— So, Hikigaya, what are your overall impressions of the trip?
I blinked slowly, emerging from a state of semi-slumber, shifting my gaze to Hiratsuka.
— I'm not signing up for this again, — blinking away sweat, I grimaced, feeling how the soaked t-shirt unpleasantly clung to my body.
I had a feeling we'd get stuck in traffic entering the city, but I never imagined it would drag on for a good hour. It's one thing to drive along a mountain serpentine road, where you can catch a cool breeze, so the heat isn't felt as strongly. But now, standing jammed in traffic, with the sun beating down using the opportunity, I felt nothing but dull irritation at the situation.
Looking in the rearview mirror, I noticed that the others had also succumbed to the stuffiness and looked more like boiled squid than people, staring hazily into the void. Only Yukinoshita was trying to maintain composure, but judging by her heavy breathing and frequent blinking, she would wilt just like the rest in half an hour. For now, she was holding her posture.
However, if she were in my place — where the sun's rays were purposefully burning everything good out of you through the windshield — I'd bet she'd drop out of reality in about ten minutes. Especially with her snow-white skin...
— And I thought you really enjoyed it. Look how you were flirting with Tsurumi all day long, — Shizuka chuckled tiredly, pulling a bottle of water from the glove compartment, which, to her great disappointment, was already completely empty. Throwing the useless container back, the woman let out a long groan and leaned back in her seat, fanning herself without embarrassment with the edge of her shirt.
To be honest, I might even consider it somewhat sexy, given how well the garment outlined the contours of her chest and waist, but I was far too sweaty.
— A lie, falsehood, and provocation, — I licked my dry lips. — I like older women...
— Hikigaya, — Hiratsuka tried to feign a heavy stare, but she didn't succeed too well. — Work on your pick-up lines, they're coming across as clumsy.
— Then I'd have a chance? — I smiled wryly, mentally sending all the agonies of hell to the culprits of the traffic jam.
The woman let out a short laugh and lowered her head onto her hands resting on the steering wheel, looking in my direction.
— And do you need it?
I raised an eyebrow in surprise. That was the one question I certainly didn't expect. Or perhaps she means something else, and I am overthinking it.
In any case...
— I don't know, — I answered truthfully.
— What do you mean: "you don't know"? — Shizuka inquired.
I scratched the back of my head, mentally lamenting that I decided to skip a haircut. A short, conventionally military-style haircut would be perfect in this weather, not my current mop of hair.
— In a literal sense, I suppose? — Here, it's such a situation that I really don't have a direct and precise answer that can dispel all doubts about the sincerity of my actions towards the teacher.
Especially considering the fact that I myself am not particularly sure about my feelings, as they might well be based purely on hormone play and a slight feeling of repulsion at the thought of a relationship with someone my age.
Deny it or not, the unsuccessful experience of past attempts to get a girlfriend clearly affected one individual Hachiman. And it cannot be said that the influence was beneficial in any way. Although, no, one definite plus is possible to scrape up: I developed resistance to the manifestation of initial emotions, those very ones that, upon their appearance, literally push you to do all sorts of nonsense or clutter your head, completely shutting down critical thinking and the rudiments of rationality.
One should also not dismiss another option, which I want to think about the least, but, from the point of view of basic human psychology, it has a full right to exist.
In short: I am trying to make a move on Shizuka for one simple reason: subconsciously, I am confident in the impossibility of a positive outcome. That is, roughly speaking, the chances of a successful relationship with her amount to zero point five percent.
A peculiar unattainable dream, thanks to which I move forward as long as I have the strength, a kind of guideline motivating me to climb higher and higher. Why unattainable?
A large difference in social status and age. From the point of view of healthy logic, no sexually mature woman with good looks — and Hiratsuka, in my opinion, sets very high beauty standards — will spend her time on an adolescent who has nothing to latch onto. For example, a rich family or some other factors that allow one to overlook obvious shortcomings. And, in general, such a connection initially possesses a noticeable drawback from the point of view of an adult partner. Of course, at the moment the boy loves and values you, but years will pass, and you will only age and fade. What will prevent your lover from quickly finding another lady? The years and nerves spent on him will not be returned.
Undoubtedly, all my reasoning is built on a cynical and rational vision of the situation. However, there is an aspect capable of turning any, even the most consistent theory in the field of human relationships upside down, namely — sincere feelings. The chance for which is that very half percent.
— And yet you are an airhead, — only now did I realize that Hiratsuka had been patiently waiting for a full answer from my side all this time.
Shaking her head, the woman sighed and straightened up in her seat, pressing the gas pedal, as the traffic jam finally began to slowly dissolve, allowing us to continue moving.
Sometimes I go too deep into my own thoughts, this can bring problems of a sort.
However, the rudiments of arising worries about an obvious blunder due to my silence were swept away by gusts of wind that burst into the cabin thanks to the lowered side window.
Judging by the groans heard from behind, the others also felt the breath of coolness, emerging from the somnambulistic state induced by the heat.
— Will we arrive soon? — Komachi was the first to speak up, lifting her head from Yuigahama's shoulder, on which she had been dozing until then.
— Ten minutes and we'll be there, — Shizuka responded, watching the road carefully.
— Hurray-y-y... — my sister yawned and shivered, spreading her arms wide, as much as the cabin space allowed. — If I don't take a shower soon, I risk going crazy.
— Agreed, — Yui agreed languidly, wiping the hollow between her breasts with a napkin. I honestly wasn't looking at it, it just happened naturally. — I wish I could eat some ice cream too.
— Exactly, exactly, — my precious agreed, turning a testing gaze on me. — Big Brother will buy it for his favorite and only sister, won't he?
Considering the tone with which she emphasized the word "only," it gives the impression that someone clearly disapproved of my attempts to keep Rumi company. Moreover, recalling Komachi's look when she saw the little one and me exchanging numbers still raises many questions for me, the main one being: does she really have doubts about the fidelity of her own brother?
It even gets offensive.
— Absolutely, as soon as we can.
— Promise? — a steadfast gaze "burned" the back of my head.
— Of course.
At that moment, Totsuka intervened in our conversation:
— By the way, guys, what are your plans for the summer?
They got lively, but it was so quiet before...
— I want to visit the festival at the end of August, they promised cool fireworks, — Doggy shared.
— I think I'll start studying Italian, — Yukinoshita shrugged, her phrase causing a surge of interest in those around her.
— Why? — Yuigahama tilted her head.
— ...I'm interested? — it seems Snowball was not prepared for the simplest question.
— Why? — her friend tilted her head to the other side.
— Because learning another language helps in the development of your intellect, — Yukino answered with more confidence now.
— Why?
Stop, Yui, did you decide to use my tactic? Unprincipled insolence — to just take and steal other people's ideas like that!
However, continue, I like it.
— Hikigaya, — for some reason Yukinoshita looked in my direction with noticeable disapproval in her eyes. — Why are you incapable of having a positive influence on the people around you?
To this, I just smiled innocently, pretending not to understand what the girl was talking about.
And, generally, is it my fault that I am so charismatic, which makes people follow my example?..
***
To my surprise, Hiratsuka decided to drop us all off in front of the school. No one was against such a decision; we were too exhausted from the last few days.
— Well, — sweeping us with a stern gaze, Shizuka took a satisfied drag from her cigarette. — I remind you once again that the trip officially ends the second you are on your doorstep at home. So don't even think about getting into trouble until then, because I am still responsible for you.
— Wouldn't it be simpler to drive everyone home to ensure our safety for sure? — Totsuka involuntarily inquired, fanning himself with his palm.
I cast a surprised look at him.
— And miss the opportunity to test your responsibility and civic awareness? — the teacher asked in return.
She doesn't change, justifying her laziness in the most fanciful ways. Although, if you think about it, she can be understood: driving students to five addresses in different parts of the city is not exactly a pleasure.
— Everything's clear! — Komachi exclaimed happily and, hugging Yui goodbye, ran up to me, grabbing my hand. — Let's go quickly, ice cream won't buy itself.
All that was left for me was to snort, not that there was any possibility of refusal in the current situation. If I promised — then execute fully.
I was about to wave my hand to the others, but was involuntarily distracted by a car pulling up. An extremely expensive-looking car. And, the funniest thing, one that was familiar to the point of eye-sore, much like the one you feel while lying on the asphalt and writhing in pain from broken bones.
Somehow it happens that in such cases you manage to remember even the most insignificant details.
Under my fixed gaze, the driver, who got out of the car, approached the rear door and flung it open, allowing a person familiar to me to emerge into the sun.
— Yukino! — Haruno smiled joyfully and, briskly clicking her heels, ran up to her sister, grabbing her shoulders and examining her carefully from all sides. Snowball, who was clearly in a daze, obediently allowed this, still looking at the girl in confusion.
— Tsk-tsk, didn't even get a tan, and it would definitely suit you, right, Hikigaya? — she looked at me with a smirk.
I knew I should have bolted immediately, grabbing Komachi under my arm, and not wasting time on useless goodbyes. Curse forced social interactions.
— Haruno, kindly don't make a scene, — to my surprise, Hiratsuka entered the conversation, rather unceremoniously pulling the elder Yukinoshita away from the younger.
— Shizuka, — at this, the heiress frowned unhappily. — Aren't you ashamed? Maybe I terribly missed my little sister during the past time! Moreover, — a smile played on her lips, — family matters remain family, right?
Considering how the tone of her voice contrasted with her facial expression, I just chuckled, understanding why the teacher involuntarily stepped aside.
— At the current moment, they are still under my jurisdiction, — nevertheless, the woman regained her composure, crossing her arms under her chest. — If you want to express all your love, you can do it in private. You don't want to put Yukino in an awkward position, do you?
— Do you really think I am capable of such a thing? I wish my little sister the best in this life, — Haruno narrowed her eyes.
— As do I.
— Oh, if someone had told me in the past that such a wonderful and responsible teacher would come out of Shizuka, I would never have believed it...
— I sometimes amaze myself, — Hiratsuka raised the corners of her lips.
At that very moment, I was tugged on the sleeve of my t-shirt. Looking down, I noticed Komachi looking at me with a question in her eyes.
— Are we going or will we continue watching this? — my sister whispered quietly.
I, weighing all the pros and cons, smirked and ruffled her hair.
— Aren't you interested?
— Right now I'm more worried about the absence of ice cream in my hands, — such a hint was difficult not to understand, so, ruffling her hair once more, I sighed loudly and raised my voice: — Sensei, I don't want to distract you, but we are leaving.
The teacher and Haruno stopped their squabble and turned in our direction, as did everyone else, who had been silently watching the events before.
— Understood, be careful on the way, — Shizuka responded with a slight delay, apparently not having fully switched over yet.
In response, I simply nodded, trying to pretend that I didn't notice the gesture of the elder Yukinoshita, who showed me two fingers with a satisfied smile.
I know nothing, remember nothing. Everyone I owe — I forgive everything.
Moreover, being honest with myself, watching such a thing is fun only with popcorn, a cool drink, and a comfortable seat in the shade, but certainly not dry and under the scorching sun.
Therefore, I left the burgeoning "conflict" with a clear conscience, well, as clear as it can be for me...
***
Lying stretched out on the floor, I exposed my body, aching from the heat, to the streams of air from the fan. Yes, I understand that the "coolness" from it is absent — purely an effect on the nerve endings, however, if the illusion is so sweet, I am not going to refuse it.
In general, it already smells like some kind of mockery: less than a week is left until the end of the holidays, and the stuffiness that enveloped the city is only gaining momentum.
— Big Brother, do we still have food left for Sable? — my sister's voice ringing over my ear made me open one eye.
— We bought some recently, — I skewed a glance at the dachshund, who was wagging its tail contentedly near Komachi's feet. — Or did this glutton already manage to eat everything?
— Probably, — the girl sighed. — At least, I can't find anything.
Along with these words, she looked at me with a clearly readable request in her eyes. In response, I shook my head towards the miracle machine that granted the imitation of wind.
Pouting lips served as a counterargument.
I couldn't counter such a powerful move, because of which, groaning laboriously, showing with all my might what a sacrifice I was making in the name of love, I got up from the floor, for a second measuring the dog with a slightly irritated look.
If I had known how much fuss this shaggy creature would cause, I would never have agreed to Yuigahama's request. Although what's the big deal: just look after her pet for a few days, however, there are hidden pitfalls everywhere.
For example: the constant need to walk an active ball of wool, feed it several times a day, pay attention, because, to my great surprise, dogs are more demanding in this regard than cats.
But, as a bonus, I learned to appreciate Kamakura's incomparable character. Lies there, bothers no one, creates the illusion of comfort...
A bark from below pulled me out of my thoughts.
— My God, I'm coming, I'm coming, — ruffling Sable's withers for deterrence, I trudged to the kitchen in search of sustenance for the animal.
The main thing is not to think about anything again, otherwise the process can drag on for a long time.
What did one wise man say?
"A lazy worker tries to do everything quickly and correctly to rest more, while a diligent one will perform his duties for a long and tedious time, and there will be much less time for rest."
...I wonder, do people have a switch, so that, click — and it's done, no unnecessary thoughts and worries?
It would be convenient.
In any case, Komachi's assumption was confirmed: there was no dog food left. The next question arises: go to the store, simultaneously walking Sable, or send my sister? In the first option, I will have to exert effort and spend my own time. In the second — the same, and, as a cherry on top, I will listen to a tirade about what an inhumane and wicked dictator I am, sending a young girl to die in the heat.
Scratching the back of my head, I concluded that it's better to do everything myself; at the same time, I can look at some new books in the bookstore along the way. And, being honest, since returning from the trip, I generally haven't left the house much. And that, they say, is harmful to health.
Oh, or leave the dog at home, and visit the barbershop myself?
I tugged fastidiously at my bangs, already closely covering my eyes.
Definitely need to.
Only, as always, the planned plan had to be sharply changed, because, when I was about to go outside, the doorbell rang. Before I could reach out, an agitated Sable darted out of the living room, immediately starting to jump in the hallway and bark loudly. Judging by its reaction, guessing the identity of the unexpected guest is not difficult at all.
Sighing, I gently pushed the animal aside and turned the handle.
— Good afternoon, Yuigahama, — the girl, who was about to reach out for a second ring, froze in place, looking at me dumbfounded.
— H-hi, Hikigaya, — she wasn't given much time to recover, for her fluffy friend, seeing his precious owner, literally jumped onto Yui, managing to knock her onto her backside with his scrawny body.
— Sable, stop it, Sable! — wincing from the overly zealous licking of her face, Doggy was finally able to detach her affectionate pet and, with a blush of embarrassment on her cheeks, got to her feet. — I was only gone for a week, and you've gone completely crazy!
The dachshund, as if understanding what she said, barked loudly and poked its nose into its classmate's leg.
Apparently, the trip to the hairdresser is postponed until better times.
— Sometimes I think he has a built-in engine, — Yuigahama muttered, adjusting her slightly wrinkled t-shirt.
— Possibly. By the way, weren't you planning to return only in about two days? — leaning my shoulder against the door frame, I raised an eyebrow.
— And miss the fireworks festival? Who do you take me for?! — clear indignation was heard in her voice.
— Are you sure you want to know the answer?
She measured me with a heavy gaze. Hmm, it seems communicating with Snowball has done her good.
— Oh, Yui! You're back! — a hurricane named after my younger sister swept past. Fortunately for Doggy, she wasn't knocked to the floor this time, but was limited to a tight hug.
I wonder, I thought I noticed that during the camp, these two managed to hit it off, but to this extent?
However, what do I care?
Yuigahama is a nice girl, she won't have a corrupting influence on my precious. So let them hug to their hearts' content. The main thing is that they don't drag me into their "games."
— In any case, thank you for looking after Sable, — having hugged enough, Yuigahama smiled brightly.
— It wasn't hard, — Komachi giggled. — Big Brother did everything anyway!
— Really? — the girl skewed a glance at me. — I didn't expect you to like dogs that much, Hikigaya.
— More accurately: liked, — I corrected Doggy. — From this moment on, there is a place in my heart exclusively for the feline genus and nothing more.
Glanced at the dachshund, who continued to circle around its owner's legs.
What an energizer on inexhaustible fuel.
— In any case, there's another reason I stopped by... — here Yuigahama hesitated slightly, avoiding direct eye contact with me.
Eh?
— D-do you want to go to the festival with me?
I chuckled.
Komachi tilted her head.
A couple of "long" seconds of silence.
— Um-m, — my sister smiled awkwardly. — Unfortunately, I need to study, so I'm passing.
— I see, — Yui looked sad and turned her gaze to me.
Festival, huh?
Loud, lots of people, useless spending of money on unnecessary souvenirs, and, as a bonus: a couple of awkward encounters with former acquaintances?
Sounds extremely fascinating.
Especially considering the fact that the last time I attended such events was in distant childhood, when there was no possibility to refuse.
— Hikigaya? So are you going or... not?
Aha, so she also learned how to give a pleading look from Komachi.
— Big Brother, — my sister tugged at the sleeve of my t-shirt, attracting attention. — I want souvenirs.
— Fine then, — I shrugged, ignoring Doggy's indignant look.
— Oh, you... — the girl didn't finish, loudly exhaled and, with notes of doom in her voice, added: — Then tomorrow at six by the station?
— Okay.
Silence again.
Yui was the first to snap out of it and, coughing awkwardly, smiled.
— See you. Thanks again for looking after Sable, cookies are on me, — for some reason, the last sentence sounded like a threat to me.
I hope they are store-bought, no offense to Yuigahama's culinary talent.
— Bye-bye! — my sister waved her hand to her, and I limited myself to a short nod.
Waiting until Doggy and her pet disappeared around the corner, I shook my head discontentedly.
— And I was already ready to refuse.
— Did you only agree because of my request? — my precious inquired affectionately.
— A silly question, — I stretched. — By the way, why didn't you go yourself? Whatever else, you have enough time to prepare without that.
— M-m-m, — she put a finger to her lips, after which she giggled. — Yuigahama is a good girl.
I blinked.
— You approve?
— Why not? Give her a chance.
I sighed heavily and blew the bangs that fell over my eyes.
— Oh, time, why are you running so fast. Only a couple of years ago you didn't even think about such a thing, — I clicked my tongue for deterrence.
— I had no choice, otherwise you would be stuck with me until old age, — Komachi chuckled.
I raised an eyebrow.
— Is that bad?
— Not at all, — my sister responded without a shadow of a doubt. — But one should try everything in life. Moreover, — she winked at me, — I'm not going anywhere.
...She really grew up.
However, no matter how much I wanted to continue the conversation, I have little time for it.
Looked at the clock.
Looks like I still have time.
— Alright, I'm leaving, will be back in about an hour and a half.
— Where are you going? — Komachi was surprised, a little bewildered by the abrupt transition.
I smirked and, raising my index finger up, pronounced:
— To get a haircut.