That evening, upon returning home, I did the first thing my soul demanded, which was to collapse into a hot bath, allowing my exhausted body to know a feeling of pleasure and relaxation. Immersing my head in the enveloping sensation of pleasant languor, I tilted my head back, letting out a long and drawn-out groan. Finally, I had the opportunity to disconnect from all my thoughts and worries.
It's a pity that, after about ten minutes, I involuntarily started replaying the events of the past few days in my head again.
How do people even cope with all the hustle and bustle that accompanies various events and activities? After all, such a load doesn't pass without a trace, leaving a mark on one's physical and, most importantly, mental health. I felt like I had aged a good five years over the last few days.
However—no matter where you look—there are people who can find enjoyment in the chaos that's unfolding. A kind of enjoyment that is wrong, just a little bit warped. But am I one to talk about this, considering that I myself am susceptible to peculiar masochistic tendencies, as my early attempts to make Hiratsuka-sensei angry, or, I don't know, to evoke an emotional reaction from her, cannot be called otherwise.
Speaking of the sensei. I wonder if she sees what's happening with us? The group is slowly falling apart because of the Chairperson and her deputy, who have escalated to confrontation. Isn't it time for her to step forward and voice her strong opinion, while simultaneously putting her existing power and authority to use? Or is she planning to stand aside and observe again, motivating her decision with a desire to instill a sense of responsibility and independence in us?
Though, recalling the problem with Tsurumi Rumi, Shizuka-sensei is not averse to this method. On one hand, of course, I understand; after all, it can be called a conditional pedagogical process within a social group, but on the other hand—as a direct participant in the whole affair, I get the feeling that the woman is simply shirking her duties.
Stretching, I achieved a barely audible crack of my vertebrae. Grunting contentedly, I grabbed the edges of the tub and, splashing water generously, climbed out. Only to instantly shiver from the cool gust of air that broke through the tiny, half-open window near the ceiling.
Well, whatever the reality, judging Hiratsuka-sensei's actions without knowing the full picture is a foolish idea. I should try to catch her for a private conversation, but the question of legitimacy arises and... the necessity, primarily for myself. Do I need to wade even deeper into the cesspool called the "Festival"?...
— Big Brother, food has arrived, come downstairs! Or did you fall asleep again? — Ha, she remembers those times when I managed to pass out in the hot water.
— I'm coming! Don't you dare start without me! — I yelled back, quickly drying my head—thankfully, due to my short hair, this process took much less time than before.
— I can't promise anything. The nuggets are looking too tempting! — Damn her, she knows I'm crazy about them.
Quickly slipping on a faded home T-shirt and shorts, I hurried downstairs, as Komachi's threats were not unfounded. The last time I ignored a warning, I ended up losing the lion's share of my French fries.
— You made it... — Komachi said with feigned disappointment in her voice, having managed, in my absence, to spread everything out on the coffee table, which we often used instead of a dining table. — I thought you'd be stuck in the bath for half an hour, as usual.
Slumping onto the floor and crossing my legs, I grabbed the first burger I saw—it was hot, for which I was grateful to the speedy delivery guy—and immediately bit into it. Chewing, I gulped down a strong cup of tea and barely restrained a satisfied growl.
— I don't understand, are you bossing people around or carrying desks? — the girl snorted, watching me with a laugh.
I let out a loud exhale and accurately tossed the empty box into the delivery bag.
— You know, I'm increasingly convinced that I'd prefer the latter, — having satisfied my initial hunger, I took my time selecting the next item.
— Are they working you that hard? — Komachi asked sympathetically.
— Yep, — I dipped a nugget into some unknown sauce. — Sometimes only willpower saves me from crudely telling everyone around me to get lost.
— Hang in there! — Stretching out her hand, my little sister patted my palm. — Think of the invaluable experience, though!
Looking at her cheerful smile, I sighed, shaking my head.
Experience is one thing, but denying the fact that it's becoming increasingly difficult to control the mounting irritation is pointless. There's too much socializing, too many people, and too much noise, and because I'm not used to it, I feel an awful discomfort. The only thing that partially smooths over the disadvantages is that the festival preparation will soon end, and with it, my problems.
— Next year, I'm getting sick during this period, — I muttered, propping my head up with my fist.
— You'll have exams; it'll look bad, — my darling shrugged.
— I'll survive. At least my nerves will be intact, — I reached forward and wiped ketchup off the girl's cheek with my thumb.
— Hey! — she pouted playfully, hiding her embarrassment.
Wait, what? I hadn't noticed that reaction before.
...Did I miss the period when she developed the prerequisites for a future teenage rebellion? Oh, no, my heart can't take it!
— By the way, — Komachi suddenly frowned. — You really look worn out; you're pale, and you have circles under your eyes.
— Really? — I chuckled. — Not surprising, considering I've messed up my routine because of all the surrounding fuss. Plus, due to the tension, I can't swallow a bite at school.
— Is that so? — My little sister tapped her fingers on the chair and shifted her gaze to the refrigerator. — Then maybe I should put things in your bento that are easier to digest? Something light...
She squinted, apparently mentally calculating my future diet.
— Don't stress too much about it, — I smiled wearily, pushing the unfinished French fries away from me. I was immediately stared at with shock in her eyes.
— Big Brother, don't scare me, — the schoolgirl was horrified. — You've never left even a crumb!
— I'm full, — I really did feel full, even though I had eaten about half of my standard portion.
Exhaling, I somehow crawled onto the sofa and sprawled out on it exhaustedly, clouded by the slow-creeping drowsiness that often follows a heavy lunch or dinner. Deciding not to resist, I covered my eyes with the inside of my elbow.
A clicking sound came from Komachi. Hearing approaching footsteps out of the corner of my ear, I initially paid them no mind. However, I changed my opinion when I suddenly felt weight on me.
— What are you doing? — I slightly moved my forearm, looking through the gap at the schoolgirl who had decided to use me as a pillow.
— Thinking, — Komachi replied vaguely, folding her hands on my chest and resting her chin on them.
— About what? — I automatically stroked her slightly damp hair with my free hand.
— Haven't decided yet, — my little sister smiled, closing her eyes. — By the way, how was your day? Did anything interesting happen?
— Well... — I paused, considering whether to dump all my worries or stick to general details.
Overall, there's no reason to hide something like this from a close person, but I'll probably keep some things to myself. No need to give her extra cause for concern.
The story took a little over fifteen minutes, and I condensed some events into short sentences. Throughout, the girl didn't say a word, only occasionally humming or squinting. When I finished, gratefully drinking from the cup she handed me, Komachi finally decided to deliver her verdict.
She sat up, pushed my hand away, and lightly head-butted my forehead, grumbling:
— Idiot, — and, pulling back, returned to her previous position.
— Why? — I raised an eyebrow.
She stared at me with a heavy gaze.
— Big Brother, don't you want to start thinking about yourself rather than others?
— Um-m? — I was genuinely surprised. — Actually, selfishness is one of my most important personality traits.
— Really? — Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. — It looks more like the exact opposite. So, you're contradicting yourself? It's just...
Komachi clicked her tongue again, having finally picked up that bad habit from me.
— Why do you keep trying to fix other people's mistakes, time and again? Every time, I get the feeling, how to describe it... — She paused, frowning. — Oh, right. Remember when you helped me with my homework?
— Of course, — I let out a short chuckle. — You were in second grade of junior high and constantly messed up math. I was literally doing the assignments for you.
— Exactly! — My little sister raised a finger. — Doesn't that remind you of something? You're doing the exact same thing with Yukinoshita-san.
I froze, turning her words over in my head.
In principle, the analogy fits, as my actions could be interpreted as a "disservice." Because despite providing help, and often completely solving problems for Yukino, the girl hasn't really learned anything, as if mindlessly accepting my actions as something she's entitled to.
But one shouldn't forget the different circumstances. I'm not Snowball's mother, nor is she a child, even if she sometimes acts childishly. Although, the latter is offset by the fact that we're still high school students.
— I see, — I patted Komachi on the head again. — Especially since, at the moment, I'm just observing what's happening and leaving everything to Yukinoshita-san to manage.
— Are you sure? — she narrowed her eyes.
— Absolutely sure, — I tried to sound as convincing as possible. — Besides, it wouldn't work out to do anything anyway.
— Then just forget about it, — my little sister nodded contentedly. — Yukinon and Sagami will somehow sort things out between themselves without your interference.
— Where does this confidence come from?
— Female intuition! — the schoolgirl stated importantly.
Look at us, talking now...
— You're fourteen, — I chuckled.
— That doesn't change the fact. I just feel it. So relax and focus on your own business, and don't pay attention to their squabbles, got it? — For emphasis, she shook her finger at me.
I laughed, tossing my arm behind my head.
— It can't be otherwise.
— Good boy, — Komachi beamed with joy and, pulling herself up, kissed me on the cheek, then smiled slyly: — Now, focus on how you're going to entertain me at the festival!
— Are you coming? — I hugged my little sister around the waist, making her practically lie on top of me. She doesn't weigh much, so the discomfort is minimal.
— Huh?! — My darling's eyes flashed. — Who do you take me for? How could I possibly miss such an event, especially when you've already put so much effort and time into it!
— Just kidding, just kidding, — I chuckled briefly and closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth of a loved one.
Truly, let everything run its course.
***
A week later, I was convinced of two things.
Firstly, Komachi's intuition hadn't failed.
Secondly, and this is encouraging, the world doesn't revolve around me.
— So, the topic of today's meeting: choosing the future festival motto! — Yukinoshita announced loudly, rising from her seat and scrutinizing everyone with a heavy gaze.
Minami, sitting next to her, closed her eyes for a second and added:
— We understand that this is usually postponed until the week before the start, however, given the current circumstances... — the girl stumbled and glanced down at a piece of paper lying next to her. — We need to make the most of our free time to leave more opportunities for fun!
The strained silence that followed Snowball's words was replaced by an approving murmur. The people clearly liked the idea that had been voiced, and logically, it was the Chairperson who caused the greatest excitement. Though, there's nothing surprising here. Next to Yukino, my classmate looks like a paladin in shining armor.
— I propose that everyone fills out a form, — the deputy stepped forward again, and simultaneously with her line, Student Council helpers scurried between the desks, quickly handing out small sheets of paper to everyone. — The main requirements: the slogan must be one or two sentences, contain no offensive language, and relate to Chiba! Any attempts to deviate from the rules are forbidden!
— Let's make every element of the upcoming festival memorable in people's hearts and ours! As motivation: the participant who comes up with the best motto will receive a small prize! — Minami smiled, just a little strained, which almost no one noticed, as all those present were already actively discussing possible options.
I wonder who suggested this move? Honestly, it strongly resembles the classic "good cop, bad cop" routine from the outside. Simple, but with taste.
And yet, I doubt that Yukino or Sagami came up with the idea of giving an award to the most distinguished person themselves. Snowball is overly rational and often thinks in logical categories, and Minami is self-absorbed and focused on her immediate circle, which also leaves a definite impression.
I glanced at Meguri and Hiratsuka-sensei, who were quietly talking about something in the corner. Hmm...
The initiator is clearly one of them. Most likely, Shiromeguri, as Shizuka-sensei prefers to add a competitive element. She would probably have advised the Chairperson or her deputy to hold a conditional contest without a clear reward, purely for the sake of the excitement.
But isn't that essentially what this is?...
— Chief, are you going to participate? — Atsuko nodded toward the blank form that I was tapping with the back of my pen while reflecting.
— I don't know, — I looked at the answer area. — I probably should; I am the head of the Publicity Department, after all. The position demands it. And you shouldn't slack off either; we need to defend our honor.
Ideally, I should have added some bright emotions to my voice or shifted the emphasis to ignite the fire of competition in my subordinates, had I not been such a layman in these matters.
— Understood, — Tanaka-kun looked serious. — We'll put in our best effort!
I hope they don't overdo it.
In any case, coming up with a catchy slogan is the least of my concerns. Something else is much more important: when did Yukinoshita-san and Sagami-san manage to patch up their relationship, however minimally?
If I recall correctly, just a couple of days ago, the girls couldn't stand each other's presence, and now they're sitting and communicating, albeit with a noticeable coolness. Outside intervention?
My gaze fell on the sensei again.
It's entirely within her power, but one important nuance cannot be overlooked: Shizuka-sensei is unlikely to take the initiative in the current circumstances. And not because she is lazy or negligent about her duties, but because of her peculiar teaching methodology. Therefore, for her to start acting, a request is needed from one of the participants in the "conflict."
Yukinoshita-san or Minami-san? Or did Shiromeguri-san use some leverage?
Hmm...
On the other hand, is there any point in delving into the motives and reasons for the changes that have occurred? If their relationship miraculously improved, it would be better to accept it without unnecessary analysis.
In addition, I promised Komachi to stop paying attention to the squabbles between the girls and concentrate on my own problems.
For example, moving the task of creating a beautiful and striking motto to the top of the list.
"Chiba Festival - a place where you can soothe your mind and body"?
No, that's more suitable for a funeral home advertisement.
"Forget everything and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Chiba"?
Hedonism left the top of the popular charts long ago.
"Chiba Festival - let your most secret desires become reality"?
Vulgar and indecent; it won't receive public approval.
In general, if I try to imagine for a second, what words should awaken a desire in a potential customer to visit our event?
Japan is a country of corporations, offices, and hellish overtime. Therefore, there must be a hint of freedom, which the adult population so strongly craves. At the same time, there is a clear division and stratification in society, so it is imperative to mention "unity."
What attracts modern youth the most? Beautiful musical performances, interspersed with beautiful choreography. Dancing? Songs?
Also, a vivid visual and novelty of images, sometimes reaching the point of outright nonsense. It's no wonder our advertising is considered almost the strangest in the world.
Something related to a masquerade was present—I definitely saw a few outright crazy ideas from the classes. And the city is close to the sea, which should also be taken into account, playing on the feelings of the most impressionable citizens.
This yields the following set of conditions: freedom, unity, dancing, songs, a pinch of madness, and Chiba.
Exhaling, I leaned back in my chair, tapping the fingers of one hand against the elbow of the other.
Wait, what if...
Smirking, I filled out the form and placed it on the edge of the table. It turned out so-so, of course, but no one would dare to say that I just dashed something off.
Ten minutes later, the assistants who had previously handed out the sheets collected them back and stacked them in front of Yukinoshita-san and Sagami-san. The girls, without much thought, split the forms into two roughly equal parts and began quickly sorting through them, discarding the most unsuccessful ideas or those that violated the rules.
— What did you write? — Atsuko quietly inquired, having succumbed to the general atmosphere, as all participants began discussing slogans while waiting.
— Trade secret, — I chuckled, seeing disappointment in my deputy's eyes.
What's the point of telling them if everyone will find out sooner or later? Sometimes, to maintain the excitement, it's important to keep some semblance of intrigue.
In any case, selecting the potential winners didn't take long.
— So, — Sagami-san cleared her throat, awkwardly rising from her seat and avoiding looking toward those present. Apparently, the adaptation process is underway but still far from complete. — We have reviewed your proposals and are ready to name five contenders. The final verdict will depend purely on you! Attention, listen and evaluate. First participant: "The Festival is a place where everyone helps each other." Second: "Fun and joy—that's what the Chiba Festival is all about." Third: "Chiba is famous for festivals and dancing. If we're Chiba-nuts, then let's sing and dance!"
She paused, catching her breath.
— Quiet! — Yukino commanded, displeased with the ruckus that had erupted among the members of the Organizing Committee. Having achieved relative calm, Snowball addressed the girl quite politely: — Chairperson, please continue.
It looks funny from the outside. Her manner of behavior creates a slight dissonance, again allowing Minami-san to appear in a more favorable light.
— Thank you. The fourth participant suggested: "Soar above the gray world and spread your wings in a joyful dance! Chiba Festival!" — The growing noise was suppressed once more by a single glance from Yukinoshita-san. — And the final contender for the win: "What is Chiba? Freedom, unity, music, and a pinch of madness!"
Ugh, it sounded much better in my head.
— I hope you've all memorized them, because now we need to determine the best slogan. Raise your hands if you vote for the first option...
I yawned, covering my mouth.
In principle, the third one sounds decent, but the word "Chiba-nuts" bothers me. I don't like neologisms. I'm obviously discarding my own motto, as objectivity is absent, and the others passed me by, not interesting me in the slightest. So, I guess I'm voting for the "Chiba-nuts."
Everyone else gathered thought the same way, at least the votes were sufficient.
As they were for my option, which surprised me quite a bit.
— Hmm, we have a contentious situation. I see you like both the third and the fifth versions. What should we do? — Sagami-san addressed the question to Yukinoshita-san.
Snowball pondered, for some reason casting an inexplicable look in my direction, then sighed:
— I think if we remove or replace the word "Chiba-nuts," the third option is unquestionably better.
— I agree, — Minami-san nodded. — It makes you immediately want to do something. Sing and dance, for example!
I hadn't thought of that, actually. I should have added an imperative for action, some kind of call.
— But then the meaning of the slogan will be partially lost! — The head of the Finance Department stood up... Really? Did you come up with that?
Judging by the shocked look on Atsuko-kun and my subordinates' faces, they also hadn't expected this from the usually strict and meticulous guy.
— Are you sure you can't rephrase it? — Yukino-san frowned.
— Ahem, just a second... — the financier tapped his finger on his chin. — "Chiba is famous for festivals and dancing. So let's sing and dance in praise of youth!"
I barely managed to restrain the urge to crawl under the desk and howl like a little girl.
What are you thinking? Couldn't you have come up with something worse?...
— Yes, that's a wonderful option! — Sagami-san, don't you dare!
— It's quite catchy, — Snowball... you were like a brother to me!...
— It's decided! — Minami-san smiled broadly. — Our new slogan is: "Chiba is famous for festivals and dancing. So let's sing and dance in praise of youth!"
Enough.
Enough!
I beg you!
Unable to cope with the surge of emotions, I buried my face in my hands.
— Chief, don't be upset; I voted for you, — Tanaka-kun patted me on the shoulder.
— Thank you; I appreciate your support, — I ground out through clenched teeth.
Youth, damn it...
***
— We will always be together...
As Hayato-kun's words faded, Ebina-san leaped to her feet, actively wiping the blood flowing from her nose.
— Excellent! Masterful! Only... — my classmate squinted, adjusting her slipping glasses: — It's missing a passionate kiss at the end!
Unable to endure the scene her vivid imagination painted, she let out a short squeal and settled back onto the chair, fanning herself with the script.
Judging by the reaction of those around her, or rather, the lack thereof, I drew one simple conclusion: everyone had already become accustomed to Hina's extravagant behavior and stopped paying attention.
— We'll manage without such refinements, — Yumiko-san snorted, standing next to Kawasaki-san, who was actively sewing something on the sewing machine. — Don't forget that our genre doesn't allow for it.
— Well, a kiss isn't exactly too age-restricted, — Yuigahama-san said sheepishly. The girl, sticking out her tongue, was actively drawing a poster meant to advertise the upcoming play. Tobe-kun and another guy from the Cap's group were actively helping her, but it seemed like they were hindering more than helping.
— I agree with Yumiko-san, — Totsuka-kun adjusted his wrinkled shirt. — The current events are quite enough.
— Hayato-kun, you won't leave me, will you? — Realizing that no one was going to support her brilliant idea, Ebina-san looked at the soccer player pitifully.
Hayama-kun smiled awkwardly.
— I'm sorry, Hina.
The director rolled her eyes and spat unconvincingly, muttering something like "amateurs," and turned to me.
— Hikigaya-kun, as the sole audience member, how do you rate the play on a scale of one to ten?
It was vulgar, indecent, and had an aura of something so...
— The girls will like it, — I replied.
— And that's all that matters! — Ebina-san chuckled. — So, why are we standing around, who are we waiting for? Do we need to repeat the scene with the Fox again? Fox?! Where is the Fox?! Bring him here right now!
I shook my head, bewildered. It's immediately obvious—the person is literally blazing with enthusiasm. I'm even a little envious.
— Hachiman! — Saika-kun, noticing my presence, smiled happily and waved.
Before I could even react, Hayato-kun unexpectedly pulled Totsuka-kun close.
— Ebina-san, why don't we run through the finale one more time? — the soccer player asked with his usual expression.
— Hayato-kun... I love you! — Hina exclaimed, ignoring the irritated "Hey!" from Yumiko-san.
At that very moment, the Cap cast a triumphant look in my direction.
I covered my eyes with my hand, holding back a mournful groan.
Well, what a Chiba-nut.
— Hachiman, are you okay? — Yuigahama asked.
— Ask Hayato, — I suggested, feeling a sudden wave of exhaustion. — It seems like he's completely lost his marbles over jealousy.
— And whose fault is that? — Yui tilted her head.
I looked at her.
— Definitely not mine. Please direct all complaints to Yukinoshita's older sister, — if I had known that Haruno-san would set me up like this, I would have thought three times before talking to her.
The Puppy blinked in confusion, as if not understanding what I was talking about. Gradually, realization dawned in her eyes, which was almost immediately replaced by apprehension and worry:
— By the way, how is Yukinon?
By reminding her of the Troll, I inadvertently shifted the conversation vector elsewhere.
— Unchanged. She manages, instructs, and kicks butts, — I couldn't hold back another yawn. — Considering the festival is literally just days away, she's gone all out.
— I hope she doesn't overdo it, — Yuigahama-san frowned.
I shrugged.
— She shouldn't. After all, Sagami-san has taken some of the load off. Plus, she sometimes manages to restrain Yukinoshita-san's drive.
— That's why Minami-san stopped moping lately... — Yui stretched out, sitting at the desk nearby and crossing her arms under her chest. — I wonder what caused such a change? They were constantly fighting recently.
— Are you jealous? — I raised an eyebrow.
— I'm lacking Yukinonium in my blood, — Yuigahama-san turned away, blushing.
— Yukinoni... what? — Did the head of the Finance Department bite you or something? Stop inventing words out of thin air!
— Um-m, you see, we're busy with the play, and you're busy with the festival preparations, so there's absolutely no time left to gather in the club like before, — the Puppy replied, not hiding the sadness in her voice. — Honestly, I already miss those times when the three of us would sit and...
— Sorry to interrupt, — I cleared my throat, — but why don't you invite her over to your place? Or, conversely, go visit her. You're girls; no one will say anything inappropriate.
— What about you? — Yuigahama-san glanced at me sideways.
— I'm a guy. Imagine if I came to your house, say, for coffee. How would you react?
The girl froze, blinked a couple of times, and then, to my surprise, her face lit up with joy, although my initial goal was to embarrass her.
— Right! We can all gather at my place! My mom won't mind; she's been wanting to meet you!
I slowly brought my palm to my face and massaged the bridge of my nose with my fingers.
Hachiman. Will you ever learn to keep your mouth shut?
— You don't want to? — Seeing my reaction, Yui muttered disappointedly, dropping her head.
I wanted to raise my hands to the heavens and calmly, measuredly ask Kami several important, very personal questions.
— If you can convince Yukinoshita-san to attend this event, I have no problem with it, — after mentally slapping myself, I resigned myself to the possible consequences. I blurted it out myself without thinking. Next time, I won't say the first thing that comes to mind.
— Really? — In an instant, Yui's mood spiked sharply, and her bright smile made me want to close my eyes.
— Really.
Perhaps if there weren't so many witnesses in the classroom, she would have rushed to hug me.
Not that I would have refused...
...Hormones, those damn hormones are to blame for everything.
***
— Chief, the mock-ups for the new posters are ready!
— Hikigaya-kun, what about the recalculations we discussed the day before yesterday?
— No, we can't provide more people at the moment!
— Hikigaya-kun, regarding the application from your class for the play...
Taking a deep breath and exhaling, I put the papers aside and, rising from my seat, headed toward the exit of the conference room, actively fighting the urge to vent everything that was churning inside me to the first person I met.
— Chief!... — Atsuko-kun jumped up, but I silenced him with a hand gesture.
— I'll be back soon, don't worry, — with a faint smile for the road, I closed the door behind me, cutting off the drone of voices that caused an unpleasant tingling in my temples.
After standing in the hallway and partially regaining my shaken composure, I looked around. Frankly, I wanted one thing: to be in a deserted place where no one would bother me for ten or twenty minutes.
And, if my memory serves me right, such a place existed in the school, provided it wasn't locked.
Fortunately, my fears were unfounded.
Finding myself on the roof of the main building, I slowly walked to the edge and, leaning my hands on the railing, exposed my face to the cool gusts of wind, feeling the tension slowly dissipate.
The festival is just around the corner, which has caused genuine chaos in the Organizing Committee. Everyone has suddenly started bustling and rushing, as if the past two weeks had never existed. Fortunately, Yukinoshita-san was on our side, managing to maintain a certain degree of rationality by repeatedly reminding everyone that we were well on schedule. But even so, with each passing day, the commotion intensified, drawing in both the involved and the uninvolved into its disorderly whirlpool. What's more, I even caught sight of Sagami-san a couple of times, who, instead of going out with her friends, stayed with Snowball, helping her sort through documents.
I hummed, stretching my neck.
Who would have thought that the girls could truly establish a more or less adequate relationship with each other?
A miracle, a real miracle, happening right before my eyes.
The creaking of hinges made me let out a heavy sigh.
Kami, not even five minutes had passed!
Turning around to see who had been brought up here, I involuntarily raised an eyebrow, not hiding my surprise.
— Miura-san?
Yumiko-san, having carefully closed the door behind her, leaned against it.
— Hi... — the girl greeted quietly, avoiding eye contact with me, which was quite alarming.
I sense trouble.
— Did you decide to wait out Ebina-san's latest bout of inspiration here? — I'll pretend not to notice her state.
— You could say that, — the Golden-Haired Girl chuckled. — What about you?
I shrugged and sat down on the roof, leaning my back against the railing.
— Saving the remnants of my sanity. Everyone in the Organizing Committee seems to have gone crazy, — I lifted my head, staring at the clouds leisurely drifting across the sky.
— If I were you, I wouldn't worry. You don't have much to lose, after all, — usually her attempts at sarcasm don't sound so strained. — Anyway, is it really that bad?
— Hard to say... — I placed my hands on my bent knees. — Some people might enjoy it, but for me, all their fuss and commotion is just a source of headaches.
Miura-san moved away from the door, walked closer, and—sending me back into a near-shock state—took a seat right next to me, precisely copying my pose.
— I'm surprised you agreed to this, — the girl muttered after a minute of silence. — It's completely out of character for you.
— You can tell Yukinoshita-san, — I offered jokingly. — Your opinions are similar on this matter.
— I think I'll decline, — Yumiko-san gave a wry smile. — I'd prefer not to cross paths with her unnecessarily.
— I understand. A question for you: how is the preparation for the play going? — I decided to briefly take the initiative, giving my classmate a chance to gather her thoughts, as after observing her, I was finally convinced that she didn't come here for a rambling conversation.
— It's okay, — the Golden-Haired Girl bent her legs and rested her chin on her knees. — Everyone has memorized their roles, Kawasaki-san is finishing up the costumes, preparing the stage won't be difficult...
And she fell silent again, staring ahead with a vacant look.
I mentally rolled my eyes, asking the Universe and its Creator once again: "Why me and not someone else?", because it became clear that without a direct clarification, we would continue to shuffle our feet.
There are situations where a person wants to talk or find out something, but for some reason, they are unable to initiate a conversation on the necessary topic. The most striking example: some person stands there, sighs, blinks their eyes, and sniffs. They do this for a long time, with feeling, and might even blow their nose for full effect. Why? So that someone will approach them and ask, "What happened?" Then the "lucky one" has to listen to an entire saga...
Well, of course, my example doesn't exactly fit the current situation. Here, there seems to be a need to find out something that causes a certain degree of embarrassment or discomfort. After all, Yumiko-san is a fairly spirited person with a sharp tongue and a good intellect.
And again, based on my observations, I have a rough idea of what's bothering the Golden-Haired Girl.
— Did you come here because of Hayato? — I said calmly, looking at the girl sideways.
She flinched and lifted her head, meeting my heavy, scowling gaze for the first time in the conversation.
— Took you long enough, — the schoolgirl grumbled, tucking a stray strand behind her ear.
I choked on air.
So... Fine, all I can do is respect such unprincipled brazenness.
— Overestimating others' qualities doesn't lead to anything good, — I couldn't resist a painful jab. Judging by the way my classmate winced, she understood the remark.
— Very funny, Hikigaya-kun, — oh, familiar notes are appearing in her voice.
— Thank you for the honest and objective assessment of my sense of humor.
Miura-san exhaled loudly, covering her eyes with her palm, and asked dryly:
— Are you deliberately trying to annoy me?
— Melancholy longing doesn't suit you, — I smiled faintly, leaning back against the railing again.
— Idiot, — I felt a light poke on my shoulder. — You'd better tell me what's going on between you and Hayato.
— You don't know?
— If I knew, I wouldn't be asking! — Okay, I need to slow down a bit. Inflaming the person to drag them out of the swamp of gloom is one thing, but outright provoking anger is something else entirely.
— Odd, I thought everyone was already aware of the rumors floating around the school, — at least, I definitely heard some whispers about the conflict between the Cap and me from the first-years a couple of times when I walked past them.
— Lately, I've been trying not to trust that kind of information.
Unexpected.
— So you heard something? — The sunset sky is, after all, not without its charm; there's something unique about it that draws the eye.
— Yes, I heard something. Are you saying they're true?
— Depends on which ones, — the beautiful view of the passing clouds was replaced by a "shadow" looming directly over me. Miura-san, having jumped to her feet, stood in front of me, blocking the view.
— Hikigaya-kun, just stop it already! Or do you enjoy annoying everyone around you?! — Yumiko-san hissed, putting her hands on her hips. The expression of sadness completely vanished from her face, and poorly contained irritation blazed in her eyes.
— No, — I replied calmly, not feeling the slightest bit of nervousness. — I just don't like beating around the bush. Ask directly what you're interested in, and maybe I'll answer.
— Maybe? — Yumiko-san was about to continue, but, noticing my ironic smirk, she pulled herself back: — Fine, you win.
She paused, gritting her teeth, then exhaled.
— Is Hayato really jealous of you because of Yukinoshita's older sister?
I tilted my head and scratched my cheek.
She looks tense; her hands are shaking slightly, and her breathing is rapid and uneven.
— Possibly, — and before my classmate could get upset again, I continued: — The problem is that I don't know and don't want to know about the cockroaches in Hayama's head. From the outside, it looks like he's completely lost his mind from jealousy.
Otherwise, I can't explain his actions with Totsuka-kun.
Yumiko-san stared at me with a heavy gaze for a few seconds, as if checking whether there was any lie in my words. However, realizing that I wasn't trying to deceive her, she relaxed slightly and closed her eyes.
— Idiot, complete idiocy, — the schoolgirl squatted down, hugging her knees. — For Hayato to be so affected by such foolishness... only a blind person would believe that you and that bitch have something going on...
Huh?
Noticing my surprised look, Miura-san smiled bitterly:
— You're an idiot, Hikigaya-kun, but not a complete simpleton, — Wait, is there anyone with common sense after all? I've been waiting for this!
But my joy was premature:
— You definitely wouldn't cheat on Yui right in front of everyone.
If we were in an anime, I would have choked on blood and dispersed into gray ashes right there.
— Yeah, yeah, you're not dating, all that, — Yumiko-san waved her hand in the air, not letting me get a word in. — Tell that to someone else. Anyway, is there really no other reason for the conflict between you and Hayato?
— If he continues like this, there will be, — gathering the remnants of my willpower, I somehow regained my composure.
Fine, let her think that something is going on between Yuigahama-san and me.
Reality won't change because of her opinion.
— Tsk, — Miura-san bit her lower lip, looking somewhere over my shoulder.
— I take it you haven't tried asking him?
The girl smiled wryly and shook her head.
— Some things are pointless from the start, — apparently having reached some conclusion, the schoolgirl got back on her feet. — Anyway, thanks for the talk.
She walked to the door and turned the handle. Before my classmate disappeared, I yelled out:
— Remember, Miura-san, there are plenty of fish in the sea; you shouldn't obsess over just one! — Yumiko-san rolled her eyes and twirled a finger at her temple, but I managed to catch a shadow of a smile on her face.