The biggest drawback of holidays is that they end. And they do so at the most inconvenient moment, just when you feel you have finally grasped the true meaning of the word "rest" with your entire being. Because this is how it usually goes: you barely notice eighty percent of the carefree days fly by, as if someone hit the fast-forward button, and you spend the remaining twenty actively trying to figure out what you were doing at all. It feels like only a couple of weeks have passed, at most, though two months have gone by, and those weeks were mostly filled with worry about returning to the dull routine.
Simply put, even though several days had passed since the new school term started, I was still actively grieving over missed opportunities, the existence of which I had only realized at the very last minute.
A classic case.
— Hachiman, — snapped out of my thoughts, I turned my gaze to Totsuka, who had approached my desk. — Have you decided what you're going to do for the festival yet?
— Hide in the storage closet until it's all over, — I shrugged. Noticing the change in Saika's expression, I raised an eyebrow: — Do you think I should do otherwise?
— Of course! — the boy responded with unconcealed enthusiasm. — Events like this only happen once a year! We have to give it our all...
I tuned out his subsequent words, which were detailing all the joys of the upcoming event.
Yes, yes, the oh-so-important and necessary cultural festival, without which my life will lose all meaning.
Especially since it's the only one in a whole twelve months!
...It's just a shame there's one small catch: when you actually count the number of similar holidays—those "only once a year, just put up with it" types—the count becomes so high that, after giving it some thought, the value of that "only once a year" trait approaches zero.
Oh, Christmas Eve, must celebrate. Oh, Japan's National Day. Oh, the fireworks festival, oh... I could continue almost indefinitely.
— Hachiman, are you listening to me? — Totsuka, noticing my distant gaze, pouted.
Cute.
— Honestly? No, — I didn't hold back a yawn.
It's not that I was that bored.
It was just that the typhoon that started last evening and raged outside the window all night had made me jump to my feet several times, thus messing up my sleep schedule a bit. Now, all I wanted was to simply put my head down on the desk and crash for an hour or two.
— Dummy, — Saika puffed out his cheeks even more.
Sorry, but I've maxed out my resistance to that expression.
— I won't argue. Look at it this way—what good am I?
— Well, you're smart.
— And? — I sighed, resting my chin on my forearm.
— You can come up with lots of interesting things.
— Interesting, first and foremost, for me. As for everyone else, — I paused, glancing around at my classmates. — I don't think my ideas would suit them much.
— At least try! Please, Hachiman!
I closed my eyes for a second.
In some cases, it's worth making a concession, because my nerves are more important, but if I agree now, I'll likely have to show initiative, and that never ends well.
So, I'll stick to the standard answer.
— I'll think about it, — and, seeing the joyful smile on Totsuka's face, I quickly dampened his enthusiasm. — I'm not promising anything, so I wouldn't count too much on my presence.
Ignoring my warning, Saika nodded and scurried back to Yuigahama and Miura. They were already surrounded by the company I was used to: Cap and the trio of followers, plus Ebina. The latter was scrolling through something on her phone and giggling. Judging by the sparkle in her eyes, the content was probably best left unknown to anyone else. Sanity would be better preserved.
From my seat, I couldn't hear Totsuka, but after he spoke, the group's gazes all converged on me. While there was mild interest mixed with surprise in the eyes of Yui and Yumiko, the guys were looking at me... with hostility? It was hard to tell exactly, but it definitely didn't smell like approval or satisfaction. At least, not from Hayama—one hundred percent.
For some reason, the soccer player had noticeably cooled towards me almost from the first day after the break and was trying to ignore me in every way possible. Of course, to outsiders, everything looked normal, but there was a flicker in the boy's facial expressions that hinted otherwise.
Either way, it didn't bother me much. Our relationship used to be neutral; now it's slightly lower. Does it matter? I doubt it.
A giggle from behind me made me shift my focus.
The girl sitting behind me... Sakami? Sagamin? Ah, right, Minami Sagami... was actively chatting with her friends, occasionally bursting into laughter. Noticing my gaze, the girl raised an eyebrow and gave a knowing smirk.
Shaking my head, I dismissed any questions about the topic of their conversation—it was unlikely to have anything to do with the infamous Hachiman—and slumped onto my desk, closing my eyes. I'd better spend my free time napping.
At that exact moment, as if in mockery, the classroom door swung open.
— Alright, class,
Hearing a loud clap and Hiratsuka-sensei's clear voice, I winced.
Too late.
— I hope you've managed to gather your thoughts and decide who will act as the class representative on the Organizing Committee. I'll remind you one more time: we need one boy and one girl! — There was too much enthusiasm in her voice, I would even say—excessive. Suspicious.
— Is it required?
someone from the back rows asked.
— Strange question. Of course! Come on, come on, let's not waste time. If there are many volunteers, we'll hold a vote, — A noticeable note of doubt was audible in the last sentence.
Silence fell over the class after the sensei's words. Given the nature of the lesson, I didn't raise my head. Shizuka would certainly pull me up if necessary.
After about five minutes of total silence, the teacher cleared her throat loudly, drawing attention to herself.
— And how long must I wait for your decision? I'll wait ten minutes, otherwise—I'll start nominating candidates myself, — Her ultimatum caused a flurry of hushed whispers among the students.
I understand their indecision.
On one hand, being part of the Organizing Committee earns you decent perks, like increased authority and a possible entry on your record, which might favorably influence future employers.
On the other hand, a tangible responsibility is placed upon you, along with a heap of problems. Plus, it's important to remember the anxiety inherent in many people. A leadership position often causes an irrational fear of messing up, especially without prior experience.
So you have to weigh whether it's worth it.
In my case, everything is simple to the point of absurdity: an immediate, firm, and unconditional "no" to any display of initiative, because in such cases, it would only make the situation worse. They don't say initiative is punishable for nothing. Therefore, I will pretend to be a bonsai.
Despite the woman's threat, all discussion was limited to quiet negotiations among the students, the result of which was that no one rushed to loudly put forward their candidacy.
— Fine. It's crystal clear to me, — Uh oh, Shizuka's patience had run out, easily discernible by the irritation flickering in her voice. — Since it's so difficult for you, I'll lend a helping hand.
Judging by a barely audible scrape, she rose from her chair and began walking through the aisles. Forcing myself to lift my head with difficulty, I slowly opened my eyes, trying to adopt an appropriate posture.
And I did so just in time, as the sensei was already approaching my spot. It was lucky she was looking in the other direction, otherwise, a piece of chalk, which the woman was deftly tossing in her hand, would have landed on the top of my head. Although, nothing would stop her from doing that earlier; no amount of stealth skills would help if she intended it.
— Last chance, — Hiratsuka checked her watch. There were about fifteen minutes left until the end of the lesson.
She swept her gaze over everyone one last time, making the students shamefacedly lower their eyes, then sighed noisily and rubbed the bridge of her nose, muttering something under her breath that was clearly far from flattering.
I wonder who is in for a fun time? Shizuka is far from a stupid woman, so she should choose someone capable of shouldering a heavy burden, and at the same time, someone not smart enough to shrug off the assigned load at the first opportunity.
Our Class Rep, whose name I haven't bothered to learn in the past two years, Cap, and... that's probably it? There's no point in considering Tobe and those two guys who always hang out with Hayama. Totsuka?
I inwardly snorted, picturing the boy defending the class's interests. Completely off the mark. No, Saika is undoubtedly capable of showing firmness of character, but only in special cases. Organizing an event is definitely not one of them.
So, the choice is between two people...
Only now, having been momentarily distracted from my thoughts, did I realize that everyone in the room was looking in my direction. Including Shizuka, who wore a satisfied smile on her lips.
Do they take me for a fool?
— You wouldn't dare, — I whispered with my lips alone, as my brain, instantly working at full capacity, generated the only possible reason for such fervent attention to me.
— Oh yes, I dare, Hikigaya, — Hiratsuka chuckled quietly, but loudly enough for those closest to her to hear.
— I'll sabotage it at the first opportunity.
— We'll manage without empty threats. I know you; you'll growl, you'll spit, but you'll pull your weight. Because otherwise, you'll be in trouble, — I winced, acknowledging her truth.
— You couldn't find any other candidates?
— Do you see any yourself? — A bit rough towards my "comrades," Sensei.
— Why not choose the Class Rep? — I cautiously cast out a line.
— He's the Class Rep precisely because he has plenty of duties already.
— Hayama? — Second attempt.
— Club activities, plus he'll soon be the captain, so he has little time.
I clicked my tongue.
— Am I not in a club myself? Or are you, — I theatrically widened my eyes. — for social inequality?
— Hikigaya, — There it was again, my name plus a certain tone of voice hinting that I should stop resisting.
But I don't want to waste my precious time on nonsense that interests me as much as the reproductive process of tardigrades!
— Have it your way, — I mentally waved a hand.
— Excellent, — Returning to the blackboard, Hiratsuka scribbled my name across it. — So, we've settled on the boy's representative. As for the girls...
She paused, checking the time again.
— ...Hikigaya will decide after classes. For now, you can start preparing for the next lesson, — With those words, she sat down at her desk and began writing something in the register.
Catching Totsuka's delighted glance, I noisily exhaled and leaned back in my chair.
I knew I should have blamed poor health and skipped today.
Although, I have a feeling I wouldn't have avoided this fate anyway.
Shizuka definitely has it out for me.
And not just one grudge...
What sins did I commit?
***
After classes ended, I decided to take care of the assignment handed to me by the joyful Hiratsuka. Of course, I could have pawned it off on the Class Rep—he wouldn't refuse under pressure—but since the teacher nominated me, there must be some meaning to it.
At least, I hope so. I deliberately ignored the second possibility, where she pointed a finger at the most familiar face while indulging her inner fiend.
After all the students—except for Totsuka, who had urgent club matters—had settled back into their seats, I slowly approached the blackboard, leaned my hand on the table, and cast a weary gaze over those assembled.
To my surprise, my classmates were actually looking my way, as if ready to listen. Why the sudden behavior? I expected to have to do something to shift the focus towards myself.
Well, that's great.
— The agenda is known: we need a class representative from the girls, — I spoke calmly enough, without raising my voice much. Sighing, I scratched the back of my head and sat down on the chair, crossing one leg over the other. — I'm waiting for suggestions.
Honestly, I chose that particular posture for one simple reason: excessive attention had started to make my knees slightly tremble. Typical nervousness in a new environment. I think a couple of performances like this will be enough for my body and mind to get used to it. Right now, though, I needed to hide my state.
Just like with the sensei, silence fell over the room.
— If it's hard to choose, we can just raffle the spot off through... — I paused, selecting a suitable method. — A game of Shogi?
— Hikigaya, have you totally lost it?! — Yumiko protested from her seat.
— Don't like Shogi? Prefer 'rock-paper-scissors'? — I didn't hide the sarcasm in my voice.
The Blonde snorted and crossed her arms, drilling me with a heavy glare.
— Or should I mimic Hiratsuka and randomly point a finger? — Judging by the murmur that ran through the class, this method was not appreciated. — Then go ahead, we're not in a hurry. We have an hour until the meeting of all Org Committee members begins.
Of course, the fastest possible solution would suit me best, but to speed things up, I had to pretend that I was ready to sit here for an eternity. It usually helps.
— Um... what will the representative be doing?
Yuigahama asked, raising her hand awkwardly.
I hummed.
— I don't know, — Given the straightforward answer, Yui mumbled something under her breath and turned away, trying to look anywhere but at me.
Ugh, I have a feeling she'll try to chew my ear off after school.
If Pup tried to keep her distance from me in front of others, when we were alone, she would let loose entirely. Sometimes I even feel a little sorry for Yukino, who gets an even larger dose of that.
— What do you mean? — Now it was Sagami's turn to put in her two cents. The girl, catching approving looks from those around her, visibly grew bolder and tried to press harder. — How are we supposed to know what we're signing up for?
She shot a quick glance at her friends, and they supported her with a thumbs-up. Charged with courage, Minami boldly met my gaze.
Only to immediately lose her nerve.
Sometimes I genuinely want to know: does my "signature" look really make people uncomfortable? In the past, I was constantly compared to a dead fish, so I spent a long time in front of the mirror trying to figure out how to get rid of it. Was all that effort for nothing, then?
However, it comes in handy in some situations.
— In case you forgot, Minami, — Having confirmed that her initial fervor had vanished, I propped my head up with my hand. — I'll drop a hint: right now, we're choosing a person to join the Organizing Committee, where they'll be given instructions on what and how to proceed.
Kami, what am I turning into?
The old me wouldn't have answered at all, simply ignoring the question, but now I'd made a seemingly successful attempt to put someone in their place. Sensei, is this what you wanted to achieve?
— You could at least tell us what possible prospects await future members, Hikigaya, — Hayama, why can't you sit still? I didn't notice you showing such fervent interest in the proceedings when the boys' representative was being chosen.
In any case, Cap, having earned a grateful look from Sagami, boldly met my eyes.
I resisted the urge to click my tongue.
Did you try asking Hiratsuka-sensei this morning, who clearly knows more about the subject? In principle, that's exactly what I could have voiced, but I decided to curb the impulse.
They won't understand—that's one.
They'll consider it rude—that's two.
The last thing I want is to transform from a neutral figure into a class enemy.
— The prospect of putting on a good festival through a joint effort, — I'll settle for a general phrase.
— So you don't know? — Satisfied notes flickered in Hayama's voice.
I raised an eyebrow.
— I just told Yuigahama that, yes, I don't know, — I don't understand what bug bit him, but it must be a big one, as he clearly wants to pick a fight. — Besides, the Committee Chairman will be selected at today's meeting. And the responsibility of distributing duties will fall on their shoulders.
— Are you saying you don't remember what the participants did last year? — Hayama smiled softly.
I exhaled through my nose, closing my eyes for a moment.
Cap, why are you involving yourself? Explain.
Fine, since you want it, here's the bombshell...
— It's hard to keep up with events when you're lying in the hospital, — The smile on the boy's face faltered. — Therefore, yes, not only do I not remember, I don't even have a clue.
Only partially true, but he doesn't need to know that.
— Um... — Hayama laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
A complicated situation, isn't it? You risk spoiling your image.
My inner glee was marred by the guilty look of Yuigahama, who had lowered her head. Tsk, I hit her with the shrapnel; I'll have to handle that later.
In any case, the obstacle has been eliminated, so let's get back to the culprit of the event. Looking at Minami, I drummed my fingers on the table, calculating the best solution.
Fortunately, I didn't have to think for long.
I told you: initiative is punishable.
— By the way, Sagami, since you're so interested, maybe you'd like to act as the class representative? — The girl opened her mouth slightly upon hearing the question, but she didn't get a chance to answer.
— I object! — Hayama flared up, earning a shocked look from Minami, who clearly hadn't expected such a reaction.
Dude, are you really okay? Why? Just to spite me?
Inside, a strong desire surged to directly ask him what had caused the sharp decline in his mental capabilities, because I was previously certain of Cap's intelligence.
Hold back, Hachiman. Displaying inappropriate emotions never leads to anything good.
Hmm... And I could also play this situation out gallantly.
— Oh, well then, since you're so against my choice, will you propose your own option? — I lifted the corners of my lips.
Squirm out of this one.
Essentially, you publicly "insulted" a classmate, doubting her abilities and clearly showing your attitude towards her, which is already a reputation minus. There is a chance to retreat, taking the words back, but even that option will negatively affect your image. It's nothing but traps everywhere, right?
— I agree! — I almost choked when I saw Minami jump to her feet again, chin proudly raised.
Hayama looked at the girl, then, closing his eyes for a second, laughed warmly.
— I was against you nominating anyone by force, — My friend, are you trying to shift the blame a bit too quickly? Who in their right mind would believe that? — But since Sagami genuinely wants to, it's not for me to hinder her.
As confirmation, he gave his classmate a thumbs-up, accompanying the gesture with a bright smile, which clearly astonished her.
— I never doubted you, — she mumbled shyly, returning to her seat amidst the noisy discussion of those around her.
The funniest part was that I didn't notice any condemnation directed at Cap.
The guy is firmly rooted in the class; his position won't be shaken by one mistake. I don't know whether to respect or envy that.
Only Yuigahama and Yumiko looked on with expressions I couldn't quite decipher. While Pup's reaction was understandable—I have a feeling her relationship with Minami isn't the best—the Blonde was specifically displeased with Hayama, frowning and pressing her lips together.
In any case, the second class representative was determined, albeit in a rather unconventional way, so I can confidently say that my mission is complete.
Informing all the students that the meeting was over, I remained sitting in my place, watching the departing classmates with a tired gaze.
— You're going to the club, right?
Yuigahama asked quietly, approaching the desk.
Ignoring the strange looks from Minami and her friends as they passed by, I nodded.
— Wait there. I need to close the door and hand in the key.
— Okay, — The girl smiled and hurried out of the classroom.
Cap was the last one heading for the exit, and he also decided to make a stop by me.
Meeting his gaze, I lazily raised an eyebrow.
The boy discontentedly twitched the corner of his lips, but without saying anything, he sharply turned around and went to catch up with his followers.
Making sure no one else was left, I finally allowed myself to exhale loudly, rubbing the bridge of my nose.
Sensei sure loves dumping problems on me.
Has she tried finding another hobby?
***
As I entered the club room, I was immediately almost knocked off my feet, while simultaneously being subjected to an attempt to deprive me of my hearing.
— Hachiman! What's going on?! — Retaining my balance, I gently pried open Yuigahama's fingers, which were clamped onto my shirt.
— I don't quite understand what you mean, — Bypassing the girl, I slumped into my usual seat.
— You understand perfectly well, — Yui frowned, putting her hands on her hips.
— Overestimating the abilities of others never ends well, — I tossed my bag onto the floor and cracked my neck.
— You want to evade a proper answer again? I'm worried! — Pup pouted in annoyance.
And what am I supposed to do in this situation?
Kami, where did that shy girl go, the one who hesitated to encroach on my personal space? If I had known that the transition of our relationship to a "friendly" level would be accompanied by such consequences, I would have reconsidered my decision three times over.
I hope she maintains "visible" neutrality in public for a little while longer. I'm not ready for nicknames and public hugs yet.
The thought of it slightly unnerves me.
However, someone else in the room was getting undisguised enjoyment watching us.
— And what did Hikigaya manage to pull off? — Yukino asked with a smile, closing her book and placing it beside her on the desk.
Yui, stopping her intense glare at me, turned to her friend.
— I don't know, that's the thing! But he definitely did something, Hayama couldn't possibly get so worked up over him for no reason!
I was right after all; Pup can be observant. When she doesn't need to be.
Sighing, I raised my hands.
— I'm telling you right now: I have no idea what dog bit our alpha male. The last time I ran into him was during the holidays, at the summer camp.
— Did you somehow offend him there? — What are those intonations, Yuigahama? I don't actually aim to annoy everyone around me. And you should remember that I spent almost all my time either in your company or entertaining Tsurumi.
— Intentionally? Definitely not, — Unfortunately, I wasn't one hundred percent sure I was right. People are the kind of creatures who can hold a grudge over a casually tossed word, the meaning of which they rephrase in their own way.
— Hmmm... — Yui adjusted the brown lock of hair that had fallen onto her forehead and placed a finger on her chin, closing her eyes. — There must be a reason.
— Why is that? — I snorted. — Sometimes you can get into a spat without one.
— No, — She sounded certain. — That's not like Hayama.
To be honest, that stung a little. I couldn't even tell why. Was it because she blindly believed in Cap's image? Or because I unwittingly projected her words onto myself, thereby diminishing myself...?
— He worked too hard on his image to just ruin it for no reason, — Pup murmured, opening her eyes. — Eh, what are you two looking at?
Yukino and I exchanged glances and then continued to stare at Yuigahama in shock.
— Yui, are you alright? — Yukino got up and, approaching her friend, placed her palm on Yui's forehead. — Did you hit your head somewhere?
— I think it's too much stress; she needs a rest, — I offered as an explanation.
— Then don't just sit there, bring a chair, — Yukino requested in a semi-commanding tone.
— G-guys, calm down? — the culprit stammered, though she made no attempt to break free from her friend's grip.
— We are perfectly calm, — Yukino assured her, pressing down on Pup's shoulders, thereby forcing her to sit on the chair I brought over. Satisfied that the girl wasn't going to run away, Yukino nodded contentedly and returned to her seat.
I did the same.
Only Yui blinked blankly, looking from me to her friend.
— Let's return to the topic, — the club president continued as if nothing had happened, folding her hands in her lap. — So, you say Hayato reacted extremely negatively to Hikigaya?
— Do you have to talk about me in the third person? — I raised an eyebrow.
— Does it annoy you? — the girl smirked.
If I say "yes," she won't stop.
— Pure curiosity.
— In that case... it's a secret, — Yukino lifted the corners of her lips.
This is another puzzle worthy of Jacques Fresco.
For some unknown reason, Yukino's attitude towards me has noticeably changed, and for the better. For comparison, previously, cold sarcasm or irony aimed to provoke dominated her tone during our dialogues, but now... I don't know, a friendly tone? Without the feeling of a knife held to my throat.
I think I understand human psychology a little, but I can't find the reasons for such changes. Well, unless you count the paradigm shift in the thinking of the cockroaches inside that particular person's head. Even the most experienced shrinks would throw up their hands then.
— And how exactly did he behave? — Yukino asked Yuigahama, as if incidentally.
Her friend, recovering from her stupor, looked up at the ceiling.
— Well, I wouldn't say he was outright rude, but he constantly tried to object, to interfere. Oh, right, Hachiman became the class representative!
— My condolences, — Yukino tilted her head.
I made an exaggerated sniffle.
— They didn't ask me.
— Hiratsuka-sensei?
— The very same.
— My double condolences, — Yukino sighed knowingly.
No, definitely something major has died.
I'm getting the feeling we've become friends!
— Hey, let's get back to the topic! — Yuigahama raised her voice, annoyed that she had been sidelined again. — Long story short, it was clearly noticeable how hard Hayama was trying to hinder Hikigaya. So the question remains: why?
Silence hung in the room.
Honestly, any sane ideas were absent, and I'll leave fortune-telling using coffee grounds to charlatans and women.
Judging by Pup's thoughtful face, she couldn't immediately come up with a logical justification for Cap's behavior.
Only Yukino sat there with an unflappable expression, looking at us with barely concealed superiority.
As if...
— What is it, Hikigaya? — the girl smirked, calmly meeting my scrutinizing gaze.
— Spill it.
— Ho-o? — Yukino arched her eyebrows, crossing her arms under her chest. — Isn't that a bit too brazen?
— Considering you've been enjoying a free show for about ten minutes, it would be appropriate to consider this the payment for the VIP seat, — Honestly, I wanted to finish this topic quickly and move on to the main agenda.
— For such a performance, I should offer to pay you, because...
— Yukinon! Please, we really need to know this! — Here, Yui stepped in, looking pleadingly into her friend's eyes.
Yukino was slightly flustered, but quickly recovered, coughing softly.
— Learn how to ask, Hikigaya, — Can she even imagine such a scene? — In any case, in my humble opinion, the reason for Hayato's unusual behavior is...
Yukino made a dramatic pause, heightening the tension.
Pup even craned her neck, practically tapping her feet on the floor.
Making sure that everyone was truly ready to eagerly listen to her words, Yukino smiled contentedly:
— Jealousy.
I tilted my head, trying to figure out if I was having auditory hallucinations or just delusional.
— What, excuse me? — I'll check, just in case.
— Jealousy, Hikigaya. It means a feeling that a person...
I raised my hand, cutting off the girl's sentence.
— I know the meaning of the word. Explain the context. Who could Hayama be jealous of me over? — Yui nodded in agreement, looking expectantly at her friend.
— Think for yourself, — The annoying girl sat there, looking like she'd just licked up some milk.
She can't just give a full answer; it's important to make the process strenuous, adding unnecessary difficulties.
She works exactly like me. Did we study from the same textbook or something?
Ugh, I think I'll soon learn to convey all my "love" for the world and its inhabitants with just a sigh.
— Um, you told me that your family and Hayato's family are friends, right? — Yuigahama's question interrupted my train of thought.
— That's right, — Yukino replied.
— Consequently, the object of Hayato's interest must be familiar with Hachiman. The reason certainly isn't you, Yukinon, otherwise he would have started sooner. Then... is he jealous of your older sister? — Pup tilted her head.
— Exactly, — Yukino smiled, throwing a strange look my way.
I didn't care about it, though.
Two things occupied my mind.
First, what did Haruno say to Cap to make him so agitated.
And second, was I really slower than Yuigahama?
...It's all the lack of sleep, period.
I won't accept any other excuses.
— So, Hayato is in love with your sister, and, finding out how she feels about Hachiman, he became jealous? — Yui clarified for assurance.
— That's exactly how it looks to me, — Yukino closed her eyes. — Don't take this as a compliment, Hikigaya—rather, accept my condolences—but my sister is genuinely interested in you. Plus, knowing her personality, at some point, to "play" with Hayato, she specifically decided to tease him using you.
— I see, — In principle, that sounds quite logical.
Well, one problem down.
— "I see"? Is that your only reaction? — Yukino was genuinely surprised.
I shrugged.
— What do you want? To stir everyone up, like: oh, no, what should we do, Haruno set me up, we need to fix this problem somehow? — I snorted. — What's the point? Hayato won't be convinced either way; he'll decide I'm trying to cover for myself, and trying to approach it from your precious sister's side...
In response to my look, the girl shook her head and quietly murmured:
— Pointless.
— See? — I turned to Yui. — So it turns out the best way out is to just shrug it off and not stress myself out. Sooner or later, Cap... Hayato will get over it. He won't do anything serious to me anyway.
Yuigahama frowned.
— I understand, but, either way, I don't like that method.
— Suggest another.
— Well, I could talk to him myself, or Yukinon could... — Catching my meaningful look, Yui laughed awkwardly. — Yeah, that sounds stupid. You wouldn't agree to that.
— Exactly, — I exhaled through my nose. — My problems are my problems. There's no reason to drag you two into them.
Yukino immediately frowned, but said nothing.
She probably had plenty to say, but I just wanted to drop the subject now.
The best way would be to move on to the conversation I had been intending to have ten minutes ago.
— Alright, forget the jealous guy; he's not worth it. There's a much more important question here.
Okay, I need to phrase this as clearly as possible to avoid any misunderstandings.
Hmm...
Yes, I'll go with this option.
Waiting for the girls' attention, I smiled softly:
— Yui, Yukinoshita, how about we close the club?
— Oh, I was just about to talk about that, — Yukino nodded in agreement.
— Huh?! — Yuigahama's eyes widened.
Yukino and I exchanged glances.
It looks like someone is going to need a more detailed explanation...