Surprisingly, despite Haruno's presence, the rest of the meeting went smoothly. In the process, the girl even suggested several sensible options for attracting a potential audience, for which I was genuinely grateful.
Of course, the elder Yukinoshita's exemplary behavior could not completely smooth over the impression left by the chaos she had caused. Take Hayama-kun, for example, who, after a brief apology, left the meeting, citing urgent club business. Naturally, no one tried to stop him. Moreover, judging by the look the guy gave me before exiting the room, our relationship had entered a zone close to direct confrontation.
I wonder, was this the exact effect the Troll wanted to achieve by staging the scene with the mention of a date and the imitation of a kiss? I only realized the latter in retrospect, when I had cooled down a bit and imagined how it must have looked from the soccer player's perspective.
And the method she chose to pressure Snowball was quite peculiar. I don't know, was it perhaps too harsh? She publicly attacked Yukino's work, knowing that she was incapable of properly objecting, and simultaneously severely damaged her reputation. I don't even want to talk about the deterioration of her relationship with Minami.
In short, the whole thing is extremely strange and confusing.
— Are we wrapping up already? — Haruno lightly nudged me with her elbow, nodding toward the students who were gradually beginning to pack their things.
I glanced at the wall clock.
— Yeah, we usually finish up by five o'clock, unless unexpected problems arise.
— What a pity, — the girl smiled, rising to her feet. — Then I suppose I'll be going.
She looked at Snowball, who was sorting through a pile of documents alone. Ideally, Sagami should have been helping her with this, but the Chairperson never returned.
...Not that anyone noticed her absence.
Haruno snorted, walked over to her sister with a spring in her step, and said something to her—I couldn't quite make out the words—but judging by Yukino's reaction, frowning for a second before sighing, it wasn't anything serious.
— Alrighty, good luck everyone! — Having finished her conversation with her relative, the Troll loudly said goodbye to everyone and, her heels clicking, left the room.
Sometimes I envy her skill at turning everything to her advantage, as I didn't notice any negativity toward Yukino's older sister from anyone in the conference room.
If only I could do that...
But dreams are just dreams—they rarely come true.
With that thought, I also got up from my chair, unceremoniously sweeping my belongings into the depths of my bag and slinging it over my shoulder.
— Going to walk your girlfriend out, Chief? — If the current circumstances were different, I might have taken Atsuko's question as sarcasm or an attempt to needle me. However, the genuine interest in his voice suggested the guy was asking quite seriously.
— Something like that, — I smiled faintly. — Don't you guys stay too late; they don't pay extra for overtime here.
Tanaka-kun snorted.
— Don't worry, we'll finish up the last layout now and head out.
Nodding in approval, I glanced at Yukino. Should I approach her or not?
The question resolved itself, as the girl looked up from the documents at that very moment and, as if on cue, looked my way. Consequently, I had no choice but to wave.
Yukinoshita tentatively raised her hand in response and swayed it a couple of times in the air, then, as if realizing her actions, she straightened up, cleared her throat into her fist, and began rapidly typing something on her laptop keyboard.
At least she wasn't offended, which is already a good sign.
In any case, my deputy had inadvertently hit the nail on the head.
I definitely needed to walk my "girlfriend" out, and, at the same time, ask her a few important questions.
***
I managed to catch up with the elder Yukinoshita near the school gate. The girl was standing on the sidewalk, looking at her phone, her brows slightly furrowed. Hearing my footsteps, she put her cell phone into her purse.
— Has something happened, Hachiman? — Her voice was much calmer when there were no witnesses around.
— Not exactly, — I approached her and looked around. No familiar car was in sight, which left a chance to continue the conversation. — Haruno-san, would you mind if I accompanied you?
— A practice date? — the girl raised an eyebrow, not concealing her teasing.
— As long as you're willing to answer a couple of my questions, you can consider it whatever you like.
— Oh? — Interest sparked in her eyes. — Be careful with offers like that; some girls might use them for selfish purposes.
— I trust you, — I managed to keep a straight face with difficulty.
Snowball's sister looked intently into my eyes, leaning forward slightly. After a couple of seconds, she snorted loudly and shook her head.
— Alright, let's go, — and she was the first to move up the sidewalk.
— Where to? — Catching up to her, I matched her stride.
— Does it really matter? — Haruno asked mockingly, but seeing my frown, she clarified: — To the station. It's been a while since I used public transport.
I mentally estimated the distance. By the roughest estimate, we would have about fifteen minutes for a conversation, which was more than enough.
— So, — stopping at the first traffic light, Yukinoshita adjusted a stray lock of hair. — What are your questions? I'll tell you right now, I don't like to rush anywhere.
I understood the hint. If I brought up an uncomfortable topic, I would quickly be "left to wait for another train."
However, I wasn't planning on delving too deep anyway, as I likely wouldn't get a full answer to hypothetical questions like, "Why were you cruel to Yukino?" or "What did Hayato-kun do to you?"
It's not that level of relationship, even if it might seem otherwise from the outside.
Consequently, I should stick to general questions but, at the same time, indirectly touch upon the topics I need.
It's not an easy task, so let's start small.
— Did you really end up here by chance?
— Do you think it was part of my brilliant plan to play a trick on my little sister? Thank you, but you overestimate me. I was just strolling downtown and accidentally ran into Meguri. And from there, you know, — she smiled maliciously: — When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
— A trick? — I couldn't resist clarifying, because from my point of view, her actions looked more like a systematic attempt to crush Snowball.
— Of course, — Haruno replied carelessly, waving her hand at someone familiar on the opposite side. — Speaking of which...
The girl slowed her pace slightly, glancing at me sideways.
— Why didn't Yukino become the Chairperson? Shiromeguri didn't mention it in the conversation, so I assumed my little sister had resolutely taken everything into her own hands. Besides, based on my first impression, that's exactly what happened. But... Vice-Chairperson?
Yukinoshita let out a short chuckle, shaking her head.
— It's even a little disappointing, — by the end, I managed to note a clear sadness in her tone.
Interesting.
— Well, I haven't gotten inside her head, so I can't vouch for the truth, — I paused briefly, finalizing a suitable answer in my mind. — But there are two options here: either she was afraid of the responsibility, or she simply didn't want to.
I wisely refrained from adding "...to follow in your footsteps." I doubt Haruno is unaware of the real reasons, so she's likely pursuing another goal with her question, subtly shifting the conversation away from a potentially uncomfortable topic.
— Either way, — I added, managing to step aside to avoid colliding with a joyfully barking dog that a young girl was chasing with screams: — I think her current position suits her perfectly.
— Really? — Yukinoshita smirked, watching the amusing pair pass by. — And why do you think so?
I can't shake the feeling that I'm slowly losing the initiative in the dialogue, which is why questions are being asked to me, even though it should have been the other way around initially.
I need to somehow regain control, but my partner is an experienced "predator"; ordinary methods won't work here.
Right, she's waiting for my line...
— Yukino has one peculiar trait that often serves as the source of all her problems when interacting with others, — I sighed, putting my hands in my pockets. — She constantly evaluates situations and people through the prism of, let's say, her own "superiority." It's like... she doesn't want to, or, more accurately, can't put herself in the other person's shoes.
Haruno snorted loudly and laughed softly.
— Hachiman, the longer I talk to you, the more convinced I become that you're capable of holding my interest.
— Did I hit the mark?
The girl smiled, moving closer to me, walking almost shoulder-to-shoulder.
— Absolutely. After all, that's exactly what I'm trying to fight, — Yukinoshita watched a line of cars rush past with loud honks. The expression on her face darkened. — My little sister, possessing a sharp mind and insight, manages to overlook the most obvious things.
Huh? So...
— You chose an amusing method, — I would say dangerous, because even in case of success, the long-term consequences are difficult to predict.
It could end sadly.
— Do you think I should act differently? — Haruno looked at me with an unreadable expression, continuing to smile, which gave rise to a strange feeling of discomfort inside me.
— That's up to you to decide, — I shrugged. — Only time will tell whether the path you chose is right or wrong. It's better than passively observing from the sidelines.
— Personal experience?
I lifted the corners of my lips, letting out a short chuckle.
— Exactly that, — at least, that's how I spent most of my school life: watching other people's joys and worries from afar and deliberately refusing to intervene.
Speaking of which, it's time to change the topic, because, frankly, I'm already tired of discussing Snowball and her problems, and time is limited.
— While I remember, — it was my turn to look sideways at my companion. — Do you have any suggestions on how I can avoid unnecessary confrontations with Hayato-kun?
Ideally, such a request would be appropriate now, rather than at the very beginning of the conversation.
Yukinoshita froze, raised her eyebrows in surprise, and then burst out laughing, clutching her stomach.
— Oh, do you really think he'll do something to you? — Realizing herself, she hurried to cross the street under the mournful beeping of the pedestrian traffic light.
— People tend to do stupid things in a fit of emotion, — I didn't hide the truth.
It's not that I was really afraid of a confrontation with the Cap. I just didn't want to waste nerves and time on such a useless activity. Whatever picture the soccer player had painted in his head, I'm sure it would be fundamentally wrong.
— Relax, Hayama-kun is so harmless he makes you yawn, — the girl lightly nudged me with her elbow. — You should enjoy what's happening instead: such a prominent young man is intensely jealous because of you. It's a perfect opportunity for a quality "snack."
— Yeah, tell that to his rabid fangirls, — I winced, recalling a couple of unpleasant moments related to that. — And besides, I generally try to avoid any conflicts.
— Is that so, — Haruno drawled. — That's a shame; sometimes they manage to bring variety into life.
I couldn't help but snort.
— Unfortunately, I'm extremely picky.
— I see, — the girl fell silent, closing her eyes for a couple of moments, and then smiled carelessly again. — It looks like our "walk" has come to an end?
Only by following her gaze did I realize that we had reached the station.
— Time flies when you're having a pleasant conversation, doesn't it? — Yukinoshita continued.
— I can't disagree, — I replied, putting my hands back in my pockets. — Have a good trip?
A chuckle came from the girl.
— Definitely. Thanks for walking me, — turning around, she began to ascend the stairs.
Stopping on the top step, Haruno turned slightly.
— And yes, Hachiman. Don't forget about the promised date, — after which, winking playfully, she disappeared through the doors.
Scratching the back of my head, I sighed.
On one hand, I managed to talk, but on the other—I didn't learn anything fundamentally new, just burdened my head unnecessarily.
Snowball, Cap, Haruno, the Organizing Committee, other people's problems and worries—why do I constantly stick my nose into things?
Ah, to hell with it all; I've had enough thinking for today.
And besides, I want to eat something fatty and unhealthy.
Hmm...
I wonder if Komachi would agree to have hamburgers for dinner?
Haven't had them in ages...
***
— Finally, peace and quiet, — Hiratsuka-sensei collapsed into her favorite armchair and, without the slightest bit of embarrassment, kicked her shoes onto the floor, giving her tired feet a well-deserved rest.
Pulling out an opened pack of cigarettes, the teacher hooked one with her teeth and paused, realizing something was missing, after which she began patting her pockets in search of a lighter. Finding it, Shizuka-sensei flicked the flint a few times, and only when the pungent taste of tobacco filled her mouth did she allow herself to completely relax.
— What a dreadful day, — exhaling a puff of grayish-blue smoke that swirled up toward the ceiling of the teachers' lounge, the woman tilted her head back, massaging the bridge of her nose with her free hand.
Not only had she managed to forget the materials prepared for the lesson at home, causing her to be late for class, but an unexpected inspection had also arrived at school precisely today. She hadn't even had a chance to smoke, and it hurt to even recall the missed lunch—and to make matters worse, she hadn't had time for breakfast. It was as if everyone had conspired to make her life miserable!
But it was fine; the workday would soon come to an end; she would do a quick round, just for formality's sake, and then she could hobble home, where several cans of chilled light beer awaited her in the refrigerator, and an unwatched season of a fresh shonen anime rested on the shelf.
She would just sit for a little longer...
A knock on the door a second after the thought caused Hiratsuka-sensei to have a nervous tic. No, they were definitely conspiring.
— Yes, yes, come in, don't be shy, — flicking the ash, Shizuka-sensei glanced at her shoes, which, in theory, she could put on for propriety, but after thinking it over, she abandoned the idea.
Her colleagues had already left long ago, the security guard would arrive in an hour, so the future visitor was most likely a student. It was fine; they would survive the sight of her unshod feet—especially since the thick tights perfectly concealed any flaws, which, of course, she didn't have!
Hearing the creak, the teacher slowly turned her head, ready to greet the guest with her usual phrase, but seeing who it was, she changed her mind:
— Yukinoshita? — She couldn't hide the surprise in her voice.
— Good evening, Sensei, — Yukino politely inclined her head, entering the room and closing the door behind her. Calmy assessing Shizuka-sensei's appearance, the girl continued with barely noticeable doubt: — I hope I haven't disturbed you too much.
— And why are you so polite today? Did you get out of bed on the wrong side? — Hiratsuka-sensei, recovering from her brief bewilderment, relaxed.
— So, when speaking with you, I can omit the elements of a polite conversation between teacher and student? — the girl raised an eyebrow, walking closer and sitting down on the small couch intended for visitors.
— Just don't start impersonating Hikigaya-kun, — Shizuka-sensei winced, simultaneously noting how the student barely flinched at the mention of her protégé's name. — I've just gotten out of the habit of constantly bickering with him. In any case, did you come with a request, or do you just miss me?
Yukinoshita gave the teacher an annoyed look, but the latter merely smirked contentedly, taking a drag while waiting for an answer.
— A request, — the girl surrendered. Placing her hands on her knees, she exhaled: — I... I want to talk to you.
Hiratsuka-sensei raised an eyebrow, stubbing out her cigarette in the ashtray.
— Well now, and about what? — The longer she looked at the student, the more convinced she became that something was clearly wrong with her. Usually, she preferred to maintain eye contact with her conversational partner, but now she was trying to minimize it, constantly looking away. Her shoulders were hunched, her bangs were messy, and her lips were reddened from frequent biting. These external signs alone were enough to draw an obvious conclusion.
Yukino Yukinoshita was nervous. And she was so nervous that she couldn't hide it.
After a dozen seconds of agonizing silence, the girl quietly uttered, looking somewhere at the floor:
— Tell me, am I overly rigid with others?
Shizuka-sensei blinked a couple of times, mentally processing the question she had heard, and automatically reached for a second cigarette.
— Where did you get such an idea? — the woman couldn't help but inquire, flicking the lighter.
The girl turned her head, looking out the window at the sky painted by the sunset. She wasn't rushing her answer, and the sensei wasn't rushing to get it, patiently waiting for her protégé to collect herself.
— It's hard not to notice, — Yukino chuckled softly. — When everyone tries to rub your nose in it.
For some reason, at that very moment, Yukinoshita remembered Hachiman's tired and disappointed gaze directed at her one evening.
— Then what do you want to hear from me? — Hiratsuka-sensei propped her head up with her hand, perfectly understanding that her words might sound like utter nonsense.
— I don't know, — an incomprehensible smile appeared on the student's lips. — Just to be reassured of their correctness one more time?
— And what if I tell you that they are all wrong? — the teacher sighed, blowing a smoke ring that slowly evaporated into the air.
— There's no point in clinging to a lifebuoy in the center of a whirlpool, — Yukinoshita shook her head and, for the first time during the conversation, met the advisor's gaze. — Hiratsuka-sensei, could you tell me how to deal with this?
— Deal with what exactly? — Shizuka-sensei crossed her legs.
Silence briefly reigned in the room, broken only by the quiet ticking of the clock.
— How do I cope with my own rigidity and prejudice?
The woman raised the corners of her lips in a satisfied smile.
The most important thing in such situations is to make the person openly state their own problem, without embellishment. Yes, of course, Yukino had initially mentioned it, but she did so as if relaying someone else's words, which wasn't quite right.
— Well, the first step, one of the most difficult, you have already taken, — Hiratsuka-sensei encouraged the student. — Now it's just a matter of the small things.
— And what would that be? — Yukinoshita tensed up.
Hiratsuka-sensei sat up more comfortably and firmly crushed the cigarette butt into the ashtray.
— Consistent, long, and arduous self-improvement, of course!
— Do you consider that "small things"? — the girl didn't hide the sarcasm in her voice.
— In a sense, — Shizuka-sensei smirked. — And before we begin, do you have any other questions?
The woman asked automatically, yielding to habit, and expected a negative answer, however, when Yukino hesitated, she was surprised for the second time in a short period.
— Actually... I do, — the student cleared her throat, lowering her head and clasping her fingers. — Sensei, by any chance, do you know how to mend a relationship with a person who clearly dislikes you?
— Is it a girl or a guy? — the advisor immediately narrowed her eyes.
— ...A girl, — Yukinoshita confirmed her apprehension.
Hiratsuka-sensei exhaled loudly and looked at her wristwatch.
It seems the cold beer and pre-sleep anime are canceled...