There is a fairly significant difference between traveling alone and traveling in the company of people who aren't strangers to you.
In the first case, you are left to your own devices — which is logical! — and are free to act as your soul desires. Want to listen to music? Go ahead. Want to make a stop and lounge somewhere on a mountainside, indulging in reflection? Do it. The main thing is not on the roadside. You'll be misunderstood, but, in principle, who cares.
In the second case...
Well, there's someone to talk to, umm. Sometimes forcedly. Making stops you don't need. They often interrupt reading or just thinking about something distant while staring out the window.
Noisy. Annoying. And...
— Hikigaya, your sour face is making me depressed, — I shifted my gaze from the trees rushing past to Hiratsuka.
Instead of watching me — better watch the road. I already have doubts about our safety, considering how dashingly you drive, Sensei.
— In your opinion, should I be jumping for joy and expressing gratitude in every way for the provided opportunity to waste three days of my life on a useless activity? — I winced, hearing Yuigahama's joyful scream, who had started some word games again in the back row of the minivan.
— You weren't so pessimistic when you agreed to my proposal, — Shizuka responded with a touch of malice.
By the way, it was unusual to see her without the familiar lab coat over a strict suit. For the duration of the trip, the woman decided to choose simpler clothes, just right for outdoor activity: a T-shirt, sturdy pants with pockets, and leather combat boots.
If I met one like that on the street — I'd hit on her.
...If I ever hit on anyone at all.
— You just caught me at a not very opportune moment, — I sighed and looked in the rearview mirror.
— Worried about your sister? — the teacher chuckled, noticing my undisguised interest.
— Taking into account the corrupting habits of Yukinoshita and Yuigahama, I fear they might unfavorably influence my precious.
— Brother, don't call me that in front of people! — Komachi shouted, jumping up on the back row of seats and miraculously not hitting Totsuka with her elbow.
— To hear such words from you... I am insulted to the depths of my soul, — Yukino crossed her arms under her chest, measuring me with a heavy gaze through the reflection.
— Yeah, yeah, what bad things can we teach her? — Yui supported her friend.
Let me think: the masterful skill of inappropriately interrupting a conversation, asocial behavior covered by a mask of arrogance, lack of tact, inability to read the situation, and morbid hyper-responsibility. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
I consider my fears quite justified.
— By the way, what about Zaimokuza? — fine, let's not develop the topic further, no desire to play out a "one against three" situation. Although, if you think about it, I could drag Saika in as an ally...
Nah, he's too soft, won't handle confrontation.
— Refused, citing business, — Hiratsuka reached for a cigarette, but meeting my gaze, abandoned this idea, sighing irritably but not trying to argue. After all, one of my conditions set before the start of the trip. Like I'm going to let my little sister inhale nicotine fumes, yeah right.
But Yoshiteru is a slippery type. Used the simplest and, simultaneously, the most effective excuse — "incredibly busy." Works slightly worse than "I'm sick" or "I'm out of town," but much harder to verify for authenticity.
However, nothing prevented me from freezing out the teacher's request myself, yet...
Stop, why did I agree in the first place?
Glanced at Komachi again.
Ah, yes, right. The kid loves free trips at someone else's expense. Like, she isn't me; activity in a large and relatively unfamiliar group is not a burden for her.
In addition, an extra opportunity to spend time with Shizuka. Suddenly it might work out to somehow drive a wedge or two her way?
Therefore, it only remains to accept the fate of spending three days and two nights in the company of elementary school students, simultaneously playing the role of a "counselor" in a summer camp.
Generally, in my opinion, this is a very peculiar request from Hiratsuka...
— Hikigaya, are you going to answer the question? Or will you continue to pretend you heard nothing? — Snowball was indignant.
— Uh-huh.
Most likely, the reason lies in external pressure. Say, the principal gave Sensei a task, and she, being a lazy persona who loves to shift responsibility onto other people, decided to load her students with the problem.
— Tsk-tsk-tsk, Hachiman, shouldn't ignore girls, — the woman teased me.
— Uh-huh, — and, not letting her insert her ten yen, asked the question interesting me: — So did the principal load you with all this "extracurricular activity"? Or are you doing this on your own initiative?
— Ahem, — Shizuka coughed into her fist, embarrassed. — What business is it of yours, Hikigaya?
— Tsk-tsk-tsk, don't dodge the answer, Sensei, — I mimicked her.
Hiratsuka narrowed her eyes, lowering her sunglasses.
— You're playing with fire, boy.
...Damn.
Remember me young, sister, but I can't resist.
Taking a deep breath, I leaned my elbow on the side door, resting my head on my propped fist and, looking at the woman, said in a low voice:
— In that case, I am ready to burn to the ground... — oh, and a huskiness crept in just in time.
From the back seats came Komachi's whistle with a shout: "Yahoo, good one, brother!", along with muffled... snorting from Yukinoshita and Yuigahama? Or are they trying to hold back laughter like that? Even Totsuka hiccuped and, bending over, hid his face in his palms.
— Hikigaya... — Shizuka, turning her head away and pretending to be fully focused on the road, made a small pause.
— Yes, Sensei? — if you've already jumped from a skyscraper without insurance, nothing stops you from doing somersaults in the air.
— Be kind, shut up, — is it me, or did her ears turn red?
Nah, just seems so. Who in their right mind can be embarrassed by such a ridiculous joking pickup line?
...Right?
***
The final destination of our trip was located on the outskirts of the prefecture, in the village of Chiba, which due to its name was often confused with the metro station and the adjacent square with shopping centers.
The place, it must be said, is quite picturesque. Around is untouched nature, trees are green, birds are singing, bees are buzzing, m-m-m... snakes are crawling, mountains pompously... standing. More precisely, I would call them hills. Well, or a small mountain range.
Basically, everything was quite ordinary, the most suitable place to set up a camp for young schoolchildren.
Getting out of the car first, I stretched. Don't like long trips; the whole body gets stiff.
Komachi jumped out after me, immediately starting to run laps and inspect the territory.
— Brother, the air is so clean here! — spreading her arms to the sides, she froze in place and inhaled deeply, closing her eyes.
Meanwhile, I decided to unload the bags from the trunk. Threw one over my shoulder, took the second in my hand.
Another plus of having a domestic younger sister — no need to burden your brain with packing. Voiced the list of necessary things, and voila, everything is neatly folded and loaded.
Remained only to understand — which belongs to whom.
Finishing with breathing procedures, Komachi ran up to me and grabbed my free hand.
— All done, I'm finished, let's go back! — and smiled contentedly.
Yukinoshita, walking past, measured us with a strange look.
— How can you cling to him so much, — shaking her head, Snowball climbed for her luggage.
— Don't be envious, — sister stuck her tongue out at her. — Won't give him up, he is mine!
Yukino chuckled.
— As if there was anything to envy.
— So don't be envious, — she pressed against me even tighter.
Thirty points.
No.
Seventy Komachi points!
...Not that the final amount changed much from this.
Yes, I indulge her, see nothing criminal.
— You look so much like your brother! — Yui noted touchingly, helping Totsuka pull out his things. Stop, did he take tennis rackets with him?
Does he plan to sleep with them?
I advised it more as a joke...
— Thank you, — my precious proudly tilted her nose up.
Yukinoshita rolled her eyes but didn't comment on what she heard.
At that moment, the hum of an engine was heard in the distance, after which a white minivan appeared from around the turn.
And who did the wind blow in here?
The question fell away by itself when Cap, Goldilocks, Tobe, and... Ebina, that girl with glasses who is constantly in Yumiko's company, climbed out of the car that stopped next to us.
— And what did they forget here? — Yukinoshita grumbled, looking discontentedly at Miura.
Her rival didn't keep herself waiting. Seeing Snowball, she frowned angrily.
Whoa-whoa, just met, and already lightning bolts are flying from eyes.
Hayato, as a true standard of a whipped man, pretended not to notice the instantly heated atmosphere, and smiled awkwardly, waving his hand to us as a greeting.
Fortunately for everyone present, at the moment when Goldilocks was ready to answer, surely something offensive, Hiratsuka stepped forward with a lit cigarette in her fingers.
— I see everyone has gathered, — she exhaled smoke and shook the ash onto the ground. — In that case, I remind you of your main task. You will be helping at the camp, playing the role of "counselors" for elementary school students.
— Oh, I remember, we had the same thing, — Komachi whispered in my ear.
I chuckled.
Apparently, a constant practice. I bet our school and the local camp have a conditional service agreement.
By the way, seems I managed to visit here myself. Can't say for sure — memories of elementary grades are slightly blurred.
— Is everything clear to everyone? — Shizuka asked menacingly.
Waiting for a positive response, the teacher stubbed out the cigarette in a portable ashtray.
— Then forward. Just don't forget your things!
We didn't have to walk long; the needed place turned out to be a hundred meters from the parking lot.
— Isn't that a bit too many of them? — Miura asked with a hint of nervousness, examining the crowd of kids sitting on the grass in front of a wooden platform, from which a stout man with a microphone in his hands was already broadcasting something.
Noticing us, he smiled broadly.
— Children, here are your counselors! Let's greet them together!
Under the accompaniment of the kids' shouts, we climbed onto the stage together, splitting into two groups. To Hiratsuka's right stood Cap, Goldilocks, Tobe, and Ebina, and to the left — us. In the end, it turned out as if Sensei acted as a barrier between us.
Upon completion of the opening speech, the microphone was passed to Hayama. No one objected to this decision, since Hayato suited this role best of all.
As they say, the ideal lightning rod.
The guy, spacing out for a second, as if gathering his thoughts, plastered his best smile on his face and delivered a speech about the importance of getting joy from every day spent in the camp, simultaneously promising everyone help from our side.
While he spoke, Yukinoshita, pointing at him, again pestered Hiratsuka with the question: "and what, actually, did this devil forget here?". Of course, she expressed it slightly differently, but the subtext hidden in her quiet words did not go unnoticed by me. However, as well as by Shizuka, who tried to explain to Snowball that she wasn't involved at all, since Hayama volunteered himself.
I wonder, what problems does Yukino have with him? I haven't even caught such contempt in her eyes directed at myself.
...That hurts, actually!
Just kidding. Not particularly interesting.
When the greetings were over, all the kids were split into groups, putting us as "overseers."
— Look, they have a task — orienteering. Maps have been issued to them, help only in case of necessity, clear? — Hiratsuka, taking us aside, conducted a short briefing.
I sighed.
— Something wrong, Hikigaya? — Sensei narrowed her eyes.
— Is my answer capable of influencing the current situation?
— No.
— Then everything is in perfect order.
— That's excellent, — the woman flicked yet another cigarette out of the pack for the day. — Then who are we waiting for? Forward, show the kids all the joys of childhood.
Don't want to add a drop of enthusiasm to your voice? Otherwise, it sounds like undisguised sarcasm.
Although, if it is exactly that, then I fully share it.
***
In life, every person needs to master one extremely important skill, without which existing in the world is extremely difficult, I would even say — impossible.
The ability to find positive sides in everything.
Here, relatively speaking, I am involved in an activity that doesn't appeal to me one bit, and even more — causes a certain kind of indignation. Well, it turned out so: never saw myself in the role of a nanny for a horde of boisterous kids, and various activities connected with this also don't arouse special enthusiasm.
However, I have no opportunity to "bail"; once agreed — have to go to the end. And getting out of here without Hiratsuka's help will be difficult, since calling a taxi will cost a large sum.
Based on which I have two options left: either walk around with a sour face, cursing all living things, thereby becoming a source of negativity, or try to find something optimistic in the prevailing circumstances.
For example...
My beloved younger sister went with me, for whom such a pastime is a joy. If she is happy, then I, in a peculiar manner, receive pleasure too. Why? Don't know, most likely, the matter is in the strong bond between us.
To the piggy bank of pleasant bonuses, with a good stretch, one cannot fail to include the fact that the whole action takes place outside the city limits. Clean air, silence, views of "virgin" nature included. At the same time, I'll let my eyes rest from the console or computer screen.
What can be added on top?
Presence of classmates, Yukinoshita, and Sensei nearby?
...Hm-m-m.
Yui, Yukino, Totsuka, and Hiratsuka — yes. The rest — debatable.
Although, no, Cap makes my life easier, look, marching ahead of the whole planet, taking most of the kids' attention on himself. And his company, being "tied" to the leader, in turn, has to show appropriate initiative. They can't leave Hayato alone, right?
The-e-ere, how many pluses already found. And I haven't even started digging deep for real.
— Brother, — I blinked and shifted attention to Komachi walking next to me.
— What happened? — habitually ruffled my sister's hair, making her snort and pull away. Ah, yes, right. We are in public, forgot.
However, Totsuka, walking by my right shoulder, clearly doesn't care about this; he is more concerned with examining various wildlife encountered along the way.
Yuigahama and Yukinoshita have already surged ahead, immersed in meaningless conversation. At least, for me. Somehow not interested in the stuffed toy industry.
And the rest... somewhere in the distance, looking after the little ones.
— Watch your step, you'll trip, — the girl grumbled.
Cute.
— Okay, — sighing, stretched with pleasure.
— ...And I'm bored, — Komachi added, frowning harder.
— Agreed, — Totsuka nodded, distracted from studying a butterfly. — Feeling as if we aren't needed here at all.
— Is that bad? — raised an eyebrow. — Do you want to run after elementary schoolers instead of enjoying an idle and calm walk in the forest?
For some reason, Saika and sister measured me with strange looks.
Something wrong?
— Or does it upset you that you were left on the sidelines?
— Well... yes, probably, — the classmate uncertainly confirmed my suspicions.
— Oh relax, — smiled. — How many such moments we still have to survive. The main thing here is not to stress.
— Easy to say, — Komachi grumbled.
— Anyway easier than taking an active part, stepping over oneself. Need to treat life simpler, after all, everything depends on our attitude to certain events.
— Well, that's only in your case, — sister playfully stuck out her tongue. — Let's go, Totsuka, we are too young for this!
And, grabbing the boy by the elbow, cheerfully dragged him to help the elementary schoolers.
Shaking my head, laughed quietly.
Only needed to give a veiled kick...
At some point in time, the procession ahead of me stopped. Interested in the reason, approached them.
At a short distance from us, a group of girls huddled together, clearly frightened by something.
Of course, Hayama didn't hesitate and ran to them to resolve the problem that had arisen, which turned out to be an ordinary snake — a small grass snake.
Heroically removing the snake from the children's path, Cap earned a ton of admiring glances and delighted squeals. Well done, beautifully improved his reputation among the charges. Now the chance that in case of any difficulties they will run specifically to him has become much greater.
Making sure nothing else hindered, Hayato led the kids further. Pity, only, we couldn't go far, for the elementary schoolers managed to get lost and began wandering around the neighborhood in search of checkpoints — signs hung on trees, by the numbers of which one can determine their current location on the issued maps.
And, as I predicted, they ran to the "leader" for help. Hmm, hope the girls really got lost, and didn't do it on purpose, for the sake of attracting Hayama's attention.
Crunching of branches rang out behind.
Turning around, saw one of the elementary school girls come out from behind a large stone, with long black hair, a sad face, and a camera in her hands.
Strayed from the group?
Noticing me, the girl froze and lowered her head, consciously avoiding any eye contact, apparently embarrassed.
Sighed and scratched the back of my head.
— Take you to the others? — theoretically, should squat to be on the same level, well, so psychologists advise, but it seems to me that this will be a violation of personal boundaries rather than bring additional comfort. Children in this regard are extremely sensitive creatures.
She shook her head negatively, continuing to drill the ground with her gaze.
...And what am I to do with her?
Call Hayama and shift everything onto his shoulders?
No, bad option, because the lost girl would have approached him herself if she wanted to.
— Okay, then let's go.
— Where? — the girl asked quietly.
— Somewhere, — shrugged. — You have the map. So lead.
For the first time during the meeting, she looked at me with frank shock in her eyes.
— ...You are strange.
— Won't even argue, — smiled softly.
Fine, if you don't know what to do, use proven methods. In my case, enter the role of an older brother.
— Strange, — the elementary schooler repeated, but, nevertheless, came closer and handed me the map. — Here.
Chuckled.
— Can't do it yourself?
— No, — looked away to the side.
— Didn't explain or forgot?
— No, — what a little pest.
But doesn't cause irritation.
— Teach you? — in such cases better to press further, however, do it covertly, as if giving the person a choice.
— ...Okay.
There, now is the suitable moment to squat, getting on the same level with her.
The elementary schooler tensed slightly, but didn't step aside.
Let's pretend we didn't notice her tension.
— Look, first of all, need to understand where north, south, east, and west are for us...
***
— Hikigaya, I see you have a certain interest in younger girls? — Yukinoshita inquired, cutting a carrot.
— Jealousy doesn't suit you, Snowball, — answered automatically, more occupied with maintaining the fire under the pot.
After the task with orienteering, kids and counselors — that is us — were sent to young cook courses. Simply put, handed out products and told to cook something in the fresh air. The choice fell on curry, since the dish is simple and without bother, which even elementary schoolers can handle.
— Did someone's self-esteem rise? — Yukino threw out, pushing me aside and pouring ingredients into the boiling water. — And what is this "Snowball"?
— An affectionate nickname for my close friend, of course, — main thing is to pronounce such with an absolutely stone face to emphasize the absurdity of the phrase.
— Didn't know you had friends, especially — girls. Pass the salt.
Somehow reached the salt shaker and passed it to Yukino, noticing a small blush on her cheeks.
— Shocked myself, believe it?
— Listen, Yui, are they fighting like that or is this their style of communication? — Totsuka, sitting not far from us, asked quietly.
Yuigahama, until then engrossed in cutting potatoes, shrugged.
— I'm confused myself already... Honestly, can't imagine their conversation any other way, — sounds as if Yukinoshita and I constantly bicker.
...Hmm.
Possibly, from the side it looks exactly like that.
I would call our conversations an exercise in rhetoric. At least, in Snowball's case — definitely.
— Saika, don't get distracted by conversations! — Komachi commanded. — If everything boils over, you'll be to blame!
The boy, flinching, under the approving grunt of my sister returned to methodically stirring the curry.
— And you, brother, — she pointed an index finger at me. — Don't lure everyone with your sweet speeches!
— Where am I luring them?
— Don't know, but you are luring! — my precious stomped her foot.
Well, there. Now I am to blame for everything, what to do...
Joke.
— I hear and obey...
Hiratsuka chose this moment to approach us.
— So, comrade counselors, — Sensei clapped her hands, attracting attention to herself. — Shoo to help the elementary schoolers. I'll watch the curry.
Judging by everything, objections are not accepted.
Sighing, rose to my feet and headed toward the kids.
However, as it turned out, almost nothing was required of me, just move chairs, set out dishes, and help start a fire. The others coped perfectly with everything else.
When the errands ended, decided to take a break from righteous labors on the sidelines, a couple of meters from the woodshed.
Yukinoshita followed me, also finished with assigned duties.
Sitting on the grass and propping my head with my hand, began to phlegmatically observe from the side what was happening in the "field" kitchen. Or what are the rows of stoves under a canopy with several tables nearby called?
The kids, perhaps, like what is happening.
Although, at their age almost everything new brings joy.
Wonder if I was the same?
...Don't think so.
Most memories of elementary school are tied to not the most pleasant events. Like constant bullying, in the spirit of inventing new nicknames or intentional separation from the collective, when everyone pretends not to notice you. In principle, now this wouldn't cause any difficulties, only in childhood you perceive such trifles with amazing sharpness.
Aimlessly wandering with my gaze over the elementary schoolers broken into groups, frowned, noticing a familiar girl standing lonely aside from the rest.
Speaking of ostracism...
— Noticed too? — Yukinoshita asked quietly.
Looking at her, realized that she, like me, is watching the "lost girl."
— Hard to miss such a thing, — scratched my cheek.
Then it turns out that that case in the forest wasn't isolated, the girl is purposefully being made an outcast.
— Always the same thing, — Snowball frowned. — If you differ from them even a tiny bit, then, in the end, you remain alone.
— Debatable.
— Do you have a different opinion on this account? — the girl inquired slightly irritably.
Skewing a gaze at her, sighed noisily.
— Circumstances of such a phenomenon vary from person to person. Yes, in the majority of cases, especially at their age, the reason indicated by you is fundamental. But note — in the majority. Shouldn't sweep aside other prerequisites.
— Think she is to blame for this herself?
— Yukinoshita, — returned to observing the elementary schooler. — Hasty conclusions lead to superficial decisions. And with them, as practice shows, consequences are very unpleasant.
Yukino grimaced, apparently remembering her failure with Kawasaki or with Cap's request.
Meanwhile, a third person was found who discovered the "sheep" strayed from the herd — Hayama, immediately running up to the schoolgirl. Based on what I know about the guy, will now try to attract her attention and lead to the rest of the group.
Due to the distance, didn't hear what he said to her, however the result turned out clearly not what Hayato expected, since the girl decisively headed in the direction opposite from her peers, leaving him standing in place with a confused expression on his face.
Theoretically, in such a situation most people try to find a deserted place so that no one touches them unnecessarily, but instead the elementary schooler headed in our direction.
— Idiots, — the "lost girl" grumbled irritably, carefully sitting on the grass next to me.
Consciously went for contact, choosing the persona with whom she feels most comfortable. Means, not everything is lost yet, since were the situation more serious, she would have closed up concretely, avoiding any form of communication. At least, I would have done exactly that.
Unfortunately, all my knowledge about child psychology ends on "raising" Komachi and analyzing my own memories.
So I have no competent options for conducting a dialogue in such a case. Nothing remains but to take on the role of an older brother again.
Definitely not going to ignore her.
— Absolutely everyone? — I drawled. The only thing I'm sure of — when talking to children, one should avoid "fake" intonations, since the particularly sensitive ones notice this subconsciously, due to which trust in the adult drops sharply.
— Everyone-everyone, — the elementary schooler grumbled, pulling her legs under herself and lowering her chin onto her knees.
— Then you too, turns out? — raised an eyebrow.
— No! I am not like everyone else! — the girl bristled.
Excellent. Not letting get bogged down in despondency.
— If saying: "I am not like everyone else," then by this you classify yourself in the category of people who also think that they are not like everyone else, thereby becoming "like all those who are not like everyone else," — raised an index finger to the sky.
Frank confusion froze in the eyes of the "lost girl" while she tried to understand what I meant.
— Strange, very strange, — the final verdict caused a short chuckle from me.
— See, even little girls admit it, — Yukinoshita intervened in our conversation, previously silently observing from the side.
Don't have another way to enter the conversation except trying to hurt me, Snowball?
— My name is Yukino Yukinoshita, and this strange guy — Hikigaya Hachiman, — the girl introduced us both.
...Right, I forgot to ask her name back in the forest.
Oops.
— Tsurumi Rumi, — the "lost girl" looked away, hugging herself tighter.
Well done, Snowball, driving her back into the "shell" — the best idea that could come to your head.
Didn't think that in some cases it is worth giving the person the initiative for matters of this kind? Maybe the girl wanted to learn something about us herself, making sure we won't bring harm. Didn't think about such?
...Although Yukino and a soft approach are incompatible.
Now I have to "pull" her back out.
— Oh, guys, what are you doing here? — no-no, only you were missing here.
Yuigahama was running toward us, cheerfully waving her hands.
In a normal case, I wouldn't care about this, but in the current conditions... how to explain...
Usually, if you feel morally bad, the last thing you want is someone noisy and annoying jumping nearby.
— Hi, you are Tsurumi Rumi, right? — Doggy immediately rushed into the "attack," leaning down and trying to look into the elementary schooler's eyes.
Rumi turned away. Yui, paying no attention to this, changed position, stubbornly trying to establish eye contact. After another attempt to avoid it failed, Tsurumi reluctantly responded:
— Yes...
— And my name is Yui Yuigahama, nice to meet you, — and smiled broadly, literally exuding waves of positivity.
— Me too, — the girl lowered her eyes again, but now more from embarrassment.
Fine, taking my words back.
Well done, plus a point in the piggy bank.
I definitely couldn't have done that, because... well, just couldn't have, like Snowball.
Of course, from the side it might seem that Yui and Hayato have the same approach in terms of communication. However, as I noted earlier: sensitive children feel falseness perfectly.
— Why are you alone here? — squatting down, Yuigahama inquired, with distinct concern in her eyes.
— ...Because the others don't want to talk to me, — about ten seconds later Rumi muttered quietly.
— Why? — the girl tilted her head.
— Because they are stupid little kids who understand nothing! — Tsurumi almost stomped her foot.
Uh-h, Snowball, when did you manage to acquire a daughter?
Similar features are visible: hair is dark, gaze already acquiring arrogant notes, tries to build speech from a dominant position.
How did I not realize this before? Became completely blind.
Hmm, and if so, then...
— Therefore I decided that I'd better be alone than together with them! — the girl stated decisively.
Threw a glance at Yukino, then at Rumi.
— Decided exactly yourself? Or still decided for you? — sorry, Snowball, but the world might not withstand your small copy.
I definitely won't handle.
An irritated gaze fixed on me.
From two sides.
They've known each other less than five minutes, and managed to find common ground — anger at my words.
— Myself! I wouldn't let anyone decide something for me! — right, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Currently somewhere at the very beginning, between first and second.
— Then why do you feel offended because of this? It is your own decision, — the way she clenched her fists and tried to burn me on the spot with her gaze reminded too strongly of an irritated kitten.
Incinerating kitten. Should toss the idea to Zaimokuza.
— Hikigaya, when society rejects you, better to take a step aside yourself than wait until pushed out, — Snowball supported Rumi's position?..
Or involuntarily projected the girl's circumstances onto her own?
— Well, being alone is bad. Thus you deprive yourself of both the opportunity to make friends and a bunch of pleasant memories, — Yui ignored Yukino's remark and went against? Strong.
— Will catch up later, — the elementary schooler objected stubbornly.
Bargaining.
In principle, she wants communication and friendship, which, in itself, is a good sign. On the other hand, in current realities getting desired is almost impossible.
— Later won't work. Those kids ignoring you now will move with you to middle school, and there the situation will simply repeat, — Yukino... is it mandatory for you to pressure her with your experience?
If nothing worked out for you, it doesn't mean everything is just as bad for Rumi.
Why are you incapable of looking at other people's problems from a different angle, different from yours? Everyone has their circumstances, their variables.
— Tell me, Rumi, why does everyone ignore you? — throwing thoughts about Yukino aside, addressed a more pressing question.
— Don't know, I did nothing, — Tsurumi frowned. — Just at one moment they started pretending not to notice me, and then completely: as soon as I approach, the guys fall silent.
— Typical envy of one surpassing them, — Yukinoshita snorted.
— Or humiliation of the weak?
— How would you know? — Snowball crossed her arms under her chest.
Sighed and looked calmly into her eyes.
— Same question, — the girl involuntarily grimaced and looked away.
— Guys, at least don't start fighting in front of a child... — Yuigahama uttered plaintively.
Sober thought.
— We aren't... — Yukino couldn't finish, as her remark was drowned out by Hiratsuka's voice amplified by a megaphone:
— Dinner! Everyone march to dinner! And don't forget to wash hands before eating!..
Had to hastily wrap up the conversation, more precisely, Rumi herself contributed to such, rising to her feet first and, without saying goodbye, heading toward the "kitchen."
I shook my head, standing up after.
...Just knew this trip wouldn't go without problems.
***
As it turned out, not only we noticed Tsurumi's problem.
Or maybe Yuigahama just blabbed to everyone.
Fact remains fact, upon completion of dinner our table of "counselors" proceeded to discuss and search for a possible solution to the girl's problem.
— Pity her, — Miura drawled. — Can't imagine why they picked on her so much. Not deprived of looks and behaves, seems, normally.
— Agreed, — Hayato nodded. — Undoubtedly, she is a bit gloomy, but don't see obvious reasons for such an attitude.
— Why are you like this? They are still little. Today enemies, tomorrow already friends, — Tobe objected frivolously, twirling a spoon in his fingers.
— You haven't encountered such, — Yukinoshita besieged him coldly.
— Children can be very cruel, not even understanding it, — Totsuka muttered quietly, looking sadly into the plate.
— And what do you intend to do? — Hiratsuka, sitting on the edge of the table, turned to us, shaking ash from a lit cigarette.
— I am ready to do everything in my power, — Hayama stepped forward.
— That is, nothing? — Yukino besieged him sarcastically. — After all, you already acted like that, right?
— I changed... — Cap muttered quietly, but, meeting her gaze, fell silent.
Awkward silence hung over the table.
— And what do you propose to do, Yukinoshita? — Shizuka returned the conversation to the former channel.
— Only if she asks for help herself.
— And will she ask?
— That is for her to decide, — Yukino stubbornly stood her ground.
— She won't ask, — for the second time today, Yui entered into a "confrontation" with her friend. — Rumi will stay silent until the last minute, continuing to pretend everything is fine\! I feel she has already seen something similar, so she won't trust anyone\! Moreover, we don't know the whole situation. What if the other children want to be friends and socialize with her, but for some reason can't...
Having listened to Yuigahama's passionate speech, the teacher chuckled and jumped down.
— So, are you ready to help her? — waiting for the majority's nods, Shizuka stretched. — That's great. Then think about how to solve her problem. And I...
She yawned loudly.
— And I'll go to sleep...
With these words, she unhurriedly headed towards the guest houses, leaving us to solve the emerging issue.
Left without the teacher's supervision, Yumiko was the first to speak, insisting that Tsurumi should look for another company in the class, arguing that since she's cute, she should socialize with similar people. She was immediately countered that in such a situation, one must take the first step, and it's not a fact that she'll be accepted due to the influence of rumors.
Ebina took the floor next, voicing the idea that Rumi simply needs to find a new hobby and based on that find new friends, as life doesn't end with just one school. Then, of course, she lost control, starting to talk about the charms of her hobby — love between men — which led to attempts to remove her from the spot. Because it turned out that the girl is overly energetic on this matter, making everyone feel slightly uncomfortable.
Yukinoshita couldn't stay on the sidelines either. Her opinion was that it's impossible to solve Rumi's problem with the suggested methods. Yumiko, who hadn't managed to move far enough away with her friend, seized on this point. And, as expected, clashed with Snowball.
— Um, brother, where are you going? — Komachi, distracted from observing the argument between Goldilocks and Yukino, noticed that I had gotten up, intending to leave.
— Going for a walk, clear my head.
Sweeping a tired glance over the gathered people, I waved my hand.
— And, by the way, Ebina is right...
After which I left, leaving everyone stunned.
-----
Taking a deep breath, I knocked.
And immediately stepped aside, as the door opened sharply.
— What happened... Hikigaya? — Hiratsuka raised an eyebrow in bewilderment.
Considering that the woman hadn't managed to change yet, it seems I made it before she went to bed.
...If she was even going to.
— Can you spare me ten minutes?
Shizuka sighed heavily and glanced at her wristwatch.
— Are you sure? To be honest, I want to sleep.
— Don't be moody, Sensei, — I curved the corners of my lips slightly. — It's not often I ask for a conversation.
The teacher measured me with a suspicious look.
— Fine, wait for me outside, I'll be right there.
It had gotten noticeably darker outside, which made the air colder.
Shivering slightly, I waited for Hiratsuka's appearance, pointlessly looking at the treetops swaying in the distance.
I didn't have to freeze for long, maybe five minutes.
— Here, — I hummed in surprise, but took the mug emitting steam and the smell of coffee.
Noticing my reaction, Shizuka took a sip from her cup and grumbled:
— What? You'll catch a cold, and I'll have to report. Let's go already, — and was the first to head towards the small forest, a dozen meters from the guest houses.
— Decided to lead me into the thicket? Should I start screaming and begging for help already? — I asked, catching up to her.
— Hikigaya, you have a terrible sense of humor, — the woman rolled her eyes. — You said yourself that you want to talk. If you wanted to do it publicly, you would have stopped me during the general meeting.
Suddenly, she stirred.
— By the way, why were you sitting silently? I expected you to say something.
I chuckled and drank the coffee.
Bitter. Just how I like it.
— What's the point? Everyone has their own opinion on this matter, we certainly won't reach a common consensus, and adding fuel to the fire is a waste of time and energy.
— That's typical of you, — Hiratsuka smirked. — So, what do you think about all this, after all?
— Honestly?
I twirled the mug in my hands, warming my fingers.
— You're setting us an impossible task.
Shizuka pulled out a pack of cigarettes and bit one with her teeth.
— What, scared, Hikigaya? — she challenged, lighting up and releasing a cloud of smoke.
— Yes.
I am not Yukinoshita, and certainly not Yuigahama.
Not the one who can simply be taken "on a dare."
— I am afraid of finally spoiling the girl's life with my actions, — I added, noticing the unsaid question in the teacher's eyes.
— In what sense? — Hiratsuka stopped near one of the trees, propping it with her leg.
I noticed a log a couple of meters from her. Without hesitation, I sat on it and sipped from the mug, looking at the woman.
Okay, jokes aside.
— Tell me, please, what can ordinary teenagers do in such a case? When even experienced adults falter and give up? What are you expecting from us? Are you ready to take responsibility if something goes wrong? Or who will bear it?
— W-well, I will take it, — slightly taken aback by my pressure, Hiratsuka answered.
— And why you? Not the homeroom teacher responsible for Rumi's group, not their school principal? The parents, finally?
I let out a short, barking laugh, and, not allowing Shizuka to intervene, continued, not hiding the bitterness in my voice:
— Sensei, are you familiar with the statistics of adolescent suicides? — she choked on the smoke, coughing hoarsely. — Funny thing, since we are confidently moving towards beating the 1986 mark.
Laughed again.
— Heading for new records, huh?
— Hikigaya, calm down, you're being overly dramatic, — the woman smiled nervously, trying to change the subject.
— Why so? — raising my head, I noticed how the moon was methodically swallowed by the clouds. — Just statistics. Numbers, numbers, and more numbers.
— And what do you propose then? Leave everything as is? — Hiratsuka regained her composure, going on the "offensive."
Calmly stretching, I unhurriedly rose to my feet and smiled softly, looking into Sensei's eyes.
— Excellent idea. If you don't know what to do — pretend the problem doesn't exist. Makes one want to applaud such an approach.
She opened her mouth to reply, but I interrupted her again.
— However, my teachers in elementary and middle school used this principle constantly. No one wanted to burden their head with unnecessary problems. What's the big deal? Well, a child is isolated, constantly insulted, their self-esteem is broken over a knee, tons of complexes are bred in them. Happens to everyone, they'll survive.
Finishing the coffee, I shook the drops onto the grass.
— And then they panic, — the drops of the drink slowly dissolved into the earth. — When they need to cover up the matter with the police, otherwise serious difficulties will start because of a student's act of suicide.
The unfinished cigarette fell from Shizuka's weakened fingers. Noticing this, the woman frantically reached for a new one.
— You weren't speaking from personal experience just now, were you?
I smiled, closing my eyes for a second.
— No, of course not. Otherwise, I wouldn't be talking to you right now, — Sensei didn't seem to appreciate my joke, as the cigarette in her fingers snapped in half.
— If only you knew how precious you are to me... — Hiratsuka muttered through clenched teeth, realizing it was the last one.
Irritably crumpling the empty pack, she put it in her pocket.
— That's it, let's go to sleep. I understand what you're getting at, I'll try to come up with something.
Seeing that Shizuka had no intention of continuing the dialogue, I didn't press the argument. Moreover, the main point I wanted to convey had already been expressed.
— As you say, Sensei...
With that, we parted ways, she to her place, I — to the cottage where the entire male half of our company was housed.
Before entering the room, I cast a final glance at the sky.
After the conversation with the teacher, I felt lighter. Now there's a better chance that my companions won't do anything foolish that they'll regret for the rest of their lives.
As Sartre said:
"You are always responsible for what you did not try to prevent."