— So, why did you gather us here, Hikigaya? — Yukinoshita inquired grimly, clearly displeased that I had interrupted the work process.
— I second that, — Minami sneered, glancing back and forth at her phone without looking at her neighbor. — My friends are waiting for me, actually.
Yes, yes, everyone is busy, I understand perfectly.
I pulled out a chair, turned it around and placed it in front of the girls, then sat down, resting my arms on the backrest.
— Don't worry, I'll try not to drag this out, — especially since I'm just dying to sit with the two of you in an empty conference room after the meeting is over. I've dreamt about this every day.
Sighing, I closed my eyes for a second, collecting my thoughts.
Ideally, I could have said everything bluntly, but that would be too cruel; we aren't close enough for me to allow myself such blatant rudeness.
Therefore, I need to act softly, approaching the problem from the side, preferably letting them come to the necessary conclusion themselves.
— Could you please tell me, are you both satisfied with what's happening?
— Absolutely, — Yukinoshita replied, spending almost no time thinking, continuing to check documents out of the corner of her eye.
Honestly, right now I just wanted to walk over, roll a thick sheet of drawing paper into a tube, and hit her hard on the head with it.
Suppressing the urge to start a session of senseless violence, I shifted my gaze to Minami.
Unlike her deputy, she wasn't rushing to speak.
I won't rush her; maybe a miracle will happen and she'll spare me extra difficulties.
After fidgeting a bit more, the Chairperson curled her lips and barely audibly muttered, avoiding looking my way:
— ...It's fine.
I refrained from sighing, massaging my temples. Of course, as if anything in life was ever solved on the first try.
In principle, at this stage, I could try to pressure Sagami by repeating the question in a different form. But do I need to provoke a fit of irritation in her? She'll shut down completely, and the purpose of the conversation will vanish.
All right, let's dig from a different angle.
— Speaking of which, Yukinoshita, how do you assess Sagami in the role of Chairperson? Has she been able, — I paused slightly, looking meaningfully at Snowball: — to learn anything from you?
Yukino involuntarily gripped the papers tighter, but her tone remained just as nonchalant.
— Don't you think you should ask someone else that? — A blizzard raged in her gaze.
I touched a nerve, but not critically.
A loud snort came from my other classmate.
— Oh, I have a voice now, do I? — Venom dripped from her tone. — Surprising, I've gotten used to not even having to open my mouth.
— Is something wrong? — Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow. — Up until now, everything seemed to be fine with you.
Minami gritted her teeth, clenched her fists, and abruptly stood up.
— I'm leaving, — Tossing her belongings into her bag, she shot me an enraged look and articulated slowly: — My deputy can answer all questions!
And she bolted out of the room.
Wincing at the loud slam of the door, I loudly exhaled.
We had an excellent talk. Superb. The best possible outcome.
The wonderful, rotten scent of youthful drama.
Meanwhile, Snowball opened her laptop lid with an expression as if nothing had happened.
— Did you find out what you wanted? — she snorted.
I rested my cheek on my forearm.
— Why did you silently run off, making a decision without discussing anything with us?
The girl, starting to type something quickly on the keyboard, shrugged.
— Nothing would have changed.
— Do you think that, — I mentally grimaced, — friends should be kept in the dark?
— My actions were obvious and understandable, — Yukino refused to make eye contact, instead scrutinizing the material. It was as if she wanted to show with all her might how little she cared about the topic of conversation.
It's a shame that, in most cases, such behavior indicates the exact opposite.
— Just like your "help" to Sagami? — Since we are alone now, nothing prevents me from loosening the restrictions.
Snowball froze for a moment, pursed her lips, and then returned to her work.
— It's not my fault that she's not ready to take on any responsibility.
I chuckled.
— And did you give her the opportunity?
— I didn't notice the slightest desire for it in her, — the denial stage is dragging on.
Time to load the armor-piercing round.
— Sometimes a mentor needs to encourage the student to act. Remember Yuigahama's case? — Oh, finally, she stopped pretending to be busy and looked my way.
— What are you implying? — the girl asked dryly.
"Don't say it, I don't want to hear it!" was written in her eyes.
— Sorry, but I have to, — I smiled sadly. — Yukinoshita, you're stepping into the same pit you did back then.
— Are you suggesting I explain every single step to Sagami? — Unconcealed sarcasm rang in her voice.
Ah, earlier I would have thought she was indifferent or genuinely trying to hurt me, but now I perfectly understood—it was just a typical defense mechanism.
— Exactly. You said it yourself: our job is not to solve people's problems for them, but to suggest the most suitable path to a solution.
Yukino flinched.
— We don't have time for that, — she mumbled, once again avoiding looking me in the eyes.
— Then why? You aren't helping her; you're only making things worse.
— Is that so, — Snowball straightened sharply and slammed the laptop lid shut. — So you alone are allowed to make impulsive decisions?
— Listen, the situation here is a little different... — the girl didn't let me finish, rising to her feet, putting her laptop into her bag, and then heading quickly toward the exit.
I jumped up from the chair.
— Yukinoshita! — She stopped, gripping the doorknob.
— I have a lot of work, Hikigaya.
The repeated door slam caused a stab of pain in my temples.
Lowering my head, I clenched the back of the chair, exhaling through tightly clenched teeth.
...Women.
***
The next day, after school, I was sitting in my chair, watching the madness unfolding in the classroom called: "The School Play Production," directed by Ebina-san.
— No, no, Hayato, you must do it more passionately! Put your arms around Totsuka's waist and... — Hina didn't finish because Yumiko covered her mouth with her palm.
— I-I don't think that would be appropriate, — Saika stammered, adjusting his disheveled shirt. Hayama, standing nearby, laughed.
— I agree. Don't forget, Hina, we're not professional actors, after all.
Freeing herself from her friend's grasp, the "director" passionately shouted:
— Don't you dare belittle art with a lack of dedication! You must put in all your effort; if necessary, sell your soul, but immerse yourself in the role so much that it replaces life itself!
— She's really getting carried away, isn't she? — The voice above my ear made me tip my head back.
Yuigahama, standing next to me, smiled, tucking her hands behind her back.
— If only I understood what's going on here, — for the past few days, I had left the classroom almost immediately because I needed to prepare materials, discuss the action plan with Atsuko, hunt down the necessary personnel who could help with the work...
Simply put, I had become completely immersed in a dreary routine.
However, today I decided to slack off a bit.
It's not that the events of last night affected me that much, it's just...
Frankly, I was tired. And what's the point of rushing? Instructions have been given, materials have been approved; if anything happens, Tanaka will text or call me.
— Hina decided to write her own version of "The Little Prince," — knowing Ebina-san's imagination, I almost immediately understood what genre would prevail in the play.
In moments like this, I'm glad I'm involved in the Organizing Committee and can ignore the class event. Thanks to the school rules.
— And what role are you playing?
— Guess, — Yui offered playfully.
— The role of a tree in the background? Hey, don't hit me, it's a joke!
The Dog stopped playfully poking my shoulder with her fist and laughed.
— I know.
— Hey, Yui, stop flirting with Hikigaya and get over here; I need your help, — the blonde shouted, having failed another attempt to pacify the "director's" unruly temperament.
Yuigahama instantly blushed, snapped her head up:
— Yumiko! — and headed toward her with quick steps, puffing loudly.
Restraining my laughter, I shook my head.
A seditious thought crept in: perhaps it would be better if I were participating in this chaos, rather than the current state of affairs?
At that very moment, I felt the vibration of my phone in my trouser pocket.
Taking out my cell phone, I mentally cursed, seeing Atsuko as the sender of the message.
"Chief, you are urgently needed."
Well, I've rested a bit; time to get back to work.
Getting up from my seat, I tossed my notebooks into my bag and shuffled toward the classroom exit, hoping that nothing completely critical had happened.
***
Fortunately, nothing terrible had happened.
The head of the Finance Department simply double-checked the expenses and, receiving an unsatisfactory result, decided to make everyone around him miserable. Naturally, my department took the brunt of it.
And Tanaka, no matter how much I valued him, couldn't put up proper resistance to the "accountant's" pressure, so he did the most logical thing—he pulled in the "boss."
It cost me ten minutes of my life and a bundle of nerves, but in the end, we were able to peacefully resolve the situation.
— How about everything else? — I slumped back into my seat tiredly, turning to Atsuko.
— According to our schedule, we're on track. Judging by the deputy's requests... — the guy paused.
— You don't need to continue. The main thing is to maintain the current pace, — nodding, my subordinate returned to work.
I guess I'll follow his example.
What do we have here...
Right. The brochures have been sent to print; according to the queue, they will be ready by the end of the week. Posters are in active development; the general layouts have been approved, and locations have been chosen—even if it meant running around the school to find the most suitable spots. Everything is still murky with the website; they decided to redesign it for the upcoming festival, and it's working intermittently, so it's easier to wait for the debugging.
Slowly start venturing into the city? Ideally, by next Friday, we need to start visiting nearby stores and negotiating with the owners about the possibility of placing advertisements. I won't touch the radio station; it's better to go through Hiratsuka-sensei for that, and these days, it would only be of interest to older people, mostly.
Plus, what is the target audience? Parents and their children. Therefore, what? The areas with elementary and middle schools, kindergartens, and other entertainment venues where this demographic resides are most interesting to us.
Ha... it looks like I'll have to negotiate with the administration.
Strenuous.
I'll save that for when Yukinoshita asks. We need to deal with the current workload first...
I involuntarily looked at Snowball.
Wait, am I imagining it, or does she look stunned? Why would she be?
A second later, I got the answer to my question.
— Hello everyone! Yukino, cuckoo! — I hope I'm having auditory hallucinations.
— Sister? What are you doing here? — the girl jumped up, looking at Haruno, who was smiling in the conference room doorway.
— Oops, did I forget to warn you? — the familiar brown-haired head of the Student Council President appeared from behind the elder Yukinoshita's shoulder. — We accidentally ran into each other in town, got to talking, and well, here we are...
Meguri smiled apologetically.
— See? I came to help my beloved little sister, buoyed by the hope that she would happily accept my support, but you... — Haruno shook her head, apparently genuinely enjoying the attention directed at her from all sides.
The same could not be said for Snowball. The girl pursed her lips and frowned, looking at her relative with displeasure.
— I got it. You can go home, thank you, — wow, so much coldness in her voice; it seems someone is in a bad mood.
— Ara-ara, what a shy girl you are, — Haruno drawled maliciously, crossing the room with a graceful stride. — But it's okay, I understand everything.
— In that case...
— By the way, I also participated in something similar, — she blatantly interrupted Yukino.
— That's right, she even performed as part of a band, — Meguri chimed in, squeezing through the crowd clustered at the doors. — The concert was spectacular!
— Thank you, — the Troll smiled. — If I can persuade Shizuka-sensei, perhaps we can do it again.
— A brilliant idea! — Shiromeguri's eyes lit up. — We could even invite alumni from previous years through that...
Snowball, radiating displeasure with her entire being, shifted her gaze from her relative to the Student Council President. Noticing this, Haruno clapped her hands together.
— I'm sorry, little sister, I completely stopped paying attention to you! Come here! — and, ignoring the muffled protests, she squeezed her into a hug.
I wonder, does she treat her younger sister the same way at home, or is this purely because of the presence of outsiders—a kind of performance for the audience?
— Wow, she's a beauty, — Atsuko murmured quietly behind my back.
I snorted.
Can't argue with that. Especially against the backdrop of the usual school uniform, the elder Yukinoshita stood out particularly strongly. A purple blouse with open shoulders, tight white pants, and... yes, that was enough to keep the young guys' eyes glued to the newcomer.
— Don't stare; it's dangerous for your psyche.
— Huh? — Tanaka was surprised.
— Do you know how a Venus flytrap feeds? — I hinted, trying not to draw attention to myself, because the last thing I wanted right now was attention from the Troll. Let her torment Yukinoshita. Sorry... ah, actually, no, suffer for all of us. You're used to it.
— O-oh, — my deputy drawled, squinting this time. — So she's a dangerous woman.
— But that makes her even more alluring, — one of Atsuko's comrades joined our conversation, distracted from ruling out a piece of drawing paper.
— Yeah, like moths to a candle, — his female classmate sitting nearby grumbled and stated flatly: — They'll burn in the fire.
It seems the female part of the team perceived the appearance of a new female on the horizon with noticeable disapproval and apprehension.
— Sister, stop it! — Yukinoshita broke free from Haruno's grip, practically glaring at her relative. — You're interfering with the work process!
— More like, I'm giving your subordinates a chance to rest, — the girl clicked her tongue, surveying the room.
I covered my eyes with my palm, already sensing what would happen next.
— Hikigaya? You're here too? — Hearing the approaching click of heels, I mentally sent the gods my most flattering wishes, not changing my posture.
— Hi-ki-ga-ya, — judging by the scent of floral perfume that filled the air, she was standing right in front of my desk. — I see you!
I sighed and placed my hands on the table, finally accepting the cruel reality.
Well, not so cruel. She seems of average size, but if you compare her with Snowball's...
Ahem.
I raised my gaze, finally meeting Haruno's eyes.
— Hello? — She tilted her head.
— Hi, — I replied melancholically.
— And what brought you here? — The girl brazenly sat on the edge of the desk, pushing my notes aside, which forced me to lean back in my chair.
Atsuko nervously hiccuped, subtly moving further away.
The whispers from all sides were impossible to ignore now.
...Goodbye, my reputation; it was good while it lasted, but our paths diverge here.
— Would you believe me if I said I volunteered? — Okay, whatever happens, happens. The situation clearly won't get any worse.
— Hmm, — the elder Yukinoshita placed a finger on her lips, pondering. — You know... I actually would believe you!
Then, looking around conspiratorially, she leaned closer and loudly whispered:
— And how is it, do you like it? Or is my little sister burdening you with formal nonsense as usual? She's a demanding chairperson, wouldn't you agree?
I couldn't help a brief chuckle, but Snowball herself, who decided to join the conversation, didn't allow me to give a full answer.
— Actually, Vice-Chairperson, — she corrected her relative.
— Really? Then who is the Chairperson? — Haruno tilted her head.
— Sagami Minami from Hikigaya's class.
— And where is she?
— She'll be here soon; there are still ten minutes before the official meeting starts.
— So she's lounging around somewhere, and you're slaving away like a diligent little bee? Yukino, I'm so proud of you...
And once again, they plunged into a verbal sparring match, completely forgetting about those around them. Look at Shiromeguri; she's darting back and forth between them, completely flustered. Apparently, she had no idea what effect she would achieve by bringing Snowball's older sister here. Did she genuinely hope for something good?
However, I doubt anyone has any illusions left about what's happening now.
Propping my head up with my hand, I half-closed my eyes, waiting for them to get bored, since I had no desire to intervene and separate the two "lionesses."
I've had enough; I didn't sign up to be a peace judge.
Although there is one thing that needs to be resolved on the spot.
— Tanaka, — the guy straightened up at the address, tearing himself away from observing the scene unfolding before his eyes.
— Yes?
Twirling a pen in my fingers, I looked at him askance.
— I thought we were swamped with work. Or am I mistaken about something? — Atsuko smiled nervously, quickly pulling the poster layout toward himself.
— Sorry, Chief, — turning to his comrades, he slightly raised his voice: — We've rested enough! Sai, what's the status of the banner design?...
Making sure that the preparation process had resumed, I opened my notebook to the point where I had stopped last time, ignoring Haruno, who continued to sit on the desk.
Right, back to the routine. The main difficulty lies in the specific shortage of people; consequently, we need to find another ten or twenty people from the pool of volunteers.
That's a problem, because we have too few of these people, despite the large number of applicants. A substantial part of the human reserve is engaged in supplies, a little less in the "health" sector, and almost as many are running around on minor errands. In the end, free hands are few and far between.
Use someone from the main group?
Definitely not during work hours, and doing something like this late in the evening... No, that's too cruel to my subordinates. First, attend classes, then sweat in the Organizing Committee, and after all that, run around the city, sticking up posters and handing out brochures?
That sounds terrible. Adult life will have plenty of time to give them the invaluable experience of unpaid overtime.
Do it myself?...
— Hello everyone, sorry I'm late! — Sagami's exclamation pulled me out of my thoughts.
— Oh, you're the new Chairperson, — Haruno finally vacated the desk, hurrying toward the newcomers. — And Hayama-kun is with you? Hello, hello!
The Cap came here too?
I shot a quick glance in their direction. He really came, standing there with his usual smile, almost instantly surrounded by close female attention. And what are you doing here?
— Hayato-kun, what do you need? — Snowball voiced my question out loud.
The vice-captain of the soccer team laughed.
— I heard you have a shortage of volunteers, so I decided to participate, — the guy scratched the back of his head awkwardly, hearing many approving shouts.
— You said you were busy with your club? — Yukino continued to press, clearly agitated after the conversation with her sister.
— Well... — Hayato-kun hesitated slightly. — Let's just say, some matters were able to be postponed, which created some free time.
Time which you, without any hesitation, decided to spend participating in the festival, coming precisely at the moment when Haruno-san is in the room. Not a day earlier, not a day later—right now.
A remarkable coincidence, which can only be called divine providence.
Just don't forget to wag your tail, to complete the effect.
— You yourself said we have a shortage of people? What's with all the interrogation? — Minami intervened, handing the deputy a filled-out participant form. — Just accept him and that's it.
Snowball gave the Chairperson an inexplicable look and, pursing her lips, took the form, causing a satisfied smile from Sagami.
I have a distinct feeling that if Yukinoshita had initially met the Cap with open arms—impossible, of course, but still—Minami would have been disappointed.
— My little sister can sometimes be excessively meticulous about details; don't pay attention to it, — Haruno snorted. — In any case...
I tuned out again, exhaling loudly and covering my eyes with my palm.
Why can't they stage a circus somewhere else? Why draw so much attention to yourselves? What is the point of what's happening?
If you want to have a cheerful chat so badly, go somewhere else. With the exception of my group and the participants in the Finance Department, everyone else is staring intently at you, essentially sabotaging the work process. Enjoying a free show, you see.
An involuntary chuckle escaped my chest.
And yet, back in the spring, I would have gladly joined the viewing, regretting only the absence of popcorn. However, now a dull irritation is boiling inside me, with a growing desire to yell at them and kick them out of the room.
When did I change so much? Why am I even bothered by the current situation? Well, people are slacking off, doing nothing, so what? How does that concern me?
Am I worried about the possible failure of the festival?
No. More accurately, it would be a little upsetting because of the effort invested, but nothing more.
Then what? Is the noise and hum of voices getting to me?
No, that's not it either, otherwise, I would experience similar emotions every day in class.
— See, Yukino, your Chairperson knows the meaning of the word "fun," — Haruno laughed loudly, putting an arm around her sister's shoulders. She tried to break free, but in vain. — Look at everyone: you've literally worn them out! When I was head of the committee, we had the opportunity to both work and enjoy ourselves at our leisure, right, Meguri?
The Student Council President perked up.
— Huh? Yes, of course, I remember, — I wonder, did she agree purely on autopilot?
— Fine, I understand you, — Snowball sighed resignedly, apparently ready to agree to anything just to be left alone. — So, what do you suggest?
— Hmm, — the elder Yukinoshita tilted her head, looking at Minami for some reason. — I really don't kno-o-ow...
...My temples started throbbing again.
Sagami, blinking a couple of times, parted her lips as if she had realized something important.
— How about letting the committee members come and go at their convenience? — Another stab of pain made me wince, causing the meaning of what the Chairperson said to frustratingly slip away. — Like, we all have friends, and some cool class events related to the festival, so why not pay attention to them too? After all, our main goal is to fight boredom!
— Golden words! — Haruno clapped her hands, not letting Yukino intervene, and immediately turned to the Cap, who was standing at her right shoulder: — You like this suggestion too, Hayato-kun, don't you?
Closing my eyes, I pressed my fingers against my eyelids a couple of times, refusing to accept what I had heard as reality.
What are they even saying?
— Honestly, it sounds good, — the soccer player replied with noticeable uncertainty in his voice.
Yes, I didn't doubt you for a second.
— Meguri, your opinion? — Haruno was fully utilizing her position, quickly and precisely striking to secure the most crucial votes.
— Um... — Shiromeguri hesitated, looking away. — If, of course, you meet the deadlines, then...
— Perfect, you're "for" it too! — the Troll didn't let her finish, leaning toward Snowball. — See, little sister, everyone supports Sagami's decision. Are you going to be against it?
Stop. She won't withstand the pressure and will simply give up.
There are certain boundaries that shouldn't be crossed.
Yukino looked devastated. She glanced around the room and lowered her head.
Why is everyone around silent? Am I the only one who finds this idea insane?
— Since everyone agrees... — Yukinoshita began quietly.
I abruptly rose from my seat, causing the chair to scrape backward, drawing attention.
— Actually, as the head of the Publicity Department, I express a note of protest, — I loudly stated the first phrase that came to mind, mentally cursing myself for yet another impulsive action.
Think before acting?
Ha! Funny, funny...
— Huh? — Haruno tilted her head in surprise.
— Hikigaya, — Hayato-kun frowned.
Yukino looked at me with wide eyes, which showed disbelief and... relief?
Kami forbid, were you actually waiting for my intervention?
— I don't think your opinion carries any weight in this situation, — Minami snorted, feeling she had the advantage.
Sagami, I'm in a very bad mood right now, my head is throbbing, and an urge to rearrange someone's face is smoldering inside me.
It's getting difficult to restrain myself.
— Really? — I inquired in a low voice, pulling my lips into something resembling a smile. — It's funny to hear that coming from you.
The girl recoiled as if slapped, and her eyes narrowed in irritation.
— Hikigaya, calm down. What exactly don't you like? — The Cap stepped forward, shielding his classmate.
Right, now we can pretend that we're not blindly following the will of a certain person we know, but are instead acting as paragons of fairness and objectivity.
Bravo.
— Do you want me to list the points? — I raised an eyebrow.
Hayato-kun's smile faltered.
— If it's not too much trouble, — yet his tone remained friendly; clearly, he has plenty of experience.
— Fine, it's no trouble, — I spread my hands wide. — Let's start with the basics: what kind of "rest" can we talk about when the work has just begun? The bare minimum hasn't been accomplished, and you're already eager to run away. Next point: let's assume everyone agrees. What does "come and go at their convenience" mean? Solely based on our desire? For example, can I tell my subordinates, "Hey guys, take care of your own business this week?"
— You wouldn't do that, — Hayama countered.
I chuckled.
— You're right. However, can you say that about every person sitting here? If they decide to vanish for a few days, who will do their work? Us? — I made a sweeping gesture with my hand. — Who will take on the extra burden, and, most importantly, why? Because someone decided to "have fun"?
— Why exaggerate like that?! — Minami protested, peering out from behind the Cap's shoulder. — What's the point of the festival if you don't enjoy it?!
Haruno smiled mysteriously, casting a malicious glance my way.
You created chaos, and now you're enjoying the show?
— That's what we'll be enjoying, — Snowball, shaking off her stupor, came over to stand beside me. — Right now is just the preparation for it.
On one side, it was Yukino and me; on the other, Hayato-kun and Minami; and in the middle, Haruno and Meguri.
Plus, a crowd of spectators in the background, watching the "show" with wide eyes.
— But you should also enjoy the process, — the elder Yukinoshita placed a finger on her cheek. — If things continue like this, everyone will be squeezed dry like a lemon by the time the fun starts. Little sister, don't forget: just because you can work at this pace doesn't mean everyone else can keep up with you.
Despite our "ideological opposition," I was ready to subscribe to every word she said.
— Ah, maybe we shouldn't argue? — Shiromeguri clapped her hands and smiled. — Let's find a compromise!
After her words, everyone fell silent, not knowing what to say.
Well, more accurately, I had a relatively suitable option that, admittedly, wouldn't please everyone, so I preferred to observe calmly. I can always voice it in a pinch.
Moreover, it's simple: "Work hard, play hard." Have you completed the designated amount of work? You're free. I just need to nudge Snowball so she doesn't immediately pile on new tasks. Then people will have a conditional motivation.
The main thing is to do it in such a way that they don't realize that a weekly plan is only weekly because it's calculated very tightly, taking into account possible overtime.
I caught Haruno's gaze on me again. Realizing that I had noticed her, the girl winked at me.
This won't end well.
— By the way, Hikigaya-kun, can I call you by your first name? — My premonition was correct—her question was followed by an immediate reaction from two people: Yukinoshita and Hayato-kun.
With one slight difference: if Snowball was trying to burn a hole through her sister, the Cap was trying to burn one through me.
What a... Troll.
— When did we become so close? — Only after I said that phrase did I realize how much I had set myself up.
That damn migraine is to blame for everything.
— Did you already forget? — Haruno's smile widened even more. Of course, as if she would miss such a sweet opportunity. — When you invited me on a date.
If there weren't so many witnesses around, I would have thrown my head back and screamed something that perfectly described the situation.
However, what's done is done. I'll have to play with the hand I've been dealt.
— Honestly? It kinda slipped my mind, since so much time has passed since our last meeting, — Cap, don't grind your teeth; dentistry is expensive these days.
— Oh, I'm sorry, I was just waiting for the family psychotherapist we need to free up. Specialists of that level usually have incredibly packed schedules, — the elder Yukinoshita crossed her arms under her chest and pouted dramatically: — And if you missed me, you could have been the first to call or text; why else did I give you my number?
Haruno, do you have no pity for poor Hayama-kun at all? He's going to break out in red blotches now.
Of course, I'm exaggerating, but with every phrase the girl spoke, Hayato-kun's gaze became heavier, and his smile more strained.
— I prefer face-to-face communication, not remote, — a trivial answer, of course, but it fits the situation.
The elder Yukinoshita snorted and walked right up to me.
— I'll remember that... — she drawled and, leaning in, adjusted my tie: — Hachiman.
I felt her warm breath on my cheek.
— Haruno-san! — At that very moment, the soccer player's nerves snapped, and considering the setting, his outburst sounded especially loud.
The girl grinned contentedly and, looking sideways at Hayama-kun, asked in a sweet voice:
— Yes?
— Don't make a scene here, — the irritating smile finally vanished from the Cap's face.
— Ho-o-o? — the Troll drawled, as if implying, "Who are you to tell me that?"
— You're interfering with the committee's work! — the guy blurted out.
Oh. That was a mistake, as I managed to notice a predatory sparkle flash in Haruno's eyes after his words.
Fortunately, Yukino rushed to the Cap's aid, loudly commanding:
— That's enough! I remind everyone that the deadlines remain the same! — She briefly glanced at her sister, snorted, and quickly walked toward her seat. — I advise everyone to get back to work if you want time left for "fun"!
A moment later, chaos erupted in the room, as people suddenly began to feign intense activity, pretending they hadn't been eavesdropping the entire time.
In the ensuing noise, I missed the moment Minami disappeared.
Haruno, standing next to me, sighed in disappointment:
— Well, there goes that. I was just getting into the swing of things, — she looked at me. — Right? Right?
I, partially understanding her feelings but mostly relieved that the show with me in the leading role had ended, shrugged, returning to my seat.
— Even the most delicious dish becomes tiresome if you consume too much of it, — I drawled, leaning back.
— You have no idea how hungry I've been lately, — the girl wiped away an invisible tear, sitting down beside me. At my questioning look, the elder Yukinoshita smiled innocently.
Poor Cap. What did you ever see in her?...