300
301As	I	moved	towards	the	discussion	room,	the	lingering	smell	of	cigarette	smoke	reminds me	 that,	 the	 first	 time	 I	 came	 here	 for	 the	 keys	 of	 the	 clubroom,	 I	 also	 had	 a	 talk	 with Hiratsuka	 sensei	 here.	 I	 recalled	 her	 weird	 expression	 she	 gave	 when	 she	 asked	 me	 to stay	for	another	while,	perhaps	she	felt	lonely	during	that	time.
302
303
304
305That	time	I	didn't	knew	that	she	was	going	to	be	shifted	away.
306
307
308
309I've	been	living	a	life	where	I've	never	been	close	with	any	teachers.
310
311
312
313So	 this	 is	 probably	 the	 first	 time,	 that	 I	 have	 to	 witness	 a	 teacher	 I	 truly	 appreciate	 is about	to	leave	right	in	front	of	me.
314
315
316
317Sitting	in	the	conversation	room	doesn't	feel	assuring,	not	being	to	see	what	Hiratsuka sensei	 is	 doing.	 The	 curtains	 that	 divide	 this	 room	 from	 the	 others	 give	 off	 a	 sense	 of dead	silence,	chipping	my	patient	away	bit	by	bit.
318
319
320
321The	brief	noises	made	by	the	janitor	and	the	ringing	of	phones	reminds	me	the	flow	of time.	The	skies	outside	are	turning	dark	too.
322
323After	staring	outside	the	window	for	some	time,	I	heard	a	knocking	sound	on	the	wall,	as I	looked	around,	Hiratsuka	sensei	is	already	standing	in	the	room.
324
325"Sorry	for	keeping	you	waiting."
326
327"Ah,	its	fine....."
328
329Her	smile	seemed	so	weak	that	its	giving	off	a	sense	of	loneliness,	making	me	unable	to joke	or	grunt	about	all	the	waiting.
330
331Her	presence	acted	like	a	block	of	solid	air	that	fills	up	the	discussion	area,	the	rumbling noise	from	the	staff	room	feels	nonexistent	all	of	a	sudden,	as	if	she	created	an	isolated space	for	us	alone.
332
333Only	the	sounds	of	leather	could	be	heard	as	she	sat	on	the	sofa	in	front	of	me.
334
335"So,	where	do	we	start	from..."
336
337Hiratsuka	 didn't	 continue	 speaking,	 instead	 she	 placed	 a	 can	 of	 that	 familiar,	 sugar saturated	coffee	on	the	table,	and	pushed	it	gently	towards	me.
338
339I	 don't	 feel	 thirsty,	 so	 I	 shook	 my	 head.	 She	 handed	 over	 the	 black	 coffee	 on	 her	 other hand.
340
341Guess	I	don't	have	a	choice,	so	I	chosen	the	coffee	I'm	familiar	with.
342
343Holding	the	coffee	in	my	hands,	I	silently	waited	for	Hiratsuka	to	say	something.
344
345But	I'm	instead	replied	with	the	regular	tempo	of	knocking	sounds.
346
347Hiratsuka	took	out	a	cigarette,	hitting	its	tip	on	the	table,	I	recall	that	this	was	done	to
348
349sort	 out	 the	 tobacco	 in	 it,	 but	 now	 it	 seemed	 like	 she	 was	 trying	 to	 sort	 out	 something else.
350
351She	then	lit	up	the	cigarette.	The	laminar	flow	of	smoke	starts	to	waver	in	turbulence	as it	goes	up,	the	surroundings	are	filled	with	the	fragrance	of	tar.
352
353I	 don't	 live	 in	 an	 environment	 with	 a	 lot	 of	 smokers.	 So	 I	 guess	 this	 fragrance	 will eventually	vanish.	And	someday	when	I	smelled	tar,	I'll	remember	of	her,	until	someday where	she	completely	fades	from	my	memories.
354
355To	conceal	this	sudden	thought	that	I	have,	I	started	to	talk:
356
357"For	now,	lets	talk	about	the	prom......."
358
359I	ran	all	the	way	back	here	to	know	more	about	this	,	yet	I	made	myself	sound	like	I	have something	else	to	say.
360
361Hiratsuka	sensei	seemed	to	realize	this,	but	still	nodded	her	head	in	agreement.
362
363"Sure......"
364
365She	applied	more	force	onto	the	still	long	cigarette	until	it	was	put	off,	made	a	short	sigh and	continued:
366
367
368
369"From	what	I'm	seeing	right	now,	the	school	is	currently	reviewing	towards	the	direction of	cancelling	the	graduation	prom."
370
371"Reviewing,	huh."
372
373"Yes,	they	haven't	come	to	a	final	decision,	but	its	expected	that	the	school	won't	change its	attitude	towards	the	matter,	which	is	why	they'll	most	probably	request	its	organizers to	perform	self	restraint."
374
375As	 Hiratsuka's	 narrates	 this	 inevitable	 truth	 with	 her	 calm	 and	 composed	 tone,	 I intercepted:
376
377"I'm	assuming	that	'self	restraint'	was	simply	a	statement,	but	what	it	really	meant	is	to cancel	the	event?"
378
379"Both	the	school	and	also	the	board	are	taking	on	a	subtle	position.	It	was	the	school	that approved	 the	 prom	 in	 the	 first	 place,	 so	 they	 can't	 just	 call	 it	 off.	 Which	 is	 why	 they compromised	by	giving	the	order	of	self	restraint."
380
381"But	didn't	we..."
382
383Hiratsuka	 sensei	 is	 giving	 off	 a	 bitter	 expression.	 Which	 reminds	 me	 that	 she	 most probably	already	discussed	with	Yukinoshita	and	the	others	over	this	matter.	Revolving around	the	same	issue	won't	get	us	anywhere,	so	I	decided	to	ask	something	different.
384
385"But	your	opinion	is	different	from	what	the	school	thinks,	isn't	it?"
386
387"Yes,	I	believe	that	we	can	achieve	a	common	ground	through	further	discussions	with the	related	parties,	but..."
388
389Hiratsuka	 didn't	 continue,	 but	 I'm	 able	 to	 guess	 what's	 the	 determining	 factor	 to	 the current	situation.
390
391The	 promotional	 video	 of	 the	 graduation	 prom	 that	 sparked	 uncertainties	 within	 the hearts	of	the	parents,	Yukinoshita's	mother,	who	represented	the	parental	board	a	few days	ago,	and	their	concerns	that	stemmed	from	the	various	issues	of	graduation	proms in	foreign	countries.
392
393These	factors	combined,	are	enough	for	the	school	to	decide	on	cancelling	the	prom.
394
395"...Well,	 from	 the	 fact	 that	 came	 all	 the	 way	 here	 just	 to	 express	 their	 opinions,	 its	 not really	surprising	that	things	are	how	it	is	right	now."
396
397"Indeed.	The	situation	has	grew	beyond	my	level	of	responsibility	and	authority,	and	my opinions	can	only	be	treated	as	the	school's	reference.	Sigh,	the	sadness	of	being	a	lowly
398
399civil	servant."
400
401Just	 as	 what	 she	 said.	 Not	 just	 the	 teachers,	 even	 graduating	 students	 like	 me	 and everyone	else	in	the	lower	hierarchy	of	the	system.	None	of	our	opinions	will	be	taken seriously	by	the	school	authorities.
402
403Forcefully	achieve	an	equilibrium	between	each	parties	involved,	have	the	weaker	side put	 down	 their	 weapons,	 and	 expecting	 things	 to	 conclude	 without	 creating	 a	 huge storm.
404
405'Self	restrain'	is	indeed	an	appropriate	term	to	use.
406
407"Having	a	job	is	the	worst,	after	all."
408
409"Not	if	you're	working	at	the	top,	you	have	the	freedom	to	do	anything	you	want."
410
411We	joked	over	the	matter	with	a	dead	smile.	But	these	jokes	aren't	wrong	either.	In	the end	of	the	day,	we're	just	puppets	being	played	by	the	will	of	those	with	authority.
412
413On	this	matter,	Yukinoshita's	mother	is	one	holds	the	authority,	a	shadow	ruler	who	has the	school	within	her	clutches.
414
415For	 such	 a	 figure	 to	 purposely	 come	 over,	 and	 requesting	 for	 a	 discussion	 with	 the school's	administration.
416
417How	 trivial	 the	 topic	 is	 doesn't	 matter,	 just	 by	 seeing	 Mrs	 Yukinoshita	 to	 show	 such concern,	is	enough	to	make	everyone	to	treat	the	matter	in	a	superficial	way.
418
419Her	true	intentions	is	irrelevant,	as	what	the	others	observed	is	merely	the	nature	of	the act.
420
421Even	if	Mrs	Yukinoshita	only	came	here	'to	discuss','to	inquire',	for	a	person	with	such	a status	to	be	here,	is	enough	for	others	to	feel	pressured,	enough	to	create	an	atmosphere for	people	to	have	wonders.
422
423For	example	when	two	important	figures	having	pleasant	tea	break	together,	outsiders will	feel	suspicious	towards	the	context	of	their	chat	within	the	private	room,	ending	up with	 the	 formation	 of	 such	 an	 atmosphere,	 where	 people	 will	 try	 to	 please	 the	 said important	figures	as	much	as	possible.
424
425This	occurs	in	our	daily	lives	to,	the	cliched	"please	try	to	read	the	atmosphere	oh	god"
426
427dialogue	is	one	of	its	products,	where	they	speculate	over	unclear,	ambiguous	info,	and treating	such	an	act	as	a	virtue.
428
429Its	 an	 unenlightened	 method	 of	 adjusting	 things,	 yet	 it	 tends	 to	 create	 peace.	 Within schools,	 neighborhoods,	 workplaces,	 and	 even	 within	 social	 groups	 to	 an	 extent,	 being
430
431able	to	adhere	to	these	unspoken	rules	is	a	necessary	communication	skill.
432
433But	then	again	isn't	reading	the	atmosphere	too	much	of	a	forceful	demand?	Expecting the	man	to	always	be	the	one	to	take	the	initiative	to	ask	for	one's	contact	method	or	to invite	someone	out,	and	this	magical	rule	where	the	third	date	will	be	sufficient	to	create an	atmosphere	suitable	for	confessing.	What	is	this	down	triangle	spam	[1]	lookalike	?	It just	 counters	 Zangief	 so	 much,	 its	 kinda	 unfair?	 Even	 if	 its	 not	 used	 against	 Zangief	 its still	goddamn	strong!
434
435The	 same	 communication	 skill	 applies	 even	 on	 most	 friend	 circles,	 when	 one	 of	 them started	saying	stuff	like:	"Isn't	that	person	acting	a	little	strange	lately?"	"He	wasn't	such a	 dick	 before."	 ,	 then	 everyone	 suddenly	 thinks	 so	 hard	 like	 they're	 Habu	 Yoshiharu playing	mind	games	in	his	shogi	match	[2]. 	And	boom,	the	center	of	discussion	suddenly got	isolated	without	even	realizing	it.
436
437In	 such	 an	 unfair	 shogi	 battle	 matchup,	 if	 you	 can't	 figure	 a	 way	 to	 get	 a	 14	 hand	 to escape,	even	Hokkaido	chicken	fritters	[3]	will	end	up	becoming	roasted	chicken	[4].
438
439Since	 every	 group	 have	 a	 set	 of	 their	 own	 rules,	 one	 has	 to	 carefully	 observe	 these signals,	go	along	the	flow,	and	get	used	to	these	rules.	Or	you'll	end	up	like	me,	one	who failed	to	adjust	to	these	rules,	kindergarden	primary	school	secondary	school	high	school cram	 school	 workplace,	 getting	 isolated	 in	 all	 these	 places.	 Ah,	 I'm	 truly	 the	 Eternal Seven	Loner	[5]	,	oh	hey	I'll	most	probably	get	an	eight	consecutive	champion	in	college too,	yay!
440
441Life	is	truly	a	big	game	of	shogi.
442
443(Ref	 5:	 "Eternal	 Seven	 Loner"	 in	 Japanese	 is	 a	 pun	 that	 sounds	 similar	 to	 Habu Yoshiharu)
444
445Thanks	to	being	constantly	judged	over	my	ability	to	read	the	atmosphere,	even	if	I	can't read	it,	I'm	still	aware	of	its	importance.
446
447Which	is	why	I	can't	say	much	about	the	school's	judgement.	One	can	label	such	an	act with	 'bureaucratic	 collusion',	 but	 if	 I'm	 put	 in	 the	 same	 position	 as	 the	 school's authorities,	 I'll	 probably	 make	 the	 exact	 same	 decision.	 	 It's	 just	 too	 much	 of	 a	 pain	 to fight	against	the	atmosphere.
448
449"So	that's	how	it	is	huh......"
450
451I	 said	 this	 with	 a	 convinced	 yet	 dejected	 voice,	 as	 I	 unconsciously	 looked	 towards	 the ceiling	above.	Is	it	because	I'm	showing	a	defeated	face?	Hiratsuka	sensei	pushed	the	can of	coffee	that	I	had	yet	to	take	a	single	sip	closer	to	me,	I	nodded	gently	to	express	my gratitude.
452
453I	started	reorganizing	my	thoughts	while	pulling	the	can	opener.
454
455For	now,	it	seems	impossible	to	overturn	the	school's	decision.
456
457A	problem	wouldn't	exist	as	long	as	we	don't	view	it	as	one.	But	when	the	existence	of	a problem	is	established,	its	also	a	wiser	choice	to	not	try	smashing	a	rock	using	an	egg	if we're	trying	to	solve	the	problem	efficiently.
458
459Its	clear	that,	the	prom	is	currently	facing	a	life	or	death	situation.
460
461For	the	time	being,	only	the	student	council,	a	small	group	of	parents,	and	the	school	is aware	of	the	self	restrain	order.	If	the	news	starts	to	spread	among	the	students	and	the rest	of	the	parents,	the	opposition	will	gain	more	momentum	as	more	individuals	join	in the	mob.
462
463Staying	out	of	this	will	only	make	the	situation	harder,	but	there	are	no	effective	methods to	solve	it	either.
464
465"Isn't	this	already	a	checkmate..."
466
467I	followed	up	this	statement	with	a	weak	laugh.
468
469At	 this	 moment,	 my	 eyes	 fell	 in	 line	 with	 Hiratsuka	 sensei's.	 Her	 eyes	 are	 giving	 off	 a slightly	warm	sensation,	as	if	she	has	been	silently	waiting	for	my	reaction,	benching	her elbows	onto	her	knees,	uncrossing	her	fingers:	"As	expected,	you	still	want	to	make	the prom	a	reality."	she	said	in	a	speed	slower	than	usual.
470
471Remembering	of	her	question	during	the	phone	call,	suddenly	I'm	at	a	loss	of	words.
472
473Hiratsuka	 sensei's	 tone	 sounded	 really	 soft,	 with	 no	 intention	 to	 reprimand	 me	 at	 all.
474
475However	I	still	can't	bring	up	a	proper	answer,	as	I	still	had	second	thoughts	on	whether it	is	right	to	be	further	involved	with	the	graduation	prom.	That	reckless	remark	I	made during	the	phone	call	made	me	felt	a	little	ashamed	too.	But	what	has	been	said	has	been said,	and	it	pointless	to	try	and	deny	that.
476
477Thus,	 I	 nodded	 my	 head	 once	 as	 if	 its	 simply	 responding	 to	 gravity,	 it	 probably	 looked more	like	I'm	feeling	down.
478
479"I	don't	know	if	this	is	correct......"
480
481Words	without	a	proper	direction	wriggled	out	of	my	indecisive	mouth.	That	one	term that	flashed	through	my	mind	made	it	sounded	even	weaker.
482
483'Codependency'.
484
485Yukinoshita	 Haruno's	 definition	 towards	 our	 relationship,	 felt	 completely	 true,	 and	 I
486
487can't	find	any	solid	proof	to	defend	against	that	statement.
488
489My	voice	slowly	fades	out,	and	my	eyesight	slowly	moves	down.
490
491As	I	blankly	stared	at	the	aged	cracks	on	the	floor,	Hiratsuka	switched	up	the	position	of her	crossing	legs.
492
493"Well	yes,	Yukinoshita	doesn't	want	you	to	interfere	after	all."
494
495As	I	looked	up	at	Hiratsuka	sensei,	her	eyes	are	filled	with	complete	seriousness.
496
497I	recalled	that	moment	where	Yukinoshita	told	me	not	to	get	further	involved.	Hiratsuka sensei	was	there	too	when	she	is	doing	that	monologue.	Which	is	why	Hiratsuka	is	telling me	this.	Now	that	I	think	of	it,	Yukinoshita	also	didn't	want	me	to	know	that	the	prom was	going	to	be	cancelled.	I	have	an	idea	of	what	she's	thinking,	but	perhaps	Hiratsuka sensei	knows	more	on	the	reason	that	Yukinoshita	is	hiding	it	from	me.
498
499Being	 unsure	 of	 whether	 I'm	 able	 to	 be	 involved	 without	 getting	 noticed,	 I	 reacted towards	the	question	with	a	light	smile.
500
501The	tight	sensation	on	my	rarely	used	facial	muscles	tells	me	that,	I'm	probably	making	a really	bitter	smile.
502
503To	be	honest,	there's	no	doubt	that	things	will	only	get	more	and	more	troublesome,	just imagining	 all	 the	 directionless	 talk	 I'll	 have	 with	 her	 is	 making	 me	 feel	 depressed,	 and what	 ever	 conclusion	 that	 awaits	 us	 won't	 be	 anything	 good	 either.	 Even	 so,	 what	 has been	decided	has	been	decided,	that	I	can't	leave	this	situation	alone.	Thus	I	continued	to smile.
504
505Looking	at	this	fake	smile	I'm	holding	up,	Hiratsuka's	eyes	slowly	became	gentle,	a	slight curve	showed	up	on	her	lips.
506
507"......Its	your	move,	then."
508
509"Well	yeah,	its	not	my	first	day	not	being	expected	of	anything."
510
511Like	I've	always	had,	making	unnecessary	actions,	the	bad	habit	that	I	can't	seem	to	get rid	of	immediately.
512
513Hearing	that,	Hiratsuka	sensei	blinked	a	few	times	as	if	she's	in	shock,	and	then	started	to laugh	uncontrollably	while	covering	her	mouth.
514
515She's	 laughing	 a	 little	 too	 delightfully,	 that	 I	 had	 to	 raise	 my	 eyebrows	 as	 a	 protest, Hiratsuka	then	made	a	soft	cough	to	hold	in	her	smile.
516
517"Ahaha,	sorry...I	just	felt	very	happy,	you	know."
518
519She	expression	then	turned	slightly	worried.
520
521"But	Yukinoshita	is	trying	really	hard	to	change	something.	I'm	personally	rooting	for	her so...I	can't	say	that	helping	her	without	proper	thought	is	a	good	idea.	As	it	might	turn	up to	 be	 an	 obstruction	 to	 her	 growth.	 Especially	 when	 there's	 too	 much	 to	 think	 of	 like where	we're	at	now."
522
523Her	eyesight	slowly	turns	towards	me,	her	expression	where	she's	struggling	to	tell	me something	speaks	for	her	concern	towards	Yukinoshita.
524
525Hachiman:	 "You	 know,	 whatever	 codependency	 is......doesn't	 it	 sound	 like	 an overstatement?	More	accurately,	it	feels	like	a	misunderstanding	more	than	anything."
526
527"Well,	 yes...while	 I	 don't	 believe	 that	 its	 codependency,	 	 but	 what's	 more	 important	 is what	viewpoint	you	decide	to	take.	If	your	feelings	are	biased	towards	it,	then	no	words will	clear	that	up	for	you."
528
529"......Yes."
530
531I	 have	 experienced	 such	 stubbornness,	 more	 accurately,	 I	 once	 clinged	 on	 to	 such stubbornness.
532
533No	matter	how	I	console	myself,	its	still	not	easy	to	give	up	this	life	that	is	as	entangled and	blurred	like	a	cotton	candy,	thousands	of	carefully	fabricated	words	aren't	enough	to cover	 up	 this	 monster	 of	 self	 conscious	 within	 me.	 Which	 is	 why	 now,	 that	 monster	 of self	consciousness	still	lurks	within	me,	staring	from	behind.
534
535This	made	me	realize	that,	one	can't	simply	brush	off	how	they	view	themselves.	I	believe that	 its	 that	 same	 for	 Yukinoshita.	 Codependency,	 no	 matter	 if	 it	 is	 the	 truth	 or	 not,	 at least	Yukinoshita	has	bounded	herself	to	believe	in	such	an	idea.	No	matter	how	hard	we try	to	deny	it,	she	probably	won't	believe	in	us.
536
537"Haruno	 isn't	 completely	 wrong	 either.	 For	 Yukinoshita,	 this	 is	 an	 important	 trial	 that she	has	to	overcome."
538
539"A	trial	huh..."
540
541I	repeated	this	term	that	I	rarely	hear	of,	which	Hiratsuka	nodded	in	confirmation.
542
543"Well,	you	can	say	that	this	is	a	ceremony	too."
544
545She	then	lit	up	another	cigarette.	Took	a	deeper	breath	from	it,	and	exhaled	out	a	slow thread	of	smoke.
546
547"Do	you	find	it	ridiculous?"
548
549"No,	not	really......"	I	replied	while	shaking	my	head:	"this	situation	does	seems	to	happen sometimes."
550
551"Well	yes,	things	like	this	happens	all	the	time.	From	getting	the	results	for	your	music	or manga	 entry,	 to	 competing	 in	 a	 sports	 event,	 participating	 the	 auditions	 of	 a	 singing contest,	taking	an	exam	or	starting	your	career,	even	getting......that	before	your	thirties is	no	different.	There	will	 always	be	that	one	period	where	 you'll	have	to	face	yourself honestly."
552
553Her	view	that	lands	somewhere	far	outside	the	window,	and	her	bittersweet	tone	made it	sound	like	that	she	is	reminiscing	her	own	past.
554
555"Has	this	ever	occurred	to...you	before?"
556
557"Yes,	of	course."
558
559She	answered	me	with	a	gentle	smile,	Hiratsuka	sensei	took	another	sip	of	the	cigarette.
560
561As	she	released	a	short	puff	of	smoke,	her	iris	dilated	as	if	some	of	the	smoke	has	diffused deep	into	her	lungs.
562
563"There	were	a	lot	of	things	that	I	wanted	to	do	in	the	past.	There	are	also	a	lot	of	things that	I	can't	do,	and	things	I	didn't	wanted	to	do.	A	series	of	making	choices,	attempting, failing,	giving	up,	and	making	a	new	choice,	a	cycle	of	events	that	never	stops...even	till now."
564
565Her	words	swayed	lonely	in	the	air	along	the	swaying	smoke.
566
567I	have	no	idea	what	kind	of	past	has	she	experienced	to	speak	of	such	things,	but	they're a	proof	that	the	Hiratsuka	sensei,	this	refined	woman	sitting	in	front	of	me,	is	a	product of	the	numerous	attempts	and	challenges	she	has	faced.
568
569We	have	always	sought	for	definitive	proof	that	we	can	survive	by	ourselves,	by	gaining confidence,	by	building	results.	There	won't	be	anyone	who	is	willing	to	guarantee	that for	us,	even	if	there's	a	guarantee,	it	will	only	be	meaningless	if	we	refuse	to	believe	in these	guarantees.	Which	is	why	we	have	such	desires	to	prove	ourselves.
570
571'Is	 it	 really	 correct	 to	 interfere	 with	 Yukinoshita's	 decision	 and	 resolve.'	 I	 recalled	 this question	that	Yukinoshita	Haruno	asked	me	not	long	ago.
572
573To	 choose,	 to	 challenge,	 to	 win	 or	 lose,	 these	 are	 something	 that	 she	 alone	 has	 to	 face.
574
575Will	 she	 allow	 anyone	 else	 to	 be	 involved	 in	 it?	 What	 identity	 and	 relationship	 I	 must have	with	her	to	be	able	to	intervene?	I	have	yet	to	find	any	answers.
576
577Hiratsuka	tapped	on	the	cigarette	a	few	times	to	clean	off	the	tobacco	ash,	and	stared	at me	behind	a	veil	of	white	smoke.
578
579"Let	me	ask	you	this	one	more	time,	how	do	you	plan	to	talk	to	her,	really?"
580
581She	asked	about	a	major	issue	that	I'm	hesitating	with.
582
583She	is	certainly	looking	for	my	confirmation	for	one	last	time.
584
585I	started	to	think	carefully	about	what	to	say	next,	as	I	can't	continue	to	make	any	more lies	at	this	moment.
586
587"......I	don't	think	that	there	is	an	option	to	not	communicate	with	her."
588
589My	answer	during	the	phone	call	has	not	changed.
590
591And	I	won't	repeat	it	for	a	second	time,	my	thoughts	and	determination	are	not	frivolous.
592
593There's	 no	 need	 for	 consideration	 either,	 I	 have	 already	 made	 a	 choice,	 and	 the conclusion	has	always	been	there.
594
595Yukinoshita's	will	has	nothing	to	do	with	how	I	should	act.
596
597As	it	has	always	been,	I	do	not	know	any	other	methods	available,	the	option	I	can	take has	only	been	that	one	single	option.	Attempting	any	other	approach	has	never	gone	well for	me.	The	more	I	try	to	avoid	making	mistakes	the	further	I	stray	away	from	the	right path.
598
599Which	is	why,	I'll	use	the	only	method	that	I	have.
600
601In	reply	to	Hiratsuka's	serious,	intimidating	glance,	I	looked	back	at	her	with	my	dead, rotten	eyes,	refusing	to	avert	my	line	of	view.
602
603Hiratsuka	sensei	then	made	a	satisfied	smile.
604
605"I	see."
606
607She	 gently	 smiled	 with	 her	 eyes	 closed.	 The	 way	 she	 nodded	 in	 approval	 made	 me unsure	of	how	to	react.
608
609As	 I	 felt	 the	 pressure	 slowly	 turning	 into	 a	 gentle	 sensation,	 I	 ended	 up	 loosening	 my mind	to	the	point	of	saying	unnnecessary	things:
610
611"Wait,	'I	see'?	That's	it?	"
612
613"Yes,	that	shall	suffice.	I	have	faith	in	you	Hikigaya."
614
615Said	Hiratsuka	sensei	without	any	hesitation.
616
617"Uhm,	thanks."
618
619To	hear	her	say	this	in	such	a	direct	way	that	felt	like	she's	stating	a	simple	fact,	I	can't even	find	myself	to	feel	shy	about	it.	I	thanked	her	in	a	low	voice	as	I	nodded	down	in order	to	hide	my	heating	cheeks.
620
621But	it	seems	that	I	didn't	hide	it	properly,	as	I	heard	her	giggling.
622
623"Listen	up	Hikigaya,	just	helping	out	the	prom	won't	be	enough	to	help	her.	You'll	have	to take	proper	measures	in	what	methods	you	use.	You	already	knew	this,	didn't	you."
624
625I	nodded.
626
627She	definitely	won't	accept	my	offer	to	help	if	I	don't	think	of	the	appropriate	words	to use.
628
629Just	making	the	prom	happen	won't	be	enough	either.	To	present	Yukinoshita's	ability	as an	individual,	to	help	her	become	independent	is	something	that	needs	to	be	worked	on too.
630
631Like	the	old	saying	of	how	teaching	someone	to	fish	is	better	than	giving	them	fish.	Its better	for	Yukinoshita	to	save	herself,	but	I	have	yet	to	find	a	way	to	achieve	all	of	these objectives.
632
633It	took	me	a	while	to	realize	that	I've	been	scratching	my	head	the	whole	time.
634
635"Its	definitely	harder	than	it	seemed	to	be......"
636
637"Yes,	its	hard	alright......especially	for	your	kind	of	situation."
638
639Hiratsuka	 took	 another	 mouthful	 of	 cigarette	 smoke,	 and	 blew	 out	 streams	 of	 smoke from	both	edges	of	her	mouth.
640
641"I	know	right,	our	relationship	only	started	because	one	of	us	needed	help	from	others.
642
643And	now	our	wills	seem	to	be	clashing	with	their	polar	opposites."
644
645I	then	crossed	my	fingers	to	form	an	X	shape.
646
647Hiratsuka	 shrugged	 speechlessly	 and	 asked:	 "Really	 now.	 How	 do	 you	 think	 you	 guys managed	to	pull	it	through	before	this?"
648
649"How	did	we	made	it	through,	huh....."
650
651I	actually	had	no	idea,	all	I	can	remember	is	me	doing	things	that	hardly	mattered	in	the end.
652
653Looking	at	my	confused	expression,	Hiratsuka	sensei	clutched	her	fists,	walked	towards me	and	started	doing	air	punches.	P...please	don't	do	that,	she's	gonna	punch	me	really hard	and	then	treat	me	very	nicely,	make	me	fall	for	her	from	the	treatment	contrast,	the perfect	script	to	create	a	masochist,	oh	god......
654
655She	made	a	victorious	smile	upon	seeing	my	frightened	face.
656
657"When	the	ideals	of	two	 heroes	of	justice	start	to	clash,	 neither	of	them	will	surrender without	a	fight."
658
659Her	dialogue	made	me	feel	nostalgic,	even	if	I	have	forgotten	when	was	the	first	time	I heard	of	it.
660
661"Oh......this	brings	back	memories."
662
663"I	know	right?"
664
665Hiratsuka	sensei	replied	in	a	joking	tone.
666
667But	her	smile	only	lasted	for	an	instant.
668
669The	sides	of	her	mouth	are	still	curving	up,	but	her	lonesome	eyes	started	looking	into the	realm	of	nothingness.
670
671"This	really...brings	back	a	lot	of	memories..."
672
673This	dialogue	that	seemed	to	come	out	without	her	realizing	it,	is	not	meant	for	me,	but her	speaking	to	herself.
674
675While	I	let	Hiratsuka	to	have	her	own	moment,	I	turned	my	neck	left	and	right	to	relax my	 head	 a	 bit.	 Even	 if	 we	 both	 felt	 nostalgic,	 her	 current	 feelings	 are	 contextually different	from	mine,	so	I	kept	quiet.
676
677The	silence	however	didn't	last	long,	as	Hiratsuka	sensei	continued	speaking:
678
679"Its	 not	 the	 first	 day	 you	 two	 have	 different	 opinions	 isn't	 it?	 But	 you	 all	 managed	 to overcome	 such	 situations,	 to	 have	 faith	 in	 what	 you	 have	 gained	 from	 those	 past experiences,	is	my	suggestion	to	you."
680
681"Yeah...I'll	try."	I	replied	her	with	a	gentle	smile.
682
683She	does	not	wish	to	be	assisted,	but	I	can't	avoid	communicating	with	her	either.	Which is	 why	 a	 new	 way	 of	 communication	 has	 to	 be	 sought.	 Reviewing	 my	 past	 experiences gave	me	a	vague	yet	solid	answer.
684
685Seeing	me	nodding	in	enlightenment,		Hiratsuka	smiled	in	satisfaction:
686
687"Now	that	you	came	up	with	a	clearer	guideline,	I	think	its	time	to	go	meet	up	with	her, Yukinoshita	should	still	be		in	the	student	council	room	right	now,	go."
688
689"Yes,	I'll	be	leaving	th...wait,	one	last	thing	I	wanted	to	ask	you."
690
691As	I	was	about	to	stand	up,	I	remembered	of	something	that	I	was	curious	of	since	the beginning	of	the	conversation.
692
693"Hmm?"
694
695Hiratsuka	sensei	tilted	her	head,	and	made	a	childish	smile	that	hardly	fits	her	current age.	My	expression	I'm	having	right	now	seemed	more	sinister	in	comparison:
696
697"So	in	the	end	of	the	day,	the	prom's	organizers	only	need	to	perform	self	restraint	,	isn't it?"
698
699"...I	was	asked	with	the	same	question	not	long	ago."
700
701The	way	Hiratsuka	said	it	tells	me	that,	Yukinoshita	and	the	others	have	no	intent	to	give up	 on	 the	 graduation	 prom.	 In	 fact	 ,	 they	 already	 came	 up	 with	 this	 conclusion	 right before	me.
702
703Hiratsuka	sensei	closed	her	eyes,	and	then	let	up	a	deep	sigh	as	if	she	gave	up	struggling.
704
705Took	 another	 mouthful	 of	 smoke,	 and	 then	 released	 them	 as	 she	 looked	 towards	 a distant	place	within	the	scenery	outside.
706
707I	 know	 that	 her	 actions	 indicate	 that	 she	 has	 acquiesced	 with	 our	 ideas.	 While	 I	 felt grateful	to	Hiratsuka	sensei,	it	also	left	me	worried	about	the	consequences.
708
709"But	if	we	continued	doing	this,	wouldn't	it	put	you	in	a	very	risky	situation?"
710
711If	unwanted	events	occurred	during	the	process,	she'll	have	to	take	full	responsibility	for our	mess.	I'm	not	sure	what	kind	of	punishment	the	school	authorities	will	impose	onto her,	 but	 she'll	 definitely	 end	 up	 being	 judged	 by	 both	 concerned	 and	 unconcerned parties.	Lynches	that	goes	with	the	name	of	social	justice	are	pretty	common	after	all.
712
713But	Hiratsuka	sensei	simply	shrugged,	and	said	with	a	playful	tone:
714
715"By	 the	 time	 anything	 happens	 I	 won't	 be	 around	 anyways,	 I	 don't	 care	 about	 what happens	after	I'm	gone."
716
717"Ahaha,	said	it	like	a	typical	modern	youngster."
718
719"Of	course,	I	am	a	modern	youngster	after	all."
720
721In	protest	to	my	comment.	She	tapped	on	the	table	for	a	times	as	she	adjusted	her	tone	to
722
723sound	like	a	youngster.	Her	joke	made	me	start	to	laugh	out	of	control.
724
725"Even	if	things	did	came	down	to	the	worst,	I'm	only	gonna	lose	my	job.	Its	no	big	deal, just	do	whatever	you	want."
726
727Hiratsuka	continued	to	joke	around,	tapping	her	throat	with	a	handknife.
728
729"Eh......nah	I	can't	just	do	that...."
730
731Don't	 just	 bet	 your	 career	 over	 it.	 This	 pressures	 me	 so	 hard,	 that	 my	 lifespan	 is shortening	like	mad	girl.
732
733"Don't	mind	me,	its	just	a	joke.	My	wits	are	stronger	than	you	thing,	if	I	really	lost	my	job, I'm	just	gonna	get	married,	if	I	find	one	who's	willing	to,	that	is."
734
735Her	fingers	slides	across	her	hair,	as	she	starts	to	laughs	ironically.
736
737I	can't	get	myself	to	laugh	over	this	matter,	yet	I	ended	up	laughing	softly	and	said:
738
739"You'll	be	fine."
740
741"What,	you	plan	to	marry	me	someday?"
742
743Hiratsuka	reacted	almost	instantaneously	with	a	shocked	face.	Wait	what	no?	She's	too precious	for	me	to	own!	So	someone	please,	before	I	change	my	mind,	please	marry	her now!
744
745As	I	was	thinking	on	how	to	reply	her,	she	stared	at	me	with	her	big	round	eyes	like	an abandoned	labrador.	Ah,	large	canines	are	just	so	cute......but	wait,	I	already	have	a	cat	in my	house.	So	I	shook	my	head	in	embarassment.
746
747"Actually	I	don't	have	plans	to	deal	with	the	situation	with	chaotic	methods......I	think."
748
749I	said	it	without	sounding	too	confident.
750
751We're	 in	 a	 really	 unfavorable	 situation.	 Trying	 to	 achieve	 a	 mutual	 agreement	 with Yukinoshita	is	going	to	be	a	challenge	too.
752
753But	 even	 if	 I'm	 aware	 that	 we	 haven't	 obtained	 the	 win	 condition,	 I	 still	 have	 to	 sound optimistic,	or	else	Doraemon	can't	go	back	to	the	future	in	peace...
754
755I	tried	to	smile	as	much	as	possible	to	cover	up	my	facade.	And	so,	Hiratsuka	stared	at	me silently.
756
757"......So	reliable."
758
759Like	 a	 person	 watching	 a	 car	 leaving	 into	 the	 distance,	 she	 closed	 her	 eyes	 slowly,	 and said	it	in	a	gentle	voice.
760
761Hearing	 that	 made	 me	 blush	 for	 a	 moment,	 without	 realizing	 it,	 I	 tured	 my	 head	 away while	touching	my	hair.
762
763I	made	big	words	that	hardly	suits	someone	of	my	identity.
764
765Being	aware	that	I	should	also	make	sure	that	my	methods	won't	cause	Hiratsuka	sensei to	be	affected	to	its	consequences,	the	difficulty	of	the	situation	seemed	to	has	increase	a little	more	than	the	hard	mode	it	already	is.
766
767Even	so,	this	made	me	sense	a	glimpse	of	light	within	the	situation.
768
769If	the	process	is	handled	properly,	there	won't	be	any	situation	where	Hiratsuka	sensei will	have	to	take	responsibility	for	us.	Well	yeah,	probably,	it	better	be.
770
771Sigh,	 but	 then	 again	 I	 should	 really	 prepare	 myself	 to	 explain	 to	 my	 parents,	 on	 why would	I	marry	a	woman	who's	about	ten	years	older	than	me.
772
773Anyway,	now	that	my	course	of	action	has	been	decided.	Since	there's	nothing	more	for us	to	speak	of.	The	both	of	us	remained	silent.
774
775Within	 the	 few	 seconds	 of	 silence,	 I	 swallowed	 down	 the	 rest	 of	 the	 sweet	 coffee,	 and stood	 up	 getting	 ready	 to	 leave.	 Picked	 up	 my	 school	 bag	 and	 coat	 that	 was	 put	 aside, leaving	everything	else	in	the	room.
776
777"I'm	going."
778
779"Umu."
780
781I	made	a	short	goodbye,	which	she	replied	with	a	nod.
782
783Our	chat	has	now	come	to	an	end,	on	the	timing	that	I	think	is	most	appropriate.
784
785But	just	as	I	was	about	to	walk	out	of	the	room,	I	heard	her	voice	coming	from	behind:
786
787"Hikigaya."
788
789I	did	not	look	back,	but	I	don't	plan	on	ignoring	her	call	either,	so	I	halted.
790
791"I'm	sorry......that	I	can't	bring	myself	to	say	it."
792
793I'm	 unable	 to	 see	 Hiratsuka	 sensei's	 expression	 at	 this	 moment,	 yet	 its	 not	 hard	 to imagine	the	way	she's	looking	onto	the	floor	sadly,	because	its	the	same	expression	I'm having	right	now.
794
795As	I	tried	to	say	something,	the	bitterness	of	the	coffee	that	should've	been	completely swallowed	rose	back	up,	and	my	throat	is	blocked	by	the	strong	scent	of	condensed	milk.
796
797I	reacted	by	forcing	the	coffee	back	into	my	stomach,	along	with	the	words	that	I	wanted to	say.
798
799"Cough....no,	you	don't	have	to	apologize."
800
801Turned	 my	 head	 over	 my	 shoulders,	 and	 with	 the	 properly	 prepared	 smiling	 face,	 I continued	saying:
802
803"There's	nothing	that	we	can	do	about,	that's	just	how	jobs	work.	I	understand	that	your position	doesn't	allow	you	to	talk	about	it.	And	its	not	like	your	transfer	has	been	decided yet	right?"
804
805I	tried	to	say	it	in	the	most	fluent	and	natural	way	possible.	But	Hikagaya	Hachiman	was never	a	bright	cheerful	person	to	begin	with,	which	made	it	sound	blank	and	insincere instead.
806
807Hiratsuka	sensei	acted	as	if	she	isn't	bothered	by	it,	and	continued	to	say	while	looking down.
808
809"Well	yeah,	the	official	dismissal	letter	haven't	been	given	yet."
810
811To	 not	 speak	 about	 things	 that	 haven't	 been	 officially	 announced.	 This	 is	 a	 rule	 that comes	along	with	the	job	position.
812
813But	 deep	 down,	 we're	 both	 aware	 that	 this	 is	 merely	 an	 excuse.	 Yet	 this	 is	 an	 actual existing	rule	that	must	not	be	broken.
814
815Which	is	why	we	decided	to	accept	and	compromise.	No	malicious	or	virtuous	will	exists behind	her	decision,	she	is	simply	complying	with	the	rules.	Because	we're	aware	of	such a	rule,	there	is	nothing	that	we	can	do	about	it,	except	for	accepting	it	with	a	smile.
816
817"But	its	gonna	be	really	embarrassing	if	I	don't	have	to	leave	in	the	end.	Ahahaha...."
818
819Said	Hiratsuka	sensei	as	she	followed	with	a	laugh	while	stroking	her	hair.
820
821"Isn't	that	so?	Hahaha..."
822
823I	laughed	too,	and	I	started	to	feel	a	little	more	relaxed.
824
825But	that	couldn't	make	the	emptiness	to	leave	me.
826
827I	am	well	aware	of	it.
828
829Making	jokes	won't	change	anything,	in	fact	the	act	of	joking	itself	will		eventually	turn stale,	and	verbal	conversation	can	only	serve	to	disguise	ourselves.
830
831But	all	things	will	come	to	an	end	eventually.
832
833Our	conversation	has	came	to	an	end	too.
834
835"I'm	going,	then."
836
837"Yes,	do	your	best."
838
839I	took	a	slight	bow,	as	I	walked	out	of	the	room,	the	flickering	sounds	of	a	flame	being	lit up	could	be	heard	from	behind.
840
841Along	with	a	short	sigh.
842
843Hiratsuka	sensei	will	be	working	in	the	staff	room	for	another	while,	I	guess.
844
845I	then	closed	the	door	to	the	staff	room.
846
847
848
849
850
851Chapter	2:	Insistingly,	Isshiki	Iroha	Has Something	to	Confirm
852
853The	windows	aside	were	dyed	with	the	colors	of	the	sunset.
854
855A	dark	blue	presence	slowly	stretched	itself	from	the	other	side	of	the	sky,	the	flickering road	lamps	illuminates	the	path	for	the	leaving	students.
856
857Even	though	the	length	of	daylight	has	slightly	extended,	night	still	seems	to	have	fallen rather	 early.	 The	 total	 silence	 from	 the	 soccer	 field	 where	 most	 sports	 club	 operate	 on tells	me	that	the	school	gates	will	soon	close.
858
859The	 time	 spent	 in	 the	 staff	 room	 wasn't	 too	 long,	 but	 enough	 to	 change	 the	 scenery within	the	campus.	As	if	we	have	lost	our	sense	of	time	within	that	small	isolated	space.
860
861Within	that	tiny	gap	of	time	where	I	looked	away	from	the	windows,	things	continued	to change.
862
863Even	by	now,	as	I	walk	on	this	short	path	that	leads	me	from	staff	room	to	the	student council	room,	new	circumstances	might	have	arose	without	me	realizing	it.
864
865Being	 aware	 of	 the	 changes	 that	 could	 happen	 in	 any	 minute,	 I	 made	 haste	 on	 my footsteps.
866
867This	 passageway	 with	 no	 presence	 of	 anyone	 other	 than	 myself,	 is	 filled	 up	 by	 the sunset's	afterglow.
868
869In	 comparison	 to	 the	 special	 block	 or	 new	 school	 building	 that	 has	 better	 lighting,	 the transparent	windows	being	the	only	light	source	here	gives	off	a	more	chilling	sensation, while	during	winter	things	would	look	much	more	colder	in	this	corridor.
870
871The	sounds	of	footsteps	echoed	within	the	chilly	air.
872
873Not	the	lively	flapping	kind	of	footsteps,	nor	the	bold	heavy	kind	of	footsteps,	but	mushy sounds	of	footsteps	that	gave	off	a	sense	of	wetness.
874
875As	I'm	in	a	hurry,	I	walked	in	an	awkward	way,	where	I	can	feel	one	my	shoes	stepping on	the	heel	of	the	other	at	times.
876
877But	I	can't	stop	just	yet.
878
879Not	stopping	is	already	a	big	improvement	by	itself.
880
881My	body	felt	lighter	after	the	talk	with	Hiratsuka	sensei.
882
883I	now	have	a	clear	image	of	the	things	that	I	want	to	do,	the	things	that	I	wish	to	own.
884
885Ignore	 anything	 unnecessary,	 throw	 away	 the	 questions	 accumulated	 in	 my	 mind,	 stop thinking	about	those	concerns	that	loomed	in	my	heart.
886
887Leave	everything	else	behind,	keeping	only	the	mission,	and	work	on	it	like	a	robot.
888
889As	long	as	this	can	be	solved,	its	fine	to	shove	everything	else	aside,	what	I	must	do	now, is	to	seek	for	every	single	option	that	I	could	make	use	of.
890
891As	I	kept	walking,	I	have	reached	the	very	end	of	the	afterglow	in	the	passageway.
892
893The	seemingly	continuous	flow	of	windows	were	replaced	by	the	walls	that	links	to	the student	council	room.
894
895The	door	to	the	student	 council	room	was	closed	shut,	and	 no	voices	were	heard	from the	inside,	making	my	own	breathing	the	only	sound	audible	to	me.	I	took	some	time	to regulate	my	breath	in	order	to	calm	myself	down.
896
897It	has	been	a	few	days	since	I've	ever	met	Yukinoshita	and	Iroha,	the	last	time	we	met,	is the	 day	 when	 Yukinoshita's	 mother	 came	 over	 to	 the	 school	 to	 request	 for	 the cancellation	 of	 the	 prom.	 Our	 last	 conversation	 being	 a	 refusal	 that	 hardly	 counts	 as	 a proper	talk.
898
899Which	is	why	staying	calm	and	composed	is	crucial	to	what	happens	next.	If	any	one	of us	have	our	feelings	take	over	ourselves,	it	will	be	impossible	for	us	to	reach	a	common ground.
900
901Alright,	this	shouldn't	be	that	big	of	a	problem,	after	all	my	emotions	have	died	off	to	the point	that	it	has	reached	a	negative	value!	But	wait,	isn't	that	worse?
902
903Can	 I	 do	 it?	 Can	 I	 do	 it?	 (Heartbeat	 rises)...Ah	 yes,	 ah	 yes,	 I	 can	 do	 it	 I	 can	 do	 it, gambatei~gambatei	<3
904
905This	 extremely	 out	 of	 character	 encouragement	 I	 made	 to	 myself	 had	 a	 surprisingly uplifting	effect	on	my	mood,	thus	I	took	advantage	this	change,	and	knocked	on	the	door.
906
907"Coming~"
908
909Iroha's	voice	and	sounds	of	approaching	footsteps	could	be	heard.
910
911The	door	soon	opened	up,	as	I	looked	into	the	door	seam,	her	flaxen	brown	colored	hair could	 be	 seen	 swaying	 around,	 along	 her	 long	 woolen	 sweater	 that	 shone	 under	 the sunset.
912
913Isshiki	Iroha's	head	then	popped	out	from	the	half	opened	door,	and	soon	as	she	saw	me, her	 expression	 turned	 from	 her	 originally	 cute	 curious	 face	 into	 a...face	 that	 spells	 of yabai	desu.
914
915"...Ah."
916
917Iroha	 took	 a	 soft	 sigh,	 took	 a	 glance	 behind	 her,	 and	 walked	 out	 of	 the	 student	 council room	cautiously,	and	closed	the	door	immediately	as	she	stepped	out.	Looking	at	me	we an	awkward	expression:
918
919"So	you	came	after	all...ahaha."
920
921"Yeah,	is	Yukinoshita	in	there?"
922
923Iroha	looked	back	at	the	student	council	room	as	she	heard	my	question,	implying	that Yukinoshita	is	indeed	in	the	room,	I	then	exhaled	out	gases	of	relief	and	nervousness.
924
925I	 grabbed	 onto	 my	 pockets	 to	 wipe	 off	 the	 sweat	 on	 my	 palm,	 then	 moved	 forward, reaching	out	my	arm	towards	the	doorknob.
926
927As	I	was	about	to	reach	it,	Iroha	moved	left	to	block	my	arm.	What's	this?	A	crab	game?
928
929Guess	the	Obamasgone	meme	even	got	to	the	masses	huh.	I	then	sent	out	my	left	hand, which	 Iroha	 reacted	 swiftly,	 blocking	 all	 possible	 paths	 I	 could	 reach	 out	 to	 the doorknob.	What's	with	this	one	on	one	defense	situation,	our	national	team	really	need someone	of	your	caliber	on	their	defensive	line...
930
931"Uhm......you're	blocking	the	way...can	you	uh,	move	aside	please?"
932
933Iroha	 answered	 by	 completely	 sticking	 her	 back	 onto	 the	 doorknob,	 crossed	 her	 arms, stared	at	me	and	said:
934
935"Before	that,	may	I	know	for	what	exact	reason	are	you	here?	Unrelated	personnel	are prohibited	in	this	room,	you	know."
936
937Iroha	 wagged	 her	 finger	 while	 saying	 this	 with	 a	 stern	 face,	 huh,	 a	 never	 seen	 before expression	from	her.	Thanks	to	the	special	treatment	from	both	ex	and	present	student council	president	,	I've	always	entered	this	room	without	asking	permission,	but	it	is	a rule	 that	 unrelated	 personnel	 are	 prohibited	 from	 the	 student	 council	 room.	 And	 now that	this	rule	has	been	brought	up	against	me,	I	can't	do	anything	about	it	either.
938
939Sigh,	for	a	girl	of	Iroha's	personality	this	is	just	so	annoying,	but	then	again...the	way	she
940
941put	one	hand	on	her	waist,	while	waggling	her	finger	on	the	other	looks	so	cute,	not	to mention	that	she's	pouting	too.
942
943But	 in	 contrast	 to	 her	 cute	 expression,	 from	 how	 she	 refused	 to	 move	 away	 from	 the door,	I	can	sense	a	strong	will	that	won't	yield	unless	I	convince	her	properly,	so	I'll	have to	be	honest	with	Iroha	or	she	won't	budge.
944
945"...I'm	here	to	help."
946
947"You	can't	<3	"
948
949"Eh......"
950
951Iroha	then	moved	closer	to	me	and	lay	out	her	arms	horizontally,	as	if	she	is	blocking	me while	asserting	her	dominance.
952
953But	she	seemed	to	realize	that	I	have	no	intention	to	leave	either,	probably	knowing	this situation	will	probably	last	very	long	without	any	of	us	giving	up,	Iroha	then	asked:
954
955"So...you	already	knew	about	the	current	situation	of	the	prom?"
956
957"Yes."
958
959As	she	heard	my	answer,	Iroha	then	knocked	on	her	head	with	a	troubled	face.	After	a few	 moments	 of	 silence,	 she	 looked	 back	 at	 the	 room	 again.	 She	 then	 took	 a	 few	 steps away	from	the	room,	while	signaling	me	to	follow	her.	It	seems	that	she	doesn't	want	our conversation	to	be	overheard	by	Yukinoshita,	at	least	that	seems	to	be	her	intention.
960
961Or	I	can	just	ignore	her	and	go	straight	into	the	room	instead.
962
963As	 I	 sneaked	 bit	 by	 bit	 towards	 the	 door,	 Iroha	 who	 already	 expected	 me	 to	 do	 so, grabbed	onto	my	cuffs,	and	dragged	me	far	far	away	from	the	room.
964
965Since	 I	 can't	 just	 shake	 off	 her	 small	 hands,	 I	 had	 no	 choice	 but	 to	 follow	 Iroha's	 lead, after	walking	a	distance	in	the	corridor,	we	took	a	turn,	and	stopped	at	the	open	corridor that	links	the	main	school	building	to	the	special	block.
966
967A	long	bench	was	placed	at	the	walls	of	this	air	corridor,	students	tend	to	gather	around here	in	between	classes,	but	now	that	its	late,	the	only	things	here	are	the	chilly	air	that fills	in	the	atmosphere	and	the	dim	light	from	the	sunset.
968
969After	walking	to	the	bench,	Iroha	finally	let	go	of	me,	I	rubbed	on	the	cuff	of	my	sleeve	to make	sure	that	there	are	no	wrinkles,	a	lingering	warmth	could	felt	as	I	touched	it,	which made	my	cheeks	tickle	a	little.	Geez	don't	just	hold	onto	my	sleeves	all	of	a	sudden,	this makes	me	feel	shy	you	know.
970
971"Senpai,	I	appreciate	your	intention	to	help,	I	personally	feel	happy	about	it	too	but..."
972
973As	Iroha	made	a	pause	while	leaning	her	back	onto	the	window,	she	awkwardly	looked to	the	ground,	along	that	long	eyelashes	of	hers.
974
975"But	I	can't	let	you	in	just	yet,	more	specifically	I	can't	let	you	meet	her."
976
977"Why?"
978
979I	 asked	 while	 sitting	 onto	 the	 bench.	 Iroha	 lay	 down	 her	 hands	 and	 put	 it	 behind	 her, sticking	onto	the	windows.
980
981"To	be	honest	I	was	thinking	that	things	will	get	more	troublesome	if	senpai	came	over immediately,	so	maybe	its	better	if	you	could	come	over	a	bit	more	later."
982
983"Well...	yes,	maybe	you're	right."
984
985Its	not	hard	to	figure	out	where	she	is	coming	from,	since	Iroha	was	there	when	we	had that	argument.	It	makes	sense	for	her	to	be	worried,	especially	after	witnessing	such	a pointless	 dispute.	 I	 felt	 anxious	 about	 meeting	 up	 with	 Yukinoshita	 too,	 but	 even	 so,	 I can't	just	take	a	step	backwards.
986
987"...Its	fine,	I	plan	to	speak	to	her	properly."
988
989"I		P	L	A	N		T	O		S	P	E	A	K		T	O		H	E	R		P	R	O	P	E	R	L	Y.	Eh~~	you	sure	about	that	senpai?"
990
991She	 stared	 at	 me	 in	 a	 very	 doubtful	 way...the	 edges	 of	 her	 lips	 were	 twisting	 as	 if	 its making	a	'ngyeh'	sound,	her	eyebrows	look	tightly	wrinkled	too.	What's	with	this	level	of disbelief...her	expression	made	me	feel	uneasy,	so	I	slowly	averted	my	eyes,	and	made	a soft	cough.
992
993"Its	 true,	 its	 true	 all	 right?	 I	 did	 make	 a	 proper	 planning	 on	 how	 to	 startup	 the conversation."
994
995Bringing	up	codependency	will	only	stress	us	off.	So	for	now	its	better	to	avoid	dealing with	this	matter,	and	work	on	the	other	important	issues.	Our	thoughts	might	differ,	but we	 have	 the	 common	 topic	 of	 making	 the	 prom	 a	 success,	 and	 that	 should	 allow	 us	 to have	a	constructive	discussion.
996
997But	man,	why	is	Iroha	still	putting	up	that	doubtful	face...
998
999"How	to	start	up	the	conversation	huh...can't	say	that	I	trust	senpai	on	that."
1000
1001"Yeah,	sure	sucks	to	have	low	credibility."
1002
1003Being	 self	 aware	 of	 my	 life	 decisions	 that	 hardly	 earned	 me	 any	 credibility,	 I	 shrugged
1004
1005lightly.
1006
1007Iroha	then	stood	silent	for	a	moment	as	if	she's	trying	to	observe	something,	and	let	out	a deep	sigh.	Guess	she's	just	felt	speechless	towards	me.
1008
1009"Senpai,	you're	being	overprotective	again."
1010
1011As	Iroha	said	so,	she	walked	towards	me,	gripped	onto	the	edges	of	her	skirt,	and	gently sat	beside	me.	She	held	onto	her	forehead,	slightly	lifting	her	chin.	Her	hair	rustled	lightly as	they	moved	across	her	 elbows,	glimmering	under	the	sunset,	she	 started	to	gaze		at somewhere	beyond	the	windows	in	front	of	us.
1012
1013"I'm	sure	that,	Yukinoshita	senpai	is	trying	her	best	here.	Not	that	I	can't	understand	how she	felt."
1014
1015"...Well,	she	definitely	is."
1016
1017I	lay	down	my	hands	behind	me,	and	stared	at	the	ceiling	above.
1018
1019Perhaps	 Iroha's	 respond	 is	 a	 better	 idea.	 When	 someone	 has	 the	 intent	 to	 complete something	 alone,	 for	 the	 others	 to	 take	 a	 step	 back	 and	 see	 things	 through	 is	 probably what's	better	for	that	person
1020
1021"Even	so...you	still	plan	to	help	her?"
1022
1023Looking	 towards	 the	 direction	 of	 her	 voice,	 Iroha's	 hand	 continued	 to	 lay	 on	 her forehead,	while	slightly	turning	her	head	towards	me,	as	if	she's	observing	my	reactions.
1024
1025Even	if	this	action	felt	pretty	childish,	very	cute,	but	a	chilling	sense	of	seriousness	lies within	her	eyes.
1026
1027"...That	is	my	intention."
1028
1029While	 I	 can't	 trust	 my	 dead	 fish	 eyeballs	 to	 make	 me	 look	 serious	 at	 all,	 I	 tried	 to compensate	by	deepening	my	tone.	Iroha	stayed	silent	for	a	while,	seemingly	considering something,	then	asked	me	in	a	soft	tone:
1030
1031"Even	if...doing	so	wouldn't	benefit	Yukinoshita	senpai	at	all,	you'll	still	offer	your	aid?
1032
1033"I	never	really	acted	out	on	the	intent	of	benefiting	anyone	in	the	first	place,	so	I'm	just doing	the	usual	here...yeah."
1034
1035"Doing	the	usual...huh."
1036
1037I	 nodded	 in	 reply	 as	 she	 muttered	 those	 words	 in	 a	 confused	 tone.	 Iroha	 then	 laid	 her head	down,	while	I	turned	my	head	to	look	at	the	windows
1038
1039The	outcomes	have	always	been	the	same.
1040
1041My	words	and	actions	have	always	end	up	being	far	from	the	correct	solution.	An	endless cycle	of	misunderstanding	things	and	making	mistakes,	even	my	apology	didn't	end	up well,	like	a	row	of	buttons	that	continue	to	end	up	in	the	wrong	hole	of	the	shirt.
1042
1043This	 has	 been	 repeating	 throughout	 the	 whole	 year,	 and	 before	 I	 realize	 it,	 winter	 is almost	over,	the	strong	winds	that	indicates	the	incoming	of	spring	rattles	the	windows, breaking	this	short	moment	of	silence.
1044
1045"To	be	honest,	I	don't	think	that	Yukinoshita	senpai	will	accept	your	offer."
1046
1047"Indeed..."
1048
1049I	accidentally	let	out	a	deep	sigh,	Iroha	then	came	closer	and	continued	saying:
1050
1051"In	fact,	you'll	probably	be	cruelly	rejected."
1052
1053"That's	probably	the	case..."
1054
1055I	sighed	once	again,	Iroha	moved	even	closer	and	stared	at	me:
1056
1057"Even	so,	you	still	want	to	help?"
1058
1059"Of	course	I'll	help..."
1060
1061Hearing	my	answer	that	was	followed	up	by	another	sigh,	Iroha	opened	her	mouth	wide while	leaning	her	head	to	her	right:
1062
1063"Huh!?	But	why	bruh?"
1064
1065"Well	for	why	I'm	doing	so..."
1066
1067Is	it	really	that	shocking,	she	even	stopped	using	honorifics	at	this	point,	not	that	it	really matters...But,	did	she	forgot	what	she	said	in	the	first	place...
1068
1069"Weren't	you	the	one	who	asked	for	my	help	in	the	first	place..."
1070
1071As	I	said	that,	Iroha	looks	frozen	for	a	moment,	blinked	her	eyes	for	a	few	times.	Then took	a	quick	step	back,	and	then	shook	her	hands,	while	saying	rapidly:
1072
1073"Wha...what?	 Are	 you	 doing	 it	 for	 me?!	 What	 the	 hell	 do	 you	 have	 a	 crush	 on	 me	 or something	even	though	I	have	always	received	your	help	even	though	you	always	treated me	nicely	and	even	though	I	don't	dislike	you	but	there	are	too	many	things	that	need	to be	cleared	up	for	now	so	lets	put	this	off	for	another	time	sorrymasen."
1074
1075She	 quickly	 followed	 up	 with	 a	 deep	 bow.	 Which	 I	 responded	 by	 nodding	 my	 head	 in satisfaction.
1076
1077"Ah	 yes,	 now	 that's	 what	 I'm	 looking	 for.	 It	 sounds	 different	 from	 the	 usual	 but whatever."
1078
1079"What's	with	this	comment...its	the	same	as	the	usual	isn't	it?"
1080
1081Muttered	Iroha	unhappily,	she	seems	to	have	glared	at	me	too.		Yeah	whatever,	that's	the reaction	 I	 expected...taking	 a	 distance	 away	 from	 me	 as	 I	 lie	 down	 feeling	 exhausted, Iroha	pointed	at	her	cheeks	with	her	index	finger,	while	saying	with	a	poker	face.
1082
1083"I	won't	mind	if	you	use	me	as	an	excuse,	though."
1084
1085"Bad	excuse,	and	its	not	the	real	reason	after	all..."
1086
1087Iroha	ignored	my	correction,	and	continued	poking	her	cheek,	looking	troubled:
1088
1089"But	to	be	fair,	I	doubt	that	wouldn't	be	the	kind	of	reason	Yukinoshita	senpai	will	accept either."
1090
1091"Of	course	its	not...how	did	we	loop	back	to	this?	But	hey,	at	least	our	great	Irohasu	can help	by	saying	a	few	goods	throughout	our	conversation,	no?"
1092
1093"Eh...I	don't	want	to...	Also	it	impossible	for	me	to	do	so."
1094
1095"Impossible...	Even	answering	that	in	an	instant..."
1096
1097Wait,	did	she	seriously	just	said	'I	don't	want	to'?	As	I	looked	towards	her,	wondering	if	I misheard	Mada	Mada	for	Yada	Yada,	Iroha	made	a	soft	cough,	then	patted	on	her	chest for	no	reason	and	said:
1098
1099"Yes,	a	girl's	decision	cannot	be	easily	be	changed.	Well,	but	if	its	something	decided	by someone	else	we	can	simply	make	amends	to	it,	if	that	decision	is	a	pain	we	can	act	like we	forgotten	it."
1100
1101"You're	the	worst..."
1102
1103Nonono,	 that's	 just	 you	 isn't	 it?	 Its	 not	 a	 girls	 exclusive	 thing,	 but	 varies	 from	 one	 to another.	The	kind	of	equality	where	everyone	can	be	All	Might	is	something	that	a	person without	talents	like	me	believes	in.
1104
1105As	she	turned	back	towards	me,	Iroha	said	with	a	worried	face.
1106
1107"And	considering	that	its	Yukinoshita	senpai	we're	dealing	with	here,	its	going	to	be	hard isn't	it..."
1108
1109"Of	course,	of	course	it	would	be..."
1110
1111Not	 because	 its	 a	 girl's	 decision,	 but	 Yukinoshita's	 decision,	 a	 decision	 that	 I	 can't	 go against	 easily.	 Looking	 back	 at	 my	 year	 long	 experiences	 of	 interacting	 with	 her,	 its obvious	that	Yukinoshita's	honesty	and	seriousness	won't	allow	her	to	take	back	those words	that	easily.
1112
1113Shutting	her	eyes	closed,	crossing	her	arms,	Iroha	made	a	short	groan	and	said.
1114
1115"For	this	time,	I	can	feel	that	she	has	been	caring	for	me	a	lot...so	I	felt	like	supporting	her decision	too."
1116
1117She	then	stated	her	final	stand	with	a	bitter	smile:
1118
1119"Which	is	why,	I	can't	bring	myself	to	help	out	in	persuading	her,	I'm	sorry	senpai."
1120
1121I	 told	 her	 not	 to	 worry	 while	 making	 my	 best	 smile	 possible,	 which	 she	 replied	 with	 a gentle	 nod.	 For	 my	 random	 idea	 of	 her	 saying	 some	 good	 things	 to	 Yukinoshita,	 she listened	 properly	 and	 even	 considered	 things	 thoroughly.	 I	 have	 to	 say,	 Isshiki	 Iroha really	is	a	much	decent	person	than	how	I	used	to	judge	her.	Which	made	me	feel	sorry for	attempting	to	drag	her	into	such	a	messy	issue.
1122
1123Yes,	I	should	be	the	one	to	do	the	planning.
1124
1125...Now	then,	how	should	I	tell	her	exactly?	I	can't	figure	it	out,	she	is	truly	a	big	trouble, that	girl...but	when	it	comes	to	being	a	troublesome	I'm	the	same	as	her,	perhaps	even more	troublesome	in	comparison.
1126
1127I	started	to	rub	on	my	forehead	to	have	a	better	blood	flow	around	my	brain,	while	doing so,	Iroha	kept	staring	at	me	without	making	a	sound.
1128
1129"......"
1130
1131"What	is	it?"
1132
1133I	asked	as	I	realize	her	view	focusing	on	me,	she	shook	her	head	and	answered.
1134
1135"Not	really,	I	was	just	thinking	on	how	persistent	you	are."
1136
1137"Ah...well	yes."
1138
1139To	hear	such	a	direct	comment,	while	being	stared	by	her,	I	find	myself	in	a	lack	myself	of words.	Thus	I	could	only	reply	in	such	a	short,	incomplete	manner.	Iroha	slowly	walked near	me	until	reaching	an	arm's	distance,	while	continuing	to	look	into	my	eyes.
1140
1141"But	why?	Being	rejected	by	Yukinoshita	senpai	by	herself,	and	after	hearing	such	words
1142
1143from	Haruno	senpai.	For	what	exact	reason	are	you	pushing	yourself	this	much?	When	it comes	 to	 such	 a	 sticky	 situation	 one	 would	 simply	 stay	 away	 as	 far	 as	 possible,	 isn't	 it so."
1144
1145She	 phrased	 her	 question	 in	 a	 way	 that	 doesn't	 allow	 me	 a	 chance	 to	 answer.	 Even	 if	 I could,	I	doubt	that	I	can	come	out	with	a	proper	answer.
1146
1147Iroha	 steps	 closer	 every	 time	 she	 asks	 a	 question,	 while	 I	 move	 back	 to	 maintain	 our distance,	to	the	point	I	could	feel	the	back	of	my	legs	pressing	itself	onto	the	bench.
1148
1149"There's	a	lot	of	reasons	behind	it..."
1150
1151Realizing	that	there	is	no	further	space	for	me	to	move	away,	I	could	only	avoid	looking directly	at	her,	but	Iroha	proceeded	to	grab	onto	my	tie.
1152
1153"Please	answer	me	seriously,	senpai."
1154
1155Iroha	forcefully	re	turned	my	head	towards	her,	the	obvious	twist	on	my	necktie	tells	me that	she's	applying	a	lot	of	strength	onto	it.
1156
1157I'm	unable	to	look	away,	neither	could	I	avert	my	line	of	view	from	the	image	of	Iroha's soft	lips	and	glowing	eyes.	In	front	of	her	determined	expression,	I	could	only	do	my	best to	open	my	heavy	mouth.
1158
1159"I	swear,	there	really	are	a	lot	of	reasons	behind	it,	its	impossible	to	state	each	of	them clearly	just	yet..."
1160
1161"Its	fine	even	if	you	said	it	vaguely."
1162
1163Iroha	does	not	give	any	room	for	me	to	play	around	with	words,	removing	all	chances	for me	to	remain	silent.
1164
1165But	how	exactly	should	I	phrase	it	to	make	her	understand	better.
1166
1167These	painful	feelings	are	not	something	that	could	be	simply	expressed	through	words, but	 what's	 more	 troublesome	 about	 them	 is	 that	 they	 could	 be	 described	 and	 be interpreted	 as	 anything	 within	 the	 acceptable	 range.	 Such	 a	 translucent,	 unclear, shapeless	thing.	To	apply	existing	words	onto	it	will	only	slowly	chip	it	off	from	the	sides to	the	point	it	reaches	degradation,	ending	up	as	a	total	mistake.
1168
1169More	 importantly,	 I	 could	 not	 accept	 the	 act	 of	 simplifying	 things	 into	 one	 single sentence.
1170
1171Up	 until	 now,	 I've	 always	 relied	 on	 excuses	 like	 bringing	 my	 sister	 into	 the	 picture,	 or stating	 that	 I'm	 just	 doing	 my	 job.	 Even	 just	 now,	 I	 tried	 using	 Iroha's	 request	 as	 an excuse,	something	that	she	would	usually	get	along	with.
1172
1173But	what	Iroha	Isshiki	wanted	is	not	such	dishonest	words.	Her	eyes	keep	telling	me	that, it	doesn't	need	to	come	with	a	motive,	it	doesn't	need	a	proper	elaboration, its	fine	for	me	to	make	it	unclear,	its	fine	for	me	to	say	it	vaguely.
1174
1175'Show	me	your	answer.'
1176
1177"......I	have	a	responsibility."
1178
1179"Responsibility,	huh."
1180
1181Muttered	Iroha	in	a	low	voice,	she	took	a	short	breath,	and	slightly	inclined	her	head.
1182
1183Did	 it	 sound	 too	 confusing	 to	 her?	 She	 lowered	 her	 head	 and	 seemingly	 thought	 for	 a while,	then	looked	back	up,	signaling	me	to	continue.
1184
1185I	nodded	in	reply,	and	started	assembling	words	in	my	head.	Probably	because	Iroha	is grabbing	onto	it,	my	slightly	loose	necktie	now	felt	very	tight,	I	find	it	hard	to	breath,	and my	chest	felt	unusually	hot.
1186
1187"For	 things	 to	 become	 so	 complicated,	 and	 reaching	 such	 a	 state	 of	 codependency,	 its safe	to	say	that	I	am	responsible	for	causing	all	of	these.	Which	is	why	I	wanted	to	clean up	my	own	mess,	not	a	decision	to	change	things	up,	but	simply	how	I	have	always	done it.	That's	all	that	there	is."	as	I	finally	said	out	my	conclusion	that	sounded	like	an	answer, Iroha's	hand	let	go	of	my	necktie,	and	slipped	down	as	it	loses	its	strength.
1188
1189"Ahaha...my	 bad,	 it	 sounded	 so	 different	 what	 my	 expectations,	 that	 I	 spaced	 out	 a	 bit right	there.	Ah...your	necktie	is	completely	messed	up	too,	I'm	really	sorry."
1190
1191"Ah,	don't	mind,	it	was	kinda	twisted	before	you	grabbed	on	it	anyway..."
1192
1193Even	 after	 hearing	 that,	 Iroha	 seemed	 to	 think	 that	 she	 shouldn't	 have	 done	 that, muttering	 words	 like	 yabai	 desu,	 while	 anxiously	 rubbing	 my	 necktie	 with	 her	 hands, attempting	 to	 straighten	 it.	 She	 rubbed	 on	 it	 so	 hard,	 that	 my	 body	 wobbled	 along	 her movements.
1194
1195Her	hands	stopped	all	of	a	sudden.
1196
1197"Those	 words	 that	 you	 said	 just	 now,	 can	 you	 properly	 tell	 the	 same	 to	 Yukinoshita senpai?"
1198
1199Iroha's	 eyes	 are	 still	 focused	 onto	 my	 necktie,	 making	 a	 weird	 expression	 that	 I	 can't identify.
1200
1201I	 couldn't	 answer	 her	 in	 time,	 so	 Iroha	 pressed	 on	 my	 necktie	 again,	 urging	 me	 for	 an answer.	Her	flaxen	brown	started	to	rustle	as	if	they're	teasing	me.	Her	cute	expression that	seemed	like	she	was	joking	gave	me	a	peace	of	mind,	which	made	me	smile	before	I realized	it.
1202
1203".....I'll	definitely	say	it,	but	the	real	question	here	is	whether	these	words	can	reach	her."
1204
1205"Hmph,	truly	a	troublesome	bunch	of	senpais."
1206
1207Iroha	looked	up	with	a	speechless	kind	of	smile,	and	then	slapped	on	my	necktie.
1208
1209"For	 me	 as	 long	 as	 the	 Service	 Club	 would	 help	 me	 out	 then	 there	 will	 always	 be	 less things	to	worry	of.	So	go	for	it	alright."
1210
1211Iroha	swiftly	stood	up,	after	taking	a	few	steps,	she	turned	back	at	me,	and	waved	in	a way	 that	 signals	 me	 to	 follow	 her.	 Guess	 she	 finally	 allowed	 me	 to	 enter	 the	 student council	room.
1212
1213I	lifted	up	my	stiff	body,	and	walked	towards	her.
1214
1215
1216
1217
1218
12192-2
1220
1221As	I	entered	the	student	council	room	alongside	Iroha,	a	fragrant	scent	could	be	smelled, which	seems	to	be	some	kind	of	indoor	perfume.	Unlike	the	one	we	have	in	the	Service Club	room,	its	a	more	refreshingly	sweet	fruity	smell,	without	the	clear	fragrance	of	tea within	in.
1222
1223The	student	council	room	isn't	really	big,	and	the	stacking	piles	of	items	within	the	room shows	a	sign	of	its	long	history.	In	the	center	of	all	this	mess	is	a	small	space	that	looks unusually	tidy	and	clean.
1224
1225Beside	 the	 poignantly	 designed	 chairman	 table	 places	 a	 simple	 work	 desk,	 where Yukinoshita	is	standing	behind	it,	while	looking	at	a	white	board.
1226
1227Considering	 that	 no	 other	 student	 council	 members	 are	 in	 here,	 Yukinoshita	 and	 Iroha probably	 stayed	 here	 by	 themselves	 to	 discuss	 on	 a	 new	 course	 of	 plan.	 Words	 in	 red blue	and	black	could	be	seen	on	the	whiteboard,	as	she	notices	someone	else	entering, Yukinoshita	turned	her	head	over.
1228
1229"Oh,	Hikigaya	kun."
1230
1231"Sup."
1232
1233Yukinoshita	acted	naturally	even	after	seeing	me,	showing	a	faint	smile,	as	if	she	wasn't affected	emotionally	by	the	self	restraining	order.
1234
1235"Isshiki	san,	lets	have	a	short	break	shall	we."
1236
1237Saying	that,	she	unlocked	the	fixating	valve	on	the	white	board,	flipped	the	board	around to	show	its	other	surface,	and	pushed	it	aside.
1238
1239Yukinoshita	proceeded	to	prepare	tea,	she	turned	on	the	electric	kettle	in	this	room,	and took	out	tea	bags	while	waiting	for	the	water	to	boil.
1240
1241Looking	at	her	doing	these	actions	in	a	skillful	manner,	I	felt	reminiscent	all	of	a	sudden.
1242
1243As	she	realizes	my	sights	laying	on	her,
1244
1245Yukinoshita	shifted	her	eyes,	and	stopped	at	a	chair	in	front	of	her	desk,	signaling	me	to take	a	seat.
1246
1247The	 popping	 sounds	 of	 water	 boiling	 can	 be	 heard	 as	 I	 pulled	 the	 chair	 to	 make	 space.
1248
1249Iroha	 then	 walked	 lively	 towards	 the	 chairman	 desk,	 sitting	 on	 a	 luxurious	 looking
1250
1251armchair.	I	mean	that	chair	is	cool	looking	and	all,	BUT	CAN	YOU	DO	THIS!?	Only	399	by the	way.	(I'm	doing	my	part	Pewds)
1252
1253Soon,	 Yukinoshita	 pushed	 over	 a	 cup	 that	 looks	 different	 from	 our	 usual	 tea	 set.	 As	 I thanked	her,	I	held	up	the	cup	of	tea,	only	to	smell	an	unfamiliar	scent.
1254
1255"Have	you	heard	of	it?"
1256
1257She	 asked	 an	 unspecific	 question,	 but	 its	 obvious	 on	 what	 topic	 are	 we	 talking	 about here.
1258
1259"Ah,	yes.	Since	I	was	beside	Yuigahama	just	now."
1260
1261Yukinoshita	 seemed	 surprised	 for	 a	 second,	 but	 quickly	 went	 back	 to	 her	 calm expression	from	before.
1262
1263"...I	see."
1264
1265"I	already	talked	to	Hiratsuka	sensei	to	learn	about	the	details.	Is	it	fine	on	your	side?	I can	help	if	there's	anything	that	requires	my	assistance..."
1266
1267As	 I	 was	 halfway	 through	 my	 sentence,	 Yukinoshita	 brought	 the	 paper	 cup	 near	 to	 her mouth,	took	a	light	sip	of	tea	to	moisturize	her	mouth	and	answered:
1268
1269"There	 is	 no	 need	 for	 that,	 as	 we're	 already	 working	 on	 the	 appropriate countermeasures."
1270
1271Comparing	to	the	warmth	from	the	cup	of	tea	in	my	hands,	our	conversation	seemed	to have	started	in	a	cold	awkward	tone.	Being	uneasy	of	such	an	atmosphere,	Iroha	made	a few	twists	on	her	body,	while	glancing	towards	me,	telling	me	to	"please	say	it	nicely".
1272
1273No	 wait	 a	 second	 Iroha,	 for	 a	 conversation	 to	 work,	 stuff	 like	 directions,	 sequences, procedures	and	timing,	even	bravery	are	all	relevant	essentials	isn't	it?	Man,	it	just	feel	so difficult	 to	 make	 a	 proper	 conversation.	 Even	 now,	 my	 attempt	 to	 make	 a	 test	 on	 her intention	to	talk	about	this	topic	got	shut	down	immediately.
1274
1275Anyway	 for	 the	 conversation	 to	 continue,	 an	 appropriate	 head	 start	 is	 required,	 which isn't	really	something	I'm	used	to.
1276
1277I	made	a	few	blows	over	my	cup	of	tea,	thinking	on	how	should	I	start	the	conversation.
1278
1279Soon	 after	 the	 hot	 sensation	 starts	 to	 fade	 away	 from	 the	 tea,	 reaching	 a	 temperature where	my	cat	tongue	can	take	it	in,	I	took	a	sip	of	the	tea,	and	asked	with	a	soft	voice.
1280
1281"So...	what's	your	plan?"
1282
1283Upon	hearing	my	question,	Yukinoshita	looked	into	my	eyes,	as	if	she's	trying	to	instigate something	out	of	me.
1284
1285"We're	still	reviewing	our	existing	proposal,	for	now	there's	nothing	much	to	say	about our	plans."
1286
1287Reviewing,	huh...But	considering	all	those	words	that	I	saw	on	the	whiteboard	just	now, and	 Iroha	 glancing	 towards	 Yukinoshita	 with	 a	 weird	 look,	 it	 seems	 that	 the	 main direction	they'll	be	taking	has	already	been	decided,	but	she	didn't	want	to	talk	about	it.
1288
1289She	even	flipped	the	whiteboard	around	so	that	no	one	could	see	it,	perhaps	forcing	an answer	is	not	the	best	course	of	action.
1290
1291In	 that	 case,	 its	 better	 to	 talk	 in	 a	 more	 roundabout	 way,	 since	 the	 conversation	 will continue	to	be	derailed	with	my	current	method.	I	looked	towards	Iroha	and	asked.
1292
1293"Is	there	anything	to	do	right	now?"
1294
1295"...For	now,	nothing	much."
1296
1297Iroha	looked	away	while	answering,	but	she	didn't	look	towards	Yukinoshita	either,	so its	hard	to	say	whether	this	is	a	lie	or	not.
1298
1299But	 looking	 at	 the	 absence	 of	 the	 other	 student	 council	 committees,	 and	 the	 lax atmosphere	 within	 this	 room.	 It	 does	 seems	 that	 the	 situation	 wasn't	 as	 urgent	 as	 it seems	to	be,	at	least	there's	no	specific	action	that	has	to	be	done	immediately.
1300
1301"So	 to	 put	 it	 in	 other	 words,	 right	 now	 is	 not	 the	 suitable	 time	 to	 execute	 immediate actions?"
1302
1303"Of	course,	after	all	we	only	received	the	self	restrain	order	by	today."
1304
1305Yukinoshita	replied	the	conclusion	that	I	muttered	out	accidentally,	with	the	same	calm tone.	For	someone	who	just	received	the	notice	not	long	ago,	her	words	lack	a	sense	of anxiety	one	would	usually	expect.	Most	probably	she	too,	has	already	noticed	the	other meaning	behind	'apply	self	restrain',	which	is	why	she	can	remain	her	composure	right now.
1306
1307For	the	self	restraining	order	from	the	school's	executives,	me	and	Yukinoshita	share	a similar	 view	 on	 the	 school's	 intent.	 A	 common	 topic	 is	 the	 spice	 to	 inducing	 an	 active conversation,	I	can	probably	touch	on	this	topic	a	little	more.
1308
1309I	looked	back	at	Yukinoshita.
1310
1311"But	there	are	countermeasures	that	can	be	designed	based	on	that	isn't	so.	After	all	it	is only	 a	 restraining	 order,	 in	 fact	 straight	 out	 ignoring	 such	 an	 order	 is	 possible	 in	 case you're	desperate."
1312
1313The	 ones	 who	 gave	 out	 the	 restraining	 order	 are	 the	 school	 executives,	 specifically	 a concession	 they	 made	 towards	 Hiratsuka	 sensei.	 To	 request	 for	 someone	 to	 apply	 self restrain,	it	also	means	handing	over	the	right	of	action	to	its	subject,	a	wording	that	could be	portrayed	in	a	way	where	its	subject	is	allowed	to	make	their	decisions	based	on	their own	judgement.	While	its	original	intent	is	to	request	the	prom	organizers	to	cancel	the event	 without	 them	 sounding	 to	 be	 forceful,	 Yukinoshita	 can	 intentionally misunderstood	 its	 meaning,	 and	 complicate	 things	 further,	 by	 using	 the	 debate	 where they're	only	asked	to	apply	self	restraint,	but	the	final	decision	still	lies	in	the	hands	of the	student	council.
1314
1315I	said	that	with	a	bitter	smile,	being	aware	that	Yukinoshita	probably	knows	better	of	the situation	than	I	do.
1316
1317Which	Yukinoshita	replied	without	raising	her	eyebrows:
1318
1319"If	possible	I	prefer	not	to	take	such	a	risk,"
1320
1321"while	 using	 the	 ambiguity	 of	 the	 term	 against	 them	 could	 work.	 But	 simply	 showing them	an	unyielding	attitude	won't	be	enough."
1322
1323"I	am	aware	of	that	too,	so	we'll	only	use	this	to	open	up	a	platform	for	discussions."
1324
1325Just	as	she	said,	to	forcefully	conduct	the	prom,	is	merely	a	self	destructing	that	will	only work	 once.	 Such	 a	 reckless	 decision	 cannot	 be	 made	 if	 they	 still	 plan	 to	 organize	 the prom	for	the	years	to	come.
1326
1327Their	 current	 plan	 is	 to	 apply	 their	 self	 restraining	 status	 as	 their	 means	 to	 negotiate with	the	parents.
1328
1329We	 might	 organize	 it	 without	 school	 supervision,	 we	 might	 set	 up	 the	 venue	 at somewhere	 not	 within	 school	 grounds,	 we	 might	 do	 something	 that	 goes	 beyond	 your imaginable	 level	 of	 extremeness,	 are	 you	 still	 fine	 with	 it?	 Threatening	 them	 with	 such statements.
1330
1331Even	 if	 the	 student	 council	 won't	 actually	 do	 such	 things,	 it	 is	 an	 effective	 method	 to make	the	parents	accept	their	request	to	negotiate.
1332
1333It	is	the	hard	way	to	do	things,	but	it	will	open	up	room	for	negotiation.
1334
1335But	what	matters	afterwards,	is	what	material	can	they	present	during	the	negotiation.
1336
1337I	 stood	 up,	 and	 walked	 over	 to	 move	 the	 whiteboard.	 Yukinoshita	 sighed,	 but	 did	 not attempt	to	stop	me.
1338
1339I	pulled	out	the	whiteboard	and	flipped	it	over.
1340
1341As	 I	 expected,	 suggestions	 of	 the	 strategy	 they	 can	 take	 has	 been	 written	 on	 the whiteboard,	and	other	information	that	relates	to	the	new	direction	the	prom	will	take.
1342
1343It	 seems	 that	 they	 had	 quite	 a	 discussion,	 traces	 of	 their	 discussion	 were	 left	 on	 every corner	on	the	board	has.	There	are	two	different	kinds	of	handwriting	and	writing	style on	the	board,	which	seemingly	belongs	to	Yukinoshita	and	Iroha.
1344
1345The	sentences	that	mostly	end	with	a	question	mark,	but	properly	phrased	and	written horizontally	 were	 probably	 written	 by	 Yukinoshita,	 while	 the	 clump	 of	 sentences	 that end	with	a	large	exclamation	mark	seems	to	belong	to	Iroha.
1346
1347Judging	 from	 the	 order	 those	 sentences	 were	 arranged	 in,	 Yukinoshita	 and	 Iroha	 each came	 out	 with	 one	 suggestion	 at	 a	 time,	 and	 proceeded	 to	 comment	 on	 each	 other's suggestion,	in	order	to	find	out	which	idea	is	better	and	the	possible	improvements.
1348
1349"So	you	two	came	out	with	these	ideas?"
1350
1351"More	accurately,	I	question	Yukinoshita	senpai's	idea,	while	Yukinoshita	senpai	refutes my	suggestions."
1352
1353"Is	that	so,	then	its	quite	the	constructive	discussion	you	had	there."
1354
1355Giving	more	than	one	suggestion	is	important	when	one	reaches	a	stagnant	situation.	At least	 they're	 able	 to	 more	 options,	 and	 both	 suggestions	 can	 compromise	 with	 each other,	but	being	too	fixated	on	denying	each	other	won't	make	things	progress	either.
1356
1357Only	by	forming	an	opposing	situation,	the	discussion	could	move	forward.	But	merely pointing	out	whether	the	suggestions	would	work,	will	only	make	them	reach	a	'yes	or no'	kind	of	conclusion.
1358
1359So,	 exactly	 what	 kind	 of	 conclusion	 have	 came	 to...eh?	 Among	 all	 the	 written	 things,	 I can't	seem	to	spot	something	that	feels	identical	to	a	conclusion,	its	like	reading	through a	note	that	only	its	owner	can	understand.
1360
1361"...So,	where's	your	conclusion?"
1362
1363"Lets	see...the	ones	in	the	red	circle."
1364
1365As	Iroha	answered,	I	took	another	look	at	the	whiteboard,	there	are	indeed	a	few	spots that	are	circled	in	red.
1366
1367Gorgeous,	wholesome,	dress	code	restriction,	supporting	guidelines,	supervising	officials, upload	prohibited,	OK!
1368
1369That's	all	of	them.
1370
1371"Hmmm...I	kinda	understo...no	wait	wait	wait,	I	don't	understand	what's	going	on	here	at all."
1372
1373Like,	what	is	this,	a	spot	the	word	game?	I	felt	like	I	can	understand	it	yet	I	can't	at	the same	time...what	am	I	looking	at	exactly?
1374
1375I	looked	back,	hoping	for	an	explanation.
1376
1377Yukinoshita	 then	 placed	 her	 finger	 on	 the	 cup	 mouth,	 looking	 at	 the	 gently	 swinging waves	on	the	surface	of	the	tea.
1378
1379"I	was	still	sorting	things	out	when	you	came."
1380
1381"Oh,	that	was...sorry	for	interrupting."
1382
1383Yukinoshita	sounded	as	if	she	was	simply	stating	a	fact	with	no	intent	of	blaming	anyone, which	made	me	stutter	at	my	words.	From	how	she	was	standing	in	front	of	the	board when	I	first	stepped	into	the	room,	it	does	seem	that	Yukinoshita	was	finalizing	things.	I apologized	for	my	sudden	interruption,	which	she	gently	shook	her	head,	telling	me	not to	mind.
1384
1385To	shift	away	from	this	awkward	atmosphere,	I	cleared	up	my	throat	and	ask	with	a	clear voice:
1386
1387"So,	what	are	these	words	supposed	to	mean.	I	don't	really	get	it"
1388
1389This	time,	it	was	Yukinoshita	who	seemed	awkward,	pausing	for	a	short	moment	before she	answered:
1390
1391"...As	I	said,	we're	still	reviewing	the	proposal."
1392
1393She	 looked	 down	 and	 didn't	 say	 anything	 further.	 Well,	 considering	 that	 Yukinoshita doesn't	want	me	to	be	involved,	it	make	sense	that	she	would	prefer	not	to	elaborate	any further.
1394
1395Which	means,	ready,	se,	no,	Irohasu	chan~	I	briefly	glanced	at	Iroha,	which	she	replied while	showing	a	reluctant	face.
1396
1397"Um...to	 put	 it	 simple,	 our	 current	 focus	 is	 to...	 make	 amendments	 on	 our	 clothing restrictions?	Am	I	saying	this	right	Yukinoshita	senpai?"
1398
1399As	Iroha	turned	over	to	confirm	with	Yukinoshita,	probably	thinking	that	it's	not	good	to just	ignore	her,	Yukinoshita	answered	reluctantly.
1400
1401"We	 plan	 to	 enforce	 our	 dress	 code	 to	 prohibit	 extravagant	 or	 very	 revealing	 clothes.
1402
1403After	properly	defining	the	proper	requirements,	we'll	contact	the	clothing	renter	from our	side	to	prepare	a	suitable	catalog."
1404
1405"Oh..."
1406
1407I	 see.	 Setting	 up	 a	 standard	 for	 the	 acceptable	 dresses,	 in	 order	 to	 guarantee	 the wholesomeness	on	the	appearances	of	the	students	during	the	event.	And	most	students will	 prefer	 renting	 clothes	 through	 the	 student	 council,	 so	 they'll	 naturally	 have	 to adhere	to	the	dress	code	guidelines.	But	there	are	also	exceptions...
1408
1409"What	about	students	who	intends	to	wear	their	own	clothes?"
1410
1411Iroha	then	pointed	towards	the	circled	words	and	answered.
1412
1413"Since	 most	 participants	 will	 be	 wearing	 clothes	 that	 meets	 our	 guidelines,	 those students	 will	 most	 probably	 restrain	 themselves	 to	 not	 stand	 out	 too	 much	 from	 the group."
1414
1415"Right,	peer	pressure."
1416
1417"That's	not	a	nice	word	to	describe	it..."
1418
1419Iroha	 glared	 at	 me,	 looking	 disgusted	 and	 unhappy.	 But	 isn't	 that	 exactly	 what	 she meant...
1420
1421Even	 then,	 I	 doubt	 that	 everyone	 would	 accept	 to	 blend	 in	 with	 the	 crowd.	 No	 matter which	era	we're	in	there	will	always	be	that	one	eccentric	person	with	a	thought	like	"I will	walk	my	own	path	even	if	that	means	being	different	from	the	others!!	Look	at	my erotic	 image	 that	 makes	 me	 stand	 out	 from	 dem	 plebs!!	 It's☆party☆time!!",	 while placing	a	Pichelle	on	top	of	their	heads	(Ref	1:	A	Japan	fashion	magazine).
1422
1423"But	 wouldn't	 there	 still	 be	 a	 few	 students	 who	 would	 wear	 ridiculous	 clothing	 on	 the purpose	of	gaining	attention?	It	is	an	important	moment	in	their	school	life,	after	all."
1424
1425"We're	 aware	 of	 such	 a	 possibility.	 So	 existing	 countermeasures	 have	 already	 been planned."
1426
1427Yukinoshita	 gave	 a	 direct	 answer,	 but	 did	 not	 further	 elaborate	 on	 her	 statement.	 But take	a	better	look	at	these	clues,	and	the	answer	will	eventually	reveal	itself.
1428
1429"...Will	they	really	accept	or	obey	the	restriction	to	not	upload	anything	on	the	SNS?"
1430
1431I	 tapped	 on	 that	 unusually	 small	 text	 on	 the	 lowest	 part	 of	 the	 white	 board.	 Was	 the written	 this	 small	 because	 of	 their	 lack	 of	 space?	 Or	 their	 lack	 of	 confidence	 in	 this solution?
1432
1433Yukinoshita	let	out	a	very	tired	sigh.
1434
1435"About	 that,	 even	 if	 its	 hard	 to	 have	 them	 obey	 it,	 it	 wouldn't	 hurt	 to	 at	 least	 have	 a written	notice	either."
1436
1437"Even	 if	 any	 issue	 arises	 from	 that,	 the	 responsibility	 will	 only	 fall	 on	 them	 for	 not obeying	the	rules	isn't	so?	After	all,	they're	no	longer	kids	anymore."
1438
1439Said	Iroha.
1440
1441While	 it's	 true	 that	 the	 graduates	 are	 above	 the	 age	 of	 consent,	 but	 there	 is	 still	 the general	idea	where	people	above	the	age	of	18	can	be	viewed	as	adults,	and	it	wouldn't stop	 people	 from	 criticizing	 the	 organizers	 either.	 While	 I	 was	 thinking	 it	 through, Yukinoshita	made	another	remark.
1442
1443"We're	 aware	 that	 simply	 restricting	 them	 from	 uploading	 pictures	 online	 will	 cause dissatisfaction,	so	we	intend	to	compensate	by	hiring	freelance	photographers,	and	sell photos	or	data	to	the	participants	after	the	prom.
1444
1445"Ah...I	see	how	it	is."
1446
1447For	some	reason	Iroha	raised	up	her	chest	in	satisfaction,	I	guess	girls	do	have	the	need of	taking	cute	pictures.
1448
1449Hiring	a	photographer	and	selling	pictures	won't	be	a	problem.	Considering	that	recent school	events	such	as	our	sports	day	also	restrict	parents	from	taking	photos,	while	the school	openly	sells	pictures	to	them.
1450
1451Even	during	the	Showa	period,	there	are	certain	occasions	where	students	would	bring along	 a	 photographer	 with	 them	 for	 events	 like	 their	 graduation	 trip,	 and	 purchase photos	from	them,	so	this	should	be	acceptable	by	the	parents.
1452
1453This	might	even	bring	us	to	interesting	stories	like,	someone	writing	down	the	purchase number	 of	 the	 picture	 that	 has	 his	 favorite	 girl	 in	 it,	 only	 to	 be	 noticed	 by	 the	 other students.	asking	him:	"Yo,	this	picture	doesn't	have	you	in	it	no?	Lets	see...bruhhhhhhh!"
1454
1455rumors	then	quickly	spread	around	among	the	class,	the	poor	guy	getting	teased	by	his classmates,	 and	 getting	 rejected	 on	 the	 second	 day	 before	 he	 could	 even	 confess.	 Any parent	 who	 had	 such	 a	 painful	 experience	 will	 understand	 what	 selling	 photos	 really mean	wouldn't	they?
1456
1457Cough.
1458
1459Anyway,	setting	it	up	as	a	written	rule	on	the	surface,	bringing	out	the	argument	where its	their	own	responsibilities	to	obey	the	rules,	and	convince	those	who	felt	dissatisfied by	bringing	up	the	advantages	of	this	rule,	while	preparing	an	alternative	choice	for	the students.	A	viable	plan	indeed.
1460
1461The	students	might	go	against	it,	but	what's	more	important	is	that	the	student	council have	a	relevant	point	that	can	be	accepted	by	the	parents.
1462
1463While	 uncertainties	 still	 exist,	 being	 able	 to	 show	 the	 parents	 that	 the	 organizers	 have countermeasures	to	deal	with	the	concerns	they	expressed	on	is	what	matters	here.
1464
1465"I	see...a	good	plan	indeed."
1466
1467"Thank	you."
1468
1469I	briefly	made	a	remark	while	staring	at	the	whiteboard,	which	Yukinoshita	replied	with minimal	words.
1470
1471Even	if	its	only	an	outline,	the	amount	of	thought	put	into	it	within	such	a	short	time	is incredible.
1472
1473However,	there	is	still	a	few	parts	where	I	can	question	of.
1474
1475"So	with	this,	what	are	the	expected	chances	of	winning?"
1476
1477I	asked	them	as	I	knocked	on	the	whiteboard	with	the	back	of	my	finger.	Iroha	made	an uhm	 sound	 looking	 displeased,	 while	 Yukinoshita	 did	 not	 show	 any	 changes	 in	 her expression,	and	answered	in	her	usual	calm	tone.
1478
1479"	We	took	their	concerns	into	consideration,	and	came	out	with	methods	to	deal	with	the said	issues.	I	believe	that	our	chances	of	getting	their	approval	won't	be	low."
1480
1481"Well	yeah,	that	seems	to	be	the	case.	That	they'll	approve	of	the	improved	proposal	now that	you	dealt	with	their	concerns...under	normal	circumstances,	that	is."
1482
1483But	I	know,	that	things	won't	be	that	simple	this	time.
1484
1485This	is	not	the	same	situation	like	the	ones	we've	always	dealt	with.
1486
1487All	these	weird	concerns	and	requests	from	the	parents	were	presented	to	us	based	on the	absolute	intent	of	shutting	down	the	graduation	prom.	Not	with	the	intent	of	making the	 prom	 a	 reality,	 nor	 the	 intent	 of	 expecting	 improvements	 from	 its	 organizers.	 No matter	how	much	compromises	were	made,	the	chances	of	them	approving	the	event	are still	slim,	they're	lacking	a	crucial	element	if	they	wish	to	get	past	such	an	ill	intent.
1488
1489The	 one	 crucial	 element	 that	 Yukinoshita	 can't	 obtain,	 or	 specifically,	 can't	 attempt	 to obtain.
1490
1491And	this	is	where	I	step	in.
1492
1493I've	 been	 observing	 Yukinoshita's	 reactions	 in	 order	 to	 find	 an	 opening	 to	 talk	 to	 her, now	 seems	 to	 be	 the	 right	 moment.	 I	 glanced	 at	 Iroha,	 which	 she	 nodded	 lightly	 in approval.
1494
1495"Yukinoshita,	there	is	something	that	I	wish	to	speak	properly	to	you	of."
1496
1497Hearing	that,	Yukinoshita	looked	at	me	with	an	astonished	face.
1498
1499"...Alrighty,	then	I	should	probably	seek	myself	ou..."
1500
1501Pretending	 to	 react	 towards	 the	 atmosphere,	 Iroha	 stood	 up	 intending	 to	 leave.	 But Yukinoshita	stopped	her	immediately.
1502
1503"I	believe	that	its	related	to	the	graduation	prom?	If	that's	the	case	its	better	that	Isshiki san	stay	present	too."
1504
1505"Ahaha...is	that	so."
1506
1507Answering	 her	 awkwardly,	 Iroha	 glanced	 me	 briefly,	 which	 I	 reacted	 by	 shaking	 my head,	telling	her	that	its	fine.	Iroha	then	sat	back	down	with	an	uneasy	look	on	her	face.
1508
1509I'm	aware	that	Yukinoshita	does	not	want	me	to	be	involved.	In	fact	she	probably	prefers to	avoid	having	a	conversation	with	me	at	all.	That's	why	she	asked	Iroha	to	stay,	as	the presence	of	a	third	person	might	make	it	harder	for	me	to	speak	out.
1510
1511But	if	that's	the	case,	then	I	just	have	the	hold	on	to	my	resolve.
1512
1513"...Can	I	help	out	with	the	prom?"
1514
1515Right	after	I	said	that,	Yukinoshita's	eyes	open	up	wide,	seeming	to	be	shocked.	She	then lowered	her	view,	and	slightly	opened	her	mouth	as	if	she	was	about	to	say	something.
1516
1517If	I	simply	waited	for	her	to	give	a	reply,	she'll	definitely	try	to	derail	the	conversation like	 she	 did	 just	 now.	 So	 I	 interrupted	 her	 by	 continuing	 to	 speak,	 forcing	 out	 every reasons	I	could	think	of	without	leaving	any	gaps	in	between.
1518
1519"I	 don't	 think	 that	 there's	 any	 problems	 in	 your	 amendments	 to	 the	 proposal.	 But,	 the rate	of	success	isn't	too	high.	So	we	should	probably	work	on	another	set	of	proposal.	I know	that	the	original	proposal	has	been	rejected,	so	maybe	we	can	think	of	a	third	or fourth	option	on	how	to	change	things	up."
1520
1521As	I	continued	to	speak,	I	realized	that	what	I	said	doesn't	seem	to	convey	my	message properly.	But	if	I	take	any	pauses	I'm	afraid	that	I	might	end	up	feeling	breathless.
1522
1523"Now	that	things	have	developed	to	this	stage,	its	not	like	I'm	taking	the	initiative	to	do something,	I'll	simply	act	based	on	your	instructions,	just	look	at	me	as	a	character	who comes	 up	 with	 a	 few	 ideas	 while	 standing	 near	 to	 the	 wall.	 This	 kind	 of	 role	 has	 no difference	 from	 that	 of	 Iroha	 and	 the	 others	 right?	 Just	 doing	 the	 kind	 of	 thing	 that	 I usually	do,	that's	all	I	wish	for."
1524
1525Yukinoshita	 lightly	 bit	 on	 her	 lower	 lip,	 and	 listened	 silently,	 she	 doesn't	 seem	 to	 be angry	or	sad,	as	if	she's	trying	her	best	to	suppress	her	feelings.
1526
1527".....Indeed,	just	like	how	things	have	always	been."
1528
1529"If	that's	the	ca..."
1530
1531Yukinoshita	interrupted,	lowering	her	head	as	she	continued	speaking.
1532
1533"In	the	end,	I'll	still	have	to	rely	on	you..."
1534
1535Her	 voice	 seemingly	 sounded	 calm	 and	 steady,	 yet	 every	 word	 she	 said	 drops	 a suffocating	pressure	on	my	chest.
1536
1537Yukinoshita	lifted	her	head	back	up,	staring	at	me	with	a	smile	which	resembles	that	of	a mother	looking	at	her	playful	child,	gently,	slowly,	said	out	those	words	of	persuasion.
1538
1539"Which	is	exactly	why,	I	wish	to	change	it,	those	words	that	my	sister	said,	you	know	that too	don't	you?"
1540
1541"I......yes."
1542
1543Hearing	her	say	that,	I	couldn't	help	but	avert	my	eyes	away.
1544
1545Codependency.
1546
1547Perhaps	its	not	just	me,	Yukinoshita	herself	is	aware	of	that	term	too.
1548
1549Which	is	why	she	refuses	to	let	things	remain	the	way	they	were,	to	correct	what's	wrong with	our	relationship,	to	become	independent.
1550
1551While	 I	 can't	 even	 find	 myself	 to	 question	 what's	 right	 or	 wrong,	 simply	 sugar	 coating our	relationship	with	a	vague	term,	constraining	myself	to	such	a	twisted	relationship.
1552
1553"But......this	is	a	responsibility	that	I	should	take.	It	was	never	about	which	side	is	on	the wrong,	isn't	so?"
1554
1555As	 I	 fought	 my	 through	 my	 brain	 to	 complete	 this	 sentence,	 I	 looked	 into	 Yukinoshita eyes,	they're	twitching	painfully,	which	made	me	look	away	again,	I	can't	find	myself	to continue	now	that	I've	seen	such	an	expression	from	her.
1556
1557But	if	I	don't	say	it	now,	I	might	never	have	another	chance	in	the	future.	For	I	am	aware of	how	much	of	a	troublesome	and	unreliable	person	I	am.
1558
1559Which	is	why	I	have	to	let	her	know.	Even	if	its	hard	to	tell	her	how	I	feel,	even	if	I	can't express	those	feelings	properly,	I	have,	to	let	her	know.
1560
1561"Of	 course,	 I	 can	 simply	 choose	 to	 step	 aside	 and	 not	 do	 anything.	 But	 such	 a	 method won't	 change	 anything	 for	 the	 better,	 if	 the	 methods	 we've	 been	 using	 up	 until	 now	 is wrong,	 then	 we	 seek	 for	 a	 different	 method,	 and	 different	 mindset,	 a	 different	 form	 of communication..."
1562
1563How	could	I	make	my	words	sound	better?	I	continued	to	search	for	better	terms	to	use, yet	 the	 monster	 of	 self	 awareness	 and	 rationality	 continues	 to	 bare	 it	 fangs	 at	 me.
1564
1565Ambiguous	 thoughts	 form	 themselves	 into	 a	 hideous	 shape	 as	 they	 leave	 my	 mouth, every	word	I	say	strays	myself	further	and	further	from	their	actual	meaning.	Am	I	being too	anxious,	before	I	realize	it	my	hands	clenched	themselves	into	fists	under	the	table.	I took	a	deep	breath,	and	opened	up	my	palms	to	wipe	off	the	sweat	onto	my	pants.
1566
1567Did	my	words	reach	her	the	way	I	wanted	them	to?
1568
1569"So...no	matter	what	kind	of	ending	awaits,	I	wish	to	take	responsibility	for	it	properly."
1570
1571No,	perhaps	it	doesn't	matter.
1572
1573"Which	is	why...I	really	want	to...help	you	out."
1574
1575These	words	were	only	said	for	the	sake	of	my	self	satisfaction,	for	the	sake	of	forcing	my wish	onto	Yukinoshita.
1576
1577Being	 aware	 of	 the	 true	 nature	 of	 my	 actions,	 I	 am	 unable	 to	 look	 into	 her	 eyes,	 thus	 I could	only	steer	my	vision	away	from	her.
1578
1579"......Thank	you.	But	its	fine	now,	you've	said	enough."
1580
1581Her	voice	sounded	as	tender	as	the	sounds	of	snow	falling	during	the	night,	a	beautiful sensation	that	felt	like	it'll	vanish	all	of	a	sudden,	a	strong	force	that	could	attract	every being	in	this	world.	Her	expression	seemed	like	she	is	at	peace,	in	front	of	such	a	cute	yet pitiful	smile,	I	could	only	hold	back	my	breath	and	voice.
1582
1583Within	this	frosty	silence,	Yukinoshita	continued	to	speak	in	a	soft	voice.
1584
1585"It	 was	 my	 fault	 to	 begin	 with,	 always	 letting	 you	 and	 Yuigahama	 san	 handle things...that's	 why	 we've	 entered	 such	 an	 unclear	 situation.	 If	 I	 don't	 clean	 things	 up, none	 of	 us	 will	 be	 able	 to	 move	 forward,	 isn't	 so?	 The	 one	 who	 should	 be	 taking responsibility,	is	me."
1586
1587"......No,	its	my	responsibility	too."
1588
1589Yukinoshita	 lowered	 her	 head	 after	 hearing	 my	 reply,	 slowly	 shaking	 her	 head.	 As	 I struggled	to	find	a	better	way	to	continue	the	conversation.	Iroha	interrupted	us.
1590
1591"Ano,	may	I	ask	how	long	do	you	two	plan	to	revolve	on	the	same	problem?"
1592
1593She	sounded	mad	as	she	asked	the	question,	staring	at	me	and	Yukinoshita.
1594
1595Neither	 of	 us	 could	 answer	 her,	 so	 we	 could	 only	 continue	 to	 lower	 our	 heads.	 I	 guess that's	just	how	things	work	between	us,	no	conclusion	could	be	obtained	no	matter	how much	we	talk	about	it,	and	our	viewpoints	will	remain	as	parallel	lines.	Knowing	that,	me and	Yukinoshita	decided	not	to	continue,	both	of	us	remaining	silent.
1596
1597In	the	end	of	the	day,	my	thoughts	still	failed	to	reach	her.
1598
1599The	message	can	never	be	conveyed	if	we	refuse	to	speak,	but	even	through	speaking	the message	still	can't	reach	the	other	side.	Throughout	the	whole	year,	we	have	always	had this	 sort	 of	 feeling.	 That	 the	 idea	 of	 talking	 to	 each	 other	 to	 achieve	 a	 mutual understanding	 is	 merely	 an	 arrogant	 thought,	 while	 the	 idea	 of	 achieving	 mutual understanding	without	communicating	with	each	other	is	merely	an	illusion.
1600
1601Which	is	why,	we'll	always	have	to	properly	think	on	what	to	speak	of,	how	to	say	them
1602
1603properly.	Being	able	to	speak	of	any	pointless	topics	to	our	freedom,	yet	remaining	silent on	the	most	important	things.
1604
1605But,	these	feelings	that	I	wanted	to	express	is	not	some	kind	of	phrase	or	term,	and	in	the end	of	the	day	I'm	not	an	expert	of	communicating	through	words.
1606
1607In	that	case,	the	solution	is	simple.
1608
1609Our	medium	of	communication	has	always	been	there.
1610
1611"I	understand.	Then	I'll	stop	talking	about	it,	I	won't	help	you	out	either."
1612
1613Whew,	I	said	it	loud	and	clear.	At	the	corner	of	my	field	of	view,	Iroha	took	a	gasp.
1614
1615Yukinoshita	smiled	and	nodded	her	head,	looking	relieved	after	hearing	my	reply.
1616
1617I	already	expected	such	an	answer	since	the	beginning.	But	without	properly	talking	to her	I	can't	be	sure	of	things.	If	I	don't	make	our	positions	clear	the	conversation	can't	go on.
1618
1619I	smirked	and	continued	saying.
1620
1621"......But	I	never	said	that	I	won't	oppose	you."
1622
1623"Huh?"
1624
1625Iroha	leaned	over	her	head.
1626
1627Yukinoshita	also	seemed	confused	as	she	first	heard	me,	but	closed	up	her	eyelids	soon after,	has	she	understood	what	I	was	trying	to	say?
1628
1629I	put	up	a	sarcastic	smile,	and	put	up	both	of	my	fist	up	to	my	chest.
1630
1631"I	 don't	 think	 its	 hard	 to	 guess,	 what	 happens	 when	 our	 opinions	 oppose	 each	 other, right?"
1632
1633After	 listening	 to	 Hiratsuka	 sensei's	 talk	 about	 heroes	 of	 justice	 fighting	 out	 a	 solution, this	is	the	hazy	idea	that	I	came	out	with.
1634
1635When	communicating	through	works	couldn't	work	out,	then	I'll	express	myself	through my	actions.
1636
1637"I've	been	concerned	with	the	prom's	status	for	quite	a	while	after	all,	so	I'd	feel	kinda upset	if	the	event	fails	to	be	approved.	But	I	can't	fully	approve	of	your	amendments	to
1638
1639the	proposal	either......In	that	case,	I'll	make	one	by	myself."
1640
1641"Are	you	being	serious	about	this?"
1642
1643I	nodded	in	reply	to	Yukinoshita's	question.
1644
1645Even	if	its	a	one	sided	decision,	this	is	indeed	a	way	for	me	to	gain	minimal	relevance	to the	graduation	prom.
1646
1647If	I	give	up	here,	that	would	mean	that	I'm	denying	all	the	relationship	I've	built	with	her, and	the	Service	Club.
1648
1649Which	 is	 why	 I	 have	 to	 try,	 to	 prove	 to	 Yukinoshita	 that	 our	 relationship	 is	 not codependency.
1650
1651To	prove	to	her	that,	all	these	time	that	we've	been	through	has	a	more	positive	meaning to	it.
1652
1653Only	 after	 proving	 that,	 we	 can	 slowly	 move	 towards	 a	 better,	 a	 more	 correct relationship.
1654
1655"Our	competition	haven't	ended,	and	not	everyone	has	to	go	with	the	same	way	of	doing things	either.	So,	its	fine	for	the	two	of	us	to	take	a	different	route	from	each	other,	isn't so?"
1656
1657Yukinoshita	 said	 a	 similar	 thing	 to	 me	 a	 long	 time	 ago.	 But	 I	 believe	 that	 she	 still remembers	it,	otherwise	she	wouldn't	be	biting	her	lower	lip	right	now.
1658
1659Referring	to	how	we	set	up	the	competition	back	then,	as	long	as	the	basic	structure	and concept	 of	 the	 competition	 haven't	 changed,	 the	 rule	 should	 still	 apply	 to	 our	 current situation.
1660
1661I	waited	for	Yukinoshita	to	reply.	But	only	a	few	troubled	sighs	could	be	heard	from	her.
1662
1663Iroha	who	was	sitting	beside	the	silent	Yukinoshita	answered.
1664
1665"I	think	this	could	work,	"
1666
1667"As	long	as	the	prom	could	be	approved,	the	process	doesn't	seem	that	relevant	to	me, and	what	Yukinoshita	senpai	said	just	now	won't	matter	in	this	case,	so	it	should	be	fine."
1668
1669Iroha's	indifferent	statement,	made	Yukinoshita	find	it	hard	to	think	of	a	reply.
1670
1671The	silence	within	the	room	continues	to	loom.	Perhaps	such	silence	is	the	exact	answer
1672
1673that	I	needed,	thinking	of	that,	I	let	out	a	breath	of	relief.
1674
1675As	I	guessed,	even	if	I	brought	up	the	competition	as	an	excuse,	she	wouldn't	just	accept it......despite	her	competitive	nature,	Yukinoshita	Yukino	is	not	a	simple	minded	person.
1676
1677"......Well,	not	like	that	I	plan	on	getting	approval	from	your	side	anyway,	I'm	just	stating on	what	I	plan	to	do	afterwards,	that's	the	only	point	that	I	want	you	to	know."
1678
1679This	is	not	a	negotiation.	Simply	my	notice,	my	declaration	of	war.
1680
1681She	should	be	clever	enough	to	understand	the	situation,	Yukinoshita	let	out	a	sigh,	took a	shallow	bite	on	her	lips.	Closed	her	eyes	painfully,	and	put	her	hand	under	her	mouth, and	started	thinking.
1682
1683Faint	sounds	of	breathing	flow	within	the	silence	of	the	room.	But	unlike	the	speechless situation	from	before,	the	quietness	right	now	does	not	give	of	a	sense	of	rejection,	but felt	more	like	an	intermission	towards	the	next	stage.
1684
1685Yukinoshita	tapped	on	the	edge	of	her	lips,	which	then	opened	up,	creating	a	voice	that doesn't	sound	like	a	sigh	or	mutter.
1686
1687"If	that's	the	case......"
1688
1689Did	she	originally	intended	not	to	say	it	out?	The	words	that	just	left	her	mouth	paused midway,	as	if	they're	about	to	vanish	into	the	thin	air	and	never	resurface.
1690
1691As	I	leaned	forward,	ready	to	ask	for	a	follow	up.	Yukinoshita	opened	her	eyes,	her	grim expression	loses	momentum	slowly,	returning	into	its	original	calmness.
1692
1693Like	 a	 frozen	 blue	 flame,	 beautiful	 yet	 faint.	 The	 awe	 inspiring	 clearness	 on	 her expression	took	away	my	breath,	made	me	forgot	to	seek	for	a	continuation	of	her	words, and	even	filled	up	my	entire	field	of	view.
1694
1695"The	victor	will	have	the	right	to	command	the	other	to	do	anything...I	believe	that	its	the case?"
1696
1697A	sharp	light	glimmers	among	her	pale	blue	eyes.	Unlike	how	she	seemed	to	be	lost	in her	thoughts	a	while	ago,	her	eyes	are	now	free	of	confusion,	staring	at	me	openly.
1698
1699I	looked	properly	into	her	eyes,	and	nodded	in	conirmation.
1700
1701"Yes,	that	will	be	the	case."
1702
1703Its	 been	 a	 while	 since	 the	 last	 time	 I	 had	 chills	 from	 Yukinoshita,	 this	 nostalgic	 feeling
1704
1705that	 reminds	 me	 of	 our	 conversation	 from	 back	 then.	 The	 realization	 that	 the atmosphere	between	us	went	back	like	how	it	usually	was,	made	me	let	out	a	breath	of relief.
1706
1707The	tension	within	the	air	has	finally	gone	away.
1708
1709Iroha,	who	has	been	listening	to	our	conversation	all	this	time	muttered.
1710
1711"Ew,	what	was	that	all	about?	Gross."
1712
1713"Hey	now..."
1714
1715As	 I	 looked	 at	 her,	 Iroha	 lowered	 down	 her	 head	 like	 a	 kid	 who	 got	 scolded	 for	 saying something	inappropriate.
1716
1717"Hmphhhh...but	it	really	does	feel	out	of	place	and	a	little	creepy	isn't	it...also	senpai,	why are	you	getting	ahead	of	yourself	all	of	a	sudden?"
1718
1719Iroha	blurted	out	her	ridiculous	comment	with	a	dissatisfied	look	on	her	face,	oh	come on......as	I	grunted	at	Iroha,	someone	started	to	laugh	all	of	a	sudden.
1720
1721"Yes,	it	does	feel	a	little	gross.	Ufufufu..."
1722
1723Yukinoshita	 laughed	 in	 a	 pretty	 comical	 way.	 Its	 been	 a	 while	 since	 I	 last	 saw	 such	 a carefree	 laugh	 from	 her,	 a	 smile	 as	 mesmerizing	 as	 a	 blooming	 flower.	 Which	 Iroha nodded	her	head	repeatedly	like	she's	saying	'I	know	right!'.	Seeing	them	acting	this	way, something	that	has	been	pulled	tight	within	me	suddenly	snaps	into	half,	making	me	lose my	strength	uncontrollably.
1724
1725"You	two..."
1726
1727"Ahaha...cough,	 that	 was	 simply	 a	 joke.	 But	 now	 you've	 reminded	 me,	 everything	 did started	from	that	day	indeed."
1728
1729Yukinoshita	held	back	her	smiling	face,	with	the	colors	of	happiness	still	lingering	within her	eyes,	she	stared	at	me	with	a	provoking	look,	that	also	felt	a	little	delightful.
1730
1731"So	allow	me	to	finalize	things.	The	both	of	us	will	do	things	by	our	own	methods	in	the aim	of	realizing	the	graduation	prom,	and	the	victor	gets	to	demand	something	from	the loser,		is	that	it?"
1732
1733"Ah...yes."
1734
1735I	 answered	 briefly,	 which	 Yukinoshita	 nodded	 in	 satisfaction.	 I	 stared	 at	 her	 smug	 face
1736
1737with	my	mouth	half	open.
1738
1739She	probably	realized	that	I	was	acting	strangely,	as	Yukinoshita	looked	over	and	asked.
1740
1741"What's	wrong?"
1742
1743"Nothing...	I'm	just	surprised	that	you	would	actually	accept	the	challenge."
1744
1745I	looked	over	towards	Iroha,	trying	to	make	sure	if	I	said	it	the	right	way.	But	probably because	 she	 wasn't	 aware	 of	 the	 competition,	 she	 seems	 to	 be	 sulking	 with	 a	 very displeased	face,	and	shrugged	at	me	like	she's	saying	'I	don't	even	know	what's	going	on here	anymore'.
1746
1747"Its	not	really	that	inconceivable."
1748
1749Yukinoshita	calmly	stated	that,	as	she	threaded	over	her	hair	over	her	shoulders.
1750
1751Hmm...is	this	a	riddle?	But	the	answer	seems	pretty	difficult	to	figure	out.	As	I	started	to try	solving	the	question,	Yukinoshita	smiled	at	me	triumphantly.
1752
1753"Didn't	you	already	knew?	That	I	really	hate	losing	to	others."
1754
1755With	 a	 slightly	 mischievous	 smile,	 in	 a	 teasing	 tone,	 she	 revealed	 the	 answer	 to	 her riddle.
1756
1757
1758
1759
1760
1761Interlude	2
1762
1763That	was,	more	or	less,	a	confession.
1764
1765Or	maybe	a	lover's	quarrel,	or	talking	about	breaking	up.
1766
1767Though,	it	doesn't	matter	which	one	was	it.	I	don't	care.
1768
1769But	I	felt	like	an	idiot	when	they	let	me	hear	that.	I	was	there,	but	it	felt	like	they	were making	me	realize	that	I	have	nothing	to	do	with	that.
1770
1771It's	so	disgusting	that	it	makes	me	want	to	say	one	of	the	vulgar	words.
1772
1773For	real.	Please	take	your	responsibility	seriously.
1774
1775I	glared	at	the	door	where	senpai	left.
1776
1777I've	never	thought	that	the	conversation	ended	up	being	complicated	in	the	most	proper, precise,	beautiful	and	plain	way.
1778
1779I'm	in	the	mood	to	go	after	him	and	complain.
1780
1781Being	told	something	like	that	with	a	serious	face	is	troubling.
1782
1783His	always	whether-or-not-closed	eyes	that	I	really	don't	get.	His	incessantly	dissatisfied mouth	bent	in	a	twisted	way.	His	words	that	I	have	no	idea	if	they	were	lies	or	jokes	but always	extremely	vague.	Even	though	he's	the	one	who	was	meddling	here,	he	suddenly becomes	flustered	that	his	reaction	was	rather	pale,	and	slow	to	produce	a	response.	Yet, he	makes	a	seemingly	serious	face	super	rarely	and	once	in	a	while	that	it's	sickening	to the	stomach.
1784
1785For	real,	just	really.	Please	take	your	responsibility	seriously.
1786
1787I	mean,	he	hasn't	taken	any	responsibility	yet	up	until	now.
1788
1789Even	so,	please	don't	say	"responsibility"	lightly	as	some	sort	of	excuse.
1790
1791While	listening	to	what	was	senpai's	saying,	it	seemed	like	he	wasn't	looking	as	my	eyes pointed	downwards.	Rather,	I	know	that	he	wasn't	looking	at	me	but	please	take	a	hint	of the	mood	when	it	comes	to	those	kind	of	situation.	Senpai,	Yukino-senpai	and	Yui-senpai
1792
1793are	all	troublsome	but	I'm	somewhat	troublesome	as	well.
1794
1795Really	troublesome.
1796
1797Remembering	that,	my	hands	stopped	moving	on	the	work	that	I've	particularly	begun.
1798
1799I	would	look	at	the	clock.	I	would	absentmindedly	look	back	on	what	happened	earlier.	I would	think	that	it's	about	time	to	go	home.	I've	done	those	actions	many	times.	Even	if	I looked	at	the	clock	for	the	fifth	time,	two	minutes	hasn't	passed	yet.	This	was	the	eighth time	that	I	sighed.
1800
1801The	 moment	 when	 I	 sighed	 on	 the	 ninth	 time,	 Yukino-senpai	 lifted	 her	 face	 from	 the laptop,	she	wiped	her	tears	gently.
1802
1803She	 wasn't	 wearing	 her	 eyeglasses	 that	 is	 apparently	 effective	 for	 eyestrain.	 The eyeglasses	 were	 just	 placed	 on	 the	 side	 of	 the	 desk.	 Instead,	 she	 applied	 drops	 on	 her eyes.
1804
1805I	 was	 shocked	 when	 she	 wiped	 the	 tears	 that	 suddenly	 flowed	 on	 her	 cheeks,	 so	 I unconsciously	said	something	unnecessary.
1806
1807"Uhm,	should	we	go	home?"
1808
1809Yukino-senpai's	 eyes	 remained	 resting	 somewhere,	 seemed	 a	 little	 bit	 confused	 then looked	at	me.	Her	expression	had	a	shade	of	color	than	the	usual	that	it's	a	slightly	scary.
1810
1811
1812
1813"…Right.	I'll	remain	here	for	a	bit,	so	it's	fine	if	you	want	to	go	home	early."
1814
1815"Is	that…	so…"
1816
1817With	 her	 precise	 smile	 and	 words,	 I	 looked	 at	 Yukino-senpai's	 gentle	 face.	 I	 was	 a	 bit hesitant	to	say	something.	Being	said	such	a	thing	in	a	kind	way	makes	me	feel	terrible and	instead,	it	becomes	harder	to	go	home.	As	I	was	mumbling	about	what	to	do,	Yukino-senpai	speaked	like	she	has	already	decided	that	I	will	be	going	home.
1818
1819"Also,	we	could	call	the	Student	Council	members	starting	tomorrow."
1820
1821"Eh,	ha,	huh…	isn't	that	a	bit	too	quick?	The	policy	was	just	decided	today,	you	know?"
1822
1823"I'll	 form	 it	 by	 tomorrow.	 Besides,	 the	 prom	 is	 going	 to	 happen,	 so	 it's	 better	 if	 the preparations	are	made	quickly,	right?"
1824
1825Yukino-senpai	 said	 that	 in	 an	 obvious	 way	 that	 I	 thought	 hard	 dazedly	 and	 ended	 up being	completely	stupefied.
1826
1827"…You're	declaring	it,	I	see."
1828
1829"Yes."
1830
1831Yukino-senpai's	 reply	 didn't	 change.	 However,	 I	 think	 I	 may	 have	 made	 an	 anxious expression.	Looking	at	that,	Yukino-senpai	made	a	slightly	troubled	face.	"Uhm…"
1832
1833I	started	speaking.	But,	as	I	was	about	to	say	the	words	after	that…	I	stopped.
1834
1835Perhaps,	it	isn't	something	that	I	should	say.
1836
1837Yukino-senpai	 tilted	 her	 head	 in	 contemplation	 and	 waited	 the	 continuation	 of	 my words.	 But,	 I	 think	 that,	 maybe,	 I	 shouldn't	 be	 the	 one	 to	 say	 that	 so,	 instead,	 I	 smiled lightly.
1838
1839"…Please	don't	overwork	yourself."
1840
1841"Thank	you.	But	I'll	be	fine."
1842
1843With	 that	 being	 said,	 Yukino-senpai	 typed	 on	 the	 keyboard.	 The	 backlight	 illuminating her	white	face	was	sad	to	the	extent	that	it	was	beautiful.	It	looked	like	a	snow	that	that was	about	to	disappear.
1844
1845"Because	this	will	be	the	last	one.	…With	this,	I	could	finish	it."
1846
1847The	 words	 that	 she	 whispered	 weren't	 directed	 at	 me.	 Her	 whisper	 resembled	 to	 the
1848
1849continuation	of	that	very	low	voice	I	heard	from	earlier.	I	looked	away.
1850
1851I	 hurried	 up	 and	 gathered	 my	 coat	 and	 bag	 then	 hastened	 towards	 the	 door.	 I	 can't continue	talking	with	Yukino-senpai,	who	was	extremely	strict	before	then	became	nicer, like	this	because	she	might	end	up	saying	unnecessary	stuff.
1852
1853However,	ended	up	saying	those	things	honestly	makes	me	somewhat	frustrated	and	it's not	fair.
1854
1855"…Then,	I'll	be	going.	Ah,	and	the	key!	I'll	leave	it	to	you."
1856
1857"Yes.	Thanks	for	the	hard	work."
1858
1859When	I	said	that	cheerfully,	Yukino-senpai	smiled	in	return.	She	stared	at	the	laptop	in once	again,	then	started	typing	on	the	keyboard.
1860
1861That	figure	was	more	spirited	than	ever.	It	felt	like	she	was	really	into	it,	and	looked	like she	was	having	fun.
1862
1863Yet,	even	so.
1864
1865When	I	left	the	Student	Council	room,	I	looked	back	and	saw	Yukino-senpai…
1866
1867Who	seemed	like	she	was	crying.
1868
1869
1870
1871
1872
1873Chapter	3:		Until	the	end,	Yuigahama	Yui continues	to	watch
1874
1875After	 coming	 out	 of	 the	 student	 council	 room,	 I	 dragged	 on	 my	 feet	 that	 felt	 heavier through	every	step.	The	fatigue	accumulated	throughout	the	day	presses	heavily	onto	my body	and	mind.
1876
1877As	I	walked	out	of	the	school	building,	the	sun	has	already	went	down,	the	chilly	winds	of the	night	started	to	erode	my	body.
1878
1879I	had	the	chills	as	a	gust	of	wind	blew	across	me,	I	reacted	by	putting	on	the	coat	that	I've been	 holding	 in	 my	 hand	 up	 until	 now.	 The	 fatigue	 continues	 to	 crawl	 over	 my	 entire body,	that	I	can't	even	get	myself	to	properly	roll	up	the	scarf	hanging	around	my	neck.
1880
1881The	way	I'm	dressing	up	probably	looks	familiar	to	Takanohana	Koji's	style	in	his	early days[6].
1882
1883As	 I	 dragged	 myself	 with	 what's	 left	 of	 my	 consciousness	 towards	 the	 bicycle	 porch,	 I remembered	that	I	took	the	monorail	this	morning	due	to	the	rain.
1884
1885I	continued	to	drag	on	my	feet,	and	turned	towards	the	school	gate.
1886
1887On	the	road,	I	saw	Iroha	running	in	front	of	me,	her	skirt	fluttering	in	the	wind.
1888
1889She	seemed	to	have	noticed	me	too.	Before	I	could	call	out	to	her,	she	ran	over	with	small steps,	and	then	landed	a	punch	onto	the	side	of	my	waist.
1890
1891"Ah,	it	hurts..."
1892
1893Due	 to	 her	 wearing	 soft	 gloves,	 I	 didn't	 feel	 painful	 at	 all,	 but	 in	 front	 of	 her	 unhappy expression,	I	shouted	out	as	if	I	was	in	pain	to	play	along	her	act.	However,	Iroha	did	not seem	to	cheer	up,	staring	at	me	with	a	cold	sight.
1894
1895"Are	you	stupid	or	something?	Why	did	you	have	to	make	things	so	conflicting?"
1896
1897"No,	listen.	It's	not	just	me,	Yukinoshita	also	acted	really..."
1898
1899I	tried	to	give	an	excuse,	but	Iroha	refused	to	listen,	made	a	hmph	sound	and	turned	over, starting	to	walk	away,	I	proceeded	to	follow	behind	her.
1900
1901"Listen	 to	 me	 alright?	 You	 saw	 that	 didn't	 you,	 how	 stubborn,	 how	 super	 duper troublesome..."
1902
1903"Oh	hey,	good	job	with	your	most	accurate	self-introduction	ever."
1904
1905"You're	 welco...	 wait	 I'm	 not	 talking	 about	 me.	 Even	 though	 I	 did	 acted	 the	 same	 way back	there."
1906
1907Saying	that,	I	sped	up	my	footsteps	in	order	to	catch	up	with	Iroha.	However,	the	distance between	did	not	shorten	at	all.
1908
1909"By	the	way,	aren't	you	walking	a	little	too	fast?	This	is	the	kind	of	speed	one	uses	when they're	trying	to	get	rid	of	this	random	annoying	guy	in	front	of	the	train	station."
1910
1911"Ah,	I	don't	need	these."
1912
1913Without	looking	back	back,	Iroha	replied	in	a	low	tone.
1914
1915Yup,	that	was	cold.	I	guess	she	won't	turn	around	even	if	I	start	shouting	Vanilla	Vanilla high	income[7].	So	I	continued	to	follow	her	footsteps.
1916
1917If	my	memory	serves	me	well,	Iroha	should	be	heading	to	the	station	a	mile	ahead	of	us.
1918
1919Even	 if	 the	 trains	 we	 take	 go	 in	 opposite	 directions,	 we'll	 still	 have	 to	 start	 out	 at	 the same	station.
1920
1921So	I	continued	to	step	upon	Iroha's	shadow	for	quite	some	time.
1922
1923During	 this	 period,	 neither	 me	 or	 Iroha	 said	 a	 single	 word.	 Only	 the	 rustling	 sounds	 of dried	leaves,	the	ringing	sounds	of	the	bicycles	passing	by,	and	the	roaring	sounds	of	the wind	could	be	heard.
1924
1925It	is	natural	for	Iroha	to	feel	so	frustrated.	The	conversation	between	me	and	Yukinoshita never	 felt	 coordinated	 throughout	 the	 process,	 to	 the	 point	 that	 I	 had	 to	 declare	 my opposition	 against	 her.	 Iroha	 who	 was	 unaware	 about	 the	 competition	 going	 on	 in	 the Service	 Club	 probably	 felt	 really	 confused.	 I	 even	 promised	 her	 that	 I'll	 talk	 it	 through properly	before	we	enter	the	student	council,	for	things	to	result	in	such	a	way.	I	really felt	sorry.
1926
1927I	guess	its	better	if	I	apologize	to	her	huh...	as	I	was	thinking,	Iroha	suddenly	stopped	in her	tracks.	Standing	on	the	small	road	beside	a	park,	and	under	the	dim	lights	from	the two	vending	machines	nearby,	she	let	out	a	weak,	frustrated	breath.
1928
1929She	then	turned	around,	looking	at	me	speechlessly.	She	then	pointed	her	finger	at	the vending	machine	while	remaining	silent.
1930
1931Is	 she	 asking	 for	 a	 treat?	 Well,	 if	 this	 can	 change	 her	 mood	 for	 the	 better,	 then	 its definitely	 a	 worthwhile	 investment.	 But	 to	 look	 it	 in	 another	 way,	 she's	 also	 offering	 a peace	treaty	through	me	buying	her	a	drink.	What	a	nice	person....
1932
1933I	 put	 some	 coins	 into	 the	 vending	 machine	 and	 started	 to	 choose	 drinks.	 Warm	 max coffee	and...milk	tea?	No,	perhaps	bean	soup	is	a	better	option......	or	corn	soup	should	be fine	too.	Eh,	whatever.	I	then	pressed	on	the	button.
1934
1935I	 then	 handed	 over	 the	 drinks	 that	 I	 chosen	 at	 random,	 Max	 coffee	 on	 my	 right	 hand, bean	soup	on	the	other.	Iroha	looked	at	my	drinks	of	choice	and	shown	a	sign	of	disgust.
1936
1937"Why	does	it	have	to	be	these	two..."
1938
1939While	complaining,	probably	thinking	that	its	not	nice	to	straight	up	refuse,	she	took	the can	 of	 bean	 soup	 reluctantly.	 Chiba	 residents	 are	 surprisingly	 incompatible	 with	 Max coffee	huh...
1940
1941She	then	squatted	down,	leaning	her	back	onto	the	vending	machine,	took	of	her	gloves, open	up	the	bean	soup,	and	took	a	sip.	Releasing	a	puff	of	white	gas	in	the	process.
1942
1943"...So	uhm,	sorry."
1944
1945"For	what."
1946
1947Standing	 beside	 the	 squatting	 Iroha,	 I	 opened	 up	 my	 can.	 Awaiting	 her	 reply	 while drinking.	Iroha	who	seemed	to	have	some	trouble	speaking	out,	muttered	slowly.
1948
1949"If	I	never	mentioned	about	the	prom,	perhaps	things	wouldn't	have	ended	up	being	so conflicted."
1950
1951The	way	Iroha	said	it	sounded	so	awkward	and	intriguing,	that	I	find	it	funny	and	cute,	so I	accidentally	looked	at	her	in	an	unnatural	way.	Iroha	then	reacted	by	pulled	her	scarf over	 her	 mouth,	 saying	 "what	 are	 you	 looking	 at..."	 in	 a	 muffled	 voice.	 I	 smiled	 bitterly and	shook	my	head.
1952
1953"...It	has	nothing	to	do	with	the	prom.	In	fact	this	might	be	exactly	what	we	needed."
1954
1955"Eh?"
1956
1957Iroha	looked	up	at	me	looking	confused.	Is	it	because	of	the	warmth	and	sweetness	of	the coffee?	My	voice	sounded	a	lot	more	softer	than	I	thought.	This	made	me	feel	a	little	shy, so	I	raised	my	head	looking	towards	the	sky.
1958
1959"If	we	don't	bring	things	to	an	end,	we'll	end	up	being	stuck	with	our	current	situation.	A destination,	or	specifically	a	goal	is	needed.	Its	not	just	the	prom,	whatever	request	we're taking	on	will	turn	up	the	same	way	it	is	right	now."
1960
1961"Is	that……so."
1962
1963Her	 weak	 reply	 made	 me	 feel	 concerned,	 as	 I	 looked	 back.	 Iroha	 is	 hugging	 onto	 her knees	 looking	 down,	 as	 if	 she	 is	 thinking	 over	 something.	 But,	 Iroha	 really	 shouldn't really	feel	sorry	about	it.
1964
1965Me,	 Yukinoshita	 and	 Yuigahama.	 The	 relationship	 between	 the	 three	 of	 us	 became distorted	before	we	could	realize	it.	Yes,	our	relationship	did	started	out	being	somewhat distorted.	But	it	has	been	corrected	little	by	little	as	time	passes,	and	at	some	point	we managed	to	create	a	space	that	seem	comfortable	for	the	three	of	us.
1966
1967I	am	responsible	for	the	collapse	of	this	comfort	zone.	Even	if	there	are	things	that	I	can't stand	with,	things	that	I	find	unnatural,	but	on	the	other	hand	I	also	ended	up	wishing, that	 things	 could	 stay	 the	 way	 they	 are,	 and	 have	 the	 days	 pass	 through	 as	 we	 conceal ourselves	with	shallow	words.
1968
1969Such	an	unstable	state,	will	easily	collapse	no	matter	what	junctures	come	upon	it.	This time	it	just	happened	to	be	the	prom,	and	Yukinoshita	Haruno's	interference.	Iroha	was simply	dragged	into	our	mess.	So	I	should	be	the	one	to	apologize.
1970
1971"I'm	sorry	too,	for	making	things	so	chaotic."
1972
1973Hearing	that,	Iroha	simply	shrugged	and	answered	in	a	lazy	tone.
1974
1975"Ah...	 that	 doesn't	 matter	 actually.	 Like	 I	 said,	 as	 long	 as	 the	 prom	 can	 be	 held successfully,	I'm	fine	with	anything~"
1976
1977"Hmph……"
1978
1979Replied	me	with	a	similarly	lazy	tone,	and	our	conversation	came	to	a	sudden	halt.
1980
1981The	warmth	from	the	can	in	my	hand	is	slowly	fading.	However,	neither	I	or	Iroha	were in	a	hurry	to	finish	off	our	drinks,	as	we	stared	quietly	into	the	night.	Perhaps	the	fatigue accumulated	from	this	busy	day	is	starting	to	show	itself	again.	We	might	be	even	more busy	starting	tomorrow.
1982
1983I	never	wanted	to	be	related	to	work	and	labor,	yet	before	I	realize	it	I'm	already	actively trying	 to	 get	 myself	 involved	 with	 the	 prom.	 In	 fact	 I	 was	 against	 this	 during	 the beginning,	 yet	 I	 got	 defeated	 by	 Iroha's	 enthusiasm.	 Like	 seriously,	 where	 did	 all	 her enthusiasm	even	came	from?
1984
1985"...Hey,	honestly	speaking,	why	did	you	want	to	organize	the	prom	so	badly?"
1986
1987Iroha	glanced	at	me	looking	surprised,	then	pulled	herself	a	distance	away	from	me	step by	step.
1988
1989"I	mean,	you	never	gave	us	an	actual	reason	back	then."
1990
1991At	 least	 she	 did	 show	 us	 her	 determination.	 But	 one	 could	 say	 that,	 she	 only	 conveyed her	determination.
1992
1993But	due	to	us	being	familiar	with	Iroha	to	an	extent,	just	listening	to	her	determination	is enough	for	us	to	decide	on	helping	her	out.
1994
1995She	talked	about	wanting	to	become	Prom	Queen	back	then	in	the	clubroom,	but	that's probably	not	what	she	really	had	in	mind.	There	are	times	where	Iroha	would	use	really shallow	 words,	 there	 are	 times	 where	 she	 would	 blow	 things	 out	 of	 proportions,	 there are	also	times	where	she	would	make	silly	jokes,	and	sometimes	she	would	just	come	out with	random	words	that	popped	up	in	her	head.
1996
1997But,	Iroha	is	also	smart	enough	to	be	aware	of	the	true	nature	of	things.	So	she	probably has	an	intent	of	her	own	with	organizing	the	prom.
1998
1999"Well...its	about	that	you	know,	the	thing	about	Hiratsuka	sensei	being	shifted	away."
2000
2001"...You	already	knew	that	since	the	beginning?"
2002
2003"Well,	 yeah.	 There	 was	 this	 time	 where	 I	 was	 going	 to	 hand	 in	 a	 report,	 where	 I overheard	about	it	through	the	conversation	among	the	teachers."
2004
2005Iroha	 said	 it	 without	 paying	 too	 much	 attention.	 This	 girl	 is	 truly	 amazing.	 Not	 telling anyone	else	about	the	news	after	learning	about	it,	and	silently	worked	on	the	prom...
2006
2007I	nodded	in	admiration,	Iroha	then	said	with	slightly	embarrassed	tone.
2008
2009"It	was	that	time	where	I	thought	that,	if	I	don't	properly	send	her	off,	that	if	I	don't	give her	a	proper	farewell	I'll	definitely	regret	it."
2010
2011"I	never	knew	that	you	felt...that	way	towards	Hiratsuka	sensei....sniff."
2012
2013I	covered	my	mouth	to	hold	back	my	sobs.	Muh	man,	she	really,	really	is	a	good	person.
2014
2015Such	a	beautiful	mentor	pupil	love...That	Iroha,	who	gets	scolded	by	Hiratsuka	on	a	daily basis,	and	always	shrugs	off	her	comment	with	a	poker	face....	Hiratsuka	sensei,	your	love has	really	reached	into	your	students	hearts...
2016
2017As	I	was	feeling	moved,	Iroha	silently	gazed	away	and	whispered.
2018
2019"Ah,	well,	yeah,	I	don't...	to	that	kind	of	degree	you	know."
2020
2021"Erm?	What?	What	did	you	just	say?"
2022
2023But	then	again,	this	sounded	more	like	a	shitty	excuse	than	an	actual	reason.
2024
2025Iroha	cleared	up	her	throat	through	a	few	light	coughs,	then	made	a	really	cute	smile,	and looked	at	me	teasingly.
2026
2027"Well,	 isn't	 senpai	 the	 exact	 same	 kind	 of	 person?	 The	 kind	 of	 person	 who,	 will	 tell himself	that	he	didn't	manage	to	do	anything,	and	feel	regretful	over	it."
2028
2029"Well	yeah,	I	guess	so..."
2030
2031It	is	true	that	I'm	currently	feeling	regretful	at	the	moment,	which	made	my	true	feelings blend	into	my	voice,	giving	it	a	sense	of	solidness.	Iroha	then	nodded	in	satisfaction.
2032
2033"I'm	probably	this	type	of	person	too."
2034
2035Her	words	surprised	me	a	little.	As	I	looked	at	her	in	confusion,	Iroha	made	a	pale,	lonely smile,	and	looked	into	the	distance.
2036
2037"I	mean	even	for	someone	like	me,	I	don't	actually	have	a	lot	of	friends,	isn't	so?"
2038
2039"What	kind	of	person	did	think	you	look	from	the	outside..."
2040
2041"Uhm	hmm."
2042
2043"Please	continue"
2044
2045Realizing	that	I've	interrupted	her,	I	nodded	a	few	times	as	an	apology,	and	allowed	her to	 continue.	 Iroha	 gave	 me	 a	 cold	 look,	 and	 sighed	 deeply,	 she	 then	 lowered	 her	 head, playing	with	a	small	stone	beside	her	shoes,	and	slowly	continued	to	speak.
2046
2047"I	only	have	you	senpais.	Which	is	why,	I	wanted	to	properly	send	of	you,	Yukino	and	Yui senpai,	Hayama	senpai...and	even	Tobe	senpai	and	a	lot	of	my	other	senpais	off."
2048
2049Her	intermittent	words	weaved	themselves	into	a	gentle	sound,	which	made	the	edges	of my	mouth	to	lose	tension.	Boi,	what	an	incredible	kouhai	that	I	have	here.	If	I	don't	reply her	with	a	joking	manner,	I	might	really	wet	my	eyes	before	I	know	it.
2050
2051"Ahaha,	were	you	always	that	good	of	a	person?"
2052
2053"I'm	doing	this	so	that	I	won't	have	any	regrets.	It	was	all	for	myself,	not	for	the	sake	of you	senpais	alright."
2054
2055Iroha	emphasized	her	intent,	and	made	a	hmph	sound	while	raising	up	her	chest.	Under the	illumination	of	the	vending	machine,	her	slightly	reddish	ears	were	exposed	among her	swaying	hair.	I	should	probably	pretend	that	I	never	saw	that.
2056
2057To	claim	that	all	her	actions	were	for	the	sake	of	herself,	I	don't	necessarily	dislike	such an	attitude.
2058
2059"...And	that's	why	I	wanted	to	make	a	prom."
2060
2061Iroha	looked	up	into	the	night	sky	with	a	dreamy	expression,	saying	out	her	wishes.
2062
2063"Like	this,	to	purposely	work	on	something	troublesome,	spend	a	lot	of	time,	to	think,	to drown	deep	in	thoughts,	to	the	point	where	we	feel	stressful,	panicked,	and	starting	to feel	tired	of	each	other	...	and	finally	find	ourselves	at	peace,	letting	go	of	something	we once	held	dear	to.	Is	this	not	a	refreshing	way	to	bid	farewell?"
2064
2065Looking	at	how	Iroha	raised	up	both	of	her	arms	with	a	wow,	I	finally	understood	what she	was	talking	about.
2066
2067That	process	she	said	of	is	probably	the	path	that	I	once	walked	on.	Can	I	struggle	till	the end	in	such	an	unpleasant	way,	and	willingly	accept	our	separation?
2068
2069"...	Well,	it's	not	that	hard	to	understand."
2070
2071"Really?"
2072
2073Asked	Iroha	half	teasingly	towards	the	words	that	went	out	of	my	mouth.	Even	if	I	knew that	 she	 was	 joking	 around,	 her	 eyes	 that	 are	 staring	 at	 me	 shone	 with	 sincerity.	 So,	 I remained	silent,	only	showing	her	a	faint	smile.
2074
2075"If	that's	the	case..."
2076
2077Saying	that,	Iroha	pulled	onto	the	my	scarf	and	stood	up.	She	the	made	a	turn	with	her arm,	and	wrapped	it	around	my	neck	like	a	gymnastic	ribbon.
2078
2079"Then	be	a	little	serious."
2080
2081Even	though	she's	still	wearing	a	smile	on	her	face,	yet	using	a	tone	completely	different from	the	joking	sounds	from	just	now,	she	rebuked	me.	This	distance	where	we	can	feel each	others	white	breath,	and	the	surprise	from	being	scolded	by	a	girl	who	is	younger than	me,	made	me	froze	for	a	moment.
2082
2083
2084
2085"Ah,	ah,	sorry..."
2086
2087I	took	a	few	millimeters	of	distance	away	from	her,	and	readjusted	my	scarf.	In	order	to hide	my	surprised	and	blushing	face	ninja	style.
2088
2089Seeing	my	reaction,	Iroha	sighed	deeply,	and	then	grabbed	onto	the	corner	of	my	scarf, playing	with	it.
2090
2091"If	 you	 start	 acting	 more	 serious,	 I	 can't	 get	 myself	 to	 feel	 serious	 too.	 It's	 a	 problem alright,	this	kind	of	thing.	It's	so	annoying	to	think	of,	it's	so	hard	to	deal	with,	and	it's	so troublesome.	Like	very	very	troublesome."
2092
2093Said	 Iroha,	 as	 she	 tightens	 the	 scarf,	 pinching	 it	 onto	 my	 chest.	 After	 she	 beautifully rolled	the	scarf	to	the	point	no	air	could	pass	through	its	gaps,	she	gave	me	a	neko	punch across	the	scarf.
2094
2095"Ouch	it	hurts..."
2096
2097Across	the	soft	gloves	and	tightly	wrapped	scarf,	I	don't	feel	any	pain	from	her	fist	at	all.
2098
2099Yet,	its	sensation	continues	to	echo	solidly	within	my	chest.
2100
2101
2102
2103
2104
21053-2
2106
2107I	turned	on	the	lights	in	the	living	room,	and	whispered	that	I	have	returned.
2108
2109However	no	one	responded,	only	the	chilly	air	swirls	within	the	house.
2110
2111My	parents	are	still	at	work,	Komachi	might	have	gone	out	too.	So	where's	our	beloved cat	...	I	made	some	thinking,	and	flipped	up	the	quilt	placed	over	the	heater.	Among	the darkness,	a	pair	of	flashy	things	could	be	seen,	my	eyes	lined	up	with	that	of	Kamakura's, who's	lying	down	comfortably	beside	our	heating	machine.
2112
2113Kamakura	 simply	 stared	 at	 my	 face,	 not	 meowing	 nor	 growling,	 staying	 motionless.
2114
2115Telling	 me	 through	 its	 eyes	 "Human,	 the	 cold	 air	 is	 entering,	 hurry	 up	 and	 close	 the kotatsu."	Huh,	it	greets	Komachi	whenever	Komachi	she	comes	back,	but	treats	me	with such	an	attitude?	Why	can't	he	be	a	little	more	close	to	me,	guess	Kamakura	doesn't	like me	getting	near	him	huh...	I	felt	uneasy	with	that	thought,	telling	him	"I'm	back.",	let	go	of the	blanket,	while	turning	on	the	switch	to	the	heater,	which	tends	to	be	turned	off	when no	one	is	left	in	the	house...	Time	to	warm	myself	up...
2116
2117Since	the	cat	already	had	its	share	of	air	conditioning,	its	time	for	the	human	to	enjoy	his.
2118
2119I	 pressed	 on	 the	 remote	 control,	 adjusting	 the	 air	 conditioner	 to	 greenhouse	 mode.
2120
2121Warm	air	then	started	to	blow	out,	which	made	me	finally	feel	comfortable.	I	untied	the scarf	wrapped	around	my	neck,	and	took	a	deep	breath.
2122
2123I	would	usually	spend	the	next	few	hours	laying	around	lazily,	but	I	don't	have	that	much free	time	to	stay	comfy	right	now.
2124
2125After	taking	off	my	coat,	I	lay	down	on	the	sofa.	Held	my	phone	in	my	hands,	and	started to	search	for	information.	The	keywords	being,	prom	nights.
2126
2127'I	 will	 make	 the	 prom	 happen,'	 even	 though	 I	 made	 such	 a	 solid	 statement,	 and	 even though	me	and	Yukinoshita	have	decided	on	the	directions	we'll	take	on	separately.	I'm still	lacking	actual	content	and	resources.
2128
2129First	of	all,	I'll	have	to	obtain	as	much	info	about	proms	as	possible,	before	shortlisting the	things	I	can	do.
2130
2131After	researching	a	certain	amount	of	into,	I	paste	them	into	the	notebook,	writing	down my	own	comments	and	ideas,	and	repeat	the	same	process.
2132
2133The	 information	 that	 I	 could	 find	 on	 the	 internet,	 are	 most	 probably	 content	 that Yukinoshita	and	Iroha	have	went	through	and	taken	consideration	of,	which	makes	me feel	 that	 no	 actual	 progression	 has	 been	 made.	 No	 matter	 how	 much	 information	 I
2134
2135collect,	 it	 won't	 be	 easy	 to	 come	 out	 with	 a	 proposal	 that	 could	 stand	 out	 more	 in comparison	to	that	of	Yukinoshita's.
2136
2137Yukinoshita	and	the	others	were	not	wrong	with	their	direction	of	fixing	the	issues	of	the parents'	 concerns,	 but	 their	 plan	 doesn't	 seem	 to	 guarantee	 anything	 either.	 Another rejection	from	the	parents	or	the	school	will	mean	that	they'll	have	to	start	from	scratch...
2138
2139urghhh...	I	don’t	understand	this~	can’t	think	anything~	can't	find	any	inspiration	at	all~
2140
2141I	struggled	with	my	brain	to	figure	out	an	idea,	while	rolling	on	the	sofa.
2142
2143There	 are	 less	 than	 two	 weeks	 until	 the	 graduation	 ceremony.	 If	 we	 take	 the	 actual preparation	 time	 into	 consideration,	 I'm	 left	 with	 two	 to	 three	 days'	 time	 to	 think	 of	 a solution.	 The	 proposal	 has	 to	 be	 done	 before	 that,	 its	 a	 deadline	 that	 must	 not	 be exceeded.
2144
2145No,	wait	a	second,	think	about	it	in	a	more	flexible	mindset...
2146
2147It	 is	 true	 that	 the	 deadline	 cannot	 be	 broken,	 but	 that	 doesn't	 necessarily	 mean	 that	 it can't	be	delayed,	isn't	so?	Ah	hah,	now	that's	how	you	deal	with	an	editor	flexibly!	Truly well	played,	man	am	I	a	genius.
2148
2149Unfortunately,	unlike	the	flyers	back	then,	the	opponent	is	not	an	editor,	but	a	scheduled activity	that	will	not	change	its	date,	a	much	stricter	timetable	is	upon	us.
2150
2151We're	being	forced	to	a	desperate	situation	right	now.
2152
2153For	now,	a	change	in	perspective	is	necessary.	This	is	when	I	have	to	change	my	point	of view.	As	I	continued	to	think,	I	rolled	down	from	the	sofa,	and	kept	rolling	until	I	went under	the	warm	quilt	kotatsu.
2154
2155This	 is	 definitely	 a	 very	 weird	 act	 from	 the	 viewpoint	 of	 an	 outsider,	 but	 history	 has proven	that	people	who	do	strange	things	tends	to	lead	them	into	new	ideas,	especially when	they	give	up	on	caring	about	the	views	of	others.
2156
2157After	rolling	myself	under	the	blanket,	under	the	dim	light,	Kamakura	seemed	shocked, and	 fled	 to	 the	 corner	 furthest	 from	 me,	 looking	 at	 me	 with	 eyes	 that	 spells	 "What	 is wrong	with	this	guy	..."
2158
2159AHA!	EXACTLY	WHAT	I	NEEDED!	This	is	time	where,	even	a	cat's	paw	could	be	of	use!	If I	place	the	ball	of	meat	on	its	paw	to	rubs	onto	my	eyelids,	it	could	heal	up	my	tired	eyes, bringing	 my	 soul	 towards	 inner	 peace,	 such	 serene	 grace,	 leading	 us	 towards	 world peace,	and	the	new	series	of	ARMORED	CORE	will	be	released!
2160
2161Trying	 to	 get	 Kamakura	 lend	 me	 its	 paw,	 I	 reached	 out	 my	 arm	 towards	 it.	 Which Kamakura	responded	by	jumping	out	of	the	stove.
2162
2163As	 I	 popped	 my	 head	 out	 of	 the	 kotatsu,	 not	 sure	 when	 exactly	 did	 she	 came	 back,	 my eyes	lined	up	with	that	of	Komachi's,	who	stood	in	front	of	me	with	a	stern	look.
2164
2165"...What	are	you	doing	brother?"
2166
2167As	she	stared	at	me	coldly,	Kamakura	moved	towards	her	feet,	rubbing	his	face	onto	her feet.	 Komachi	 then	 kneels	 down,	 rubbing	 all	 over	 Kamakura's	 body.	 While	 maintaining her	cold	attitude	towards	me.
2168
2169"Don't	roll	around	in	your	uniform,	go	get	a	change	clothes	first.	Its	wrinkled	and	there's sticking	hair."
2170
2171"Oh,	alright..."
2172
2173I	answered	while	standing	up,	and	began	to	loosen	my	tie	while	walking	into	my	room.
2174
2175I	quickly	changed	into	my	jersey	and	walked	back	into	the	living	room.	Komachi	who	has also	changed	into	her	casual	wear	could	be	seen	walking	into	the	kitchen.
2176
2177"Onii,	have	you	eaten	yet?"
2178
2179"Ah,	no."
2180
2181"Mom	prepared	a	pot	of	stew	,	are	you	okay	with	it?"
2182
2183"Well	sure...	not	like	there	are	any	other	choices."
2184
2185I	too,	walked	into	the	kitchen,	secretly	looking	around	to	see	if	there's	anything	else.	But other	than	the	bubbling	contents	within	the	clay	pot,	nothing	else	could	be	seen	above the	 stove.	 Come	 to	 think	 of	 it,	 we've	 been	 having	 nothing	 else	 but	 hotpot	 for	 dinner recently	 ...	 The	 pitcher	 for	 noodles	 in	 the	 summer,	 and	 the	 pitcher	 for	 hotpot	 in	 the winter,	the	battle	for	the	strike	king	title	in	this	year	is	as	exciting	as	usual.
2186
2187As	I	shown	a	displeased	face,	Komachi	pointed	at	me	with	a	ladle	while	placing	her	hand on	her	waist.
2188
2189"If	you	have	a	problem	with	it,	then	make	your	own	food."
2190
2191"Alright……"
2192
2193She	seemed	so	upright	about	it,	that	I	could	only	nod	obediently.	Preparing	dinner	for	us even	when	you're	so	busy,	thank	you	mum	and	dad,	very	cool.
2194
2195Well,	in	comparison	to	the	days	where	we	only	had	plain	noodles,	the	charm	of	hotpots lies	in	how	they	can	come	out	with	different	trick	balls,	sumo	pot	assorted	pot	chicken pot	spicy	cabbage	curry	and	even	porridge	udon	and	so	on,	which	makes	it	just	so	much
2196
2197better.	If	you	post	such	a	thought	on	Twitter,	chances	are	that	you'll	receives	a	bunch	of trash	replies	like	"HaNGiNG	nOoDLeS	ArE	NoT	thAt	BaD!	aS	LoNG	aS	yoU	pUt	iN	eFForT, yOu	cAn	COmE	ouT	WiTH	mANy	VariATiOnS	toO!	LOL."	that	shit	is	truly	annoying,	look our	family	cook	noodles	for	the	sake	of	its	simplicity	alright,	spending	effort	on	making variations	 of	 it	 is	 doing	 the	 exact	 opposite.	 If	 your	 reply	 them	 this	 way,	 you'll	 get	 even more	 dumb	 answers	 like	 "ThE	 kEY	 oF	 CooKInG	 DeLIciOuS	 nOoDLeS,	 oNlY	 rEQuiReS
2198
2199PlAiN	NoOdLEs.	CoME	ovEr	To	MuH	pLAce,	I'lL	ShOW	yOU	HoW	iTS	DoNe."	this	is	just	so annoying,	inviting	people	to	their	place	the	next	day	just	to	prove	that,	look	I	have	own plans	too	alright.	This	kind	of	person	would	spend	a	few	hours	talking	about	the	different tastes	of	plain	noodle,	just	eat	them	that	way,	with	no	other	seasoning	but	a	pinch	of	salt.
2200
2201Looking	 at	 these	 ingredient	 enthusiasts,	 salt	 enthusiasts	 and	 soup	 enthusiasts	 arguing with	each	other	is	just	simply	abnormal.
2202
2203When	 you're	 eating	 something,	 its	 just	 best	 not	 be	 disturbed	 by	 anyone,	 this	 sense	 of freedom	 is	 just...how	 do	 I	 say	 it,	 like	 you've	 been	 granted	 salvation!	 In	 other	 words, eating	 with	 Komachi	 is	 simply	 the	 best	 isn't	 so?	 Like	 how	 that	 one	 best	 brother	 has always	said,	Imouto	Sae	Ba	Ii[8].
2204
2205I	 then	 prepared	 two	 bowls,	 scooped	 up	 enough	 rice	 for	 the	 both	 of	 us,	 and	 walked towards	the	kotatsu.
2206
2207Komachi	 then	 carefully	 brought	 the	 pot	 over.	 After	 I	 cleaned	 up	 the	 table	 and	 placed	 a pad	on	the	table,	she	then	placed	the	pot	onto	the	table,	while	I	arranged	the	chopsticks and	small	bowls.
2208
2209Komachi	quickly	filled	up	the	small	bowls	with	food	and	placed	them	in	front	of	me.
2210
2211"Here,	which	one	do	you	want?"
2212
2213"Aren't	them	both	the	same..."
2214
2215The	taste	shouldn't	be	that	different	...	and	I'm	not	expert	about	hotpots	either.	But	after thinking	for	a	while,	I	then	compared	the	contents	in	both	bowls.
2216
2217One	has	slightly	more	cabbage,	and	the	other	has	slightly	more	pork.	Not	too	much	of	a difference.
2218
2219But	since	I	was	asked	to	choose,	I'll	have	to	decide	on	one	of	them.	Like	how	Iroha	was forced	to	choose	between	the	Max	coffee	and	bean	soup	just	now.
2220
2221"Ah...ahhhh...so	that's	how	it	is."
2222
2223A	thought	came	to	me	that	made	me	stared	at	the	small	bowls,	so	Komachi	picked	up	her head.
2224
2225"Is	there	anything	wrong?"
2226
2227"No,	nothing."
2228
2229Answering	that,	I	took	the	one	with	more	pork	in	it.	Komachi	pulled	over	the	other	small bowl	to	her	side,	and	slapped	her	hands	together.
2230
2231"Well	then,	itadakimasu."
2232
2233"Alright,	itadakimasu."
2234
2235Me	 and	 Komachi	 then	 started	 eating.	 The	 taste	 of	 the	 soup	 was	 properly	 incorporated into	the	cabbage	and	pork,	making	them	quite	tasty,	very	nice.	Huh,	it’s	actually	not	bad.
2236
2237Might	be	an	extreme	statement	but,	boys	won't	complain	on	their	food	as	long	as	there's meat.
2238
2239We	 ate	 silently	 for	 some	 time,	 the	 sound	 of	 Kamakura	 munching	 on	 cat	 food	 could	 be heard	from	the	far	side	of	the	kitchen.
2240
2241"By	the	way,	you	came	home	pretty	early	today."
2242
2243Its	 been	 a	 few	 days	 since	 the	 two	 of	 us	 had	 dinner	 together.	 I	 believe	 that	 today	 is	 the first	time	since	we	that	day	our	family	celebrated	on	Komachi	passing	her	entrance	exam.
2244
2245For	the	next	few	days	after	passing	her	entrance	exam,	Komachi	has	been	eating	dinner with	her	friends,	and	always	returning	home	late	in	the	night.
2246
2247Komachi	listened	and	nodded,	answering	as	she	chewed	on	a	cabbage:
2248
2249"Well,	yeah,	been	pretty	busy	here	ever	since	the	result	day."
2250
2251"What	are	you	even	working	on..."
2252
2253Komachi	then	did	some	thinking,	while	counting	on	her	fingers.
2254
2255"Let	see...thank	you	for	all	the	hard	work	celebration,	congratulations	celebration,	thank you	celebration,	the	long	time	no	see	celebration,	the	nice	to	meet	you	celebration...and uhhhh..."
2256
2257"How	many	celebrations	are	there	exactly..."
2258
2259By	 the	 way,	 what	 the	 hell	 is	 a	 nice	 to	 meet	 you	 day...	 who	 are	 you	 even	 having	 a	 first meeting	with...	Is	this	sadness?	Or	is	this	courage?	If	this	is	the	case,	then	its	time	to	say goodbye	to	my		tears[9].
2260
2261Looking	 at	 my	 puzzled	 face.	 Komachi,	 who's	 done	 counting	 her	 fingers,	 smiled	 and reached	out	to	me	with	a	fist.
2262
2263"Then,	then,	since	there	is	no	reservation	today,	so	it's	a	brother's	day?	Ehehe,	Komachi scored	very	high	with	that	one!"
2264
2265"Yes...yes	you	did"
2266
2267So	she	decided	to	have	a	brother's	day	through	exclusion	method	huh,	well,	fine	by	me.
2268
2269Having	that	say,	this	girl	is	truly	nuts.	Having	so	many	outdoor	activities	being	planned for	a	few	days	time,	she	truly	has	the	spirit	of	those	young	people	who	would	decide	to hang	out	somewhere	on	a	whim.	Won't	she	feel	tired	from	being	high	for	so	many	days...
2270
2271This	sounds	devastating	to	me	mental	and	wallet	health.
2272
2273"Having	too	much	friends	is	also	a	problem	huh..."
2274
2275I	 said	 that	 while	 drinking	 my	 soup	 slowly.	 At	 least	 I	 can't	 live	 that	 way.	 Komachi however,	doesn't	seem	to	bothered	about	my	statement,	and	answered	normally.
2276
2277"It's	 not	 just	 the	 school,	 I	 have	 a	 lot	 of	 relations	 with	 your	 student	 council.	 We	 even contact	each	other	on	the	SNS	before	entering	school."
2278
2279Ah,	so	that's	what	the	nice	to	meet	you	gathering	was	about.	But	really?	Starting	a	social group	before	even	entering	school?	That's	some	high	difficulty	game	mode.
2280
2281"...Won't	you	feel	awkward	after	entering	school?	For	being	so	friendly	with	each	other before	entering	school,	with	the	chance	of	ending	up	as	total	strangers	when	you	actually see	them..."
2282
2283Hearing	that,	the	chopsticks	that	Komachi	was	holding	froze	in	midair.	She	then	looked	at me	with	an	awkward	smile	and	disheartened	eyes.
2284
2285"You	really	like	to	talk	about	such	unpleasant	things	don't	you	onii-chan..."
2286
2287"But	that	is	something	that	might	actually	happen..."
2288
2289"Well...	I	guess	you're	right...	but	it	can't	be	helped	isn't	so?"
2290
2291How	 dry~	 Komachi	 superdry~[10]	 she	 seemed	 troubled	 just	 now	 for	 a	 moment,	 but immediately	replied	me	with	a	smile.	Such	a	clean	direct	attitude	my	sister	has	...	While	I started	 to	 feel	 terrified	 with	 how	 bright	 my	 sister’s	 future	 seems	 to	 be,	 I	 suddenly remembered	of	something.
2292
2293"Is	that	Daishi	guy	coming	too?"
2294
2295Kawasaki	 Daishi,	 the	 brother	 of	 Sa	 WhateverHerNameIs	 Ki,	 also	 passed	 his	 entrance exam	to	Sobu	High	a	few	days	ago.	This	kid	seems	to	have	an	interest	towards	Komachi.
2296
2297If	 that	 piece	 of	 shit	 is	 also	 present	 at	 the	 nice	 to	 meet	 you	 celebration,	 then	 I	 must
2298
2299eradicate	 this	 bug	 from	 getting	 near	 Komachi!	 As	 I'm	 having	 very	 extreme	 thoughts, Komachi	gave	me	a	much	more	extreme	answer.
2300
2301"Who?	Ah,	yeah	I	think	he's	joining."
2302
2303"Ouch..."
2304
2305Without	even	looking	at	me,	replied	Komachi	as	she	added	more	food	into	small	bowl.	In Komachi's	 heart,	 Daishi	 is	 just	 a	 far	 relative	 to	 us	 homo	 sapiens?	 I'm	 starting	 to	 feel	 a little	 sympathetic	 towards	 him	 being	 mistreated,	 press	 F	 to	 pay	 resp	 ...	 Nah	 what	 am	 I talking	about,	I	don't	care	about	that	kid!
2306
2307
2308
2309
2310
23113-3
2312
2313After	cooking	some	porridge	using	the	rest	of	the	soup,	clearing	up	all	of	its	contents,	our stomachs	were	filled	up,	and	I	sat	down	leisurely	drinking	a	cup	of	tea.
2314
2315Komachi	put	Kamakura	onto	her	lap,	grooming	him	while	humming	a	song,	and	I	started scrolling	on	my	phone	while	lying	down.
2316
2317A	 direction	 has	 been	 determined,	 but	 it's	 still	 lacking	 context.	 Prom	 night,	 graduation party,	 searched	 through	 all	 possible	 keywords,	 yet	 I	 never	 came	 across	 any	 inspiring information,	I	made	a	deep	sigh	and	rolled	over.
2318
2319My	eyesight	eventually	lined	up	with	Komachi's,	who	is	sitting	in	front	of	me.	She	asked me	what's	wrong,	tilting	her	head	with	a	cute	smile.
2320
2321Looking	at	her,	I	remembered	of	something.
2322
2323"By	the	way...	you	are	about	to	graduate	soon	right."
2324
2325"Yep."
2326
2327I	asked	her	straightforwardly,	which	Komachi	nodded	while	answering.
2328
2329A	 strong	 atmosphere	 of	 celebration	 has	 been	 going	 on,	 since	 everyone's	 attention	 was put	onto	the	the	fact	that	Komachi	will	be	entering	high	school,	but	before	that,	Komachi will	also	have	to	go	through	her	secondary	school's	graduation	ceremony.	Even	if	junior high	 school	 and	 high	 school	 might	 have	 some	 differences,	 they	 are	 both	 based	 on	 the concept	of	graduates	celebrating	on	the	new	phase	of	life	they're	about	to	step	into.
2330
2331I	wonder	if	I	can	get	any	inspirations	for	the	prom	from	her.
2332
2333"Speaking	of	graduation,	do	you	have	any	plans?"
2334
2335"Hmm?	That's	a	weird	question."
2336
2337Komachi	smiled	awkwardly,	but	she	also	looked	up	and	did	some	thinking.
2338
2339"Graduation...	Ah,	Komachi	wants	to	go	to	her	graduation	trip."
2340
2341Answered	Komachi,	as	if	she	just	remembered	about	it.	In	this	instant,	I	sprung	up.
2342
2343"Yoooo,	this	is	the	first	time	I	heard	about	it.	What	about	me?"
2344
2345"Huh,	of	course	you	won't	be	joining	us.	Its	not	like	we're	travelling	with	our	parents	or
2346
2347your	friends."
2348
2349I	shook	my	hand	towards	Komachi	in	refusal.	"No,	no,	nonononono,	having	an	overnight trip	is	a	no!	I	won't	allo..."	I	tried	holding	back	my	words	on	my	throat	as	I	realized	that	I was	about	to	say	'I	won't	allow	it,	but	Komachi	seems	to	have	heard	half	of	it,	and	stared at	me	with	a	cold	look.
2350
2351Komachi	is	no	longer	a	child	after	all...	continuing	to	act	like	an	overprotective	brother might	be	a	little	too	much	for	us.	As	a	result,	Komachi	started	to	look	impatient,	let	out	a deep	breath,	and	continued	saying.
2352
2353"And	 there's	 the	 graduation	 party.	 Well,	 which	 is	 basically	 just	 everyone	 in	 the	 class having	a	meal	together."
2354
2355"Ok..."
2356
2357I	made	a	casual	response,	while	secretly	writing	down	notes	on	my	phone.
2358
2359The	graduation	trip	kind	of	a	problem,	but	the	graduation	party	makes	sense.	Every	one having	dinner	at	the	nearby	barbecue	shop,	enjoy	the	food	while	chatting,	something	like that.	 Or	 even,	 go	 to	 a	 better	 place,	 like	 the	 legendary	 first	 class	 yakiniku	 restaurant	 in Japan	'Akamon'	for	example.	At	least	Akamon's	the	best	option	for	people	living	in	Chiba.
2360
2361People	who	live	outside	of	Chiba	might	probably	choose	somewhere	like	'Sengoku'.
2362
2363...	 But	 then	 again,	 when	 she	 said	 'everyone'	 in	 the	 class,	 does	 she	 literally	 meant everyone?	Like,	there	tends	to	be	that	one	or	two	persons	who	never	gets	an	invitation (through	my	observation)	you	know?	The	outlier	of	the	class	you	know?	Apparently	I	am quite	familiar	with	this	aspect	you	know!?
2364
2365Cough.
2366
2367Anyway,	time	to	ask	her	something	else.
2368
2369"So	is	there	any	other	plans?	An	activity	of	some	sort."
2370
2371"Oh?	Activities?"
2372
2373Komachi	 has	 seemed	 confused	 with	 my	 question.	 But,	 she	 suddenly	 seemed	 to	 have remembered	something,	and	made	a	loud	wow.
2374
2375"...Ah,	does	the	three-send	party	counts?	Is	that	the	one?	I'm	not	quite	sure	actually."
2376
2377"The	three-send	party...ah,	you	meant	that	kind	of	three-send	party."
2378
2379It's	not	a	term	that	I'm	used	to,	so	it	took	me	some	time	to	figure	it	out,	its	basically	what they	refer	to	the	farewell	party	for	third	year	students.
2380
2381Pulling	 out	 my	 memories	 from	 my	 middle	 school	 era,	 in	 addition	 to	 the	 graduation ceremony,	 there	 was	 such	 an	 activity	 that	 I	 went	 through.	 Where	 all	 members	 of	 each class	were	forced	attend,	while	being	forced	to	sing	a	song	too.	Which,	the	boys	part	in our	choir	got	commented	with	stuff	like	"The	boys!	Sing	properly!"	it	was	so	bad,	that	the girl	playing	the	piano	cried	and	ran	out,	with	Orimoto	leading	the	group	to	go	after	her, and	me	being	forced	to	apologize	or	something...ouch.
2382
2383"What	 do	 you	 do	 during	 that	 event	 again?	 I	 remember	 that	 you're	 supposed	 to	 sing	 a song.	Graduation	themed	songs	like	kabosu	I	believe?"
2384
2385"And	sudachi."
2386
2387"Ah,	that	one.	There's	also	the	song	where	you	go,	our	dear	mother	earth~~I	think?"
2388
2389"Yeah,	 that	 kind	 of	 songs.	 Well,	 but	 people	 usually	 sing	 "Praise	 the	 Land"	 at	 the graduation	ceremony,	there's	some	other	performance	too,	what	was	that	again..."
2390
2391Some	other	performance	huh......	I	picked	up	my	head	and	suddenly	a	memory	came	to my	mind.
2392
2393"Performance....	ah,	is	that	the	one	where	you	go?	Hello	spring~the	light	of	early	spring~
2394
2395one	two,	everybody!"
2396
2397Komachi	then	sang	along.
2398
2399"One	two,	everybody!"
2400
2401"Graduate~"
2402
2403"Graduate!"
2404
2405We	 split	 up	 the	 boys	 and	 girls	 part,	 even	 the	 two	 tone	 pause	 in	 the	 middle	 was completely	reproduced.	Our	stupid	actions	made	me	smile	at	Komachi.
2406
2407"...This	kind	of	feeling?"
2408
2409Which	Komachi	responded	with	a	smile,	and	then	shook	her	head	while	still	smiling.
2410
2411"No,	it's	a	completely	different	song."
2412
2413"Eh...	I	even	sang	with	all	that	enthusiasm..."
2414
2415If	that's	not	the	one,	why	did	she	not	stop	me	earlier...	I	looked	at	Komachi	with	a	look	of resentment,	which	Komachi	replied.
2416
2417"Also	that's	a	slogan,	the	one	we	used	back	in	our	elementary	school."
2418
2419"Wait,	really?	I	have	no	memory	of	that	at	all.	Well,	I've	only	graduated	from	elementary school	and	secondary	school.	So	its	not	like	I	went	through	a	lot	of	graduations."
2420
2421Even	though	I	said	that,	I	still	written	about	the	three-send	event	into	my	notes.	It	might not	be	something	that	I	can	take	reference	to,	but	it	could	give	me	some	inspiration.	After all	no	one	really	knows	what	kind	of	things	could	give	one	an	inspiration.	So	I	continued to	write	down	singing,	performance,	slogans	and	other	related	things.
2422
2423This	 kind	 of	 note-taking	 action	 works	 similarly	 to	 that	 of	 brainstorming.	 Like	 what president	Tamakoma	once	said,	never	rush	to	a	conclusion,	and	that	any	opinions	can	be considered...
2424
2425As	I	started	to	think	about	people	that	I	remembered	deep	in	my	memories,	immersing myself	in	the	nostalgia,	Komachi	for	some	reason,	looked	at	me	with	pitiful	eyes.
2426
2427"Indeed	....Onii-chan	still	haven't	graduated	from	Precure	and	school	idols..."
2428
2429"What	are	you	talking	about,	there's	no	graduation	to	those,	its	lifetime	education.	People don't	 just	 graduate	 from	 them	 by	 not	 watching.	 That's	 just	 them	 being	 a	 dropout,	 a cultural	studies	dropout!"
2430
2431"Onii-chan	at	this	point	you're	just	a	repeating	student..."
2432
2433In	respond	to	my	protest,	Komachi	gave	up	debating	and	sighed	deeply.
2434
2435Ayyy	that's	my	Komachi,	she	truly	understands	me.	As	I	review	the	events	that	happened throughout	 the	 year,	 and	 how	 I	 still	 didn't	 manage	 to	 grow.	 The	 repeating	 student statement	 surprisingly	 fits	 me.	 Without	 realizing	 it,	 I	 let	 out	 a	 smile	 mixed	 with	 self-abuse.
2436
2437Seeing	my	expression,	Komachi	tilted	her	head	in	grief.	But	she	seems	to	have	decided	to not	talk	further	about	this	topic,	and	asked	me	a	different	question.
2438
2439"Is	there	no	three-send	ceremonies	in	high	school?"
2440
2441"Ah,	no	there	doesn't	seem	to	be	such	a	thing."
2442
2443At	least	for	this	year,	there	are	no	signs	that	this	activity	will	be	held.	Probably	because every	clubs	might	have	their	very	own	annual	party.	Back	then	I	never	joined	any	clubs so	I'm	not	quite	sure	about	that.	Perhaps	I	should	ask	someone	else	about	this	next	time?
2444
2445So,	on	my	notes,	I	wrote	down	"Chat	with	Totsuka❤".
2446
2447The	 result	 of	 my	 solo	 brainstorming	 brought	 me	 to	 a	 pretty	 good	 conclusion.	 I	 had	 a sense	of	satisfaction,	so	I	put	down	my	phone,	and	looked	at	Komachi,	who	lay	down	her head	on	the	kotatsu.
2448
2449"Is	 that	 so...	 Well,	 I	 guess	 it	 makes	 sense	 that	 high	 school	 students	 won't	 do	 such	 an activity."
2450
2451Muttered	 Komachi,	 seemingly	 disappointed,	 she	 continued	 to	 hum	 and	 played	 with Kamakura.	The	melody	sounded	familiar,	probably	a	classic	graduation	song?
2452
2453As	I	listened	to	this	lonesome	song,	I	turned	off	the	notepad	on	my	phone.
2454
2455"Well	 we	 don't	 really	 have	 a	 three-send	 activity,	 ...	 but	 starting	 from	 this	 year,	 we'll	 be doing	a		prom."
2456
2457I	opened	up	the	browser,	and	showed	her	the	prom	related	web	pages	that	I	just	went through,	Komachi	looked	through	the	pictures	and	videos	I	showed	her,	and	gave	off	a surprised	expression.
2458
2459"Oh....	 Wow,	 what	 is	 this,	 this	 is	 so	 cool!	 Oh	 my,	 onii-chan~...are	 you	 really	 gonna	 do this?"
2460
2461Komachi’s	 looked	 up,	 her	 eyes	 sparkling	 with	 strong	 expectations.	 My	 mouth	 twitched for	a	moment,	but	I	managed	to	force	a	smile	while	nodding	at	her.	Even	though	I	did	not make	a	direct	statement,	my	reply	also	implied	that	the	prom	will	become	a	reality.
2462
2463There's	no	proof	to	show	her	that	it'll	actually	happen,	and	we're	behind	schedule	for	any preparations.	In	fact	I	don't	even	know	how	we'll	work	it	out.
2464
2465But,	the	prom	will	happen.
2466
2467At	least	this	one	statement,	is	what	I	can	be	sure	of.
2468
2469
2470
2471
2472
24733-4
2474
2475Even	after	a	night's	sleep,	the	fatigue	from	yesterday	continues	to	linger.
2476
2477After	 laying	 down	 inside	 the	 kotatsu	 for	 some	 time	 alongside	 Komachi,	 midnight	 falls, and	I	traveled	across	somewhere	between	reality	and	dreamscape,	fell	down	on	my	bed, and	completely	snoozed	off.
2478
2479When	I	came	to	my	senses	it	was	already	morning,	and	its	about	time	I	head	to	school.	I went	out	after	having	breakfast	and	changing	into	my	school	uniform,	but	I	can't	be	sure if	I	can	even	make	it	before	the	class	bell	rings.
2480
2481Komachi	seems	to	have	slept	at	the	same	time	as	me,	but	she	woke	up	looking	energetic, and	has	already	changed	and	went	out	earlier	than	me.
2482
2483As	 I	 calculated,	 my	 sleeping	 time	 should	 be	 that	 of	 an	 average	 person.	 But	 sleepiness continues	to	shroud	over	my	head.	Thanks	to	that,	my	feet	felt	heavy	as	I	paddled	on	my bike.
2484
2485The	 gears	 within	 my	 brain	 and	 the	 gears	 on	 my	 bicycle	 don't	 seem	 to	 move	 a	 lot,	 as opposed	to	the	needles	that	continued	to	turn	on	my	wristwatch.
2486
2487I	have	to	make	preparations	for	the	prom	starting	from	today.
2488
2489There's	not	much	time	left,	and	the	means	that	can	be	taken	are	limited.	Even	under	such circumstances,	I	have	yet	to	lay	out	a	specific	plan.	Not	to	mention	that	there	are	people that	I	made	big	promises	to.
2490
2491The	more	I	think	about	of	it,	the	more	tired	my	legs	felt.	But	after	using	all	my	strength on	paddling,	I	finally	passed	through	the	main	gate	a	short	moment	before	the	bell	rang.
2492
2493I	 sped	 up	 my	 steps	 walking	 forward,	 the	 stairs	 linked	 towards	 the	 classrooms	 seemed crowded,	as	students	who	just	ended	their	morning		club	activities,	and	students	who're almost	late	like	me	rushed	along.
2494
2495Among	them,	I	noticed	a	slightly	peach	colored	hair,	walking	so	quickly,	that	her	bag	and her	long	scarf,	and	that	hair	bun	leaped	up	and	down	along	her	footsteps.
2496
2497After	recognizing	Yuigahama,	I	hesitated	to	call	her,	as	I	was	reminded	of	that	scene	from yesterday.	Soon,	Yuigahama	came	shoe	closet	area,	and	began	to	change	into	her	indoor shoes.
2498
2499The	 moment	 she	 noticed	 my	 presence,	 her	 actions	 paused	 for	 a	 moment.	 Then,	 with	 a faint	smile	she	placed	her	small	hands	over	her	chest,	something	seemed	to	have	jiggled
2500
2501in	my	view.
2502
2503This	action	made	me	felt	a	slightly	embarrassed,	I	nodded	at	her	a	few	times,	then	pulled my	scarf	up	and	ran	towards	the	shoe	shelves	in	small	steps.
2504
2505Yuigahama	whispered	to	me	while	poking	her	hairbun.
2506
2507"Good	morning."
2508
2509"...Morning."
2510
2511After	a	short	moment	of	eye	contact,	I	immediately	shifted	my	line	of	view	towards	the indoor	 shoes	 that	 I	 just	 threw	 on	 the	 floor.	 As	 I	 pulled	 onto	 the	 end	 of	 shoes	 trying	 to wear	them,	Yuigahama	waited	quietly	beside	me.
2512
2513I	knocked	on	the	floor	with	the	tip	of	my	shoe,	indicating	that	we	can	head	over	now,	she nodded,	and	began	to	walk	as	is	she's	guiding	the	way.
2514
2515"Ahhh,	that	was	so	close,	we're	almost	late	back	there."
2516
2517Saying	that,	Yuigahama	took	off	her	scarf,	rolled	it	into	a	ball	and	hugs	onto	it.	Using	her usual	cheery	expression	and	tone.
2518
2519But	the	way	Yuigahama	is	acting	like	she	always	does,	made	me	feel	unnatural	in	return, but	I	can	only	go	along	with	her	words,	nodding	in	reply.
2520
2521Even	 though	 I'm	 aware	 that	 something	 felt	 off,	 since	 she	 is	 acting	 in	 her	 usual	 self,	 it's better	 not	 to	 bring	 up	 what	 happened	 yesterday,	 but	 the	 thought	 of	 not	 mentioning	 it made	me	feel	dishonest.	So	I	made	sure	that	there	were	no	other	students	nearby	us,	and whispered	to	her.
2522
2523"Were	you	fine	yesterday?"
2524
2525"Eh?"
2526
2527I	 wonder	 if	 that	 question	 was	 said	 too	 straightforwardly	 that	 I	 surprised	 her,	 as	 she stared	at	me,	tilting	her	head.	But,	she	seemed	to	have	remembered	yesterday's	events, and	put	her	hands	over	her	cheeks.
2528
2529"Ah,	um.	No	problem	at	all!	Sorry,	I	felt	a	little...	ehehe,	like,	a	little	embarrassed	about	it...
2530
2531I	said	it	before	didn't	I,	that	kind	of	things	happen	often	to	me."
2532
2533Anxious,	 shy,	 embarrassed,	 awkward,	 after	 a	 series	 of	 changes	 in	 her	 expressions,	 she finally	let	out	a	smile.	Noticing	that	is	her	signal	to	end	this	topic,	I	smiled	and	nodded	in reply.	Even	if	something	felt	odd,	avoid	to	pursue	it	naively,	to	break	it	down,	to	push	it away.	 It	 might	 not	 be	 long,	 but	 the	 time	 we	 spent	 with	 each	 other,	 is	 enough	 to	 make
2534
2535finding	a	comfortable	distance	for	each	other	a	common	skill	between	us.
2536
2537I	 began	 to	 climb	 the	 stairs,	 while	 Yuigahama	 willingly	 stepped	 in	 front	 of	 me,	 which	 I followed	up	at	a	slower	pace.	Have	most	students	already	entered	their	classrooms?	No other	people	could	be	seen	us.	As	we	stepped	onto	the	wide	platform	at	the	middle	of	the stairs,	Yuigahama	looked	back	at	me	from	her	side.
2538
2539"So	what	about	Hikki?	How	did	things	went	after	that?"
2540
2541"Well...	a	lot	of	things	happened.	As	a	result	I	decided	to	intervene	with	the	prom."
2542
2543"I	see,"
2544
2545She	made	a	smile	looking	relieved,	then	turned	back	and	continued	to	move	forward.	I nodded	while	looking	at	her	back,	and	said	with	my	heavy	mouth.
2546
2547"So	for	today...	you	should	go	back	before	me."
2548
2549In	reality,	we	didn't	actually	make	an	appointment	to	go	home	together.	Realizing	that	I acted	 overly	 self-aware	 by	 saying	 this,	 a	 felt	 of	 disgust	 emerges	 from	 the	 depths	 of	 my heart.	 As	 I	 was	 criticizing	 myself	 for	 misunderstanding	 things,	 Yuigahama	 nodded	 in reply.
2550
2551"Sure."
2552
2553Feeling	that	I	got	saved,	I	continued	my	sentence.
2554
2555"Not	just	today,	for	this	period,	it	will	be	this	way."
2556
2557"...Yeah,	I	understand.	Its	to	help	out	Yukinon	after	all."
2558
2559Yuigahama	continued	to	walk	up	the	stairs	step	by	step.	We	then	soon	reached	the	third floor	where	our	classroom	is	located.	While	looking	at	her	at	half	a	step's	distance,	I	pull my	scarf,	after	getting	rid	of	the	suffocating	tension	over	my	neck,	I	turned	my	head	a	few times	to	relax	myself.
2560
2561It’s	better	if	I	talk	to	Yuigahama	about	how	things	went	yesterday.	Putting	aside	whether she	could	understand	it	fully,	its	better	to	let	her	learn	more	about	it.
2562
2563"No,	actually...	instead	of	helping	her	I	actually	ended	up	going	against	her."
2564
2565"Uhm,	su....re?	What??"
2566
2567Yuigahama	who	has	been	walking	smoothly	all	the	time	made	a	sudden	stop,	turning	her entire	body	around.	With	her	mouth	wide	open,	with	her	shocked	and	confusion	being expressed	throughout	her	whole	body.	Her	reaction	is	so	huge	to	the	point	it	actually	felt
2568
2569refreshing.	Guess	being	honest	about	my	mistake	was	a	good	idea	after	all.
2570
2571"Uhhh	yeah,	how	do	I	say	this....	She	was	so	stubborn,	that	my	request	to	help	out	became a	no	go.	So	I	decided	to	oppose	her.	Otherwise	I	can't	find	another	way	to	get	involved."
2572
2573"Ha...ha..."
2574
2575Yuigahama	 started	 from	 struggling	 to	 receive	 the	 info,	 to	 slowly	 understanding	 the things	that	have	happened,	turning	her	confused	expression	into	a	conflicted	one.
2576
2577"How	do	I	say	it...	Hikki	you	make	super	clumsy	decisions	at	times..."
2578
2579"The	other	way	of	saying	that	is.	That	I'm	occasionally	super	smart."
2580
2581I	 gleefully	 walked	 past	 Yuigahama,	 raising	 my	 chest	 for	 no	 apparent	 reason,	 while wearing	a	smug	smile	over	my	face.
2582
2583As	 she	 seen	 my	 expression,	 I	 could	 hear	 that	 Yuigahama	 snorted,	 she	 then	 seemed	 to struggle	for	a	while,	and	asked	me.
2584
2585"Did	you	talk	through	it	properly?"
2586
2587"......Can	properly	talking	through	things	solve	anything?"
2588
2589Its	me	and	Yukinoshita,	mind	you.	I	added	such	a	reminder.	Yuigahama	then	made	a	deep sigh,	seeming	to	have	understood	the	situation.
2590
2591As	expected	of	Yuigahama,	she	really	understands	us.
2592
2593"It	 can't.	 Which	 is	 why	 we	 agreed	 on	 having	 a	 competition.	 Anyway,	 we	 first	 have	 to complete	 the	 prom.	 Otherwise	 nothing	 else	 can	 be	 done....	 stuff	 like	 club	 activities,	 or even	thinking	on	how	do	we	move	on	from	here."
2594
2595The	more	I	speak,	the	more	questions	that	come	into	my	mind.
2596
2597End	 the	 prom,	 and	 then	 what?	 What	 should	 I	 do	 about	 the	 service	 club,	 how	 do	 I	 deal with	this	medium	that	no	longer	operates?	How	do	we	think	about	our	futures?
2598
2599As	I	continued	to	think,	I	have	reached	in	front	of	our	classroom.
2600
2601Yuigahama's	footsteps	sounded	light	and	slow,	as	if	she	was	feeling	moody	as	we	were walking,	 but	 when	 she	 was	 about	 to	 reach	 the	 door,	 she	 suddenly	 stopped.	 What happened,	I	look	back	and	saw	Yuigahama	thinking	through	something.
2602
2603She	then	looked	up,	staring	at	me	seriously.
2604
2605"...Can	I	help?"
2606
2607Yuigahama	can	be	seen	gripping	tight	onto	the	strap	of	her	schoolbag,	her	eyes	filled	with unwavering	 determination.	 Looking	 at	 the	 strong	 expectations	 shown	 in	 her	 closed mouth	and	big	eyes.
2608
2609Such	an	expression,	made	it	impossible	for	me	to	refuse.
2610
2611
2612
2613
2614
2615Interlude	3
2616
2617I	don't	get	it	at	all.
2618
2619When	 I'm	 sitting	 on	 my	 seat,	 when	 I'm	 chatting	 with	 the	 others,	 when	 the	 lesson	 bell rings,	even	when	the	class	begun,	I	have	been	thinking	about	the	same	thing	all	this	time.
2620
2621To	the	point	that	I	confused	myself.	Telling	myself	that	this	is	fine,	that	things	should	end this	way,	to	the	point	that	my	tears	are	falling	down.	I	just	don't	get	this	this	at	all.
2622
2623But...yeah.	That's	the	kind	of	people	they	are,	the	kind	of	people	who	look	smart	on	the outside,	even	if	they	are	actually	clumsier	than	they	thought.
2624
2625Repeating	the	same	way	of	doing	things,	to	the	point	that	none	of	us	could	realize	that	a different	 option	 exists.	 To	 oppose	 each	 other,	 to	 compete	 with	 each	 other,	 without creating	such	a	reason,	neither	of	them	could	get	closer	to	each	other.
2626
2627An	excuse	made	to	convince	themselves.
2628
2629Whoever	wins	the	competition	will	have	the	right	to	order	the	other	to	fulfill	a	wish.
2630
2631Her	wish	was	probably	decided	ever	since	the	beginning.
2632
2633A	wish	that	has	the	same	nature,	yet	with	a	completely	opposite	intent	from	mine.	Two wishes	that	are	so	similar,	yet	so	different.
2634
2635There	is	only	one	way	to	fulfill	that	wish	of	hers.
2636
2637But,	that	definitely	shouldn't	happen.
2638
2639No	matter	how,	if	they	end	up	going	back	to	being	complete	strangers,	then	nothing	can bring	them	back	together.
2640
2641......But	even	this,	is	probably	just	a	statement	used	to	escape	reality.
2642
2643The	words	on	the	blackboard	are	being	wiped	off	before	I	could	copy	any	of	it,	and	we have	reached	the	next	page	of	the	textbook	before	I	realized	it.
2644
2645People	seemed	to	be	chattering	within	the	class	yet	I	can't	hear	any	of	those	voices,	only the	scrubbing	sounds	of	chalk	and	pencils,	and	a	soft	sigh	near	me	echoed	into	my	ears.
2646
2647The	instant	I	diverted	my	sight	of	view,	a	familiar	person	enters	the	scenery.
2648
2649A	 head	 being	 supported	 by	 a	 left	 hand,	 a	 pair	 of	 eyelids	 that	 are	 about	 to	 close,	 the remaining	 right	 hand	 that	 spins	 a	 pen	 delicately	 between	 its	 fingers,	 the	 head	 then lowers	down	a	bit,	seemingly	deciding	on	reading	the	textbook	on	the	table...But,	a	sense of	fatigue	seems	to	linger	about,	as	it	struggles	very	hard	not	to	daze	off	during	the	class, this	action	has	been	repeating	throughout	the	whole	day.
2650
2651I	can	still	see	him,	we	can	still	see	each	other.
2652
2653Even	if	we	ended	up	moving	to	a	different	class,	even	if	it	ends	up	going	unnoticed,	even if	 no	 one	 becomes	 aware	 of	 it,	 even	 after	 understanding	 each	 other	 thoroughly,	 things will	only	be	the	way	it	has	always	been.
2654
2655Which	is	why	I	have	to	hide	away	these	feelings,	seal	them	within	the	depths,	and	put	up my	best	smile	possible.
2656
2657Such	a	sly,	disgusting	person.
2658
2659
2660
2661
2662
2663Chapter	4:		Once	again,	Hikigaya
2664
2665Hachiman	elaborates
2666
2667The	classroom	is	filled	with	noises	after	school.
2668
2669During	class,	I	was	thinking	while	occasionally	snoozing,	but	for	now	I'll	put	that	matter aside,	I	began	to	pack	my	stuff	getting	ready	to	go	home,	put	on	my	coat,	wrapped	up	my scarf,	and	stood	up	carrying	my	empty	bag.
2670
2671My	first	targeted	location	is	at	the	back	of	the	classroom,	the	corner	next	to	the	windows.
2672
2673It	 has	 been	 a	 while	 since	 the	 bell	 rang,	 most	 students	 have	 already	 left	 the	 classroom, while	a	small	group	of	people	stayed	back,	gathering	at	that	corner.
2674
2675In	the	center	of	group	sat	our	queen,	who's	pulling	onto	her	blonde	straight-rolled	hair, while	 tapping	 her	 phone	 with	 her	 nails.	 Standing	 next	 her	 is	 Ebina	 san	 and	 Yuigahama who's	 back	 could	 be	 seen	 in	 my	 direction.	 While	 Hayama	 and	 the	 three	 animals	 are getting	ready	to	leave	for	club	activities,	standing	against	the	window.
2676
2677They	 seemed	 pretty	 immersed	 in	 their	 enjoyment	 of	 freedom	 after	 school,	 chatting happily	among	each	other.	I	had	no	choice	but	to	interrupt	them.
2678
2679To	 be	 fair,	 attempting	 to	 slot	 myself	 into	 their	 conversation	 felt	 like	 a	 huge	 pain.	 Its already	taking	me	a	lot	of	perseverance	to	even	approach	them,	and	there's	just	no	way	I can	get	myself	to	speak	to	them	at	all.
2680
2681But	right	now,	I'm	taking	the	position	of	requesting	help	from	Yuigahama.	So	it	should	be me	 to	 take	 the	 initiative.	 Waiting	 on	 my	 seat	 until	 Yuigahama	 to	 come	 over	 is	 a	 really disgraceful	act.	For	example,	during	the	break	time	of	an	anime	voice	recording	session, the	kind	of	light	novel	author	who	would	deliberately	sit	at	the	middle	of	the	hall	of	the recording	studio,	and	wait	for	the	voice	actors	to	approach	him,	truly	a	disgraceful	act.
2682
2683Then	 again	 I'm	 already	 a	 disgrace	 myself,	 but	 even	 a	 disgraceful	 person	 should	 know when	 to	 push	 themselves	 harder.	 So,	 right	 now	 is	 the	 time	 I	 take	 courage	 to	 move forward.
2684
2685Slowly	 and	 slowly...	 one	 step	 two	 step...	 approach	 them	 as	 slow	 as	 a	 Kyogenshi	 (Ref	 1:
2686
2687'Mad	singing',	one	of	the	two	formats	for	Japan's	Noh	dramas).	Is	it	because	I'm	walking too	slow?	Miura	and	the	others	didn't	seem	to	be	too	bothered,	talking	about	their	plans
2688
2689on	where	to	hang	out	next	time.	My	tempo	is	so	slow,	that	I	feel	like	that	I	can	release	a Motoya	 hand	 knife	 in	 mid	 air.	 (Ref	 2:	 Izumi	 Motoya,	 originally	 a	 Kyogenshi,	 who	 then participated	in	pro	wrestling	exhibition	matches,	he	once	used	a	trick	where	he	jumped onto	 the	 other	 side	 of	 his	 opponent,	 striking	 him	 with	 a	 strong	 hand	 knife	 before	 even landing	onto	the	ground,	also	known	as	the	'Motoya	midair	hand	knife',	yeah	I	spent	15
2690
2691minutes	on	this	reference)
2692
2693Approaching	 millimeter	 by	 millimeter,	 quietly	 stepping	 until	 I'm	 directly	 behind Yuigahama,	I	then	made	a	light	cough.
2694
2695"...I'm	about	to	leave,	should	we."
2696
2697"Ah,	sure.	I	will	be	going	too."
2698
2699Replied	 Yuigahama	 with	 a	 plain	 tone	 as	 she	 looked	 back.	 Who	 then	 picked	 up	 her	 bag and	waved	at	Miura	and	the	others.
2700
2701"See	you	tomorrow."
2702
2703"Ok."
2704
2705"Bye	bye."
2706
2707Miura	nodded	without	seeming	too	bothered,	while	Ebina	smiled	and	waved.
2708
2709Two	of	the	three	animals	looked	at	each	other	in	shock,	and	the	remaining	animal	went
2710
2711"Eh?	 What?	 YO!?"	 while	 looking	 towards	 us	 multiple	 times.	 Truly	 a	 gang	 made	 of annoying	species.
2712
2713Hayama	then	glanced	a	little,	showing	an	incredibly	warm	smile.
2714
2715What's	the	hell,	this	is	just	super	embarrassing	and	tiring,	this	is	the	kind	of	situation	that makes	people	want	to	go	commit	die...
2716
2717Looking	back,	the	odd	sensation	still	seems	to	be	lingering	within	the	atmosphere,	I	then sped	 up	 to	 leave	 the	 classroom.	 Pulling	 up	 my	 scarf	 without	 forgetting	 to	 cover	 up	 my face.
2718
2719I	 slowed	 down	 after	 entering	 the	 corridor,	 Yuigahama	 who	 also	 rushed	 out	 of	 the classroom	walked	beside	me,	saying	with	strong	intensity.
2720
2721"By	the	way	what	was	that	for!	Can't	you	just	approach	us	in	a	more	normal	way?	Getting close	thissss	slowly	is	very	scary	alright!	You	actually	scared	me	for	a	moment."
2722
2723"Well,	it	can't	be	helped	......	I	was	super	nervous	back	there..."
2724
2725The	 process	 of	 approaching	 them	 used	 up	 almost	 all	 of	 my	 strength,	 that	 now	 I	 could only	make	a	low	exhausted	voice.
2726
2727Yuigahama	let	out	a	breath	of	dissatisfaction,	but	then	gave	me	a	troubled	smile.
2728
2729We	walked	shoulder	to	shoulder	until	we	reach	a	corner,	the	special	block	is	to	our	left, and	to	our	right	side	is	the	stairs.
2730
2731"So	what	do	we	do	next."
2732
2733"Ah...	 right,	 we'll	 have	 to	 decide	 what	 we	 should	 work	 on...	 For	 now,	 lets	 get	 a	 place where	we	can	talk	about	it."
2734
2735"Sure,	how	about	Saizeriya?"
2736
2737"Alright,	let's	go."
2738
2739Even	 though	 there	 is	 the	 choice	 of	 using	 the	 service	 club	 room,	 neither	 me	 nor Yuigahama	mentioned	it.	Not	because	we've	forgotten,	but	its	because	that	place	can	now be	ignored.	I	believe	that	Yuigahama's	reasoning	behind	it	is	similar	to	mine.
2740
2741That	place	can	only	be	established	under	her	presence.
2742
2743Which	is	why	we'll	probably	never,	enter	that	room	again.
2744
2745
2746
2747
2748
27494-2
2750
2751We	walked	for	a	while	after	leaving	school.
2752
2753As	we	reached	Saizeriya	located	in	front	of	the	station,	we	immediately	ordered	two	self-service	drink	counters	as	we	sat	down,	then	walked	towards	the	drink	counter	to	get	our drinks,	 taking	 a	 break	 as	 we	 drink	 up	 through	 straws.	 I	 originally	 planned	 to	 order something	like	spicy	Milanese	rice,	chicken	wings,	or	pasta.	But	today	we	aren't	actually here	to	eat,	so	getting	a	drink	is	enough	for	now.
2754
2755When	I	was	having	such	a	thought,	Yuuigahama	has	already	opened	up	the	menu.
2756
2757"I'm	feeling	a	little	hungry	right	now.	What	about	hikki?	You	want	some	food	too?"
2758
2759Yuigahama	 sat	 at	 the	 middle	 of	 the	 quadruple	 seat	 in	 front	 of	 me,	 leaning	 forward, looking	 through	 the	 menu	 left	 and	 right	 seeming	 busy.	 Time	 to	 time	 I	 could	 sense something	 flashy	 swaying	 across	 the	 table,	 please	 don't	 do	 this	 any	 longer.	 Ah	 right,	 I already	eaten	lunch	just	now...
2760
2761"By	the	way,	what	do	you	usually	have	for	lunch?"
2762
2763The	moment	right	after	I	asked	the	question,	Yuigahama's	hands	that	was	moving	across the	menu	stopped	its	movement.	She	then	let	go	of	the	menu,	and	leaned	her	back	onto the	chair.
2764
2765"...Just	your	regular	food...why	did	you	ask	that."
2766
2767As	she	whispered	super	softly,	Yuigahama	swiftly	turned	her	head	to	the	side,	twisting her	 body	 while	 trying	 to	 make	 it	 look	 not	 obvious.	 I	 can	 feel	 her	 struggling	 to	 shrink down	 her	 belly	 to	 make	 herself	 look	 slimmer...	 Which	 ended	 up	 emphasizing	 her	 good body	instead!	I	looked	away	while	making	light	coughs.
2768
2769"No,	 that's	 not	 what	 I'm	 trying	 to	 say?	 I	 mean	 don't	 you	 always	 had	 lunch	 in	 the	 club room?	So	how	do	you	deal	with	it	recently."
2770
2771"Ah,	so	that	what	you're	trying	to	ask..."
2772
2773Yuigahama	exhaled	looking	relieved.	Then,	she	took	some	time	thinking	about	it	silently, and	answered	slowly.
2774
2775"Yukinon	said	for	this	period,	she	plans	to	eat	while	working	in	the	student	council	room.
2776
2777So	I	have	been	eating	with	Yumiko	and	the	others	for	the	past	few	days...	and	usually	the same	after	school."
2778
2779"I	see."
2780
2781Yuigahama	nodded	after	hearing	my	short	reply,	turning	the	straw	placed	in	her	glass.
2782
2783Yuigahama	and	Yukinoshita	have	been	spending	time	with	each	other	for	almost	every lunch	 break	 and	 after	 school	 sessions.	 And	 before	 Yukinoshita	 returned	 to	 her	 family's house,	Yuigahama	also	tends	to	hang	out	with	Yukinoshita	in	her	unit,	so	they	probably also	 spent	 most	 of	 their	 nights	 and	 holidays	 together.	 But	 even	 since	 the	 prom	 thing happened,	Yukinoshita	began	to	focus	on	her	job	more,	so	they	probably	won't	have	such an	opportunity	for	the	time	being.
2784
2785How	will	things	continue	to	develop?	After	the	prom,	as	we	entered	the	next	year,	will they	still	be	spending	time	with	each	other?
2786
2787"...	Well,	for	now	lets	focus	on	completing	the	prom."
2788
2789In	attempt	to	interrupt	myself	from	thinking	further,	I	brought	up	a	different	topic,	and drank	up	all	of	the	remaining	ice	coffee.	Even	though	I	put	in	quite	an	amount	of	milk	and gum	molasses,	it	still	felt	bitter.
2790
2791Yuigahama	 looked	 downwards	 at	 the	 glass	 she	 is	 holding,	 biting	 onto	 her	 straw.	 After taking	a	sip,	she	nodded	heavily.
2792
2793"So	what	plans	do	you	have?"
2794
2795As	 she	 looked	 back	 up,	 Yuigahama	 has	 already	 went	 back	 to	 her	 cheery	 expression.
2796
2797Which	made	me	remember	how	our	conversation	usually	felt.	I	began	to	talk	about	the things	that	I've	been	considering	last	night,	while	holding	onto	the	back	of	my	neck.
2798
2799"So,	although	I've	been	thinking	on	it	for	a	long	time,	but	it	seems	that	just	organizing	an ordinary	prom	is	a	very	risky	idea.	For	a	proposal	that	has	already	been	criticized	once usually	own't	be	approved."
2800
2801Up	 until	 now,	 referring	 back	 to	 my	 experience	 with	 the	 proposing	 sessions	 like	 the cultural	 festival,	 the	 Christmas	 event	 and	 some	 other	 events,	 these	 experiences	 tell	 me that	the	prom	is	in	a	very	severe	situation.
2802
2803The	other	events	that	we	have	been	involved	with	were	built	under	the	condition	where they're	 already	 approved,	 and	 discuss	 on	 how	 to	 improve	 things.	 But	 right	 now	 the parents	 simply	 demanded	 the	 organizers	 to	 completely	 cancel	 the	 prom	 instead	 of improving	it.
2804
2805It	doesn't	matter	how	many	times	the	proposal	gets	revised,	as	long	as	the	core	concept of	a	prom	exists,	its	safe	to	say	that	they	won't	change	their	view	on	the	event.
2806
2807Most	importantly,	the	fact	that	the	event	has	already	been	disapproved	once	will	become our	biggest	obstacle.
2808
2809A	proposal	that	has	been	marked	as	a	failure,	can't	get	rid	of	such	an	image	that	easily, thanks	 to	 that,	 presenting	 improvements	 to	 it	 won't	 necessarily	 make	 them	 give	 a positive	feedback.
2810
2811The	bad	impression	the	public	have	towards	proms,	and	the	fact	that	this	proposal	has already	been	rejected	before,	will	cause	them	to	view	it	with	a	biased	attitude.	Which	is why	fixing	the	core	problems	the	event	has	is	ironically	not	the	best	solution.
2812
2813I	bit	onto	the	straw,	sort	out	my	thoughts,	and	presented	my	conclusion.
2814
2815"...Which	is	why,	a	new	bias	is	needed."
2816
2817Yuigahama	opened	up	her	mouth	and	slowly	muttered.
2818
2819"Bias...	ah!	Vibes?"
2820
2821"No."
2822
2823Why	are	you	showing	me	that	"I	got	it!"	"Hey	I	totally	know	that!"	kind	of	expression?	It’s totally	wrong,	'bias'	has	nothing	to	do	with	'vibes'.	Guess	its	better	to	explain	the	term	to her.
2824
2825"Bias	 is	 uhm...think	 about	 propensity	 or	 prejudice....	 it	 means	 that	 one	 is	 viewing something	with	a	false	image	under	the	influence	of	a	generalized	thought	process.	Well, yeah,	something	like	that."
2826
2827"Hngh......?"
2828
2829Answered	Yuigahama	who	ended	up	picking	her	head.	Why	does	it	seem	like	she	doesn't understand	it...	Well,	I	don't	particularly	remember	its	actual	definition	either.	I	just	need to	let	Yuigahama	understand	it.
2830
2831But	what	I	really	need	her	to	understand	is	what	I'll	be	talking	about	next.
2832
2833"So	basically,	in	order	to	change	their	bias,	we	need	to	come	up	with	a	proposal	that	is visually	different	from	the	prom	Yukinoshita	and	the	others	are	working	on."
2834
2835After	hearing	that,	Yuigahama's	mouth	seemed	to	opened	up	even	wider.	And,	eventually looking	at	me	with	a	suspicious	look.
2836
2837"...But	why?"
2838
2839"Right	now	the	idea	of	a	prom	itself	is	considered	an	absolute	evil.	But	what	will	happen
2840
2841when	 a	 much	 more	 vicious	 presence	 appears	 in	 front	 of	 them?	 This	 will	 make	 the previous	prom	proposal	look	much	better	in	comparison	right?"
2842
2843"I...	see?"
2844
2845Even	though	she	said	that,	Yuigahama	still	seemed	conflicted	on	the	idea.	Even	the	way she	said	her	agreement	has	turned	into	a	question.
2846
2847How	to	explain	it	better...	as	I	started	thinking,	Saizeriya's	menu	happened	to	flash	across my	eyes,	I	then	opened	up	the	menu	and	flipped	to	its	last	page.	Where	there	are	various choices	of	dessert	written	on	it.
2848
2849"...Sugar	makes	people	fat.	So	it's	a	better	idea	not	to	have	ice	cream	and	desserts	right?"
2850
2851"Well,	yeah,	why	did	you	ask	that	all	of	a	sudden..."
2852
2853Yuigahama	grunted	while	twisting	her	body,	turning	her	unhappy	face	away.
2854
2855"But	 if	 you	 add	 on	 a	 new	 choice	 of	 ice	 creams	 that	 comes	 with	 half	 of	 their	 original calorific	value,	you	might	end	up	trying	it,	right?"
2856
2857"Well	yeah,	I'll	probably	eat	two	of	them..."
2858
2859"No	what	the	f...	Well,	that's	basically	it."
2860
2861Yuigahama	 seemed	 very	 attracted	 to	 the	 pictures	 on	 the	 menu,	 that	 I	 had	 to	 make	 a cough	before	going	back	to	our	topic.
2862
2863"So	 the	 plan	 here	 is	 to	 come	 up	 with	 a	 plan	 that	 will	 be	 abandoned.	 Choose	 one	 out	 of two,	 make	 the	 parents	 feel	 that	 they	 can't	 refuse	 on	 making	 a	 choice	 between	 them.
2864
2865Propose	 the	 sacrificial	 plan,	 have	 them	 abandon	 the	 sacrificial	 plan,	 which	 in	 return means	the	approval	of	the	main	proposal."
2866
2867The	current	situation	is,	that	they	only	have	the	choice	to	approve	or	reject	the	proposal for	prom	proposal	A.
2868
2869However,	if	we	propose	a	prom	proposal	B,	the	parents	will	end	up	having	this	mentality that're	 selecting	 between	 Plan	 A	 and	 Plan	 B.	 Excluding	 'rejecting	 the	 prom'	 from	 their selection	list	as	a	result.
2870
2871"Ah...	so	that's	what	you	meant.	So	Yukinon	and	Isshiki-chan's	prom	will	be	the	ice	cream with	half	the	calories."
2872
2873Yuigahama	 nodded	 in	 confirmation,	 but	 the	 nodding	 soon	 stopped	 and	 she	 suddenly looked	up	at	me.
2874
2875"But	 if	 they	 already	 demanded	 to	 cancel	 the	 prom,	 wouldn't	 they	 just	 reject	 both proposals	anyway?"
2876
2877"Yeah	about	that...."
2878
2879Hearing	this,	I	slapped	onto	my	forehead.
2880
2881What	 Yuigahama	 just	 pointed	 out	 is	 the	 weakness	 of	 such	 a	 strategy.	 Even	 though Yuigahama	is	an	idiot,	but	her	brain	isn't	actually	bad	at	all.	Still	an	idiot	though.
2882
2883This	 strategy	 tends	 to	 work	 well	 against	 hesitant	 opponents.	 But	 in	 our	 case	 the opponent	 has	 already	 came	 to	 a	 conclusion,	 so	 making	 them	 choose	 between	 the	 two options	won't	be	as	effective	as	it	seems.
2884
2885So,	even	though	I'm	adding	this	statement	quite	late,	it	is	necessary	to	let	her	understand that	we	have	another	prerequisite.
2886
2887"...Actually,	that	shouldn't	be	a	problem."
2888
2889Listening	to	that,		Yuigahama	picked	her	head	aside	again.
2890
2891“Our	school	actually	has	no	intention	to	cancel	the	prom.	Otherwise	they	wouldn't	have used	the	saying	of	self	restraint.	Our	school	was	well	known	for	its	respect	towards	the autonomy	of	its	students,	in	fact	it	was	even	used	as	our	school	motto.”
2892
2893"Ah,	yes...	considering	that	so	many	events	were	held	before..."
2894
2895A	 slight	 sense	 of	 doubt	 still	 lies	 within	 Yuigahama's	 tone,	 but	 she	 still	 tried	 her	 best	 to agree	with	me.
2896
2897Taking	 our	 school	 motto	 into	 consideration	 does	 seem	 unreliable.	 But	 like	 what Yuigahama	said,	our	students	did	organize	a	lot	of	large	events	like	the	Christmas	party.
2898
2899Which	 none	 of	 these	 were	 rejected	 by	 the	 school,	 which	 means	 that	 the	 school authorities	have	always	intended	to	let	their	students	organize	activities	with	no	strings attached.	 Hiratsuka	 sensei	 herself	 even	 mentioned	 that	 the	 school	 originally	 did	 not think	that	there	are	any	problems	with	organizing	a	prom.
2900
2901"The	school	still	needs	to	care	for	their	reputation	after	all.	If	they	straight	up	shut	down the	prom,	they'll	look	ugly	if	the	word	got	spread	out.	So,	if	Yukinoshita	can	come	up	with a	 safer	 proposal,	 it	 shouldn't	 be	 hard	 to	 make	 the	 school	 our	 supporter.	 We'll	 have	 to count	on	Hiratsuka	sensei	regarding	that."
2902
2903"Mhm."
2904
2905After	listening	to	me,	Yuigahama	nodded	seeming	assured.
2906
2907Actually,	 now	 that	 Hiratsuka	 successfully	 obtained	 their	 verbal	 promise	 of	 “apply	 self restraint”.	So	as	long	as	we	can	come	up	with	the	second	option,	Hiratsuka	sensei	who's now	backed	up	by	the	school's	statement	should	have	a	certain	level	of	right	of	speech and	 influence	 over	 the	 parents'	 choices.	 Which	 means	 that	 we	 can	 have	 a	 positive outlook	over	the	school's	possible	actions.
2908
2909The	other	big	problem	here	is	the	negotiation	with	the	parents.	The	more	I	think	about	it the	more	it	feels	depressing,	to	the	point	that	I	ended	up	biting	onto	my	straw.
2910
2911"And	then	there's,	the	parents...	Specifically,	the	more	vocal	ones	...	If	we	put	down	our gesture,	show	them	the	options	we're	providing,	and	eventually	lead	them	into	thinking that	they're	choosing	out	of	their	own	will,	it	should	please	them	enough	to	make	them stop	complaining..."
2912
2913In	most	occasions,	people	who	complains	the	loudest	have	no	interest	with	debating	over the	content	of	the	subject,	but	simply	seek	for	victory	against	their	opponents.	Therefore, as	long	we	make	the	other	party	come	to	this	impression	of	"it	was	I	who	decided,	it	was I	who	changed	their	actions,	it	was	I	who	made	them	apologize"	,	endure	their	criticisms and	complaints,	then	things	should	end	up	with	a	good	note.
2914
2915No,	to	be	honest	this	doesn't	feel	convincing.
2916
2917This	time	it	was	me	who	picked	up	my	head.
2918
2919"...That's	what	I	think,	what	about	you?"
2920
2921While	sighing,	I	started	to	think	about	Yukinoshita's	mother.
2922
2923The	 fact	 that	 the	 people	 who	 came	 over	 to	 the	 school	 weren't	 the	 parents	 who	 had doubts	with	the	prom,	but	Yukinoshita's	mother	instead	made	me	see	a	ray	of	hope.	After all,	 her	 role	 was	 a	 mere	 messenger.	 Her	 speech	 could	 either	 be	 seen	 as	 that	 from	 the member	 of	 the	 parent	 council,	 or	 the	 words	 from	 the	 wife	 of	 a	 local	 authority.	 At	 least that's	my	impression	towards	her	original	rhetoric.
2924
2925But	 then	 again,	 as	 expected	 from	 the	 mother	 of	 the	 Yukinoshita	 sisters,	 the	 longer	 the conversation	went	on,	the	stronger	the	arguments	she	presented,	to	the	point	that	even we	got	sold	with	her	sayings.
2926
2927That	 mother,	 also	 likes	 to	 talk	 over	 things.	 She	 also	 followed	 up	 with	 Iroha's	 counter arguments	 without	 looking	 bored.	 No,	 instead	 of	 saying	 that	 she	 enjoyed	 the conversation	itself,	what	she	really	enjoys	is	defeating	her	opposition.
2928
2929In	this	case,	it's	hard	to	say	whether	Yukinoshita's	mother	will	simply	give	up	arguing	or not.
2930
2931Which	means	we'll	also	need	to	prepare	something	to	deal	with	her...	Please	don't	be	like that,	I	really	don't	want	to	be	involved	with	her,	Mrs	Yukinoshita	is	just	too	terrifying,	for real...
2932
2933So	for	the	time	being,	these	are	what	I	managed	to	come	up	with.
2934
2935“So	 basically,	 we'll	 show	 them	 that	 we	 have	 the	 right	 to	 forcefully	 execute	 the	 event, while	trying	to	convince	them	into	our	controllable	options.”
2936
2937I	spat	out	the	straw	in	my	mouth	that	has	been	wrinkled	into	a	ball,	and	presented	my conclusion.	Yuigahama	then	gleefully	smiled	at	me	in	admiration.
2938
2939"Wow...Hikki	 you	 should	 be	 doing	 this	 kind	 of	 job	 in	 the	 future!	 Some	 complaint correspondent	kind	of	profession!	It	really	suits	you!"
2940
2941"Absolutely	no...	that's	not	how	it	works,	and	I	don't	plan	to	get	a	job	either."
2942
2943I	can't	find	myself	to	feel	happy	about	this	statement	even	in	front	of	her	sparkling	eyes, and	 unconsciously	 revealed	 a	 disgusted	 expression.	 Yuigahama	 however	 continued	 to smile	happily.
2944
2945No,	 I'm	 really	 not	 suitable	 for	 this?	 Also	 to	 deal	 with	 complaints	 through	 such	 an approach	as	an	employee,	will	definitely	get	me	fired.	My	plan	would	only	work	due	to the	unique	environment	of	the	school	and	my	position	as	an	unemployed	person.
2946
2947Not	to	mention	that,	there	is	already	a	standard	reply	to	deal	with	most	complaints.
2948
2949Its	 simple,	 just	 blame	 our	 boss!	 Or	 just	 transfer	 their	 calls	 to	 the	 customer	 service	 and have	the	professionals	deal	with	them.
2950
2951"Well,	we	haven't	actually	started	any	actual	work	too.	So	up	next	we'll	have	to	deal	with the	real	troublesome	stuff."
2952
2953"What	do	you	mean..."
2954
2955Listening	 to	 that	 I	 sighed	 deeply,	 crossed	 my	 fingers,	 leaned	 my	 body	 slightly	 forward, and	lowered	my	head	to	make	a	Gendo	pose	(Ref	3:	The	signature	pose	of	commander Ikari	from	EVA),	and	said	in	a	deep	tone.
2956
2957"We	 still	 have	 to	 make	 preparations	 for	 the	 sacrificial	 plan.	 It	 needs	 to	 a	 look	 like	 that actual	 effort	 has	 been	 put	 in	 and	 has	 a	 realistic	 sense	 to	 it	 in	 the	 view	 of	 outsiders.
2958
2959Otherwise,	it	won't	even	qualify	as	an	option."
2960
2961"Ah,	so	that's	how	it	is..."
2962
2963Yuigamaha	seemed	to	have	moved	slightly	backwards.	So	I	moved	up	a	little	forward	as	if
2964
2965I'm	chasing	after	her.
2966
2967"Which	means	that	we're	short	of	people	and	time.	Also,	we	have	no	budget	at	all."
2968
2969"So	what	resources	do	we	actually	have..."
2970
2971As	Yuigahama	asked	back	with	a	troubled	smile.	I	made	a	shallow	smirk.
2972
2973"Introducing,	 the	 beings	 who	 have	 too	 much	 free	 time,	 requires	 no	 salary	 in	 return	 of them	working	for	us......Our	school's	students!	They're	completely	free	and	always	ready to	be	used."
2974
2975"This	is	too	shady!"
2976
2977Yuigahama	shouted	out	while	grabbing	onto	her	head.
2978
2979But	right	now,	it	is	true	that	if	we	don’t	recruit	the	most	professional	talents	in	our	school and	squeeze	out	every	ounce	of	their	efforts,	there	will	be	no	other	way	for	us	to	make	a comeback.	This	is	Sobu	High's	newly	revised	labor	system,	a	system	that	turns	the	most professional	experts	into	slave...	(Ref	4:	Japan	introduced	a	new	standard	to	their	labor system	 some	 time	 ago,	 employees	 of	 the	 higher	 hierarchy	 will	 no	 longer	 have	 an allowable	 limit	 to	 their	 overtime	 hours,	 and	 working	 overtime	 will	 no	 longer	 get	 them paid...	Man	they	actually	approved	this.)
2980
2981Yuigahama	 who	 sunk	 into	 her	 seat	 seeming	 discouraged,	 looked	 up	 at	 me	 through	 the gaps	of	her	bangs.
2982
2983"But,	for	such	a	plan	that	was	never	meant	to	be	approved,	can	we	even	find	anyone	that are	willing	to	help?"
2984
2985"You're	right..."
2986
2987As	I	replied,	I	too	looked	up	at	the	ceiling.
2988
2989Like	 she	 said,	 it	 wouldn't	 be	 this	 difficult	 to	 recruit	 people	 if	 we're	 actually	 trying	 to organize	an	ideal	prom,	after	all	no	one	would	like	to	become	a	sacrificial	Yamcha.	Only the	most	foolish	of	all	fools,	the	nicest	of	all	nice	people,	or	high	end	eccentrics	would	be interested	with	working	for	such	a	thing.
2990
2991Unfortunately	 we'll	 have	 to	 give	 up	 on	 direct	 recruitment.	 Which	 also	 means	 that	 the methods	we	could	use	are	limited.
2992
2993"I'll	 try	 not	 to	 disclose	 about	 our	 true	 purpose,	 and	 try	 convincing	 them	 as	 much	 as possible...	As	long	as	we	avoid	ending	up	with	a	financial	deficit,	and	properly	apologizing to	them	after	that,	yeah,	things	should	be	fi..."
2994
2995If	pleading	for	mercy	could	solve	the	problem	the	it	won't	be	an	issue,	I	crossed	my	arms, and	did	some	thinking,	suddenly	I	could	hear	a	short	sigh	that	sounded	as	if	it	was	being contained.
2996
2997As	 I	 looked	 up,	 Yuigahama	 could	 be	 seen	 biting	 onto	 her	 lips	 while	 slowly	 shaking	 her lowered	head.	She	didn't	say	anything,	but	that	is	enough	to	convey	her	thoughts.
2998
2999I	 shouldn't	 have	 said	 that	 without	 proper	 consideration.	 This	 is	 a	 mistake	 that	 I	 have repeated	so	many	times.
3000
3001I	took	a	deep	breath.	And	started	to	convince	myself.
3002
3003"...No,	lets	try	and	talk	to	them	properly.	They	might	not	understand	us,	but	for	now	lets seek	out	people	that	we're	familiar	with."
3004
3005"Ok."
3006
3007Yuigahama	nodded	and	answered	with	a	smile.
3008
3009The	situation	we're	in	right	now	is	a	product	of	my	mistakes.
3010
3011Which	is	why,	I	should	at	least	avoid	make	the	same	mistakes	over	and	over.
3012
3013A	method	different	from	what	I've	used	in	the	past,	a	fundamentally	different	one,	I	have to	find	it.
3014
3015
3016
3017
3018
30194-3
3020
3021After	 contacting	 the	 people	 who	 we	 could	 think	 of,	 time	 flowed	 through	 leisurely.	 The scenery	seen	from	Saize's	window	will	soon	dyed	with	twilight,	although	its	still	far	from the	peak	hour	for	leaving	work,	pedestrians	could	already	be	seen	flooding	into	the	train station.
3022
3023After	receiving	replies	from	the	people	I	asked	to	meet	up	with,	we	waited	for	them	to come.	During	this	period	we	decided	to	have	an	early	dinner.
3024
3025Yuigahama	 could	 be	 seen	 brawling	 with	 the	 pizza	 in	 front	 of	 her,	 whenever	 she	 says	 a
3026
3027'gambateh',	an	eerie	noise	could	be	heard	right	after.	Is	she	bad	at	using	this	round	pizza cutter.	 Lots	 of	 screeching	 sounds	 could	 be	 heard	 as	 the	 toothed	 blade	 clashes	 fiercely against	the	pan.
3028
3029Is	 she	 finally	 done?	 Yuigahama	 sighed	 and	 handed	 over	 a	 piece	 of	 pizza	 that	 has	 this weird	shape	that	I	can't	describe	of.
3030
3031"For	you,	Hikki."
3032
3033"Uhm,	thank	you."
3034
3035But	then	again	I	won't	make	unnecessary	remarks	towards	the	shape	of	the	pizza.	I'm	not in	a	position	to	complain	after	having	someone	else	cut	for	me,	and	Saize's	pizza	is	good no	matter	what	shape	or	size.
3036
3037"Do	you	want	some	chili	sauce?"
3038
3039"Ah,	yes.	Thank	you."
3040
3041I	picked	up	the	bottle	of	chili	sauce	placed	on	the	center	of	the	table,	squeezed	it	for	two to	three	times,	and	then	munched	on	the	pizza	that	now	tastes	even	better.
3042
3043After	a	while,	the	side	dishes,	Doria	rice,	pasta	and	salad	were	served.	Then'll	be	another meat	dish	coming	up	soon.	This	set	meal	felt	more	sumptuous	than	I	imagined,	I	should inform	Komachi	that	I	won't	be	having	dinner	when	I	come	home	later.
3044
3045While	 I	 pressed	 onto	 my	 phone,	 Yuigahama	 used	 her	 fork	 and	 knife	 like	 a	 pair	 of chopsticks,	asking	me	while	picking	up	food.
3046
3047"Do	you	want	any	salad?"
3048
3049"Just	a	bit,	no	tomatoes.	And	uhhh,	you	can	take	all	the	prawns.	I'll	be	full	with	the	meat only."
3050
3051"Really!?	That's	great!	By	the	way	eat	some	tomatoes	too,	its	not	good	to	be	picky	with food."
3052
3053"Ah,	its	not	that,	I	just	tend	to	feel	uncomfortable	every	time	I	eat	tomatoes,	I	can't	stand its	slimy	texture."
3054
3055"Eh...	but	that's	what	make	them	taste	good."
3056
3057Seeming	to	be	more	skillful	at	separating	salad	as	compared	to	cutting	pizza,	Yuigahama swiftly	 took	 out	 my	 share	 and	 arranged	 them	 on	 my	 plate.	 I	 nodded	 to	 express	 my gratitude,	took	it	over	and	thanked	her	before	eating.
3058
3059Though...	the	lettuce	is	covered	with	the	sticky	juice	of	the	tomatoes...I	shoved	it	into	my mouth	with	my	eyes	closed,	and	swallowed	it	almost	instantly	without	even	chewing.
3060
3061Aha,	now	there	shouldn't	be	any	other	vegetables	with	tomato	essence	stuck	on	them...
3062
3063As	 I	 opened	 up	 my	 eyes,	 Yuigahama	 could	 be	 seen	 placing	 her	 hands	 over	 her	 cheeks, happily	looking	at	me.
3064
3065"You	look	just	like	a	child."
3066
3067She	 gleefully	 made	 that	 comment	 as	 if	 she's	 teasing	 me,	 she	 then	 switched	 over	 into	 a more	mature	smile.	This	girl	who	was	supposed	to	be	at	the	same	age	as	mine,	for	some reason	looked	at	me	in	a	way	that	resembles	an	older	sister,	my	eyes	felt	uneasy,	looking left	and	right.
3068
3069But	as	I	shifted	my	 line	of	view	towards	every	 direction,	her	gorgeous	tea	colored	hair that	shines	like	an	angel's	halo,	her	big	watery	eyes,	the	concave	spot	on	her	collarbone, her	fingertips	that	tapped	onto	the	ends	of	her	hair,	the	lifted	corners	of	her	mouth	and those	glittering	lips,	her	long	eyelashes	that	look	like	a	soft	artistic	curve,	and	even	her slightly	blushed	soft	cheeks,	everything	that	enters	my	view	is	just	so	captivating.
3070
3071"S...some	adults	dislike	tomatoes	too..."
3072
3073Apparently	Hiratsuka-sensei	hates	tomatoes	too	...	after	saying	this,	I	lowered	my	head.	Is this	 me	 feeling	 shy	 or	 embarrassed?	 Either	 way,	 I	 can't	 look	 directly	 onto	 Yuigahama's face.
3074
3075I	looked	up	and	turned	my	head	towards	the	air	conditioner	with	a	"Speaking	of	which	~
3076
3077did	this	shop	set	their	air	conditioner	a	little	too	strong?"	kind	of	look,	and	let	a	out	a	long breath.
3078
3079Soon	after,	a	familiar	large	figure	appeared	in	the	distance.
3080
3081Wearing	a	trench	coat,	leather	gloves	and	glasses.	It	wouldn't	look	weird	for	the	current
3082
3083season,	 but	 the	 way	 he	 looks	 around	 while	 standing	 at	 the	 entrance,	 makes	 him	 look super	suspicious.	The	way	he's	acting	so	suspiciously	however	is	what	made	him	easier to	recognize,	Zaimokuza	Yoshiteru,	the	self	proclaimed	kengo.
3084
3085As	Zaimokuza	noticed	me	raising	my	hand,	the	uneasiness	expression	on	his	face	turned into	 cheerful	 one,	 marching	 while	 waving	 towards	 us.	 Like	 a	 wild	 grizzly	 bear	 who	 got tamed	all	of	a	sudden...
3086
3087For	some	reason	Yuigahama	stood	up	holding	onto	her	bag,	and	moved	over	to	my	seat.
3088
3089"Ahem."
3090
3091"Huh?"
3092
3093I	took	over	her	bag,	as	she	heard	my	confused	reaction,	Yuigahama	said	with	a	displeased face.
3094
3095"Move	over	a	little."
3096
3097"Ah,	sure..."
3098
3099After	I	moved	inside,	leaving	out	some	space,	she	then	sat	down	directly.
3100
3101Why...?	 Is	 it	 that	 hard	 to	 sit	 beside	 Zaimokuza?	 But	 then	 again,	 I	 don't	 really	 like Zaimokuza	sitting	sit	next	to	me	either,	...but	aren't	you	sitting	a	little	too	close	to	me?	I'm feeling	super	nervous	all	of	a	sudden!
3102
3103"Hachiman,	for	what	cause	did	you	summon	me	here."
3104
3105After	making	a	deep	breath,	Zaimokuza	made	two	unnecessarily	loud	coughs,	and	sat	in front	of	me.
3106
3107The	way	Zaimokuza's	acting	like	his	usual	self	made	me	felt	a	sense	of	relief.
3108
3109Alright,	calm	down.	Keep	my	breath	going.
3110
3111"For	now	lets	wait	for	everyone	else	to	come.	For	the	time	being,	spot	the	differences."
3112
3113I	 handed	 over	 the	 children's	 men	 to	 Zaimokuza.	 The	 front	 cover	 and	 end	 cover	 of	 this children's	 menu	 seemed	 like	 they	 have	 the	 same	 painting,	 but	 in	 fact	 there	 are	 some differences	between	them.	Its	a	strategy	to	make	children	stay	quiet	by	letting	them		find out	 these	 differences	 while	 waiting	 for	 their	 food,	 which	 makes	 this	 menu	 a	 popular feature.
3114
3115"Oh!...This	looks	kinda	difficult."
3116
3117Zaimokuza	 immediately	 started	 to	 work	 on	 it	 as	 he	 took	 over	 the	 menu.	 Such	 a	 casual treatment	feels	pretty	nice,	and	really	comfortable...	Before	I	realize	it	my	face	has	now soften	and	a	random	idea	came	to	my	mind.
3118
3119"Bruh,	if	we	are	still	single	by	the	age	of	70,	lets	live	together	at	a	nursing	home	shall	we."
3120
3121"What	 this,	 some	 new	 proposal	 tactic?	 I'm	 pretty	 confident	 that	 we	 could	 buy	 a	 single men	 only	 kind	 of	 apartment	 unit.	 We	 can	 uhhh,	 watch	 anime	 and	 play	 table	 games together	every	day."
3122
3123Zaimokuza	 didn't	 even	 bat	 an	 eye,	 staying	 focused	 on	 the	 menu,	 while	 answering	 me casually.
3124
3125Yuigahama	whispered	"The	fu...",	sounding	pretty	disgusted	by	our	conversation.
3126
3127I	felt	my	phone	vibrating.	Probably	the	other	person	that	I	contacted,	Saika	Totsuka.	As	I was	about	to	pick	up	the	call,	he	has	already	arrived.
3128
3129"Hachiman."
3130
3131Is	it	because	we're	in	a	public	area?	He	called	out	my	name	in	a	lower	tone	than	usual.
3132
3133As	 I	 looked	 up,	 Totsuka	 walked	 over	 while	 carrying	 a	 tennis	 bag	 is	 coming.	 Wearing	 a coat	over	his	usual	sportswear,	and	his	neck	is	covered	with	what	seems	to	be	a	hand-woven	 muffler.	 Did	 he	 rushed	 here	 right	 after	 his	 club	 activity	 ended?	 His	 clothes	 look scattered,	 and	 his	 breathing	 sounded	 rapid,	 and	 his	 cheeks	 look	 pretty	 red.	 This	 felt refreshing,	and	I	laughed	unconsciously	as	I	raise	up	my	arm.
3134
3135My	smile	froze	instant.
3136
3137Standing	 behind	 Totsuka,	 a	 familiar	 black	 blueish	 ponytail	 could	 be	 seen	 swaying.
3138
3139Wearing	a	black		coat	and	checkered	scarf,	those	daringly	uncovered	long	legs,	and	also the	big	shopping	bags	that	look	incompatible	with	these	clothing.	Seeming	unhappy	yet trying	her	best	to	cover	it	up	by	showing	a	casual	expression,	Kawasomething	nodded	at us.	Which	I	too	nodded	in	response.
3140
3141I	then	immediately	whispered	into	Yuigahama's	ear.
3142
3143"Didn't	I	tell	you	to	invite	someone	who	easy	to	communicate	with?"
3144
3145"And	you	invite	chuuni	here!"
3146
3147Complained	 Yuigahama	 with	 a	 pouting	 face	 while	 keeping	 her	 voice	 down.	 But	 its	 not like	I	can	do	anything	about	this	situation.
3148
3149"Well,	yeah,	this	erm,	um,	well,	it’s	true	that	they're	hard	to	communicate	with	but..."
3150
3151...	But	really,	for	my	case,	there's	actually	not	a	lot	of	people	who	I	can	talk	to	isn't	it?
3152
3153Zaimokuza,	Totsuka	and	even	Kawasaki	however	are	people	we're	actually	familiar	with, which	 makes	 them	 easier	 to	 talk	 to.	 If	 its	 someone	 like	 Miura	 for	 example,	 I	 definitely can't	get	myself	to	say	anything	in	front	of	them.
3154
3155Totsuka	 walked	 over	 in	 small	 steps	 and	 sat	 down	 lightly	 beside	 Zaimokuza,	 while Kawasaki	pulled	over	a	chair	down	to	sit,	crossing	her	legs,	facing	us	sideways.
3156
3157"Saki	chan	and	Saika	chan,	thank	you	for	coming.	Do	you	want	something	to	eat?"
3158
3159Yuigahama	handed	them	the	menu,	Totsuka	then	replied	with	a	shy	smile.
3160
3161"Yeah,	I	would	like	to...	feeling	a	bit	hungry	after	club	activities."
3162
3163"I'll	pass...	a	cup	of	drink	is	enough."
3164
3165Kawasaki	 replied	 briefly.	 She	 probably	 has	 to	 go	 home	 and	 prepare	 dinner,	 and	 only decided	to	join	in	since	she	was	on	the	way	to	pick	up	her	sister	Keika.	Its	better	not	to waste	too	much	of	her	time.
3166
3167I'll	begin	once	Totsuka	comes	back	...	Come	to	think	of	it,	we	haven't	ask	Zaimokuza	if	he wants	 to	 eat	 anything?	 As	 I	 looked	 towards	 him,	 Zaimokuza	 is	 still	 staring	 at	 the children's	menu.
3168
3169"Nghhhh,	there	are	still	seven	differences	that	can't	be	found..."
3170
3171Seriously	dude,	there's	only	10	differences	in	the	menu.
3172
3173
3174
3175
3176
31774-4
3178
3179As	I	stared	at	Totsuka	roll	up	the	pasta	and	sending	it	into	his	mouth,	after	he	seems	to be	done	chewing,	I	began	to	talk.
3180
3181"First	of	all,	I	would	like	to	apologize	for	calling	you	out	so	suddenly,	and	thank	you	all for	coming,	thank	you	very	much."
3182
3183I	bowed	down	my	head	and	thanked	them	sincerely.	Argh	its	feels	embarrassing	to	act	so earnest,	 that	 I'm	 afraid	 to	 look	 up	 into	 the	 expressions	 of	 these	 three	 people,	 so	 I continued	to	lower	my	head	for	a	while.
3184
3185Then,	 a	 satisfying	 "ohoho"	 sound,	 the	 gentle	 sensation	 of	 someone	 nodding,	 and	 a	 soft troubled	sigh	could	be	felt	in	the	air,	alongside	the	happy,	relieved	sensation	travelling into	my	ears.	Knowing	which	reactions	were	whose,	it	no	longer	make	sense	for	me	to continue	bowing.
3186
3187After	making	two	coughs	to	drive	of	my	shyness,	I	continued	saying.
3188
3189"I	have	an	unfortunate	news	to	tell	you	all."
3190
3191"Ok."
3192
3193Zaimokuza	 adjusted	 his	 posture,	 showing	 me	 an	 unnecessary	 "I'm	 listening"	 kind	 of expression,	 Totsuka	 sat	 nervously	 while	 setting	 his	 back	 straight,	 and	 Kawasaki	 is	 still leaning	her	head	aside	with	a	tired	face.
3194
3195"Do	you	guys	know	about	the	school	prom?"
3196
3197"Huh,	no	I	don't,	but	I	will	now."
3198
3199As	 he	 answered	 Zaimokuza	 took	 out	 his	 mobile	 phone.	 Searching	 on	 something	 after being	asked	about	it,	for	an	otaku	this	guy	is	actually	pretty	impressive.	I	was	expecting him	to	ask	me	back	on	what's	the	prom	about,	and	I	was	prepared	to	answer	him	"Just Google	 it,	 see	 this	 rectangular	 device	 thingy	 in	 front	 of	 you?	 Use	 it.	 I	 mean,	 DoN't	 YoU
3200
3201GuYS	HaVe	pHonES?	"	instead	he	just	saved	me	the	trouble.
3202
3203I'm	guessing	that	Zaimokuza	is	done	researching	about	proms,	as	he	is	now	showing	a disgusted	and	wretched	face	while	staring	at	his	phone.
3204
3205"Erggg...	 what	 is	 this,	 the	 kind	 of	 activity	 that	 only	 exists	 to	 satisfy	 the	 vile	 desires	 of normies,	giving	them	nothing	but	a	short	term	of	happiness!?	And	those	goddang	chads will	use	this	experience	as	something	to	brag	on	to	their	normie	community	once	they enter	university	and	be	like	'Yooooo	we	organized	a	prom	during	high	school,	see	how	lit
3206
3207we	are	fam?'	to	brag	themselves	showing	people	how cool	 their	 high	 school	 life	 was,	 alter	 a	 few	 details	 here	 and	 there,	 those	 sociable bastards..."
3208
3209Zaimokuza	 slammed	 his	 phone	 onto	 the	 table,	 Totsuka	 took	 a	 peek	 on	 its	 contents, looking	 intrigued.	 Kawawhatshername	 didn’t	 say	 anything	 like	 “can	 I	 have	 a	 look”,	 but the	way	she	glanced	over	seems	to	be	telling	me	that.
3210
3211"This	prom	will	be	organized	in	our	school...	but	we	decided	to	oppose	it."
3212
3213Just	as	I	finished	my	sentence,	Zaimokuza	made	a	loud	slap	onto	his	knee	and	said.
3214
3215"Which	means	that	we're	the	anti-prom	group	right!?"
3216
3217"...	Well,	something	like	that."
3218
3219"Yes!	We're	the	anti-prom	bois!"
3220
3221Did	 you	 made	 that	 term	 up	 when	 you	 were	 searching	 on	 it	 just	 now...	 Please	 don't	 use some	random	term	you	came	up	with	so	confidently...	Seeing	how	agitated	Zaimokuza's acting,	the	volume	of	my	voice	suddenly	went	down	a	few	levels.
3222
3223"Well...that's...erm,	yeah,	that's	kinda	what	we're	doing."
3224
3225"What!?	No!?"
3226
3227Yuigahama	shouted	at	me	with	a	shocked	face.	It’s	loud,	she	shouted	really	loud.	Both	of your	voices	are	seriously	loud.	And	can	you	please	not	turn	around,	I	could	almost	feel something	grazing	over	my	elbow.	Also	please	stop	shaking	my	limb.
3228
3229What's	 going	 on	 here!	 ?	 As	 I	 was	 being	 shaken,	 I	 looked	 around	 the	 shop.	 Fortunately, there	 isn't	 a	 lot	 of	 people	 in	 here.	 Now	 that	 the	 tables	 nearby	 ours	 are	 still	 empty.	 I should	probably	discuss	about	it	with	Yuigahama	in	private...
3230
3231"Sorry,	can	you	give	us	a	minute?"
3232
3233"Take	your	time."
3234
3235After	 receiving	 Zaimokuza's	 permission,	 I	 turned	 over	 to	 Yuigahama.	 Then	 lift	 up	 my hands	 up	 to	 the	 chest,	 making	 a	 push-out	 hand	 gesture.	 Seeing	 my	 signal,	 Yuigahama unwillingly	stood	up.
3236
3237I	too	stood	up,	after	making	a	brief	apologize	to	Totsuka	and	Kawasaki,	I	led	Yuigahama to	a	different	table.
3238
3239Yuigahama	looked	at	me	full	of	suspicion,	and	grabbed	onto	my	shoulder	as	soon	as	we sat	down,	she	said	quietly.
3240
3241"What	was	that	about?	We	are	going	to	organize	a	prom	right?"
3242
3243"Yes	 yes.	 That	 is	 this	 plan....	 But,	 its	 kinda	 hard	 to	 say	 it	 out	 now,	 you	 saw	 Zaimo's reaction	 just	 now	 didn't	 you...	 Its	 hard	 to	 explain	 it	 to	 him	 without	 making	 his	 mood down."
3244
3245As	 I	 glanced	 over,	 Zaimokuza	 could	 be	 seen	 blabbering	 over	 negative	 rumours	 about proms.	 Totsuka	 who	 was	 just	 nodding	 obediently	 and	 Kawasaki	 who's	 completely ignoring	them.	Its	like	I'm	looking	at	these	three	strangers	just	happened	to	be	drinking together	at	the	bar.
3246
3247Eyebrows	raised,	Yuigahama	said	her	voice	down.
3248
3249"Eh....	But	it’s	definitely	not	appropriate	to	not	tell	them	truth."
3250
3251"Yeah	I'll	tell	them...	But	if	anything	goes	wrong,	do	help	me	out	a	little.	Please."
3252
3253I	closed	my	palms	together	and	lowered	my	head.	Yuigahama	then	let	out	a	troubled	sigh.
3254
3255"...	It	can't	be	helped	then."
3256
3257Yuigahama	 smiled	 as	 she	 was	 standing	 up.	 I	 too	 stood	 up	 and	 walked	 towards	 our original	seats.
3258
3259
3260
3261Did	Zaimokuza	finally	calm	down	after	all	that	fussing?	He's	now	looking	at	us	with	very eager	eyes.	I	made	another	cough	and	said.
3262
3263"Everyone,	I	have	another	unfortunate	thing	to	announce."
3264
3265"Ok."
3266
3267Zaimokuza	sat	upright	again.
3268
3269"Look...	we	are	indeed	opposing	the	prom,	but	not	as	some	kind	of	anti-prom	group.	The prom	will	still	be	held."
3270
3271"what!?"
3272
3273Although	 Zaimokuza	 tilted	 his	 head,	 but	 is	 still	 showing	 a	 serious	 expression.	 Totsuka and	Kawasaki	reacted	in	a	similar	way.	Well,	it	can't	be	helped	for	them	to	react	in	such	a way,	 since	 this	 does	 sound	 pretty	 confusing.	 When	 I	 was	 thinking	 on	 how	 to	 elaborate
3274
3275further,	Yuigahama	immediately	followed	up	with	my	statement.
3276
3277“Yukinon	 and	 Iroha	 chan	 are	 organizing	 the	 prom,	 but	 the	 parents	 a	 and	 the	 school demanded	them	to	apply	self-restraint.	So	we	are	considering	to	present	them	a	different prom	proposal,	something	like	that.”
3278
3279"....Huh."
3280
3281Kawasaki’s	reply	sounded	as	if	she	was	uninterested,	her	eyes	however	widened	with	a glint	of	surprise,	it	is	because	of	hearing	the	term	self-restraint	for	the	first	time?
3282
3283"Yukinoshita	and	Iroha's	plan	has	been	rejected	by	the	parents	association.	Even	if	they make	 amendments	 to	 that	 proposal,	 it	 will	 most	 probably	 get	 kicked	 back	 again.
3284
3285Therefore,	 we	 plan	 to	 present	 them	 with	 a	 second	 proposal.	 With	 the	 existence	 of	 two proposals,	we	should	be	able	to	force	a	situation	where	they'll	have	to	select	either	one	of them."
3286
3287"Is	Yukinoshita	aware	of	this?"
3288
3289Although	her	tone	sounded	cold,	I	could	see	the	worries	in	Kawasaki's	eyes.	I	shook	my head.
3290
3291"No,	she	doesn't	know...	to	be	exact,	I	did	not	tell	her.	Sorry,	please	don't	mention	about this	to	others.	The	plan	won't	work	if	it's	exposed."
3292
3293Kawasaki’s	looked	at	me	in	disbelief.	While	although	not	obvious,	Totsuka	too	seemed	to be	confused.	Only	Zaimokuza	is	tapping	on	the	table	with	his	hand	while	nodding.
3294
3295"Uhm	 uhm,	 a	 double	 bind...	 under	 a	 premise	 huh,	 so	 you're	 suggesting	 them	 multiple options	 to	 choose,	 and	 pull	 off	 this	 psychological	 trick	 where	 they'll	 act	 under	 the impression	that	they	must	choose..."
3296
3297"Yes,	something	like	that."
3298
3299Only	this	however	won't	be	enough	to	induce	an	answer	from	the	parents,	so	its	not	the full	picture,	but	that	is	indeed	our	intention.
3300
3301Sounding	as	if	he's	sorting	out	all	these	information	being	sorted	out,	Totsuka	who	had been	nodding	silently	as	he	was	listening	said	with	a	low	voice.
3302
3303"Which	means	that,	you'll	still	be	opposing	the	prom	one	way	or	another."
3304
3305"...	Indeed.	So	I	hope	that	you	can	help	us	out	with	the	planning	of	the	prom..."
3306
3307I	find	it	difficult	to	convey	my	next	sentence,	so	my	mouth	froze	half	open.
3308
3309As	 I	 stayed	 silent	 for	 a	 few	 moments,	 he	 sat	 up	 straight	 staring	 at	 me.	 Showing	 me	 an impression	 that	 felt	 different	 from	 his	 usual	 serenity	 and	 gentleness,	 a	 slightly prestigious	look.
3310
3311"Hachiman,	allow	me	to	verify	something	first.	Otherwise	this	conversation	will	just	end up	with	loose	ties	like	it	did	before.	I	don't	like	it."
3312
3313Even	though	he	sounded	shy,	a	strong	will	could	be	sensed	from	his	words.	This	feeling that	I	never	expected	Totsuka	to	have		made	me	at	a	loss	of	words.	But	now	that	he	said it,	it	is	true	that	I	never	actually	talked	about	this	to	anyone,	no,	I	didn't	even	attempt	to have	 a	 discussion	 from	 the	 beginning,	 simply	 allowing	 things	 to	 end	 abruptly.	 In	 their point	of	view	I	probably	acted	very	dishonest	and	irresponsible.
3314
3315"What	exactly	do	you	want?"
3316
3317Not	really	understanding	what	is	the	intent	behind	this	question,	I	asked	him	through	my eyes.	Totsuka	then	scratched	his	cheeks	and	said.
3318
3319"The	 way	 Hachiman	 said	 it	 just	 now,	 doesn't	 sound	 like	 you	 really	 want	 to	 organize	 a prom.	 Which	 made	 me	 fell	 concerned	 about	 it...the	 fact	 that	 you're	 hiding	 this	 from Yukinoshita	 san	 doesn't	 sound	 right	 to	 me	 either.	 Is	 there	 another	 goal	 that	 Hachiman wants	to	achieve	here?"
3320
3321"No,	I..."
3322
3323As	 I	 was	 about	 to	 explain	 using	 the	 words	 I	 just	 came	 up	 with.	 Totsuka's	 strong	 eyes stopped	me	from	doing	so.
3324
3325"Sorry	 Hachiman,	 I	 know	 that	 it	 might	 be	 hard	 to	 say	 it	 out	 loud	 with	 everyone	 being here.	But	we	really	want	to	understand	you	properly."
3326
3327I	couldn't	speak	for	a	while.
3328
3329Everyone	 in	 front	 of	 me	 is	 staring	 here.	 Either	 with	 their	 backs	 straight,	 or	 leaning sideways,	or	seeming	troubled	from	such	an	atmosphere.
3330
3331As	I	was	figuring	out	on	what	to	say,	my	wavering	sight	landed	on	Yuigahama's	worried face.
3332
3333"Hikki..."
3334
3335I	 could	 feel	 my	 cuff	 being	 pulled	 by	 her	 hand	 under	 the	 table.	 Feeling	 her	 warmth,	 I closed	my	eyes.
3336
3337Yeah,	I	know.	This	time	I	should	really	say	it	properly.
3338
3339This	is	not	the	first	time	I	asked	them	for	help.	Although	the	lineup	of	people	this	time are	 somewhat	 different,	 the	 situation	 is	 the	 same.	 Back	 then,	 I	 kept	 everything	 hidden from	them,	using	other	as	an	excuse,	for	the	sake	of	relying	on	their	gentleness.
3340
3341But	its	different	now.	Even	if	it	feels	embarrassing,	but	at	least	right	now	I	can	tell	them all	about	it,	with	a	language	that	contains	no	lies.
3342
3343Even	if	they	might	find	it	unreasonable	and	illogical,	and	they	might	not	find	it	to	be	true.
3344
3345But	its	my	very	language,	the	kind	of	language	that	is	not	a	borrowed	or	a	temporary	one.
3346
3347
3348
3349"Truth	be	told,	I	don't	really	care	about	what	happens	to	the	prom....	Yukinoshita,	wants to	achieve	it	with	her	own	strength.	So	she	doesn't	want	me	to	help."
3350
3351I	opened	my	eyes	slowly.
3352
3353"Even	so,	I	still	want	to	make	their	prom	a	reality...	that's	what	I	thought."
3354
3355After	struggling	hard	to	finish	my	sentence,	my	eyes	lined	up	with	Totsuka's	bright	smile, as	he	nodded	in	approval.	At	this	moment	I	feel	liberated	from	all	these	things	entangling my	chest,	and	let	out	a	breath.
3356
3357"Generally	 speaking,	 I'm	 planning	 to	 come	 out	 with	 a	 proposal	 that	 acts	 as	 a	 sacrificial dummy.	A	counterfeit	designed	for	the	sole	purpose	of	letting	the	original	proposal	to	be approved.	Now	knowing	that	everything	you	do	will	only	be	in	vain,	if	you	are	still	willing to	help,	please	lend	me	a	hand."
3358
3359I	bowed	my	head	and	waited	for	their	answer,	and	I	could	feel	the	tension	on	my	cuffs growing	stronger.
3360
3361Silence	 itself	 lasted	 for	 only	 a	 few	 seconds.	 However,	 no	 other	 words	 could	 be	 heard other	than	the	slightest	sighs.
3362
3363I	then	heard	a	deep	sigh.	As	I	looked	up,	Kawasaki	showed	me	a	sorry	look.
3364
3365"I'm	sorry.	As	I'm	currently	helping	out	Yukinoshita,	I	can't	just	leave	my	current	duties aside.	Things	should	always	have	a	proper	beginning	and	end."
3366
3367Kawasaki's	hand	that	was	supporting	her	chin	a	while	ago,	is	now	placed	on	her	thighs, her	body	sat	straight	up,	showing	an	admirable	posture.
3368
3369"...Ah,	I	understand.	In	fact,	its	good	to	know	that	you're	helping	out	Yukinoshita.	Their prom	is	the	main	event	after	all.	Please."
3370
3371Kawasaki	then	turned	her	head	aside	and	said	quickly.
3372
3373"I	 will	 do	 it	 even	 if	 you	 didn't	 asked	 me	 to.	 But...I'll	 be	 cheering	 for	 you	 guys	 from	 the other	side."
3374
3375After	adding	that	remark	with	a	very	low	voice,	Totsuka	looked	at	Kawasaki	with	a	smile, and	followed	up.
3376
3377"I	have	club	activities	so	I	won't	be	available	all	the	time...	But	if	you	need	any	manpower, just	let	me	know.	The	tennis	team	will	help	out.	I	am	the	club	president	after	all."
3378
3379Said	 Totsuka	 as	 he	 patted	 on	 his	 chest.	 My	 expression	 calmed	 down	 after	 hearing	 his answer.
3380
3381"Thank	you,	I'll	count	on	you	when	the	time	comes."
3382
3383Even	 though	 the	 number	 of	 active	 committee	 members	 have	 not	 increase,	 it	 still	 feels reassuring	 to	 know	 that	 we	 have	 backup	 in	 case	 of	 an	 emergency.	 Most	 importantly, frank	people	like	those	in	the	tennis	club	could	be	very	helpful.
3384
3385I	let	out	a	silent	breath	of	relief,	and	I	could	feel	a	pat	on	my	cuff.	Even	though	she	didn't say	anything,	the	words	"This	is	great."	has	been	conveyed	through	this	action.	I	didn't look	at	her	face	as	I	was	feeling	shy,	so	I	only	nodded	slightly	as	a	response.
3386
3387There	are	no	major	progress.	But	at	least	we're	moving	forward	bit	by	bit...	As	I	had	this thought,	 I	 looked	 up,	 only	 to	 see	 Zaimokuza	 remaining	 silent,	 occasionally	 making sounds	that	I	can't	tell	whether	its	a	murmur	or	a	shriek.
3388
3389"Hnggghh..."
3390
3391As	 I	 thought	 that	 he's	 thinking	 things	 through,	 Zaimokuza	 suddenly	 stood	 up.	 Which Kawasaki	 and	 Totsuka	 who	 noticed	 him	 both	 stood	 up	 and	 gave	 way.	 Zaimokuza	 then gave	them	a	nod	and	walked	out	with	a	hand	knife	pose.	As	he	reached	the	aisle,	he	stood straight	with	his	back	facing	me.
3392
3393"...Right	now	it	should	be	the	one	at	west	Chiba's	Lucky?	No,	the	ACE."
3394
3395Zaimokuza	is	seen	playing	with	his	phone	while	saying	those	words.	Feeling	weird	from his	 actions,	 me	 and	 Yuigahama	 looked	 at	 each	 other.	 Conversing	 silently	 with	 our	 eyes
3396
3397"What	does	that	mean?"	"I	don't	know".	All	I	could	recongnize	is	the	name	of	the	game centers	he	just	said.	Knowing	that	I	shouldn't	leave	him	that	way,	I	asked.
3398
3399"Hey	uhh...Zaimokuza	san?	You	there?"
3400
3401As	 I	 called	 out	 to	 him,	 Zaimokuza	 turned	 back	 sideways,	 with	 his	 hands	 now	 in	 both pockets,	showing	a	cold	smile.
3402
3403"...	Well,	guess	I	have	no	choice."
3404
3405Even	though	I	know	that	he	was	just	acting	cool,	for	some	reason	I	find	his	acting	much convincing	than	ever	before.
3406
3407No	seriously,	its	actually	pretty	cool.
3408
3409"You	need	talents	right.	Tomorrow,	free	up	your	schedule	a	little,	I	will	contact	you."
3410
3411Once	 he	 finished	 that	 sentence,	 Zaimokuza	 walked	 towards	 the	 exit	 in	 large	 steps.	 The odd	 yet	 fascinating	 sensation	 made	 me	 froze	 for	 a	 moment,	 when	 I	 came	 back	 to	 my senses,	I	stood	up	and	told	him.
3412
3413"Sorry,	and	thank	you."
3414
3415So,	Zaimokuza	stopped	his	movements.
3416
3417"Wait!	And	hope!"
3418
3419Zaimokuza	could	be	seen	waving	his	trench	coat,	both	arms	stretched	out,	and	shouted these	words.	What,	bruh.	Can	you	please	not	do	this	in	a	restaurant	...	Although,	well,	it does	look	pretty	cool	to	be	honest.
3420
3421
3422
3423
3424
3425Chapter	5:	Not	usually	being	aware	of	it, the	closing	credits	are	about	to	roll.
3426
3427A	day	after	Zaimokuza’s	cool	proclamation,	the	promised	moment	finally	came.
3428
3429As	soon	as	the	end	of	class	bell	rang,	I	promptly	turned	my	head	back	and	cast	my	eyes over	 to	 the	 back	 corner	 of	 the	 classroom	 -	 entering	 my	 sight	 was	 the	 typical	 group centered	around	Miura.	Needless	to	say,	Yuigahama	was	also	part	of	it.
3430
3431I	breathed	out	deeply,	made	up	my	mind	and	then	stood	up	from	my	seat.	Maybe	I	was	a little	too	fired	up	-	I	just	created	a	fuss	by	pushing	back	the	chair	too	hard	and	making	a stupid	‘grrr’	sound	as	it	scrubbed	the	ground.	Yuigahama	noticed	that	sound	and	looked in	my	direction.	Well,	in	fact,	everybody	left	in	the	classroom	then	were	looking	at	me.
3432
3433That	 was	 so	 embarrassing	 of	 me	 that	 I	 just	 wanted	 to	 get	 to	 the	 back	 of	 the	 classroom and	dive	right	into	the	window	glass	immediately,	till	I	reached	the	end	of	the	blue	sky.
3434
3435You’d	 think	 of	 it	 as	 exciting	 as	 ‘Grand	 Blue’	 but	 I	 was	 so	 close	 to	 turning	 the	 school courtyard	into	red	ocean. [11]
3436
3437After	 all,	 the	 embarrassment	 I	 suffered	 wasn’t	 for	 nothing.	 Yuigahama	 immediately picked	 up	 her	 school	 bag	 and	 carried	 it	 on	 her	 back,	 waving	 goodbye	 to	 Miura	 and coming	towards	me.
3438
3439“About	to	get	going?”
3440
3441“Yeah…”
3442
3443What	 a	 relief…	 to	 have	 Yuigahama	 coming	 up	 and	 talking	 to	 me.	 But	 still,	 it’s	 kind	 of embarrassing	to	be	talked	to	first.	Shy	egoistic	17-year-old	Hachiman!	To	avoid	further being	 stared	 at,	 I	 quickly	 left	 the	 classroom,	 followed	 by	 Yuigahama	 walking	 like	 a penguin	making	a	“peta-peta”	sound	with	her	indoor	shoes.
3444
3445I	 walked	 ahead	 of	 her	 by	 half	 a	 step.	 We	 came	 to	 the	 same	 intersection	 as	 yesterday, where	 to	 the	 right	 lies	 the	 staircase	 and	 to	 the	 left	 the	 special-purpose	 building.
3446
3447Yuigahama	then	pecked	my	back	asking,
3448
3449“What	shall	we	do	today?”
3450
3451“Ah,	I	heard	something	from	Zaimokuza	earlier...”
3452
3453As	 I	 spoke	 I	 took	 out	 my	 smartphone	 to	 confirm	 the	 meetup	 location	 Zaimokuza	 sent over	to	me.
3454
3455Yuigahama	 leaned	 her	 head,	 jumping	 back	 and	 forth,	 left	 and	 right,	 as	 if	 saying	 ‘let	 me also	see	it’.	Hey!	That’s	disturbing	but	cute	yet	also	annoying	stop	jumping	stop	leaping leave	me	alone.[12]	Just	give	me	a	moment	and	I’ll	let	you	see	it….	Hence	I	did.
3456
3457“Ehh,	looks	like	we	are	also	meeting	someone	else	besides	Zaimokuza	there.”
3458
3459“Hmm…”
3460
3461Yuigahama	peeked	at	the	screen	over	my	shoulder	and	blinked	her	eyes	a	couple	times.
3462
3463After	that,	she	leaned	her	head	and	asked	me	dubiously,
3464
3465“...	Who	else	is	the	Chuunibyou	calling?”
3466
3467I	looked	outside	the	window	as	she	asked	-	no	matter	how	far	it	goes	the	sky	stays	blue and	perfectly	clear.	There,	it	seemed	that	I	just	saw	an	illusion	of	Zaimokuza	in	a	thumb-up	pose.	I	put	up	a	bitter	smile	corresponding	to	my	illusion.
3468
3469“Let’s	just	trust	him	for	now…”
3470
3471“Even	if	you	say	so	with	a	good	face....”
3472
3473Yuigahama’s	uneasy	mutter	echoed	in	the	corridor.
3474
3475
3476
3477
3478
34795-2
3480
3481Shortly,	 we	 arrived	 at	 the	 special-purpose	 building	 according	 to	 Zaimokuza’s	 message, two	floors	below	the	Service	Club,	which	was	located	on	the	fourth.	Around	the	corner stood	Zaimokuza	like	a	Deva	King[13].	He	noticed	us	two	soon	and	started	waving	at	us.
3482
3483“Oh,	come	here!”
3484
3485While	being	waved	at,	I	arrived	at	the	front	of	a	certain	classroom.
3486
3487“This	place	is…”
3488
3489Yuigahama	opened	her	mouth	in	surprise	and	cast	her	eyes	into	the	classroom.	So	did	I, before	I	noticed	something	too.
3490
3491I	had	been	to	this	place	before.	If	I	remember	it	correctly,	this	is…	Ga...Gamer’s	Research Club,	aka	Asoken[14]. 	My	memory	of	this	place	was	vague	but	I	could	recollect	that	I	used to	play	Daifugou	(or	Daihinmin)	here.
3492
3493“Please	come	in.” [15]
3494
3495Zaimokuza	 knocked	 on	 the	 door	 yet	 entered	 the	 classroom	 without	 waiting	 for	 any response.	We	were	still	bewildered	but	still	we	followed	him	quickly	into	the	classroom.
3496
3497Behind	the	door	there	was	a	pile	of	boxes,	books,	packages	stacking	on	top	of	each	other.
3498
3499They	 looked	 like	 intimidating	 walls	 standing	 there,	 leaving	 the	 room	 look	 like	 a	 maze.
3500
3501Entering	my	mind	were	images	of	a	typical	bibliomania’s	home	library	and	a	packed	toy shop.
3502
3503“Hey…	is	this	the	Game	Club?”
3504
3505Yuigahama	dragged	my	sleeve	and	asked.	Thanks	to	her	question	now	I	remembered	too.
3506
3507Yes	yes,	this	is	the	Game	Club.	Ah…	Yeah,	that’s	a	thing	in	our	school.
3508
3509As	 I	 was	 thinking	 so,	 Zaimokuza	 ended	 up	 walking	 way	 ahead	 of	 us	 and	 was	 about	 to disappear	amid	the	tallest	pile	of	books	and	boxes.
3510
3511I	quickly	chased	him	up,	and	there	I	saw	two	long	desks	and	two	more	guys.
3512
3513Those	two	guys	noticed	us	and	both	pushed	their	glasses	up.
3514
3515“Hello…”
3516
3517“...	Long	time	no	see.”
3518
3519I	 felt	 like	 I	 had	 seen	 one	 of	 them	 -	 with	 that	 distinctive,	 fashionable	 pair	 of	 glasses[16].
3520
3521While	I	was	wondering	his	name,	Zaimokuza	eagerly	prepared	the	steel	chairs,	laid	out the	tea	and	snacks	on	the	table.	He	placed	Yuigahama’s	and	my	chair	facing	against	those two	glasses,	and	then	sat	down	on	their	side	of	the	table.
3522
3523“Th..	thanks!”
3524
3525After	 Yuigahama	 expressed	 her	 gratitude,	 Zaimokuza	 and	 the	 two	 Game	 Club	 guys	 all respectively	mumbled	“please	have	a	seat”.	Yuigahama	quietly	and	politely	pulled	out	the chair	and	sat	down.	In	contrast,	I	sat	down	on	the	chair	heavily.
3526
3527“Zaimokuza,	are	they	the	so-called	‘helpers’?”
3528
3529“Positive.	They	are	Mr.	Hatano	and	Mr.	Sagami.”
3530
3531He	pointed	at	the	two	of	them	for	us,	proudly	and	happily.	He	smiled	so	excitingly	as	he was	introducing	them	to	us.	Since	when	did	you	guys	get	along	with	each	other	so	well…
3532
3533I	 wonder	 if	 it’s	 one	 of	 those	 arcade	 center	 friendships.	 Well,	 I	 have	 zero	 interest	 in Zaimokuza’s	friendship	circle	anyways.	Whatevs.	Now	here’s	the	problem.	Which	one	is Sagami	and	which	one	is	Hatano…?	I	stared	at	them	for	a	while	but	still	failed	to	match their	names	to	their	faces.
3534
3535“Oh	crap,	the	Sworder-san	was	actually	being	serious…”
3536
3537“Ikr!	I	thought	he	was	definitely	joking.”
3538
3539My	guess	-	Hatano	spoke	first	and	the	follow-up	person	looked	like	Sagami.
3540
3541Overhearing	 their	 secret	 conversations,	 it	 seemed	 that	 Zaimokuza	 already	 told	 them about	our	business	here.	That	makes	things	easier	to	explain.
3542
3543“Let	me	get	into	it	straight.	In	opposition	to	the	actual	prom,	you	guys	are	going	to	help us	with	this	dummy	prom	proposal,	which	will	ensure	that	the	actual	prom	takes	place.”
3544
3545I	 quickly	 put	 my	 elbows	 on	 the	 table	 and	 leaned	 forward,	 trying	 to	 motivate	 their incentives.	 My	 body	 language	 was	 suggesting	 ‘Let’s	 all	 do	 our	 best	 together!’	 to	 them.
3546
3547Well.	The	two	Game	Club	guys	looked	at	me	disinterestedly.
3548
3549“Is	this	guy	a	moron?”
3550
3551“He	 is	 making	 a	 big	 deal	 just	 to	 do	 something	 like	 that?	 I	 wonder	 if	 there’s	 something wrong	with	his	brain...”
3552
3553Hatano	was	astounded	and	Sagami	looked	sympathetic.	Zaimokuza	seemed	happy	from his	heart.	He	straightened	his	chest	up	cheerfully	and	said,
3554
3555“That’s	 right!	 That’s	 him,	 Hikigaya	 Hachiman!	 Always	 using	 strange,	 bizarre	 and unexpected	measures	to	get	things	done.	Stupid!	A	fool!	A	jocular	fellow![17]”
3556
3557Shit!	 These	 guys	 really	 irritated	 me…!	 I	 was	 about	 about	 to	 kick	 the	 chair	 and	 say goodbye.	I	couldn’t	do	so,	because	Yuigahama	was	dragging	my	jacket	sleeve	again.
3558
3559“Hikki,	you	have	to	ask	them	properly…”
3560
3561I	couldn’t	say	no	-	being	asked	by	someone	acting	like	a	cute	kid.	But	she	was	right.	I	was the	 one	 asking	 for	 the	 favor.	 It	 made	 sense	 to	 ask	 them	 nicely	 and	 directly	 for	 help.	 I signed	briefly,	dismissing	all	my	dissatisfaction	and	irritation	I	had	so	far	and	bowed	my head	down.
3562
3563“I’m	sorry	if	I	had	to	phrase	it	this	way.	I	urgently	need	you	guys	to	help	to	me	without asking	for	pay-back.	Think	of	it	as	volunteering	for	Olympic	games.	Quit	complaining	and just	help	me	please.”
3564
3565“He	really	should	feel	sorry	for	saying	that	way…”
3566
3567“Even	the	politicians	choose	their	way	of	speech	better	than	him.”
3568
3569Probably	 because	 I	 asked	 them	 too	 directly,	 Hatano	 and	 Sagami	 leant	 their	 body backward	and	faces	upward.	That	was	dismissive.	Yuigahama	moved	her	hands	in	panic, saying	“Gaah…	he	won’t	listen…”	She	jumped	in	and	said,
3570
3571“I’m	sorry…	Hikki	is	like	this	all	the	time.	He’s	quite	unreasonable	or...!”
3572
3573What	a	follow-up	rescue	that	ended	up	not	being	a	good	one.	They	probably	couldn’t	act tough	on	Yuigahama	and	only	gave	ingratiating	smiles.
3574
3575Immediately	following	that,	meetings	between	the	glasses	took	place.	The	glasses	sitting in	the	middle	whispered	to	the	glasses	sitting	aside,
3576
3577“...	What	should	we	do	then?”
3578
3579“Mmmh,	I’m	against	helping	him!”
3580
3581For	some	reason,	it	came	from	Zaimokuza,	who	sat	on	the	other	side.	Wait,	what?	Why are	 you	 against	 me…	 The	 glasses	 who	 was	 whispered	 at	 raised	 his	 hand	 languorously and	asked,
3582
3583“Hmmm…	we	actually	don’t	want	the	prom	to	take	place	to	begin	with.”
3584
3585When	he	said	so,	the	other	two	glasses	nodded	in	agreement.
3586
3587Same...	 I	 know	 your	 feelings	 quite	 well…	 I	 was	 thinking	 about	 saying	 that,	 but	 no!	 I
3588
3589couldn’t	let	myself	retreat	and	surrender	now.
3590
3591That	 Zaimokuza,	 who	 had	 even	 worse	 communication	 ability	 than	 I	 did,	 somehow managed	to	asked	for	help	from	those	who	used	to	make	fun	of	him.	Look	at	how	much sacrifice	he	made	for	me!	So	I	couldn’t	just	destroy	this	thinny	connection	that	he	made for	my	sake.	To	repay	for	his	precious	sacrifice,	I	needed	to	somehow	convince	those	two to	hop	on…	Otherwise,	I	would	feel	really	sorry	for	Zaimokuza	after	his	death	-	as	a	ghost he	 would	 probably	 cry	 regrettably	 for	 all	 the	 sacrifice	 he	 made	 for	 today.	 At	 the	 very least,	I	want	him	to	rest	in	peace	then.
3592
3593Now	 it’s	 the	 time	 for	 me	 to	 get	 serious	 for	 real.	 I	 made	 up	 my	 mind	 to	 persuade	 them patiently	and	wholeheartedly.
3594
3595I	 seized	 everyone’s	 attention	 with	 a	 couple	 coughs.	 I	 began	 my	 sentence	 in	 heavy sounding	voice	as	if	I	was	trying	to	cover	up	the	secrets	that	I	was	about	to	say,
3596
3597“...	None	of	my	following	words	shall	leave	this	room	-	we	were	actually	asked	to	practice
3598
3599‘self-restraint’	with	regard	to	the	prom	event.”
3600
3601Suddenly,	 upon	 hearing	 unexpected	 information,	 the	 glasses	 all	 went	 silence immediately.	 I	 had	 no	 idea	 why	 Zaimokuza	 was	 also	 silent.	 Hey,	 didn’t	 I	 tell	 you	 about this	yesterday	already?
3602
3603Well,	 whatever.	 Let	 me	 get	 everyone’s	 hype	 further	 up	 by	 going	 into	 more	 detailed explanations.
3604
3605“On	the	other	hand,	it’s	‘self-restraint’	after	all,	which	means,	it’s	possible	for	us	to	force the	prom	to	take	place	anyways…	Actually	that’s	almost	definitely	going	to	be	the	case.	If that	 happens,	 it	 will	 probably	 end	 up	 being	 an	 in-house	 preprom	 like	 what	 happened before.
3606
3607“Wait,	no.	What	if	I	just	simply	refuse	to	attend?”
3608
3609I	 nodded	 my	 head	 in	 response	 to	 the	 counterargument	 raised	 by	 Sagami,	 or	 Hatano whatever,	showing	my	great	sympathy.	I	raised	my	hand,	suggesting.
3610
3611“Just	be	patient	and	hear	me	first.	Think	about	it	for	a	second.	If	you	didn’t	show	up	at	the prom,	 then	 you	 probably	 wouldn’t	 have	 the	 courage	 to	 show	 up	 at	 the	 Coming	 of	 Age ceremonies	or	any	alumni	reunion	events	later	in	your	life. ”[18]
3612
3613Think	about	the	alumni	reunions	at	the	age	of	30.	Those	who	didn’t	attend	the	Coming	of Age	ceremonies	together	with	classmates	or	didn’t	attend	the	alumni	reunions	right	after graduation	have	a	zero	percent	of	chance	to	show	up	at	alumni	reunions	at	later	ages	-
3614
3615verified	 by	 my	 own	 research.	 For	 those	 who	 are	 courageous	 enough	 to	 attend	 it,	 you’ll see	half	of	the	attendees	already	got	married,	and	you’ll	even	notice	some	of	their	kids
3616
3617are	already	attending	elementary	schools.	That	hurts	one’s	feelings	-verified	by	my	dad’s research.	 The	 attending	 fee	 would	 probably	 be	 around	 5000	 Yen.	 Looks	 like	 the accountant	would	be	happy	at	ease	if	he/she	receives	Higuchi	Ichiyou	bills	rather	than bills	with	other	face	values	-	Teenagers	Vying	for	Tops.[19]
3618
3619However,	the	reaction	from	the	Game	Club	did	not	change	after	they	heard	my	words.
3620
3621“Ehh,	I	still	think	it’s	okay	not	to	attend	anyways...”
3622
3623“I	felt	like	the	past	me	probably	thought	in	that	way	at	one	point…”
3624
3625Expecting	the	reply,	I	immediately	said	so	and	cast	my	eyes	afar.
3626
3627“Just	think	about	it	and	imagine…”
3628
3629And	then	I	started	storytelling	like	John	Lennon.
3630
3631“It’s	 the	 morning	 of	 Come	 to	 Age	 Day.	 Few	 days	 ago,	 you	 just	 went	 out	 shopping	 with your	 dad	 like	 you	 hadn’t	 done	 so	 in	 a	 few	 years.	 You	 are	 wearing	 a	 new	 suit	 that	 you bought	with	your	dad	for	job	hunting	and	interviews.
3632
3633“He	just	started	talking	suddenly	out	of	the	blue….”
3634
3635Next	to	me	Yuigahama	sighed	with	amazement.	I	tried	to	stop	her	with	my	hand	gesture and	continued	anyway.	I	did	a	little	trick	of	touching	my	collar	and	add	some	emotions into	my	words.
3636
3637“And	then,	expecting	that	you	are	going	to	drink	with	everyone,	you	mom	hands	you	a 10000	 yen	 bill.	 Both	 your	 parents	 are	 so	 proud	 of	 your	 maturity	 and	 wet	 in	 their	 eyes while	not	bothering	to	see	you	off	by	walking	you	to	the	doorstep....”
3638
3639I	narrated	so	vehemently	and	waved	my	hands	while	wearing	a	mom	smile.	Seeing	this, Zaimokuza	and	the	Game	Club	two	all	showed	their	sickening	faces.
3640
3641“Ah,	that’s	so	tough…”
3642
3643That’s	the	Zaimokuza	in	his	puberty!	A	bad	guy	who	made	a	woman	-	his	mom	though	-
3644
3645cry	was	confessing	his	sin	and	keeping	his	head	down	silently.	Perhaps	both	Sagami	and Hatano	both	were	thinking	about	their	parents.	They	both	had	their	mouths	shut.
3646
3647Now	 it’s	 the	 time	 for	 the	 final	 attack	 to	 take	 place	 -	 I	 pour	 in	 more	 passions	 into	 my words.
3648
3649“You	then	spend	the	next	hour	like	this	-	you	hold	that	10000	yen	bill	delightfully,	go	to the	game	arcade	center,	used	up	almost	all	that	money,	eat	an	extra-extra	large	ice	cream at	a	Happy	Club,	and	if	your	stomach	feels	too	cold	you	then	swallow	a	lot	of	miso	soup	to
3650
3651make	it	feel	warmer.	In	the	middle	of	the	night	when	your	house	is	supposed	to	have	the light	out,	your	mom	doesn’t	bother	to	wake	up	to	welcome	you	back.	She	asks	if	you	had a	 good	 time	 and	 you	 reply	 to	 her	 mumbling	 like	 ‘eh,	 it	 was	 okay.’	 She	 then	 weeps	 and gently	wiped	her	eyes,	saying	‘...Ah,	Yoshiteru	is	already	a	grown	man.’”
3652
3653“Me!?	It	was	me!?	You	were	talking	about	me!?”
3654
3655“Sworder-san,	tough	for	you…”
3656
3657Sagami	and	Hatano	both	tapped	Zaimokuza’s	shoulder	to	comfort	him.
3658
3659I	peeked	at	them	without	directly	looking	at	them,	and	said	the	following	vehemently,
3660
3661“Therefore,	we	shall	learn	in	order	to	avoid	ending	up	like	him	-	learn	the	wisdom	to	get things	done.	I’d	say	the	prom	is	the	perfect	learning	opportunity	to	train	us.
3662
3663As	I	finished	talking,	the	guys	all	sighed	deeply.	I	wore	a	smile	on	my	face	and	continued,
3664
3665“Nevertheless,	we	cannot	make	the	prom	too	fired	up	and	hyped	as	much	as	we	want	it to	be.	It’s	too	hard	to	do	so.	Therefore,	we	need	to	stay	low	and	serious…	and	put	up	a carefully-crafted	prom	that’s	positioned	at	a	sweet-spot	to	earn	more	experience.”
3666
3667As	I	finished	talking	again,	the	three	glasses	glanced	at	each	other	and	began	their	glasses meeting	again.
3668
3669“This	guys	sounded	like	he	has	as	point.”,	“When	he	brought	up	the	parents	it	made	me feel	rough	too…”,	“He	seemed	that	he	did	it	pretty	well.”,	“Right,	that’s	what	irritated	me the	most!	He	certainly	didn’t	look	like	that	kind	of	person…”,	“Hey,	Sworder-san	your	face is	too	close.	You	are	choking	me”,	“This	distance	is	unacceptable	as	an	image.”,	“So,	what shall	we	do	then?”,	“Hmm	let	me	think…”
3670
3671Yuigahama	looked	at	their	secret	conversation	apathetically.	She	looked	really	tired	from her	face	-	sorry	about	all	this…
3672
3673Short	 after,	 the	 Glasses	 Summit	 was	 about	 to	 reach	 its	 conclusion.	 The	 three	 pondered for	 a	 while.	 Considering	 their	 immediate	 rejection	 before,	 my	 persuasion	 certainly worked.
3674
3675“Not	 really	 a	 way	 to	 say	 thank	 you,	 but	 starting	 from	 next	 year,	 I	 will	 collect	 your suggestion	and	feedback	and	promise	to	you	that	a	prom	that’s	acceptable	to	you	guys will	be	held.	I	will	try	my	best	to	realize	my	promise.	So,	please	lend	me	your	hands.”
3676
3677I	just	did	a	final	push	and	brought	up	a	benefit	that’s	not	really	a	benefit	to	be	honest.	To make	them	‘feel’	the	merit	from	it,	I	bowed	my	head	down.
3678
3679After	a	moment	of	silence,	someone	spoke	up	politely.
3680
3681“Hmm,	is	that	okay?	…	Isn’t	next	year	the	time	when	you	all	graduate?”
3682
3683“Ah,	well.	To	be	more	accurate	I	meant	starting	from	the	next	next	prom.”
3684
3685As	I	raised	my	head,	I	saw	one	of	the	Game	Club	member	who	looked	like	Sagami	from the	shape	of	his	classes.	He	put	up	a	sulky	face,	sighed	briefly	and	said,
3686
3687“...	In	that	case,	I’ll	offer	my	help”
3688
3689“Wait,	wait,	seriously?”
3690
3691In	 reaction	 to	 Sagami’s	 words,	 both	 Zaimokuza	 and	 Hatano	 resounded	 together.	 And then	Sagami	put	up	a	bitter	yet	determined	face	and	exclaimed,
3692
3693“I	wanted	to	first	defeat	and	get	rid	of	the	shame	that	resides	in	my	own	family.”
3694
3695“Eh?”
3696
3697I	 leaned	 my	 head	 after	 hearing	 his	 little	 bit	 unexpected	 reasonings	 to	 ask	 for	 further elaborations.	Sagami	then	starting	explaining	in	a	voice	as	if	it	was	holding	a	grudge.
3698
3699“My	sister	is	that	type	of	person	who	will	certainly	come	in	and	intervene	with	the	event.
3700
3701So	 it	 might	 end	 up	 like	 that	 anyways	 next	 year.	 In	 that	 case,	 I’d	 like	 to	 intervene	 in advance	and	prevent	her	from	getting	the	opportunity.”
3702
3703“Hmmm….”
3704
3705While	I	was	listening	to	him,	I	looked	at	Sagami’s	face	carefully	and	noticed…	They	really looked	alike	indeed.	Yuigahama	next	to	me	also	exclaimed	quietly	with	a	little	‘ahh..’.
3706
3707“Ah,	Sagami,	you	are	THAT	person’s	younger	brother,	right…”
3708
3709The	 moment	 I	 said	 so	 Sagami’s	 face	 turned	 twisted,	 showing	 a	 very	 disgusting expression.	Ah	that	face	made	them	look	so	similar…	Um,	well,	with	her	being	the	sister he	is	definitely	living	a	tough	life.	Um	um,	I	understand.
3710
3711“Shame	 within	 the	 family…	 I	 can	 sympathize	 with	 you.	 Next	 year	 my	 sister	 is	 also attending	 this	 high	 school.	 I	 cannot	 withstand	 the	 shame	 when	 I	 think	 of	 the	 moment when	 my	 sister	 sees	 a	 pathetic	 me	 at	 school	 and	 starts	 feeling	 shameful	 and embarrassed.	 Just	 imagining	 whether	 my	 kind,	 adorable	 sister	 would	 get	 hurt	 in	 her heart	makes	me	feel	extra	painful.
3712
3713“Is	that	the	case	you	are	referring	to…”
3714
3715As	I	explained	with	my	eyes	wet,	Yuigahama	lowered	her	shoulders	with	a	little	surprise
3716
3717on	her	face.	Well,	don’t	worry	about	Komachi.	Back	in	middle	school,	we	both	acted	like we	were	complete	strangers	at	school,	even	though	we	had	the	same	ahoge.
3718
3719Speaking	 of	 which,	 Sagami	 Minami	 helped	 my	 argument	 in	 an	 unexpected	 way.	 My gratitude	expressed	-	thank	you	for	everything	from	the	time	we	met.
3720
3721And,	the	other	glasses…	Hatano,	who	was	finally	able	to	be	identified.	I	looked	at	him	as he	took	of	his	glasses	and	cleaned	up	the	lenses.
3722
3723“To	be	honest	I	don’t	really	care…	But	yeah,	when	I	graduate,	I	don’t	want	to	be	looked and	 thought	 as	 inferior	 to	 others	 and	 being	 sympathized	 by	 someone	 who misunderstands	me	and	looks	down	on	me.	Thinking	about	this	irritates	me.	So	count	me in!”
3724
3725“Really!?”
3726
3727I	almost	reacted	in	ecstasy.	Yet	Hatana	slimmed	his	eyes	and	stared	at	me.
3728
3729“However,	can	you	really	put	up	a	prom	that	all	of	us	can	accept?”
3730
3731Speaking	of	which	this	Hatano,	looking	at	his	way	of	speaking	and	his	eye	contacts,	they all	looked	kind	of	rottened	 and	thus	very	good-looking	to	me!	 A	little	bit	impressed	by this	guy,	I	then	tried	to	act	like	a	senpai	and	said.
3732
3733“Ah,	that’s	not	a	problem.	There	is	no	way	that	there	are	enough	personnel	arranging	the prom.	 So	 next	 year	 you	 guys	 can	 create	 and	 arrange	 another	 prom	 plan	 together yourselves.	DIY	it!	To	put	it	in	practice,	I	shall	dogeza	in	front	of	Isshiki	and	lick	her	shoes if	necessary.” [20]
3734
3735“Dogeza…	that’s	even	surprising	to	me.”
3736
3737“Licking	her	shoes	is	the	more	disgusting	part,	okay!	Speaking	so,	I	don’t	think	you	need to	go	that	far	get	Iroha-chan	listen	to	your	request.”
3738
3739Saying	 so	 with	 full	 confidence,	 Zaimokuza	 was	 caught	 in	 surprise.	 On	 the	 other	 hand, Yuigahama	 seemed	 already	 used	 to	 it.	 Being	 disappointed	 at	 first	 but	 soon	 calmly returned	to	normal	conversations.	Nevertheless,	both	Hatano	and	Sagami	still	looked	at me	 in	 disgust…	 As	 I	 was	 thinking	 so,	 both	 of	 them	 redirected	 their	 focus	 to	 something else…
3740
3741“Isshiki…”
3742
3743“Iroha…”
3744
3745Murmured	one	after	another,	both	of	them	looked	at	each	other,	and	then	turned	their
3746
3747face	to	me	at	once.
3748
3749“Are	you	referring	to	THAT	Isshiki	Iroha?”
3750
3751“There	shouldn't	be	a	second	one,	right…	Maybe,	I	don’t	know.”
3752
3753The	Isshiki	Iroha	that	I	know	of,	is	the	President	of	the	Student	Council,	the	manager	of the	 Soccer	 Club,	 the	 No.1	 naughtily	 cute	 underclass	 kouhai.	 I	 do	 not	 believe	 there	 is	 a second	Isshiki	Iroha	in	our	school.
3754
3755“The	worst…	The	worst	woman	ever...”
3756
3757“Isn’t	 she	 the	 asshole	 bitch	 that	 owns	 the	 night	 pool	 annual	 pass…	 having	 a	 boyfriend who’s	 also	 the	 CEO	 of	 an	 IT	 company,	 only	 thinking	 about	 looking	 good	 on	 Instagram, indulged	in	luxurious	cosmetics	brand	and	a	party	girl?”
3758
3759Hatano	grabbed	to	to	his	head	with	both	hands	and	Sagami	fixed	his	stare	at	me	without moving	 his	 eyes.	 Huh,	 what	 kind	 of	 image	 did	 you	 leave	 among	 your	 classmates,	 Ms.
3760
3761Irohasu.	 I	 have	 to	 acknowledge	 it.	 Even	 Yuigahama	 showed	 a	 bitter	 smile	 on	 her	 face.
3762
3763Nevertheless,	 to	 defend	 an	 underclassman’s	 fame	 as	 an	 upperclassman,	 I	 I	 have	 to correct	them	now.
3764
3765“Well,	 the	 image	 is	 almost	 correct	 but	 all	 the	 rumors	 are	 fake	 news.	 Her	 personality	 is indeed	kind	of	like	*that*	but	she	is	in	fact	a	good	person.”
3766
3767However,	my	explanation	didn’t	seem	convincing	to	Sagami	and	Hatano,	who	shook	their bodies	simultaneously.
3768
3769“But	she	looked	at	us	as	if	we	are	trash.”
3770
3771“No.	She	didn’t	even	bother	to	look,	as	if	we	never	existed…”
3772
3773“It	was	so	scary....	Little	ghost,	there’s	little	ghost	here…”[21]
3774
3775For	 some	 reason	 even	 Zaimokuza	 began	 trembling	 as	 well,	 mumbling	 something unconsciously.	That’s	incorrect	guys,	it’s	actually	called	‘little	demon’.
3776
3777“...	in	that	case,	you	guys	*have*	no	choice	but	doing	it	now.	Maybe	you	don’t	know	it	yet but...”
3778
3779I	shook	my	shoulders	as	I	told	them.	Yuigahama	nodded	at	me,	signaling	me	to	continue with	a	gentle	smile.	Therefore,	I	also	decided	to	put	up	a	smile	over	one	side	of	my	lips, raise	my	voice	up,	and	properly	tell	them	the	good	side	of	Isshiki	Iroha.
3780
3781Hence,	 I	 prayed	 that	 people’s	 misunderstandings	 about	 her	 will	 eventually	 got	 cleared up,	even	just	by	a	little	bit.
3782
3783“....	 that	 scum	 and	 hopeless	 part	 of	 her	 eventually	 becomes	 part	 of	 her	 habits,	 and contrastingly	it’s	kind	of	cute	of	her	that	way.”
3784
3785Then,	all	three	Glasses	Club	members	mumbled	respectively	“his	levels	are	high”,	“makes sense”,	“understandable”,	which	are	all	compliments.	Let’s	all	stand	up	and	high	five	for being	 comrades	 who	 reached	 the	 door	 to	 the	 truth	 of	 the	 new	 world.	 The	 atmosphere turned	into	tfw	‘I	wish	you	happiness	and	cheers	to	celebrate	our	tight	bondings’.
3786
3787Yet	suddenly	I	sensed	a	slight	chill	running	down	my	back.
3788
3789“Hikki-,	you	looked	so	sweet	and	lenient	towards	Iroha-chan...”
3790
3791“Eh?”
3792
3793My	ahoge	radar	was	already	beeping	in	response,	but	I	was	too	scared	to	look	aside.
3794
3795
3796
3797
3798
37995-3
3800
3801After	going	through	some	difficulties,	I	successfully	looted	the	two	from	the	Game	Club aboard.
3802
3803I	 had	 no	 idea	 how	 high	 I	 should	 set	 my	 expectations	 for	 those	 two	 but	 I	 cherished	 the free	labor	that	I	managed	to	obtain	in	hand.	Regardless	of	whether	they	are	capable	or incapable	of	doing	things,	as	long	as	I	make	them	work	their	ass	off,	my	attack	power	will for	sure	raise	to	a	considerably	high	level.
3804
3805Now	here	came	the	real	problem.
3806
3807First	we	had	to	create	the	proposal,	and	then	reach	the	step	where	we	can	argue	with	it.
3808
3809So	now,	bearing	in	mind	that	we	needed	to	go	against	Yukinoshita’s	proposal,	we	finally began	to	conceive	our	own	proposal.
3810
3811“Ok.	 Let’s	 begin	 our	 proposal	 meetinggggg...Hmm,	 the	 idea	 is	 that,	 we	 need	 to	 create	 a proposal	that’s	more	prominent	and	flashy	than	the	previous	prom	proposal.
3812
3813The	 air	 froze	 immediately	 and	 nobody	 followed	 me	 up,	 only	 Yuigahama’s	 aimless handclaps	resonated	in	the	room,	but	it	soon	disappeared.
3814
3815I	did	not	put	in	too	much	concrete	thoughts	into	my	words,	but	merely	trying	to	grope for	 a	 way	 in	 the	 dark	 fog.	 After	 all,	 nobody	 here	 other	 than	 Yuigahama	 is	 actually interested	in	the	prom	proposal.
3816
3817“First	of	all,	is	there	anyone	here	wanting	to	do	anything?”
3818
3819I	bet	no	too…	Hence	I	asked	and	the	answer	was	zero	as	I	expected.	As	I	was	thinking	so, Yuigahama	raised	her	hand	high	up.
3820
3821“Here!	Here!	Here!”
3822
3823“...Yes,	Yugahama-san!”
3824
3825“Stalls,	I	hope	there	are	those!”
3826
3827“Okay,	I	see”
3828
3829No	objection	and	denial.	I	wrote	down	the	suggestions	on	the	whiteboard.	‘Do	you	know that	there’s	a	thing	called	brainstorming…’	Tamanawa	spoke	to	me	in	my	imagination.
3830
3831“Anything	else…?”
3832
3833“Yes!	Yes!”
3834
3835Of	course,	following	my	question,	Yuigahama	raised	her	hand	immediately.
3836
3837“......	Alright,	Yuigahama-san”
3838
3839“Fireworks!	I	like	both	seeing	and	playing	with	them.”
3840
3841“That’s	a	pass!”
3842
3843Having	agreement	and	sympathy	in	mind,	I	carefully	recorded	this	precious	suggestion on	the	whiteboard.	“Preach	it!”	Orimoto	shouted	out	in	my	imagination.
3844
3845“And	then…?”
3846
3847“Yes!”
3848
3849“................Yuigahama.”
3850
3851“Like	putting	up	a	campfire	or	something	that	creates	memories!”
3852
3853“....	are	you	briefing	to	us	your	summer	vacation	memories?	Well	whatever,	it’s	okay.”
3854
3855I	 kept	 writing	 stuff	 on	 the	 whiteboard	 anyways,	 seeing	 it	 almost	 turning	 into	 an elementary	school	kid’s	illustrated	diary.
3856
3857As	I	cast	my	‘wet’	eyes	to	Yuigahama,	she	played	with	her	hair	bun	and	dodged	her	eyes away	from	me,	finding	and	mumbling	various	excuses.
3858
3859“...	But,	as	long	as	I	think	about	fun	and	enjoyable	things	they	just	came	up	in	my	mind irresistibly.”
3860
3861When	I	saw	her	getting	shy	with	a	flush	on	her	cheeks,	I	became	a	little	bit	embarrassed too.	 Doing	 so,	 all	 other	 guys	 turned	 their	 faces	 to	 me	 as	 if	 they	 were	 about	 to	 spit	 out sugar	from	their	mouths.	I	can’t	bear	this.
3862
3863I	cough	out	loud	to	seize	their	attention,	and	continued	our	discussion.
3864
3865“Now	Hatano.	You	seem	to	have	another	suggestion.”
3866
3867“Nope.	To	begin	with	I	don’t	even	want	the	prom	to	happen…	also,	what	the	hell	are	you trying	to	show	me?”
3868
3869Hatano	muttered	while	biting	his	tongue.	Hey	I	can’t	hear	you	bro!	Speak	out	loud	with your	stomach!
3870
3871“Sagami	the	Younger	Brother,	in	other	words,	something	that	your	sister	would	like	and enjoy.”
3872
3873“I	do	not	want	to	think	about	that.”
3874
3875After	 hearing	 the	 words	 that	 he	 didn’t	 want	 to	 hear,	 Sagami	 Jr.	 immediately	 shut	 his mouth	up	with	his	head	dangling.	Yes,	little	by	little	it	got	easier	for	me	to	distinguish	the two	-	the	one	with	a	terrible	attitude	is	Hatano;	and	the	one	that’s	poor	with	his	sister	is Sagami.
3876
3877Let	me	see	what’s	left…	As	I	turned	my	eyes,	Zaimokuza	stroke	a	serious	pose	and	said heavily.
3878
3879“Cosplay....	Is	good	to	go,	right?”
3880
3881“Ah,	like	a	Halloween	Cosplay?	Sounds	sweet!”
3882
3883“Phmff...”
3884
3885In	reaction	to	the	delightful	Yuigahama,	Zaimokuza	put	up	a	bitter	and	sorrowful	smile.
3886
3887Yep,	 I	 bet	 the	 impression	 of	 cosplay	 is	 quite	 different	 in	 Zaimokuza’s	 mind	 vs	 in Yuigahama’s	mind.	Well,	it	was	not	a	terribly	unreasonable	suggestion.	I	noted	it	on	the whiteboard	anyways.
3888
3889However,	as	I	scanned	through	all	the	items	on	the	board,	I	felt	like	something	was	a	bit off.
3890
3891“We	are	probably	still	missing	something...”
3892
3893In	addition	to	the	suggestions	coming	from	Yuigahama,	I	also	added	a	couple	more	ideas from	 my	 Hachiman	 Memo,	 including	 “Singing	 songs”,	 “Perform	 a	 play”,	 “Make	 an address”.	 Still	 I	 reckoned	 something	 was	 missing,	 but	 importantly	 ‘can	 we	 still	 call	 it	 a prom?’	questions	like	this	came	out	in	my	mind.
3894
3895While	I	leaned	my	head	a	little	bit,	Sagami	and	Hatano’s	cold	giggles	stroked	my	ears.
3896
3897“It’s	meaningless	to	just	recklessly	fight	against	the	old	prom	proposal.”
3898
3899“Knowing	that	nobody	would	do	this,	we	need	to	first	think	about	why	nobody	does	it.”
3900
3901“Your	remarks	are	too	pertinent…”
3902
3903Ah	 come	 to	 think	 of	 it.	 These	 guys	 were	 the	 mean	 and	 annoying	 otaku	 people.	 I	 could sense	it	vaguely	so	I	wasn’t	able	to	raise	any	counter-arguments	against	them.	Grrr…	was the	only	voice	I	can	make.
3904
3905I	flipped	the	whiteboard	to	the	blank	side,	just	a	way	to	switch	our	mood.	I	then	crossed my	arms	to	try	to	come	up	with	more	ideas…
3906
3907“Hey,	Hikki-”
3908
3909As	I	turned	around,	Yuigahama	raised	her	hand	timidly.
3910
3911“Yes,	Yuigahama-san.”
3912
3913“To	put	it	more	blatantly,	we	all	don’t	even	really	know	about	proms	that	much.	I	don’t think	we	can	come	up	with	something	more	amazing	than	the	Yukinoshita	team.”
3914
3915“...ah,	you	are	right.”
3916
3917“So,	why	not	make	the	scale	of	the	event	even	bigger?	Not	just	within	our	school	but	also reaching	out	to	other	HS”
3918
3919Yuigahama	raised	her	arms	to	embrace	the	air	above	her,	moving	her	hands	accordingly.
3920
3921“...	I	see,	I	see.”
3922
3923Both	Yuigahama	and	I	know	the	upper	bound	of	our	mobilization	within	our	school.	We know	the	capacity.	Knowing	this,	it’s	very	hard	to	conceive	and	create	a	prom	proposal that	 falls	 under	 the	 capacity	 of	 high	 schoolers.	 Both	 knowledge	 and	 common	 sense	 are annoying	 -	 once	 internalized	 them,	 we	 ended	 up	 getting	 trapped	 by	 them.	 For	 these reason,	 we	 ended	 up	 drawing	 ideas	 that	 fall	 on	 the	 extension	 lines	 of	 things	 such	 as school	 festival,	 Christmas,	 Halloween	 and	 summer	 break.	 Moreover,	 the	 Yukinoshita team	already	filled	in	more	concrete	plans	on	top	of	the	old	prom	proposal.	If	we	try	to even	 surpass	 them,	 it	 would	 definitely	 turn	 out	 to	 be	 an	 amalgamation	 of	 ridiculous ideas.
3924
3925“...	changing	our	way	of	thinking	and	try	another	perspective...”
3926
3927Getting	fussed,	disoriented,	and	troubled,	it’s	about	time	to	go	back	to	the	starting	line.
3928
3929In	 our	 case,	 we	 should	 return	 our	 focus	 to	 why	 we	 wanted	 to	 create	 this	 new	 dummy proposal	-	one	of	the	reasons	being	to	go	against	Yukinoshita,	but	that’s	not	our	end	goal.
3930
3931Our	goal	is	to	actualize	the	prom,	and	before	that	we	need	to	eliminate	all	the	barriers that	block	it.
3932
3933That	is	to	say,	the	foes	that	we	need	to	turn	against	are	the	parents.
3934
3935Hence	I	wrote	down	“Anti-parents”	on	the	whiteboard,	and	tapped	it	with	the	back	of	my fingers.
3936
3937“This	 is	 it.	 How	 do	 we	 make	 some	 of	 the	 parents	 notice	 our	 dummy	 plan,	 then	 try	 to terminate	 it,	 and	 then	 hopefully	 yield	 to	 the	 alternative	 plan?	 We	 need	 to	 think	 about this.”
3938
3939Therefore,	we	should	keep	the	core	of	our	proposal	untouched	and	unchanged,	and	then shift	to	easy	ways	to	upscale	the	prom	by	its	looking.	And	then	the	easiest	way	to	upscale the	prom	is	to	bring	up	the	headcount	of	participation.	Yuigahama’s	suggestion	to	bring in	the	other	school	would	be	such	a	great	move.
3940
3941I	 kept	 pondering	 for	 a	 while,	 and	 then	 quickly	 wrote	 down	 “Chiba-Kaihin	 Area Elementary-Middle-High	School	Joint	Prom	Event”	on	the	whiteboard.	Zaimokuza	tilted his	head	in	‘umu-umu’	agreement.
3942
3943“Are	we	even	able	to	do	such	a	thing?”
3944
3945“We	are	not.”
3946
3947“Ehhh…”
3948
3949Hearing	my	immediate	response,	Zaimokuza	voiced	in	confusion.	I	waved	my	finger	and laughed	with	a	‘hmph	hmph’.
3950
3951“It	 doesn’t	 matter	 if	 we	 can	 actually	 do	 it.	 The	 thing	 that	 matters	 is	 to	 convince	 others that	we	are	going	to	do	it.”
3952
3953We	cannot	make	our	proposal	look	like	a	ridiculous	joke.	It’s	important	that	it	needs	to tie	into	reality.
3954
3955Theremore,	 we	 need	 to	 blend	 in	 some	 flavors	 of	 reality,	 or	 reality-like	 facts	 to	 our proposal.
3956
3957“For	now,	let’s	just	put	up	some	‘Notices’	around	other	schools	nearby.	Make	it	a	concrete fact	that	already	happened,	and	then	we	naturally	guide	the	parents	to	put	up	their	guard against	it.”
3958
3959It	 doesn’t	 matter	 if	 the	 plan	 gets	 realized.	 In	 the	 form	 of	 distributing	 ‘Notices’	 or
3960
3961‘Confirmation	of	Actions’,	we	can	use	them	as	evidence	and	then	fabricate	the	hype.	It’s the	 same	 thing	 as	 PRs	 for	 those	 TV	 animation	 projects.	 Bringing	 up	 the	 news	 doesn’t necessary	imply	that	the	project	will	be	actualized.	There	are	TV	anime	series	that	were announced	but	never	actually	produced	or	aired!	The	anime	industry	is	indeed	just	like	a slaughterhouse[22].
3962
3963“I	will	let	Komachi	know	at	one	point,	as	for	other	schools…”
3964
3965I	 was	 waiting	 for	 follow-ups,	 and	 well,	 nobody	 wanted	 to	 help	 me	 out	 clearly…	 As	 I
3966
3967crossed	my	arms	in	annoyance,	Yuigahama	waved	her	hands	openly	and	made	another suggestion.
3968
3969“What	about	Kaihin-Sougou	HS?	Remember	we	had	joint	events	with	them	before,	which might	make	them	easier	to	talk	to.”
3970
3971“To	properly	set	up	the	dialogue	might	still	be	difficult.	However,	it	certainly	feels	more real	with	some	past	experience	together…”
3972
3973On	one	hand,	it’s	very	difficult	to	establish	a	constructive	conversation	with	Tamanawa, the	President	of	their	Student	Council,	and	that’s	not	even	mentioning	moving	forward.
3974
3975On	the	other	hand,	we	are	not	aiming	at	actually	making	the	joint	prom	happen.	To	make a	 pose	 of	 planning	 to	 do	 so,	 we	 just	 need	 to	 show	 that	 we	 indeed	 carried	 out conversations	with	them.	Having	these	in	mind,	in	a	way	Tamanawa	from	Kaihin-Sougou is	the	*best*	candidate	of	all.	After	all,	he	was	famous	for	holding	conference	without	any concrete	content	but	just	embellishments	and	decorations	from	the	outside.
3976
3977“...	what	about	other	schools?	For	example,	the	middle	schools	that	each	of	you	graduated from…	Try	talking	to	them	as	well?”
3978
3979“Err…	I	don’t	want	to	do	it.”
3980
3981Sagami	said	so	clearly	without	any	incentives	or	motivations,	whereas	Hatano	blatantly put	up	an	unwilling	face	and	as	for	Zaimokuza…,	he	just	faked	that	he	didn’t	hear	what	I said	at	all.	Ok,	I	feel	you	allll.	So,	I	won’t	force	you	guys	anymore.
3982
3983“It	won’t	be	necessary.	It’s	okay	if	it’s	only	just	Kaihin-Sougou	HS	hopping	aboard	with us.	We	will	only	need	to	lend	the	names	from	other	schools.”
3984
3985“He’s	talking	about	borrowing	names	from	others	again…”
3986
3987Yuigahama’s	 eyes	 turned	 a	 little	 sharper.	 Taking	 her	 hint,	 I	 put	 up	 a	 bitter	 smile	 and changed	my	phrasing.
3988
3989“Sorry	 for	 my	 bad	 phrasing.	 Let’s	 put	 up	 a	 list	 of	 candidate	 schools	 that	 we	 want	 to negotiate	 with.	 If	 we	 keep	 that	 list,	 we	 could	 end	 up	 negotiating	 with	 these	 schools eventually.	 We	 want	 others	 to	 mistakenly	 think	 that	 we	 are	 actually	 carrying	 out	 the negotiations.”
3990
3991The	aim	of	our	dummy	prom	plan	is	to	fish	parents’	into	treating	it	as	a	big	problem,	and thus	 creating	 another	 chance	 for	 the	 legitimacy	 of	 the	 prom	 to	 be	 questioned.	 At	 that time,	 our	 Team	 Stalking	 Horse	 (Team	 Dummy	 Plan)	 would	 leave	 the	 parents	 with	 an impression	 of	 being	 uncontrollable,	 which	 would	 naturally	 lead	 the	 parents	 into pessimistically	supporting	the	controllable	Yukinoshita’s	plan.
3992
3993As	I	was	talking,	Sagami’s	face	became	more	serious.
3994
3995“When	 you	 mentioned	 disseminating	 the	 information	 to	 attract	 their	 attention....	 of course	it’s	going	to	be	over	the	Internet	right?”
3996
3997“Indeed.	By	a	simple	cost	benefit	analysis,	I	reckon	it’s	the	best	plan.”
3998
3999In	fact,	the	inception	of	those	protests	against	the	prom	took	place	on	those	SNS	as	well.
4000
4001Conversely,	 it’s	 not	 hard	 to	 conclude	 that	 they	 also	 secretly	 check	 things	 online.	 With regard	to	the	dummy	prom	plan,	we	do	not	need	to	waste	our	energy	spreading	the	news to	all	students.	We	only	need	to	leak	the	news	to	those	few	lousy	parents.	In	this	sense, our	labor	cost	of	promotion	is	actually	a	lot	less	than	those	of	Yukinoshita’s	team,	except that	we	have	to	carefully	craft	our	plans	to	intentionally	pick	the	best	timing	and	way	to leak	it	to	the	parents.	In	any	case,	this	is	something	that	we	need	to	think	about	at	a	much later	stage.
4002
4003For	now,	we	need	to	discuss	the	basic	stuff	in	more	detail.
4004
4005“First	of	all,	we	need	to	create	an	official	SNS	account	and	an	official	website	for	our	prom plan…	and	then,	I	guess	we	need	to	decide	on	an	org	name	for	us…”
4006
4007As	I	spoke,	I	wrote	down	“Seeking	for	Names ”	on	the	whiteboard.
4008
4009‘Why	 the	 heart	 mark…’	 Yuigahama	 and	 the	 Game	 Club	 guys	 murmured	 among themselves.	Eh,	somehow	I	wanted	to	have	it	there…	Only	Zaimokuza	didn’t	seem	to	care about	it	too	much,	but	only	rubbed	his	chin	and	leaned	his	head	aside.
4010
4011“Alright,	I	guess	make	it	sound	like	an	Anime	Production	Committee? ”[23]
4012
4013“Yeah,	 something	 like	 that,	 since	 we	 cannot	 just	 borrow	 names	 from	 the	 Student Council…	 Let’s	 consider	 names	 that	 sound	 effective	 and	 promising,	 or	 we	 could	 just parasitize	by	relying	on	a	signboard	that	seemingly	belongs	to	the	Student	Council.”
4014
4015The	most	effective	way	to	acquire	a	sense	of	practicality	from	people	is	to	obtain	a	signed approval	 from	 trusting	 organizations.	 Given	 that	 we	 cannot	 act	 in	 the	 name	 of	 Student Council,	we	need	a	similarly	strong	alternative	-	a	promising	organization	to	become	our secretary	or	our	sponsor	team.
4016
4017“If	 the	 Student	 Council	 doesn’t	 work…	 ah,	 then	 how	 about	 the	 Club	 President Association?”
4018
4019Yuigahama	 clapped	 her	 hands	 suddenly	 as	 she	 said	 so.	 Hatano	 cast	 his	 eyes	 at	 her	 in surprise.
4020
4021“Sorry,	but	what	permissions	and	authority	does	CPA	have?”
4022
4023“Huh?	No,	I	have	no	idea…	But	it	certainly	sounds	like	a	*big*	name.”
4024
4025“...	sure.”
4026
4027Yuigahama	 put	 up	 a	 blank	 look	 and	 said	 so	 innocently.	 Hatano	 twitched	 his	 mouth	 yet couldn’t	argue	anything	against	her,	and	eventually	backed	off.	Amazed	by	this	situation	I told	myself	‘that’s	just	like	Yuigahama’,	I	wrapped	up	my	thoughts.
4028
4029“CPA	 currently	 is	 dissatisfied	 with	 the	 status	 quo	 of	 the	 prom.	 Therefore,	 CPA	 is considering	holding	an	Oikon[24]	jointly	among	all	the	school	clubs…	If	it	turns	out	to	be	a large	scale	event,	it	would	probably	end	up	being	something	similar	to	a	prom.
4030
4031“Heh-,	that’s	what	you’ve	been	thinking.	I	see.”
4032
4033While	 reaching	 out	 to	 the	 snacks,	 Yuigahama	 said	 so	 as	 if	 being	 impressed.	 However,	 I replied	dispassionately.
4034
4035“Nah,	I	actually	don’t	have	any	idea.”
4036
4037“Huh?”
4038
4039Yuigahama	opened	her	mouth	wide,	as	if	saying	‘no	idea,	I	don’t	understand	you’.	Setting that	aside,	it	seems	that	someone	did	understand	me.
4040
4041“Ah,	is	this	the	so-called	reality?	This	guy	really	tells	too	many	lies…”
4042
4043“Well,	his	words	makes	sense	so	it’s	possible	to	be	the	motivation.”
4044
4045Hatano	 and	 Sagami	 are	 halfly	 galled	 and	 halfly	 speechless.	 ‘This	 guy	 is	 a	 retard’,	 ‘His ethics	are	weird	and	twisted’	-	both	of	them	mumbled	quietly	to	each	other.	Zaimokuza sitting	aside	also	nodded	and	said	“agreed”.
4046
4047“It’s	essentially	all	about	how	we	are	going	to	make	sense	of	it	to	increase	our	credibility, especially	when	others	view	us	from	outside.	As	for	the	CPA	guys,	I	will	find	a	way	to	talk to	them	so	that’s	not	a	problem.”
4048
4049CPA	 is	 an	 organization	 aimed	 at	 facilitating	 assistance	 between	 the	 school	 clubs	 and regularing	 them…	 I’m	 actually	 not	 that	 sure,	 but	 just	 by	 looking	 at	 its	 name	 that’s	 the impression	I	was	given.	It’d	be	great	if	we	can	have	the	CPA	lead	the	prom	and	thus	add more	reality	into	our	narratives.
4050
4051I	filled	the	whiteboard	with	more	lies.	I	shall	work	at	my	best	in	order	to	wrap	things	up zoi!	So	I	encouraged	myself.[25]
4052
4053“Alright,	it	all	looks	good	to	go.	Who	is	the	leader	of	CPA?”
4054
4055I	turned	my	head	to	them	as	I	asked.	Yuigahama	immediately	gave	me	the	answer.
4056
4057“It’s	Hatayo-kun.”
4058
4059“......	I	see……	I	will	try	to	talk	to	him	tomorrow.”
4060
4061That	 fell	 halfly	 within	 my	 expectation	 but	 halfly	 beyond…	 Speaking	 of	 which,	 I	 felt	 like I’ve	heard	something	relevant	before.	Nevertheless	the	fact	that	I	had	to	negotiate	with Hayama	 makes	 me	 turn	 chicken.	 Ah,	 Hayama…	 Why	 is	 there	 not	 a	 coup	 d’etat	 that replaces	him	with	Totsuka…
4062
4063“Sorry…	The	concept	of	the	proposal	looks	clear	to	me,	but	the	actual	content	of	it	is	still hand-wavy.	How	could	we	bring	it	up	to	other	people	like	this?”
4064
4065The	atmosphere	is	still	heavy	yet	Hatano	chased	and	stroke	me	anyways.	Life	is	tough.
4066
4067Nevertheless,	I	will	do	what	needs	to	be	done	for	now.
4068
4069“As	 for	 the	 content,	 well,	 I	 will	 come	 up	 with	 something	 that’s	 good-looking.	 For	 now, could	you	please	set	up	the	official	account	on	the	SNS?	Get	something	dope.”
4070
4071“Okay,	you	can	count	on	me.	I	will	copy	paste	some	low-quality	content	from	Twitter	and Instagram	soooo	haaard.”
4072
4073Zaimokuza	 responded	 immediately	 while	 saying	 that	 prolonged	 ‘soooo	 hard’
4074
4075vehemently.	Looking	at	Zaimokuza,	Hatano	seemed	quite	gloomy.
4076
4077“Wow,	this	guys	quickly	picked	the	easy	job.”
4078
4079“Well,	it’s	fine…	Give	me	some	time	to	do	the	research.”
4080
4081After	that,	Sagami	started	playing	around	with	his	tablet	and	began	his	conversation	with Hatano.
4082
4083“...	 we	 need	 to	 create	 some	 HTML?”,	 “How	 about	 using	 a	 builder	 to	 create	 a	 template first?”,	“Let’s	find	an	open-source	program	first”,	“Then	what	about	the	domain	and	the server?”,	“No	idea.	Let	me	Google	first.”
4084
4085Crap.	These	guys	were	more	capable	than	I	thought…	especially	that	the	first	reaction	is to	Google	it	whenever	there’s	anything	that	they	didn’t	understand.	Very	excellent	with their	 raised	 awareness	 of	 being	 worthy	 otakus.	 Hatano’s	 intentions	 are	 not	 bad,	 and Sagami,	unlike	his	sister,	is	a	pretty	serious	person.	The	other	guy,	what	a	bad	example though,	 as	 I	 sighed	 deeply.	 Well,	 I’m	 not	 suggesting	 Zaimokuza	 is	 useless	 at	 all.	 He worked	so	hard	for	my	sake	so	I	really	should	express	my	gratitude	to	him.	I	looked	at Zaimokuza	quietly	and	thought	so.
4086
4087“Ah,	by	the	way,	Zaimokuza,	do	you	have	a	DSLR	camera?”
4088
4089“Yep,	I	bought	it	because	I’d	look	cool	with	it.”
4090
4091I	can	feel	him…	Thinking	it’d	be	cool	to	have	photograph	as	one’s	hobby,	you	yearned	for it	so	much	that	you	eventually	bought	it.	However,	after	that,	you	ended	up	not	using	it	at all,	but	instead	your	smartphone	camera	to	take	photos.
4092
4093“Could	 you	 bring	 it	 over	 tomorrow?	 To	 create	 materials	 for	 our	 website,	 I’d	 be	 great	 if have	a	professional	camera.”
4094
4095“Alright.	 Also	 along	 with	 the	 camera	 I	 bought	 introductions	 to	 photography	 tutorials.	 I can	bring	them	too	and	we	can	read	these	still	brand	new	books.”
4096
4097I	can	feel	that	again…	these	how-to’s.	You	buy	them	but	never	actually	read	or	consume them.
4098
4099Well,	if	we	are	going	to	use	them	for	photography,	we	can	skim	through	it	as	long	as	they can	serve	as	good	references.	I	thought	so	as	I	tapped	Zaimokuza’s	shoulder.
4100
4101Three	of	them	were	all	assigned	their	job.	I	was	thinking	about	myself	while	Yuigahama suddenly	tapped	my	shoulder.
4102
4103“What	about	me?”
4104
4105“You	are…	the	art	director!”
4106
4107“Sounds	so	cool!”
4108
4109Looking	at	her	happy	face,	I	also	broke	out	my	smile.
4110
4111“Yep,	with	your	perfect	sense	 of	art	please	supervise	our	website	and	give	it	a	shining, exciting	and	mindless	design.
4112
4113“Your	way	of	speaking!”
4114
4115Yuigahama	 shouted	 vehemently,	 and	 her	 anger	 lasted	 a	 while	 before	 it	 was	 dissolved.
4116
4117She	then	leaned	her	head	and	asked.
4118
4119“What	about	you,	Hikki-?”
4120
4121“I	 will	 lay	 down	 the	 basis	 for	 the	 proposal	 and	 the	 design.	 For	 now,	 I	 need	 to	 do	 some research	and	write	the	proposals	for	our	discussions	later.”
4122
4123As	 I	 was	 saying	 so,	 I	 promptly	 packed	 up	 my	 belongings.	 The	 Game	 Club	 room	 is	 an acceptable	place	to	work,	but	since	there’s	no	available	computer	for	me,	it’d	be	hard	for me	to	do	any	research.
4124
4125As	 soon	 as	 I	 stood	 up,	 Yuigahama	 also	 packed	 her	 stuff	 and	 got	 prepared	 to	 head	 out.
4126
4127Why	 is	 she	 prepared	 to	 go	 back?	 I	 cast	 my	 questioning	 eyes	 to	 her.	 Yuigahama	 carried her	backpack	in	her	back,	smiled	proudly	and	said.
4128
4129“When	it	comes	to	connecting	dots	between	the	proposal	and	the	design,	you	need	help from	the	art	director	right?”
4130
4131“...	you	are	right.”
4132
4133I	relaxed	my	face	and	nodded.	Then	I	looked	around	the	club	room.	Zaimokuza	was	fired up	collecting	information	from	the	SNS.	Sagami	and	Hatano	loudly	argued	their	approach to	creating	the	website.	Okay,	it	looked	like	I	can	rely	on	them.
4134
4135“...	so	I’m	counting	on	you	all	next.”
4136
4137“Good	work!	See	you	tomorrow!”
4138
4139Somehow	we	felt	sorry	for	leaving	the	room	early,	so	we	said	farewell	to	them	quietly.
4140
4141Both	Yuigahama	and	I	then	left	the	club	room.
4142
4143After	we	entered	the	corridor,	Yuigahama,	who	walked	next	me,	asked	me.
4144
4145“Where	shall	we	work?”
4146
4147“Wherever	there’s	equipment	fit	for	our	work…	Let’s	say,	an	Internet	cafe?”
4148
4149“Can	we	watch	DVD	there?”
4150
4151“Yep.	 We	 can	 borrow	 the	 blu-ray	 player	 and	 then	 we	 can	 watch	 the	 recordings.	 By	 the way	there’s	also	unlimited	supply	of	ice	cream.”
4152
4153“I	see.	Then	let’s	go	there!”
4154
4155Yuigahama	 then	 picked	 up	 her	 pace	 immediately.	 To	 avoid	 being	 left	 behind,	 I	 also fastened	my	pace.
4156
4157
4158
4159
4160
41615-4
4162
4163We	 left	 the	 school	 and	 first	 stopped	 by	 the	 video	 rental	 shop.	 While	 I	 was	 lingering	 in between	 the	 anime	 shelves,	 Yuigahama	 quickly	 rented	 the	 recordings	 she	 wanted.	 We then	headed	over	to	the	Internet	cafe.	I	would	say	the	entire	process	was	quite	smooth	so far.
4164
4165Yet	soon	after	that,	I	got	stumbled	at	somewhere	unexpected.
4166
4167"How	are	we	going	to	pick	the	seatings?"
4168
4169"Eh,	well...	let	me	see..."
4170
4171At	the	reception	desk	of	the	cafe,	we	repeated	the	dialogue	above	for	about	three	times.
4172
4173The	clerk	there	only	smiled	at	us,	but	after	the	second	repetition	his	smile	froze	instantly.
4174
4175"I	need	to	work	on	a	computer	so	I	guess	a	reclining	chair	is	preferred..."
4176
4177I	pointed	at	the	Room	Guide	and	gently	expressed	my	concerns.	Yuigahama	agreed	with me.
4178
4179"Right,	but	if	we	want	to	write	the	proposal	and	create	the	design	there,	wouldn't	it	be better	if	we	can	watch	the	movie	at	the	same	time?"
4180
4181Yuigahama	 pointed	 at	 a	 photo	 of	 a	 double-chair	 room,	 in	 which	 besides	 a	 computer, there	was	also	a	TV	set.	It	indeed	seems	more	convenient	to	be	able	to	watch	the	movie while	simultaneously	do	the	work.
4182
4183"However,	it'll	be	tough	if	the	computer	doesn't	have	Microsoft	Office	installed."
4184
4185Word	 processing	 software	 is	 indispensable	 for	 writing	 articles.	 I’m	 not	 saying	 a	 simple text	editor	doesn't	do	the	job,	but	when	it	comes	to	writing	proposals,	software	such	as Word	or	PowerPoint	certainly	makes	things	easier.	As	I	explained	it	to	Yuigahama,	she seemed	a	little	bit	discouraged.
4186
4187"I	see..."
4188
4189She	 breathed	 out	 in	 relief.	 The	 nice	 clerk,	 who	 hadn't	 complained	 a	 single	 word	 at	 our exchange	 of	 conversations	 but	 merely	 watched	 over	 us,	 finally	 interrupted	 us	 with	 a smile.
4190
4191"We	 do	 have	 a	 double-chair	 room	 with	 a	 computer	 that	 has	 Microsoft	 Office preinstalled."
4192
4193What	 a	 god-like	 interruption!	 Yuigahama	 quickly	 put	 up	 a	 happy	 face	 and	 thanked	 the clerk.
4194
4195"Oh	that's	great!	Thank	you	so	much!	...	He	said	we	can	have	all!"
4196
4197What	now	then?	She	asked	me.	Well,	checkmate.	I	lost	the	game.
4198
4199"So,	please	get	us	the	double-chair	room..."
4200
4201I	pointed	at	the	double-chair	room	photo	with	my	trembling	finger.
4202
4203The	 clerk	 gave	 us	 a	 warm	 smile	 that	 even	 surpassed	 the	 temperature	 of	 the	 air-conditioned	 room.	 He	 quickly	 processed	 our	 request,	 and	 then	 walked	 us	 to	 the	 room.
4204
4205His	 eyes	 were	 so	 gentle	 and	 it	 even	 made	 me	 feel	 embarrassed	 and	 started	 scratching myself	under	my	sweated	coat.
4206
4207It's	not	like	I	hate	the	double-chair	room.	It	makes	me	feel	embarrassed,	or	should	I	say the	 confined	 space	 makes	 me	 feel	 very	 uneasy	 to	 act	 or	 do	 anything.	 It's	 just	 very troubling	for	me.
4208
4209The	 booth	 turned	 out	 to	 be	 only	 2	 Jo	 (40	 sq	 ft	 or	 3.6m^2).	 I	 was	 holding	 a	 glass	 of beverage	I	took	from	the	drink	bar,	so	it	took	me	some	effort	to	get	myself	seated.
4210
4211"Just	in	case,	I	actually	did	some	research	about	the	prom	beforehand."
4212
4213Yuigahama	got	seated	before	I	did	and	promptly	started	to	prepare	to	play	the	DVDs	she borrowed.	She	pressed	the	play	button	on	the	remote	control.	I	tried	to	move	to	one	side of	 the	 chair,	 booted	 up	 the	 computer	 and	 started	 working.	 While	 writing	 down	 the outline	of	my	proposal,	I	peeked	at	the	screen	and	momoed	down	anything	that	seize	my attention	or	seem	to	be	usable	for	the	prom.
4214
4215When	the	movie	was	about	to	enter	the	prom	scene,	Yuigahama	tapped	my	shoulder	to let	me	know.
4216
4217"I	don't	think	we	have	this	kind	of	building	in	our	school.	It	seems	to	a	dance	hall,	I	think?
4218
4219Ah,	but	the	one	we	just	saw	took	place	outdoor."
4220
4221"We	didn't	decide	on	a	place	yet.	Since	the	prom	will	be	jointly	held	by	multiple	schools, it	might	seem	more	realistic	on	the	proposal	to	decide	on	a	place	that	doesn't	belong	any of	the	participating	schools."
4222
4223I	wrote	down	my	thoughts	on	the	memo	as	I	spoke.	Yuigahama	seemed	quite	impressed and	nodded	a	couple	times.
4224
4225"I	see...	So	for	example,	like	Destinyland?" [26]
4226
4227"That's	not	financially	feasible."
4228
4229"I	know...	Just	wanted	to	say	it."
4230
4231Yuigahama	pouted	her	lips	unhappily	and	turned	away	from	me.	She	took	a	sip	from	the cocoa	 that	 she	 was	 holding.	 Her	 reaction	 was	 so	 heartwarming	 to	 me,	 that	 I	 stopped typing	on	the	keyboard	and	couldn't	hold	but	break	my	smiles.
4232
4233"Well,	at	least	it	does	look	very	Chiba-like."
4234
4235"Although	rest	of	the	world	probably	thinks	it's	just	very	Tokyo-like."
4236
4237"It	is	from	Chiba!" [27]
4238
4239"How	stubborn!"
4240
4241Yuigahama	covered	her	smile	and	exclaimed	to	my	words.
4242
4243As	 is	 expected	 from	 the	 place,	 our	 quieter-than-usual	 conversation	 came	 to	 sound	 like pillow	talks,	regardless	our	topics	of	discussion.	A	dark	room	that	got	separated	from	the outside	 world.	 Perhaps	 for	 this	 reason,	 we	 were	 able	 to	 see	 each	 other's	 appearances slightly	more	clearly	than	usual.
4244
4245Yuigahama	tightly	hugged	a	rolled-up	blanket,	instead	of	a	cushion,	along	with	her	knees in	front	of	her.
4246
4247"Hmmm	then,	what	about	Crescent	Moon	King	Palace	Hotel? "[28]
4248
4249"That's	so	Chiba-like!	But	not	quite	prom-like."
4250
4251"That's	not	true.	I	used	to	have	a	family	trip	there."
4252
4253As	soon	as	she	finished	speaking	she	grabbed	her	smartphone	and	started	looking	for	the photos.	After	she	scrolling	down	the	screen	a	couple	times	with	her	finger	she	seemed	to find	it.	She	then	straightened	her	waist	and	slanted	towards	me.
4254
4255"See!"
4256
4257Shown	to	me	was	Yuigahama's	selfie.	In	the	photo,	Yuigahama	was	wearing	a	T-shirt	and at	the	top	was	her	face	along	with	a	peace	gesture	(V	sign)	in	front	of	it.	Behind	her	was	a swimming	 pool	 at	 night	 filled	 with	 laser	 and	 neon	 lights	 in	 the	 background.
4258
4259Unfortunately	 not	 fully	 captured	 in	 the	 photo,	 there	 was	 also	 Yuigahama's	 mom	 in swimming	 suit	 resting	 relaxedly	 on	 a	 beach	 chair.	 Gahamom,	 so	 young...	 Genes	 are formidable.[29]
4260
4261Ah,	well,	this	is	not	the	important	thing.	The	pool	is.	My	point	being,	the	swimming	pool really	 seized	 attentions	 for	 its	 excessively	 gorgeous	 and	 luxurious	 decorations surrounding	 it,	 even	 more	 so	 than	 a	 live	 concert	 hall.	 I	 looked	 at	 the	 pool	 in	 the background	again.
4262
4263"What's	up	that	pool?	So	lewd...	Is	it	the	so-called	nightpool?	Totally	party	mood..."
4264
4265"Not...	not	lewd	at	at	all!"
4266
4267Yuigahama's	 face	 quickly	 turned	 red.	 She	 started	 hitting	 my	 feet	 with	 her	 rolled-up blanket.	She	then	rapidly	flipped	over	her	smartphone	screen	and	showed	me	the	official website	of	the	hotel	-	hey	look,	am	I	right?
4268
4269Judging	from	the	front	page	of	the	official	website,	the	hotel	did	look	quite	wholesome, giving	me	an	impression	of	beauty	and	gorgeousness.
4270
4271"Well	at	least	it	seems	more	financially	feasible	than	the	previous	one...	By	the	way,	is	it open	outside	summer?"
4272
4273"Yep,	seems	like	it	does."
4274
4275Yuigahama	nodded	and	showed	me	the	smartphone	screen.	I	peeked	at	the	screen	briefly and	saw	'365	days	all	year	round'	and	stuff...	How	terrific	is	King	Palace	Castle!	Makes	me really	want	to	go	now...
4276
4277"But	 just	 one	 thing,	 it's	 kind	 of	 far	 away	 from	 here...	 I'd	 like	 to	 take	 the	 photographs somewhere	closer."
4278
4279As	I	thought	so,	I	opened	my	unfinished	proposal	folder.	Speaking	of	the	website	design,	I really	wanted	an	impactful	and	impressive	image	as	its	background,	but	unfortunately	it seemed	that	it	might	take	a	while	to	decide	on	the	location	and	other	stuff	at	this	point.
4280
4281So	let's	set	it	aside	for	now.
4282
4283Yuigahama	was	also	thinking	about	it.	Her	voice,	however,	was	mixed	with	yawns.
4284
4285"Hmmm,	photos...	Uhhah,	what	about	by	the	ocean?"
4286
4287"Ocean?	Where?"
4288
4289"The	one	that's	close	to	our	school?"
4290
4291"That's	just	the	Tokyo	Bay	though..."
4292
4293It's	not	even	Chiba	Bay	sadly...	Resort	land	or	factory	night	scene	might	even	be	good	but just	a	normal	beach	in	winter	doesn't	look	photogenic	at	all.
4294
4295However,	Yuigahama	didn't	seem	to	agree	with	me.	She	used	her	shoulder	to	push	over my	shoulder	as	if	she	was	little	angry	at	me.	She	then	began	explaining	slowly.
4296
4297"It's	a	good	choice	in	my	opinion.	Or	perhaps	I	should	say	it's	*that*	ocean	that	makes	it	a great	choice.	We	can	even	see	it	from	our	school,	right?"
4298
4299"Ah,	yeah."
4300
4301"And	then,	that	scene	when	it's	evening,	like	usual,	the	sun	sets	over	the	sea...	Every	time I	see	it,	I	always	marvel	at	its	beauty,	and	cherish	the	fun	I	have	for	the	day."
4302
4303She	closed	her	eyes	and	whispered	as	if	she	was	dreaming	it.
4304
4305She	 didn't	 mention	 when	 or	 where,	 but	 despite	 so,	 I	 was	 quite	 certain	 that	 she	 was referring	to	*that*	sunset	*there*.
4306
4307Right	 before	 the	 sun	 disappears	 at	 the	 horizon	 of	 the	 ocean,	 just	 for	 a	 brief	 moment,
4308
4309*that*	room	was	filled	with	sunshine.
4310
4311Having	 been	 seen	 countless	 times,	 it’s	 definitely	 not	 anything	 special	 -	 it’s	 only	 an ubiquitous	sunset	scenery.
4312
4313I	took	it	for	granted,	so	much,	that	I	forgot	what	conversations	I	had,	what	books	I	read, but	were	able	to	vaguely	delineate	and	casually	consume	*that*	sunset.
4314
4315"That	is..."
4316
4317The	 sentence	 was	 cut	 off,	 and	 then	 resumed.	 The	 weight	 on	 my	 shoulders	 had	 become more	concrete	and	realistic.
4318
4319"I	was	thinking…	if	only	days	like	these	can	go	on	forever..."
4320
4321She	said	so	with	such	a	gentle	voice	that	almost	disappeared	immediately.	I	waited	until her	words	completely	dissolved	in	the	air,	and	then	nodded	my	head.
4322
4323"...yeah,	right..."
4324
4325Perhaps	because	it	was	too	long	of	a	pause	to	call	it	a	conversation,	she	did	not	respond to	me.	Instead,	only	'suu,	suu'	peaceful	breathing	could	be	heard.	My	shoulder	could	feel the	soft	weight	on	it.
4326
4327The	movie	already	reached	its	climax.
4328
4329
4330
4331
4332
4333	Perhaps	it	wouldn't	be	long	before	the	closing	credits	started	rolling.	Even	if	I	wanted	to skip	back,	I	wouldn't	know	where	to	skip	to,	since	I	only	watched	half	of	the	movie	and gave	up.
4334
4335Should	I	let	the	movie	play	and	keep	watching	it	until	it	ends?
4336
4337Or,	should	I	skip	back	to	the	very	beginning	and	start	it	over?
4338
4339Or	even,	should	I	keep	what	I've	been	doing	-	keep	pretending	that	I'm	not	watching?
4340
4341I	had	no	time	to	worry	about	it,	as	the	closing	credits	already	started	rolling.
4342
4343
4344
4345
4346
4347Interlude	4
4348
4349I	pretend	that	I’m	sleeping.
4350
4351I	hope	the	movie	never	ends,	just	as	it	is	playing	right	now.
4352
4353I’d	be	better	if	the	end	of	the	movie	never	comes.
4354
4355I	can	clearly	feel	the	body	temperature	on	my	face.	It	is	a	lot	higher	than	I	thought.	I	try	to be	 mindful,	 not	 moving	 my	 body	 by	 even	 a	 single	 inch.	 The	 slightly	 hardened	 and straightened	shoulder	is	bigger	than	I	thought.
4356
4357He	moves	only	his	other	hand,	with	his	fingers	hitting	the	keyboard	quietly.	Sometimes after	a	while,	I	can	hear	that	he	briefly	halts	his	work	and	makes	a	barely	audible	sigh.
4358
4359He	quietly	brings	up	the	blanket	that	only	covered	my	knees,	but	then	he	suddenly	stops as	I	feel	a	little	itchy	and	make	a	sound.	I	try	to	cover	that	sound	with	my	sleeping	breath.
4360
4361He	then	pulls	up	another	blanket	of	his	own	and	covers	my	body	all	the	way	up	to	my shoulder.
4362
4363The	movie	is	about	to	end.
4364
4365The	 lengthy	 credit	 keeps	 rolling	 and	 rolling	 in	 the	 end.	 That	 way,	 I	 have	 to	 keep pretending	that	I’m	sleeping.	Yet	again,	I’m	making	another	lie.
4366
4367I	came	all	the	way,	until	this	moment,	pretending	that	I	didn’t	see	anything,	pretending that	I	didn’t	know	anything,	pretending	that	I	didn’t	understand	anything.
4368
4369Nevertheless,	 I	 actually	 know	 and	 have	 noticed	 everything	 -	 that	 doing	 things	 like	 this, that	the	conclusion	has	already	been	drawn,	that	the	ending	is	already	settled.
4370
4371However,	this	is	the	only	thing	I	can	do.	This	is	the	only	way	that	I	can	think	of.
4372
4373So	that	we	can	be	together,	owning	the	time	that	we	spend	together,	cherishing	the	place that	all	three	of	us	can	stay.	I	believe	I	have	tried	to	do	everything	that	I	can	to	make	this happen.
4374
4375I	know	it	-	that	I’m	cunning,	that	I’m	making	excuses,	that	I’m	lying.	I	know	all	that.
4376
4377But	still,	please	let	our	time	together	go	on,	even	if	it’s	really	just	a	little	longer.
4378
4379I	will	make	sure	it	ends	properly.
4380
4381I	won’t	make	any	other	wishes,	even	if	needed.
4382
4383I	 will	 stop	 the	 tears	 that	 are	 about	 to	 pour	 out	 whenever,	 even	 if	 I	 don’t	 know	 exactly when	they’d	come	out.
4384
4385So	please.	Please	give	me	a	place	to	cry	-	a	place	where	nobody	can	see.
4386
4387So	please.	Please	make	the	lies	that	I	always	tell	to	myself	somehow	become	real.
4388
4389So	please.	Please	let	her	and	me	somehow	end	our	relationship	properly.
4390
4391So	please.
4392
4393Please	do	not	let	us	end	it.
4394
4395
4396
4397
4398
4399Chapter	6:	Without	anybody	knowing,
4400
4401Hayama	Hayato	is	regretting.
4402
4403It’s	 always	 a	 serious	 matter	 of	 being	 dead	 or	 alive	 when	 it	 comes	 to	 battling	 with	 the deadline.
4404
4405Therefore,	 not	 only	 are	 people	 willing	 to	 do	 anything	 to	 survive	 in	 the	 end,	 but	 also willing	to	sacrifice	their	sleeping	time,	to	stay	overnight	for	two	or	three	days	in	order	to somehow	 finish	 their	 tasks	 in	 hand,	 even	 if	 that	 means	 losing	 almost	 all	 their	 hair	 or almost	having	a	complete	mental	or	physical	breakdown.
4406
4407As	 a	 result,	 people	 end	 up	 with	 all	 kinds	 of	 sufferings.	 Well,	 to	 be	 more	 specific,	 head, shoulders,	 back,	 stomach,	 heart,	 body,	 and…	 everything	 that	 a	 human	 being	 possesses.
4408
4409Hmm,	 since	 the	 cells	 on	 my	 body	 are	 working	 anyways,	 does	 that	 mean	 instead,	 I	 no longer	have	to	work?
4410
4411I	 managed	 to	 finish	 the	 skeleton	 of	 the	 proposal	 and	 the	 design	 sketch	 by	 the	 end	 of morning.	Holding	all	the	tiredness	from	my	body,	I	walked	to	school	before	the	start	of the	first	class.	I	almost	slept	through	all	the	classes	before	noon.
4412
4413Even	when	school	started,	I	laid	on	the	table	lazily	without	thinking	or	paying	attention to	anything.
4414
4415Occupied	by	tiredness,	I	just	wanted	to	yield	to	sleepiness	and	bury	my	head	in	my	arms, so	that	later	after	school	I	could	wake	up	and	face	things	with	a	more	serious	face	again.
4416
4417I	spent	the	last	homeroom	time	resting	my	chin	in	my	hand	drowsily,	like	rowing	a	boat.
4418
4419Just	like	this	I	had	my	heart	and	body	falling	in	deep	hibernation	until	the	bell	for	the	end of	last	class	sounded.
4420
4421I	put	my	bag,	coat	and	scarf	on	the	table,	and	then	stretched	my	hardened	shoulder	and back	as	much	as	I	wanted.	I	stood	up	steadily.
4422
4423After	 rubbing	 my	 sleep-deprived	 eyes,	 I	 turned	 back	 to	 check	 out	 the	 back	 of	 the classroom	 as	 usual.	 Just	 as	 I	 was	 doing	 so,	 Yuigahama,	 who	 was	 talking	 to	 Miura-san, noticed	 me	 and	 halted	 her	 conversation	 temporarily.	 She	 walked	 towards	 me	 with	 her quick	steps.
4424
4425“Leaving	already?”
4426
4427“Ah	yeah”
4428
4429As	I	responded	with	a	husky	voice,	Yuigahama	reacted	with	small	whining	“Whoa.”
4430
4431“Hikki-,	your	face	is	awful.”
4432
4433“Seriously…?”
4434
4435Yuigahama	took	out	her	hand	 mirror	from	her	uniform	pocket	and	 raised	it	in	front	of my	face.	‘Ugh,	so	shiny.	I	feel	like	I’m	about	to	disappear’	I	said	to	myself.	I	looked	like	a zombie	-	my	rotten-fish	eyes	were	rotting	even	faster	due	to	lack	of	sleep.	I	could	even see	the	marks	left	by	my	hands	where	I	rested	my	chin.
4436
4437“Let	me	wash	my	face	quickly”
4438
4439“Yeah,	sure.	I’ll	wait	in	the	corridor”
4440
4441Leaving	the	classroom,	with	my	body	shaking	like	Zombieland-Chiba[30], 	I	headed	over	to the	washroom.
4442
4443After	splashing	some	cold	water	onto	my	face,	I	felt	a	lot	more	refreshed.	In	addition	to that,	“pan-pan”	-	I	clapped	my	face	and	said	“Ganbare,	me!”	I	sounded	like	a	second-year salarywoman	to	cheer	myself	up.
4444
4445As	I	headed	back	to	the	classroom	corridor,	as	promised,	Yuigahama	was	waiting	for	me in	front	of	the	classroom	door.
4446
4447“Sorry	for	making	you	wait”
4448
4449Yuigahama	shook	her	head	to	simply	suggest	that	she	didn’t	wait	too	much.	She	handed over	 my	 bag,	 coat	 and	 all	 my	 other	 stuff	 together	 she	 was	 holding	 over	 her	 shoulder, saying,	“Here	you	go.”
4450
4451“Thank	you!”
4452
4453While	 I	 took	 my	 stuff	 and	 expressed	 my	 gratefulness,	 Yuigahama	 had	 her	 usual	 smile showing	on	her	face	again,	shaking	her	head	as	if	to	refuse	my	thankfulness.
4454
4455On	our	way	to	the	game	club,	though	we	exchanged	a	few	words,	due	to	sleepiness	I	still felt	like	I	wasn’t	quite	myself.	So	I	tried	to	stifle	my	yawns.
4456
4457Noticing	this	after	looking	at	me,	Yuigahama	started	to	feel	a	little	despondent.
4458
4459“Ah,	by	the	way,	sorry	for	what	happened	yesterday	that	led	to	your	lack	of	sleep	today.”
4460
4461“It’s	okay…	Conversely,	it	really	helped	that	you	came	up	with	some	great	ideas.”
4462
4463Yuigahama	apologized	to	me	for	accidentally	falling	asleep	at	the	Internet	Cafe.	Perhaps she	was	trying	to	compensate	for	that	-	on	our	way	sending	her	back	home,	she	offered me	a	couple	more	perspectives,	suggestions	and	ideas	with	respect	to	the	prom	design plan.	Thanks	to	those	suggestions,	with	just	pulling	a	single	all	nighter	I	was	able	to	put forward	a	rough	sketch	of	the	proposal	and	the	design	plan.	Well,	by	cost	benefit	analysis it	all	added	up	to	zero.	It	worked	out	and	looked	well	on	the	balance	sheet.
4464
4465Yuigahama	didn’t	need	to	be	worried	about	me.	To	be	honest,	I	was	the	one	to	be	blamed, for	carelessly	yawning	in	front	of	her,	which	made	her	worry	about	me.	So	from	now	on, I’ll	tighten	my	eyebrows	and	keep	my	face	straight!
4466
4467“...	Well,	it’s	no	problem	since	I	no	longer	feel	sleepy”
4468
4469Yuigahama	looked	at	me	vacantly,	and	then	suddenly	went	“Phff!”	and	smiled.
4470
4471“What’s	that	funny	face	about?”
4472
4473“My	face…?”
4474
4475Well	that	was	quite	bitter	and	unnice	to	me	but...	fine.	Good	that	I	got	my	mood	switched before	entering	the	game	club	room.
4476
4477What	a	messy	room	as	usual!	As	I	tried	to	navigate	myself	along	the	mess,	I	could	hear voices	coming	out	from	inside	the	room.
4478
4479“‘First,	migrate	the	server	using	PHP	and	prepare	for	a	database	backup.”
4480
4481“What	is	this?	No	way,	I	don’t	understand”
4482
4483“‘Then	use	JavaScript	to	further	enhance	the	site,	and	CSS	to	set	up	the	design…”
4484
4485“Ugh,	how	far	is	this	going	to	push	back	the	deadline?”
4486
4487Now	I	could	see	both	Hatano	and	Sagami	clearly	-	it	sounded	like	they	were	talking	about the	website	and	both	of	their	faces	were	full	of	despair.	It	looked	like	they	worked	quite hard	to	do	their	research,	and	as	a	result,	they	were	both	stroken	hard	by	the	reality.
4488
4489And,	there	was	this	guy	on	the	other	side	wearing	a	truthfully	evil	smile	on	his	face	while scrolling	through	the	SNS[31].	Of	course,	I	was	talking	about	Zaimokuza.
4490
4491I	wanted	to	say	hello	bearing	my	genuine	thankfulness	of	their	hard	work,	but	then	as	I made	 up	 my	 mind,	 I	 ended	 up	 just	 mumbling	 “Usu/hello	 there”	 to	 them.	 Noticing	 me, three	of	them	replied	to	me	one	by	one	cheerfully,	“Hey	there,	good	work!”,	“Otsukare!”
4492
4493and	“Hey!”.	Well,	that’s	exactly	the	kind	of	greetings	between	guys!
4494
4495Following	that,	Yuigahama	also	cheerfully	raised	her	hand	and	greeted	them.
4496
4497“Yahallo!!”
4498
4499That	greeting	completely	froze	the	air	in	the	clubroom.
4500
4501“What…	what’s	that	Yahallo...?”
4502
4503“Ehhh,	that	girl	is	dangerously	yabai,	yabai,	yabeeee.”
4504
4505….well,	that’s	the	normal	reaction	human	beings	should	have!	I	do	not	blame	them.	Yet with	that	reaction	we	are	never	going	to	get	things	done	peacefully.
4506
4507“Please	don’t	make	a	fuss	over	it	for	now.	I	have	something	important	to	tell	you	guys.”
4508
4509I	pulled	out	a	chair	to	sit	down	and	cleared	my	throat.	Hatano	and	others	also	got	ready to	hear	what	I	had	to	say	and	straightened	up	their	bodies.	Confirming	that	everyone	was ready	to	hear	me,	I	solemnly	opened	my	mouth.
4510
4511“Starting	 from	 today,	 we	 the	 Prom	 Executive	 Committee	 will	 all	 greet	 each	 other	 with
4512
4513‘Yahallo’!	No	objection!”
4514
4515“Is	this	guy	seriously	a	moron...?”
4516
4517“Something	is	wrong	with	his	brain. ”[32]
4518
4519Looks	 like	 Hatano	 was	 honestly	 shocked,	 and	 meanwhile	 Sagami	 showed	 his	 genuine face	of	sympathy	towards	something	so	pathetic.
4520
4521“Hold…	 hold	 on	 wait	 a	 second,	 Hikki…!	 This	 is	 seriously	 very	 embarrassing	 to	 me	 so please	stop.”
4522
4523Yuigahama	kept	her	shy	blushing	face	down	and	dragged	my	sleeve	as	if	begging	me	to stop.
4524
4525Seeing	this	cute	animal-like	behavior,	Sagami	pushed	up	his	glasses	and	Hatano	took	off his.	Both	of	them	scrubbed	their	eyes	as	if	they	just	beheld	a	very	touching	moment…
4526
4527“Ah	well.	Let’s	go	with	Yahallo.	It’s	good!”
4528
4529“Yeah.	Yahallo	is	good...”
4530
4531“Correct.	Here	we	go	everyone,	three,	two,	one…”
4532
4533Zaimokuza	led	the	crowd	and,	following	his	countdown,	everyone	sang	Yahallo	together.
4534
4535“Yahallo--”
4536
4537“Stop.	Now.”
4538
4539With	 tears	 still	 remaining	 in	 her	 eyes,	 Yuigahama	 stared	 at	 us	 and	 said	 it	 with	 an extremely	 cold	 and	 scary	 voice.	 Silence	 befell	 the	 clubroom.	 Seeing	 everyone	 kept	 so quiet,	I	felt	compelled	to	steer	the	topic	towards	something	else.	Otherwise,	Gahama-san will	stay	angry	for	sure!
4540
4541“Let’s	jump	into	our	main	subject	today.”
4542
4543I	 pulled	 out	 the	 freshly-produced	 copies	 of	 the	 proposal	 and	 design	 sketches,	 passing them	 over	 to	 everyone.	 I	 started	 explaining	 them,	 with	 my	 fingers	 guiding	 my explanation.
4544
4545“I	 want	 the	 front	 page	 to	 be	 loaded	 with	 a	 huge	 background	 picture	 with	 information about	 the	 event	 on	 top	 of	 it.	 This	 is	 to	 attract	 attention	 and	 thus	 facilitate	 people’s discussions	 about	 it	 on	 the	 SNS.	 The	 front	 page	 doesn’t	 have	 to	 be	 too	 exquisite	 or refined.	Try	to	keep	it	simple	and	smartly	decorated.	I	have	found	a	sample	page	for	you guys	for	reference	and	you	just	have	to	try	your	best	to	copy	exactly	the	design	layout	of it.	As	for	the	background	picture,	just	assume	that	you	have	it	already	for	now.	Once	it	is ready,	we’ll	just	need	to	swap	it	in.”
4546
4547Hatano	 looked	 at	 the	 stack	 of	 (web	 development)	 resources	 they	 compiled,	 and	 then turned	to	my	design	sketch.	He	couldn’t	hold	back	but	expressed	his	astonishment.
4548
4549“What’s	up	with	all	the	effort	that	we	have	put	in	so	far…	This	sounds	like	all	we	have	to spawn	is	an	easy	blog	thing.”
4550
4551“Hey,	 things	 getting	 easier	 for	 us	 is	 definitely	 a	 great	 thing	 that	 we	 should	 feel	 happy about.	 Don’t	 say	 anything	 extra	 thing	 or	 complain.	 Else,	 he’s	 gonna	 add	 more	 work	 to us...”
4552
4553Sagami	dragged	and	held	Hatano’s	arm	firmly,	as	Hatano	was	about	to	keep	grumbling.
4554
4555Apparently	 Sagami	 didn’t	 want	 Hatano	 to	 say	 anything	 more.	 Oh	 Sagami	 the	 little brother,	you	know	the	rules	of	society	too	well.	You	have	to	potential	and	the	talent	to become	 a	 great	 Shachiku	 (Wage	 Slave	 in	 Japan).	 Speaking	 of	 which,	 I’m	 impressed,	 or should	I	say	terrified,	by	how	much	you	guys	were	able	to	pull	up	a	research	marathon on	building	the	website.
4556
4557Zaimokuza,	 who	 apparently	 enjoyed	 the	 fact	 that	 he	 didn’t	 have	 to	 help	 with	 all	 the design	work,	looked	at	my	design	sketch	with	satisfaction,	nodded	his	head	couple	times and	folded	up	his	arms.
4558
4559“So,	how’s	the	proposal	going?”
4560
4561“This	is	what	I	have	for	now.	I’m	currently	proposing	a	collaboration	with	Kaihin-Sougo HS[33].	It	might	be	too	specific	so	that	it	might	be	hard	for	you	to	understand.”
4562
4563Zaimokuza	 took	 the	 proposal	 that	 I	 passed	 over	 and	 read	 them	 all	 at	 once.	 He	 then turned	his	head	and	called	Hatano.	Hatano	only	looked	at	the	front	page	of	the	proposal and	said,
4564
4565“Seriously	what	is	this	I	do	not	understand...”
4566
4567“This	 crappy	 proposal	 looks	 like	 some	 ads	 pamphlet	 for	 a	 newly	 built	 apartment	 or	 a cover	 for	 a	 newly	 released	 business	 book…	 Why	 do	 you	 include	 diagrams	 on	 ‘Johari Window’	and	‘Maslow’s	hierarchy	of	needs’	in	the	proposal? ”[34]
4568
4569Hatano	 quickly	 picked	 up	 the	 proposal	 sheets	 that	 fell	 off	 to	 the	 table	 and	 gave	 it	 to Sagami,	 flipping	 the	 pages	 one	 by	 one.	 A	 few	 pages	 into	 the	 proposal,	 Sagami	 the	 little brother	started	to	hold	and	squeeze	his	head	in	his	hands.
4570
4571So	as	I	warned	you	guys	beforehand…	An	unpleasant	memory	flowed	back	into	my	mind again	 as	 I	 took	 another	 look	 at	 the	 front	 page	 of	 the	 proposal.	 Sternly	 written	 there, typeset	using	very	stylish	fonts	was	“Blockchain	Type	Diversity	Inclusion	-	Proposal	for the	Prom	Event	~	Sunset	Beach	with	Waterfront	aside…	A	Serendipity	Experience	inside an	Ultimate	Translucent	Space~”.	Even	as	the	creator	of	that	title,	I	could	no	longer	grasp any	of	its	meaning.
4572
4573Even	a	proud	person	like	myself	couldn’t	withstand	the	embarrassment	caused	by	seeing the	 title.	 “Ahem	 Ahem”.	 I	 soon	 tried	 to	 cough	 to	 cover	 up	 and	 avoid	 talking	 about	 it further.
4574
4575“...	 Well.	 Those	 are	 the	 bluff	 parts.	 To	 be	 honest,	 whatever	 it	 is	 as	 long	 as	 the	 Kaihin-Sougo	side	can	be	hooked	into	our	plan.”
4576
4577“Wow	even	this	kind	of	trap	(which	also	means	bait	in	JP)	can	hook	them	up.	Are	they mullets[35]? ”
4578
4579You	are	very	wrong,	Hatano.	Tamanawa-san	isn’t	that	omnivorous	at	all.	Don’t	mix	him up	with	heretic	animals	like	mullets	or	blowfishes.	Well	they	are	very	delicious	dishes	I have	 to	 say.	 He	 possesses	 such	 a	 strong	 self-esteem	 that	 could	 be	 called	 the	 Majesty Overlord[36]. 	Yet	finally	the	moment	has	come	-	for	the	first	time	the	Overlord	is	going	to be	fished	by	us!
4580
4581Hatano	 already	 gave	 up	 reading	 the	 proposal	 a	 while	 ago.	 Sagami,	 in	 contrast,	 still	 had the	patience	to	keep	on	reading	it.	Eventually,	Sagami	finished	reading	it	and	nodded	his head,	mumbling	“Yep,	okay,	okay”.
4582
4583“Wow.	The	content	itself	looks	very	promising.”
4584
4585“I	know,	right?”	Yuigahama	quickly	followed	up	happily.
4586
4587Almost	 at	 the	 same	 time,	 Sagami	 tilted	 his	 mouth.	 “I	 feel	 like	 my	 sister	 is	 going	 to	 like this.”
4588
4589Yuigahama	 seemed	 a	 little	 surprise	 with	 a	 “Heh…”	 sound,	 but	 she	 quickly	 held	 her reaction	back	with	another	“Ugu.”
4590
4591“Alright.	 Just	 by	 reading	 it,	 this	 disgusting	 proposal	 looks	 like	 it’s	 gonna	 make	 people vomit,	right	out	from	my	stomach.”
4592
4593“The	only	thing	that	gets	us	relieved	-	is	that	we	have	to	make	sure	this	proposal	does	not get	chosen	and	realized.”
4594
4595Respectively,	Zaimokuza	moaned	his	last	sentence	out	with	a	voice	full	of	hatred;	Hatano said	his	words	as	if	disgusted	by	the	smell	of	rotten	fish.
4596
4597Oh	well,	anyways.	I	can	sense	that	perhaps	Yuigahama	just	made	a	pitiful	expression	on her	 face;	 in	 any	 case,	 with	 that	 little	 reaction,	 I	 can	 assure	 that	 she	 does	 not	 feel	 like there’s	anything	inherently	wrong	with	the	proposal.
4598
4599In	 additional	 to	 the	 great	 ideas	 of	 “collaborating	 with	 local	 elementary	 schools,	 middle schools	 and	 high	 schools”,	 the	 proposal	 was	 further	 nourished	 by	 Yuigahama’s	 flashy ideas	-	this	was	so	perfect	so	that	even	I	myself	was	trembling	with	fear.
4600
4601In	 the	 end,	 we	 couldn’t	 come	 up	 with	 anything	 that’s	 flashy	 and	 arbitrary	 enough	 that diverges	too	much	away	from	Yukinoshita’s	old	proposal.	We	just	decided	to	play	around and	“temper”	the	staging	and	the	location	of	the	prom	a	little	bit.
4602
4603Imagine	 this	 scenario.	 Sunset	 by	 the	 sea,	 surrounded	 by	 campfire,	 a	 seaside	 live-house has	been	set	up	just	like	those	Shounan	Beach	Events[37].	We	will	plan	to	hold	our	prom there.	 Actually	 no,	 we	 just	 have	 to	 make	 use	 of	 this	 “set	 up”.	 Taking	 into	 account	 the possibility	 of	 rain,	 we	 can	 then	 propose	 a	 Plan	 B	 -	 also	 discuss	 the	 possibility	 of negotiations	with	Mikatsuki	Ryuguu	Castle	Hotel	just	so	we	can	also	hold	our	prom	there as	a	backup	option.[38]
4604
4605Wow,	scary	Hachiman.	I’m	scared	by	my	ability	to	BS	so	well.	If	I	keep	cultivating	my	BS
4606
4607skills,	 I’m	 afraid	 soon	 the	 HRs	 from	 those	 advertisement	 conglomerate	 companies	 will start	 reaching	 out	 to	 me.	 As	 my	 imagination	 drifted	 further	 away,	 Yuigahama,	 maybe dissatisfied	 by	 the	 fact	 that	 she	 sided	 with	 Sagami	 the	 sister,	 raised	 her	 head	 up	 from reading	the	proposal	and	then	frowned	at	me.
4608
4609“Even	though	Kaihin-Sougou	might	be	okay	with	our	proposal,	what	about	Hayato?”
4610
4611“Ahh,	as	for	him…	It	might	be	still	too	early	for	us	to	tell	him	face	to	face”
4612
4613“Hmmm?”
4614
4615As	I	indirectly	brought	up	some	bitter	part	of	my	experience	with	Hayato	from	the	past, Yuigahama	 tilted	 her	 head	 aside,	 looked	 totally	 puzzled.	 Honestly,	 it’s	 not	 like	 the experience	was	puzzling	or	strange	in	particular.
4616
4617Cheap	 tricks	 won’t	 work	 for	 Hayato,	 in	 my	 opinion.	 I’m	 afraid	 even	 if	 I	 explained	 the content	of	our	proposals	cautiously	enough,	in	front	of	someone	as	smart	as	Hayato,	the fact	that	our	proposal	was	just	a	stalking	horse	would	soon	get	exposed.	For	this	reason, to	avoid	causing	extra	effort	or	trouble	to	explain	everything,	and	to	avoid	complicating things	up,	perhaps	it’s	better	just	to	tell	him	straightforwardly	that	our	proposal	is	just	a dummy	plan,	before	explaining	its	actual	content.	For	sure,	that	will	make	things	easier to	proceed.
4618
4619“Alright!	That’s	it.	I’m	counting	on	you	all.”
4620
4621Saying	 that,	 I	 finally	 concluded	 our	 meeting.	 Although	 the	 responses	 were	 cold	 and sporadic,	they	all	got	their	hands	busy	right	away.
4622
4623Hatano	 and	 Sagami	 continued	 their	 fight	 into	 how	 they	 should	 go	 about	 designing	 the websites,	leaving	alone	Yuigahama	aside	just	nodding	her	head	saying	“Um,	um”.
4624
4625“Emm,	that’s	not	cute	enough.”
4626
4627“...	Eh,	can	you	be	more	specific?”	Sagami	asked	Yuigahama	respectfully.
4628
4629“Well,	let’s	say,	make	it	a	little	more	shining	shiny,	like	this…”
4630
4631While	 scratching	 her	 head,	 Yuigahama	 tried	 her	 best	 to	 describe	 her	 abstract	 opinions more	concretely,	so	that	she	could	somehow	make	Sagami	and	Hatano	understand	them.
4632
4633I	watched	them	from	aside,	listening	to	their	non-stopping	interactions	and	exchange	of conversations	 pleasantly.	 On	 the	 other	 end	 of	 my	 eyesight	 Zaimokuza	 seemed	 to	 be doing	something	rustling.
4634
4635“Hachiman,	I	brought	the	digital	camera	you	requested.”
4636
4637Speaking	of	which,	he	carefully	placed	a	bulky	DSLR	camera	on	the	desk.	In	addition,	he began	stacking	books	titled	like	“Intro	to	DSLR	Tutorials”.
4638
4639“Oh,	thank	you!	I	will	make	good	use	of	them	for	the	moment…	Just	in	case,	please	teach me	how	to	operate	this	camera.”
4640
4641“Of	course,	leave	it	to	me!	I’m	not	professional	per	se	but	let’s	just	follow	the	instruction
4642
4643manual	and	let’s	go~”
4644
4645“Hey,	isn’t	this	your	camera?”
4646
4647How	 could	 this	 guy	 not	 know	 how	 to	 operate	 his	 own	 stuff…	 Zaimokuza	 loudly proclaimed	 that	 he	 is	 proud	 of	 his	 ignorance.	 On	 one	 hand,	 he	 taught	 me	 some	 of	 the basic	operations,	on	the	other	hand,	he	quickly	scanned	through	the	instruction	manual while	keep	saying	“Okay,	I	see,	I	see”.
4648
4649A	while	later,	perhaps	he’s	getting	a	little	tired	and	ignored,	Zaimokuza	coughed	a	couple times.	And	then,	for	some	reason,	he	averted	his	eyes,	blushed	and	said,
4650
4651“I	have	thought	about…	the	name.”
4652
4653“Oh…	really”
4654
4655This	 is	 something	 that’s	 far	 beyond	 what’s	 urgent	 or	 necessary	 for	 now…	 Well,	 I’m listening	 anyways.	 Zaimokuza	 took	 out	 from	 his	 coat	 pocket	 a	 piece	 of	 doubly	 folded paper	and	handed	it	over	to	me.	Apparently,	he	wants	me	to	open	and	see	it…
4656
4657It	 can’t	 be	 helped.	 I	 had	 to	 briefly	 halt	 my	 work	 on	 reading	 the	 camera	 tutorial,	 and unfold	 that	 piece	 of	 paper.	 What	 I	 then	 saw	 was	 a	 unnecessarily	 well	 written	 work	 of calligraphy	that	says,
4658
4659“Soubu	HS	Prom	Saikou	Project”
4660
4661What	the	hell	is	this?	Having	my	“camera	reading”	focus	zone	totally	ruined,	I	suddenly remembered	something	from	yesterday…
4662
4663“Oh,	the	name!”
4664
4665We	 had	 a	 discussion	 during	 yesterday’s	 meeting	 about	 the	 name	 of	 our	 committee.
4666
4667Apparently	I	wrote	“Committee	Name:	Actively	Looking	for	Recommendations	❤ ”	on	the whiteboard	and	this	guy	actually	took	it	seriously.	Zaimokuza	coughed	twice	again	and then	fluttered	his	coat	edge	with	dignity.
4668
4669“That’s	right!	The	aforementioned	‘Saikou’	means…”
4670
4671“Ah	ah,	stop	there.	Alright,	it’s	okay,	we	all	get	it.”
4672
4673“Umm…	okay	I	see.”
4674
4675Apparently	 Zaimokuza	 was	 let	 down,	 his	 face	 quickly	 turned	 to	 drooping.	 I	 bet	 he	 was trying
4676
4677to
4678
4679say
4680
4681something
4682
4683along
4684
4685the
4686
4687lines
4688
4689of
4690
4691including
4692
4693“Supreme”
4694
4695or
4696
4697“Reconsideration” [39]	 in	 the	 context.	 Well,	 whatevs.	 The	 key	 is	 to	 make	 the	 name	 easy enough	to	understand	and	stupid	enough	to	reflect	its	dumbness.	Considering	these	two
4698
4699points,	the	name	isn’t	unexpectedly	unfit	for	the	job.	Especially	this	pun	on	words	would definitely	leave	a	SUPREMELY	dumb	and	stupid	impression	on	people.	This	was	great.
4700
4701“We	can	settle	on	this	title.	Thanks!”
4702
4703“Wut??”
4704
4705Probably	 because	 I	 said	 it	 too	 lightheartedly,	 Zaimokuza	 was	 speechlessly	 surprised.
4706
4707Seeing	that,	Hatano	passed	that	piece	of	paper	back	to	Sagami.
4708
4709“The	Committee	Name,	as	it’s	settled	let’s	all	count	on	it!”
4710
4711“What…”
4712
4713“Seriously…”
4714
4715Both	Hatano	and	Sagami’s	faces	turned	stiff,	making	wry,	bitter	smiles	at	me.	After	seeing their	reactions,	Yuigahama	nevertheless	looked	pretty	satisfied,	“Isn’t	it	great!”
4716
4717“Hmmm,	oh,	ah,	okay,	I	see.	Is	it	that	great…”	Finally	able	to	read	into	the	air	and	grasp the	 situation,	 Zaimokuza	 tried	 to	 cover	 his	 shyness	 by	 coughing	 twice	 again,	 thereby digesting	his	ecstacy	completely	before	it	leaked	out.
4718
4719In	fact,	I	think	there’s	going	to	be	an	even	better	title	in	the	future.	Please	stay	tuned	and let’s	all	look	forward	to	the	next	masterpiece	from	Zaimokuza	Yoshiteru-Sensei!
4720
4721
4722
4723
4724
47256-2
4726
4727The	sun	was	setting	slowly.	The	last	ray	of	sunshine	flowed	into	the	Game	Club	Room.
4728
4729It	was	about	time	for	other	school	clubs	to	also	conclude	their	daily	activity.
4730
4731Sounds	from	those	heavy	bands	could	no	longer	be	heard.	Roars	from	the	rugby	club	had also	 stopped	 for	 a	 while.	 Standing	 up	 from	 my	 seat	 and	 peaking	 into	 the	 schoolyard,	 I noticed	that	it	was	also	about	time	for	the	soccer	club	to	wrap	their	day	up	as	well.
4732
4733“Alright,	this	is	about	it.	Everyone	please	clean	up	your	own	things	and	we	can	call	it	a day.”
4734
4735As	I	turned	my	face	back	from	peaking	out	of	the	window	and	told	them	to	wrap	up,	the club	 room	 soon	 got	 filled	 up	 with	 sighs	 arised	 from	 exhaustion,	 and	 clicking	 sounds coming	 from	 head	 rotation	 and	 relaxed	 shoulders.	 Yuigahama,	 not	 unexpectedly,	 also relaxed	her	shoulder	and	meanwhile	turned	her	body	facing	me.
4736
4737“Are	you	going	to	check	with	Hayato?”
4738
4739“Yeah.”
4740
4741As	soon	as	I	finished	speaking,	Yuigahama	took	out	her	smartphone	and	brought	it	close in	front	of	her	lips.[40]
4742
4743“Should	I	contact	him	now?”
4744
4745“Hmm	let	me	think.	No,	nope,	actually.	It’s	better	to	just	catch	him	on	the	spot.”
4746
4747That	took	me	just	a	flash	of	a	second	to	change	my	mind.
4748
4749Means	of	communications,	such	as	phones	or	messenger	apps,	are	in	fact	very	unreliable and	incomplete	tools.	Using	tools	like	these,	getting	ignored	means	pretty	much	the	end of	the	day.	“Oh,	I	didn’t	notice	your	message”,	“I	was	sleeping	then”,	“It	ran	out	of	battery then”,	“I	lost	my	phone	unfortunately”,	“In	fact,	I	do	not	have	a	LINE	account”,	these	are all	kinds	of	excuses	that	poured	out	of	my	memory.	There	are	even	rare	cases	like	“Oh,	I actually	do	not	have	a	phone”,	myself	being	the	source.
4750
4751But	 after	 all,	 Hayato	 is	 very	 unlikely	 to	 ignore	 messages	 from	 Yuigahama.	 If	 it	 does happen	though	and	we	have	to	reschedule	and	start	over	things	on	another	day,	that’d	be very	problematic,	since	we	simply	won’t	have	enough	time	left.	Hence,	we	HAVE	to	take our	chance	and	get	it	done	today.
4752
4753Yuigahama	was	probably	thinking	along	the	same	lines,	and	nodded	to	me.
4754
4755“I	see…	but	just	to	be	safe,	I’ll	still	send	him	a	message	on	LINE	anyways.	I’ll	let	you	know as	soon	as	he	replies.”
4756
4757“Sure.	Please	do	me	the	favor.”
4758
4759As	I	said	it,	I	quickly	packed	things	up	and	left	the	Game	Club	room.
4760
4761After	leaving	the	staircase,	I	promptly	set	my	foot	towards	the	courtyard.
4762
4763The	courtyard	lies	in	between	the	main	building	and	the	special-purpose	building.	Since the	 courtyard	 was	 blocked	 by	 buildings	 from	 all	 directions,	 the	 night	 fades	 in	 there earlier	 than	 all	 other	 places	 on	 campus.	 It’s	 worth	 noticing	 that	 the	 columns	 located	 in the	 east	 under	 the	 main	 buildings	 naturally	 fall	 under	 the	 shadows	 of	 the	 special-purpose	building,	thereby	leaving	the	darkness	even	thicker	underneath.
4764
4765Suddenly,	a	piece	of	shadow	moved	across	in	that	darkness.
4766
4767I	 tried	 to	 focus	 my	 eyes	 on	 that	 shadow	 and	 finally	 I	 could	 see	 there	 seemed	 to	 be someone	standing	in	front	of	the	vending	machine	under	the	building.	As	I	walked	closer towards	there,	gradually	I	could	identify	that	the	figure	apparently	belonged	to	a	girl.
4768
4769She	 probably	 just	 bought	 something	 to	 drink	 from	 the	 vending	 machine.	 I	 could	 hear something	 had	 just	 dropped	 out	 from	 inside	 the	 vending	 machine.	 She	 squatted	 down, picked	 up	 the	 drink	 from	 the	 vending	 machine	 and	 stood	 up.	 That	 long,	 glamorously charming	 dark	 hair	 of	 hers	 waved	 in	 the	 wind.	 The	 vending	 machine	 cast	 cold,	 green-white	colored	light	onto	her	white,	slender	face.	She	smiled	gently,	a	scene	that	was	so unrealistic	and	so	surreal.
4770
4771That	was	Yukinoshita	Yukino.	I	couldn’t	possibly	have	mistaken	her.
4772
4773Yukino	 firmly	 held	 the	 coffee	 can	 and	 gently	 put	 on	 her	 feather	 coat	 without	 her	 arms going	through	the	sleeves.	She	then	slowly	walked	towards	the	courtyard,	sitting	down on	the	bench	located	in	the	middle	of	the	courtyard	and	aimlessly	staring	into	the	sky.
4774
4775As	 if	 trying	 to	 penetrate	 the	 bench,	 the	 withered	 tree	 groves	 were	 lit	 up	 by	 the streetlights,	 where	 orange	 light	 passed	 down	 through	 the	 dry	 twigs	 that	 were	 already devoid	of	leaves.
4776
4777All	 of	 this	 looked	 like	 it	 came	 out	 from	 a	 piece	 of	 painting.	 I	 sensed	 a	 feeling	 that compelled	and	drove	me	to	just	stare	at	this	painting	whenever	and	forever.
4778
4779However,	unfortunately,	without	passing	through	the	courtyard	I	could	reach	neither	the soccer	court	nor	the	bike	parking	lot.	So,	feeling	sorry	in	mind	that	I	was	about	to	ruin this	already-perfect	scenery,	I	decided	to	step	into	the	scene.
4780
4781Soon,	she	noticed	the	footstep	and	looked	at	me.
4782
4783“Oh,	isn’t	this	Mr.	Hikigaya?”
4784
4785“Ah…	yeah…”
4786
4787Seeing	 that	 Yukinoshita’s	 facial	 expression	 regained	 composure	 and	 that	 her	 smile returned,	I	used	my	jaw	to	nod	in	response	to	her	greetings.
4788
4789Yukinoshita	was	holding	the	coffee	can	to	warm	her	hands	up.	But	after	seeing	me,	she sighed	and	hid	the	coffee	can	behind	her.	That’s	no	use.	No	matter	how	you	hide	it,	with that	featured	packaging,	color	and	design	there	was	no	way	I	could	possible	miss	it.
4790
4791“It’s	rare	for	you	to	drink	that.”
4792
4793“It’s	perfect	for	sugar	and	energy	replenishment.”
4794
4795She	showed	a	very	superficial	smile	to	me,	as	she	spoke,	with	her	face	dyed	in	dim	red.
4796
4797She	closed	up	her	coat	as	if	she	was	hugging	herself,	and	hid	the	coffee	can	inside.	Finally she	recognized	the	charm	of	MAX	Coffee!	That’s	a	good	thing.
4798
4799I	quickly	peeked	at	the	soccer	court	-	it	looked	like	they	were	still	busy	tidying	things	up.
4800
4801Maybe	I	should	wait	a	little	longer	before	I	go	over	and	catch	Hayama.
4802
4803Using	 only	 eye	 contact,	 I	 asked	 Yukinoshita	 if	 I	 could	 sit	 next	 to	 her.	 She	 nodded,	 and immediately	 moved	 her	 body	 away	 from	 the	 center	 of	 the	 bench,	 leaving	 some	 empty room	that	was	just	wide	enough	to	for	another	person	to	sit	down.	So	I	did.
4804
4805“Taking	a	break?”,	I	asked.
4806
4807“Yeah,	in	order	to	breathe	in	some	fresh	air	outdoor.”
4808
4809While	 answering	 my	 question,	 Yukinoshita	 quickly	 cast	 her	 eyes	 back	 to	 the	 main building.	In	that	direction	laid	the	Student	Council	room,	in	which	the	lights	were	still	on.
4810
4811Unlike	 the	 Service	 Club	 room,	 almost	 alway	 empty,	 deserted	 and	 desolated,	 in	 the Student	 Council	 room	 since	 there’s	 a	 heater	 that	 Isshiki	 decided	 to	 bring	 over,	 people must	have	been	living	a	pleasantly	warm	life	there.
4812
4813“I	know	right.	The	heater	is	too	effective	so	that	people	easily	get	drowsy	with	it.”
4814
4815I	 had	 to	 agree	 with	 her,	 since	 I	 remembered	 that	 thanks	 to	 a	 lot	 of	 stuff	 stacked	 in	 the Game	Club	room	blocking	air	ventilation,	that	place	also	inevitably	confines	a	lot	of	heat.
4816
4817Hearing	 my	 words,	 Yukinoshita	 was	 amused	 and	 laughed	 merrily	 with	 her	 mouth covered.
4818
4819“Well,	with	that	reasoning	it	looks	like	you	always	stay	in	a	heated	room,	am	I	right?	I’m	a
4820
4821little	worried	about	the	electricity	bill.” [41]
4822
4823“Don’t	worry.	It	all	gets	balanced	by	the	coldness	coming	from	other	people’s	indifferent, nonchalant	gaze	on	me.”
4824
4825“You	really	live	an	eco-friendly	life.”
4826
4827Yukinoshita	shrugged	her	shoulders.	I	also	mocked	myself	with	a	tilted	smile	on	one	side of	my	lip,
4828
4829“Well,	having	this	repeated	hot-and-cold	pattern	is	great,	certainly	even	better	if	served in	a	sauna	room.	It	gets	my	life	in	order.”
4830
4831“I	wonder	if	you	know	the	correct	usage	of	‘get	something	in	order’.”
4832
4833“No,	maybe	I	don’t.	However,	everyone	says	‘Sauna	gets	one’s	life	in	order’.	In	fact,	after repeating	the	steam	room	and	in	the	middle	of	the	glycine	bath,	there’s	a	process	called
4834
4835‘air	bath’	right?	As	far	as	I	know,	people	always	say	“Air	bath	gets	one’s	life	in	order”.”
4836
4837“You	seem	to	have	no	intention	to	get	your	usage	of	grammar	in	order…	I	have	no	idea what	you	are	talking	about.	Not	a	single	idea. ”[42]
4838
4839Facing	 someone	 like	 me,	 who	 is	 arguing	 so	 intensely	 and	 foolishly	 to	 defend	 oneself, Yukinoshita	shrugged	her	shoulders	again.
4840
4841She	didn’t	understand	or	try	to	understand	a	single	word	I	said.	I	bet	you	are	going	to	get wrecked	for	wasting	your	spa	money!	I’m	serious.	Sometimes	my	father	would	take	me to	 spas	 by	 chance	 and	 I’d	 just	 follow	 him.	 Thanks	 for	 the	 treat,	 Dad!	 Some	 of	 the	 spa places	even	offer	free	manga	to	read.	So	instead	of	going	to	those	manga	coffee	shop	like a	 fool,	 going	 to	 these	 manga	 spas	 is	 definitely	 a	 far	 better	 way	 to	 enjoy	 the	 weekends.
4842
4843Even	though	sauna	sounds	like	some	old	dude’s	hobby,	nowadays	anime	shows	that	are themed	 with	 old	 dude’s	 hobby	 are	 getting	 more	 and	 more	 popular!	 I	 can	 sense	 the slippery	from	an	anime	or	a	manga	where	girls	enjoy	sauna.	While	imagining	that,	I	feel like	my	skins	were	feeling	tingly	already.	Hey,	I	was	referring	to	saunas	though,	not	the girls!
4844
4845While	continuing	my	daydreaming,	I	got	a	sneak	peek	at	Yukinoshita’s	face.
4846
4847Her	eyes	were	still	full	of	confidence	to	win	the	match	between	us;	her	mouth	was	still wearing	a	calm	and	composed	smile,	just	like	a	few	days	ago	when	I	looked	into	her	eyes as	I	left	the	Student	Council	room.	Of	course,	this	is	something	that	I	already	got	used	to.
4848
4849While	I	quietly	commemorated	the	sense	of	distance	between	us,	I	smirked	bitterly	and finally	opened	my	mouth.
4850
4851“How’s	it	going?	I	meant,	the	proposal.”
4852
4853Yukinoshita	is	a	little	shocked	by	what	I	asked	and	looked	straight	at	me.	But	she	soon turned	that	into	a	teasing	smile.
4854
4855“...how	rare	it	is	that	you	start	to	care	about	others.”
4856
4857“It’s	not	like	that.	Of	course,	I	have	to	study	my	enemy.”
4858
4859Hearing	me	explaining	myself	calmly,	Yukinoshita	got	dumbfounded	and	speechless	for	a minuscule	moment.	But	then,	she	smirked	and	shrugged	her	shoulders,
4860
4861“I	see.	It’s	been	going	quite	well.	We	managed	to	finish	all	the	pending	tasks	and	now	we are	 coordinating	 things	 smoothly	 among	 all	 parties.	 I	 guess	 the	 only	 thing	 left	 is	 the assignment	and	distribution	of	work	on	the	day	of	event.”
4862
4863As	 she	 went	 through	 each	 item	 one	 by	 one,	 her	 eyes	 looked	 upward	 as	 if	 she	 was marking	 each	 of	 them	 as	 checked.	 Judging	 from	 her	 voice	 and	 emotion,	 she	 didn’t	 look like	she’s	being	preoccupied	by	the	work	at	all.
4864
4865“That	makes	me	so	jealous…	Well,	don’t	force	yourself	too	much.	Just	use	Isshiki	as	much as	 you	 can,	 even	 if	 that	 means	 crushing	 her	 dead	 completely.	 After	 all,	 she	 has	 the potential	to	become	a	great	wage	slave[43]. ”
4866
4867“I	don’t	need	you	to	tell	me	that.	That’s	what	I’m	going	to	do	anyways.”
4868
4869I	said	so	in	a	half-joking,	half-serious	way,	whereas	Yukinoshita	narrowed	her	eyes	with a	clever	smile	floating	on	her	face.	That’s	so	scary	-	unlike	me,	she	looked	like	she	was totally	serious	about	it.
4870
4871“What	about	you?”
4872
4873She	 lost	 the	 stiffness	 and	 seriousness	 on	 her	 face	 and	 asked	 me	 gently.	 I	 hid	 myself behind	my	fluffy	scarf	and	replied	to	her,
4874
4875“Well,	it’s	going	as	planned.	We	manage	to	finish	just	right	amount	of	work	and	proceed without	 working	 overtime.	 I	 just	 have	 one	 more	 thing	 to	 do	 after	 this	 -	 something outdoor	that	I	don’t	know	how	long	it’d	take.	Once	that’s	done	I’m	heading	straight	home and	will	get	rest	of	my	work	done	there.”
4876
4877“Sounds	like	only	the	‘time	management’	part	is	going	well	for	you.”
4878
4879Yukinoshita	 tapped	 her	 fingers	 on	 her	 temple	 as	 if	 she	 was	 trying	 to	 suppress	 a headache.	She	sighed,	perhaps	feeling	a	little	uncomfortable	and	uneasy	by	what	I	said.
4880
4881After	that,	she	looked	down	and	stared	at	her	feet.
4882
4883“You	don’t	even	have	to	work	that	hard.	You	know...”
4884
4885She	said	that	so	gently	and	softly,	just	like	the	white	breath	coming	out	from	her	mouth that	soon	disappeared	in	the	air.	I	then	returned	her	a	gentle,	small	nod	and	then	took	my time	searching	for	words	to	say.
4886
4887“...I	have	come	this	far	by	forcing	myself	hard.	You	know	that	this	is	my	normalcy.”
4888
4889“I	see.”
4890
4891She	nodded	forcibly,	biting	her	lips	hard.	She	didn’t	say	anything	after	that.
4892
4893Instead,	she	put	her	hand	into	her	coat,	and	then	slowly	took	out	something.
4894
4895“Please…”
4896
4897That’s	 the	 MAX	 coffee	 can	 that	 she	 just	 bought	 earlier.	 Probably	 because	 it	 was	 in	 her pocket	all	the	time,	touching	it	still	gave	me	a	feeling	of	well-preserved	warmth.
4898
4899“Ah,	thanks	a	lot…	wait,	but	why?”
4900
4901“You	still	have	work	to	do	after	this	right?	I’m	just	out	here	to	take	a	break.	I’ll	go	drink something	once	I’m	back	to	the	club	room.”
4902
4903While	saying	so,	she	stood	up	from	the	bench.
4904
4905I	 waved	 my	 hands	 at	 her	 to	 try	 to	 stop	 her.	 I	 knew	 that	 it	 simply	 wouldn’t	 work.	 So	 I quickly	stood	up	as	well.
4906
4907“Wait	a	second…	Eh,	what	should	I	get	for	you	then?”
4908
4909I	 took	 out	 the	 coin	 change	 from	 my	 pocket,	 which	 made	 a	 tinkling	 sound.	 Yukinoshita heard	the	sounds	and	shook	her	head.
4910
4911“It’s	okay.	Keep	the	money	yourself	and	buy	some	treat	for	your	club	members.”
4912
4913“No,	it	makes	no	sense	if	only	I	got	the	treat.	If	you	are	treating	me	drinks	to	provide	me moral	support	then	I	have	to	properly	return	the	favor.	That’s	good	manner.	Can	I	get	the same	thing	for	you?	I	was	planning	on	getting	the	MAX	can	anyways.”
4914
4915After	hearing	my	long	excuses,	Yukinoshita	seems	to	be	slightly	disturbed,	staring	at	me with	dissatisfaction.	Nevertheless,	perhaps	sensing	my	strong	will	to	defend	my	actions, she	sighed	again	to	signal	her	will	to	surrender.	She	then	gave	me	an	honest	smile.
4916
4917“Nothing	but	sophism...”
4918
4919Knowing	that	she	couldn’t	refuse	my	favor	anyways,	she	kept	her	smile	and	returned	to the	bench.	She	looked	up	to	me,	her	head	slightly	tilted.
4920
4921“...	then	the	same	thing	for	me	please.”
4922
4923I	 acknowledged	 quietly	 to	 her	 broad	 smile.	 I	 quickly	 ran	 to	 the	 vending	 machine	 and returned	with	another	can	of	MAX	coffee.	Still	being	slightly	out	of	breath,	I	handed	over the	MAX	can	that	was	still	hot.
4924
4925“Careful.	It’s	hot!”
4926
4927Yukinoshita	then	stretched	her	cardigan	sleeves	a	little	over	her	hands.	With	extra	care, she	took	the	hot	coffee	can	that	I	passed	over,	and	had	her	sleeves	in	between	them	to insulate	the	heat.
4928
4929“Thank	you....”
4930
4931I	shook	my	head	in	reply	to	her	expression	of	gratefulness.	I	returned	to	the	bench	and removed	the	cap	from	the	MAX	Coffee	can	that	I	was	holding.	The	steam	rising	from	the can	deflected	the	orange	light	going	through,	and	gradually	dissolved	in	the	wind.	I	took a	sip	of	my	coffee.	The	sweetness	quickly	spreaded	over	my	mouth	and	the	coffee	soon warmed	up	my	body.
4932
4933While	I	was	drinking	the	coffee	one	sip	after	another,	Yukinoshita	held	the	can	firmly	to warm	up	both	of	her	hands.
4934
4935We	both	kept	the	silence	undisturbed	and	let	the	time	pass	by.	Sometimes,	either	I	was going	to	say	something,	or	she	was	going	to,	but	in	the	end,	only	breaths	remained.
4936
4937However,	thanks	to	the	quiet	breaths	and	the	darkness	of	the	environment,	we	were	able to	 notice	 even	 the	 slightest	 gestures,	 expressions,	 or	 actions	 between	 us.	 I	 was	 already missing	this	sense	of	distance	then.
4938
4939In	 the	 end,	 we	 were	 never	 able	 to	 have	 any	 proper	 conversations,	 but	 only	 to	 indulge ourselves	 in	 this	 speechless	 period	 of	 time	 together.	 Suddenly,	 an	 abrupt	 sound	 broke the	 silence.	 It	 came	 from	 out	 of	 my	 pocket.	 My	 leg	 felt	 the	 vibration.	 I	 pulled	 out	 my smartphone	and	found	an	incoming	call.
4940
4941“Excuse	me.”
4942
4943After	my	brief	apology,	Yukinoshita	shook	her	head	gently,	implying	that	she	didn’t	mind it	at	all.	I	nodded	to	her	and	returned	to	my	smartphone	-	on	the	screen	it	said	it	was	a call	from	Yui.	Just	as	I	was	about	to	pick	up	the	call	the	vibration	halted	immediately.	Just when	I	was	wondering	“What	was	that	about?”,	I	heard	footsteps	made	by	loafer	heels hitting	the	ground.	Yukinoshita	turned	 her	face	to	the	source	of	 the	sound	and	then	so
4944
4945did	I.
4946
4947“Good	evening,	Yuigahama-san”
4948
4949“Good	evening….	Yahallo,	Yukinon!”
4950
4951Like	a	greeting	during	a	quiet	night.	Yuigahama	lowered	her	voice	and	waved	her	hand gently	 right	 above	 her	 chest	 to	 us.	 Then	 she	 slowly	 approached	 the	 bench	 towards	 us.
4952
4953The	 street	 light	 lit	 up	 Yuigahama	 wearing	 a	 scarf	 on	 top	 of	 her	 coat	 and	 carrying	 her backpack	on	her	back.	Apparently	she	was	prepared	to	leave.
4954
4955“...	What’s	up?	Heard	anything	from	Hayama?”
4956
4957“Right.	 He	 wanted	 me	 to	 tell	 you	 that	 we	 can	 get	 dinner	 together	 and	 take	 our	 time	 to talk.”
4958
4959When	 she	 was	 answering	 my	 question,	 she	 waved	 her	 smartphone	 gently	 at	 me.	 Given that	Hayama	had	already	reached	out	to	me,	I	don’t	think	I	had	any	other	reasons	to	stay here.	As	for	his	suggestion	to	get	dinner	together,	I	guessed	it	was	better	just	to	meet	him near	the	train	station.
4960
4961I	finished	up	the	remaining	coffee	and	stood	up.
4962
4963“Work?”
4964
4965“Yeah.”
4966
4967I	nodded	to	Yukinoshita,	as	she	looked	up	and	asked	me.	She	also	checked	the	time,	put the	MAX	Coffee	can	back	into	her	pocket	and	stood	up.
4968
4969“I’m	also	going	back	to	work”
4970
4971“Wait!”
4972
4973Just	 when	 they	 were	 about	 to	 pass	 each	 other	 without	 meeting,	 Yuigahama	 took Yukinoshita’s	 hand.	 Perhaps	 caught	 by	 surprise,	 Yukinoshita	 froze	 and	 looked	 at Yuigahama	in	doubt.
4974
4975Being	speechlessly	stared	at,	Yuigahama	got	a	little	bit	embarrassed	and	quietly	touched her	hair	bun	with	one	hand.
4976
4977“I	feel	like,	for	some	reason,	we	have	not	seen	each	other	for	a	long	time.	It’s	strange…	I wonder	for	how	many	days	have	we	not	met	each	other...?”
4978
4979“Right….	I	was	so	occupied	with	my	work	that	I	couldn’t	find	any	spare	time.”
4980
4981In	 response	 to	 Yuigahama’s	 shy	 smile,	 Yuikinoshita	 returned	 her	 a	 gentle	 smile.	 After seeing	that	smile,	Yuigahama	quietly	looked	downward.
4982
4983“No,	I	don’t	think	that’s	the	reason.	Am	I	being	…	avoided	deliberately?”
4984
4985Yuigahama	 gently	 raised	 her	 face	 up,	 asking	 modestly	 as	 if	 trying	 to	 peek	 into Yukinoshita’s	 heart.	 Hearing	 that,	 Yukinoshita	 suddenly	 straightened	 up	 her	 body	 and switched	to	a	firmer	attitude.
4986
4987“That’s	 not	 the	 case.	 That’s	 not	 true.	 It’s	 just	 that	 there’s	 so	 many	 communications coming	in	and	out	about	the	prom	preparation	and	arguments	against	the	prom	event.	I had	too	many	things	to	deal	with…”
4988
4989She	argued	vehemently,	but	then	suddenly	she	softened	her	voice	and	looked	down.	She then	lost	her	words	and	instead	made	a	long	sigh.	Yuigahama	gently	bit	her	lip,	faced	the downward-looking	Yukinoshita	and	apologized	powerlessly.
4990
4991“Em,	sure,	right.	I’m	sorry...”
4992
4993They	stayed	speechless	for	a	while	after	that.
4994
4995I	feel	compelled	to	say	something.	So	frustrated	at	myself,	I	opened	my	mouth	without carefully	crafting	words	that	fit	into	the	atmosphere,
4996
4997“...Hey.”
4998
4999Hearing	 my	 voice,	 Yukinoshita	 suddenly	 raised	 her	 face	 while	 keeping	 a	 firm	 grip	 on Yukinoshita’s	hands.	Surprised	by	this	situation,	Yukinoshita	also	raised	her	face	up	and said,
5000
5001“I	am	actually	helping	Hikki”
5002
5003That	totally	caught	me	by	surprise.	It	left	me	astonished	and	speechless	at	first.
5004
5005“...oh...	Did	I	not	tell	you…?”
5006
5007I	mumbled.	I	thought	we	kept	in	touch	over	LINE	somehow	and	thus	I	took	it	for	granted that	 I	 already	 told	 Yukinoshita	 about	 the	 fact	 that	 Yuigahama’s	 is	 helping	 me.	 Keeping Yukinoshita	 informed	 should	 be	 my	 responsibility,	 not	 Yuigahama’s.	 I	 regretted	 and blamed	myself	so	much	that	Yuigahama	ended	up	having	to	say	it	in	a	terribly	awkward situation	like	this.
5008
5009Thereupon,	Yukinoshita	turned	her	face	to	me	and	shook	her	head,	suggesting	me	not	to worry	about	it.	After	that,	she	turned	to	Yuigahama,	firmly	gripped	Yuigahama’s	hand	in return,	and	said,
5010
5011“Don’t	worry	about	it.	I	understand	it.”
5012
5013“...	No,	I	don’t	think	you	do.”
5014
5015Yuigahama	tilted	her	face	in	sadness.
5016
5017“I	was	thinking	about	doing	*it*	properly.	After	we	are	finished	with	all	of	this,	I	will	get
5018
5019*it*	done	properly.	Therefore....	I	will	make	sure	your	wish	never	comes	true.”
5020
5021She	 kept	 staring	 into	 Yukinoshita’s	 eyes,	 trying	 to	 organize	 her	 words	 earnestly.
5022
5023Yukinoshita	nodded,	just	to	confirm	that	Yuigahama	had	finished	her	words.
5024
5025“...	I	see.	But	I	do	hope	that	your	wish	comes	true	though.”
5026
5027It	appeared	that	her	smile	was	so	genuine,	without	even	a	slightest	sense	of	sadness,	that her	words	were	honest	and	truthful.
5028
5029However,	 Yuigahama’s	 stern	 face	 didn’t	 clear	 up	 at	 all	 after	 she	 heard	 Yukinoshita’s words.	After	two	or	three	breaths,	Yuigahama	cast	a	gaze	that	seemed	to	cling	firmly	on Yukinoshita.
5030
5031“...	Do	you	actually…	know	my	wish?	Are	you	sure	you	know	*it*	clearly?”
5032
5033“Yes.	I	think	it’s	probably	the	same	thing	as	mine.”
5034
5035Yukinoshita	replied	without	any	hesitation.	Her	smile	was	certainly	soaked	with	love	and affection.	In	her	clear	pupils	was	no	hesitation	or	perplexity	whatsoever.
5036
5037“I	see…	then..	it’s	okay.”
5038
5039Yuigahama	 exhaled	 deeply,	 released	 Yukinoshita’s	 hand	 gently	 and	 took	 a	 step	 back.
5040
5041Seeing	that	Yuigahama’s	hands	dropped	powerlessly,	Yuigahama	wore	a	very	slight	and thin	smile	on	her	face.
5042
5043“Sorry,	but	I	have	to	leave	now.”
5044
5045Saying	that,	Yukinoshita	firmly	doubled	her	fist	with	her	empty	hand.	While	my	eyes	said goodbye	to	Yukinoshita,	Yuigahama	however	kept	her	face	down	without	looking	up.
5046
5047Yukinoshita	 sighed	 with	 a	 troubled	 face.	 Finally,	 she	 turned	 her	 back	 on	 us.	 Only	 the sound	 of	 loafers	 hitting	 the	 brickstone	 ground	 resonated	 in	 the	 courtyard,	 and	 step	 by step	it	was	going	further	and	further	away.
5048
5049I	saw	her	off	with	my	eyes	before	taking	a	short	breath.	Even	so,	that	didn’t	alleviate	the heavy	feeling	that	got	stuck	in	my	stomach	at	all.
5050
5051“It’s	about	time.	Let’s	get	going.”
5052
5053I	said	that	to	Yuigahama,	who	stood	there	still	and	paralyzed.	I	don't	think	those	are	the right	words	to	say,	but	I'm	simply	too	deplorable	-	I	know	I	had	to	say	something	in	this situation,	but	I	just	didn't	know	what	to	say.
5054
5055Yuigahama	nodded	to	me,	with	an	almost	vanishing	voice	"alright...".	But	apparently,	she had	no	intention	to	walk	out	and	leave.
5056
5057Yukinoshita	stepped	into	the	shadow	below	the	school	building.	I	could	see	her	fleeting figure	dissolving	into	the	background	and	her	footstep	pitching	higher.
5058
5059Before	I	was	able	to	see	the	scene	through	the	end,	Yuigahama	suddenly	raised	her	face up,	and	with	all	her	strength	she	started	dashing	over	in	Yukinoshita’s	direction.
5060
5061Yukinoshita	was	taking	her	time	to	walk	away	slowly,	but	after	hearing	the	footsteps,	she turned	her	face	back.
5062
5063It	all	happened	in	a	moment.	Yuigahama	suddenly	jumped	into	Yukinoshita,	hugging	her back	wholeheartedly.
5064
5065Leaking	an	almost	inaudible	voice	of	surprise	and	confusion,	Yukinoshita	stumbled	a	few steps	 forward,	 almost	 dropping	 her	 coat	 from	 her	 back.	 But	 before	 that	 happened, Yuigahama	held	onto	her	coat	firmly	and	buried	her	face	quickly	into	the	slim	collars.
5066
5067"When	 the	 prom	 ends,	 we	 should	 get	 lunch	 together.	 Besides	 that,	 I'd	 like	 to	 stay overnight	 at	 your	 apartment	 again.	 When	 the	 spring	 comes,	 we'll	 go	 to	 Disneyland together;	we'll	go	to	the	Seaworld	again.	And	after	that	we	can	all	stay	overnight	in	my place.	And	then	when	it's	April,..."
5068
5069With	 her	 wavering	 voice,	 Yuigahama's	 words	 came	 out	 so	 quickly	 just	 like	 an	 arrow shooting	 immediately	 after	 another	 arrow.	 She	 snorted,	 then	 looked	 up	 after	 taking	 a breath	and	smiled	gently.
5070
5071"What	shall	we	do	in	April?	We	can	do	all	sorts	of	things.	So	much	to	do	that	it	could	take us	years	or	decades."
5072
5073Dimmed	orange	light	emitted	from	light	poles	sank	into	Yukinoshita's	pupils.	She	relaxed her	 fist	 and	 her	 hand	 stretched	 over	 to	 reach	 Yuigahama's	 shoulder.	 She	 then	 gently touched	Yuigahama's	shoulder	and	tried	to	cover	her	face	with	her	other	hand	touching her	forehead.
5074
5075"That's...	that's	really	a	lot	to	do...	I	wonder	if	we	can	actually	do	all	of	them."
5076
5077"We	can!	We'll	be	together	until	we	finish	doing	all	of	them...	So,	it's	not	a	problem."
5078
5079Being	 hugged	 tightly,	 Yukinoshita	 sighed	 in	 confusion.	 But	 Yuigahama	 did	 not	 seem	 to care.	Instead,	she	put	in	more	strength	in	her	arms	and	asked.
5080
5081"Do	you	understand?"
5082
5083As	 if	 she	 was	 being	 playful	 to	 a	 kid,	 Yuigahama	 laid	 her	 cheek	 on	 the	 back	 of Yukinoshita's	neck	to	comfort	her.	Yukinoshita	twisted	her	body	a	little	bit,	maybe	out	of slight	shyness. [44]
5084
5085"Yeah,	I	understand.	I	understand	it."
5086
5087"Like	really	understand	it	crystal	clear?"
5088
5089"Yes..	yes.	So	could	you	just	release	me	a	little	bit..."
5090
5091Yukinoshita	did	not	force	herself	to	part	from	Yuigahama.	And	Yuigahama	released	her slowly	and	gently.	Yuigahama	froze	briefly	after	they	took	some	distance	apart.	While	I was	watching	all	of	this,	I	made	a	short	sigh.
5092
5093Just	 as	 usual,	 we	 are	 so	 bad	 at	 communicating	 with	 each	 other.	 'I	 meant	 to	 say	 this;	 I meant	that	I	knew	this;	I	meant	that	I	understood	this.'	-	with	thoughts	like	this	piling	up among	us,	we	have	reached	where	we	are	today.	I	think	we	didn't	grow	mature	at	all,	not even	a	little	bit.
5094
5095We	all	know	that	there's	an	easier	way	to	communicate	our	feelings.
5096
5097However,	I	do	not	believe	that's	the	right	way.
5098
5099But	I	know	I	can	do	one	thing	at	least	-	avoid	making	mistakes.
5100
5101As	if	I	was	praying,	I	fixed	my	eyes	on	both	of	them	without	moving.
5102
5103
5104
5105
5106
51076-3
5108
5109After	seeing	Yukinoshita	off	back	to	the	Student	Council	room,	Yuigahama	and	I	headed over	to	the	station.
5110
5111The	temperature	dropped	quickly	as	the	sun	set.	To	avoid	the	chilly	wind,	we	walked	in between	 the	 residential	 buildings.	 The	 'kyu-kyu-'	 sound	 of	 me	 pushing	 the	 bicycle	 got mixed	 with	 the	 buzzing	 sound	 of	 dry	 wood	 along	 the	 street,	 both	 of	 which	 gradually vanished	in	the	end.
5112
5113Along	the	way,	Yuigahama	walked	next	to	me	and	talked	to	me	about	various	things,	but did	 not	 mention	 anything	 about	 Yukinoshita.	 I	 think	 she	 was	 deliberately	 avoiding	 it.
5114
5115Since	Yuigahama	clearly	has	subtle	consideration	about	it,	so	I	should	not	touch	it	either.
5116
5117[45]
5118
5119Of	course,	our	topic	of	discussion	naturally	went	into	a	different	direction.
5120
5121"Soccer	club	people	certainly	practice	until	very	late,	right?"
5122
5123"Ah,	right,	especially	today	their	training	took	an	even	longer	time."
5124
5125Although	 our	 campus	 isn't	 that	 big,	 we	 have	 soccer	 club,	 baseball	 club,	 rugby	 club	 and the	track	and	field	club,	all	of	which	need	places	to	carry	out	their	activities.	Hence,	they have	to	coordinate	with	each	other	on	activity	time	and	places	to	stay	organized.
5126
5127As	I	explained	to	Yuigahama,	she	made	a	"hoe-"[46]	sound.
5128
5129"Hmmm	I	see.	You	really	know	the	details."
5130
5131"Nah,	it's	normal"
5132
5133It's	not	like	Yuigahama's	reaction	implied	anything,	but	it	made	me	look	like	I'm	really interested	 in	 the	 soccer	 club.	 So	 I	 ended	 up	 coughing	 once	 or	 twice	 to	 cover	 it	 up	 and divert	the	subject.
5134
5135"Ah,	btw,	tomorrow	is	the	day	to	take	photos,	right?"
5136
5137As	 I	 changed	 the	 subject	 intentionally,	 Yuigahama	 also	 redirected	 her	 attention	 and nodded	to	me.
5138
5139"Hmm...	Taking	photos..."
5140
5141"I	 was	 thinking	 about	 taking	 it	 by	 the	 sea.	 Could	 you	 please	 do	 be	 a	 favor	 and	 be	 the model?"
5142
5143"Ehhh!?	Me!?	Ah,	that's	kind	of	embarrassing	for	me..."
5144
5145Yuigahama	caressed	her	hair	bun	with	her	glove	gently.
5146
5147"It's	okay	just	to	show	a	back	view.	I've	seen	quite	a	few	of	those	kind	of	photos.	I	think it'd	be	good	to	have	two	or	three	people	in	the	photo	like	this."
5148
5149I	 held	 my	 bicycle	 aside	 and	 took	 out	 my	 smartphone	 -	 trying	 to	 look	 up	 images	 as references.	Yuigahama	came	closer	little	by	little	to	peek	into	the	screen.
5150
5151"I	 see...	 It's	 just	 barely	 safe	 if	 it's	 from	 the	 back...	 I	 will	 try	 to	 ask	 Yumiko	 and	 Hina	 as well."
5152
5153That	closer	up	distance	unchanged,	we	kept	walking	side	by	side.	Feeling	a	little	uneasy,	I closed	my	opened	coat,	brought	my	scarf	all	the	way	up	to	my	mouth	and	speeded	up	my pace.
5154
5155Finally,	we	navigated	ourselves	through	in	front	of	the	station	and	arrived	at	the	Saizerya storefront.
5156
5157I	parked	my	bicycle	and	entered	the	restaurant,	immediately	starting	to	look	around	for the	customer	who	arrived	earlier.
5158
5159I	only	hadn't	been	here	for	a	couple	days.	It	didn't	look	that	the	place	had	changed	a	bit.	If I	 had	 to	 say	 one	 thing	 that	 did	 change,	 it's	 the	 Hayama	 Hayato	 cheerfully	 waving	 his hands	at	us	with	a	refreshing	smile	on	his	face.
5160
5161Hayama	moved	his	body	to	spare	some	space	for	us	from	that	4-people	seat.	He	raised his	hand	facing	upward	as	if	saying	"Here	please,	my	Milady."
5162
5163That	proud	and	impertinent	pose	looked	like	it	could	become	part	of	a	painting.	This	is making	me	angry	and	uneasy.	Speaking	of	which,	what's	even	making	me	more	uneasy	is this	guy	sitting	next	to	Hayama	eating	pasta	with	a	carefree	face...
5164
5165"Why's	Tobecchi	here?"
5166
5167After	taking	her	seat,	Yuigahama	said	it	before	I	could.	Meanwhile,	Tobe	got	choked	by the	food	and	said,
5168
5169"Ubbeee(crap)-...	 I	 shouldn't	 have	 come...?	 Cuz	 Hayato	 told	 us	 everyone	 is	 grabbing dinner	together	and	so	I'm	here..."
5170
5171Scared	by	the	situation,	Tobe	looked	at	Yuigahama,	who	then	gently	waved	her	hand	and smiled	at	him.
5172
5173"Oh,	that's	not	it.	You	weren't	invited	but	you	ended	up	coming	anyways..."
5174
5175Yuigahama	didn't	seem	to	say	that	out	of	ill	will.	But	saying	it	lightly	wearing	that	smile can	 certainly	 cause	 extra	 damage.	 Tobe's	 mouth	 suddenly	 cramped,	 awkwardly	 put down	 the	 fork	 and	 cast	 his	 eyes	 towards	 Hayama	 and	 me,	 as	 if	 those	 eyes	 were	 saying
5176
5177"Eh?	Is	this	bad?	Should	I	leave?	Is	it	better	for	me	to	go	home?	Ah	crap...",saying	so	in	a quite	annoying	way.
5178
5179"...	Well,	it	won't	make	a	difference	no	matter	if	you	are	here	or	not."
5180
5181Having	said	that,	I	cast	my	eyes	towards	Hayama.	I	could	barely	see	from	the	side	of	my eyesight	that	Tobe	was	mumbling	"Crap...	the	way	he	said	that	is	so...	terrible...".	Hayama showed	a	bitter	smile	to	Tobe	and	turned	his	face	to	us.
5182
5183"I'm	 sorry	 for	 taking	 your	 time."	 Yuigahama	 closed	 her	 palms	 together	 to	 express	 her apology	and	gratitude.
5184
5185"Well,	I	can't	really	say	no	to	Yui's	request."	Hayama	smiled	and	responded.	If	I	were	the person	asking	him,	I	wonder	if	I'd	just	get	rejected...	I	cast	my	dubiously	questioning	eyes to	Hayama.	He	then	simply	switched	to	the	main	topic.
5186
5187"So,	what's	the	deal	for	today?"
5188
5189"You	know	this	so-called	'prom'	thing,right?"
5190
5191"Yeah,	more	or	less."
5192
5193Just	like	Isshiki,	I	guessed	Hayama	also	learned	or	heard	about	it	from	Yuigahama.	Hence I	asked	him	knowing	that	in	mind.	Hayama	answered	it	frankly	without	hesitation.	As	I nodded	in	return,	I	continued.
5194
5195"So	the	situation	right	now	is	that,	some	of	our	parents	think	it's	not	wholesome	and	thus are	 strongly	 against	 holding	 the	 prom.	 We	 are	 cornered	 now	 and	 was	 told	 to	 act	 with
5196
5197'self-restraint'.	To	deal	with	it,	we	then	unilaterally	created	this	new	plan	to	carry	out	a prom	with	even	greater	scale."
5198
5199As	I	finished	explaining,	Tobe	suddenly	stopped	his	hand	holding	his	pasta.
5200
5201"...	Wait,	what,	why??"
5202
5203"To	make	sure	that	the	prom	takes	place."
5204
5205I	said	so	without	looking	at	Tobe,	but	straight	at	Hayama.	Hayama	folded	his	arms	and then	held	his	chin,	thinking	silently.
5206
5207"...	in	other	words,	it's	a	stalking	horse?"
5208
5209Hearing	that,	I	tilted	one	side	of	my	mouth	and	put	up	an	evil	smile.
5210
5211"Your	quick	understanding	makes	things	easier,	thankfully."
5212
5213"No,	I	cannot	understand,	to	be	honest."
5214
5215Perhaps	confused,	Hayama	shrugged	his	shoulders	at	my	smile.	Tobe,	on	the	other	hand, looked	at	us	back	and	forth,	trying	so	hard	to	understand	the	situation.	Yet,	looked	like he	 just	 gave	 up,	 as	 he	 leaned	 forwarded	 over	 the	 table	 and	 asked	 Yuigahama	 "What's going	 on?"	 for	 an	 explanation.	 Yuigahama	 then	 "So,	 let	 me	 think,	 here's	 what's	 going on...",	started	explaining	the	whole	thing	quietly.
5216
5217Well,	 it's	 okay	 even	 if	 Tobe	 doesn't	 understand.	 The	 only	 person	 that	 I'm	 here	 to	 deal with	is	Hayama.	I	quickly	glanced	sidelong	at	the	whispering	two,	and	then	cut	in	to	the main	topic.
5218
5219"So,	I	want	some	support	from	the	Club	President	Association. "[47]
5220
5221"I	 don't	 think	 we	 can	 offer	 any	 meaningful	 help.	 It's	 not	 like	 we	 have	 a	 great	 deal	 of authority	or	say	over	school	matters."
5222
5223"I	know.	But	still	I'd	like	to	ask	for	one	thing."
5224
5225As	 Hayama	 was	 about	 to	 say	 no	 and	 just	 end	 the	 conversation,	 I	 raised	 my	 hand	 and suggested	'well,	hear	me	first'.
5226
5227"You	guys	are	planning	to	this	Oikon	thing	right?	Isn't	it	better	if	all	clubs	can	jointly	hold this	thing?	To	follow	up	and	tag	along	with	Oikon,	we	can	make	a	new	prom	proposal."
5228
5229[48]
5230
5231"Oikon..."
5232
5233After	 finishing	 up	 the	 pasta,	 Tobe	 froze	 his	 hand	 again	 while	 trying	 to	 reach	 out	 to	 the doria.	He	tilted	his	head	in	confusion	and	looked	at	Hayama.	Hayama	smiled	bitterly.
5234
5235"Look	like	you	learned	about	it	from	somewhere	else."
5236
5237I	 looked	 at	 Hayama	 with	 my	 questioning	 eyes	 asking	 "what	 do	 you	 mean?".	 Hayama reached	out	to	his	coffee	cup	and	then	took	a	sip.	It	was	espresso	but	he	didn't	show	even a	slight	expression	of	bitter	taste.	He	started	talking	composedly.
5238
5239"The	student	council	has	already	reached	out	and	asked	us	about	Oikon."
5240
5241Sounds	like	now	I'm	the	one	making	a	bitter	face.	Nevertheless,	Hayama's	face	kept	its composure	after	seeing	my	reaction	and	continued,
5242
5243"We	already	decided	to	help	out	the	student	council.	Or	should	I	rather	put	it,	we	are	a subdivision	under	the	student	council.	So	obviously	we	cannot	help	you	guys	out."
5244
5245"Ugu..",	I	lost	my	words.
5246
5247They	got	it	before	us.	While	we	were	still	conceiving	it	they	already	got	it	done...	I	guess besides	 enhancing	 her	 prom	 proposal,	 Yukinoshita	 already	 thought	 about	 using	 some help	from	the	Club	President	Association.
5248
5249I	 don't	 know	 why	 but	 in	 this	 world,	 people	 all	 hold	 this	 strong	 belief	 that	 sports	 clubs must	 be	 wholesome.	 Probably	 those	 old	 people,	 after	 committing	 some	 light	 crimes, would	 easily	 cover	 them	 up	 with	 some	 pranks	 or	 tricks.	 They	 certainly,	 and	 strangely, are	 very	 tolerant	 to	 those	 young	 people	 who	 are	 sweating	 invigoratingly	 and	 holding strong	passions.	In	reality,	they	are	not	wholesome	at	all.	Every	year	they	cause	turmoils and	apologize	for	things	like	'team	activity	temporarily	in	halt',	'bowing	out	right	before a	 competition	 due	 to	 scandals'.	 More	 recently,	 there	 are	 even	 bolder	 conducts	 such	 as sexual	harassment,	power	harassment,	drug	abusement	and	so	on.
5250
5251So,	 it's	 annoying	 if	 I	 just	 end	 up	 giving	 up	 now.	 Knowing	 that	 I'm	 doing	 useless	 and meaningless	 resistance,	 I	 still	 have	 to	 continue	 my	 negotiation.	 If	 I	 don't,	 then	 all	 my effort	would	go	for	nothing.
5252
5253"...	 in	 that	 case,	 how	 about	 as	 an	 individual?	 Would	 Hayama	 Hayato,	 as	 an	 individual without	any	titles,	help	out	with	us?"
5254
5255"Helping	you	as	an	individual	would	be	the	most	unwilling	thing	for	me	to	do."
5256
5257Hayama	 tilted	 his	 face,	 expressing	 genuine	 unwillingness	 deep	 from	 heart.	 His expression	looked	like	the	one	that	a	boxer	would	make	after	his	liver	gets	punched	and gouged	out.	Okay,	now	it's	the	time	to	attack!
5258
5259"It's	also	okay	if	we	can	just	borrow	your	name."
5260
5261"Doesn't	look	like	I'm	ever	going	to	have	it	back."
5262
5263"Ah...	you	are	right..."
5264
5265Punched	right	into	my	face	by	his	sharp	and	eloquent	argument,	I	dropped	my	jaw.	He's right.	 If	 I	 get	 to	 borrow	 Hayama's	 name	 I'd	 use	 every	 inch	 of	 it,	 Just	 like	 borrowing	 a stamp	and	use	it	to	apply	for	a	loan	and	buy	a	house.[49]	Good	for	you	Zaimokuza,	you	get to	buy	a	new	apartment!
5266
5267While	I	nodded	to	myself,	Hayama	looked	at	me	and	rolled	his	eyes.
5268
5269"I	cannot	accept	this.	You	are	the	type	of	person	who	would	borrow	a	game,	write	your own	name	on	it	and	even	sell	it	later!	I	hate	that	so	much."
5270
5271"Don't	get	me	wrong.	I	won't	do	it.	I	don't	even	have	a	friend	who	can	lend	me	a	game	in
5272
5273the	first	place."
5274
5275As	I	argued	it	fair	and	square,	Hayama	sighed	deeply.	Tobe	was	like	"That's	him!	Those who	use	markers	to	write	stuff	on	goods	and	resell	them	on	GEO[50]	and	then	mesmerize the	buyers...	I	wonder	if	Akkun	is	still	okay.. .[51]"
5276
5277Instead,	Yuigahama	dropped	her	jaw	in	astonishment.	She	stared	at	us	speechlessly	with her	eyes	asking	"what's	going	on	right	now".	Looking	at	her	unbelievable	face,	Hayama smiled	gently	and	said,
5278
5279"What's	up?"
5280
5281"Ah...	I	was	a	little	surprised"
5282
5283Yuigahama	 looked	 at	 and	 compared	 Hayama	 and	 me	 side	 by	 side,	 'ehehe-'	 laughed happily.	Meanwhile,	embarrassed	Hayama	had	decided	to	keep	his	mouth	shut.	And	then, pretending	to	sit	up	straight,	Hayama	leaned	his	body	aside	and	moved	away	from	me.
5284
5285Well,	had	I	only	known	the	kind	Mr.	Hayama	Hayato,	maybe	the	posture	of	‘repulsiveness against	 me'	 would	 somehow	 end	 up	 looking	 pretty	 nice.	 Hayato-san,	 you	 have	 quite	 a personality.
5286
5287As	 I	 was	 thinking	 that,	 Tobe,	 who	 apparently	 knows	 Hayama	 a	 lot	 better	 than	 I	 do, proudly	straightened	up	his	neck	and	said,
5288
5289"Well,	it's	because	sometimes	Hayato-kun	you	do	say	pretty	tough	things	too."
5290
5291Tobe	smiled	and	tried	to	seek	consensus.	Trying	to	cover	up	and	divert	things,	Hayama coughed	a	couple	times.
5292
5293"To	 begin	 with	 why	 do	 you	 have	 to	 do	 this?	 I	 didn't	 hear	 anything	 about	 this	 'stalking horse'	proposal	from	Yukinoshita	though?"
5294
5295"Of	course	you	didn't.	It's	all	my	unilateral	actions."
5296
5297Hayama	 leaned	 his	 head	 slightly,	 with	 his	 eyes	 inquiring	 what	 I	 meant	 by	 that.	 I	 didn't really	 want	 to	 explain	 to	 him,	 I	 answered	 him	 in	 only	 few	 words.	 After	 that,	 I	 stopped elaborating	 further,	 resting	 my	 chin	 in	 my	 hand.	 We	 then	 entered	 a	 brief	 moment	 of silence.
5298
5299"Looks	like	you	two	are	not	working	on	it	together	this	time...	What	happened?"
5300
5301He	 seemed	 to	 noticed	 my	 unwillingness	 to	 elaborate	 further,	 following	 up	 with	 yet another	 question.	 He	 didn't	 dodge	 his	 eyes	 away	 from	 me	 as	 he	 asked,	 but	 rested	 his elbows	 on	 the	 table	 and	 had	 his	 fingers	 crossed[52].	 His	 attitude	 looked	 like	 he'd	 wait
5302
5303forever	until	I	gave	an	answer.	I	sighed	quietly.
5304
5305"It's	my	own	business,	not	something	that	you	should	care	about."
5306
5307The	 moment	 I	 said	 so	 deep	 inside	 Hayama's	 pupil	 something	 dark	 started	 moving.	 His gaze	on	me	stifled	me.	Despite	so,	Hayama	shrugged	his	shoulders.
5308
5309Hayama's	didn't	relaxed	his	gaze,	leaving	the	atmosphere	even	drier.	I	could	feel	my	skin getting	stung	and	burned	by	his	eyes.	Perhaps	those	sitting	next	to	me	could	also	feel	the tightened	ambience.	Tobe	twisted	his	body	uncomfortably.
5310
5311Yuigahama	had	her	eyes	down	by	herself,	yet	eventually	she	decided	to	open	her	mouth.
5312
5313"Yukinon...	Yukinon	wants	to	prove	that	she	could	do	it	on	her	own.	Otherwise,	she'd	end up	depending	on	Hikki	and	me.	She	decided	not	to	let	that	happen."
5314
5315"...that's	what	she	said..?"
5316
5317Hayama	 swallowed	 his	 breath	 out	 of	 discomposure.	 Just	 to	 make	 sure,	 he	 asked	 again slowly.	Without	raising	her	head,	Yuigahama	nodded.
5318
5319"I	see..."
5320
5321Hayama	sighed	deeply	and	closed	his	eyes.	I	cannot	grasp	the	meaning	behind	that	long sigh.	Only	from	his	action	of	biting	the	lips,	I	could	tell	that	he	is	stressfully	troubled.
5322
5323As	 suffocating	 silence	 continued,	 I	 could	 sense	 that	 the	 restaurant	 was	 getting	 noisier.
5324
5325Without	saying	a	word,	both	Yuigahama	and	I	looked	down	on	our	hands.
5326
5327"Ah....	by	the	way,	did	you	two	eat?	Are	you	hungry?	Should	I	order	something?"
5328
5329Maybe	Tobe	couldn't	bear	with	the	awkwardness,	or	maybe	he	was	reading	into	the	air and	 trying	 to	 do	 me	 a	 favor.	 Tobe	 forced	 his	 wide	 smile	 at	 us	 and	 opened	 the	 menu.
5330
5331Yuigahama	looked	at	me	implying	"what	should	we	do?".	I	shook	my	head	in	response.
5332
5333"No,	it's	fine.	I	am	about	to	head	out."
5334
5335Refraining	from	putting	it	into	words,	I	used	my	eyes	and	mouth	movement	to	express my	 gratefulness	 to	 Tobe,	 though	 I'm	 not	 sure	 if	 he'd	 get	 it.	 Tobe	 was	 like	 "O,	 oh..."
5336
5337seemingly	confused.
5338
5339After	we	broke	the	silence,	Hayama	sighed	shortly.
5340
5341"I	will	help	out	with	the	prom	itself.	However,	I	will	NOT	assist	you	as	an	individual	nor as	part	of	Club	President	Association.	I	won't	dissuade	other	CPA	members	from	helping out	as	individuals.	That's	my	compromise."
5342
5343Without	 looking	 at	 me	 directly,	 Hayama	 fixed	 his	 eyes	 on	 the	 cup	 in	 front	 of	 him.
5344
5345Hayama's	pupil	reflected	darkness	and	turmoil,	and	deep	inside	there	was	no	light.
5346
5347"...well,	that's	what	I	guessed.	It's	enough."
5348
5349As	I	spoke,	Yuigahama	looked	at	me	uneasily	and	anxiously.
5350
5351"Hikki,	are	you	sure?"
5352
5353"Yeah."
5354
5355I	think	it's	no	problem	that	CPA	is	helping	out	with	Yukinoshita.	It's	sufficient	just	to	get Hayama's	 promise	 and	 commitment	 out.	 After	 all,	 my	 end	 goal	 is	 to	 make	 sure Yukinoshita's	prom	plan	takes	place.	They[53]	made	their	wise	move	ahead	of	us,	but	it won't	change	the	outcome	in	the	end.
5356
5357In	that	case,	I	just	have	to	make	use	use	of	other	cards	in	my	hand.
5358
5359"I'm	getting	ready	to	leave.	Thanks	and	sorry	for	taking	your	time."
5360
5361I	took	the	check	promptly	and	left	the	seat.	Hayama	was	hesitating	whether	to	stand	up or	not,	sighed	shortly,	but	then	he	gave	up	and	stood	up	anyways.	Left	by	himself,	Tobe quickly	 devoured	 the	 leftover	 doria,	 poured	 the	 remaining	 coke	 into	 his	 mouth	 and chased	us	clumsily.
5362
5363
5364
5365
5366
53676-4
5368
5369After	I	paid	the	bill	and	left	the	restaurant,	the	night	had	already	fallen.
5370
5371Due	to	the	commute	rush,	many	people	were	passing	by	the	station	area.	I	was	pushed	by the	crowd	and	left	alone	walking	by	myself...	maybe	I	should	just	head	to	the	station	for now...	hence	I	ended	up	catching	up	with	Yuigahama	and	Tobe	while	pushing	my	bicycle.
5372
5373And	then	I	voice	came	from	behind.
5374
5375"Can	I	borrow	just	a	moment	from	you?"
5376
5377"Ugh?"
5378
5379As	I	turned	around,	Hayama	was	standing	there	aimlessly.	Surprised	at	us	two	suddenly stopped	walking,	Yuigahama	and	Tobe	looked	at	us,	turned	around	and	walked	back	to us.
5380
5381Hayama	 looked	 at	 Tobe	 and	 nodded	 with	 a	 little	 eye	 contact.	 Tobe	 picked	 it	 up.	 He stretched	his	neck	and	said,
5382
5383"Ah,	hmmm,	let	me	walk	Yui	home."
5384
5385That	immediately	caught	Yui	by	surprise.
5386
5387"Ehh??	Why??"
5388
5389"Why?	ehh,	ehhh?	Why	do	you	ask?"
5390
5391While	Tobe	asked	her	back,	Yuigahama	waved	her	hand.
5392
5393"Well,	it's	not	like	my	home	lies	in	the	same	direction	as	yours.	I	live	close	by	so	I	can	go back	just	fine	as	normal."
5394
5395"That	frantly??	Ah,	but	normally	you	should	take	my	offer..."
5396
5397"Eh,	ah,	it's	okay,	really.	Daijoubu."
5398
5399"uppee-(crap)...	that	really	hurts..."
5400
5401Tobe	 was	 surprised	 by	 the	 unexpected	 situation	 and	 stood	 dumbfounded.	 Yuigahama then	took	a	step	towards	me	and	gently	raised	her	hand	up.
5402
5403"See	you	tomorrow	Hikki-,	and	Hayato-kun."
5404
5405"Yep,	see	you	tomorrow."
5406
5407While	I	said	so	with	a	nod,	Hayama	waved	his	hand	and	said	"Good	night".
5408
5409Yuigahama	 soon	 walked	 away,	 followed	 by	 Tobe	 chasing	 her	 in	 confusion	 and dissatisfaction.	Seeing	both	of	them	off,	Hayama	and	I	were	left	in	the	crowd.
5410
5411We	waited	until	we	could	no	longer	see	them.	I	then	turned	my	face	to	Hayama.
5412
5413"...So,	what's	your	problem?"
5414
5415"Shall	we	walk	as	we	speak?"
5416
5417Dodging	 my	 question	 and	 not	 even	 waiting	 for	 me	 to	 say	 yes,	 he	 started	 walking.	 He didn't	tell	me	where	we	were	heading	to	but	merely	suggested	to	follow	him.
5418
5419For	a	while,	I	followed	his	steps	and	pushed	my	bike	without	any	exchange	of	words.
5420
5421We	walked	into	a	back	street	one	block	away	from	the	shopping	district,	and	then	came out	 of	 a	 corner	 surrounded	 by	 trees.	 Seemingly	 an	 inhospitable	 place,	 it's	 a	 park equipped	with	swings	and	a	playground	slide.
5422
5423"Wait	here	for	a	moment."
5424
5425"eh,	hey..."
5426
5427I	was	gonna	stop	him	but	he	quickly	ran	away	somewhere.	It	can't	be	helped,	so	I	parked my	bicycle	and	sat	down	on	a	bench	in	a	gazebo.
5428
5429There's	 nobody	 here	 other	 than	 me.	 The	 park	 was	 really	 quiet.	 There's	 nothing	 much surrounding	 the	 park,	 leaving	 chilly	 wind	 blowing	 freely.	 I	 closed	 up	 my	 coat	 collar, tightened	my	scarf	and	put	my	hands	into	the	pocket.	I	waited	for	Hayama	with	my	body shaking	and	clattering.
5430
5431After	breathing	in	and	out	a	couple	times,	I	heard	sounds	of	trampled	sand	coming	from my	back.	I	turned	around	and	saw	Hayama	holding	coffee	cans	and	walking	back	towards me.
5432
5433"Get	ready."
5434
5435As	he	spoke,	he	threw	one	of	the	cans	over	at	me.	I	quickly	took	my	hands	out	of	pocket in	panic	and	somehow	managed	to	catch	it.
5436
5437"That	was	dangerous...	Can't	you	just	pass	it	over	normally?"
5438
5439Following	my	bad	attitude,	however,	was	a	relieving	breath	from	my	mouth.	I	could	feel
5440
5441the	warmth	transmitting	into	my	palms.	'Eh,	hot!!'	I	mumbled.	It's	about	time	to	drink,	so I	opened	the	can	and	started	drinking	sip	by	sip.
5442
5443Hayama,	who	looked	at	me	and	smiled	in	satisfaction,	sat	down	on	the	bench	next	to	the one	I	sat	on.	He	first	warmed	his	hands	with	the	can,	and	soon	also	started	drinking	like me.	After	a	brief	sigh,	he	began	to	talk	in	scattered	words.
5444
5445"I’ve	come	to	remember	things	from	the	past."
5446
5447"What	thing?"
5448
5449I	peeked	at	his	face	from	aside.	Hayama	leaned	his	body	slightly	forward	and	stared	at his	 hand	 holding	 the	 coffee	 can.	 Light	 coming	 from	 the	 street	 lamps	 shed	 on	 his	 face, casting	shadows	on	the	ground.
5450
5451"...	Things	from	the	past.	You	know	back	in	elementary	school,	she	was	isolated	by	others, right?	Back	then,	she	said	something	similar...	'I	can	do	it	just	by	myself.	I	do	not	want	to rely	on	you.	I	do	not	need	your	help.'"
5452
5453"Huh...	I	felt	like	I	heard	about	that	from	somewhere,	maybe."
5454
5455"Yeah...	Hence	I	came	to	remember	it."
5456
5457Acknowledging	 my	 back-channeling,	 half-joking	 speech,	 Hayama	 raised	 his	 head	 up	 a little	 bit	 and	 replied	 to	 me	 in	 smile.	 Nevertheless,	 his	 delightful	 attitude	 quickly	 faded out.
5458
5459"...I	wasn't	able	to	do	anything	for	her	back	then."
5460
5461Just	like	his	falling	voice,	his	eyes	also	looked	down	on	the	ground.
5462
5463"No,	that's	not	accurate.	In	 retrospect	from	the	outcome,	it	ended	 up	being	a	lot	worse and	awful.	I	offered	my	help	halfway	in	the	middle	without	wrapping	it	up,	which	caused even	 more	 damage.	 I	 was	 thinking	 that	 back	 then	 -	 I	 should	 have	 helped	 and	 gave	 it everything	I	had."
5464
5465Hayama	cast	his	self-loathing	smile	at	me,	eyes	turning	gloomy.	I	shrugged	my	shoulders.
5466
5467"What	is	this?	Repentance?	You	should	do	that	facing	a	wall."
5468
5469"They	are	about	the	same." [54]
5470
5471Saying	 so	 in	 a	 half-joking	 fashion,	 Hayama,	 whose	 face	 illustrated	 by	 the	 street	 light, lowered	his	eyelashes	with	an	apologizing	face.	In	contrary	to	that	face,	the	steel	can	was shaking	in	his	hand.	Cold	wind	started	to	blow	at	us	again	but	that's	definitely	not	why	he was	shaking.
5472
5473Besides,	I	can	sense	regretfulness	and	anger	leaking	from	inside	him.
5474
5475I	recalled	that	day	in	that	summer	when	Hayama	and	Yukinoshita	had	a	conversation.	It's not	like	I	asked	them	to	know	precisely	what	they	talked	about,	but	at	my	best	guess,	it's probably	 about	 what	 happened	 to	 them	 in	 the	 past	 being	 repeated	 exactly	 as	 with Tsurumi	Rumi,	who	was	isolated	likewise.
5476
5477It's	not	hard	to	imagine	the	young	Yukinoshita	Yukino	standing	out	from	all	other	kids	in the	crowd,	thanks	to	her	beauty,	temperament	and	intelligence.	It's	also	easy	to	imagine how	someone	as	unique	and	special	as	Yukinoshita	would	be	treated	by	the	kids	groups.
5478
5479In	that	situation,	as	Yukinoshita's	childhood	friend[55], 	Hayama	Hayato	took	actions	that were	deemed	to	be	the	worst	that	one	could	ever	conceive	-	in	the	most	straightforward words,	 he	 tried	 to	 'set	 her	 up	 to	 be	 friendly	 with'	 and	 made	 attempts	 'to	 integrate	 her into'	those	girl-only	groups.
5480
5481Unfortunately,	 that	 only	 brought	 him	 more	 trouble	 and	 displeasure.	 Of	 course,	 what	 a classic	 Hayama	 move,	 not	 to	 mention	 that	 it	 all	 happened	 during	 the	 time	 when	 kids were	 the	 most	 excessively	 emotional	 beings.	 It	 doesn't	 make	 sense	 to	 demand	 self-control	from	kids,	as	it	simply	won't	work.
5482
5483There's	no	way	for	me	to	know	whether	Hayama	back	then	was	smart	enough	to	notice it,	 but	 I'm	 quite	 sure	 the	 Hayama	 now	 would	 deem	 his	 actions	 as	 awfully	 stupid	 and inappropriate.
5484
5485"I	really	should	have	poured	in	all	my	effort	to	help	her	out	back	then.	In	that	case,..."
5486
5487If	that	were	the	case,	what	would	have	happen...!?	That	really	touched	my	nerves.	Hence	I narrowed	my	eyes	and	said,
5488
5489"How's	your	'what-ifs'	supposed	to	be	meaningful	now??"
5490
5491"At	the	very	least,	I	am	very	aware	and	have	made	it	clear	to	you	that	it's	also	against	my will	for	her	to	end	up	like	this."
5492
5493Taken	 my	 stares,	 Hayama	 laughed	 bitterly	 with	 self-mockery.	 The	 usual	 'cool	 and refreshing'	 part	 of	 him	 was	 all	 gone,	 leaving	 only	 a	 gloomy	 eyes,	 in	 which	 only	 bad feelings	and	regrets	resided.
5494
5495"You	shouldn't	give	up	midway,	like	I	did.	Face	it	seriously.	I	didn't	have	that	motivation and	the	resolution	back	then.	But	you	are	different,	right?"
5496
5497His	words	jabbing	about	the	future,	his	imploring	eyes,	his	mouth	that	spoke	of	the	past that	I	didn't	know	of	-	all	irritated	me	so	much.	I	bit	my	teeth	hard	and	said,
5498
5499"That	was	your	regrets!	You	own	them.	Don't	entrust	them	to	me	so	lightheartedly!"
5500
5501Without	noticing	it,	my	words	got	sharp	and	my	eyes	stared	at	Hayama	angrily.	Hayama then	quickly	looked	down.
5502
5503"You	are	absolutely	right...	I	own	my	own	regrets.	I	have	been	regretting	the	moment	it happened	until	now.	I	am	unable	to	forget	any	bit	of	it.	It	always	came	back	at	me...	I	was stuck	there	ever	since,	without	making	any	progress."
5504
5505Suppressing	 his	 pain	 that	 seemed	 to	 tear	 his	 breast	 off,	 Hayama	 groaned	 bitterly.	 His used-to-be-handsome	face	warped	out	of	pain,	forcing	voices	out	of	his	throat	as	if	blood was	going	to	come	out.
5506
5507What	 would	 have	 those	 friendly	 buddies	 of	 Hayama	 reacted	 had	 they	 seen	 him	 now.
5508
5509Disappointed?	Or	sympathetic?	Or	even	disdainful?
5510
5511Notwithstanding,	I	am	jealous	of	him.	Looking	at	his	regretful	face,	I	only	feel	jealousy.
5512
5513I	could	see	how	deep	it	got	inscribed	in	his	mind,	as	he	treasured	it	so	dearly,	so	much that	he	would	never	forget	about	it	and	kept	thinking	about	it	the	rest	of	his	life.
5514
5515I	would	not	treat	that	feeling	as	regrettable	at	all.
5516
5517His	suffering	posture	was	so	'shiny'	that	my	eyes	had	to	dodge	away.	Thereupon,	Hayama suddenly	 stepped	 on	 the	 sand	 and	 turned	 his	 face	 to	 me.	 He	 couldn't	 allow	 himself	 to look	away	from	me	anymore.
5518
5519"Hikigaya...	You	are	doing	it	the	wrong	way.	You	shouldn't	have	to	resort	to	this	way."
5520
5521This	time,	I	can't	dodge	my	eyes	nor	can	I	turn	my	face	away.	So	I	closed	my	eyes.
5522
5523Nobody	else	but	you.
5524
5525Nobody	else	but	you	said	that	to	me.
5526
5527His	words	were	hopelessly	correct,	ambiguous,	and	whatever.
5528
5529I'm	glad	that	I	know	you,	Hayama	Hayato.
5530
5531You	cannot	overlook	actions	that	hurt	others.	You	will	not	forgive	those	who	hurt	others.
5532
5533Therefore,	you	are	the	one	whom	you	will	never	forgive	yourself.
5534
5535Bearing	 the	 hope	 that	 not	 a	 single	 person	 gets	 hurt,	 but	 ended	 up	 hurting	 the	 most important	person.	Even	so,	he	couldn't	defy	or	betray	the	image	that	he	and	other	have set	up	for	him.	In	the	end,	being	forced	into	an	impasse	by	yourself,	you	showed	me	that painful	 face	 and	 spoke	 of	 these	 meaningless	 but	 sounding	 arguments.	 Even	 until	 now,
5536
5537you	are	still	hurting	yourself.
5538
5539Knowing	that	he	couldn't	do	it,	knowing	that	I	couldn't	do	it,	nevertheless	he	still	couldn't help	but	ask	me.
5540
5541I	hated	this	part	of	him	so	much,	hated	it	from	my	heart.
5542
5543I	really	hated	it.
5544
5545So,	I've	found	my	words	to	say.
5546
5547If	it's	someone	else	then	for	sure	I	wouldn't	have	said	it.
5548
5549It's	because	you	shared	so	much	sympathy	with	me	but	still	didn't	understand	it	that	I have	to	tell	you.	I	had	to	say	because	they	are	the	same	thing	but	not	one	single	thing,	and so	 much	 of	 the	 two	 are	 the	 same	 but	 you	 won't	 forgive	 the	 tiny	 part	 that's	 different between	the	two.	Therefore,	I	had	to	speak	out,	to	someone	like	you	who	committed	to never	doing	the	wrong	thing	and	always	doing	the	right	thing.
5550
5551"Shut	up!	I	know	what	I	am	doing!"
5552
5553I	knew	I	was	doing	the	seemingly	wrong	thing.	But	I	had	no	other	choice.	I	did	not	know of	any	other	ways.
5554
5555Without	 doing	 it	 that	 way,	 *we*	 wouldn't	 be	 able	 to	 understand	 or	 communicate	 with each	other.
5556
5557There's	only	one	thing	that	I	could	do.
5558
5559Only	one	thing.
5560
5561"I	know	it	all.	Knowing	it	I've	come	this	far.	There's	no	other	ways	to	prove	it."
5562
5563As	I	slowly	opened	my	eyes,	I	saw	white	steams	coming	out	of	my	mouth	and	gradually dissolved	into	the	air,	just	like	what	I	just	said.
5564
5565"...	What	are	you	trying	to	prove?"
5566
5567Hayama	 directed	 his	 staring	 eyes	 at	 me.	 It's	 troublesome	 for	 me	 to	 be	 asked	 with	 that serious	face.	I	hadn't	been	able	to	provide	any	good	counter-arguments.
5568
5569Should	I	just	fabricate	something?	Or	just	prevaricate	it?	Or	just	make	a	bluff?	I	thought about	 it	 briefly	 and	 eventually	 just	 spoke	 out	 what	 I	 had	 in	 my	 heart	 along	 with	 my breaths.
5570
5571"If	 she	 didn't	 demand	 any	 help	 from	 me,	 but	 I'm	 offering	 my	 one-sided	 help	 anyways,
5572
5573then	this	is	not	codependence.	I	want	to	be	able	to	prove	that."
5574
5575As	I	said	so,	I	began	smiling	naturally.
5576
5577Maybe	 surprised	 by	 what	 I	 just	 said,	 or	 maybe	 even	 astonished	 at	 my	 smiley	 face, Hayama	blinked	his	eyes	and	gave	a	bitter	smile	while	losing	strength	on	his	shoulders.
5578
5579"Hikigaya,	do	you	know	what	that	feeling	is	called?"
5580
5581"Of	course,	it's	called	‘guy’s	stubbornness’."
5582
5583I	boasted	with	my	face	twisted.
5584
5585
5586
5587
5588
5589Interlude	5
5590
5591Though	he’d	left,	I	hadn’t	stood	up	from	the	park	bench.
5592
5593I	have	no	words	to	respond	with	if	you	say	such	a	big	lie	with	that	expression.
5594
5595In	 the	 end,	 we	 didn’t	 exchange	 any	 other	 words	 and	 he	 drank	 the	 rest	 of	 his	 canned coffee	before	saying	“later”	in	a	small	voice	that	could	have	been	mistaken	for	the	wind and	leaving.	Maybe	he’d	just	run	away	from	being	unable	to	bear	the	embarrassment.
5596
5597Thanks	to	that	I	was	left	alone	in	the	park.
5598
5599I	 hate	 him	 after	 all.	 I	 seriously	 can’t	 forgive	 myself	 for	 having	 been	 shaken	 by	 those words	even	for	a	moment.
5600
5601I	don’t	know	how	many	times	I’ve	deeply	sighed	and	looked	at	the	phone	that’s	remained in	my	hands.	To	be	honest,	I	just	wasn’t	in	the	mood	to	have	to	be	the	one	to	make	the call.
5602
5603But,	if	I	didn’t	confirm	it,	neither	me,	nor	him,	nor	her	would	be	able	to	move	on	forward.
5604
5605In	the	words	of	his	grand	lie,	even	I	have	something	called	a	man’s	stubbornness.
5606
5607With	my	fingers	frozen	due	to	being	exposed	to	the	blowing	wind	for	a	while,	I	pushed the	 buttons	 on	 the	 phone	 to	 make	 the	 call.	 While	 praying	 she	 doesn’t	 even	 answer	 the call.
5608
5609However,	she	would	definitely	answer	during	this	time.	At	the	same	time	I	thought	that, the	call	connected	and	I	heard	a	long	voice	coming	from	the	other	end.
5610
5611“Hel–loo”
5612
5613I	replied	with	the	words	I’d	prepared.
5614
5615“Can	we	meet	up	now?”
5616
5617“...Yeah.	Sure.”
5618
5619In	that	short	moment	of	silence,	it	seemed	she’d	sensed	something.	She	was	as	observant as	 usual	 it	 was	 seriously	 troubling.	 I’d	 never	 been	 able	 to	 hide	 anything	 from	 her.	 It’d surely	be	the	same	this	time	as	well.
5620
5621While	having	a	bad	feeling	about	this	as	always,	the	call	quickly	disconnected	after	two, three	business-like	exchanges.
5622
5623
5624
5625
5626
5627Interlude	5-2
5628
5629The	designated	cafe	was	the	one	she’d	often	used	to	come	to.
5630
5631After	finishing	drinking	a	Blue	Mountain,	priced	expensively	from	a	high	school	student’s perspective,	I	ordered	another	cup	and	looked	at	my	wristwatch.
5632
5633It	was	already	past	the	time	we’d	agreed	on.	But	there	hadn’t	been	any	contact	made	in particular	from	her	side.
5634
5635If	I	was	even	a	little	bit	late	when	she	was	the	one	who	suddenly	called	me	over,	she’d phone	over	and	over	to	tell	me	to	hurry	up.	Despite	that,	this	was	how	she	was	when	she was	the	one	late.	Because	I	was	used	to	this,	I	didn’t	forcefully	call	her.
5636
5637I’ve	 asked	 her	 once	 before	 if	 she	 does	 this	 with	 other	 people	 as	 well.	 She	 proudly answered,	 “that’s	 right”,	 but	 that	 wasn’t	 the	 truth	 in	 reality.	 Surprisingly,	 she	 was	 the type	of	person	who	was	very	punctual.	There’d	been	times	she’d	left	far	too	early	to	meet up	 with	 her	 friends	 and	 she	 wouldn’t	 thoughtlessly	 chase	 them	 up	 if	 they	 kept	 her waiting.
5638
5639But	it	looked	like	there	was	just	one	subset	of	people	she	corresponded	with	roughly.
5640
5641It	was	possible	for	her	to	comprehend	things	like	having	a	deep	affection	and	expressing trust.	In	reality,	he	and	maybe	her	little	sister	tended	to	be	seen	in	that	way.
5642
5643It’s	 just,	 an	 exception	 also	 existed.	 To	 those	 she’d	 hurt	 like	 a	 toy,	 she’d	 see	 them	 as nothing	more	than	an	existence	worthy	only	for	her	to	sharpen	her	claws.
5644
5645While	I	was	lost	in	thought,	the	second	cup	of	Blue	Mountain	was	brought	to	me.	Lifting	it to	my	mouth,	I	felt	it	was	strongly	more	bitter	than	it	was	before.
5646
5647At	last,	the	sound	of	a	bell	mixed	in	with	the	mild	jazz	music	playing	in	the	background.
5648
5649When	I	looked	at	the	entrance,	a	rouged	figure	jumped	into	the	shop	at	the	noir	keynote.
5650
5651When	she	took	off	her	coat	and	stated	her	order	at	the	counter,	she	didn’t	even	show	she had	to	look	for	my	figure	as	she	walked	straight	towards	where	I	was	and	sat	on	the	seat facing	me.
5652
5653“What’s	up?”
5654
5655I	 lightly	 shook	 my	 head	 to	 her	 question	 and	 waited	 for	 the	 Guatemala	 she	 ordered	 to come.	When	she	held	the	cup	in	her	hands	and	took	a	sip,	I	finally	cut	into	the	matter.
5656
5657“Co-dependence…	Did	you	say	that	to	him?”
5658
5659Maybe	because	it	was	unexpected,	it	looked	like	she	was	slightly	surprised.	It	was	rare for	 her	 to	 show	 that	 kind	 of	 expression	 that	 my	 mouth	 broke	 into	 a	 smile.	 She	 also laughed	as	if	to	answer	my	question.
5660
5661“...You	heard?	That’s	unexpected.	He	talks	about	stuff	like	that	with	you.”
5662
5663I	 ended	 up	 thinking	 about	 how	 I	 should	 interpret	 the	 meaning	 of	 that	 smile.	 Was	 she simply	just	amused	by	the	unexpectedness	of	his	actions,	or	could	it	be	she	was	laughing in	contempt	at	the	fact	he	would	tell	that	to	someone	like	me?
5664
5665Either	way,	whichever	way,	it	wasn’t	me	who	was	the	subject	of	interest,	but	him.	That’s why	I	should	have	been	talking	about	him,	not	about	me.
5666
5667“No,	 he	 just	 said	 it	 in	 regards	 to	 another	 matter.	 ...But	 I	 had	 an	 idea	 of	 someone	 who would	instigate	him	into	purposely	using	that	word.”
5668
5669“Not	bad,	super	detective.	You’re	correct.”
5670
5671Though	she	spoke	like	it	was	a	joke,	the	depths	of	her	eyes	were	ever	so	cold.	Her	gaze told	me	she	was	obviously	displeased	at	me	interfering.	It	was	a	sign	telling	me	to	stop while	she	was	only	half	teasing.	I	dropped	my	gaze	to	the	coffee	cup	in	my	hand	as	soon as	I	saw	it.
5672
5673“Why	would	you	do	something	like	that…”
5674
5675“But	it’s	the	truth.”
5676
5677With	 a	 reverberating	 tone,	 and	 without	 losing	 any	 composure,	 she	 spoke	 as	 if	 she	 was having	 fun.	 Only	 seeing	 her	 gesturing	 with	 her	 long	 fingers	 in	 the	 edges	 of	 my	 field	 of vision,	I	let	out	a	thin	sigh.
5678
5679“They	were	fine	as	they	were.	Just	like	that,	little	by	little…”
5680
5681“Isn’t	that	just	a	sham?	I	only	want	to	see	the	real	thing.”
5682
5683A	cold	voice	interrupted	me.	I	was	probably	the	only	one	who	could	feel	it	sounding	like	a sulk.	Because	we’d	been	together	for	a	long	time,	I	could	have	just	been	imagining	it	on my	own,	but	even	so,	only	I	could	understand.
5684
5685As	the	coffee	warmed	my	chest,	I	lifted	my	face	and	stared	into	her	eyes.
5686
5687“I	think	there	are	feelings	that	can	grow	from	there.”
5688
5689“Impossible.	That’s	how	it	was,	no?”
5690
5691She	 slowly	 narrowed	 her	 eyes	 and	 pierced	 through	 me	 with	 her	 frozen	 glare.	 The	 way
5692
5693she	said	it	overlapped	with	what	she'd	said	that	summer.
5694
5695That	glare,	that	voice,	they	always	tied	me	down.	In	the	end,	I’m	unable	to	move	forward and	she	was	again	stopped	in	place.
5696
5697It	never	changes.	To	make	sure	nobody	could	hurt	the	things	she	held	dear	any	further, she’d	hurt	it	first	herself.	And	she	would	never	forgive	anyone	that	hurt	it;	not	a	single person.
5698
5699“Do	you…	hate	__	that	much?”
5700
5701I	didn’t	ask	who	she	hated.
5702
5703As	if	she	was	caught	off	guard,	she	blinked	her	eyes.	But	she	soon	smiled	as	if	she	was satisfied.
5704
5705“No,	I	like	__	very	much.”
5706
5707She	 rested	 her	 chin	 on	 her	 hands,	 looked	 up	 at	 me	 with	 her	 moist	 eyes,	 and	 smiled alluringly	with	her	light	crimson	lips.
5708
5709This	is	a	curse.
5710
5711I	just	couldn’t	get	an	opportunity	to	atone.
5712
5713That’s	why	I	pushed	it	onto	him.	At	least	they	alone	would	be	able	to.
5714
5715Ah,	I’m	sincerely	envious.
5716
5717They	are	beings	that	can’t	not	be	together,	and	there	would	be	nothing	that	made	them happier	even	if	they	fell	into	hell	together.
5718
5719Even	if	it	was	a	sham,	if	there	was	only	one	distorted	sham	in	this	world,	then	nobody should	be	able	to	call	it	a	fake.
5720
5721If,	just	if,	I	put	a	hand	on	it,	I’d	surely	give	this	distorted	shape	one	name.
5722
5723That’s	why	I’m	still	regretting	to	this	day.
5724
5725That	time,	if	I’d	helped	with	everything	I	had.
5726
5727If	I’d	done	that...
5728
5729Would	you	have	forgiven	me?
5730
5731
5732
5733
5734
5735Chapter	7:	What	scenery	Ebina	Hina	sees beyond	the	lens	of	her	eyeglasses.
5736
5737I	hate	going	to	school	a	lot.
5738
5739Or	rather,	I	really	hate	going	to	the	classroom.
5740
5741To	put	it	more	accurately,	I	awfully	hate	seeing	Hayama	Hayato.
5742
5743Or	 even	 more	 precisely,	 every	 time	 I	 meet	 Hayama,	 my	 body	 becomes	 uneasy	 and	 I stammer,	but	he,	on	the	other	hand,	just	acts	normally	as	if	there's	nothing	awkward	at all.	I	absolutely	hate	this.
5744
5745Nope.
5746
5747If	 I	 have	 to	 spit	 out	 the	 truth	 from	 my	 heart,	 seeing	 him	 wearing	 a	 normal	 face,	 yet suddenly	noticing	him	showing	a	somehow	hurt	face	from	aside,	and	in	a	flash	it's	gone	-
5748
5749the	fact	that	I	noticed	this	series	of	his	expressions	is	absolutely	disgusting	for	me.
5750
5751Because	 we	 parted	 from	 each	 other	 yesterday	 without	 finishing	 our	 words	 but	 merely making	excuses,	I	was	not	able	to	identify	what	type	of	reaction	he	was	holding	then	-	he opened	his	mouth	widely,	with	a	surprised	face	as	if	seeing	some	endangered	species.	I knew	he	was	going	to	soon	say	something	very	annoying,	so	I	quickly	ran	away	from	the scene.
5752
5753In	the	morning	at	the	classroom,	as	I	looked	furtively	at	the	window	in	the	back,	I	could see	 Hayama	 and	 others	 chatting	 cheerfully	 as	 usual.	 I	 laid	 my	 face	 down	 on	 the	 desk immediately	then.
5754
5755The	scene	there	hadn't	changed	a	bit	from	the	usual	one, where	the	sunlight	poured	into	the	room	through	the	window,	accompanied	by	cheerful conversations	and	delightful	happy	faces.
5756
5757However,	just	for	fraction	of	a	second,	on	that	overflowed	smiling	face,	I	sensed	a	tiny	bit of	worry	and	anxiety.
5758
5759Perhaps	there	wasn't	that	much	to	read	from	the	smile;	or	perhaps,	just	as	usual,	it	was simply	that	very	same	pleasant	smile	that	Hayama	wears	all	the	time.
5760
5761In	that	case,	that	tiny	bit	of	worry	and	anxiety	might	just	be	my	own	interpretation	that	I read	 from	 and	 forced	 upon	 him	 at	 my	 own	 will.	 Or	 maybe	 it	 simply	 came	 from	 within myself.
5762
5763For	this	reason,	I	did	not	want	to	have	any	proper	conversation	with	Hayama	at	all.
5764
5765I	noticed	that	even	though	I	pretended	not	to	see	it,	but	in	the	end	I	couldn’t	resist	but see	 through	 it	 so	 clearly	 -	 	 a	 sense	 of	 disgust	 began	 to	 spring	 up	 in	 my	 heart.	 Maybe Hayama	was	feeling	the	exact	same	thing	as	I	was.
5766
5767Therefore,	 in	 the	 end,	 Hayama	 and	 I	 kept	 on	 further	 misunderstanding	 each	 other, without	looking	into	each	other's	eyes	genuinely,	but	merely	finding	mistakes	from	the other	and	conflicting	with	each	other	angrily.
5768
5769Because	 of	 the	 above	 realization,	 I	 decided	 to	 resist	 firmly	 against	 casting	 my	 eyes	 at Hayama.
5770
5771Well,	 actually	 it	 wasn't	 entirely	 a	 bad	 thing	 as	 it	 sounded.	 Thanks	 to	 this,	 I	 was	 able	 to confirm	one	thing.	Putting	it	into	words	made	me	further	solidify	my	intention	to	carry	it out.
5772
5773I	wanted	to	brag	and	talk	big	about	man’s	stubbornness.
5774
5775So,	I	idled	my	time	away	without	looking	at	Hayama	at	all.
5776
5777I	raised	my	head	from	the	desk	and	peeked	at	the	wall	clock.	I	sighed	so	deeply	as	I	did not	 remember	 how	 many	 times	 I	 had	 repeated	 this	 same	 set	 of	 actions.	 I	 stared	 at	 the hands	of	the	wall	clock	and	felt	like	they	had	been	moving	a	lot	slower	than	usual.
5778
5779Though	I	was	sitting	at	my	own	seat,	I	felt	rather	uneasy	and	only	wanted	the	school	to end	as	soon	as	possible.
5780
5781
5782
5783
5784
57857-2
5786
5787Come	on,	end	of	class,	please	come	now!
5788
5789Though	 I	 had	 been	 praying	 so,	 when	 the	 end-of-class	 bell	 actually	 rang,	 I	 immediately dashed	 out	 of	 the	 classroom	 and	 went	 to	 the	 Game	 Club	 room;	 there,	 I	 made	 an	 even deeper	sigh.
5790
5791It	all	began	with	my	briefing.
5792
5793"...Eh,	so,	Hayama	said	he	won't	help	us."
5794
5795As	soon	as	my	memory	from	yesterday	arose,	I	couldn’t	help	but	put	up	a	bitter	face.	Yet, it	looked	like	everyone	else's	faces	turned	even	more	bitter.
5796
5797"Whaat..."
5798
5799"We	are	done	for..."
5800
5801"We	have	finally	reached	the	end	of	our	rope... "[56]
5802
5803Hatano	 and	 Sagami	 both	 frowned	 and	 Zaimokuza	 sighed	 very	 deeply	 with	 a	 troubled face.	Only	Yuigahama	smiled	bitterly	to	try	to	comfort	them.
5804
5805"Well,	it's	okay...	We	are	still	yet	to	talk	to	Kaihin-Sougou	HS.	Right,	Hikki-?"
5806
5807"That's	correct.	So,	let's	contact	them	first."
5808
5809As	I	talked,	I	quickly	turned	my	face	to	Yuigahama.
5810
5811However,	while	dropping	her	hands	loosely	under	the	table,	Yuigahama	tilted	her	head	in question.
5812
5813"W...what?"
5814
5815"Eh,	um,	their	contact..."
5816
5817"...Huh?	You	are	asking	me?	I	thought	you	knew	it,	Hikki-?"
5818
5819While	still	keeping	her	head	tilted,	this	time	she	leaned	her	head	in	the	other	direction.
5820
5821Then,	silence	befell.
5822
5823It	 all	 happened	 in	 a	 flash	 -	 our	 eyes	 met	 and	 crossed	 -	 I	 quickly	 turned	 my	 eyes	 to
5824
5825Zaimokuza,	who	then	looked	at	Sagami,	who	turned	his	head	and	nodded	at	Hatano,	who threw	his	stares	back	at	me.	After	our	eye	contacts	made	a	loop,	I	turned	my	attention back	to	Yuigahama.
5826
5827"I	see,	you	really	didn't	know	it...	I	don’t	quite	want	to	reach	out	to	them	myself,...	would they	consider	it	awkward	if	I	suddenly	call	them...?"
5828
5829Yuigahama	 sighed	 slightly	 exhaustedly,	 and	 then	 took	 out	 her	 smartphone	 from	 the pocket.
5830
5831It's	 all	 right.	 It's	 all	 right.	 All	 guys	 have	 undergone	 the	 exact	 same	 trouble	 as	 you	 were experiencing	 at	 this	 moment.	 In	 any	 case,	 it	 would	 definitely	 be	 considered	 awkward.
5832
5833"What's	up	with	this	dude	suddenly	asking	me	what's	covered	in	the	assignment...",	-	all girls	 think	 like	 this.	 Hence,	 I	 cast	 a	 warm,	 comforting	 gaze	 to	 Yuigahama,	 who	 then looked	at	me	and	said,
5834
5835"Speaking	of	which,	Hikki-,	don't	you	have...	Orimoto-san's	contact?"
5836
5837"I	deleted	it."
5838
5839"You	dele..."
5840
5841After	 hearing	 my	 immediate	 response,	 Yuigahama	 immediately	 froze	 her	 hand	 holding her	smartphone	and	went	completely	speechless.
5842
5843"Normally	 you	 would	 delete	 those	 right	 away	 after	 graduating	 from	 the	 middle	 school right?	 It's	 not	 like	 I	 will	 see	 them	 ever	 again	 in	 my	 life.	 I	 do	 not	 want	 to	 waste	 the memory	space."
5844
5845"That's	not	normal	at	all!"
5846
5847I	spat	out	my	words	but	Yuigahama	immediately	denied	them.	Nevertheless,	other	guys showed	 very	 little	 response,	 or	 actually,	 they	 all	 sympathized	 with	 my	 verdict	 and nodded	their	heads	together.	Yuigahama	then	looked	at	them,	twice	again,	and	then	for	a third	time.
5848
5849"Wait,	what!?	Am	I	the	weird	one	here?"
5850
5851Yuigahama	clasped	her	head	firmly.
5852
5853"But	didn't	you	exchange	your	contact	information	with	Orimoto-san	back	then?"
5854
5855"...	yeah,	just	in	case...	I	was	kind	of	acting	as	the	point	of	contact	at	the	Christmas	event.
5856
5857But	it's	not	like	we	talked	to	each	other	much	either..."
5858
5859Yuigahama's	voice	weakened	as	she	continued	to	speak,	with	her	shoulders	dropping	in
5860
5861downcast.
5862
5863Actually	now	come	to	think	of	it,	Yuigahama	backed	us	up	and	was	acting	as	a	point	of contact	for	us	in	various	matters.	She	was	also	responsible	for	managing	money	related stuff,	if	I	remembered	correctly.	However,	since	we	couldn't	have	a	proper	conversation with	 those	 Kaihin-Sougou	 guys	 *at	 all*,	 we	 decided	 to	 instead	 reach	 out	 to	 those	 girls centered	around	Orimoto.	I	had	no	idea	how	many	times	Yuigahama	had	met	Orimoto	in person,	 nor	 had	 I	 seen	 two	 of	 them	 having	 a	 friendly	 conversation.	 If	 anything,	 I	 think they	had	more	awkward	encounters	than	normal	ones.
5864
5865Communication	 Monster	 Yuigahama	 and	 Yes-woman	 Orimoto	 might	 not	 actually	 get along	 with	 each	 other.	 Well,	 that's	 because	 their	 first	 encounting	 was	 kind	 of	 an accident...	 I	 couldn't	 be	 helped,	 if	 I	 had	 to	 say...	 By	 the	 way,	 it	 was	 all	 Hayama's	 fault!
5866
5867Preach	it!!	Eh	well	not	quite,	it's	not	like	I	had	no	part	to	be	blamed	for	at	all...	Having	this realization,	I	decided	to	bring	up	my	suggestion	in	a	low	voice.
5868
5869"If	you	tell	me	the	contact,	I'll	send	the	message."
5870
5871Thereupon,	 Yuigahama	 looked	 up	 from	 her	 smartphone,	 on	 which	 she	 hadn't	 typed	 a single	word	yet,	and	turned	her	eyes	to	me	with	a	swollen	cheek.
5872
5873"Hikki-,	you	don't	even	use	LINE."
5874
5875'Ugu',	 I	 was	 tongue-tied	 immediately.	 Kids	 these	 days...	 Their	 way	 of	 communication	 is already	 all	 high-tech	 stuff.	 Actually	 no,	 I	 also	 wished	 to	 use	 those	 Precure	 stamps	 too.
5876
5877However,	due	to	lack	of	contacts,	I'm	perfectly	fine	at	the	moment	not	using	LINE.
5878
5879Well,	I	felt	sorry	to	Yuigahama	for	having	to	let	her	take	the	responsibility.	Seemed	to	be a	little	bit	troubled,	Yuigahama	began	typing	and	composing	her	messages	on	LINE.	As	I was	looking	at	Yuigahama	doing	her	job,	I	heard	some	grumbles	coming	from	nearby.
5880
5881"How	does	this	guy	live	a	normal	life	without	using	LINE..."
5882
5883"What	a	primitive	man	living	in	the	stone	age...	A	Chiba	primitive	man..."
5884
5885"This	 guy	 loves	 Chiba	 so	 much	 that	 he	 hasn't	 evolved	 a	 single	 bit	 from	 Chibanian.
5886
5887Because	 of	 the	 reversal	 of	 terrestrial	 magnetism,	 he	 didn't	 use	 LINE	 or	 any	 messaging app.	He	has	only	been	using	carrier	mail	so	far."
5888
5889"That's	not	true!	I	also	Web	Mail	and	SMS."
5890
5891I	quickly	jumped	up	and	argued	against	them.	Three	of	them	all	went	puzzled.
5892
5893"I	haven't	been	using	mail	service	at	all	lately..."
5894
5895"Speaking	of	Jomon	people,	is	the	local	one	here	called	Kasori	Midden?
5896
5897"Hmm,	looks	like	the	time	has	advanced	a	little	bit.	Let's	start	using	Hachiman	pagers!"
5898
5899The	 three	 glasses	 filled	 themselves	 with	 bursts	 of	 laughs	 while	 talking	 mindlessly without	 caring	 about	 being	 offensive	 to	 me.	 I	 knew	 that	 Hatano	 says	 terrible	 things	 all the	time	but	now	Sagami	was	also	being	a	terrible	human	being.	Even	his	sister	is	cuter that	way...	That's	a	joke.
5900
5901No	no,	it	wasn't	the	right	time	to	care	about	all	of	this.
5902
5903Let	 me	 see.	 I	 cast	 my	 eyes	 aside	 to	 see	 how	 the	 contacting	 had	 been	 going.	 While mumbling	"ok,	ok"	at	the	same	time,	Yuigahama	kept	typing	sentences	on	her	phone.
5904
5905"So...	what	should	I	ask	them?"
5906
5907"For	now	just	send	them	the	prom	proposal	file	as	an	attachment.	Tell	them	that	we	want to	set	up	a	meeting	with	them	with	regard	to	the	proposal	as	soon	as	possible.	You	could tell	them	to	bring	up	the	schedule	for	either	today,	tomorrow	or	the	day	after	tomorrow."
5908
5909"File	as	an,	attach,...,	attachment?"
5910
5911Yuigahama	just	chanted	'File	as	an	attachment'!	Yuigahama	was	in	great	confusion!	It's true	that	the	name	sounded	a	little	parupint-ish...	O	Yuigahama-san	seemed	to	have	no idea	 how	 to	 send	 a	 file	 as	 an	 attachment.	 Then	 no	 wonder	 that	 she	 didn't	 know	 the meaning	of	the	word	'attachment' .[57]
5912
5913Sagami	could	not	stand	to	see	this	happen	and	pushed	his	glasses	straight.	He	then	asked politely.
5914
5915"Ah,	you	have	to	upload	it	to	the	cloud	first.	What	cloud	storage	service	do	you	use?"
5916
5917"Sto...rage?"
5918
5919Yuigahama	waved	her	head	left	and	then	right,	while	Hatano	made	a	long	sigh	and	shook his	head.
5920
5921"She’s	hopeless...	She	definitely	didn't	understand	a	bit...	Shall	we	upload	it	to	Dropbox	or something?"
5922
5923"Hmm...	It	might	be	easier	for	her	to	understand	if	we	just	do	File	Transfer,	since	we	only need	to	give	her	the	link."
5924
5925"Ah,	that's	true.	Let	me	borrow	the	computer."
5926
5927Zaimokuza	crossed	his	arms	and	thought	hard	with	his	head	tilted.	To	that,	I	snapped	my fingers	 and	 pulled	 over	 the	 Game	 Club	 laptop	 on	 the	 long	 table.	 I	 swiftly	 uploaded	 the
5928
5929proposal	 to	 some	 file	 transfer	 server	 and	 obtained	 the	 link.	 In	 addition,	 I	 further composed	the	message	that	asked	for	the	schedule	and	sent	it	over	to	Yuigahama.
5930
5931"Here,	just	copy	and	paste	it."
5932
5933"O...okay...	At	least	I	know	how	to	copy	and	paste."
5934
5935Showing	 a	 relaxed	 expression,	 Yuigahama	 smiled	 gently	 at	 me	 and	 immediately	 went back	typing	on	her	smartphone.	We	just	stayed	there	and	all	stared	at	her.	Finally,	'fuu~', Yuigahama	sighed	in	exhaustion.
5936
5937"Was	it	sent?"
5938
5939"Yep,	just	now."
5940
5941Yuigahama	 smiled	 bashfully	 while	 fondling	 her	 hair	 bun.	 And	 then	 everyone	 broke	 out their	smiles	in	satisfaction.	What	is	this	feeling	of	being	the	Princess	of	an	Otaku	Club...
5942
5943[58]	 Even	 that	 Zaimokuza	 racked	 his	 brain	 order	 to	 assert	 his	 usefulness.	 Gahama-san, what	a	formidable	girl!
5944
5945Anyhow,	we	just	had	to	wait	for	the	response	from	him.
5946
5947Meanwhile,	I	checked	out	the	website	that	they	made	and	exclaimed,	"Looks	really	good!
5948
5949Looks	so	good	that	I	want	to	try	three	more	designs!	Just	let	me	see	it	by	next	Monday and	it’s	fine!"	and	etc	-	what	was	this	stupid	business-client	game	we	were	playing.
5950
5951Suddenly,	Yuigahama's	smartphone	vibrated	momentarily.
5952
5953"Did	it	come?"
5954
5955"No,	it	didn't.	It's	Yumiko.	She	asked	when	to	meet?"
5956
5957Yuigahama	 covered	 her	 lips	 with	 her	 smartphone	 and	 looked	 at	 me.	 It	 was	 about	 the request	that	asked	Miura	to	serve	as	the	model	in	the	photograph.
5958
5959"Since	 the	 sunset	 takes	 place	 at	 5:30PM,	 let's	 convene	 at	 4:30.	 We	 could	 get	 our	 hands ready	and	then	wait	for	the	evening	glow	before	we	start	taking	photos.”
5960
5961"Okay."
5962
5963As	I	finished	my	words,	Yuigahama	immediately	started	typing.	I	looked	at	her	sideways and	then	turned	my	eyes	to	look	beyond	the	window.
5964
5965Just	according	to	my	research	yesterday,	today's	weather	is	clear.
5966
5967There	 were	 some	 clouds	 here	 and	 there	 but	 perhaps	 that'd	 be	 great	 for	 creating	 a
5968
5969beautiful	evening	glow.
5970
5971After	 I	 stared	 at	 the	 setting	 sun	 for	 a	 while,	 I	 promptly	 began	 preparing	 for photographing	next.
5972
5973
5974
5975
5976
59777-3
5978
5979Soon	after	the	sunset,	the	wind	by	the	seaside	turned	more	chilly	and	the	smell	of	tide stronger.	The	mild	ripples	hit	the	shore,	bounced	back	and	then	emitted	twinkling	lights.
5980
5981Being	 forced	 to	 squint	 my	 eyes	 due	 to	 the	 burning	 red	 evening	 glow,	 I	 put	 down	 my belongings	that	I	held	in	hand	on	the	beach	with	a	thud.	We	decided	to	use	the	gazebo	a little	 far	 from	 the	 beach	 as	 our	 preparation	 spot	 and	 there	 we	 began	 preparing	 for photographing.
5982
5983We	borrowed	a	washtub	and	couple	thermal	pots	from	the	school,	placed	them	all	on	the ground	 heavily,	 along	 with	 some	 body	 warmers	 that	 we	 bought	 from	 a	 100-yen	 shop.
5984
5985This	 beach	 was	 used	 as	 a	 seaside	 resort	 during	 summer	 times,	 with	 well-equipped facilities	like	shower	rooms.	But	now	in	this	season,	it	didn't	look	like	it	was	serving	that purpose	at	all.	For	this	reason,	just	in	case	someone	got	wet	or	dirty,	we	had	to	rely	on our	own	washtub	and	warm	water	to	gently	wash	off	the	ocean	water	and	sand.	We	also prepared	a	good	amount	of	hot	water	needed	to	serve	our	dear	models.
5986
5987There,	Zaimokuza,	who	helped	moving	stuff	here	with	us,	cast	his	eyes	at	me	awkwardly.
5988
5989"What	a	strong	Assistant	Director	ability	you	have! "[59]
5990
5991"That's	not	quite	right.	I	hoped	we	had	blankets	and	bigger	bench	coats..."
5992
5993and	tents,	and	a	fire	stand...	Maybe	it's	finally	about	the	time	for	me	to	prepare	for	Solo Camp[60]. 	After	all,	we	were	talking	about	bring	girls	out	in	this	place	of	chilly	wilderness.
5994
5995We	needed	to	at	the	very	least	get	those	equipment	ready.	We	wanted	to	be	perfect	in our	readiness	for	this	kind	of	cold	weather,	but	unfortunately	due	to	lack	of	support	and money,	we	couldn't.	So	as	I	spoke,	Zaimokuza	held	his	coat	collar	tighter.
5996
5997"I..	I	won't	give	you	this	coat!"
5998
5999"No	need,	thank	you..."
6000
6001Even	I	got	so	sickened	by	him.	If	he	said	that	to	a	girl	that'd	be	much	grosser.	Well,	let	me check	 out	 how	 the	 models	 were	 doing	 now.	 So	 I	 looked	 into	 the	 direction	 where	 the bench	 was,	 and	 saw	 Miura	 Yumiko	 trembling,	 holding	 her	 arms	 crossed	 tightly	 and rubbing	frequently.
6002
6003"Damn!	Cold,	cold,	cold!	Yui,	the	body	warmer,	body	warmer,	body	warmer!"
6004
6005"Behind?	Or	the	front?"
6006
6007"Both!"
6008
6009Miura	 rolled	 up	 the	 hem	 of	 her	 blazer	 and	 showed	 the	 back	 of	 her	 brouse.	 There, Yuigahama	 stuck	 the	 body	 warmers	 one	 after	 another.	 The	 scene	 looked	 too	 immoral and	indecent	to	me	so	I	sensed	that	I	just	saw	something	that	I	shouldn't	be	seeing[61].
6010
6011Welp,	I	was	paying	very	close	attention	though.
6012
6013However,	it	looked	like	they	were	already	done	with	their	preparations.
6014
6015I	 let	 Zaimokuza	 watch	 out	 our	 stuff	 and	 headed	 towards	 the	 girls	 with	 the	 camera	 in hand.
6016
6017"I'm	really	grateful	for	your	cooperation.	It	really	helps."
6018
6019"...huh??"
6020
6021After	 seeing	 me	 lowered	 my	 head	 slightly,	 Miura	 expressed	 perplexity	 on	 her	 face.	 She gazed	at	me	intently	as	if	she	just	saw	a	muntjac	wandering	in	a	city.	Hey,	it	wasn't	that surprising,	 okay?	 Recently	 in	 Chiba	 the	 number	 of	 muntjacs	 also	 seemed	 to	 have increased	a	lot,	too	many	that	they	always	roar	"Kyon-kun!	Kyon-kun!". [62]
6022
6023"Yoroshiku-!"
6024
6025Ebina	stood	aside	and	waved	her	hands	gently	at	me	with	a	delightful	smile.	Hearing	her voice,	Miura	froze	for	a	while,	but	soon	came	back	to	herself.
6026
6027"...ah,	um,	well.	I	was	asked	by	Yui,	so."
6028
6029She	dodged	her	face	away	as	if	trying	to	peek	at	Yuigahama.	She	explained	curtly	while pulling	 her	 curly	 hair.	 Probably	 because	 of	 the	 sunset,	 her	 face	 wore	 a	 slight	 flush.	 Oh well,	oh	well!	Looked	like	she	was	feeling	shy	and	embarrassed,	hehehe...
6030
6031Hold	on,	not	quite	the	good	time	to	be	amused	by	the	situation.	Time's	limited	for	the	sun to	stay	above	the	horizon.
6032
6033"So,	let's	get	started,	okay?"
6034
6035"Ah,	okay."
6036
6037Yuigahama	 responded	 me	 with	 a	 nod,	 then	 turned	 her	 urging	 eyes	 to	 Miura	 and	 Ebina and	 started	 walking	 along	 the	 beach.	 After	 confirming	 the	 feeling	 that	 I	 was	 trampling sand	in	my	shoes,	I	decided	to	follow	her.
6038
6039Immediately	 following	 the	 tide	 hitting	 the	 beach,	 I	 told	 them	 to	 stop	 briefly,	 and	 then took	a	few	steps	back	and	hold	up	the	camera.
6040
6041First	of	all,	let	me	determine	the	composition	of	the	photo.
6042
6043Using	the	wide	angle	lens,	the	evening	glow	should	be	captured	as	its	main	big	subject, with	the	glowing	sky	reflected	and	the	pale	ocean	along	the	bottomline.	The	lens	was	set to	focus	on	somewhere	slightly	above	the	horizon	line.	Right	in	front	were	the	sand	and the	beach	that	began	darkening,	followed	by	the	shoreline	dyed	in	orange,	and	then	the red-melted	cloud	that	created	a	gradation	effect.	Yuigahama	and	Miura's	back	view	were shown	with	slight	bokeh	effect	to	the	right	of	the	photo.
6044
6045Two	maidens	stood	side	by	side	before	the	evening	glow,	yet	each	with	a	different	pose.
6046
6047Miura	 left	 her	 hands	 in	 the	 pocket	 and	 stared	 into	 the	 sun	 setting	 ocean	 afar	 in	 awe; whereas	Yuigahama	turned	her	body	slightly	around	in	my	direction	as	if	she	was	caring about	something	here.
6048
6049While	I	pressed	the	shutter	many	times,	I	directed	them	their	standing	positions	with	my hand	 gestures,	 and	 also	 took	 some	 effort	 to	 change	 my	 own	 shooting	 positions.
6050
6051Meanwhile,	since	the	air	was	quite	freezing,	both	of	them	wore	their	coats	and	tracksuit pants	below	their	skirts...	Hmm,	it	looks	quite	good	this	way...	I	felt	like	I	just	infiltrated into	an	all-girl	high	school!
6052
6053As	 I	 was	 thinking	 so	 and	 peeked	 into	 the	 viewfinder,	 Miura	 complained	 "Eh,	 so	 cold!"
6054
6055loudly	 enough	 so	 that	 I	 could	 hear	 it,	 and	 turned	 her	 body	 around	 and	 stared	 at	 me angrily.
6056
6057"Hikio-,	quick!"
6058
6059"Yes..."
6060
6061I	held	up	the	camera	again.
6062
6063The	evening	glow	was	drawn	and	sank	into	the	clouds.
6064
6065I	tried	to	take	a	few	photos,	but	none	of	them	so	far	were	satisfiable.
6066
6067I	bore	the	reference	photo	and	its	composition	in	mind	while	hitting	the	shutter	button but	for	some	reason	I	still	couldn't	capture	it	well	enough	in	the	frame.
6068
6069On	a	sun-setting	beach,	girls	wearing	school	uniforms	stood	side	by	side	-	should	be	as simple	as	that,	but	still	I	could	not	turn	it	into	a	photogenic	scene.	Honestly,	I	don't	think it'll	ever	look	attractive.	I	would	like	to	have	it	look	like	something	that	could	be	printed on	an	H.I.S.	pamphlet	titled	'Graduation	Trip	in	Hawaii',	or	like	like	some	cover	photo	for
6070
6071'We	were	here' .[63]
6072
6073While	I	was	holding	the	camera	and	scratching	my	head,	Ebina	suddenly	showed	up	from
6074
6075behind.
6076
6077"Can	I	borrow	it?"
6078
6079Saying	so,	she	just	took	the	camera	from	my	hand.
6080
6081"Here,	do	this,	this	way."
6082
6083She	 returned	 the	 camera	 to	 me	 after	 hitting	 the	 shutter	 button	 a	 few	 times.	 When	 I looked	at	the	preview,	it	turned	out	to	be	precisely	the	composition	I	had	in	mind.
6084
6085"Oh	wow,	looks	so	professional...!"
6086
6087"Right!?"
6088
6089I	 couldn't	 hold	 back	 my	 exclamation	 but	 to	 express	 it.	 Ebina	 straightened	 up	 her	 chest proudly.
6090
6091"A~l~s~o~"
6092
6093Perhaps	because	of	her	good	mood,	Ebina	hummed	happily	and	ran	towards	Yuigahama and	 Miura.	 And	 then,	 she	 suddenly	 assaulted	 them	 in	 surprise,	 stripping	 off	 both	 their coats	and	their	pants.
6094
6095"Dyufufufufufu.	Isn't	this	better?	Isn't	this	better?"
6096
6097"Baka	baka	baka!	Ebina	you	really	are..."
6098
6099Ebina	 pressed	 the	 resisting	 Miura	 even	 harder	 -	 taking	 off	 her	 shoes	 and	 was	 about	 to even	remove	her	socks.	Is	she	a	Datsueba?[64]	The	scenery	in	front	of	me	almost	unfolded into	a	Rashoumon-like	situation.
6100
6101"Let	me	do	it	myself.	I	said	I'll	do	it	myself!"
6102
6103Yuigahama	distanced	herself	from	Ebina	for	a	few	steps,	took	off	and	threw	away	both her	shoes	and	socks.	Miura	failed	to	resist	Ebina,	who	pressed	Miura	down	on	the	ground and	removed	her	socks.
6104
6105Thereupon,	I	was	able	to	respectively	behold	dear	Miss	Miura's	feet.	I	felt	like	I	was	also able	to	peek	into	her	skirts	in	a	glance,	but	then	I	quickly	turned	my	face	away	from	her and	timely	pushed	the	shutter	button.	Hey,	it's	not	like	it!	It	was	merely	out	of	my	instinct and	I	just	unconsciously	pressing	the	shutter	button	again	and	again!
6106
6107"So	cold!"
6108
6109"Cold,	cold,	eh,	sands	so	cold!"
6110
6111Yuigahama	pattered	on	the	ground	rapidly,	while	Miura	trembled	and	was	bewildered	by this	freshly	surprising	situation.
6112
6113
6114
6115"Fufufu.	Of	course,	as	I	expected,	naked	feet	is	the	best	together	with	girls	wearing	school uniforms	by	the	sea!"
6116
6117Ebina	put	up	a	satisfying	smile	and	walked	back	towards	me.	I	know	right...	I	nodded	to her.	 Ebina	 held	 out	 her	 hands	 to	 me	 -	 seemed	 like	 she	 offered	 to	 take	 photos!	 Thank goodness.	 It's	 the	 best	 to	 just	 entrust	 the	 job	 to	 those	 who	 possess	 the	 photographic skills	and	senses!
6118
6119I	 handed	 the	 camera	 over	 to	 her	 obediently.	 After	 mumbling	 some	 terms	 like	 'daytime synchronization	of	the	flash	light',	'the	subject	depth	of	field'	and	such	such,	Ebina	held up	the	camera.
6120
6121"Okay---!	Ready?"
6122
6123After	hearing	the	call,	Yuigahama	and	Miura	stood	still	by	the	sea.	Perhaps	because	it	was too	 cold,	 they	 naturally	 stuck	 even	 closer	 to	 each	 other.	 Suddenly	 and	 unexpectedly, Yuigahama	 held	 Miura's	 hand	 and	 said	 something	 to	 her	 in	 low	 voice.	 Due	 to	 their faraway	distance	and	the	wind	noise,	I	was	not	able	to	catch	any	of	it.
6124
6125However,	 with	 their	 smiles	 that	 were	 decorated	 by	 secrets	 crossing	 over	 -	 that picturesque	 scenery	 was	 so	 extraordinarily	 beautiful	 that	 it	 completely	 rendered	 me speechless	and	stunned.
6126
6127That	 was	 a	 short	 moment	 after	 the	 day	 ended	 but	 right	 before	 the	 night	 fell.	 The	 time that	 we	 were	 spending	 now	 was	 perhaps	 already	 beyond	 our	 imagination	 and comprehension.
6128
6129As	I	was	being	charmed	by	the	moment,	Ebina	sighed	quietly	and	put	down	the	camera.
6130
6131"Later	let's	take	some	casual	photos.	Both	of	you	can	go	romp	freely	now!"
6132
6133Ebina	 shouted	 at	 those	 two	 and	 then	 handed	 the	 camera	 back	 to	 me.	 It	 looked	 like	 I needed	to	take	the	photos	from	then	on.	'Don't	stop	the	shutter!'	as	I	was	told	so,	I	had	no choice	but	to	obey	her.	So	I	started	taking	pictures	of	the	romping	two.[65]
6134
6135"Yui,	you	are	getting	me	wet,	you	are	getting	me	wet!	Yabai	yabai	yabai!"
6136
6137"Wait	for	me,	wait	for	me!"
6138
6139Miura	 and	 Yuigahama	 ran	 along	 the	 shoreline.	 Whenever	 the	 tide	 hit	 the	 beach,	 they would	scream	in	'hyai	hyai!'	and	ran	away	in	a	fuss.
6140
6141"Yep	yep,	all	good	photos..."
6142
6143While	I	was	talking	photos,	Ebina	next	to	me	was	already	taking	photos	herself	with	her
6144
6145smartphone	before	I	could	notice	when	she	began	doing	so.
6146
6147"By	the	way,	you	were	also	called	here	to	be	a	model	though!"
6148
6149"Ehh?	 It's	 beautiful	 enough	 already	 with	 you	 two.	 I	 am	 too	 rotten	 to	 be	 a	 model!"	 (too rotten	sounds	the	same	as	‘not	enough	(beautiful)’)
6150
6151"Ah..."
6152
6153"Well,	speaking	of	models	I	think	Hikitani-kun	and	Hayato-kun	were	also	good	choices	in my	opinion.	Ah,	that's	rotten...!	And	there,	with	Hayato-kun	he	begin	to...!"
6154
6155Rotturbing...	 Eh	 no!	 Disturbing	 giggles	 Ebina	 had,	 she	 secretly	 peeked	 at	 me	 and	 then loosened	her	lips	promiscuously.
6156
6157"Is	this	kind	of	a	sexual	harassment?"
6158
6159As	 I	 said	 so	 and	 took	 three	 steps	 back	 away	 from	 her,	 Ebina	 leaned	 back	 straight	 and exclaimed	in	exaggeration.
6160
6161"No	 problem	 at	 all!	 I'm	 not	 that	 sexy	 after	 all.	 I	 am	 not	 sure	 if	 sexual	 harassment	 from someone	who	isn't	sexually	appealing	can	be	still	be	called	that	way."
6162
6163"What	 kind	 of	 explanation	 is	 that,	 I	 can't	 really	 answer	 you...	 isn't	 it	 still	 sexual harassment?"
6164
6165I	 really	 had	 trouble	 answering	 Ebina,	 since	 I	 never	 treated	 her	 as	 someone	 who's attractive	to	me.	By	the	way,	now	come	to	think	of	it,	I	felt	like	I	started	to	think	of	her that	way	though!	That	way!
6166
6167That's	true.	To	a	girl	saying	things	like	"it's	because	I'm	not	cute~",	I	still	had	no	idea	how to	respond	correctly.	I	bet	in	most	cases	flatterings	like	"that's	not	the	case	at	all!"	should work.	Yet	I	felt	like	the	same	scenario	doesn't	quite	apply	in	the	case	of	Ebina	Hina.
6168
6169While	I	was	having	trouble	coming	up	with	a	proper	response,	Ebina	cast	her	eyes	to	the horizon	afar.	And	then,	suppressing	her	skirt	gently,	she	lowered	her	body	and	squatted down,	resting	her	head	on	top	of	her	knees.	She	then	started	mumbling	in	short	words.
6170
6171"...	this	is	kind	of	annoying	to	me..."
6172
6173"What's	annoying?"
6174
6175"Love,	affection,	sex,	and	so	on..."
6176
6177"Eh,	well...	I'm	getting	really	embarrassed	and	don't	really	want	to	talk	about	that	right now	though."
6178
6179I	quickly	turned	my	face	away.	After	hearing	her	say	it	in	a	serious	tone,	so	frankly	and without	any	reservation,	I	started	feeling	quite	uneasy	and	embarrassed.	To	me	it	didn't sound	 like	 a	 philosophical	 discussion	 at	 all,	 but	 simply	 a	 half-hearted	 talk	 about	 the reality.	It	wasn't	a	really	topic	that	I	want	to	be	fond	of.
6180
6181Nevertheless,	after	hearing	my	response,	Ebina	shook	her	shoulders	and	smiled	gently.
6182
6183"Since	we	aren't	interested	in	each	other	at	all,	we	can	technically	talk	about	it	right?"
6184
6185"...	well,	that's	true..."
6186
6187Being	told	that	way,	I	could	not	make	any	denials.
6188
6189In	 a	 way,	 I	 trust	 Ebina	 Hina's	 way	 of	 taking	 her	 distance	 from	 others	 -	 not	 too	 far	 as strangers	but	not	too	close	to	be	called	friends.	She	placed	herself	in	a	sweet	spot	where relationships	like	acquaintance	or	neighbor	were	not	easily	breakable.
6190
6191While	keeping	distance	that	won’t	absolutely	get	closer,	Ebina	continued	her	words	on her	own.
6192
6193"Well,	everything	will	be	fine	in	the	end,	right?"
6194
6195"What	are	you	referring	to?"
6196
6197I	was	a	little	bit	afraid	of	asking	something	that's	too	ambiguous	or	off	the	point,	and	thus getting	ignored	by	her,	so	I	phrased	my	question	more	concisely.
6198
6199"After	all,	Hikigaya-kun	is	different	from	me."
6200
6201Perhaps	I	had	heard	the	very	same	cold	voice	somewhere	else.	I	couldn’t	really	see	her eyes	with	which	she	looked	at	Miura	and	other,	but	even	so,	I	could	tell	that	deep	beyond her	glasses	were	her	abysmal	pupils	that	looked	like	deep	sea.
6202
6203"...did	you	hear	anything?"
6204
6205When	I	asked	her,	she	finally	turned	her	eyes	to	me.
6206
6207"From	whom?	About	what?"
6208
6209Her	pupils	were	so	cold	that	it	did	not	reflect	any	bit	of	the	color	of	sunset.	Nevertheless, she	broke	into	smile	as	if	she	was	teasing	me.	That	made	me	feel	slightly	uncomfortable.	I shrugged	my	shoulders	lightly	and	looked	down	to	the	camera	in	my	hand.
6210
6211"Never	mind.	Nothing	actually."
6212
6213After	I	dodged	her	questions,	Ebina	turned	her	eyes	back	to	the	shoreline	at	Yuigahama
6214
6215and	Miura,	who	were	still	running	back	and	forth	like	puppies.
6216
6217"...	I	just	observe	you	normally,	and	I	get	*it*.	In	some	sense	I'm	also	involved	in	it.	Also	I heard	things	from	Yui	as	well."
6218
6219As	I	expected,	you	did	hear	things...
6220
6221That	was	the	reason	why	you	felt	like	wanting	to	talk	to	me.	I	had	no	idea	what	she	heard and	how	she	heard	it,	and	had	no	intention	to	ask	her	for	further	explanations.
6222
6223However,	I	was	a	bit	concerned	by	her	verdict	that	she	just	observed	me	normally	and understood.	 I	 don't	 think	 I'm	 a	 simple-minded	 human	 being.	 It's	 also	 slightly	 annoying and	unsettling	that	she	was	able	to	understand	the	situation	that	easily.	After	all,	I	put	a lot	of	effort	into	thinking	and	planning	all	this,	but	then	you	talked	to	me	as	if	you	had seen	everything	through	-	this	is	making	me	quite	uneasy...
6224
6225Despite	 so,	 people	 always	 say	 'Lookers-on	 see	 most	 of	 the	 game.'	 It's	 true	 that, sometimes	unexpectedly	bystanders	other	than	us	could	understand	the	situation	much better.	Even	much	more	so	if	that	bystander	is	Ebina	Hina.
6226
6227However,	I	didn't	want	to	ask	her	too	attentively.	So	I	put	up	a	poker	face,	and	asked	her casually	while	pretending	to	operate	the	camera.
6228
6229"...	when	you	said	*it*,	do	people	all	get	*it*	and	understand	*it*?"
6230
6231"Needless	 to	 say,	 Hayato-kun	 does,	 right?	 While,	 Tobecchi	 is	 too	 kind	 of	 that	 to	 get	 it.
6232
6233Others,	I	don't	really	care...	As	for	Yumiko...,	let	me	stop	here	right	now."
6234
6235"Huh,	what	is	that?	That	sounds	scary..."
6236
6237I	totally	forgot	to	keep	putting	up	the	poker-face	and	instinctively	looked	in	her	direction.
6238
6239Ebina	then	laughed	gently	as	if	she	meant	to	imply	something	from	it.	Once	she	was	done laughing,	she	looked	sideways	at	me.
6240
6241"It's	not	like	I	have	any	idea	why	things	ended	up	this	way,	nor	am	I	qualified	to	say	or comment	on	them.	In	any	case,	isn't	there	an	easier	way	to	approach	it?"
6242
6243I	smiled	bitterly	at	her	words.
6244
6245I	was	always	told	the	same	thing	by	someone,	actually,	by	everyone.
6246
6247Even	one	sentence	is	definitely	enough	to	solve	and	end	the	problem.
6248
6249Nevertheless,	as	simple	and	easy	as	it	sounds,	I	would	never	allow	it	to	be	said.
6250
6251"The	easiest	thing	is	the	hardest.	To	me	what	I	am	doing	now	is	the	easiest."
6252
6253As	I	finished	my	words,	Ebina	turned	her	head	to	me	and	stared	at	me.
6254
6255"Pfumm,	gross."
6256
6257"...eh,	okay."
6258
6259Being	blatantly	told	so	in	such	an	uninterested	voice,	I	dropped	by	shoulders.	Well,	I'm well	aware	of	how	gross	I	am,	so	I	have	nothing	to	complain	about	that	part.
6260
6261Yet	 Ebina's	 face	 didn't	 show	 as	 much	 disgust	 as	 her	 words	 did,	 but	 still	 filled	 with	 her smile.
6262
6263"Well,	I	can	sort	of	get	it.	I	don't	really	hate	this	kind	of	pessimism."
6264
6265I	nodded	in	response	without	speaking	a	word,	and	then	cast	my	eyes	to	the	surface	of the	ocean	where	the	evening	sunlight	glittered	glamorously.
6266
6267Perhaps	 our	 parts	 of	 our	 philosophy	 are	 close	 already.	 Giving	 excuses	 such	 as	 'I	 am rotten	 from	 inside'	 and	 so	 on,	 and	 the	 putting	 up	 a	 facade	 that	 we	 both	 painted	 and solidified	in	front	of	others	-	these	are	the	parts	that	we	are	able	to	both	sympathize	with each	other.
6268
6269If	 I	 had	 to	 explain	 my	 actions	 in	 the	 words	 of	 Ebina,	 then	 the	 answer	 would	 probably something	 similar	 to	 pessimism.	 I	 wouldn't	 say	 it	 the	 correct	 way,	 but	 it	 wouldn't	 also diverge	too	much	from	the	right	one.	That	tiny	little	nuance	has	made	me	confirm	that.
6270
6271Ebina	 and	 I	 were	 different	 indeed.	 Although	 we	 sympathized	 with	 each	 other,	 we reached	 different	 conclusions.	 This	 distance,	 in	 some	 sense,	 was	 similar	 to	 the	 one between	Hayama	and	me.
6272
6273Despite	being	similar,	or	close,	or	seemingly	the	same,	they	were	in	fact	different.	Over the	past	year,	I	had	been	trying	to	confirm	that.
6274
6275Perhaps,	she	and	I	are	again,	the	same.
6276
6277Instead	of	correcting	Ebina's	statements,	I	chose	to	stay	silent.	It	was	meaningless	to	try to	correct	it	at	this	point.
6278
6279Mixed	with	the	noised	of	the	tide	was	their	voices	of	happiness	and	enjoyment.
6280
6281"Ebina-!	Let's	take-"
6282
6283"photos	together-!"
6284
6285Miura	and	Yuigahama	waved	their	hands	widely	at	the	shoreline	and	called	Ebina	loudly.
6286
6287Maybe	 because	 they	 had	 been	 running	 here	 and	 there,	 the	 air	 that	 they	 breathed	 out
6288
6289turned	white,	their	cheeks	were	dyed	in	red,	but	they	definitely	didn't	feel	cold	at	all;	or rather,	that	was	the	only	warm	place.
6290
6291"Yeah,	coming-"
6292
6293After	being	called	out,	Ebina	quickly	stood	up	and	peeked	quickly	at	me	and	the	camera in	 my	 hand.	 She	 gently	 tucked	 her	 hair	 which	 was	 trimmed	 down	 to	 her	 shoulders behind	 her	 ears	 and	 smiled	 at	 me	 as	 if	 saying	 just	 'Yoroshiku'	 to	 me.	 She	 then immediately	pattered	towards	them.
6294
6295After	seeing	her	off,	I	held	up	the	camera.
6296
6297
6298
6299
6300
63017-4
6302
6303On	 the	 next	 day	 following	 our	 photograph	 event,	 the	 weather	 was	 as	 clear	 as	 the	 day before.
6304
6305The	sun	had	already	risen	high,	with	the	sunlight	penetrating	through	the	gap	between the	curtains	and	eventually	burning	on	my	eyelids.
6306
6307Today	is	March	3rd,	Saturday,	10	days	before	the	graduation	ceremony.
6308
6309More	importantly,	today	is	the	sister	of	the	world	Hikigaya	Komachi's	birthday.
6310
6311Despite	so,	my	schedule	was	fully	occupied	from	the	morning	to	the	evening.
6312
6313Normally	 I	 would	 prepare	 a	 luxury	 present	 full	 of	 my	 love	 for	 Komachi's	 sake,	 and celebrate	 her	 birthday	 with	 a	 grand	 party.	 Unfortunately,	 for	 the	 past	 few	 days	 I	 was occupied	 and	 postponed	 by	 a	 series	 of	 dummy	 prom	 related	 matters.	 Hate	 it!	 I	 hate work...!	Just	as	usual	I	wanted	to	spit	out	this	feeling	of	hatred	and	roughness.	But	this time	since	I	acted	out	of	my	own	will	to	choose	to	take	all	this	work	myself,	this	time	I swallowed	back	all	the	pain,	cheered	at	myself	and	suddenly	jumped	out	of	the	bed.	This is	 the	 road	 that	 I	 chose	 to	 walk	 on	 myself	 so	 it'd	 be	 quite	 wrong	 to	 grumble	 about	 it afterwards.	 Given	 that	 I	 was	 my	 own	 employer	 all	 the	 complaints	 and	 pains	 that	 I grumbled	about	and	words	that	I	cried	out	would	ultimately	get	sent	back	to	myself.	In other	words,	self-employment	is	indeed	very	tough.
6314
6315While	 my	 brain	 spun	 as	 if	 covered	 by	 mist	 that	 arose	 from	 couple	 days'	 of	 tiredness,	 I headed	over	to	the	washroom.	Even	though	the	date	had	changed,	the	cold	water	that	I splashed	over	my	face	hadn't	turned	warmer	by	a	bit.	I	then	forced	my	eyes	to	open.
6316
6317I	quickly	turned	my	eyes	to	the	clock	-	it	was	already	past	9	o'clock.	If	I	didn’t	hurry	then I'd	probably	miss	the	meetup	soon.	I	climbed	up	the	staircase,	rushed	back	to	my	room and	 took	 the	 school	 uniform	 that	 hung	 on	 the	 wall.	 I	 quickly	 put	 my	 arms	 through	 the sleeves,	grabbed	my	bag	in	my	arms	and	hurried	downstairs.
6318
6319I	was	thinking	about	saying	goodbye	first	before	leaving	the	house,	so	I	peeked	into	the living	room	and	saw	Komachi	-	who	was	still	wearing	a	pajama	and	watching	TV	lazily while	sticking	her	feet	inside	the	kotatsu.
6320
6321It	looked	like	my	parents	were	still	sleeping	soundly	at	the	moment.	In	the	living	room, besides	Komachi	there	was	also	Kamakura	sleeping	by	the	window	under	the	sunshine and	making	a	quiet	snoring	noise	from	his	nose.
6322
6323"So,	I'm	about	to	head	out..."
6324
6325"Alright,	Itterasshai!"
6326
6327I	 put	 on	 my	 coat	 as	 I	 spoke,	 whereas	 Komachi	 just	 slowly	 waved	 her	 hands	 without looking	in	my	direction	and	Kamakura	hit	the	ground	with	his	tail.
6328
6329That	 was	 a	 scene	 that	 didn't	 change	 a	 bit	 from	 a	 usual	 weekend.	 Although	 it	 was	 her birthday,	she	didn't	seem	to	have	any	particular	reaction	to	it.	On	the	other	hand,	I	was so	 impressed	 that	 the	 field	 was	 so	 moistened	 with	 this	 much	 irrigation.	 Well,	 that's	 a different	kangai	though. [66]
6330
6331Nevertheless,	no	matter	how	impressed	by	the	scene	I	was,	I	was	still	so	poorly	prepared for	 any	 Komachi's	 birthday	 celebration	 whatsoever.	 Recently	 even	 our	 dinner	 table conversations	had	been	contaminated	by	topics	related	to	my	work,	so	needless	to	say	I hadn't	 had	 the	 chance	 at	 all	 to	 talk	 to	 Yuigahama	 about	 buying	 a	 birthday	 present	 for Komachi.
6332
6333Even	if	I	wanted	to	celebrate	her	birthday	after	coming	back	home,	I	don't	think	I	had	the time,	nor	the	money,	nor	the	spirit	to	carry	it	out.	Maybe	Komachi	didn't	care	about	it	so much,	but	for	me	I'd	feel	extra	uneasy	if	I	don't	at	least	say	a	word	about	it.
6334
6335"Ah...	Komachi,	happy	birthday."
6336
6337I	coughed	a	couple	times	as	I	said	so	in	a	low	voice.	If	I	had	said	so	while	looking	straight into	 Komachi's	 face	 I'd	 be	 really	 embarrassed,	 but	 thank	 god	 Komachi	 was	 facing	 at somewhere	 else...	 As	 I	 thought	 so,	 Komachi	 reversed	 her	 body	 and	 laid	 down	 on	 the ground.
6338
6339Then	she	rolled	on	the	ground	for	a	couple	rounds	and	while	keep	lying	on	the	ground, she	rested	her	chin	on	her	hands	and	giggled.
6340
6341"Onii-chan,	thank	you!"
6342
6343Just	a	few	seconds	ago,	she	was	facing	away	from	me	as	if	she	wasn't	paying	attention	to my	 words	 at	 all.	 But	 as	 soon	 as	 I	 congratulated	 her,	 Komachi	 showed	 a	 happy	 smiling face	at	me.	Couldn't	resist	that	kawaii	face,	I	also	broke	into	a	smile.	As	soon	as	I	did	it, Komachi	 again	 laughed	 with	 her	 nose	 -	 hmph	 hmph	 hmph...	 with	 her	 nose!?	 I	 cast	 my eyes	at	her	in	doubt.	She	then	began	talking	restlessly.
6344
6345"Pretending	that	everything	was	just	like	usual	as	if	nothing	was	happening,	but	as	soon as	hearing	Onii-chan's	congratulations	I	quickly	turned	super	cheerful...	That	scored	very high	in	the	Komachi	standard!"
6346
6347That's	 true...	 If	 you	 hadn't	 said	 that	 it	 would	 have	 scored	 even	 higher	 though...	 But	 I already	knew	that	this	was	Komachi's	world-class	way	of	hiding	her	shyness.	Because	of this,	I	was	about	to	have	a	very	tough	time	saying	the	following	words.
6348
6349"So,	as	for	today's	arrangement..."
6350
6351"Yep,	I	totally	understand.	Don't	worry	about	it!"
6352
6353Komachi	nodded	and	smiled	gently.
6354
6355"Yui	is	waiting	for	you,	right?	So	hurry	up!"
6356
6357"...	how	do	you	know?"
6358
6359I	didn't	say	anything	about	today's	arrangement	to	Komachi	though...	so	as	I	asked	her	in surprise,	Komachi	grabbed	her	smartphone	and	started	flicking	the	screen.
6360
6361"At	12am	I	got	the	HBD	message	from	her,	and	then,	she	just	told	me	about	it."
6362
6363"Ah,	I	see..."
6364
6365Komachi	 phrased	 it	 as	 if	 it	 wasn't	 anything	 impressive,	 but	 that	 genuinely	 scared	 me.
6366
6367How	scary	it	is	to	have	my	movement	leaked	from	some	other	source	to	my	sister!	Is	it not	scary?	Hey,	speaking	of	which,	Gahama-san,	you	seemed	to	be	telling	various	things to	 Komachi.	 I	 would	 really	 like	 to	 learn	 about	 the	 entire	 network	 -	 the	 source,	 and	 the destination	of	this	network	of	connections...	However,	I'd	rather	not	get	into	trouble	for asking	it	the	wrong	way...	Guy’s	complicated	issues!
6368
6369As	I	was	moaning	to	myself,	Komachi	bent	backward,	lifted	one	finger	and	laughed	in	'fu fu	fu'.
6370
6371"I	 would	 love	 to	 enjoy	 a	 birthday	 celebration	 and	 also	 really	 appreciate	 receiving presents.	But	I'm	okay	with	delaying	them	until	everyone	is	together."
6372
6373"...ah,	right.."
6374
6375As	I	responded	in	a	few	words,	I	suddenly	began	thinking	myself.
6376
6377'Everyone'...	 Who	 was	 she	 referring	 to?	 I	 could	 somehow	 guess	 but	 I	 have	 zero confidence	in	my	ability	to	grant	her	the	wish.
6378
6379Maybe	 she	 was	 a	 little	 bit	 surprised	 by	 my	 voice	 that	 ended	 up	 going	 down unconsciously	 in	 the	 end;	 Komachi	 looked	 at	 me	 while	 still	 resting	 her	 head	 on	 her hands.	Her	eyes	were	raised	up	as	if	trying	to	look	for	something.	Our	eyes	met.	I	couldn't help	but	begin	to	wear	a	bitter	smile	on	my	face.	Komachi	shrugged	her	shoulders	and began	murmuring.
6380
6381"Well,	I'm	okay	if	not	everyone	can	come.	I	even	consider	it	barely	safe,	in	the	worst	case scenario,	to	only	have	only	Onii-chan	present.”
6382
6383Her	voice	were	filled	with	warmth.	Thanks	to	it,	I	was	able	to	wash	off	the	stiffness	on	my face	and	responded	to	her	with	a	light	laugh.
6384
6385"The	worst	case	scenario...eh?	*barely*	safe?"
6386
6387"I	meant	whatever,	I	don't	really	care	much.	By	the	way,	don't	make	Yui	wait!"
6388
6389She	 waved	 her	 hand	 at	 me	 to	 urge	 me	 to	 leave	 quickly,	 and	 then	 started	 rolling	 back again.	I	sighed	deeply,	as	if	I	just	let	go	a	huge	burden	that	suppressed	me.	I	peeked	one more	time	at	her	and	left	the	living	room.
6390
6391
6392
6393
6394
63957-5
6396
6397Since	 I	 left	 my	 home	 late,	 I	 gave	 up	 riding	 my	 bike	 and	 decided	 to	 head	 over	 to	 the meetup	place	by	train	and	bus.	I	flipped	and	scanned	through	the	materials	in	the	moving train	carriage	to	get	myself	prepared	for	the	meeting.
6398
6399Partly	thanks	to	Yuigahama's	help,	we	were	fortunate	to	be	able	to	quickly	settle	down on	a	meeting	date	and	time.	Since	I	felt	it	was	quite	burdensome	to	talk	to	Tamanawa,	I took	it	as	part	of	my	job	to	skim	through	some	business	terminology	books	in	order	to increase	our	share	of	common	language.
6400
6401Soon,	I	arrived	at	the	closest	station	near	the	meetup	place,	and	quickly	hurried	over	to the	community	center	where	the	meeting	took	place.
6402
6403It	would	have	been	a	lot	easier	if	we	could	just	hold	the	meeting	in	our	school.	However, our	 school	 usually	 doesn't	 let	 outsiders	 in,	 unless	 by	 going	 through	 some	 official procedures.	 But	 as	 someone	 who	 doesn't	 even	 belong	 to	 the	 Student	 Council,	 that'd	 be nearly	impossible	for	me	to	do.	On	the	other	hand,	it	would	seem	a	little	too	informal	and casual	 if	 we	 held	 the	 meeting	 in	 a	 coffee	 shop.	 Considering	 the	 fact	 that	 we	 needed	 to upload	 a	 photo	 of	 the	 meeting	 on	 the	 SNS	 later,	 a	 more	 or	 less	 formal	 place	 would certainly	be	more	preferable	-	just	enough	feeling	of	formality	to	make	our	dummy	prom plan	 look	 more	 realistic...	 As	 I	 was	 thinking	 so	 and	 taking	 my	 steps	 forward,	 my smartphone	began	vibrating.
6404
6405After	 I	 checked	 the	 notification,	 it	 was	 a	 message	 from	 Yuigahama.	 The	 text straightforwardly	 wrote	 'Expect	 to	 take	 a	 little	 longer?'.	 Thinking	 that	 this	 was	 pretty rare	 for	 Yuigahama	 given	 that	 she	 normally	 types	 much	 longer	 messages,	 I	 simply replied	'Almost	there'.
6406
6407In	fact,	I	already	arrived	at	the	front	of	the	building.	I	looked	around	the	entrance	and	its surroundings	but	was	not	able	to	spot	Yuigahama	there.	It	seemed	that	she	already	went inside.
6408
6409I	 climbed	 up	 the	 stairs	 in	 a	 rushed	 pace	 and	 then	 quickly	 headed	 over	 to	 the	 small meeting	room	that	we	reserved	in	advance.
6410
6411A	few	steps	away	from	the	room	that	I	was	about	to	enter,	I	could	already	vaguely	hear Orimoto's	voice.	Without	double	confirming	the	room	plate,	I	knew	this	room	would	be the	small	meeting	room	that	we	reserved.	I	knocked	on	the	door	and	then	opened	it.
6412
6413After	 that,	 I	 saw	 Yuigahama	 already	 in	 there,	 and	 opposite	 to	 her	 sat	 Tamanawa	 and Orimoto.
6414
6415"Ah-,	Hikigaya-,	long	time	no	see-"
6416
6417Orimoto	 waved	 her	 hand	 softly	 at	 me	 in	 a	 very	 delightful	 mood;	 whereas	 Tamanawa sitting	 next	 to	 her	 crossed	 his	 arms,	 blew	 up	 air	 over	 his	 forehead,	 and	 peeked	 at	 me briefly.
6418
6419In	 response,	 I	 also	 greeted	 them	 lightly	 with	 a	 nod	 and	 pulled	 out	 the	 chair	 next	 to Yuigahama,	 who	 then	 without	 saying	 anything	 out	 loud	 but	 only	 with	 her	 mouth movement	said	'Yahallo-'	to	me.	Indeed,	it	would	be	a	little	bit	embarrassing	to	say	that in	front	of	other	people,	yep	yep.	Nevertheless,	that	way	of	secretly	conveying	things	also felt	somehow	embarrassing	to	be	seen	by	other	people	still!
6420
6421In	order	to	cover	up	that	embarrassment,	I	whispered	at	Yuigahama.
6422
6423"Didn't	we	agree	to	meet	first	at	the	entrance?"
6424
6425“Yeah…	Eh,	we	met	at	the	entrance	first,	and	then,	since	it	was	too	cold	outside…”
6426
6427Yuigahama	fuddled	her	hair	bun	as	if	she	was	a	little	troubled	by	it.	She	put	up	a	bitter smile.	 Probably	 Orimoto	 talked	 to	 her	 light-heartedly	 just	 as	 usual,	 and	 then	 following the	flow	dragged	Yuigahama	inside.	And	then	just	like	that,	before	I	showed	up,	both	of them	probably	had	a	not-so-close	uneasy	talk	with	each	other…	gross,	I	feel	kind	of	sorry for	her.
6428
6429“Ah,	I	see…	I	feel	kind	of	sorry…”
6430
6431As	I	lowered	my	head,	Yuigahama	shook	her	head	and	put	up	a	gentle	smile.	Maybe	this exchange	between	us	was	seen	by	Orimoto,	she	deliberately	clapped	her	hands	loudly.
6432
6433“Ah…	Really	sorry	about	that!	Yuigahama	was	planning	to	wait	outside	there	but	I	told her	to	come	in.	It	was	quite	cold	outside,	right?	that’s	also	a	preach-it...”
6434
6435If	 you	 had	 to	 say	 that	 was	 like	 Orimoto,	 it	 was	 quite	 like	 her	 –	 frankly	 expressing	 her apology.	Rather	than	saying	that	she	didn’t	care	about	a	sense	of	distance,	she	would	still try	to	approach	it	knowing	that	the	distance	exists.	She’s	been	like	this	for	a	while.
6436
6437“I…	I	see….	It’s	okay.	I	don’t	mind.”
6438
6439As	I	said	so,	Yuigahama	also	nodded	her	head	in	agreement.	Orimoto	also	smiled.
6440
6441“Right,	right!	I	also	felt	it	was	quite	cold	outside.	It’s	really	okay.”
6442
6443“Alright.	Then	it’s	fine...”
6444
6445Orimoto	also	put	up	a	smile	trying	to	cover	it	up,	and	at	the	same	time	fuddled	her	perm back	and	forth.
6446
6447How…	 how	 should	 I	 put	 this…	 This	 embarrassing	 atmosphere….	 Just	 seeing	 Orimoto alone	 felt	 like	 “Crap…”	 but	 then	 together	 with	 Yuigahama	 it’d	 turn	 into	 a	 “Damn,	 crap, crap…”	god-punch	situation... [67]
6448
6449Yuigahama	 and	 Orimoto	 both	 smiled	 at	 each	 other	 lightly.	 I	 was	 not	 able	 to	 peek	 into what	kind	of	expression	laid	deep	underneath	those	smiles.
6450
6451With	 that	 moment	 of	 heavily	 bitter	 silence	 kept	 going	 on,	 Orimoto	 finally	 opened	 her mouth	after	spitting	out	a	short	sigh.
6452
6453“Speaking	of	which,	by	the	way,	why	didn’t	Hikigaya	contact	us?	The	fact	that	Yuigahama was	the	one	that	contacted	us	really	freaked	me	out.”
6454
6455Orimoto,	 who	 stared	 at	 me	 while	 complaining,	 filled	 her	 voice	 with	 dissatisfaction,	 but what	she	said	was	quite	jocular.	Thanks	to	that,	the	tight	atmosphere	was	able	to	loosen up	a	little	bit.	I	finally	was	able	to	slowly	open	my	heavily-sealed	mouth.
6456
6457“Ah,	 well,	 when	 I	 switched	 to	 a	 new	 phone	 at	 that	 time,	 eh	 things	 like	 this	 and	 that happened,	so…”
6458
6459I	couldn’t	just	say	I	deleted	your	contact	right	into	her	face,	so	I	just	mumbled	it	through trying	 to	 round	 up	 the	 story.	 Orimoto	 then	 interpreted	 it	 arbitrarily	 and	 then	 followed me	up	with	her	yeses.
6460
6461“Ah,	the	address	book	got	changed	right.	Why	don’t	you	tell	me	your	LINE?”
6462
6463“I	don’t	use	LINE	though.”
6464
6465“That’s	funny.	Isn’t	that	an	excuse	used	by	girls?”
6466
6467“No,	it’s	not	funny.	Eh,	girls’	way	of	refusal	is	quite	terrible...”
6468
6469Judging	 from	 the	 fact	 that	 she	 mentioned	 it	 as	 girls’	 excuses,	 perhaps	 it	 does	 happen quite	frequently	around	Orimoto…	‘Is	that	Nakamachi-san?	I	feel	you~	That	person	feels like	that	type~’,	etc.	I	feel	sorry	for	thinking	it	this	way…	Orimoto	then	tilted	her	head	in her	way.
6470
6471“Eh,	what	now	then…”
6472
6473Casting	 her	 eyes	 afar,	 Orimoto	 hit	 her	 face	 with	 her	 smartphone	 and	 thought	 hard.
6474
6475Meanwhile,	 Tamanawa	 who	 sat	 next	 to	 her	 kept	 blowing	 the	 hair	 on	 his	 forehead,	 and sometimes	coughed	once	or	twice.
6476
6477And	then,	just	as	I	expected,	he	looked	at	me	with	a	very	sharp	gaze.	I	read	into	the	air and	 returned	 him	 with	 another	 cough	 to	 prevent	 Orimoto	 from	 furthering	 the
6478
6479conversation.	I	then	opened	my	bag	and	started	grabbing	things.
6480
6481“Well,	 let’s	 put	 that	 aside	 for	 now…	 So	 today,	 I’m	 here	 as	 a	 representative	 of	 the President	of	the	Student	Council,	or	rather	as	her	deputy.”
6482
6483And	then,	the	thing	that	I	took	out	from	the	bag	was	the	main	topic	of	our	meeting	today	-
6484
6485the	 proposal	 for	 the	 dummy	 prom.	 Though	 we	 had	 already	 sent	 digital	 copies	 to	 both Tamanawa	and	Orimoto,	I	still	wanted	to	prepare	a	physical	copy	for	the	meeting	today.
6486
6487This	is	an	iron	law	for	being	a	Company	Slave[68].	RIP	the	so-called	‘paperless’...
6488
6489“Recently	 we	 had	 been	 planning	 a	 prom,	 and	 gradually	 we	 had	 been	 thinking	 about scaling	it	up.	I’m	not	saying	we	are	going	to	do	it	right	now	for	this	upcoming	one,	but more	like	looking	into	it	as	an	option	starting	from	next	year…”
6490
6491As	I	was	speaking,	Yuigahama	next	to	me	looked	at	me	in	surprised	in	a	flash.	I	nodded	to her	in	acknowledgement.
6492
6493To	us,	this	dummy	prom	 plan	itself	was	targeting	the	graduating	 class	of	this	year,	but that	was	only	limited	to	within	our	Soubu	HS.	In	fact,	the	website	that	we	were	preparing then	 did	 not	 explicitly	 mention	 whether	 it	 was	 targeting	 this	 year	 or	 next	 year,	 but merely	titled	itself	as	the	“New	Prom”.
6494
6495From	 Tamanawa’s	 perspective,	 they	 couldn’t	 possibly	 accept	 holding	 such	 ridiculously absurd	 prom	 plan	 this	 year.	 If	 only	 we	 had	 enough	 time	 to	 do	 it,	 it	 would	 probably	 be easier	to	get	them	aboard.	There	was	no	need	for	us	to	tell	them	the	whole	story.
6496
6497Nevertheless,	 those	 small	 number	 of	 annoying	 parents	 from	 our	 school	 were	 only nagging	 about	 the	 prom	 this	 year.	 For	 this	 reason,	 when	 there’s	 a	 new	 prom	 plan	 that comes	into	the	picture,	obviously	they	are	going	to	tag	it	along	and	start	thinking	about it.	Seeing	a	prom	plan	that	they	already	dislike	become	even	more	ridiculous,	they	would for	sure	stand	up	and	try	to	destroy	it	right	away.
6498
6499In	 fact,	 with	 regard	 to	 the	 when-to-happen	 concern	 that	 I	 just	 mentioned,	 neither Orimoto	 nor	 Tamanawa	 seemed	 to	 care	 about	 it.	 They	 took	 it	 for	 granted	 that	 I	 was obviously	referring	to	next	year	or	even	later.
6500
6501Orimoto	grabbed	the	proposal	booklet	in	hand,	and	then	made	a	sound	as	if	she	just	lost her	incentives.
6502
6503“Eh,	this	thing…”
6504
6505The	front	cover	of	the	proposal	that	Orimoto	was	flipping	then	had	rather	meaningless characters	 and	 words	 printed	 in	 exaggerated	 fonts.	 With	 that	 Tamanawa	 could definitely…!	He	would	definitely	get	it	all!	While	thinking	so,	we	quickly	turned	our	eyes to	Tamanawa	bearing	a	sense	of	hope	in	mind.
6506
6507Thereupon,	 Tamanawa	 carefully	 read	 the	 proposal	 page	 by	 page,	 and	 sometimes	 as	 if finding	something	that	concerned	him,	he	would	stop	flipping	and	wear	a	difficult	face.
6508
6509And	then,	he	just	sighed	deeply.
6510
6511Eventually,	he	seemed	to	finish	reading	it	and	carefully	closed	the	booklet.	He	raised	up his	face	and	poured	his	stare	at	me.
6512
6513“...	so	I	have	carefully	read	the	proposal.”
6514
6515While	 saying	 so,	 Tamawana	 kept	 tapping	 the	 table	 with	 his	 finger	 in	 a	 slow	 tempo.	 He then	blew	up	some	air	over	his	forehead.
6516
6517“It’s	good	that	there’s	a	lot	of	diversity	in	it.	However,	other	than	that	everything	else	is simply	 too	 abstract.	 There	 are	 so	 many	 needless	 things	 in	 it	 that	 the	 intention	 of	 the proposal	simply	digresses	from	its	focus.”
6518
6519After	hearing	his	words,	I	was	so	shocked	that	I	had	my	mouth	open	widely	and	froze	in amazement.
6520
6521“What…	did	you...	say…”
6522
6523He	did	not	use	any	of	those	attractive	foreign	terminologies	at	all…?	When	I	was	still	in surprise,	Tamanawa	continued	his	words
6524
6525“I	 think	 it’s	 better	 to	 focus	 on	 words	 that	 have	 better	 expressive	 power.	 You	 want	 to make	the	proposal	look	realizable.	Of	course,	I	can	understand	the	fact	that	you	want	to incorporate	 a	 sense	 of	 ‘upcoming	 expectation’	 for	 an	 experimental	 event.	 But unfortunately,	I	don’t	see	any	possible	ways	leading	to	it	eventually.”
6526
6527He	waved	and	moved	his	hands	about	widely	as	if	practicing	Tai	chi.	Tamanawa	said	so word	by	word	in	his	reasonings,	and	in	the	end,	pushed	his	forehead	hair	upward.
6528
6529“For	this	reason,	your	proposal	doesn’t	work.”
6530
6531Tamanawa’s	 eyes	 looked	 like	 as	 if	 they	 were	 implying	 “You	 have	 not	 yet	 reached	 that stage	yet.”	in	sympathy.[69]
6532
6533Why	did	it	turn	out	like	this…	As	I	was	thinking	so,	Yuigahama	looked	at	me	in	a	‘Is	he really	this	kind	of	person?’	confusing	face.	I	shook	my	head	gently	in	response,	implying
6534
6535‘I	don’t	know	and	don’t	care	after	all’.
6536
6537Following	 my	 confusion,	 I	 cast	 my	 reserved	 eyes	 to	 Orimoto,	 who	 then	 put	 up	 a	 bitter smile	and	scratched	her	cheek.	Judging	from	her	reaction,	it	seemed	that	Tamanawa-san had	been	like	this	recently.
6538
6539It’s	 been	 a	 while	 since	 those	 who	 were	 regarded	 as	 ‘holding	 high	 consciousness’	 had been	 made	 fun	 of. [70]	 It	 looked	 like	 Tamanawa-san	 had	 been	 reading	 into	 this	 kind	 of atmosphere	from	his	surroundings	recently	and	perhaps	started	to	consider	changing	his own	image.	In	some	sense,	he	had	grown	up	and	become	more	mature	in	a	way.	People always	say	“One	who	has	been	away	for	three	days	must	be	looked	at	with	new	eyes…”
6540
6541This	saying	describes	him	precisely…	If	I	keep	following	his	pace	like	this,	I’d	definitely get	GAAAAAHHHH!	wrecked	by	him	while	screaming	hysterically.
6542
6543Wait,	 it	 wasn’t	 quite	 the	 time	 to	 be	 impressed	 by	 him.	 If	 Tamanawa	 refused	 to	 hop	 on board	then	my	plan	would	be	all	over.
6544
6545What	should	I	do	now…	as	I	was	panicking,	I	started	to	shake	my	knees	unconsciously.
6546
6547Tamanawa	kept	tapping	the	table	with	his	finger	as	if	he	was	waiting	for	my	response.
6548
6549Yuigahama	looked	at	me	and	then	Tamanawa	anxiously,	and	then	sighed	gently.	Seeing this,	Orimoto	couldn’t	hold	her	laugh	but	let	it	slip	away.
6550
6551All	 these	 noises	 crossed	 over	 and	 became	 a	 disturbing	 track	 of	 cacophony.	 Its	 rhythm and	beat	further	accelerated	my	feeling	of	anxiety.	In	any	way,	I	had	to	open	my	mouth because	I	felt	compelled	to	say	something	at	that	moment.
6552
6553It’s	 truly	 ‘freestyle’	 just	 to	 lash	 out	 words	 one	 after	 another	 that	 jump	 out	 my	 mind.
6554
6555Words	with	high	consciousness	sounded	abnormally	harmonious	with	Japanese	raps. [71]
6556
6557“Your	worry	is	the	budgeto?	But	we	used	to	having	insufficient	budgeto.	So	now	we	need to	use	the	gadgeto!	Think	about	the	scale	and	adjusto!	All	I	want	to	do	is	suggesto!”
6558
6559I	did	not	think	much	about	either	the	verse	or	the	flow	but	just	spouted	out	words	at	will.
6560
6561Tamanawa	nodded	his	head	rhythmically	and	took	it	all	in.	And	then,	he	waved	his	hands in	circle	and	soon	replied.
6562
6563“Your	argument	is	only	temporal.	The	content	of	your	proposal	is	only	trivial.	In	case	we need	 to	 work	 together,	 if	 not	 concrete	 we’d	 all	 get	 fucked	 over.	 Can	 you	 not	 see	 the direction?	If	you	can’t	answer	this	then	the	proposal	go	boom	disappear.	So	all	we	need to	do	is	to	think	together!”
6564
6565Tamanawa	rapped	and	explained	it	all	at	ease,	making	me	rather	speechless.	Despite	so,	I still	responded.
6566
6567“We	also	just	finished	our	draft.	We	simply	need	a	native	billboard.	Though	the	direction is	clearless,	the	concept	only	from	Lincoln	it	comes,	we	then	need	to	use	our	own	hands to	build	the	nests.	But,	if	there’s	nobody	leading	we	then	keep	unmoving.	On	the	budget we	can	crowdfunding,	as	long	as	it	comes	to	people’s	sight	it’s	relaxing.[72]
6568
6569While	I	wiped	off	the	sweat	on	my	forehead,	Tamanawa	raised	his	eyebrows	and	listened to	 me	 light-heartedly	 in	 a	 relaxed	 way.	 Confirming	 that	 it	 had	 been	 one	 beat	 after	 I
6570
6571finished	 my	 rap,	 he	 flipped	 through	 the	 proposal	 booklet	 and	 tapped	 the	 part	 where	 it was	fully	loaded	by	my	counter-Tamanawa	high-consciousness	measures.
6572
6573“Indeed	there	are	some	interests.	But	what	I	care	are	the	excuses.	Only	small	part	of	the proposal	is	of	importance.	Other	contents	are	just	nonsense.	If	we	do	it	together	then	we work	as	a	phalanx.	But	now	we	are	simply	inharmonious!”
6574
6575I	believed	he	just	waved	his	hands	around	a	lot	faster	than	before,	and	towards	the	end he	pointed	his	finger	as	if	he	was	firing	a	bullet	at	me.
6576
6577Though	 we	 joked	 around	 at	 each	 other,	 Tamanawa’s	 gaze	 penetrated	 me	 deeply	 and rendered	 me	 speechless.	 Indeed,	 just	 as	 Tamanawa	 said,	 this	 proposal	 took	 Tamanawa too	 lightly.	 I	 took	 it	 for	 granted	 that	 Tamanawa	 would	 hop	 on	 board	 if	 I	 simply	 write down	a	bunch	of	business	terminologies	without	putting	much	thoughts	about	it.
6578
6579Nevertheless,	human	beings	do	change	a	lot.	After	all,	Tamanawa	was	taught	a	lesson	by Yukinoshita	during	the	Christmas	event.	He	should	learn	to	change	by	then.
6580
6581“Eh,	well,	that	is…”
6582
6583I	gave	up	talking.	Whatever.	I	didn’t	have	any	words	left.	This	guy	was	just	as	strong	as	I expected.	I	was	out	of	ideas.	So	strong…	After	I	sighed	deeply	to	acknowledge	my	defeat, Tamanawa	put	up	a	smile	full	of	his	pride	of	winning	it.
6584
6585“That’s	why	your	proposal	doesn’t	work.”
6586
6587Being	told	straight	into	my	face	again	so	blatantly,	I	lost	my	words	again.	The	game	had eight	 sections	 and	 two	 turns.	 Before	 even	 reaching	 the	 third	 round,	 I	 already surrendered	after	taking	a	critical	hit.
6588
6589“Eh…	What	now	then…”
6590
6591As	 I	 dropped	 my	 head	 downcasted,	 Yuigahama,	 who	 had	 been	 observing	 our	 flow	 of exchanges	 until	 then,	 finally	 couldn’t	 bear	 taking	 at	 it	 anymore	 and	 opened	 her	 mouth carefully,	 half	 troubled	 half	 astounded.	 Orimoto	 instead	 had	 been	 looking	 at	 our exchange	 and	 holding	 her	 giggles	 back.	 She	 quickly	 wiped	 off	 the	 laughing	 tears	 that appeared	by	her	eyes	and	took	a	deep	breathe	out.	And	then,	she	took	the	proposal	book in	her	hand.
6592
6593“But	this	proposal	looks	quite	fun	still,	doesn’t	it?”
6594
6595“Ah,	I	know	right!”
6596
6597As	 soon	 as	 Orimoto	 said	 so	 to	 Yuigahama,	 Yuigahama’s	 face	 quickly	 turned	 sparkling.
6598
6599Orimoto	didn’t	put	much	into	thought	while	saying	so,	but	seemed	to	merely	express	her
6600
6601honest	 interests	 in	 the	 proposal.	 Hearing	 her	 words,	 Tamanawa	 immediately	 put	 up	 a gentleman	smile	on	his	face.	Along	with	that	he	also	snapped	his	finger	and	winked.
6602
6603“That’s	true.	That’s	also	a	*sorearu*!”
6604
6605“Wut…...”
6606
6607Just	a	moment	ago	he	was	arguing	vehemently	against	me,	but	after	seeing	the	reversal of	 his	 attitude,	 I	 couldn’t	 help	 but	 show	 my	 surprised	 reaction,	 and	 then	 stared	 at Tamanawa.	 Maybe	 he	 finally	 felt	 embarrassed	 by	 it,	 Tamanawa	 coughed	 several	 times gently,	and	then	turned	his	attention	back	to	the	proposal	booklet.
6608
6609“Of	course,	it’s	not	like	we	oppose	this	proposal	or	anything.	However,	if	we	do	not	stay on	the	same	wavelength	from	the	very	beginning,	we	will	soon	run	into	conflicts	and	end up	going	into	different	directions.	So,	I	think	we	should	first	solidify	that	part	first.”
6610
6611While	speaking,	he	quickly	turned	his	eyes	at	me.	I	nodded	my	head	gently	in	response.
6612
6613“Think	of	this	proposal	as	our	tentative	plan.	We	just	want	it	to	look	flashy.	It’d	be	sorry	if it	 turns	 out	 to	 be	 difficult	 to	 understand.	 Therefore,	 shall	 we	 first	 set	 the	 practicality aside,	go	back	to	the	starting	line	and	discuss	from	there?”
6614
6615Laying	my	hands	on	my	knees,	I	lowered	my	head	a	little	bit.	Yuigahama	also	followed me.
6616
6617“Please…”
6618
6619Tamanawa	 then	 looked	 at	 us	 attentively,	 while	 Orimoto	 blinked	 her	 eyes.	 A	 strange moment	 of	 silence	 befell	 and	 made	 me	 feel	 rather	 itchy,	 so	 I	 moved	 my	 body	 uneasily.
6620
6621Orimoto	sighed	mildly	with	her	light	smiles.
6622
6623“...	sounds	good	to	me.	Let’s	do	it,	President!”
6624
6625Orimoto	 then	 hit	 Tamanawa’s	 arm	 with	 her	 elbow	 for	 a	 couple	 times.	 Every	 time Tamanawa	got	hit	by	her,	he	made	an	indescribable	‘nfu,	nnnn’	sound.	Yep,	I	knew	that feeling.	 Back	 in	 middle	 school,	 with	 that	 skin-contact	 I	 almost	 died	 at	 the	 spot…
6626
6627Tamanawa	 kept	 still	 there	 for	 a	 while	 and	 finally	 seemed	 to	 calm	 down.	 He	 gently rubbed	the	place	where	he	got	hit	and	went	back	talking	again.
6628
6629“...	 Alright.	 Luckily	 we	 still	 have	 time.	 There’s	 enough	 time	 for	 us	 to	 discuss	 it	 more.
6630
6631Bearing	 in	 mind	 that	 we	 want	 to	 realize	 the	 plan,	 we	 need	 to	 carefully	 work	 on	 the unification	of	the	understanding	of	the	our	goal.”
6632
6633“Preach	it!”
6634
6635Orimoto	immediately	raised	her	thumb	up.	Perhaps	Tamanawa	got	quite	delighted	by	it.
6636
6637He	quickly	put	up	a	smile,	rubbed	his	chin	and	leaned	forward	with	his	hands	crossed.
6638
6639“Speaking	of	the	goal,	there’s	this	story	from	the	past.	Once	upon	a	time,	there	were	three bricklayers	 in	 a	 town…	 If	 you	 ask	 one	 of	 them,	 what’s	 your	 ultimate	 goal?	 How	 do	 you think	he	would	respond?”
6640
6641Tamanawa	snapped	his	fingers	loudly,	and	then	pointed	at	me.	It	looked	like	he	was	fired up.	 Bringing	 up	 some	 business	 training	 story	 that	 he	 heard	 from	 somewhere,	 he	 even intentionally	 wanted	 me	 to	 answer	 it.	 But,	 sadly,	 when	 I	 worked	 on	 the	 proposal,	 I actually	learned	about	stories	like	this	then.
6642
6643“Building	a	marvelous	grand	church	that	keeps	standing	generations	after	generations.”
6644
6645Feeling	sorry	for	my	immediate	response,	I	quickly	gave	the	correct	answer.	Tamanawa nodded	to	me	proudly.
6646
6647“That’s	 correct.	 While	 stacking	 the	 bricks,	 he	 says	 so.	 And	 then,	 you	 turn	 to	 another bricklayer	and	ask	him.	What	do	you	think	he	would	say?”
6648
6649This	time,	Tamanawa	snapped	his	fingers	using	both	hands	and	then	pointed	at	me.	After hearing	his	words,	Yuigahama	looked	rather	confused.	I	shook	my	head	to	tell	her	not	to care	about	it.	You	lose	if	you	get	serious.
6650
6651Knowing	that	my	words	won’t	simply	be	delivered	to	Tamanawa’s	ears,	I	gave	the	very same	answer	again.
6652
6653“...building	a	marvelous	grand	church	that	keeps	standing	generations	after	generations.”
6654
6655“Right.	He	says	so	while	keeping	his	hands	busy	on	his	job…	and	then	the	third	person...”
6656
6657Tamanawa	looked	around	at	three	of	us,	then	took	long	enough	break,	and	finally	opened his	mouth	solemnly.
6658
6659“...	 ‘building	 a	 marvelous	 grand	 church	 that	 keeps	 standing	 generations	 after generations.’	says	the	third	bricklayer.”
6660
6661“Oh,	oh…”
6662
6663Looking	 at	 Tamanawa’s	 twinkling	 eyes,	 I	 had	 no	 words	 left	 to	 say	 but	 only	 surprises.	 I wasn’t	sure	how	Tamanawa	interpreted	my	surprise,	but	he	took	a	long	breathe	out	in satisfaction.
6664
6665“We	need	to	very	carefully	ponder	what	our	ultimate	goal	is.”
6666
6667He	stood	up	heavily,	and	then	turned	his	body	halfway	facing	us.
6668
6669“Do	you	know	how	we	can	defeat	Disneyland?”
6670
6671Without	 waiting	 for	 my	 response,	 Tamanawa	 began	 walking	 around	 in	 the	 room	 while his	shoes	were	making	loud	noises.
6672
6673“If	 we	 take	 the	 normal	 approach,	 we	 will	 never	 defeat	 Disneyland,	 because	 Disneyland has	nearly	reached	complete	perfection.	So,	we	need	to	think	from	another	angle	-	create something	that’s	incomplete,	where	the	sense	of	entertainment	actually	lies.”
6674
6675Eventually,	after	making	two	circles	in	the	meeting	room,	Tamanawa	headed	towards	the whiteboard.	He	started	drawing	some	mysterious	diagram	on	it.
6676
6677“An	 exam	 where	 you	 always	 score	 90/100,	 versus	 an	 exam	 where	 you	 used	 to	 score	 0
6678
6679but	 this	 time	 score	 50	 on	 it.	 Which	 exam	 gives	 you	 more	 happiness?	 What	 we	 need	 to consider	is	not	how	we	can	gather	10,000	people,	but	rather	how	we	can	celebrate	with 10,000	people.”
6680
6681Tamanawa	 knocked	 the	 whiteboard	 loudly.	 Perhaps	 being	 overwhelmed	 by	 his	 vigor, Yuigahama	clapped	her	hands	in	admiration.
6682
6683“Ohhh~	I	got	it!...	maybe...	in	a	way…”
6684
6685I	cast	my	stare	at	Yuigahama	in	doubt.	She	then	averted	her	eyes	from	me	and	talked	in broken	words.	Meanwhile,	Orimoto	was	playing	her	smartphone	and	nodded	her	head	in agreement.
6686
6687“I	know	right!	Preach	it!”
6688
6689Hey,	 you	 were	 barely	 listening…	 Despite	 so,	 what	 Tamanawa	 just	 said	 indeed	 wasn’t completely	wrong.	The	arguments	themselves	weren’t	exactly	unreasonable,	if	you	have to	say	Sorearu	then	it’s	quite	a	Sorearu…	By	the	way,	I	sense	strongly	this	feeling	of	‘you are	not	in	the	right	position	to	say	it’...	Maybe	these	high	conscious	people	will	eventually all	 end	 up	 joining	 the	 IT	 industry.	 It	 felt	 like	 a	 CEO	 of	 some	 IT	 company	 just	 rolled	 a gatcha	and	got	a	1-star	card.
6690
6691Even	after	this	guy	stopped	using	those	annoying	foreign	big	words,	the	essence	of	his arguments	did	not	change	a	bit.
6692
6693This	was	something	that	we	hear	all	the	time	around	Inage	Kaigan.	Perhaps	the	fact	that we	considered	it	lack	of	freshness	is	indeed	the	proof	of	our	growth. [73]
6694
6695As	 I	 was	 thinking	 about	 these	 trivias,	 Tamanawa,	 who	 just	 a	 moment	 ago	 was	 talking nonsense,	started	mumbling	while	staring	at	the	whiteboard.
6696
6697“...	Looking	into	next	year	and	beyond,	we	need	to	begin	our	preparation	right	away.	We
6698
6699have	to	stack	our	results	one	by	one	starting	from	now…”
6700
6701After	that,	he	turned	his	face	to	us,	with	a	slightly	bitter	smile	on	his	face.
6702
6703Maybe	 Tamanawa	 himself	 had	 already	 noticed	 the	 emptiness	 of	 his	 own	 words.
6704
6705Therefore,	still	he	had	been	borrowing	words	from	others.	Yet,	despite	so,	he	still	kept praying.	 Once	 following	 the	 actions	 come	 the	 results,	 all	 the	 words	 he	 said	 must	 then become	Tamanawa’s	own	sayings.	I	looked	forward	to	his	future!
6706
6707Despite	 of	 the	 enmity	 between	 us	 before,	 I	 still	 cherished	 the	 fact	 that	 only	 this	 time	 I was	 able	 to	 team	 up	 with	 Tamanawa,	 not	 only	 for	 the	 sake	 of	 strong	 factors	 like	 the dummy	 plan,	 but	 also	 for	 the	 sake	 of	 having	 a	 strong	 helping	 mate	 that	 can	 support Iroha’s	 prom	 next	 year	 and	 beyond.	 Worthy	 of	 Represent	 Kaihin	 Sougou!	 As	 a	 ‘homie’
6708
6709hyped	with	‘hood’,	I	can	almost	call	you	‘my	man’!	I	need	to	take	a	‘my	man’	photo	with you! [74]
6710
6711“...	can	we	take	a	photo	of	this	meeting?	Also,	if	possible,	I’d	like	to	have	it	displayed	on the	website.”
6712
6713“Of	 course,	 go	 ahead.	 Ah,	 in	 that	 case,	 maybe	 I	 should	 write	 it	 in	 a	 more	 easily understandable	way…”
6714
6715Tamanawa	agreed	happily	with	me	in	consent.	And	then,	he	fixed	a	couple	places	on	the whiteboard,	and	then	began	talking	stuff	and	circling	his	hands	as	if	he	was	operating	a potter’s	wheel.
6716
6717Soon,	before	we	barely	ran	out	of	the	remaining	time	we	reserved	the	meeting	room	for, Tamanawa’s	speech	finally	finished	up.	When	we	left	the	community	center	the	sun	was already	at	the	zenith,	and	the	busy	streets	were	decorated	by	its	liveliness.
6718
6719Before	joining	the	crowd	in	front	of	the	station,	Orimoto	turned	her	body	around	facing us.
6720
6721“What	should	we	do	after?	Go	home,	or	lunch?”
6722
6723“We	have	some	errands	to	run	at	our	school	later…”
6724
6725“I	see-	then	let’s	leave	the	meal	for	next	time!”
6726
6727After	 Yuigahama	 said	 so	 in	 a	 apologetic	 tone,	 Orimoto	 frowned	 a	 little	 bit.	 Yuigahama then	joined	her	hands	together	and	lowered	her	head	in	apology.	I	also	bobbed	my	head.
6728
6729Thereupon,	Tamanawa	next	to	me	 gave	a	cough	to	clear	his	 throat,	quickly	took	a	step forward	and	stood	next	to	Orimoto.
6730
6731“So,	we	shall	dismiss	here.	By	the	way,	now	that	both	Orimoto	and	I	had	some	spare	time
6732
6733after	this,	why	don’t	we…”
6734
6735Slightly	blushed,	Tamanawa	peeked	aside	to	probe	her	reaction	and	mumbled.	His	tone was	quite	strong	in	the	beginning	but	as	he	went	on,	it	became	softer	and	softer.	I	was not	 sure	 if	 Orimoto	 was	 paying	 attention	 or	 not.	 She	 simply	 nodded	 as	 if	 nothing happened.
6736
6737“Right,	go	home.”
6738
6739“Oh,	okay…”
6740
6741Tamanawa	 only	 responded	 that,	 with	 his	 mouth	 twitching.	 But	 soon	 he	 pulled	 himself together,	slowly	walking	straight	towards	me	while	blowing	air	towards	his	forehead.
6742
6743“...	when	you	decide	the	next	meeting	time,	could	you	give	me	a	reminder?”
6744
6745To	be	honest,	we	had	no	such	plan,	but	out	of	pressure	I	had	to	nod	my	head	in	response.
6746
6747I	don’t	quite	get	the	situation	but…	Ganbare!	Tamanawa-san!
6748
6749
6750
6751
6752
67537-6
6754
6755The	school	campus	during	the	weekend	was	extraordinarily	quiet	-	all	sounds	seemed	to get	reflected	and	bounced	back	in	void.
6756
6757Starting	 from	 the	 playground,	 outside	 the	 campus	 the	 noises	 were	 all	 over	 the	 place, whereas	once	entering	the	campus,	I	started	to	feel	a	cold	sense	of	rejection.
6758
6759Nevertheless,	at	the	Game	Club	room,	the	atmosphere	there	was	all	fired	up	and	felt	like a	casino.
6760
6761“...	yay!	Finally	got	it	done!”
6762
6763“Just	in	case,	let’s	do	a	test	run	and	bring	the	website	up.”
6764
6765Hatana	pressed	the	enter	key	and	then	suddenly	laid	down	on	the	table.	Sagami	the	little brother	pushed	the	laptop	to	me	powerlessly.
6766
6767I	 looked	 at	 the	 laptop	 screen	 to	 check	 out	 the	 progress.	 An	 official	 website	 that	 almost matched	 the	 original	 specification	 exactly	 showed	 up	 on	 the	 screen.	 The	 main	 subject, our	 stylish	 photograph,	 was	 also	 displayed	 along	 with	 some	 other	 information	 in	 text.
6768
6769The	only	thing	left	was	to	add	our	social	network	accounts	to	it.	It	almost	seemed	to	be ready	as	the	teaser	website.	I	was	quite	impressed	by	their	ability	to	produce	something like	this	just	in	a	few	days.
6770
6771“Zaimokuza,	can	you	try	to	publish	something?”
6772
6773“Okie…	one	sec!”
6774
6775As	 I	 said	 so,	 Zaimokuza	 soon	 published	 quite	 a	 happy	 article	 full	 of	 hashtags.	 After refreshing	the	page,	in	the	SNS	main	body,	along	with	a	photo	that	we	just	took	in	which Tamanawa	circled	his	hands	as	if	he	was	operating	a	potter’s	wheel,	an	article	titled	“We exchanged	our	opinions	with	Kaihin-Sougou	HS	on	the	topic	of	prom!	From	now	on	we would	like	to	bring	more	schools	in!”	showed	up	immediately.
6776
6777“Woah,	looks	amazing!	Great!”
6778
6779Behind	 me,	 Yuigahama	 peeked	 at	 the	 screen	 and	 hit	 my	 shoulders	 excitedly.	 Being slightly	 bothered	 by	 the	 close	 distance,	 apart	 from	 giving	 the	 laptop	 back	 to	 Sagami,	 I also	quietly	escaped	from	Yuigahama’s	hands.
6780
6781“Okay,	now	let’s	migrate	it	to	production	environment.	Zaimokuza	please	take	the	job	of updating	the	SNS	for	the	next	few	days.”
6782
6783“Acknowledged.”
6784
6785“You	can	count	on	me!”
6786
6787Both	 Sagami	 and	 Zaimokuza	 nodded	 in	 response.	 Except	 one	 person	 -	 Hatana	 put	 up	 a difficult	face	in	front	of	the	monitor.
6788
6789“Is	it	really	okay	to	look	like	this…”
6790
6791“Yep,	in	terms	of	the	content	it’s	more	than	enough	already.”
6792
6793We	not	only	presented	the	accomplishment	of	our	discussion	with	Tamanawa,	but	also hinted	that	we	might	tag	more	schools	along.	That	should	already	make	us	look	like	we can	 no	 longer	 be	 left	 unattended	 and	 uninterrupted.	 Given	 that	 our	 discussion	 with Kaihin-Sougou	 was	 described	 as	 being	 on	 hold	 at	 the	 stage	 of	 ‘exchanging	 ideas	 and opinions’,	 we	 would	 have	 strong	 enough	 excuses	 to	 give	 if	 the	 dummy	 prom	 plan	 gets abandoned.	We	should	then	naturally	make	those	who	complained	about	the	prom	look like	overreacting	idiots.
6794
6795Just	as	I	was	about	to	explain	so,	Hatano	tilted	his	head	and	his	eyes	squinted	at	me.
6796
6797“...	uh,	I	feel	like	as	the	source	of	information	the	website	might	be	a	little	too	weak	for that…”
6798
6799“Well,	that’s	true....	But	it	would	serve	its	purpose	even	if	a	small	fraction	of	our	parents see	it.	In	fact,	it	would	be	quite	troubling	if	more	than	necessary	number	of	people	learn about	 it.	 I	 think	 the	 level	 of	 influence	 it	 has	 right	 now	 is	 precisely	 what	 we	 need.
6800
6801Furthermore,	 just	 in	 case,	 I	 will	 set	 up	 a	 leak	 to	 the	 parents	 so	 we	 should	 expect	 some reactions	from	them	soon.”
6802
6803Especially,	that	person	who	leaks	the	information	was	the	most	annoying	part	though…
6804
6805Thinking	 about	 the	 errand	 that	 I	 need	 to	 run	 next,	 I	 accidentally	 ended	 up	 wearing	 a bitter	 face.	 I	 couldn’t	 help	 but	 naturally	 break	 out	 my	 sigh.	 Yuigahama	 looked	 at	 me	 in wonder.	I	continued	my	words	in	order	to	cover	up.
6806
6807“Sorry	guys,	just	for	the	next	two	days,	pay	attention	to	the	website	and	see	if	the	website has	any	bugs	or	glitches.”
6808
6809Hatano	nodded	his	head	gently	and	turned	back	to	his	laptop.	He	then	started	talking	to Sagami	about	their	next	steps.
6810
6811I	looked	around	at	everyone	again	and	sighed	quietly.
6812
6813By	this	time,	we	almost	finished	dealing	with	the	hardware	part.	It	was	a	rush-through product	that	might	contain	obvious	flaws	and	signs	of	rough	work.	We	nevertheless	had
6814
6815all	tried	our	best.	Actually,	they	all	tried	their	best	for	my	sake.	Thanks	to	them,	as	long	as I	manage	to	get	through	this	weekend,	what’s	next	should	be	more	or	less	chill.	I	had	to express	my	genuine	gratefulness	to	Zaimokuza	and	the	two	Game	Club	members.
6816
6817“If	things	go	well,	we	might	be	able	to	see	results	as	early	as	the	beginning	of	next	week…
6818
6819All	in	all,	thank	you	all	so	much!	Much	appreciated	all	your	help!”
6820
6821How	 deplorable	 I	 was	 -	 only	 being	 able	 to	 say	 it	 in	 a	 low	 voice.	 Even	 so,	 I	 opened	 my thighs	apart,	rested	my	hands	on	them	and	slowly	lowered	my	head	in	gratitude.
6822
6823Thereupon,	 Zaimokuza	 and	 the	 two	 Game	 Club	 dudes	 looked	 at	 me	 as	 if	 seeing	 an endangered	 species.	 Only	 Yuigahama	 showed	 a	 satisfying	 smile	 on	 her	 face.	 Feeling rather	uneasy	to	be	stared	at,	I	cleared	my	throat.
6824
6825“Well,	let’s	put	our	thanks	aside.	I’m	sorry	to	bring	you	all	here	on	a	weekend	day.	Please wrap	things	up	if	you	wish	now…	In	all,	thanks	for	all	your	work!”
6826
6827As	soon	as	I	finished	my	words,	I	took	my	belongings	and	quickly	stood	up	from	my	seat.
6828
6829It	would	be	mindless	for	the	employees	to	leave	if	the	manager	still	stays	after	all!	How considerate	and	mindful	I	am!	All	managers	should	learn	from	me.
6830
6831“Ah,	wait..	wait	for	me…!	Th...thanks	everyone!	Let’s	have	a	celebration	some	time!”
6832
6833Following	 me,	 Yuigahama	 stood	 up	 from	 the	 seat	 as	 well.	 After	 that,	 I	 turned	 to Zaimokuza	 and	 others	 and	 raised	 my	 arm	 high	 to	 cheer	 them	 up.	 In	 response,	 Hatano and	Sagami	returned	ambiguous	complicated	smiles	to	me.
6834
6835“No,	that…”
6836
6837“Well,	I	will	give	it	a	thought…”
6838
6839“Alright,	for	now	let’s	say	we	will	go	if	we	can.”
6840
6841Only	 one	 person,	 Zaimokuza,	 responded	 cheerfully.	 Normally	 that’s	 something	 you would	 say	 if	 you	 want	 to	 find	 an	 excuse	 *not*	 to	 go,	 but	 in	 the	 case	 of	 Zaimokuza,	 he totally	would	just	simply	go...	Strange	right?
6842
6843After	 having	 their	 work	 done,	 three	 of	 them	 were	 filled	 with	 senses	 of	 liberation	 and accomplishment.	 I	 peeked	 at	 them	 from	 aside	 as	 they	 began	 chitchatting.	 Then	 both Yuigahama	and	I	left	the	clubroom	quietly.
6844
6845Unfortunately	that	didn’t	mean	my	work	had	been	done.	I	took	out	my	smartphone	from my	 pocket,	 touching	 the	 screen	 while	 walking.	 Yuigahama	 besides	 me	 was	 also	 on	 her phone,	and	then	she	looked	at	me.
6846
6847“Hikki-	You	have	plans	next?	Or	just	go	home?”
6848
6849“Well,	I	have	a	phone	call	next…	And	depending	on	its	outcome…”
6850
6851As	I	said	so,	I	kept	holding	my	smartphone	in	hand	yet	to	make	the	call.	I	looked	at	the contact	book	displayed	on	the	screen	and	sighed	deeply.
6852
6853Originally	I	was	planning	to	call	earlier	and	should	have	done	so.
6854
6855However,	it’s	quite	normal	to	put	off	calls	and	messages	that	you	are	unwilling	to	make or	compose,	such	as	progress	report	or	notification	of	delays.	For	those	calls	that	involve apology	 or	 sorry,	 you	 would	 always	 end	 up	 delaying	 it	 if	 possible,	 a	 typical	 hopeless procrastination	 psychology.	 In	 the	 end,	 when	 you	 are	 barely	 at	 the	 deadline	 before	 it’s too	late,	you	end	up	causing	more	damages.	You	knew	all	the	rationales	yet	still	couldn’t help	but	procrastinate	anyways....
6856
6857But	 only	 for	 this	 time,	 no	 matter	 how	 much	 I	 hated	 doing	 it,	 as	 long	 as	 I	 had	 no	 other choices,	I	had	to	resort	to	this	way.
6858
6859Suspicious	of	me,	who	kept	frowning	and	staring	at	my	smartphone,	Yuigahama	moved her	eyes	back	and	forth	between	her	smartphone	and	me.
6860
6861“Calling…	who?”
6862
6863“Eh…	the	helper	that	will	do	the	leak	for	me.”
6864
6865After	 we	 reached	 the	 overpass	 connecting	 the	 special	 purpose	 building	 and	 the	 main building,	I	finally	made	up	my	mind.	Knowing	that	Yuigahama	had	been	looking	at	me	in concern,	I	decided	that	it	was	the	time	to	act.
6866
6867Breathing	out	a	long	sigh,	I	turned	my	face	to	Yuigahama.
6868
6869“...	excuse	me,	I	need	to	make	a	quick	phone	call.”
6870
6871“Of	course.”
6872
6873I	 said	 my	 words	 with	 the	 implication	 that	 she	 should	 leave	 first,	 but	 Yuigahama	 just stood	there	still,	waiting	for	me	to	begin	my	call.	Given	that	she	already	acted	that	way,	it would	have	been	tough	for	me	to	explicitly	ask	her	to	leave...
6874
6875It	can’t	be	helped.	I	pointed	at	the	bench	in	the	middle	of	the	overpass,	telling	her	with my	eye	contacts	to	sit	down	and	wait	for	me	there.	I	then	pressed	the	call	button	with	my hand	holding	the	smartphone.
6876
6877After	two	or	three	beeping	tones,	the	other	end	picked	it	up	immediately.
6878
6879“Hyahhallo-!	How	are	you?”
6880
6881“...I’m	doing	well.”
6882
6883The	person	I	was	calling,	whose	name	is	Yukinoshita	Haruno,	acted	delightfully	as	if	the conversation	on	the	other	day	never	happened.	After	hearing	her	voice,	I	clearly	felt	my cheek	 had	 just	 twitched	 briefly.	 Because	 of	 that	 my	 voice	 might	 get	 a	 little	 too	 high,	 I could	hear	joyful	gigglings	from	the	speaker.
6884
6885I	wiped	off	the	unpleasant	feeling	of	being	seen	through,	and	quickly	resumed	to	talk	my business.
6886
6887“I	need	to	have	a	small	conversation	with	you.	Is	it	okay?”
6888
6889“Of	course.	Warmly	welcome!”
6890
6891“Sorry	for	my	sudden	notice,	but	is	tonight	a	good	time…”
6892
6893As	I	said	so,	I	heard	the	other	end	make	a	sigh	as	if	she	had	to	think	about	it	briefly.
6894
6895“Hmm……	It	really	is	quite	‘sudden’.	Well,	alright.	In	that	case,	can	you	come	over	here?
6896
6897There’s	a	coffee	shop	right	by	the	entrance	of	the	outlet.”
6898
6899“Ah,	that	outlet	close	to	your	place?”
6900
6901I	was	still	more	or	less	bothered	by	the	fact	that	soon	after	she	showed	a	troubling	tone and	then	immediately	replied	yes.	While	trying	to	think	of	the	place	that	she	designated,	I replied	to	her	valuely.
6902
6903Meanwhile,	Yuigahama,	who	was	supposed	to	be	sitting	down,	suddenly	stood	up,	leaned towards	 me,	 and	 stealthily	 placed	 her	 ear	 next	 to	 my	 phone.	 Being	 approached	 so suddenly	and	unexpectedly,	I	almost	freaked	out	at	the	spot,	with	my	heart	speeding	up immediately.	Unfortunately,	I	was	unable	to	shake	her	off,	so	I	took	several	steps	forward to	distance	myself	from	her.	Yuigahama	then	showed	dissatisfaction	on	her	face,	trying	to approach	me	again.
6904
6905Feeling	 suspicious	 of	 what	 was	 going	 on	 here	 -	 the	 silent	 attack	 and	 defense	 between Yuigahama	and	me,	Haruno-san	asked	me	from	the	other	end.
6906
6907“What	happened?”
6908
6909“No,	nothing.”
6910
6911I	responded	quickly.	Covering	the	microphone	with	my	hand,	I	reproved	Yuigahama	in	a low	voice.
6912
6913“...	what	do	you	think	you	were	doing?	I’m	on	my	phone	right	now.”
6914
6915“Are	you	meeting	Haruno-san?”
6916
6917As	I	was	about	to	go	back	to	the	call,	Yuigahama	interrupted	me.	Her	voice	was	sharper than	usual.	Her	face	seemed	a	little	bit	worrisome.	After	seeing	that	face,	I	was	unable	to evade	her	question	or	put	up	a	joke.	I	had	no	choice	but	to	give	a	quick	answer.
6918
6919“...	 eh,	 with	 regard	 to	 the	 website,	 I	 think	 that	 person	 would	 be	 able	 to	 leak	 the information	for	us.”
6920
6921“It	is	bad...	if	I	also	come	with	you?”
6922
6923Yuigahama	said	it	with	a	voice	sharper	than	usual.	Her	face	seemed	rather	serious	and worrisome.
6924
6925“Why	do	you…”
6926
6927Even	if	I	asked,	she	wouldn’t	open	her	mouth.	No	reply.	Her	eyes	were	telling	me	firmly that	even	if	I	said	no	to	her	she	would	still	tag	along	with	me	anyways.
6928
6929To	 be	 honest,	 I	 really	 didn’t	 want	 her	 to	 come	 with	 me.	 Every	 time	 I	 meet	 Yukinoshita Haruno	 nothing	 good	 turns	 out	 in	 the	 end.	 I	 would	 really	 feel	 terrible	 if	 in	 addition Yuigahama	 gets	 involved.	 As	 I	 thought	 so	 in	 hesitation,	 ‘Hello?	 Hello?’	 with	 rather irritated	tone	came	from	the	speaker.	Panicked	and	hurried,	I	quickly	held	the	phone	up back	to	my	ear.
6930
6931“Ah,	I’m	really	sorry…	Yuigahama	and	I	will	come	together	then.”
6932
6933“Gahama-san?	Oh,	sure	thing!”
6934
6935Without	taking	a	moment	to	think	about	it,	Haruno-san	responded	light-heartedly.	After we	decided	on	a	time	and	a	place	to	meet,	the	other	end	hang	up	the	call	abruptly.
6936
6937I	 put	 down	 the	 phone	 loosely	 and	 powerlessly,	 and	 glanced	 at	 Yuigahama,	 who	 was holding	the	straps	of	her	backpack	firmly	and	biting	her	lip.
6938
6939“Let’s	go…”
6940
6941After	I	briefly	told	her	my	words,	Yuigahama	nodded	her	head	with	a	gentle	smile	on	her face.	However,	the	footsteps	following	that	no	longer	sounded	as	energized	as	usual,	but rather	quiet	and	lonely.
6942
6943Slowly,	quietly,	without	letting	anyone	notice.
6944
6945That	sound	was	perhaps,	very	close	to	the	sound	that	implies	the	ending	is	close.
6946
6947
6948
6949
6950
69517-7
6952
6953The	sun	set	over	the	horizon	of	the	sea.	Only	the	afterglow	was	left	spreading	over	the west	sky.	Lit	from	the	lingering	evening	glow,	the	streets	were	also	brightened	by	street lights	and	building	lights.	Shadows	of	the	pedestrians	stretched	in	various	directions.
6954
6955Although	the	designated	coffee	shop	was	quite	packed	already,	thanks	to	the	European stylish	decoration	and	the	quietly	playing	BGM,	the	ambience	there	was	pretty	relaxing and	comforting.
6956
6957I	told	the	staff	that	I	was	meeting	someone	inside,	then	I	was	taken	to	an	open	terrace.
6958
6959Chilling	 wind	 of	 the	 early	 spring	 was	 blowing	 over	 my	 skin.	 After	 the	 night	 befell,	 the temperature	 went	 down	 by	 a	 bit,	 so	 there	 appeared	 to	 be	 a	 few	 customers	 here	 and there.
6960
6961Nevertheless,	deep	in	the	corner,	around	Yukinoshita	Haruno	was	an	empty	area	where no	one	was	sitting.
6962
6963Haruno-san	wore	a	dark	red	coat	on	her	shoulder,	along	with	a	long	skirt	and	short	boots on	her	feet.	Over	her	knees	she	was	gently	covered	by	a	blanket	that	probably	came	from the	shop.	She	was	reading	a	book	quietly	under	the	parasol	heater.	She	occasionally	held the	mug	to	warm	up	her	hands,	and	then	took	a	sip	from	it.
6964
6965I	was	amazed	by	her	appearance,	stopped	my	foot	there	and	squinted	my	eyes.	The	aura around	her	overlapped	with	a	scene	from	some	time	ago	that	I	hadn’t	seen	for	a	lot	time.
6966
6967However,	I	was	only	dazzled	by	it	for	a	brief	moment	before	she	noticed	us.	She	smiled gently	and	waved	her	hands	at	us.
6968
6969I	 lowered	 my	 head	 a	 little	 bit	 in	 courtesy.	 While	 she	 kept	 beckoning	 to	 us,	 both Yuigahama	and	I	sat	down	opposite	to	her.
6970
6971“Want	to	drink	anything?	The	bread	here	is	also	very	delicious.”
6972
6973I	wanted	to	get	it	done	as	soon	as	possible,	so	I	was	gonna	say	the	same	thing…	But	then	I decided	 no.	 The	 mug	 that	 Haruno-san	 was	 holding	 seemed	 to	 have	 mulled	 wine	 in	 it.
6974
6975When	the	red	purple	liquid	in	it	was	shaken,	it	released	a	strong	smell	of	cinnamon.
6976
6977“I’ll	go	with	regular	coffee.”
6978
6979“I’ll…	I’ll	have	the	black	tea.”
6980
6981We	 promptly	 finished	 our	 ordering	 and	 waited	 for	 the	 drinks	 to	 be	 brought	 over.
6982
6983Meanwhile,	 Haruno-san	 placed	 a	 bookmark	 inside	 the	 book	 that	 she	 just	 stopped
6984
6985reading,	putting	the	book	back	to	her	handbag.
6986
6987“So,	what’s	this	conversation	about?”
6988
6989With	 her	 body	 slightly	 leaned	 forward,	 Haruno-san	 rested	 her	 cheek	 and	 stared	 at	 my face.	 Those	 eyes	 reminded	 me	 of	 the	 bad	 experience	 I	 had	 the	 other	 day.	 Her	 sexy	 lips were	accompanied	by	her	smile.	Her	big	eyes	squinted	like	an	arrow	while	looking	at	me.
6990
6991She	crossed	her	long	legs	on	top	of	each	other	under	the	table,	with	the	tip	of	her	foot touching	my	knee	gently.
6992
6993The	 words	 that	 I	 was	 about	 to	 say	 turned	 out	 to	 be	 only	 sighs.	 I	 felt	 my	 throat	 was tangled	and	for	some	reason	thirsty.
6994
6995To	be	honest,	I	really	do	not	want	to	talk	to	this	person.	It’s	not	like	I	personally	hate	her, since	I	am	not	good	at	dealing	with	females	in	general.	If	I	have	to	think,	simply	factor	by factor,	then	it’s	not	like	I’m	holding	a	grudge	against	her.	No	matter	from	the	perspective of	her	appearance	or	her	personalities,	I	can’t	say	there’s	only	few	parts	that	I	like	about her.
6996
6997But	 still,	 I	 was	 scared	 of	 her	 -	 like	 looking	 into	 a	 mirror	 at	 night,	 looking	 through	 the opening	 of	 a	 door	 in	 a	 dark	 room,	 the	 uneasy	 feeling	 from	 the	 back	 while	 taking	 a shower,	 such	 and	 such…	 It’s	 that	 kind	 of	 fear	 that	 you	 don’t	 even	 dare	 to	 figure	 out	 or confirm	what	it	actually	is.
6998
6999Whatever	I	put	it	into	words,	from	that	end,	everything	becomes	tied	up	together.	I	feel like	being	aimed	at	by	something	that	I	don’t	even	want	to	learn	about	-	I	was	dominated by	this	kind	of	fear	and	anxiety	then.
7000
7001
7002
7003“Eh,	it	was	something…	about	the	prom.”
7004
7005While	I	lost	my	words,	Yuigahama	couldn’t	bear	seeing	me	like	that	so	she	opened	her mouth.
7006
7007“I	was	thinking	what	it	is…	that’s	the	matter…?”
7008
7009The	delightful	face	that	Haruno-san	had	been	putting	until	then	soon	disappeared	as	if	it was	all	just	a	joke.	Apparently	having	lost	all	her	interests,	Haruno-san	leaned	her	body back	onto	the	chair-back.
7010
7011“When	 you	 said	 you	 wanted	 to	 have	 a	 conversation,	 I	 thought	 it	 would	 normally	 be	 a love-talk,	right?”
7012
7013Saying	 her	 words	 half	 jokingly,	 she	 shrugged	 her	 shoulder	 widely.	 Seeing	 that	 Haruno-san	lost	her	interest,	I	made	a	shallow	sigh.
7014
7015“When	I	said	it’s	a	conversation	normally	it	should	imply	asking	you	for	a	favor,	right?”
7016
7017I	 took	 a	 small	 sip	 of	 the	 coffee	 that	 was	 just	 delivered	 to	 me	 and	 made	 a	 light-hearted comment.	In	response,	Haruno-san	broke	her	smile.
7018
7019“What	a	business	life	you	are	living!”
7020
7021“Well,	I	do	hate	work	though.”
7022
7023I	muttered	sarcastically	with	half	of	my	face	twisted	upward.	Soon	I	could	feel	that	the atmosphere	 was	 relaxed.	 Yuigahama	 sitting	 next	 to	 me	 also	 sighed	 in	 relief.	 How miserable	 I	 was!	 It	 was	 good	 to	 have	 Yuigahama	 tagging	 along	 with	 me	 after	 all.	 Had	 I come	 here	 alone	 by	 myself,	 I	 would	 have	 totally	 got	 caught	 into	 her	 pace	 from	 the beginning	 to	 the	 end.	 Even	 if	 I	 manage	 to	 dodge	 on	 the	 surface,	 deep	 inside,	 my	 heart would	be	completely	captured	anyways.
7024
7025I	nodded	to	Yuigahama	to	tell	her	that	I	was	fine	by	then	already.	Although	I	wasn’t	able to	easily	dispel	my	sense	of	fear	towards	Haruno-san	at	all,	I	did	not	want	to	show	any weak	and	clumsy	side	of	me.
7026
7027After	taking	another	sip	of	the	coffee	again,	I	took	out	my	smartphone.
7028
7029“I	want	you	to	properly	leak	this	piece	of	information.”
7030
7031I	showed	her	the	official	website	of	the	dummy	prom	that	we	just	freshly	finished.
7032
7033Haruno-san	looked	at	the	website	for	a	few	seconds,	and	soon	made	a	small	sigh.
7034
7035“Hmm…	I’m	not	sure	about	this…”
7036
7037“Eh…	our	prom	faced	very	strong	oppositions,	so	we	wanted	to	consider	something	else new.”
7038
7039As	 soon	 as	 Yuigahama	 wanted	 to	 explain	 it	 further,	 Haruno-san	 put	 up	 a	 gentle,	 kind smile	on	her	face	and	interrupted	Yuigahama.
7040
7041“Kay,	I	understood	that	part	already	so	it’s	okay.”
7042
7043It	 seemed	 that	 Haruno-san	 already	 understood	 the	 outline	 of	 what	 was	 going	 on	 after skimming	 through	 the	 texts	 on	 the	 website.	 Thanks	 to	 that,	 we	 were	 able	 to	 proceed quickly.
7044
7045Just	as	I	was	about	to	breathe	a	sigh	of	relief,	knowing	that	I	didn’t	have	to	explain	thing in	detail,	I	held	my	breath	back.
7046
7047Yukinoshita	Haruno	stared	at	me	with	her	cold	eyes.	I	noticed	that	and	quickly	lost	my words.
7048
7049“What	I	do	not	understand	is,	why	are	you	resorting	to	this	way…	Didn’t	I	tell	you	earlier about	the	relationship	of	you	three?”
7050
7051Although	 her	 smiling	 voice	 contained	 her	 teasings,	 I	 could	 also	 hear	 the	 sadness	 that almost	conveyed	a	sense	of	hopeless	with	it.	As	if	being	tortured	by	its	incorrectness,	as	if being	 grieved	 over	 the	 mistakes,	 every	 single	 word	 that	 she	 said	 hurt	 me	 as	 if	 it	 was pouring	ice	water	over	my	neurons,	freezing	me	immediately.
7052
7053“You	really	have	in	mind	that	this	is	also	for	the	sake	of	that	kid?”
7054
7055“...	this	really	has	nothing	much	to	do	with	Yukinoshita.	It’s	not	like	I	was	asked	by	her	to do	 so.	 Rather,	 I	 chose	 to	 act	 on	 my	 own.	 So	 it	 was	 really	 just	 serving	 for	 my	 self-satisfaction.”
7056
7057I	let	out	words	that	I	carefully	prepared	beforehand.
7058
7059I	 understood	 very	 well	 that	 as	 long	 as	 I	 decided	 to	 ask	 Yukinoshita	 Haruno	 to	 do	 the leaking,	 I	 could	 no	 longer	 dodge	 this	 question	 from	 her.	 Therefore,	 I	 straightforwardly chose	to	say	it	in	the	least	mistaken	way.	Despite	the	fact	that	there	was	no	absolutely correct	answer,	I	still	firmly	believed	that	I	said	was	not	the	wrong	thing	at	least.	At	the very	least,	it	was	one	of	the	truths	that	I	believed	myself.
7060
7061Unfortunately,	 I	 didn’t	 think	 my	 excuse	 could	 possibly	 work	 for	 Yukinoshita	 Haruno.
7062
7063That	was	precisely	why	I	wanted	to	avoid	this	person	unless	absolutely	necessary.
7064
7065Haruno-san	broke	out	her	smile	and	took	a	quick	sip	of	the	hot	wine.	While	scrubbing	the
7066
7067edge	of	the	glass,	she	began	talking	to	me	slowly	as	if	trying	to	correct	my	reasoning	of things.
7068
7069“Yukino-chan	did	not	ask	for	your	help,	yet	you	decided	to	act	voluntarily	on	your	own…
7070
7071Hence	like	I	said,	isn’t	it	co-dependence……	Precisely	just	as	the	word	suggests,	right?	In the	end,	there’s	no	difference	at	all.”
7072
7073I	was	unable	to	deny	her	statement	right	away,	losing	all	my	words.	Yuigahama	casted her	mindful	eyes	to	me	first,	and	then	to	Haruno-san.
7074
7075Not	 only	 just	 Isshiki	 and	 Hayama,	 but	 I’m	 afraid	 also	 Yuigahama	 all	 had	 something	 in their	mind	without	saying	them	explicitly	with	their	mouths.	Even	I	myself	had	realized that	I	simply	treated	it	as	a	word-game,	an	excuse	that	I	was	evading	from.
7076
7077“Yukino-chan	chose	independence,	wanting	to	end	that	relationship.	What	Hikigaya-kun can	do	is	to	watch	over	her	that	way,	isn’t	it?”
7078
7079Using	 her	 voice	 that	 could	 not	 be	 gentler	 and	 kinder,	 Haruno-san	 said	 so	 as	 if	 she	 was teaching	an	infant.
7080
7081I	 could	 no	 longer	 look	 straight	 into	 her	 eyes,	 so	 I	 lowered	 my	 eyes.	 What	 she	 said	 was definitely	 correct	 -	 I	 ended	 up	 having	 a	 tangible	 feeling	 like	 that.	 I	 noticed	 that	 I	 was already	holding	the	sleeves	of	my	coat	firmly	in	hand	at	that	moment.
7082
7083“…	I	still	do	not	think	you	are	correct."
7084
7085Yuigahama	 muttered.	 Though	 her	 voice	 was	 so	 low	 that	 could	 have	 immediately	 gone with	the	wind,	it	clearly	entered	my	ear	unambiguously.	I	was	not	able	identify	her	facial expression	since	she	had	suppressed	her	emotion	in	her	voice.	I	looked	at	Yuigahama’s face.
7086
7087Her	eyes	were	not	looking	at	either	me	or	Hakuno-san.	Yuigahama	straightened	her	back and	stared	firmly	at	one	single	spot	on	the	table.
7088
7089Haruno-san’s	eyes,	which	had	been	focused	on	only	me	until	then,	finally	quickly	turned to	Yuigahama’s	direction.	And	then,	she	leaned	her	head	slightly	and	urged	Yuigahama	to keep	talking.	Acknowledging	her	eye	contact,	Yuigahama	began	talking	falteringly.
7090
7091“It	 sounded	 good	 when	 you	 said	 ‘watch	 over	 her’,	 but	 ultimately	 the	 only	 consequence left	 is	 us	 distancing	 from	 each	 other.	 Avoiding	 each	 other,	 taking	 distance	 from	 each other.	If	we	simply	let	it	happen,	we	won’t	change	a	bit	in	the	end.	In	that	case,	perhaps,	it would	all	end	up	in	tragedy	-	not	only	us	but	also	the	prom…”
7092
7093Lit	by	the	retro-fashioned	light	in	the	coffee	shop,	her	profile	looked	a	lot	more	adult-like than	 usual,	 leaving	 a	 transient	 shadow.	 Looking	 at	 that	 beautiful	 ambience	 and	 her
7094
7095peaceful	face,	my	heart	grew	painful	from	inside.	Or	perhaps,	it	was	because	the	ending scene	that	she	just	mentioned	was	so	easily	imaginable	for	me.
7096
7097“So,	 we	 want	 to	 stay	 closer	 even	 just	 for	 a	 little	 bit.	 We	 have	 to	 be	 involved.	 *It*	 was something	necessary	in	order	to	end	*it*	properly.	So,	so…”
7098
7099Sentences	that	were	fabricated	non-stopped,	word	by	word,	turned	into	a	long	sigh	in	the end.	There	was	no	way	for	me	to	know	what	Yuigahama	wanted	to	say	next.	I	also	could not	read	into	her	facial	expression	when	she	casted	her	eyes	downward.
7100
7101Despite	 so,	 there	 is	 something	 that	 I	 do	 understand.	 Actually,	 it	 was	 something	 that	 I understood	a	lot	time	ago.
7102
7103“That’s	true…	we	need	to	end	it	properly…”
7104
7105I	 wasn’t	 saying	 it	 to	 anyone	 per	 se,	 but	 I	 mumbled	 as	 if	 I	 was	 talking	 to	 myself.
7106
7107Yuigahama	quietly	nodded	her	head	to	me.
7108
7109Perhaps,	 we	 all	 had	 been	 holding	 the	 same	 wish	 that	 we	 wanted	 to	 end	 *it*	 properly.
7110
7111After	double	confirming	that,	I	was	finally	able	to	lift	up	my	face.
7112
7113As	soon	as	our	eyes	crossed,	Haruno-san	put	up	a	gentle	smile,	leaned	her	head	slightly and	squinted	her	eyes.
7114
7115“Does	that	mean	any	kind	of	ending	is	okay?	Even	an	ending	that	is	unwanted	by	Yukino-chan	or	anyone	else?”
7116
7117“Yes,	that’s	okay.”
7118
7119Without	a	slightest	bit	of	hesitation	I	let	out	my	words.	Looking	at	my	face,	Haruno-san swallowed	 her	 breath	 quietly	 in	 surprise.	 And	 then,	 killing	 the	 smile	 that	 she	 was wearing,	she	asked	me	in	a	voice	that	was	much	colder	than	before.
7120
7121“…	just	curious,	why	does	Hikigaya-kun	have	to	go	this	far?”
7122
7123To	 her	 question,	 I	 was	 unable	 to	 give	 an	 immediate	 answer.	 It	 wasn’t	 like	 I	 was	 still hesitating	or	wavering	at	that	time,	but	rather,	the	answer	was	already	there.	It	was	only because	I	had	been	already	asked	similar	questions	a	couple	times	until	then,	and	thus	I had	trouble	picking	my	words.	Next	to	me	was	Yuigahama	who	stiffened	her	body	there and	listened	to	me	carefully.
7124
7125Therefore,	I	tried	my	best	not	to	lie,	not	to	conflict	with	any	statements	that	I	had	made, and	chose	to	give	an	answer	that	had	my	consistency	in	mind.
7126
7127“It	was	perhaps	just	…	the	spirit	of	volunteering.	A	heart	that	desires	helping	each	other.
7128
7129Do	we	need	any	reason	to	help	others?”
7130
7131Forcing	out	my	words	shamelessly,	the	chair	next	to	me	began	shaking.	I	could	tell	that Yuigahama’s	shoulders	just	lost	its	strength.	Haruno-san	sighed	shortly	and	turned	her face	up	to	the	sky.
7132
7133“You	are	quite	an	interesting	person.”
7134
7135“If	you	had	to	say	so,	then	at	least	I	want	you	to	laugh	at	the	same	time.”
7136
7137I	 wasn’t	 sure	 whether	 Haruno-san	 had	 noticed	 it	 or	 not,	 but	 her	 face	 had	 no	 signs	 of	 a smile	at	all.	Only	her	voice	resonated.	After	I	pointed	it	out,	Haruno-san	finally	broke	her smile	out	as	if	she	just	realized	it.
7138
7139“Telling	only	the	lies…	Not	saying	a	single	word	of	truth.”
7140
7141“Whether	it’s	real	or	fake.	I	really	don’t	have	anything	to	say	in	particular.	Even	if	I	do…”
7142
7143I	swallowed	back	what	I	wanted	to	say,	I	changed	my	words	to	something	else.
7144
7145“…you	are	not	the	person	that	I	would	tell.”
7146
7147“………	that’s	true…”
7148
7149Haruno-san	squinted	her	eyes	as	if	she	suddenly	saw	something	very	dazzling	in	a	flash.
7150
7151Without	changing	the	smile	on	her	face,	she	responded	to	me	half-jokingly.	Nevertheless, her	 voice	 was	 somehow	 accompanied	 with	 a	 very	 chilling	 tone,	 followed	 by	 a	 dry	 and small	 sigh	 after.	 Perhaps	 she	 knew	 it	 already.	 Her	 hand	 reached	 out	 to	 the	 mug.	 She drank	up	the	beverage	inside	that	already	turned	cold	and	wiped	her	lips	with	her	finger tip.	Nodded	her	head	as	if	she	just	got	ready	to	talk	again,	she	raised	her	face	up	and	put up	a	gentle	smile.
7152
7153“I	will	do	the	favor	for	you	and	help	you	with	the	leaking	with	my	best	effort.”
7154
7155“Thank	you.”
7156
7157Both	Yuigahama	and	I	lowered	our	heads.	Haruno-san	then	rested	her	cheek	on	one	hand and	began	touching	her	smartphone	screen	with	the	other	hand.
7158
7159“However,	it’s	still	tough	with	just	this	little	help?”
7160
7161Being	 told	 so	 unexpectedly,	 I	 became	 a	 little	 bit	 confused.	 Seeing	 my	 reaction,	 Haruno-san	smiled	naughtily.
7162
7163“Although	 you	 have	 already	 gathered	 all	 necessary	 elements,	 the	 people	 that	 you	 are dealing	with	can’t	really	be	argued	with	proper	reasonings,	right?	Furthermore,	your	real opponent	is	my	mother…”
7164
7165“Eh…	that’s	true…”
7166
7167Thinking	about	the	Yukinoshita	sisters’	mother	made	both	Yuigahama	and	I	look	at	each other	and	smile	bitterly.
7168
7169Just	as	I	expected,	if	a	certain	number	of	parents	want	to	express	their	complaints	about the	dummy	prom,	they	would	do	so	via	that	mother	that	served	as	their	representative.
7170
7171Then	naturally	I	would	become	the	person	bearing	the	responsibility	from	the	students’
7172
7173side.
7174
7175Coming	to	think	of	the	confrontation	that	happened	the	other	day,	to	be	honest	I	didn’t believe	I	could	possibly	win	the	argument	by	either	appealing	logically	or	lyrically. [75]
7176
7177While	I	frowned	and	mumbled	my	words	out,	Haruno-san	stretched	herself	and	yawned uninterestedly.	She	then	continued	her	words	as	if	it	was	just	a	follow-up	byproduct	of her	yawn.
7178
7179“But	 as	 long	 as	 you	 bring	 up	 the	 conversation	 with	 her,	 I	 think	 there	 should	 be	 a	 way around	 it,	 right…?	 I	 don’t	 think	 that	 person	 really	 cares	 about	 proms	 and	 stuff	 in	 the end.”
7180
7181I	was	not	able	to	grasp	the	intention	or	the	connotation	of	her	words,	so	I	leaned	my	head in	question.	However,	Haruno-san	had	no	intention	to	elaborate	on	it	further.	Rather,	she began	looking	at	the	drinking	menu	and	humming	with	her	nose.
7182
7183“...	well,	I	will	try	my	best.”
7184
7185“Yep,	please	do.”
7186
7187I	 took	 her	 carelessly	 phrased	 words	 of	 encouragement	 which	 she	 said	 without	 even looking	at	me.	I	then	ran	out	of	words	to	say.
7188
7189Considering	 the	 time	 by	 then,	 I	 thought	 it	 was	 just	 about	 the	 right	 time	 to	 go.	 I	 told Yuigahama	 that	 it	 was	 about	 the	 time	 to	 leave	 using	 only	 eye	 contact.	 She	 nodded	 in reply.
7190
7191“...	It’s	about	time	for	us	to	leave	now.	I’m	sorry	for	taking	your	time!”
7192
7193“Thank	you	very	much	for	your	time!”
7194
7195“No	problem.	Seeya.”
7196
7197When	we	both	stood	up	from	the	chairs,	Haruno-san	waved	her	hand	gently	at	us.	Given that	she	already	pulled	out	the	drinking	menu	at	hand,	it	seemed	that	she	still	intended to	stay	there	longer.
7198
7199After	nodding	to	her	in	courtesy,	we	both	left	the	coffee	shop.
7200
7201The	distance	from	the	coffee	shop	to	the	station	was	quite	short.	On	a	weekday	it	would have	 been	 the	 rush	 hour	 then.	 On	 a	 Saturday	 like	 today,	 since	 there	 wasn’t	 any prominent	event	happening	then,	it	wasn’t	as	crowded	at	all.
7202
7203We	finally	reached	the	station	plaza	that	also	served	as	a	small	bus	terminal,	I	looked	at Yuigahama	in	question	of	what	to	do	next.
7204
7205Ever	since	we	left	the	coffee	shop	Yuigahama	had	been	silent	along	the	way,	as	if	she	had been	thinking	of	something	all	along.	As	I	was	concerned	by	that,	I	quickly	peeked	at	her face.	Yuigahama	then	put	up	an	exhausted	smile	on	her	face.
7206
7207She	soon	suddenly	stopped	walking	and	opened	her	mouth	in	difficult.
7208
7209“...just	now,	what	was	the	‘co-dependence’	that	Haruno-san	mentioned	about?”
7210
7211Despite	the	troubled	smile	that	she	put	up,	her	voice	was	rather	serious.	Unable	to	dodge her	question,	I	sat	down	on	a	bench	nearby	and	tried	to	look	for	words	to	say.	Yuigahama also	sat	next	to	me,	holding	her	backpack	to	her	chest.
7212
7213“It’s	 kind	 of	 hard	 to	 explain…	 …	 you	 do	 somehow	 understand	 the	 ‘dependence’	 part, right?”
7214
7215To	 my	 question,	 Yuigahama	 nodded	 her	 head	 and	 tried	 to	 bury	 her	 face	 into	 the backpack	 she	 was	 hugging.	 I	 responded	 with	 a	 light	 smile	 and	 continued	 my	 words.	 I tried	 to	 explain	 it	 plainly,	 without	 using	 terminologies	 and	 omitting	 the	 nitty-gritty details	if	possible.
7216
7217“To	 put	 simply,	 co-dependence	 means	 that	 the	 person	 who	 *is	 relied	 on*	 is	 fine	 with his/her	role	of	being	depended	on,	maybe.	Knowing	that	he/she	is	deemed	needed,	the person	who	is	depended	on	finds	his/her	value	and	gain	satisfaction	and	peace	of	mind out	of	it…	In	the	end,	both	the	dependent	and	the	dependee	become	unwilling	to	get	out of	this	situation.”
7218
7219While	 I	 was	 explaining,	 I	 noticed	 that	 my	 voice	 dropped	 suddenly.	 The	 more	 I	 thought about	it	the	more	I	noticed	myself	fitting	exactly	into	that	definition.	Gradually	I	started feeling	bitterness	in	my	mouth.
7220
7221Perhaps	Yuigahama	was	also	reminded	of	something.	She	bit	her	lips	slightly.
7222
7223“That,	isn’t	something	good,	right…”
7224
7225“...well,	it	isn’t	exactly	wholesome,	I	guess…”
7226
7227---	therefore,	that	is,	perhaps,	as	wrong	as	I	expected.
7228
7229After	hearing	my	words,	Yuigahama’s	face	turned	gloomy.	It	made	me	grow	really	painful to	see	it,	so	I	quickly	stood	up	from	the	bench	as	if	trying	to	tear	myself	away	from	it.
7230
7231“What	that	person	said	isn’t	completely	true,	in	fact.	It’s	merely	one	of	the	ways	to	look	at it.”
7232
7233Thus,	there’s	no	need	to	be	concerned	about	her	words	-	I	tried	to	convey	this	layer	of meaning	to	her.	I	then	smiled	at	her	awkwardly.
7234
7235In	response,	Yuigahama	also	put	up	a	gentle	smile	that	somehow	felt	sad	and	sorrowful.
7236
7237She	nodded	and	stood	up	as	well.
7238
7239Unknowing	 who	 had	 begun	 walking,	 both	 of	 us	 eventually	 arrived	 at	 the	 station turnstiles.	Yuigahama	gently	raised	her	hand	and	waved	at	me.
7240
7241“So,	I	have	to	take	the	train	now.”
7242
7243“Alright	then,	take	care!”
7244
7245“Thanks.	See	you	at	school	soon…	Good	night,	Hikki-”
7246
7247Yuigahama	waved	her	hand	gently	by	her	chest.	I	saw	her	off	and	began	walking	off.
7248
7249After	 taking	 a	 few	 steps,	 I	 turned	 back	 and	 saw	 Yuigahama	 still	 standing	 outside	 the turnstiles.	 As	 our	 eyes	 met,	 she	 waved	 her	 hand	 even	 more	 widely.	 I	 raised	 my	 hand slightly	in	reply.	Feeling	slightly	embarrassed,	I	quickly	left	the	station.
7250
7251Becoming	alone	by	myself,	I	hurried	home	against	the	night	wind.
7252
7253At	 this	 point	 I	 had	 completed	 all	 the	 tasks	 that	 I	 scheduled	 for	 today.	 I	 also	 finished	 as much	of	the	preparation	as	I	could.
7254
7255The	only	thing	left	to	do,	is	to	*end	things	properly*.
7256
7257
7258
7259
7260
7261Interlude	6
7262
7263Another	night	that	I	can't	get	drunk.
7264
7265Even	if	my	throat	tells	me	that	the	wine	is	hot,	the	warmth	never	seemed	to	drench	my heart.
7266
7267Ever	since	that	day,	never	once	had	I	feel	uplifted	whenever	I	hold	up	the	wineglass,	only feelings	of	hate	looms	within	me.
7268
7269As	I	swallowed	up	what	remains	of	my	fifth	glass	of	wine,	I	reached	out	to	the	wine	bottle considering	another	drink,	but	my	hand	stopped	midair	as	I	was	about	to	hold	onto	the bottleneck.
7270
7271The	 four-person	 table	 felt	 unusually	 broad,	 no	 matter	 what	 kinds	 of	 wine	 I	 chosen,	 no matter	how	many	glasses	I	 drank,	no	matter	who	I	called	 over	for	company,	neither	of those	seem	to	fill	in	this	emptiness	within.
7272
7273On	my	palm	lies	a	book	that	I	read	halfway	through,	I	tried	opening	it,	but	neither	once had	I	managed	to	flip	across	the	current	page,	and	neither	once	had	the	bookmark	left	its original	position,	even	if	I'm	aware	of	how	the	story	shall	unfold	at	the	end,	I	continued searching	for	the	true	ending	it	deserves,	which	is	why	the	story	shall	continue	without reaching	a	conclusion.
7274
7275The	one	correct	ending	that	has	no	lies	in	it	will	probably	never	arrive,	but	if	someone could	 at	 least	 prove	 the	 very	 existence	 of	 this	 possibility,	 I	 will	 probably	 feel	 satisfied with	it.
7276
7277I	 let	 my	 thoughts	 flow	 into	 the	 already	 empty	 glass,	 and	 drank	 it	 all	 up	 along	 the seemingly	empty	air.	As	my	line	of	view	passed	through	the	curved	surface	of	the	glass, projecting	itself	onto	the	empty	seat	in	front	of	me,	a	beauty	smiled	wickedly	through	the glass,	as	if	she's	making	fun	of	herself.
7278
7279The	woman	on	the	glass	surface	suddenly	fades,	to	be	replaced	by	the	figure	of	another person,	as	I	took	a	better	look,	its	the	girl	that	should	have	went	back	some	time	ago.	Did she	ran	all	her	way	here?	I	wondered	upon	seeing	her	shoulders	moving	up	and	down.
7280
7281"Had	you	forgotten	something?"
7282
7283I	handed	her	a	woolen	blanket,	signaling	her	to	have	a	seat,	she	then	obediently	sat	on
7284
7285her	 original	 position.	 As	 I	 held	 up	 my	 cheeks,	 wondering	 what	 important	 matter	 made her	turn	back,	she	gripped	firmly	onto	her	skirt	and	the	blanked	underneath	her	knees, she	then	said	with	a	seemingly	confused	tone:
7286
7287"I...I	still	believe	that	what	you	said	just	now	was	wrong...the	co-dependency	you	told	us of."
7288
7289I	rolled	my	eyes	upon	hearing	those	words,	did	she	seriously	came	all	the	way	back	here to	talk	to	me	about	this?	I	took	me	a	while	for	me	to	have	a	clear	image	of	the	situation.
7290
7291I	see,	so	she	was	here	today	in	order	to	protect	him	from	me.	Instead	of	viewing	it	as	her being	possessive,	to	describe	it	as	her	being	protective	would	sound	much	accurate.
7292
7293As	much	as	I	wanted	to	praise	her	in	a	much	straightforward	way,	now	that	she	has	the guts	to	challenge	me	directly,	it	seems	that	I	have	no	other	choice	but	to	accept	it.	While	I do	 not	 prefer	 to	 put	 the	 blame	 onto	 my	 genetics,	 it	 is	 true	 that	 my	 annoying	 side	 is similar	to	that	of	my	mother.
7294
7295To	be	honest,	I	don't	really	intend	to	say	such	things	to	her.	Its	troublesome,	and	I	don't have	 that	 much	 leisure	 time	 to	 be	 wasted	 on	 her.	 I	 can't	 really	 get	 myself	 to	 do	 such	 a thing	either,	as	getting	hated	by	such	a	cute	girl	is	not	the	most	pleasant	thing	to	do	even for	myself.
7296
7297But	compared	to	that,	my	refusal	to	leave	a	mistake	uncorrected	is	much	stronger.
7298
7299As	my	frustration	continues	to	grow,	I	poured	every	the	remaining	wine	into	the	glass.
7300
7301
7302
7303
7304
7305Interlude	6-2
7306
7307The	 contents	 within	 the	 wineglass	 turmoils	 like	 waves	 of	 scarlet	 blood,	 small	 bubbles among	those	waves	leaped	up	and	down	like	my	heart	right	now.	After	I	scurried	back from	 the	 train	 station	 to	 here,	 words	 proceeded	 to	 gush	 out	 from	 me	 along	 with	 my gasping	breath.
7308
7309'That's	how	I	see	it,	the	codependency	relationship	the	three	of	you	have.'
7310
7311'Codependency',	 a	 word	 that	 I	 was	 never	 aware	 of	 before,	 and	 a	 word	 that	 I	 couldn't understand	at	all.	That's	how	I've	always	been,	my	inability	to	comprehend	such	complex ideas,	 and	 my	 ability	 to	 act	 as	 if	 I	 couldn't	 understand	 it.	 Even	 if	 there	 are	 times	 that	 I truly	failed	to	get	it.
7312
7313But	 that	 term	 that	 she	 said,	 a	 term	 so	 simple	 to	 the	 point	 that	 I	 can't	 pretend	 to	 not understand	it,	a	term	so	simple	that	I	can	only	understand	it.
7314
7315"Does	that	applies	to	me......too?"
7316
7317My	heart	that	should've	calmed	down	by	now	started	beating	rapidly	again.	Even	though the	answer	was	never	something	that	I've	never	pleaded	for,	never	awaited	for,	yet	here	I am,	seeking	desperately	for	answers.
7318
7319She	started	t	laugh...then	displayed	a	very	concerning	expression.
7320
7321"Isn't	it	so?	After	all,	Hikigaya	relies	on	Gahama	chan	a	lot	too.	In	fact	Gahama	chan,	you enjoyed	 all	 the	 attention	 he	 gave,	 to	 the	 point	 that	 you're	 willing	 to	 do	 anything	 for him......you	know,	you're	sicker	than	what	you	think,	Gahama	chan."
7322
7323"No...that's	not	how	it	is."
7324
7325My	lips	are	trembling	as	I	spouted	those	discontinuous	words,	shaking	my	head.	No,	this is	wrong,	something	feels	really	wrong	in	her	statement...
7326
7327"Now	that	they	already	become	the	way	they	are.	So	Gahama	chan,	you	have	to	grow	up and	get	over	it."
7328
7329She	 seemed	 to	 have	 said	 something	 else	 with	 that	 gentle	 voice,	 but	 I	 can't	 hear	 it anymore.
7330
7331"Wanting	 to	 do	 something	 for	 his	 sake...shouldn't	 this	 be	 natural?	 Seeing	 him	 looking depressed,	of	course	I	would	want	to	get	his	spirits	up,	of	course	I	want	to	stay	beside them.	So,	that's	not	it..."
7332
7333Its	frustrating,	frustrating	to	the	point	I	glared	at	someone	out	of	rage	for	the	first	time.
7334
7335The	moist	air	within	my	lungs	burst	out	along	my	words,	leaving	my	throat	completely dried	out.	Holding	the	ends	of	my	skirt	so	strong	to	the	point	I	could	feel	my	nails	driving through	the	cloth,	and	into	my	flesh,	I	continued	staring	at	her,	refusing	to	avert	my	line of	sight.
7336
7337She	simply	gazed	at	all	of	these	with	her	mature	expression,	and	then	closed	her	eyes	all of	a	sudden.	Then	said	in	a	voice	so	low,	that	it	felt	like	she	is	praying:
7338
7339"And	can	you......call	that	thing	as	something	genuine?"
7340
7341"I	don't	know."
7342
7343I	 have	 always	 been	 trying	 to	 figure	 it	 out	 ever	 since	 that	 day,	 what	 did	 he	 meant	 by something	 genuine.	 But	 in	 the	 end,	 I	 still	 don't	 get	 it,	 my	 voice	 started	 to	 sound unsettling,	with	my	eyes	blurred	by	tears,	and	looked	down	onto	the	floor	before	I	knew it.
7344
7345"But	that	thing,	those	feelings,	they're	definitely	not	codependency,	nothing	similar	to	it."
7346
7347Looking	back	up,	she	continued	gazing	with	the	same	expression,	opened	her	mouth	for	a second,	just	to	look	away	without	speaking.
7348
7349A	piercing	sensation	begins	to	fill	up	my	chest,	the	tears	that	seemed	to	have	dried	out started	dripping	again.
7350
7351"Otherwise,	it	wouldn't	feel	so	painful...this	thing	that	feels...	so	painful..."
7352
7353The	pain	on	my	chest,	the	pain	within	my	heart,	the	pain	that	follows	me	everywhere.
7354
7355Everything	within	me,	as	if	they're	in	vain,	lamented	and	screamed	my	love	for	you,	over and	over	again.
7356
7357
7358
7359
7360
7361Chapter	8:	As	I	pray,	at	the	very	least, that	I	won't	make	any	more	mistakes.
7362
7363When	would	winter	end?	There	weren’t	many	clear	experiences	I	could	draw	from	so	far so	the	days	only	somewhat	were	noticeable	in	their	changes	in	temperature.	But	even	so, I	 was	 strangely	 aware	 of	 the	 turning	 points,	 probably	 as	 we	 reached	 milestone	 after milestone.
7364
7365That’s	why,	the	end	of	winter	to	me	is	probably	today.
7366
7367Yesterday,	 I’d	 shut	 myself	 away	 in	 my	 room	 all	 day	 long,	 exchanging	 mail	 with Zaimokuza,	refreshing	the	SNS,	thoroughly	checking	for	any	errors	on	the	homepage;	just spending	the	day	off	completely	restlessly.
7368
7369Then	 comes	 the	 Monday	 that	 opens	 the	 week.	 The	 Monday	 everyone	 detests.	 The Monday	when	problems	that	occur	in	the	weekend	gets	reported.
7370
7371Going	to	school,	the	classroom	was	filled	with	the	atmosphere	of	a	year’s	end.	Because	of the	 excitement	 from	 the	 season	 of	 graduation,	 the	 topics	 of	 conversations	 were	 mostly about	future	courses,	plans	for	the	spring	break,	or	even	about	the	final	tests.	Excluded from	all	the	casual	chats	was	me	alone	at	my	seat,	just	silently	listening	to	it	all.
7372
7373What	awaited	was	the	after	school	chime.
7374
7375Through	 Yukinoshita	 Haruno,	 the	 bait	 had	 been	 spread.	 The	 prom	 that	 had	 been cornered	 based	 off	 on	 self-restraint	 had	 another	 even	 flashier	 proposal.	 The	 subset	 of caregivers	opposing	the	prom	wouldn’t	be	able	to	overlook	this	information.	Above	all, because	 their	 window	 of	 argument	 had	 already	 been	 established,	 they	 would	 probably make	their	move	faster	than	they	did	before;	both	today	and	tomorrow	too.
7376
7377And	it	seems	that	prediction	wasn’t	all	that	off	the	mark.
7378
7379When	the	afternoon	classes	ended,	as	the	atmosphere	began	to	lighten,	Hiratsuka-sensei came	 towards	 the	 classroom	 as	 if	 she	 had	 been	 hurrying	 somewhat.	 She	 peered	 in through	the	door	and	when	our	eyes	met,	she	smiled	tiredly.
7380
7381“Hikigaya.	Do	you	have	a	moment	after	this?	You’re	being	called	in.”
7382
7383As	if	Hiratsuka-sensei	had	said	a	joke,	the	lot	remaining	in	the	classroom	slightly	turned
7384
7385their	heads.
7386
7387Already	 having	 packed	 up	 and	 gathered	 my	 things,	 I	 took	 my	 bag	 and	 headed	 off.
7388
7389Hiratsuka-sensei	smiled	bitterly	at	that.
7390
7391“The	reason	you’re	being	called…	Looks	like	you	already	know	why.”
7392
7393“Sort	of,	since	I	can	think	of	a	lot	of	reasons.	I	used	to	be	called	in	every	time	something happened.”
7394
7395“Seriously.”
7396
7397Hiratsuka-sensei	shrugged	her	shoulders	and	her	bitter	smile	appeared	somewhat	sad.	I also	pretended	to	smile	bitterly	while	averting	my	eyes.
7398
7399And,	what	came	within	my	line	of	sight	were	those	groups	doubting	us.
7400
7401On	one	side	were	several	students	giving	us	strange	looks	while	there	were	those	at	the back	of	the	classroom	giving	us	their	usual	reactions.
7402
7403Miura	didn’t	seem	to	have	any	interest	in	us	at	all	and	looked	bored	while	twirling	her hair	with	her	fingertips.	Ebina-san	was	looking	at	me	while	nodding.	Tobe’s	group	was smirking	while	whispering,	“tsubeh.	Hikitani-kun	screwed	up,	beh”.	Damn	you,	Tobe...
7404
7405But	there	was	just	one	in	the	middle,	Hayama,	that	maintained	a	cold	smile	like	a	statue and	fixated	his	gaze	this	way.
7406
7407I	have	no	reason	to	know	what	he	means	by	that	and	I’m	not	interested	either,	but	I	can tell	just	from	looking	that	there’s	pity.
7408
7409And	 finally,	 there	 was	 Yuigahama.	 Quickly	 able	 to	 guess	 the	 situation	 based	 off Hiratsuka-sensei’s	presence	here,	she	stopped	packing	her	things	and	only	grabbed	her nearby	coat	with	her	as	she	ran	out.
7410
7411Exiting	into	the	corridor,	Yuigahama	caught	up	to	us.	She	probably	intended	to	come	to help	me,	but	I	can’t	keep	relying	on	Yuigahama	for	this.	Always,	up	until	now,	I	came	this far	by	relying	on	her.	I	wanted	to	complete	the	finishing	touches	by	myself.
7412
7413“It’s	just	me	appointed	to	be	there,	right?”
7414
7415“That’s	right.	Well,	I	don’t	know	if	it’s	an	appointment	or	not.	I’ve	just	been	told	to	call	in the	person	responsible.”
7416
7417“Yeah,	that	would	be	me.”
7418
7419Hiratsuka-sensei	 breathed	 out	 with	 an	 expression	 mixed	 between	 bitterness	 and
7420
7421sarcastic	amazement.	Yuigahama	watched	our	exchange	with	a	long	face	before	uneasily opening	her	mouth	to	speak.
7422
7423“But	I	think	it’d	be	good	if	I	went	as	well…”
7424
7425“It’s	okay,	I’ll	do	it	properly.”
7426
7427I	 said	 it	 so	 nonchalantly	 that	 Yuigahama	 opened	 her	 mouth	 to	 say	 something,	 but	 just before	 she	 could,	 her	 words	 had	 caught	 in	 her	 throat.	 And	 then,	 with	 lips	 pursed,	 she made	a	slight	nod.
7428
7429Her	 strange	 behaviour	 caught	 my	 attention	 and	 when	 I	 turned	 my	 gaze	 to	 face	 her, Hiratsuka-sensei	struck	my	shoulder.
7430
7431“There’s	no	need	to	worry,	I’m	here	too.	Nothing	weird	is	going	to	happen.”
7432
7433Hiratsuka-sensei	 said	 to	 put	 her	 at	 ease	 and	 Yuigahama	 nodded	 by	 returning	 a	 faint smile.
7434
7435“Then	I’ll	be	off	for	a	bit.”
7436
7437“Yeah.	If	something	happens,	call	me.”
7438
7439As	 she	 spoke,	 Yuigahama	 lightly	 made	 a	 soldier’s	 gesture	 with	 a	 raised	 hand	 while Hiratsuka-sensei	 and	 I	 began	 to	 walk	 again.	 I	 burningly	 watched	 her	 figure	 clad	 in	 a white	coat	with	hands	deep	in	her	pockets	as	I	followed	her	one	step	behind.
7440
7441“Is	this	according	to	your	plan?”
7442
7443Hiratsuka-sensei	 slightly	 moved	 her	 neck	 and	 asked	 my	 reflection	 on	 the	 glass	 of	 the windows	extending	across	the	corridor.
7444
7445“...Sort	of,	for	the	most	part.”
7446
7447Honestly	 speaking,	 not	 everything	 has	 been	 going	 according	 to	 plan,	 but	 the	 very minimum	 has	 been	 achieved.	 To	 me,	 this	 is	 a	 job	 well	 done.	 As	 I	 answered,	 I	 could	 tell Hiratsuka-sensei	was	smiling	wryly	over	her	back.
7448
7449“That’s	very	much	like	your	methods.	Do	you	have	a	chance	of	winning?”
7450
7451“There	doesn’t	have	to	be.	In	any	case,	there	isn’t	another	way.”
7452
7453As	 the	 continuing	 glass	 of	 the	 windows	 changed	 to	 walls,	 I	 could	 no	 longer	 infer Hiratsuka-sensei’s	expression.	I	could	only	hear	a	sighing	voice	escaping.
7454
7455“...That’s	not	a	bad	answer.	I	like	it,	that	kind	of	thing.”
7456
7457As	 she	 spoke,	 Hiratsuka-sensei’s	 figure	 unexpectedly	 disappeared.	 I	 knew	 she’d	 just turned	the	corner	and	was	 going	down	the	stairs,	but	even	 so,	I’d	hurriedly	moved	my legs	faster.	Becoming	aware	of	what	I	was	doing,	I	smiled	bitterly.
7458
7459Someday	 soon,	 will	 I	 end	 up	 looking	 for	 that	 figure	 every	 time	 something	 happens?
7460
7461Because	I	was	imagining	stuff	like	that,	I	had	stopped	walking	at	some	point.	As	I	slowly went	 down	 the	 stairs	 one	 step	 at	 a	 time,	 the	 distance	 between	 us	 began	 to	 widen.	 Just like	this,	I	will	surely	have	to	come	to	terms	with	separating	from	this	person.
7462
7463Neither	of	us	spoke	and	the	only	sounds	came	from	our	footsteps.
7464
7465As	 we	 approached	 the	 landing,	 Hiratsuka-sensei’s	 white	 coat	 flowed	 as	 she	 turned	 half her	body	towards	me.
7466
7467“Hikigaya,	 do	 you	 have	 time	 sometime	 soon?	 It	 doesn’t	 have	 to	 be	 today.	 It	 can	 be tomorrow	or	some	other	day.”
7468
7469Hearing	 that,	 I	 thought	 about	 my	 schedule	 for	 a	 moment.	 Today	 I	 still	 had	 to	 clean	 up things	 here	 and	 there	 which	 would	 take	 up	 some	 time,	 but	 I	 really	 had	 nothing	 to	 do tomorrow	and	after.
7470
7471There	 probably	 wouldn’t	 be	 any	 club	 activities	 anymore.	 Regardless	 of	 how	 the	 prom turns	out,	there	likely	wouldn’t	be.
7472
7473I	 was	 late	 in	 replying	 because	 I	 was	 suddenly	 thinking	 about	 all	 of	 this.	 Our	 footsteps resounded	as	if	filling	in	the	meanwhile	silence.
7474
7475“...Well,	I’m	pretty	much	free.”
7476
7477“Really.	Okay	then…”
7478
7479Walking	forward,	Hiratsuka-sensei	was	also	slowly	thinking	about	something	as	she	cut off	for	a	moment.
7480
7481“...Okay	then,	let’s	go	for	ramen!”
7482
7483With	only	her	neck	turned	this	way,	and	her	long	hair	shaking,	I	could	see	her	smiling	as if	she	won	something.
7484
7485I	replied	with	a	bitter	smile	and	a	nod.
7486
7487
7488
7489
7490
74918-2
7492
7493At	last,	we	reached	the	reception	office	and	Hiratsuka-sensei	knocked	on	the	door.	The voice	of	the	person	who	requested	me	coolly	sounded	out	and	I	remember	having	heard that	voice	somewhere	before.	It	seemed	the	visitor	was	Yukinoshita’s	mother	after	all.
7494
7495I	followed	Hiratsuka-sensei	into	the	room	and	there	someone	gracefully	standing	next	to the	window	turned	around	to	face	us.	The	person	before	us,	wearing	a	wisteria-coloured kimono	moderately	decorated	with	peach	blossoms,	was	truly	an	unimaginable	beauty.
7496
7497Coffee	had	already	been	prepared	and	placed	at	the	seat	of	honour.	Yukinoshita’s	mother sat	 there	 and	 with	 a	 friendly	 voice	 asked	 me	 to	 sit	 down	 as	 well.	 I	 quietly	 obeyed	 and Hiratsuka-sensei	took	a	seat	next	to	me.
7498
7499“We’ve	met	the	other	day	as	well,	haven’t	we.”
7500
7501“Yes...	Nice	meeting	you	then.”
7502
7503I	 answered	 with	 a	 twitching	 smile.	 Her	 formal	 smile	 overlapped	 with	 Haruno-san’s features	 and	 frankly	 I	 wasn’t	 very	 good	 at	 dealing	 with	 it.	 As	 if	 she	 could	 tell	 I	 was nervous	 from	 my	 state,	 Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 raised	 a	 hand	 to	 her	 mouth;	 smiling	 as	 if she	was	lovingly	looking	at	a	small	animal.
7504
7505“Then	let’s	start	over…	May	I	ask	about	your	reason	for	being	here	today?”
7506
7507When	 Hiratsuka-sensei	 cut	 in,	 Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 gently	 smiled	 and	 took	 out	 her smartphone.
7508
7509“Ah,	that’s	right.	Then	getting	straight	into	it…	This,	were	you	the	one	who	thought	of	it?”
7510
7511On	the	low	table	was	the	phone	screen	that	was	displaying	the	official	site	of	the	dummy prom.
7512
7513Absorbed	in	the	thought	that	this	was	the	finale	of	the	match,	I	laughed	a	little.	Because I’d	 wanted	 this	 shameless	 attitude	 calling	 for	 diplomacy	 during	 this	 critical	 moment.
7514
7515While	 this	 sense	 of	 crisis	 is	 being	 called	 an	 accidental	 trigger,	 there	 had	 been	 no	 other option	but	to	call	for	a	compromise.
7516
7517“It	could	be	the	opinion	of	some	students.	These	days	there	are	quite	some	flashy	high school	students.”
7518
7519As	 I	 said	 a	 line	 I’d	 been	 told	 somewhere	 before,	 reworded	 with	 sarcasm	 mixed	 in, Hiratsuka-sensei’s	 elbow	 hit	 my	 side.	 Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 looked	 at	 that	 with	 a	 smile and	responded	with	a	certain	tone	of	voice.
7520
7521“I	see…”
7522
7523Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 placed	 her	 hands	 on	 her	 temples	 and	 narrowed	 her	 eyes.	 Her gestures	reminded	me	of	the	gaze	of	big	cats	as	they	went	into	hunting	mode.
7524
7525I	started	to	get	a	bad	feeling	as	sweat	gradually	began	to	run	down	my	scalp.	I	don’t	mean to	brag,	but	I’ve	never	been	wrong	about	bad	feelings.
7526
7527Suddenly,	Yukinoshita’s	mother	began	to	speak.
7528
7529“Running	another	proposal	isn’t	a	bad	move,	but	the	flaws	stand	out	a	bit.	Also,	even	if you	 increase	 the	 number	 of	 choices,	 it	 will	 still	 be	 difficult	 without	 resolving	 the fundamental	problems.	What’s	your	opinion	on	that	part?
7530
7531That	gaze	and	tone	of	voice	had	changed	to	become	so	much	colder	than	before.	A	cold chill	ran	down	my	spine.	The	last	part	of	what	she	said	seemed	a	question	aimed	towards me,	but	my	head	couldn’t	get	around	to	an	answer.
7532
7533Yukinoshita’s	mother	rejected	the	dummy	prom	proposal	we’d	made	because	it	was	just something	 used	 to	 run	 against	 the	 original	 proposal.	 Had	 she	 heard	 something	 from Haruno-san	in	advance?	No,	judging	from	her	actions	the	other	day,	she	wouldn’t	go	out of	her	way	to	tell	her	mother	when	it	seemed	there	would	be	discord.
7534
7535In	 other	 words,	 it	 simply	 means	 she	 saw	 through	 our	 plans.	 In	 addition,	 because	 she could	point	it	out	from	the	beginning,	our	plans	were	crushed	before	they	even	started.
7536
7537I	should	have	replied,	but	I	had	lost	my	words	and	I	was	left	dumbfoundedly	looking	at Yukinoshita’s	mother.
7538
7539The	 person	 on	 the	 other	 side	 was	 calm	 and	 composed	 as	 she	 hid	 her	 mouth	 with	 a folding	fan,	smiling	as	if	she	was	enjoying	this.	That	figure	appeared	as	if	she	was	looking forward	to	what	hand	I	would	play	next.
7540
7541Though	she	could	make	a	face	like	that,	I	could	only	put	up	a	bitter	smile.	The	things	I had	thought	of	saying	had	all	blown	away.	As	long	as	her	first	hand	remained	calling	out my	 plan	 as	 something	 just	 used	 to	 run	 against	 the	 original,	 there	 was	 no	 meaning	 in exchanging	 words	 about	 it.	 Besides,	 the	 dummy	 prom	 plan	 had	 been	 seen	 through	 by both	Hayama	and	Haruno-san	the	very	first	time	they	saw	it	as	well.	I	had	already	lost the	moment	I	thought	it	would	go	through	someone	like	Yukinoshita’s	mother.
7542
7543“The	 real	 problem,	 the	 one	 about	 the	 self-restraint	 at	 a	 prom;	 the	 fact	 we	 can	 expect	 a subset	of	students	to	rebel	against	it	is	true.	The	risk	of	this	happening	in	a	place	not	in our	awareness	still	exists.”
7544
7545Seeing	me	unable	to	reply,	Hiratsuka-sensei	promptly	intervened.
7546
7547“Therefore,	 it	 might	 be	 wise	 to	 choose	 situations	 that	 falls	 within	 our	 management	 to some	extent.	The	Student	Council’s	side	have	revised	their	plans	to	find	a	way	that	will satisfy	both	sides.”
7548
7549Hiratsuka-sensei	 handed	 documents	 that	 she’d	 set	 on	 the	 side	 table	 to	 Yukinoshita’s mother	and	gave	me	a	part	of	them	too.	Flicking	through	them,	I	could	see	the	revisions from	what	Yukinoshita	and	the	others	had	said	the	other	day.	Yukinoshita’s	mother	also examined	 through	 the	 documents	 but	 had	 a	 dull	 reaction	 to	 it	 with	 a	 somewhat	 sour expression.
7550
7551Hiratsuka-sensei’s	 follow	 up	 itself	 was	 in	 line	 with	 my	 ideas.	 But,	 seeing	 the	 dummy prom	completely	as	just	an	alternative	plan	made	our	persuasive	attempts	feel	strongly like	we	were	on	the	defence.	Yukinoshita’s	mother	also	had	a	troubled	look	as	she	turned her	neck.
7552
7553“I	 see…	 It	 looks	 as	 if	 you’re	 bringing	 together	 components	 to	 make	 persuasions,	 but	 I wonder	 if	 they	 would	 understand…	 Because	 there	 could	 be	 people	 on	 the	 inside	 also stubborn	about	this.”
7554
7555Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 mixed	 her	 words	 with	 a	 bitter	 smile.	 Though	 her	 wording	 was different,	it	was	something	I’d	heard	somewhere	before.
7556
7557“Even	if	we	continue	talking	like	this,	to	change	everyone’s	opinions,	they’d	need	to	be here.”
7558
7559Not	 paying	 attention	 as	 the	 other	 side	 continued	 to	 talk,	 I	 lightly	 closed	 my	 eyes	 and searched	 through	 my	 memories.	 If	 I	 remember	 correctly,	 it	 was	 Yukinoshita	 Haruno who’d	said	it;	that	she	didn’t	care	about	how	the	prom	itself	turned	out.
7560
7561In	that	case,	for	what	reason	did	Yukinoshita’s	mother	bring	up	that	subject	here.
7562
7563The	answer	was	simple.	Because	it	had	resulted	in	a	problem.
7564
7565Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 had	 a	 way	 of	 solving	 it	 and	 the	 one	 tool	 required	 existed	 here.	 It would	do	nothing	but	erase	the	dispute;	her	idealism	and	actions	didn’t	matter.	She	had	a habit	 of	 seeing	 things	 as	 problems	 and	 avoiding	 uproars.	 Thus,	 she	 was	 just	 playing along.
7566
7567But	 that’s	 why	 we	 proposed	 the	 dummy	 prom;	 to	 lead	 her	 to	 something	 more reasonable.	That	aim	itself	was	definitely	not	wrong.
7568
7569It’s	 just,	 where	 we’d	 drawn	 the	 line	 was	 wrong.	 Methods	 are	 methods,	 tools	 are	 tools, and	to	that	end,	there	was	no	concept	of	friend	or	foe.
7570
7571This	 time,	 Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 was	 the	 messenger.	 She	 was	 only	 a	 negotiator	 sent	 by
7572
7573the	other	party.
7574
7575My	opponent	in	this	game	isn’t	Yukinoshita’s	mother.	She	was	just	another	piece	on	the board;	the	strongest	queen.
7576
7577In	that	case,	there	was	still	a	hand	I	could	play.
7578
7579There	was	probably	just	one	person	in	this	world,	something	only	I	could	use,	even	if	I wouldn’t	be	forgiven	for	using	it	just	once;	the	absolute	lowest	and	worst	means.
7580
7581However,	if	I	only	had	one	card	left	in	my	hand,	then	I	had	no	choice	but	to	play	it.
7582
7583“To	persuade	that	‘everyone’	you	speak	of,	can	we	ask	for	your	cooperation?”
7584
7585Maybe	my	statement	was	unexpected,	Yukinoshita’s	mother	tilted	her	head.	A	movement so	innocent,	I	dropped	a	smile.	Their	reactions	when	they’re	told	something	out	of	their expectations	were	truly	so	similar.
7586
7587“There	 is	 a	 way	 of	 persuading	 them,	 isn’t	 there?	 Then	 wouldn’t	 the	 end	 result	 change depending	on	who	says	it?”
7588
7589What’s	important	isn’t	“what	is	said”,	but	“who	says	it”	may	be	an	overused	phrase,	but	it is	 the	 truth.	 The	 subset	 of	 stubborn	 caregivers	 and	 such	 could	 be	 convinced	 if	 it	 was Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 saying	 it	 instead	 of	 me.	 They	 would	 also	 know	 they’d	 be	 dealing with	an	opponent	who	held	a	higher	rank	than	themselves	and	it’s	because	of	this	I	was asking	for	her	assistance.
7590
7591The	nature	of	this	game	was	nothing	other	than	to	take	the	opponent’s	queen.
7592
7593“...In	fact,	it	wouldn’t	be	very	persuasive	if	it	was	someone	like	me	who	isn’t	really	known by	anybody	talking.”
7594
7595With	a	dry	laugh	and	a	pitiful	voice,	I	had	played	check	on	the	unknown	black	king.
7596
7597“That’s	 not	 true.	 I	 think	 you’ve	 done	 well	 in	 such	 a	 short	 time.	 It	 was	 to	 the	 extent	 I became	curious	who	it	was.”
7598
7599After	Yukinoshita’s	mother	smiled	and	spoke	as	if	she	was	truly	impressed,	she	turned her	neck.
7600
7601“My	apologies,	had	I	asked	you	what	your	name	is?”
7602
7603And	then	she	lowered	her	eyebrows	and	asked	like	she	wasn’t	that	sorry.
7604
7605In	a	moment,	Hiratsuka-sensei	held	my	wrist	to	restrain	me.	She	understood	well	that	if	I said	my	name	here,	the	other	side	would	get	some	kind	of	meaning	out	of	it.
7606
7607But	my	turn	had	been	over	the	moment	the	other	side	had	asked.	All	that	was	left	was	to fulfil	my	role	as	another	piece	on	the	board.
7608
7609This	piece	usually	never	had	any	use.	They	were	good-for-nothings	that	had	no	place	on the	board	except	to	take	up	space.
7610
7611But,	in	just	one	circumstance	were	they	capable	of	removing	the	queen	from	play.
7612
7613“It’s	Hikigaya	Hachiman.”
7614
7615When	I	named	myself,	Hiratsuka-sensei	breathed	out	a	small	sigh	as	if	she	had	given	up and	let	go	of	my	wrist.
7616
7617“Hikigaya…”
7618
7619Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 placed	 a	 hand	 to	 her	 mouth	 while	 repeating	 my	 name	 in	 a	 small voice	 and	 wandered	 her	 gaze	 downwards.	 Seeming	 like	 she	 finally	 remembered something,	she	raised	her	head.
7620
7621“I	see…	You’re…”
7622
7623I	returned	her	gaze	with	a	formal	smile.	I	can’t	do	it	as	well	as	Hayama	or	Haruno-san, but	I	tried	as	best	I	could.	Maybe	it	was	effective,	because	Hiratsuka-sensei	looked	like she	was	playing	dumb.
7624
7625The	problem	starts	here.	As	I’ve	named	myself,	I	couldn’t	afford	to	make	any	mistakes	in my	 statements	 or	 behaviour.	 Whether	 it	 be	 coercion,	 insolence,	 or	 even	 being	 overly sucking-up,	any	of	it	could	be	seen	as	intimidation.
7626
7627And	so,	as	long	as	I’ve	been	cornered,	mistakes	from	now	on	will	become	my	fault	and becomes	something	the	other	side	could	take	advantage	of.	That’s	why	I	have	to	act	with sincerity	and	convey	that	we	have	no	ill	intentions.
7628
7629“We	caused	you	terrible	trouble	on	that	occasion.	You	parents	were	left	with	many	things to	do	and	excuse	us	that	we	couldn’t	greet	them.”
7630
7631Her	 words	 were	 as	 flat	 as	 possible	 and	 her	 lowered	 head	 was	 neither	 too	 shallow	 nor deep.	Just	fulfilling	with	as	much	duty	as	she	held	responsible.	There	weren’t	any	other unnecessary	emotions	within.
7632
7633This	was	a	one	form	of	diplomatic	etiquette.	It	wasn’t	an	excessive	show,	but	just	enough.
7634
7635Maybe	she	thought	the	message	was	correctly	conveyed,	she	returned	to	her	composed self.
7636
7637“We	truly	apologise	for	the	trouble	caused	by	one	of	our	own.	How	was	your	leg	injury?
7638
7639We	offer	our	sincere	apologies	for	the	inconvenience	it	must	have	caused.”
7640
7641I	positively	act	in	response	to	Yukinoshita’s	mother	deeply	lowering	her	head.
7642
7643“I	 made	 a	 full	 recovery	 thanks	 to	 you.	 To	 the	 point	 my	 leg	 became	 even	 sturdier	 than before.	You	can	watch	me	dance	when	the	prom	is	on.”
7644
7645At	 that	 moment	 I	 moved	 just	 my	 foot	 around	 as	 my	 shoes	 made	 tapping	 noises	 and showed	off	how	random	my	step	work	was.	As	I	did	so,	Yukinoshita’s	mother	observed, placing	her	hand	to	her	mouth	as	she	pleasantly	laughed.
7646
7647“What	bad	manners.”
7648
7649Hiratsuka-sensei	 hit	 my	 waist	 with	 a	 smack	 and	 thanks	 to	 that	 I	 could	 finally	 stop clowning	around.	I	scowled	at	myself	for	acting	so	foolishly	and	I	refrained	from	letting out	a	deep	sigh.
7650
7651Still	smiling	as	Yukinoshita’s	mother	watched,	her	eyes	narrowed	and	she	murmured	to herself.
7652
7653“...has	quite	the	nerve.”
7654
7655Her	gaze	was	so	cold	it	made	me	feel	as	if	she	was	evaluating	me	and	I	was	being	frozen solid.	In	those	eyes	that	looked	as	if	they	could	see	through	everything,	I	felt	nauseous.
7656
7657But	 that	 gaze	 soon	 loosened.	 Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 opened	 her	 folding	 fan	 and	 hid	 her mouth	as	she	giggled.	That	was	this	person’s	way	of	laughing	honestly.
7658
7659“I’ll	do	it.”
7660
7661“Thank	you	for	your	help.”
7662
7663Until	 the	 very	 end,	 I	 tried	 to	 maintain	 my	 composure	 as	 I	 answered;	 wiping	 the	 sweat from	 my	 forehead	 while	 pretending	 I	 was	 combing	 my	 fringe.	 My	 shirt	 was	 tightly sticking	to	me	from	cold	sweat	and	my	throat	was	so	dry	it	hurt	even	just	by	breathing	in.
7664
7665Looking	 in	 hindsight,	 all	 I’d	 done	 was	 name	 myself	 and	 talk	 about	 that	 incident	 in	 the past.	 That	 name,	 that	 conversation,	 those	 themselves	 had	 no	 meaning.	 That’s	 why whoever	heard	it	can	give	whatever	meaning	they	want	to	it.
7666
7667Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 had	 been	 smiling	 for	 some	 time	 now,	 but	 it	 disappeared	 as	 she flicked	the	fan	closed.
7668
7669“Alright…	let	me	try	talking	to	the	caregivers.	It	would	help	if	the	teacher	could	also	be present.”
7670
7671“We	will	adjust	to	your	schedule.”
7672
7673I	listened	as	the	adults	discussed	business.	My	nervousness	from	before	had	been	cleanly cut	and	I	began	to	feel	a	surge	of	tiredness.	Without	realising	it	I	was	staring	up	at	the ceiling,	sighing	deeply,	and	standing	in	a	daze.
7674
7675“Hikigaya.	Can	you	do	something	for	me?”
7676
7677“Y-Yes.”
7678
7679Suddenly	being	talked	to,	I	straightened	my	back	in	panic.	It	looked	like	the	conversation had	progressed	quite	a	lot	while	I	hadn’t	been	listening.
7680
7681“I	 can’t	 leave	 after	 this.	 Can	 you	 tell	 Yukinoshita	 to	 continue	 the	 revised	 plan	 for	 the prom?	How	you	tell	her,	I’ll	leave	it	to	you.”
7682
7683“Ha…	I	got	it...”
7684
7685Hiratsuka-sensei	just	nodded	as	I	answered	without	having	understood	the	flow	of	the conversation.	 Her	 eyes	 were	 telling	 me	 to	 hurry	 up	 and	 go.	 Well,	 it	 was	 true	 we	 didn’t have	much	time	left	until	the	prom.	The	decision-makers	should	be	promptly	told	of	this.
7686
7687After	I	stood	up,	Yukinoshita’s	mother	sitting	on	the	other	end	smiled.
7688
7689“Hikigaya-kun.	Let	us	meet	again.”
7690
7691“Hahaha…	Please	excuse	me.”
7692
7693Playing	it	off	with	a	dry	laugh	and	without	giving	a	direct	answer,	I	bowed	and	left	the reception	room.	If	possible,	I	didn’t	want	to	meet	her	again...
7694
7695
7696
7697
7698
76998-3
7700
7701I	quietly	walked	down	the	school	building	in	the	approaching	twilight	and	finally	reached the	Student	Council	room.
7702
7703I	stood	in	front	of	the	door	and	knocked.	There	was	only	a	slight	delay	before	there	was an	answer,	and	I	breathed	out	a	deep	sigh.
7704
7705There	were	no	sounds	of	footsteps	and	the	door	opened	quietly.	The	heater	must	have been	turned	on	as	a	flow	of	warm	air	escaped	from	the	narrow	opening.
7706
7707The	 person	 holding	 the	 door	 knob	 was	 a	 girl	 with	 plaited	 hair	 and	 glasses.	 If	 I remembered	correctly,	this	was	the	secretary.	She	seemed	to	know	who	I	was	as	she	let me	inside.
7708
7709I	lightly	lowering	my	head	in	thanks	and	entered,	and	right	in	front	of	me	was	the	vice-president	at	his	desk,	crying	“there’s	no	time…	there’s	no	time...”	while	doing	his	work.
7710
7711Good,	good,	suffer	some	more.
7712
7713I	looked	around	the	inside	 of	the	room,	but	Yukinoshita	wasn’t	 here.	Just	Isshiki	at	the desk	on	the	far	end,	gnawing	on	snacks	and	tilting	her	neck	as	she	looked	at	me.
7714
7715“...I	hadn’t	called	for	you.”
7716
7717Am	 I	 not	 allowed	 to	 come	 if	 I’m	 not	 called	 for?	 Yep,	 not	 allowed.	 When	 I	 opened	 my mouth	to	say	the	reason	I’d	come,	Isshiki	clapped	her	hands.
7718
7719“Ah,	are	you	here	to	help?	Aiming	to	be	a	servant?	A	free	labour	worker?”
7720
7721What’s	 with	 that	 super	 development?	 Just	 how	 much	 are	 you	 leaping?	 Having	 to	 deal with	Irohasu	who	hadn’t	changed,	my	shoulders	dropped	as	some	strength	left	my	body.
7722
7723“Expect	 that	 next	 year.	 I’ll	 introduce	 you	 to	 a	 promising	 rookie.	 Anyway,	 where’s Yukinoshita?”
7724
7725I	asked	after	our	exchange	of	our	usual	remarks.	Isshiki	turned	her	neck	and	glanced	at the	unornamented	desk	Yukinoshita	used.
7726
7727“Haa,	now	that	you	mention	it,	she’s	not	here.”
7728
7729Isshiki	seemed	to	only	notice	this	now.	Seeing	that	reaction,	it	probably	hadn’t	been	that long	since	she’d	left.
7730
7731She	probably	left	because	the	heater	was	on	too	strongly.	Anyway,	if	Yukinoshita	wasn’t
7732
7733here	then	there	was	no	reason	for	me	to	be	here	either.
7734
7735“Then	nevermind.	Later.”
7736
7737“Ah,	hey,	what’s	with	that?!	Didn’t	you	come	for	some	reason?!”
7738
7739Isshiki	called	out	and	stopped	me	as	I	tried	to	quickly	leave	the	room.	I	suddenly	realised when	 she	 said	 “reason”.	 I	 hadn’t	 been	 told	 specifically	 to	 tell	 Isshiki,	 but	 I	 figured	 she should	know.	I	stopped	walking	and	turned	around.
7740
7741“Ah,	 that’s	 right.	 They’ve	 decided	 to	 go	 with	 your	 proposal	 for	 the	 prom.	 You	 can	 go ahead	and	start	on	it.	Good	luck.”
7742
7743“Haa…	Huh?”
7744
7745Isshiki’s	mouth	dropped	open	and	turned	her	entire	upper	body	along	with	her	neck.	If she	heard	the	details,	I’d	have	to	tell	her	the	whole	story	of	how	it	all	happened	which would	 be	 too	 much	 of	 a	 pain.	 I’ll	 take	 my	 leave	 while	 Isshiki’s	 head	 is	 still	 trying	 to comprehend	it.
7746
7747
7748
7749
7750
77518-4
7752
7753I	hadn’t	decided	on	where	I	was	going,	but	even	so	my	legs	didn’t	hesitate	and	naturally headed	towards	that	place.	I	thought	she	must	be	there.
7754
7755In	 the	 empty	 hallway	 of	 the	 special	 building.	 It’s	 been	 almost	 a	 year	 that	 I’ve	 passed through	 here	 towards	 the	 clubroom.	 I	 would	 probably	 still	 reach	 it	 even	 if	 I	 closed	 my eyes.
7756
7757Finally,	I	could	see	the	door.	I	stood	in	front	of	it,	traced	it,	then	placed	my	fingers	on	the handle.	It	should	be	made	of	the	same	materials	as	every	other	classroom	door,	but	I	felt as	if	I	would	never	forget	this	coldness	and	hardness.
7758
7759If	I	pulled	with	some	strength,	the	door	would	make	a	noise	and	slide	open.
7760
7761What’s	in	front	of	me,	wasn’t	a	deviant,	but	a	regular	classroom.
7762
7763However,	the	reason	I	felt	this	classroom	was	different	was	likely	because	a	certain	girl was	there.
7764
7765In	 the	 setting	 sun	 and	 the	 blowing	 wind,	 Yukinoshita	 Yukino	 was	 standing	 by	 the window,	gazing	at	the	outside.
7766
7767The	window	was	wide	open	as	if	to	change	the	atmosphere	in	the	clubroom	not	used	by anyone	in	a	while	and	the	curtain	was	swaying	in	the	wind.
7768
7769Even	if	the	world	ended,	this	girl	would	be	here,	like	this.	This	sight	was	so	much	like	a painting	that	I	was	making	these	illusions.
7770
7771When	I	saw	that,	both	my	body	and	mind	had	stopped.
7772
7773——I	was	lost	in	admiration	even	when	I	was	defeated.
7774
7775Yukinoshita	noticed	the	visitor	and	she	held	her	hair	swaying	in	the	wind	as	she	turned around.	Her	eyes	widened	as	if	surprised	for	a	moment,	but	quickly	expressed	a	smile.
7776
7777“Hello.”
7778
7779“...Yeah.”
7780
7781As	 I	 answered	 her,	 Yukinoshita	 closed	 the	 window.	 The	 swaying	 curtains	 also	 stopped and	all	sound	disappeared	inside	the	clubroom.
7782
7783The	 sunset	 brilliantly	 filled	 this	 tranquil	 space.	 While	 my	 eyes	 narrowed	 due	 to	 the
7784
7785brightness,	 Yukinoshita	 leaned	 on	 the	 glass	 window	 and	 the	 glossy	 black	 hair	 on	 her shoulder	shone	even	further.
7786
7787“Do	you	have	a	reason	to	be	here?”
7788
7789“No,	I	was	told	to	contact	you	about	work.”
7790
7791“I	see,	I’m	sorry	I	made	you	go	out	of	your	way	to	come	all	the	way	here.”
7792
7793“You	don’t	have	to	worry	about	it,	it	doesn’t	take	much	time	and	effort.”
7794
7795As	I	answered,	I	pulled	the	chair	closest	to	the	door.	In	this	place	where	I	always	sat	on	it, I	lightly	gestured	to	Yukinoshita	to	also	sit	down.	It	looked	as	if	Yukinoshita	was	taken aback,	but	as	I	waited	for	her,	she	sighed	as	if	giving	up	and	sat	on	the	chair	closest	to	the window.
7796
7797“About	the	prom,	ultimately	your	revised	plan	has	safely	passed.	It	looks	like	the	subset of	caregivers	against	the	idea	will	be	persuaded	and	will	have	to	come	to	terms	with	it.”
7798
7799It	 should	 have	 been	 the	 first	 time	 Yukinoshita	 had	 heard	 of	 this,	 but	 she	 didn’t	 look	 so surprised.	She	didn’t	move	a	single	eyebrow	and	was	just	silently	listening.	While	I	was thought	it	was	strange,	I	continued	to	say	the	last	part.
7800
7801“That’s	why…	It’s	my	loss.”
7802
7803“Yes…	It’s	your	win.”
7804
7805Finally,	Yukinoshita	deeply	sighed	and	muttered.
7806
7807“...Why?”
7808
7809“It	ended	up	this	way	because	of	your	methods	again.	By	essence,	it’s	your	win.”
7810
7811Remembering	the	connection	between	the	feeling	of	self-scorn	and	laughing	at	myself,	I spat	out	the	doubt	that	had	been	living	in	my	chest.
7812
7813“...Even	so,	you	foresaw	this.	Didn’t	you	know	of	my	methods	by	now?	That	makes	you the	winner	after	all.”
7814
7815Hayama	 Hayato	 and	 Yukinoshita	 Haruno	 both	 knew	 of	 the	 dummy	 prom	 plan	 and	 had immediately	 seen	 through	 it.	 I’d	 barely	 managed	 to	 play	 check	 on	 the	 king	 by	 getting Yukinoshita’s	 mother	 on	 our	 side.	 Then	 in	 that	 case,	 it	 wouldn’t	 be	 any	 mystery	 that Yukinoshita	 Yukino,	 who	 held	 the	 same	 specs,	 would	 have	 seen	 through	 Hikigaya Hachiman’s	shallow	thinking.
7816
7817In	the	first	place,	the	way	Yukinoshita	and	Isshiki	presented	their	idea	had	already	been
7818
7819prone	to	errors.	But	that	itself	became	the	clue	to	my	idea	of	presenting	two	choices,	in which	one	choice	would	be	crushed	and	the	other	would	progress.
7820
7821As	I	questioned	her,	Yukinoshita	hid	her	eyes	and	her	neck	shook.
7822
7823“That’s	not	certain.	As	long	as	the	faction	opposing	the	prom	itself	existed,	our	reasoning couldn’t	 even	 become	 established…	 But	 I	 figured,	 if	 it	 was	 you,	 you’d	 be	 able	 to	 do something	about	it.
7824
7825It	 was	 just	 like	 Yukinoshita	 to	 have	 foreseen	 such.	 Just,	 the	 smile	 she	 added	 at	 the	 end was	connected	to	what	she’d	said.	I	wanted	to	deny	it,	but	I	could	only	foolishly	lift	one side	of	my	cheek.
7826
7827“Trust	is	a	heavy	thing…	It	surprises	me.”
7828
7829“I	was	also	surprised.	I	naturally	just	thought	in	that	way.”
7830
7831Yukinoshita	 smiled	 bitterly	 like	 she	 was	 being	 shy.	 I	 felt	 breathless	 seeing	 that.	 As	 I wondered	how	to	reply	back,	Yukinoshita	murmured	in	a	fragile	voice.
7832
7833“I	depended	on	you	so	much	that	I	thought	like	that…”
7834
7835Those	eyes	gazing	at	me	were	blurry	with	regret	and	sorrow.	I	couldn’t	bear	being	seen with	those	eyes	that	I	averted	my	own	and	quickly	spoke.
7836
7837“...Even	if	that’s	the	case,	it	doesn’t	change	the	fact	it’s	your	win.	The	condition	for	victory was	to	make	the	prom	a	reality	using	our	own	methods,	was	it	not.	What	made	it	happen was	your	plan,	your	methods.”
7838
7839“...You’re	okay	with	it	as	my	win?”
7840
7841Her	tone	of	voice	as	she	asked	was	feeble,	and	I	wanted	to	cut	her	off	from	talking	that way	that	I	nodded	three	times	while	looking	away.
7842
7843“Then…	The	match	is	hereby	over.	Will	you	listen	to	what	I	have	to	say?”
7844
7845I	couldn’t	pretend	to	not	hear	what	she’d	said.	As	I	looked	at	Yukinoshita,	it	seemed	as	if she’d	abandoned	her	weakness	as	she	clenched	her	fists	and	tightened	her	lips.	One	of her	eyes	was	shaking	with	determination	as	she	waited	for	my	impending	reply.
7846
7847“...No,	it	won’t	be	that	way.	It’s	true	it’s	your	win	this	time.	But	that	doesn’t	mean	you’ve won	the	entire	competition.”
7848
7849“In	 regards	 to	 the	 conditions	 for	 victory,	 winning	 this	 match	 means	 winning	 the competition,	and	the	other	person	must	listen	to	what	the	winner	says…	I’m	sure	I	said that.”
7850
7851I	became	aware	of	my	lips	drying	up	as	I	watched	her	explain	it	indifferently	and	declare it.	 I	 remembered	 hearing	 those	 words	 in	 the	 depths	 of	 my	 memories.	 While	 in	 both impatience	and	desperation,	I	somehow	opened	my	mouth.
7852
7853“...That	was	just	a	figure	of	speech,	a	difference	in	opinion.”
7854
7855As	Yukinoshita	let	out	a	trembling	sigh,	she	murmured	with	a	sweet	tone	of	voice	as	if she	was	whispering	sweet	nothings.
7856
7857“Then…	You	decide.”
7858
7859As	I	see	that	fleeting	transparent	smile,	I	come	to	terms	with	my	own	defeat.	She	knows	I wouldn’t	be	able	to	answer	if	she	said	that.
7860
7861While	 securing	 Yukinoshita	 Yukino’s	 autonomy,	 as	 long	 as	 I’ve	 decided	 to	 respect	 her own	 decisions,	 I	 can’t	 allow	 her	 to	 entrust	 her	 decisions	 to	 anyone	 else.	 Even	 if	 that someone	was	myself.
7862
7863That’s	exactly	why	she	accepted	this	match.	For	this	one	moment,	all	the	disagreements, all	the	disorders,	all	the	misunderstandings;	she	had	brushed	it	all	aside.	To	properly	end this	match,	and	this	relationship.
7864
7865“I	 can’t	 make	 the	 decision…	 This	 is	 the	 same	 as	 me	 deciding	 the	 winner	 arbitrarily.
7866
7867Yuigahama	is	also	in	this	match.	And	it’s	judged	at	Hiratsuka-sensei’s	own	discretion	and bias.	And,	and	it’s	sort	of…”
7868
7869I	couldn’t	accept	that	ending.	I	quickly	spoke	as	I	couldn’t	allow	things	to	end	like	this.	I didn’t	 know	 how	 to	 make	 her	 wait	 for	 just	 a	 moment,	 nor	 how	 I	 could	 stop	 her.
7870
7871Forgetting	how	to	even	breathe,	I	was	reaching	out	toward	nothingness.
7872
7873“...I’ll	be	honest.”
7874
7875As	she	interrupted	my	voice,	Yukinoshita	smiled	sadly	and	faced	me	with	wet	eyes.
7876
7877“It	 was	 fun.	 It	 was	 my	 first	 time.	 I	 was	 happy	 thinking	 the	 time	 we	 spent	 together	 was comfortable…”
7878
7879Being	 told	 she	 was	 truly	 happy	 with	 a	 face	 that	 looked	 as	 if	 she	 would	 cry,	 I	 could	 no longer	 deny	 it	 nor	 stop	 her.”	 As	 I	 lost	 strength	 in	 arms	 and	 lowered	 them,	 Yukinoshita nodded	as	if	she	was	thanking	me	and	continued	to	speak.
7880
7881“I’d	never	argued	and	fought	like	we	did…	nor	cried	in	front	of	others.	I	was	so	nervous even	when	we	went	out	together,	and	it	was	the	first	time	I	was	so	unsure	of	what	to	do…
7882
7883I	 didn’t	 even	 know	 it	 was	 okay	 to	 rely	 on	 someone.	 That’s	 why	 it	 went	 wrong somewhere…”
7884
7885I	looked	up	at	the	ceiling	as	I	listened	to	her	speaking	so	quickly	about	unsolicited	things in	a	trembling	voice.	The	distant	sunset	hurt	my	eyes,	but	even	so	I	couldn’t	close	them and	just	let	out	a	damp	sigh.
7886
7887“This	 kind	 of	 imitation-like	 relationship	 is	 wrong.	 It’s	 definitely	 different	 to	 what	 you desired.”
7888
7889Her	monologue	tied	things	together	like	that,	and	when	I	realised	the	end	was	coming,	I finally	looked	at	her	face.
7890
7891“I’m	okay.	I’m…	okay	now.	I	was	saved	by	you.”
7892
7893Wiping	her	glistening	tears	with	her	fingertips,	Yukinoshita	Yukino	smiled	beautifully.
7894
7895“That’s	why,	this	match,	and	this	relationship,	let’s	end	it	with	this.”
7896
7897If	that	was	her	answer,	I	had	no	reason	to	make	an	objection.	The	objective	to	help	her was	 achieved,	 the	 co-dependency	 was	 resolved	 to	 end	 the	 relationship,	 and	 the	 boy’s willpower	stood	firm.
7898
7899I	didn’t	happen	to	have	the	mind	of	fulfilling	wishes.	The	club	activities	and	work	ended here.
7900
7901That’s	why	I	had	nothing	left.	Every	reason	I	had	to	get	involved	with	her	were	all	gone.
7902
7903“Alright…	It’s	my	loss.”
7904
7905I	 sighed	 deeply	 as	 I	 spoke	 as	 if	 I	 was	 spitting	 everything	 out.	 To	 fulfil	 the	 last responsibility	left	to	me,	I	questioned	her.
7906
7907“I’ll	 listen	 to	 what	 you	 say.	 What	 should	 I	 do?	 ...If	 it’s	 something	 I	 can	 do,	 I’ll	 grant	 you whatever	you	want.”
7908
7909In	truth,	I’d	vowed	to	at	least	grant	that	much,	no	matter	what.
7910
7911Yukinoshita	 let	 out	 a	 sigh	 as	 if	 in	 relief,	 she	 told	 me	 something	 she	 must	 have	 been holding	close	to	her	dearly.
7912
7913“Please	grant	Yuigahama-san’s	wish.”
7914
7915“Are	you	fine	with	that	as	your	request?”
7916
7917“Yes,	this	is	my	request.”
7918
7919To	Yukinoshita	who	closed	her	eyes	and	nodded	as	if	caring	for	someone,	I	answered	her with	the	most	gentlest	smile	I	could	make.
7920
7921“...Alright.”
7922
7923Following	our	last	exchange,	I	stood	up	from	my	chair.	Yukinoshita	didn’t	move	from	that place	and	the	distance	between	us	began	to	widen	just	by	the	sounds	of	my	footsteps	as	I finally	reached	the	corridor.
7924
7925And	then,	softly	and	gently,	I	closed	the	door	as	if	stopping	myself	from	doing	so.
7926
7927
7928
7929
7930
7931Interlude	7
7932
7933The	door	was	closed,	but	to	prevent	it	from	being	opened	once	again,	I	locked	it	tightly with	the	key.
7934
7935One	time	for	the	last	time.
7936
7937I	gently	stroke	the	door,	chiseling	the	surface	into	my	skin.
7938
7939As	it	became	colder.
7940
7941As	it	started	to	hurt	even	more.
7942
7943I	became	able	to	believe	the	answer	I	chose	was	the	genuine	one.
7944
7945Since	I	had	no	other	ways	to	confirm	it,	I	don’t	know	it	that	was	the	correct	answer.	Thus the	search	for	the	mistakes	would	never	end.
7946
7947Just	because	of	one	simple	genuine	thing,	I	yearned	for	it,	admired	it,	became	impatient then	complicated	it.	Without	being	able	to	even	cry,	my	body	is	burning.
7948
7949After	burning	out,	the	only	thing	remaining	was	a	twisted	sham.
7950
7951But	still,	to	me	that	was	something	irreplaceable,	because	it’s	clothing	I	can’t	change.
7952
7953Let	me	at	least	tuck	it	away,	prevent	it	from	being	destroyed.	And	thus	everything	will end.
7954
7955—Please,	let	this	this	be	the	right	ending.
7956
7957This	was	my	prayer.	My	hands	left	the	door.
7958
7959One	step	away,	two	steps	away.	I	went	to	a	place	where	my	hands	can’t	reach	it	anymore.
7960
7961I	don’t	look	back	anymore.
7962
7963
7964
7965
7966
7967Afterword
7968
7969
7970
7971
7972
7973Translation	Notes
7974
79751. »	 A	 Street	 Fighter	 2	 reference	 about	 a	 specific	 moveset	 for	 Chun	 Li	 that	 counters almost	every	character,	especially	Zangief,	there's	a	specific	name	for	the	move	but	I have	no	idea	what	it	is.
7976
79772. »	Well	known	Shogi	player,	has	the	title	of	"Eternal	Seven	Champ"
7978
79793. »	 Apparently	 hokkaido	 chicken	 fritters	 in	 Japanese	 has	 a	 similar	 pronunciation	 to Zangief,	really	Wataru?	A	food	pun?
7980
79814. »	 A	 rule	 in	 shogi,	 where	 a	 player	 with	 negative	 points	 will	 need	 to	 get	 a	 winning hand	or	he'll	lose,	not	sure	how	the	roasted	chicken	fits	into	the	reference.
7982
79835. »	"Eternal	Seven	Loner"	in	Japanese	is	a	pun	that	sounds	similar	to	Habu	Yoshiharu.
7984
79856. »	The	65th	generation	Yokozuna.
7986
79877. »	The	slogan	for	a	Japanese	recruitment	website.
7988
79898. »	Yeah	its	a	LN	title.
7990
79919. »	Probably	a	Galactic	Police	Gaban	reference.
7992
799310. »	Probably	Asahi	beer's	superdry	slogan.
7994
799511. »	 Neta	 Grand	 Blue	 -	 a	 TV	 anime	 aired	 in	 Summer	 2018	 on	 the	 everyday	 life	 of	 a diving	club.
7996
799712. »	I’m	ded.
7998
799913. »	 The	 guardian	 gods	 of	 Buddhism	 who	 stand	 at	 the	 entrance	 gate	 of	 a	 Buddhist temple.
8000
800114. »	Neta	comes	from	Asobi	Asobase,	a	TV	anime	aired	in	Summer	2018.
8002
800315. »	Zaimokuza	in	Samurai	tone.
8004
800516. »	The	adjective	was	オシャンな,	according	to	NicoDict,	it’s	used	to	describe	a	type	of Nico	Live	broadcasters	that	egg	viewers	to	do	stuff.
8006
800717. »	Neta	-	NHK	TV	anime	aired	back	in	2011.
8008
800918. »	Coming	of	Age	is	a	Japanese	tradition.
8010
801119. »	Higuchi	Ichiyou	was	a	famous	Japanese	novelist.	Her	portrait	is	printed	on	5000
8012
8013Yen	 bills.	 Furthermore,	 the	 Japanese	 title	 for	 ‘Teenagers	 Vying	 for	 Tops’	 rhymes with	‘research’.
8014
801520. »	Dogeza:	Japanese	prostration
8016
801721. »	I	think	this	is	a	neta	from	Castle	in	the	Sky.	How	rare!
8018
801922. »	shuraba	or	pandemonium.
8020
802123. »	Production	Committees	are	described	here	in	my	favorite	sakuga	blog
8022
802324. »	 'Oikon'	 is	 a	 drinking	 event	 where	 current	 club	 members	 invite	 graduating	 club members	to	celebrate	their	retirement.
8024
802525. »	Ganbaru-zoi	is	a	well-known	catchphrase	from	Suzukaze	Aoba,	a	character	from TV	anime	New	Game.
8026
802726. »	Neta	Tokyo	Disneyland.
8028
802927. »	Tokyo	Disneyland,	despite	of	its	name,	is	actually	located	in	the	Chiba	Prefecture.
8030
803128. »	ホテル三日月竜宮城	literally	translates	to	that.
8032
803329. »	How	dare	you!
8034
803530. »	In	reference	to	Zombieland	Saga,	a	TV	anime	aired	in	Winter	2018.
8036
803731. »	Reddits	in	Japan.
8038
803932. »	Exact	same	reaction	as	Chap	5	haha.
8040
804133. »	Recall	that	this	is	the	HS	where	Tamanawa	is	the	President	of	the	School	Council.
8042
804334. »	 From	 Wikipedia	 -	 “The	 Johari	 window	 is	 a	 technique	 that	 helps	 people	 better understand	 their	 relationship	 with	 themselves	 and	 others.	 Maslow's	 hierarchy	 of needs	is	a	theory	in	psychology	proposed	by	Abraham	Maslow.”
8044
804535. »	A	kind	of	tropical	fish.
8046
804736. »	Referring	to	Overlord,	a	TV	anime	aired	in	Winter	2017.
8048
804937. »	Shounan	is	the	area	southwest	to	Tokyo,	between	Kamakura	and	Enoshima.
8050
805138. »	The	point	being,	the	parents	will	then	naturally	side	with	Plan	B.
8052
805339. »	Both	words	read	Saikou	in	JP.
8054
805540. »	Please	imagine	the	scene.
8056
805741. »	I	guess	since	Hikigaya	always	wears	a	drowsy	face.
8058
805942. »	It’s	all	nitty	gritty	word	usage	details	in	JP	and	it’s	hard	to	forcibly	fit	it	into	the English	context.	Hachiman	is	just	trying	to	claim	that	he	knows	how	to	use	the	word 整う	and	Yukinoshita	believes	he	doesn’t	really.
8060
806143. »	Shachuku.
8062
806344. »	 Osobayui	 could	 mean	 both	 ticklish	 or	 embarrassed/terekusai.	 I’m	 actually	 not sure	which	one	I	should	take...
8064
806545. »	 気遣い	 isn't	 really	 just	 consideration	 but	 a	 more	 subtle	 one...	 Not	 sure	 how	 to accurately	translate	it.
8066
806746. »	Yes,	that	Hoe	from	CCS.
8068
806947. »	CPA	was	also	mentioned	in	previous	chapters.	In	case	you	haven't	read	it	or	don't remember	it's	an	association	consists	of	presidents	from	all	student	activity	clubs.
8070
8071Hayama	is	also	the	leader	of	it.
8072
807348. »	 'Oikon'	 is	 a	 drinking	 event	 where	 current	 club	 members	 invite	 graduating	 club members	to	celebrate	their	retirement.
8074
807549. »	In	Japan,	stamps	can	be	used	like	signatures	and	possess	the	same	legal	authority to	prove	your	identity.
8076
807750. »	JP	Ebay.
8078
807951. »	Not	sure	who	is	Akkun	is,	but	he	seems	to	be	a	2ch	meme	who	have	been	stealing games	and	CDs	from	friends.
8080
808152. »	Like	that	classic	Dad	Ikari	pose	in	EVA.
8082
808353. »	Yukinoshita	and	the	student	council.
8084
808554. »	Referring	to	a	wall	and	Hachiman.
8086
808755. »	Osananajimi.
8088
808956. »	 The	 original	 line	 was	 万策尽きた/bansaku	 tsukita,	 a	 famous	 catchphrase	 said	 by Director	 Kinoshita	 Seiichi	 from	 Shirobako.	 WW	 probably	 chose	 this	 line	 because Kinoshita	and	Zaimokuza	are	both	chubby.	Nice	punchline	WW.
8090
809157. »	Parupint:	the	original	term	is	パルプンテ,	which	is	a	magic	spell	used	in	RPG	game Dragon	 Quest.	 File	 Attachment	 is	 File	 Tenpu	 in	 Japanese.	 Maybe	 WW	 thinks Parupinto	sounds	like	FairuTenpu...
8092
809358. »	The	original	text	is	オタサーの姫,	used	to	describe	those	very	few	females	in	a	club
8094
8095dominated	by	male	otakus.
8096
809759. »	Basically	Zaimokuza	is	impressed	by	Hikigaya.
8098
809960. »	Neta	Yuru	Camp.
8100
810161. »	The	original	word	is	背徳感/Haitoku-kan.	Kumirei	fans	rise	up.
8102
810362. »	Reeves's	Muntjac,	or	Kyon	in	Japanese,	is	a	type	of	deer	native	to	Southeast	and East	Asia.	Also	neta	Kyon-kun	from	Suzumiya	Haruhi.
8104
810563. »	H.I.S.	Co.,	Ltd.	is	a	travel	agency	specializing	in	low-cost	package	tours.	‘We	Were There’	is	a	Japanese	romance	manga	by	Yuki	Obata.
8106
810764. »	Datsueba,	lit.	old	woman	who	strips	clothes,	is	an	old	woman	who	sits	at	the	edge of	the	Sanzu	River	in	the	Buddhist	underworld.
8108
810965. »	 One	 Cut	 of	 the	 Dead,	 lit.	 "Don't	 Stop	 the	 Camera!",	 is	 a	 2017	 Japanese	 zombie comedy	film	directed	by	Shinichiro	Ueda.
8110
811166. »	 The	 original	 text	 for	 'reaction/impressed'	 was	 感慨,	 which	 has	 the	 same pronunciation	 as	 灌漑/irrigation.	 They	 are	 both	 pronounced	 kangai.	 Very	 funny, WW.
8112
811367. »	Original	textべべべ神拳撃,	could	be	either	a	Jojo	or	Hokutou	no	Ken	reference.
8114
811568. »	社畜/Shachuku
8116
811769. »	 'You	 have	 not	 yet	 reached	 that	 stage	 yet’	 is	 a	 variation	 of	 ‘You	 have	 not	 yet reached	 that	 zone	 yet.’,	 or	 in	 Japanese	 ‘その域に達していない’.	 It’s	 a	 well-known comment	 made	 by	 Kyoto	 Animation	 after	 they	 fired	 Yamamoto	 Yutaka	 from	 the Lucky	Star	director	position.”
8118
811970. »	High	consciousness,	or	意識高い,	is	an	internet	slang	used	to	describe	those	who always	present	themselves	in	an	exaggerated	fashion	and	often	talk	in	big	words.
8120
812171. »	Incoming	raps.	Buckle	up!	Pls	break	me	free	WW.
8122
812372. »	Lincoln	neta	a	TV	show	airing	on	TBS	in	Japan.	Details	see	Wiki.
8124
812573. »	Inage	Kaigan	-	the	area	where	Oregairu	takes	place.
8126
812774. »	 Neta	 ‘Represent	 Chikyuu’,	 a	 famous	 Japanese	 DJ	 group.	 These	 are	 all	 hip-hop terms.
8128
812975. »	I	guess	WW	wants	to	say	emotionally’.
8130
8131
8132
8133
8134
8135Credits
8136
8137Translators:
8138
8139u/ntsugu, u/AeonArcore, u/hope4896, 	u/akamigishi	(YuiYahallo)	@/r/OreGairuSNAFU
8140
8141ePub	version:	johny_dmonic
8142
8143This	ePub	was	created	using	Sigil.
8144
8145
8146
8147
8148
8149Document Outline
8150
8151
8152Interlude 1
8153
8154Chapter 1: Deeply, Hiratsuka Shizuka Reminisces the Past 1-2
8155
8156
8157
8158
8159
8160Chapter 2: Insistingly, Isshiki Iroha Has Something to Confirm 2-2
8161
8162
8163
8164
8165
8166Interlude 2
8167
8168Chapter 3: Until the end, Yuigahama Yui continues to watch 3-2
8169
81703-3
8171
81723-4
8173
8174
8175
8176
8177
8178Interlude 3
8179
8180Chapter 4: Once again, Hikigaya Hachiman elaborates 4-2
8181
81824-3
8183
81844-4
8185
8186
8187
8188
8189
8190Chapter 5: Not usually being aware of it, the closing credits are about to roll. 5-2
8191
81925-3
8193
81945-4
8195
8196
8197
8198
8199
8200Interlude 4
8201
8202Chapter 6: Without anybody knowing, Hayama Hayato is regretting. 6-2
8203
82046-3
8205
82066-4
8207
8208
8209
8210
8211
8212Interlude 5 Interlude 5-2
8213
8214
8215
8216
8217
8218Chapter 7: What scenery Ebina Hina sees beyond the lens of her eyeglasses. 7-2
8219
82207-3
8221
82227-4
8223
82247-5
8225
82267-6
8227
82287-7
8229
8230
8231
8232
8233
8234Interlude 6 Interlude 6-2
8235
8236
8237
8238
8239
8240Chapter 8: As I pray, at the very least, that I won't make any more mistakes. 8-2
8241
82428-3
8243
82448-4
8245
8246
8247
8248
8249
8250Interlude 7
8251
8252Afterword Translation Notes
8253
8254Credits