No matter how much I might want to boast about my ability to calmly filter out extraneous noise, completely ignoring the happenings in the club was impossible. It was quite a difficult task, considering that Tobe decided to sit directly opposite me. In addition, I couldn't forget that the guy didn't know how to speak quietly. It felt as if he had a megaphone built into his throat.
— So, I came to you for help! Well, rather, Hayato advised me to come to you
The classmate glanced at the Cap, who continued to stand by the door. For some unknown reason, the captain of the soccer club hadn't followed his friend. Moreover, his looks, full of annoyance, that he was throwing my way, severely hampered my concentration on checking Zaimokuza's draft.
Perhaps I shouldn't have been so harsh on his self-esteem during the recent sports festival. But what's done is done. Still, what was stopping him from leaving to join that couple who, after shuffling awkwardly in the doorway, never actually decided to stop by?
— I didn't want to at first, like, I was kind of embarrassed, but still...
— Get to the point
Yukinoshita interrupted him with a cool tone, clearly holding no warm feelings for the "client."
— If you need company to listen to incoherent babbling, go somewhere else.
Yuigahama, noticing how Tobe tensed up at her words, offered an awkward smile and patted her friend's outer hand.
— Take it easy, Yukinon. He's just nervous. You shouldn't pressure him right away, what if the problem is extremely delicate?
Yukino, glancing at the girl, sighed and closed her eyes.
— Fine
The Dog really had an amazing effect on her. Essentially, she calmed her down with a single gesture and a couple of sentences. I wouldn't mind having a skill like that; it would definitely be useful in life.
— Just a moment
The guy forced a laugh and scratched the back of his head, simultaneously looking at Hayama with unconcealed pleading in his eyes. Unfortunately for him, the Cap refused to join the conversation, maintaining the position of a silent observer. Only the lack of his standard "smile" separated him from being a jail warden.
— Phew
Realizing that help wouldn't be forthcoming, Tobe lowered his head, looking at his clasped hands.
— So, here's the situation.
He paused slightly, biting his lip, and, muttering something incoherent under his breath, loudly exclaimed:
— I like Hina Ebina!
Considering that the classmate continued to bore into his feet with his gaze, it looked... pathetic.
However, on the other hand, my assumptions regarding his possible request turned out to be slightly wrong. Of course, I vaguely imagined he had come to bother us with some specific nonsense, like a "creepy" text message chain, but the reality was much worse.
Tobe was here to get advice on matters of the heart.
Advice. From us. Specifically: a young man with sociopathic tendencies, a closed-off, arrogant introvert, and a noisy representative of the extrovert class who, I was one hundred percent certain, had relationship experience that ended with watching TV dramas and listening to friends' stories.
A genius idea, to say the least.
Cap, my doubts about your mental and analytical abilities continue to grow stronger every day.
— Um... I... congratulate you?
Yukinoshita responded, slightly delayed, clearly not expecting such a curveball.
— But from us...
— Ebina?! You're in love with Ebina?!
Who would have thought that Yui, hearing such a thing, would sit calmly? Look, she interrupted Yukino without a second thought.
— When? For long? Does anyone else know?
The barrage of questions drove Tobe into a state of stupor. The guy blinked a couple of times, collecting his thoughts, and then smiled awkwardly.
— Somewhere before the summer camp trip, I guess. By that point, I already felt that Hina meant more to me than just a friend...
Ah, yes, I recall they tried talking about this topic, but I conveniently slipped away to Hiratsuka then. Ah, ah, ah, I missed out on such information, I can't believe it. I'll regret it for the rest of my life now...
Letting out a noisy exhale, I slammed shut Yoshiteru's light novel draft and tossed it into my backpack, resigning myself to the idea that I wouldn't be allowed to work in peace today.
Noticing my actions, Yukino raised an eyebrow questioningly, to which I simply shrugged, conveying with my whole demeanor how "interested" I was in the current events. Judging by the girl's expression, she was on the same wavelength as me.
— Cool!
Only the Dog didn't share our mood, listening to the classmate's love story with eyes full of enthusiasm.
With every word he spoke, I felt a stronger urge to send the broadcasting buffoon on a long walk, preferably without the possibility of return. As well as Hayato, who was the culprit behind this situation.
It's not that I harbored any personal animosity towards Tobe. Yes, sometimes he annoyed me with his behavior and attempts to insert inappropriate puns, but enduring his presence for a while wasn't difficult.
The reason was hidden in the subtext of his visit.
— Everything is great, of course
Knowing Yuigahama, she could drag the whole process out until late evening, so I should intervene. Apparently, I won't get any active help from Yukinoshita.
— But, let's get to the point.
The guy, who abruptly fell silent during his narration, turned a questioning gaze on me, as did everyone else in the club.
— Summing up everything you've said, you harbor romantic feelings for Hina Ebina, and have for quite some time
I rested my head on my hand, looking back at my classmate with boredom.
— Given that you, at Hayato's suggestion, came here, we can safely conclude that it hasn't progressed beyond contemplation. Therefore, the girl hasn't received your confession yet. This means you need help with this matter, correct?
Tobe, his mouth slightly ajar, nodded.
— You're right, Hikigaya. I want to confess, but I'm afraid of messing up and... well, there it is
He threw his hands out to the sides. I struggled to maintain a calm expression.
— And you think we can resolve this problem?
— Well...
And once again his gaze was directed at the Cap. God, was he your godfather or what?
Hayama smiled guiltily.
— Unfortunately, I'm completely out of time, so I'm leaving Tobe to you. I hope you can help him
And, saying goodbye, he elegantly slipped away, leaving his friend alone with us.
He set himself up nicely. Any complications arise? Floor the gas pedal and, citing "urgent business," vanish beyond the horizon. A good tactic, I approve. I'd use it myself, only the opportunity never presents itself.
I switched my attention back to my classmate, who was strangely hypnotizing the door that had closed behind Hayato. I wondered how he perceived such a move from his friend.
— Tobe, is Hikigaya right? You need help with... a confession?
A strange note crept into Yukino's voice, as if she herself couldn't believe she was saying such a thing out loud.
— Something like that
Realizing that no one was going to offer him a helping hand, the guy muttered resignedly.
Yuigahama was about to say something, but I stopped the potential flood of words, or worse, a hasty agreement to provide support, with a gesture.
— And how do you imagine this?
I crossed one leg over the other.
— Should we act as matchmakers? Write a love letter for you? Teach you how to make chocolate, which you'll present to the girl along with passionate words? Or maybe we just need to hold the candle?
— The candle?
Tobe stared at me bewildered.
— Hikigaya is referring to an old custom from the time of medieval Europe
Yukino decided to assist him.
— However, there is reason in his words: how do you envision our participation in this? I, of course, am far from an expert in the romantic aspect of social relationships, but I always thought that such a matter should be resolved tete-a-tete.
Noticing another question in the classmate's eyes, Yukinoshita rubbed the bridge of her nose.
— Alone, without extra witnesses
She clarified in a slightly irritated tone. This is precisely why I try not to use "complex" words unnecessarily when communicating with certain people. There are other ways to seem smart from the outside, and using vocabulary unfamiliar to the interlocutor often leads to simple misunderstanding.
And this thought also made me look at Yukinoshita's company differently. She could always understand my expressions of any complexity.
— Why are you reacting like that right away? Falling in love always brings difficulties! Not everyone is ready to just open their heart to a dear person like that!
Yuigahama couldn't stand the pressure being exerted on her classmate.
— Sometimes it's enough to receive sound advice or a motivational push to take the first step!
She pumped her fist in the air.
I covered my face with my hand, suppressing the heavy sigh that was trying to escape. Dog, I completely understand your mood, because most girls always enjoy participating in similar discussions. A kind of empathic experience through which they satisfy some inner thirst for emotions. Just like vampires.
Nevertheless, if the guy has done absolutely nothing for half a year, just consuming the object of his desire with his eyes, then doubts arise about the depth of his feelings. Perhaps the hopeless romantic in me is still alive, but I believe that in such cases one must take the initiative themselves. Yes, there's a high chance of a painful rejection and retreating into oneself—personal experience can attest to that—but without it, one cannot gain the necessary experience. A person's life path doesn't consist solely of positive emotions; even more, at a certain point, in the absence of negativity, a feeling of satiety sets in, due to which the world literally fades.
Plus, I can't regard Tobe's decision as anything other than an attempt to share the likely blame for failure with outsiders. In the sense that he is diligently looking for someone to simply shift the main burden of responsibility onto.
"Ah, Ebina rejected me, but not because I'm not her type or approached her poorly, but only because of those guys who gave me bad advice."
"If only I hadn't gone to them, things would have been different."
"It's not my fault what happened! I should have just done nothing, watching her from afar, instead of taking the first step. It's all your fault!"
Some decisions should be made individually, without relying on the opinions of others. Otherwise, it's like on your wedding night, instead of proceeding to active deeds with your beloved, you start calling acquaintances with the question: "where do I insert it?" I won't argue that I am grossly overstating the case, but my conscience doesn't bother me.
A person is prone to doubt. A person is afraid to make radical decisions that can fundamentally change their life. Such is the nature of our psyche, a kind of defense mechanism. However, in rare cases, you can ask for advice or pose a question like: "to do or not to do?", but even so: relying entirely on someone else's opinion is a bad idea. Because even then, the decision was made for you.
— If it were about determination, I wouldn't have any questions
Interrupting my own reflections, I returned to the real world. I could think about this later; right now, there was a high risk of diving headfirst into a foul-smelling pit with no way out.
— Tobe, tell me, what active steps have you taken up to this point? Have you shown your interest with fleeting gestures, behavior? Have you started to win her over, for example, by studying her interests, preferences, and things Ebina dislikes? What have you actually done?
The classmate managed a strained smile, nervously pulling at his strands of reddish hair.
— Um... does that matter?
Once again, the desire to throw something heavy at him arose.
— Critically
I retorted dryly.
— Who among us is burning with passionate love for her—you or I? Can you even outline her hobbies?
— Her interest... in yaoi manga?
The guy attempted. Fine, not all was lost.
— Good. For what reason is she interested in it?
I wasn't going to let you off the hook that easily.
— The pictures?
He answered uncertainly. I rubbed my chin.
— Then why specifically yaoi? Not yuri? Or not the usual relationships between a boy and a girl that many are used to? What factor attracts her the most? The artwork is a dubious argument.
— God, Hikigaya, why are you pestering me?!
Tobe couldn't take it anymore and jumped to his feet.
— What does any of that matter? I like Ebina for no specific reason!
His violent reaction caused me to slowly raise an eyebrow.
— And what exactly attracts you?
— Her uniqueness! She's not like everyone else around here!
The guy clenched his fists, emitting waves of irritation.
— Excellent. How exactly?
Tobe's lower eyelid twitched.
— Just everything! Screw you, you idiot!
Kicking his chair, which crashed loudly to the floor, making the girls jump, "Romeo" flew out of the room, slamming the door shut with a final bang. Silence briefly reigned in the club.
— Didn't you overdo it, Hachiman? He might hold a grudge against you
The Dog laughed nervously.
— One more, one less
I shrugged.
— I agree with Yui
Yukino said slowly, rising to her feet and setting the thrown chair back on its legs.
— You should have been softer with him.
Smiling faintly, I shook my head and reached for Zaimokuza's postponed draft. Whether I went too far or not, time would tell. Besides, wasn't someone hoping to give Tobe motivation? I gave him some, but in a slightly different way. What would come of it? God knows. The main thing now was that I managed to send him packing. We are a volunteer club, not a dating agency.
***
Sprawled comfortably on the sofa, I lazily clicked the buttons of the game console, methodically pounding the dungeon boss into a bloody pulp. I had the right: homework was successfully done, all cleaning chores from Komachi were completed, and no other concerns were on the horizon.
Fortunately, no one came to the club after Tobe, although subconsciously I expected the Cap or Hiratsuka to return and try to persuade us to reverse our decision. But, it seemed, fate decided to side with me, as a result of which, after sitting through the allotted time, everyone calmly packed up and went home.
Of course, I couldn't avoid strange looks from Yukino and Yui, who were clearly displeased with my actions, but I didn't dwell on it too much. They'll cool off, sooner or later; it wasn't such an important topic to chew over for a long time.
The boss, taking advantage of my distraction, used his signature move and sent my avatar on a long flight to the nearest respawn point.
Sighing, I turned off the console, put it aside, and threw my hands behind my head, closing my eyes. It was a funny situation, nonetheless.
What exactly made Tobe hesitate? Essentially, all he needed to do was muster up the courage and simply reveal his feelings to Ebina. Why evade the issue, wandering around in search of some reason?
It seems I'm the one who's the socially deviant personality, not him. And yet, this personality trait didn't stop me from getting a categorical rejection several times in response to my confessions. Was he really so afraid of destroying their current bond of friendship? As they say in popular romantic dramas: "it's better to remain friends than risk losing everything"?
There was just one catch...
— Big brother, phone call for you!
Komachi accompanied her words with a light poke of her finger in my cheek. Opening one eye, I glared at my sister.
— Me, really? Maybe they got the wrong number
Despite my words, I took the handset. Who would need to call the home phone?
— Hello?
— Hikigaya, are you free? I need to talk...
Finishing the conversation, I let out a noisy exhale and sat up. So much for resting.
— Big brother, where are you going?
Komachi asked in surprise, noticing that I had put on my windbreaker.
— Just going for a walk. Don't worry, I'll be back in an hour or two
I offered a weak smile.
— Don't be late, or you'll be reheating dinner in the microwave!
The girl's shout rang out before I managed to close the door behind me. Now, how could I not come back after that?
In any case, I didn't feel much joy about the upcoming walk. Firstly, it was already dark outside, causing the cool gusts of wind to involuntarily make me shiver. It was late autumn, after all. Secondly, a premonition hinted that the evening would cease to be peaceful in about ten minutes.
In addition, a question arose: where did she get my home number? Did Hiratsuka go to the trouble? There were no other options, since Yuigahama and Yukinoshita only knew my mobile. Or did the information leak out somehow? Like those calls from banks you've never heard of, offering incredibly advantageous services.
Hiding my hands in my pockets, I slowly ambled towards the designated meeting place, simultaneously trying to figure out what she might need from me, given that she decided to drag me out at such an hour. It definitely didn't smell like simple curiosity and a desire to talk; she had plenty of friends for such ventures. And I'm a mediocre conversationalist on mundane topics.
Most likely, everything would revolve around the recent incident, however...
— Looks like you're not in much of a hurry, Hikigaya
Hearing a familiar displeased voice, I raised my head, ceasing to hypnotize the asphalt under my feet.
— Was I supposed to fly like a bird, regardless of all obstacles?
— Moving your feet faster would have sufficed
Yumiko scoffed, rubbing her hands together.
— What if I was extremely nervous and putting off the inevitable moment of our meeting as much as possible?
I made no attempt to conceal my sarcasm. Miura rolled her eyes.
— You are incorrigible
Well, judging by her tone, she wasn't here to dump complaints on me. On one hand, good; on the other, what did she want then? And clearly urgently, considering she chose a meeting spot near my house. Plus, during the call, I heard the noise of cars in the background, meaning she called me while she was moving. Did she really believe in my agreement that much? Interesting.
— Shall we get straight to business or continue exchanging barbs?
I offered innocently, while simultaneously looking over the playground where we had agreed to meet. Hmm... it looked tempting.
— Do you need permission for the latter?
The blonde, resigned, did the most logical thing in the current situation—she put her hands into the pockets of her long coat.
— Rather, I want to understand how badly you want to drag out the process
Bypassing the girl, I approached the swings and, without further thought, sat down.
— Deciding to revert to childhood?
Yumiko gave me a teasing look.
— Why not?
Shrugging, I pushed off the ground, causing the chain links of the fittings to squeak mournfully.
— Sometimes I wish I could understand what goes on inside your head
Miura drawled, taking the adjacent seat, only to instantly bristle:
— Don't think anything of it! I was tired of standing, that's all!
— I was silent
I slightly raised the corners of my lips, not expecting such behavior from her.
— Your silence speaks for itself!
Having vented her indignation, the girl suddenly fell quiet, loosening the sand with the toe of her boot. She decided to take a pause for moral preparation again? For some reason, I had the persistent feeling that these pauses only occurred when she was talking to me. A reason to be proud of myself. Probably...
Throwing my head back, I stared at the sky, slowly blossoming with the sparks of stars. I didn't really have any thoughts, nor did I particularly want to burden myself with anything. Plus, I figured Miura would handle that perfectly once she finished with her internal struggles.
Therefore, taking advantage of the opportunity, I'd enjoy the moment. After all, it wasn't bad: evening, swings, and silence, occasionally interrupted by the squeak of the chains and the distant roar of cars.
When was the last time I experienced this? About three years ago, probably. It was winter, I think. After another difficult day at school, filled with mockery and failed attempts to find company, I wandered aimlessly until I stumbled upon an empty playground.
Hmm... on that day, if my memory serves me right, I first questioned the meaning of life. Or something similar. I'm sure the motives of my past reflections weren't too different from the current ones. Only they were more... "acute" and gloomy, due to the onset of the transitional age phase.
God, it was precisely then, swinging on the swings just like this, that I decided to give up on trying to fit into society, having finally become disillusioned with those around me. Of course, this seemed only like a pipe dream and an attempt to escape reality, but...
— Hikigaya...
— What?
I glanced at Yumiko, who was still intently staring at her feet.
— Thank you
Miura mumbled barely audibly. Frowning, I struggled not to clean my ears with my finger. Gratitude?
— For what?
The surprise in my voice was unconcealed. A short laugh escaped the blonde, followed by a sigh.
— For sending Tobe away with his stupid request
The classmate looked up at me from under her brows.
— Honestly, I was afraid you'd agree.
I slowed the motion of the swing with my feet.
— Um... wait, did I miss something? Shouldn't she, theoretically, be mad at me because of how I treated her friend?
Apparently, the storm of emotions partially reflected on my face, because Yumiko made a strange sound, a mixture between a cough and a laugh.
— Although your methods leave a lot to be desired. Can you imagine the nerve it took to stop Ooka and Yamato from jumping you?
She smiled maliciously at the end.
— Even Hayato decided to come to your defense.
Was it that bad? Well, I expected something like this. "Romeo" was bound to share his righteous anger with his pals.
— And despite knowing how badly I burned Tobe, you're thanking me? That doesn't add up.
— Maybe not
Miura responded carelessly, straightening her shoulders.
— I'll say more, if the guys find out I was talking to you, they'll give me hell.
— Said the one sitting right next to me
I declared ironically.
— It is what it is
The blonde didn't deny the absurdity of her words and actions.
— Be that as it may, I really am grateful to you. Because you have brains, and you probably would have found a way for Tobe to win Ebina's favor, despite her feelings towards him.
— Don't overestimate my abilities too much
I quickly warned, after which, mentally replaying the classmate's remark, I raised an eyebrow.
— Despite her feelings? Are you saying that Ebina...
— Is fully aware that a certain loudmouth we know is head over heels in love with her
Yumiko finished for me. Stop.
— Since when?
— Since the start of the school year
Miura was swinging up and down, so I didn't have a chance to see her expression.
— And she hasn't done anything about it?
God, I hope I'm wrong.
— Absolutely nothing
Yumiko shattered my hopes. Letting out a loud groan, I hid my face in my hands. Fighting the urge to vocalize everything I thought about this pair, I quietly stretched out:
— Idiots...
— That's harsh, Hikigaya.
— But it's the truth
I replied dryly, regaining my composure. Now the situation had completely changed. It was one thing when only Tobe was inactive, merely indulging his ego with illusory fantasies about a future with Ebina. It was entirely different when the girl herself, knowing everything perfectly well, continued to pretend that everything was normal.
— What's the point? — I asked aloud. — If you close your eyes during a flood, the fact that you risk drowning under the mass of water won't change.
— I disagree with that
Miura stopped and turned toward me. Clear sadness was visible on her face.
— I won't speak for Tobe, but Ebina is acting this way to preserve their familiar friendship.
...Preserve what? I laughed out loud, which sent Yumiko into a state of slight shock.
— Hikigaya, are you okay?
A tense note rang in her voice.
— No, one hundred percent—no
Catching my breath, I looked at the girl with a smile full of irony.
— Did you hear the nonsense you just said?
— Nonsense?
Surprise gave way to annoyance.
— Do you think it's stupid?
— I'd even say—moronic and illogical
I corrected her, ignoring the flashes of anger in her eyes.
— I genuinely thought such rubbish was only possible in second-rate manga. "I'll pretend I don't notice anything to preserve the friendship."
I chuckled, shaking my head.
— It sounds ridiculous.
— You'd better explain your words now, Hikigaya
The blonde hissed, offended by my behavior. To her regret, this was beyond my power. I always try not to go too far, but at moments like these? Forgive me, there are things beyond my control.
— No problem at all
Jumping off the swing, I stood facing my classmate.
— I'll try to express my position as clearly as possible.
Luckily, I had just been thinking about this before she called me.
— Basic psychology of human relationships. When we are friends with a person—we feel one spectrum of emotional attraction towards them. When we fall in love—a second one. Hate them? A third. And so on. A conditional set of reactions and reflexes, so to speak. Now tell me, in what magical way can this be fixed by ignoring the situation? Whether you keep silent or not, whether you continue to pretend that nothing has changed—the fact that one participant's feelings for the other are completely different from the original ones won't change. Even if Hina thinks otherwise—Tobe will no longer look at her as just a friend. The object of a current crush, perhaps, someday—a past one, but certainly not as he did before.
Pausing, I cracked my knuckles.
— In these circumstances, the lie is akin to trying to convince a person who has only survived thanks to a ventilator for the last few years that they just need to endure a little longer, and a cure for the disease will be found.
— That's not the most appropriate comparison
Miura winced.
— But it's the closest to reality.
— So what?
Yumiko jumped to the ground and approached me, looking furiously into my eyes.
— Are you suggesting she walk up and reject Tobe, breaking his heart?!
— Yes
I calmly met her gaze.
— It's better than slowly and deliberately making him rot from the inside out, feeding his growing insecurity about his own abilities! Ah, no, to you this probably looks like mercy!
In the depths of my soul, a flicker of anger was slowly growing. Honestly, I knew I should shut up and step aside, but for some reason, I couldn't stop.
— You say "thank you"? Thank you for what? For unintentionally taking the blow, becoming the object of anger, and giving you a chance to avoid awkward conversations and extra responsibility? For allowing you to simulate your old friendship against this backdrop? Is that it?
I spoke, not shouting, but slowly and methodically firing word after word, noticing how Yumiko's expression changed with every second. At some point, she took a step back, trying to distance herself, but I followed her, not allowing her to break the distance.
— Hikigaya, stop
Yumiko whispered.
— You take everything so lightly
I felt a steady throbbing in my temples.
— Of course, how could it be otherwise? This is your "youth," the rosy time of discovery! But when your castles in the air are threatened, you throw a tantrum and stamp your feet, refusing to acknowledge the undeniable truth.
— Stop it!
Miura exclaimed.
A slap.
— Y-you... — the blonde's lips trembled. — You!
Without finishing, she pushed me aside and ran away from the playground.
Slowly raising my hand, I touched my burning cheek, where the girl's sharp blow had landed. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, wincing at the pangs of a headache.
The anger that had been boiling inside slowly disappeared, leaving an unpleasant metallic aftertaste in my mouth that made me slightly nauseous. And also, the realization of my own behavior.
Kami-sama, why is it so hard to just communicate with people?!
Spitting out the thick saliva, I made the only right decision in the situation. I dashed after the blonde, hoping she hadn't gotten too far. Thanks to the chosen location, the road was straight, and the nearest intersection where I might lose her was quite far away.
— Where are you rushing off to?!
— Hey, watch out!
Damn it, why were there so many passersby here? Avoiding the people I encountered as best as I could, I diligently looked out for the familiar light-haired head.
...And I felt an incredible sense of relief when I spotted her right at the intersection, standing in a crowd of people, waiting for the green light.
— Miura!
At my shout, my classmate turned around and... suddenly ran off in the opposite direction. Are you kidding me?
Braking at the turn, I cursed briefly, kicking away someone's frantic little dog, and once again set off in pursuit of the quick-tempered girl. Though who among us was actually quick-tempered was still an open question.
— Miura!
The girl completely ignored my shout, yet, judging by the fact that her pace slowed—she was starting to run out of breath.
Within a couple of dozen seconds, I managed to catch up to her, grabbing her shoulder and sharply spinning her toward me.
— Let go of me, Hikigaya!
The blonde desperately struggled, so much so that I was forced to pin her against the wall.
— Listen to me, Miura...
— Let go! Or I'll start calling for help!
— Just listen...
— Release! Me! Now!
The girl forcefully headbutted my chest, which only by a miracle didn't make me loosen my grip. What should I do in this situation?
There was one option, but, God, how much I disliked it. However, I simply didn't see any other way out. Mentally cursing everything alive, I abruptly hugged my classmate, pulling her close.
— Yumiko
I quietly whispered into her ear.
— Please. Just listen to me.
Miura, clearly not expecting such an action from me, froze like a statue, fortunately ceasing to struggle.
— I know I expressed myself incorrectly and hurt your feelings, but...
— Idiot...
The sound of a sob made me clench my teeth.
— I agree.
— Fool...
I felt her trembling in my embrace, and an unpleasant lump grew inside, which I swallowed with effort.
— That's true too.
— Fool, fool, fool!...
Slowly, her incoherent whispering finally subsided, replaced by muffled sobs. All I could do was continue to hold her, hoping that she would calm down sooner or later. I needed to say something, to apologize somehow, but my mind was blank, as if mocking me. Only choice, strong curses directed at myself.