Tea Ceremony Club.
Hikigaya was sitting in front of Shiina Hiyori, watching her skillfully brew a pot of tea.
Pushing the tasting cup in front of Hikigaya, Shiina Hiyori didn't say much, only gently lighting the incense.
Since Hikigaya said he might have something to discuss with her, she only needed to wait quietly for the other party to speak first.
"Whew."
Hikigaya finished tasting a cup of tea.
Seeing Shiina Hiyori's lazy smile, it unconsciously made one relax.
Unfortunately.
He actually had to utilize such a Shiina Hiyori.
Thinking of this.
Hikigaya's expression dimmed slightly.
Although he felt that if he just asked, Shiina Hiyori would likely be willing to help, with Shiina Hiyori's personality, she would probably gently talk him through it.
This fragile determination would likely be easily talked down.
Hikigaya suddenly said with some disappointment.
"That, Shiina, I have some things I want to discuss with you, is that okay?"
"Of course, it's fine."
"Actually... I have a friend."
Such a clumsy lie naturally couldn't hide from anyone, but thinking of the current situation, Hikigaya inevitably felt some bitterness:
"He is now facing something he is powerless to do anything about no matter what, and doesn't know what to do. Shiina, what do you think should be done at a time like this?"
"Hmm?"
Shiina Hiyori tilted her small head and said with some confusion:
"Is it absolutely no way?"
"I guess so..."
Hikigaya's mouth curled with complexity.
Conventional means probably really were of no use.
However.
He also didn't need Shiina Hiyori to do too much.
Some things.
Even if they are the same words.
The effect is different when spoken from different people's mouths.
For example.
If Ichinose says she has business, others won't have any questions.
But if Hikigaya says he has business, most will follow up by asking what business it is, to confirm if he is lying.
It's the same now.
No matter what Hikigaya says.
Ichinose would not leave the dormitory and would only stay by his side.
This thoughtfulness was moving but made him feel even more guilty.
What was needed.
Was merely through an outsider like Shiina Hiyori.
To move Ichinose and the others away.
"Hmm."
Shiina Hiyori put her hand to her chin, lost in thought for a moment.
"I'm not clear about the specific situation of your... Hiki-kun's friend. It's better to discuss troubling matters with people around you."
"If it's really a case of being powerless, then one can only give up."
No surprises.
For things that are absolutely impossible.
Giving up is definitely the best way to resolve it.
"Is that so."
Hikigaya covered his forehead to prevent Shiina Hiyori from seeing his expression, his voice somewhat choked:
"But if he gives up, he will be very pained every time he sees the friends around him, and won't know how to face those who are good to him... what on earth should be done about this."
"Hiki-kun..."
Shiina Hiyori couldn't help but panic a little.
It was the first time she had seen Hikigaya show such a helpless side.
The incident had likely exceeded her imagination.
"What exactly happened? Can you tell me? Maybe there are other ways?"
"..."
Hikigaya kept his head down and remained silent.
He didn't need to say much.
Only needed to let the kind Shiina Hiyori.
Know that he felt very pained because of the presence of Ichinose and the others.
That was enough.
"No need."
Hikigaya took a deep breath before barely forcing a smile: "I actually don't know what exactly happened to him either..."
Clearly.
Still unwilling to say.
The "friend" thing was obviously a cover.
Shiina Hiyori pursed her lips and said with some helplessness:
"Then Hiki-kun, take a break first. Maybe after resting, there will be a way."
"No need, I have some things to do, so I'll leave first."
Hikigaya shook his head and stood up, adding: "By the way, sorry, the book is still with me. I wonder if I can borrow it for a while longer."
"Oh, that's fine. You can return it whenever."
"Thanks, then I'll head out first."
As he spoke.
Hikigaya turned and left the Tea Ceremony Club.
Looking at his despondent back, Shiina Hiyori felt somewhat uneasy.
Don't know what it was.
That made Hikigaya turn out like this.
However.
Although the two were book friends, they were from different classes.
It was only natural for Hikigaya to be unwilling to tell her the details.
In the corridor, at the corner.
Watching Hikigaya's departing back, Ichinose and Himeno Yuki poked half their heads out.
"Tea Ceremony Club? That damned home-wrecking cat!"
Himeno Yuki was instantly enraged and walked out with a face full of coldness.
This was the only place Hikigaya had met someone during this period.
Having followed him for so long.
They finally found a useful clue.
"Wait."
Ichinose pulled her wrist and hurriedly comforted her:
"The one who just went in seems to be Shiina-san from Class C. You saw it too, right? Based on my understanding, even if Shiina-san likes Hiki-kun, she wouldn't make Hiki-kun turn out like this. There must be some other reason. Let me inquire first."
"Hmm."
After a moment of hesitation.
Yuki nodded.
They had just seen Shiina Hiyori and Hikigaya enter the Tea Ceremony Club.
Looking at her appearance, Shiina Hiyori was clearly the quiet and elegant type of girl, unlikely to bully Hikigaya.
Even if she didn't understand, Ichinose obviously had more judgment.
Rather than an affair.
Instead, the two are now more worried about Hikigaya's state. All day long he is either groggy, training, or on the way to training.
It really makes one uneasy.
Better to be polite before resort to force and get the facts straight first.
Until Hikigaya had gone far.
The two came to the door of the Tea Ceremony Club and looked at each other.
Ichinose took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
After a short moment.
The classroom door opened.
A white-haired girl dressed in a kimono appeared before the two.
"Ichinose-san? Then this must be Himeno-san?"
Shiina Hiyori was momentarily confused, then looked at the girl behind her.
Hikigaya had just left.
Immediately after, Ichinose and the others arrived.
Today was also the weekend; saying this was a coincidence was obviously impossible.
"Long time no see, Shiina-san."
Ichinose nodded and greeted her.
During the last mixed training camp, she was in the same group as Shiina Hiyori, so the two were somewhat acquainted.
"I have some things I want to ask you about. Can you spare some time?"
Ichinose pursed her lips and said with some hesitation.
After all, family scandals shouldn't be aired in public, and the two didn't want to make these matters known to the whole school.
But Shiina Hiyori.
Was already the only clue they had found after all this time.
"It's about Hiki-kun, right?"
"Sure, come in and let's talk."
As she spoke.
Shiina Hiyori nodded and turned back into the club; Himeno Yuki's gaze was wary.
Just for brewing tea, is it necessary to change into a kimono?
She actually even started playing cosplay; even she hadn't played that.
Himeno Yuki keenly sensed.
Even if Shiina Hiyori had nothing to do with this matter, she definitely had issues.