After a gentle knock, our eyes were locked onto the lightly knocked door
for a few moments.
Isshiki was about to leave the room, but after glancing back and forth
between us and the door, she quietly returned to her seat. Well, I can only
imagine how awkward it’d be to meet eyes with the visitors on the way out.
Before long, festive voices came from the other side of the thin wall.
“It’s not like we need their help…”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Besides, I don’t really know all that much, either.”
The voices consisted of a familiar blunt speaker and a tone that, while
amiable, seemed forceful.
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There was a knock at the door again, only this time it came across
rhythmically.
“Come in,” Yukinoshita answered, and the door slowly opened.
Appearing within the opening was Ebina-san’s face.
“Hallo, hallo! Do you guys have a minute?”
“Hina? Oh, sure, come in, come in!” Yuigahama motioned her in with
her hand, and Ebina-san returned a nod. Indeed, the quicker you enter, the
less wind makes it inside. My seat is the closest to the door, after all…
“Excuse us for the intrusion,” Ebina-san said in polite greeting as she
entered. Following wordlessly behind her, with a gloomy expression
and averted eyes, was Miura.
“What can we do for you?” Yukinoshita asked.
Miura’s mouth distorted as she shot a glance at Isshiki. “And why’s she
here?”
“Oh, you know, that’s exactly what I wanted to say… or something!”
Isshiki shot back a smile as Miura twirled her hair with a displeased
glare.
Oh, what a bizarre atmosphere… I thought. Her perception must have been
similar, as Yuigahama came in to mediate. “Ummm, does having more
people here make it harder for you to talk?”
“No, not really…,” Miura answered, her attitude still curt. This certainly
didn’t look like she’d be able to talk about anything with ease.
“We can always make Isshiki leave if you want,” I offered.
“Huh!? Why!?”
It’s not like you’re a member of the club or anything… You being here as if it’s
a given is the abnormality, you know?
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Ebina-san patted Miura’s shoulder to calm her down. “Now, now,
Yumiko. Just think about what you want to talk about, see. If you don’t
get too specific, it should be fine. Right?”
“That’s true… I imagine it may be difficult to discuss… I don’t mind,
however.” Yukinoshita glanced at me, seeking confirmation.
I acknowledged her with a nod. “Well, why don’t we just hear you out
first? If it’s too confusing, you can talk more personally with the others
afterwards.”
“Uh huh, that sounds good… Oh, but hey, Iroha-chan might have some
good ideas, too,” Yuigahama added.
Isshiki clearly wasn’t pleased with being treated like an outsider, but I
slowly inclined my head to Yuigahama, who answered with a relieved
smile. I felt rather sorry for her since she had to be considerate to both
parties.
“Let’s start from the top then,” Yukinoshita said, restarting the
conversation.
Miura eyed Isshiki for a moment longer, but eventually removed her
glare. She fiddled with her hair as though looking for split ends, then
opened her mouth to speak.
“…Well, you know? I was kinda thinking about making chocolate…
Um, we have exams and all next year… So this is kinda like our last time
or something.”
She quietly trailed off with a voice dripping with shame and
embarrassment. Her cheeks gradually reddened as she spoke.
However, there was some lingering loneliness in her words, though that
very well might be something I perceived of my own accord.
Next year, around this time of the season, we weren’t obligated to attend
school.
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It also happened to be right in the middle of the testing season, with
exams for private universities being held during this time as well.
Therefore, this was going to be the last Valentine’s Day of our high
school life. The event would probably have a completely different
meaning to us later in our lives.
For example, once you became a university student or a working
member of society, you’d probably see Valentine’s Day in another light.
As an adult, I doubt you’d experience joy from or celebrate receiving
chocolate. It’s similar to snow: seeing it fall was so rare and fun that
you’d get ecstatic from seeing the snow symbol on the weather channel
when you were younger. But now, you just saw everything as a bother,
whether it’s commuting to school, the cold weather, or the thought of
getting wet.
“…So like, I figured I’d give it a go or something,” Miura continued as
she twirled her hair, trying to hide her blush.
The words that came out of her mouth as her hair danced around her
fingers were certainly agreeable to some extent.
To those it may be concerned, it was without a doubt the last Valentine’s
Day of their lives.
That said, there weren’t many here who could sympathize with her.
Isshiki still had another year left, which meant it didn’t feel all that real
to her. Her mouth was open as though she didn’t find it to be that big of
a deal while Yukinoshita was thinking of something with her hand
placed to her chin.
Yuigahama, however, inflated her cheeks. She narrowed her eyes and
gave Miura a stern look.
“…Yumiko, didn’t you say handmade chocolate would be too pushy?”
“…W-Well —“ Miura was at a loss for words, quietly trying to avert her
eyes. But Yuigahama followed her gaze in a manner that wouldn’t allow
her to run away.
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Ebina-san soothed Yuigahama who was groaning in displeasure. “Now,
now, what’s the problem? I think making chocolate would be good,
too.”
“Huh? You’re gonna do it too, Hina?” Yuigahama asked, surprised.
“Yep. Well, it’s more like I’ll be accompanying Yumiko or something
like that. It wouldn’t hurt to learn myself, anyway.”
“Ohh, that’s kinda surprising…”
“Really? Like, if I learn, it’d come in handy for goodies at like comiket,”
Ebina-san went on.
In watching the two converse, I was overcome by a sense of discomfort.
“Oh ho…?”
…Goodies? Goodies, huh? Hmmm? I looked at Ebina-san, finding her
words strange, and she turned her head towards me. A glance from
beyond the lenses of her glasses questioned me as if asking if there was
something wrong. I shook my head in response.
Often, handmade things, either as goodies or presents, were used as
formality to maintain a sense of distance outside of friendships. Ebina-
san should be aware of this, yet she still sought to know the process of
making obligatory chocolate.
In other words, it indicates she’s thinking about someone, even if only a
little…
…Way to go, Tobe. You’re actually making some progress here. Then again, I
don’t even know if it’s Tobe that she wants to give chocolate to because it could
be for a complete stranger for all that we know. I mean, seriously, who’s Tobe?
With those thoughts running rampant in my mind, a slight warmth
began filling my heart as I watched Ebina-san. Then, her eyebrows
twitched. She let out a rotten snicker and her glasses sparkled.
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“Yeah, you definitely gotta go with handmade chocolate! I think you
should try giving Hayato-kun some bro-chocolate, Hikitani-kun!”
“Yeah right, I’m not doing that…”
Alright, Ebina-san isn’t changing anytime soon… in more ways than one.
Anyway, what did she say just now? Bro-choco? Tomo-choco? What the heck is
12
that? Chibi Maruko’s grandfather?
“It’s not like he’s accepting any, right?”
“You’re in the clear if you’re a guy!”
The idea’s already out of the question from the start.
We had to listen to Ebina-san, though… After all, the person who’d
normally stop her was making a troubled face, still fiddling with her
hair.
In the meantime, I ignored Ebina-san, who kept going on about bro-
choco and homo-choco.
Sitting next to her, Isshiki crossed her arms and groaned. “That’s true.
Now it’s much harder for us since he’s already declared he isn’t
accepting anything.”
Yep—wait, no, the problem isn’t that, but that we’re both guys here… Hold on,
on second thought, he seems like he’d happily accept chocolate from guys since
they wouldn’t cause him any trouble… But you know what!? There’d clearly be
other kinds of trouble from that instead! And that’s the kind of development that
would score zero points with me!
“What should we do…?”
“Haa… Like totally.”
12 Chibi Maruko-chan
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When Isshiki’s and Miura’s sighs overlapped, they lifted their faces.
Their gazes clashed as if fireworks were on the verge of being lit…
Oh man, talk about scary…
× × ×
I went down to the first floor to use the vending machine in front of the
school store, where I purchased a can of MAX COFFEE with a click13.
I let out a profound sigh as I took the can.
As a guy, I couldn’t help but shrink in my seat while bearing witness to
the ongoing battle between Isshiki and Miura as they silently exchanged
sparks. I was tucking in my shoulders so much that I was starting to
resemble Slenderman of the Western urban legends.
I got up to clean my hands. Afterwards, I made my way back to the
clubroom, sipping my can of coffee to energize my exhausted body. As I
climbed the stairs, I spotted an individual loitering around in front of the
clubroom door.
She made restless glances periodically, accompanied by the alternating
flops and bounces of her blue hair styled in a ponytail.
“…Huh, what’re you doing?” I ended up calling out to her, finding her
to be too suspicious. Her ponytail jumped and she faced me in a
frightful manner.
She was behaving so cautiously that she resembled a mountain cat that
would pop out in the middle of the mountains. I had to the urge to click
my tongue and use my coffee as bait, but this wasn’t the time to be
acting so lax while trying to feed a wild animal.
What I should be doing is trying to name her, not lure her in! Umm, let’s see…
Kawa-something should be good. Heeeey, Kawa-something-san. I called her
13 Yatterman – The sound Boyacky makes when he presses a buttton for his gadgets.
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internally, asking her what she needed in the process. “Do you need
something?”
Upon hearing the question, Kawa-something-san let out a relieved sigh.
She then proceeded to motion me over to the end of the hallway with
her hand. Oh, that’s right, her name is Kawasaki Saki-san. I knew that.
While sending glances towards the clubroom, she asked, “D-Do you
have a second?”
“Uh, why not go inside? It’s cold out here.”
From what I could tell, she had some business with the Service Club.
Knowing that, I honestly just wanted to get in the heated room as soon
as possible. But Kawasaki paused to think and then frantically shook her
hands.
“Huh…? Wait, here is fine! I’m fine here! I just had something to ask
Yukinoshita, that’s all…”
Why don’t you just ask her directly then…?
“Yukinoshita’s inside if you need her. So just go in already. It’s cold
here, and I’ll get sick.”
The hallway of the special building was filled with a frigidity that
might’ve been caused by windows being left open to air out some of the
classrooms. Chills ran up my body, starting from my feet. The windows
rattled in response to the wind blowing in, which sounded like they
were shivering in reaction to the wind as well.
“I’m… not all that cold or anything…” Kawasaki said, turning her face
away from me.
Well, you might be okay with it, but I’m not… There’d be problems if I were
to get sick because of this. Spreading the cold to Komachi, or trying to
recover from it, would invite all kinds of issues.
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On another note, as a citizen of Chiba, the best way to cure a cold would
be to consume as much garlic as possible, doused with a ton of spices.
After that, a warm can of MAX COFFEE and some sleep would do the
trick. And the following day, you’d find yourself in the hospital. And
that’s why I think we should stay cooped in at home in order to avoid
catching a cold.
The Kawasaki home was also no stranger to housing a test-taking
student. Should the younger Kawasaki brother, Taishi, catch a cold and
end up infecting Komachi, I may have to dirty my hands with sins and
blood…
“Just go in,” I coarsely stated, my voice growing sharp due to my
hostility towards the poisonous insect called Taishi for daring to
approach my Komachi.
Kawasaki caved in. “I-If you say so…”
As long you understand. I’d like to lower the chances of Komachi getting
potentially sick and all.
“Well, can’t have you getting sick either,” I said, opening the door. I
nodded to her, urging her to enter.
Appearing dazed, she looked back.
“…O-Okay,” she said, answering with a voice in contrast to her
intimidating appearance and walking reluctantly inside.
She looks like a delinquent at a glance, but she’s really just an honest, good girl
you’d find anywhere. I thought as I followed her into the room.
“Welcome back, Hikki… Huh, Saki?”
Yuigahama turned towards us with a curious look, twisting her upper
body and cocking her head to the side.
“Ah, yeah…”
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With her awkward response, Kawasaki became the center of attention in
the room.
Yukinoshita blinked at her in question while Isshiki slightly shrunk in
fear. No, no, Kawa-something-san might look scary, but she really isn’t, okay?
Ebina-san, on the other hand, ecstatically shouted out to her. “Oh, hey
there, Saki-Saki. Hallo, hallo!”
“Don’t call me Saki-Saki.” Kawasaki snarled.
To cool her down, Yuigahama extended a chair to her. “It’s pretty rare to
see you stop by here, Saki… Then again, this is the first time, isn’t it?”
They’ve must gotten pretty friendly after the field trip for her to be
calling her Saki now. I just couldn’t keep my tears from flowing
knowing that Kawa-something Saki-san was finally able to have
someone recall her real name, Saki. Lately, I’ve been feeling so emotional
that even the weekly Precures standing their ground was enough to
make me bawl.
Yep, yep, girls getting along is a wonderful thing. Very, I thought as my body
warmed up. Meanwhile, Yukinoshita prepared some tea in a paper cup
and inquired, “So, what do you need from us today?”
“Th-Thanks… Um…”
Though Kawasaki ignited the conversation, she wasn’t quite able to
continue. Oh yeah, she mentioned how she wanted to talk to Yukinoshita about
something. Kawasaki groaned, unsure of how to proceed. She was
interrupted by the sound of nails tapping on the table next to her.
From that direction, Miura had a displeased look. Kawasaki, however,
wasn’t very appreciative of her attitude and stared her down, Miura
doing the same thing right back.
“Excuse me, who says we’re done with my issues?”
“Ha? You’re just drinking tea, aren’t you?”
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I take back what I said earlier. Kawasaki-san is super scary…
Miura and Kawasaki stared daggers into each other, neither of them
giving an inch. Terrible chemistry between the two of you as always, huh…?
Watching the two caused Isshiki to freeze up.
In that unbending space, Ebina-san interjected. “Okay, okay, calm down,
Yumiko. Saki-Saki, you’re here to talk about something, right? If you
don’t mind, we’d like to listen, too.”
“I believe we’re the ones that’ll be helping…”
“Anyway, talk to us, hm?” Ebina-san asked, apparently not lending an
ear at all to Yukinoshita’s grumbling.
Kawasaki shot glances at Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, and then me. She
sighed and spoke.
“Well, I had some questions about making chocolate…”
The instant she asked, Miura guffawed. “What, you’re also gonna give
someone chocolate? That’s hilarious.”
“Ah?”
“Ha?”
The two, once again, ferociously exchanged glares.
“…Don’t lump me together with you. I’ll have you know I’m not
interested at all in what you want to do with them.”
“Ha?”
“Ah?”
…Stop it! Please get along!
After watching their quarrel, Yukinoshita sighed and shook her
head. Your “how deplorable” face doesn’t mean much considering you’re just
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like them most of the time… Oh, but, recently, the Yukinon with the jagged
heart14 cutting knife that hurts everyone hasn’t been in action that much.
Isshiki mumbled, watching the two girls who wouldn’t back down from
each other. “Senpai, your acquaintances really are all weird people…”
“Ha?”
“Ah?”
Assaulted by their glares, Isshiki immediately retreated behind me.
Remember what I said about stepping on landmines…? You’re acting
like a dumb cat, you know… And besides, I’m just as scared of these two
as you are!
Anyway, let’s move the conversation forward since that’s the only way to be
freed from their hostility.
“So, what’s this about chocolate?”
“My little sister heard some things about Valentine’s Day at her nursery,
and now she wants to make some… Do you know anything small that
little kids can make?”
“Anything small that little kids can make…” Yukinoshita nodded,
repeating what she heard.
Ebina-san tilted her head. “Weren’t you good at household chores, Saki-
Saki?”
Oh yeah, Kawasaki takes care of her house quite a bit since both her parents are
busy, as well as her having a lot of siblings. I do recall seeing her with shopping
bags with a long green onion sticking out of one of them. So that means she
should be good at cooking, too. I looked at her and she turned her face away
in awkwardness.
14 Yatterman – The sound Boyacky makes when he presses a buttton for his gadgets.
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“…Um, the things I make are kinda plain. I don’t think kids would like
them.”
“If you don’t mind telling us, what exactly are you proficient at,
Kawasaki-san?” Yukinoshita asked, only to be followed with a silence.
With a stutter, Kawasaki answered, “S-S…”
S… Sweets? That sounds like something kids would enjoy. Back when I
was younger, there was a time when I fought with Komachi over the
Santa Claus sweet on top of the Christmas cake… Though at the time,
we ended up finding out that it wasn’t all that tasty. Komachi and I
stopped eating it and left it up to our dad to throw it away.
But what she wanted to say wasn’t what it seemed. Everyone looked at
her, waiting for her to continue.
“S-Simmered potato balls…”
…It’s plain.
The room was silenced by her answer that was so unimaginably plain.
Everyone’s responses had been so blunt that she started shedding tears,
apparently a sign of how embarrassing it was for her.
Realizing that, Yuigahama made a determined face and tried to soothe
Kawasaki with an energetic voice.
“That sounds great! I can’t even cook! You’re totally amazing in my
book! Right, Yukinon!?”
When asked, Yukinoshita nodded her head in earnest. “That’s true.
Potato balls remind me of cat balls, so it’s rather cute don’t you think?”
“Isn’t that follow-up kinda weird!?” Yuigahama turned around with a
bewildered face. You’re totally right, you can’t even call that a follow-up.
What the heck are cat balls, anyway…? Are you perhaps talking about how cats
curl into a ball when they sleep? And when you roll them around, they give you
this incredibly displeased look? Okay, sure, even I think that’s pretty cute, even
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if only for a little. But long-haired cats are like mops and attract a lot of dust, so
be careful there!
Anyway, let’s stop thinking about cats and focus on Kawasaki. Then
again, that weird follow-up by Yukinoshita embarrassed her even more
that she was shaking like a baby kitten that was just given away. I’m so
sorry that she doesn’t know how to make feel people better…
As compensation, if you could even call it that, I coughed once and
added, “Well, if you’re able to cook those, you should be good.”
“Oh, that’s true. It is plain, though…” Isshiki repeated after me and
answered. Although she looked confused, she wasn’t acting
disrespectful or derisive.
“Yep, that’s totally something Saki-Saki would make, too!” Ebina-san
erected her index finger, flashing an Ebi-Ebi smile.
Kawasaki started squirming this time, clearly finding all the praise
uncomfortable, when suddenly she stopped. I followed her gaze; it was
directed at Miura, seemingly concerned what she might end up saying.
Miura, however, took a fixed look at her and looked away in disinterest.
With a small voice, she whispered as though speaking to no one in
particular, “So you can cook.”
“Huh? Oh, yeah, I can…”
“Hmmm…”
As she twirled her hair with the tip of her fingers, her voice was slightly
tinged with respect. I imagine Miura-san couldn’t quite cook herself,
either… As a maiden, it might’ve been a skillset she aspired to have.
“If Kawasaki-san is able to cook, I suppose all we’ll need is to pitch a
menu of suggestions.” Contemplating, Yukinoshita placed her hand to
her chin and tilted her head.
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“D-Don’t forget me! I wanna know, too! If kids can do it, so can I!”
Yuigahama energetically raised her hand.
Yukinoshita sadly lowered her eyes. “…I wouldn’t be so sure of that.”
“You’re being way too honest, Yukinon!”
“Actually, she didn’t say that it’d be impossible, so she’s being
considerate, if anything.”
“Just how hopeless do you two think I am!?”
You’re just not self-aware enough… When it came to Yuigahama, neither
menus nor the process of cooking were the problems. It’s her habitual
need to throw in her ideas of hidden flavors that made things worse.
The thing she made long ago with Yukinoshita had turned into
something edible at the end, after all. Well, it’s not like there weren’t
problems with Yukinoshita’s teaching either…
“Hey, what about me?”
“Right, right, let us in on this, too!”
Miura and Ebina, looking tired of Kawasaki’s side of the story, spoke up
in displeasure while Isshiki raised her hand slightly.
“Oh, I’d like to participate for reference.”
Seeing them, Yukinoshita sighed.
“I don’t mind…” She said, sending me a glance.
“…Well, go ahead and see what you can come up with. They’re the ones
who’ll be doing the work, anyway.”
“That’s true… You’re right; I’ll put something appropriate together, so
I’d like to have some of your time if you don’t mind…”
Yukinoshita looked at Kawasaki, Ebina-san, and then Miura. The three
of them nodded back in agreement.
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It had been a short while since they had left the club room. The room
returned to its peaceful quiet state at last and Yukinoshita let out a quiet
sigh.
“Somehow, today feels especially tiring……”
As we sip the newly brewed red tea, we finally managed to calm
ourselves down. There had been an unusual amount of visitors today.
Three people in one day. If we included Isshiki, that would make it four.
This could perhaps be the highest record of visitors since this club
started.
Looking back at the past, business today was really thriving.
This empty room that resembled a storage room could actually turn into
such a bustling place. The chairs that were here originally, were put
haphazardly, and were facing random directions. But, since some time
ago, they had begun to form a sort of distorted circle around a long table
that had a tea-set on top.
The clubroom had changed a lot since the past.
The warm air, tea-set and blankets, the paperbacks that had
accumulated. The number of chairs as well as the placement of various
objects. The intensity of the sun shining in and the coats hanging on the
wall.
The room that had been the color of frost, had turned into a hue of
warmth following the end of spring.
It wasn't clear at all whether this was due to the changing of the seasons,
or maybe there were some other reasons behind it.
The air around us was inducing us into a slumber, making us feel quite
uneasy, and so I looked outside the window reflexively.
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According to the weather report, there will a massive cold wave these
few days, and so right now, a strong wind had already begun blowing.
The sound of the glass rattling and their voices intertwined with one
another, reaching my ears clearly.
At this time, the door burst open rudely, making a huge noise. Then, a
loud roar rang out.
"Isshiki!"
"Eek!"
Isshiki's shoulders jumped in shock, and she glanced timidly at the door.
Hiratsuka-sensei stood by the doorway imposingly, looking really
furious with a frown on her face.
"Sensei, knock......"
"Ah, sorry. Because this is kind of urgent. ...... Isshiki."
With a slight smile in response to how Yukinoshita was pressing her
fingers against her temples, Hiratsuka-sensei walked into the room with
great strides.
Then she walked next to Isshiki, crossed her arms and looked down at
her.
"Work, huh?"
"Eh......"
Isshiki seemed to be at a loss for words, and she looked around her
nervously. Then her suspicious gaze met mine.
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"Didn't you say you were very free?"
"...... I am very free."
Hearing my question, Isshiki turned her face away, and replied me in a
peevish tone.
Hearing that, Hiratsuka-sensei took a deep breath.
"Although the student council is indeed functioning as per normal, you
still have other jobs to attend to. Didn't I tell you to think about the
graduation ceremony farewell speech and pass it to me?"
Graduation ceremony...... Was it already that time? Isn't it held around
the second week in the month of March? If so, then there's still plenty of
time...... It seems that Isshiki thought so as well. [Ahaha, noooo~☆], she
had that sort of cute smile on her face.
"But there, there's still another month......"
"Too naïve! If you neglect it, you are going to be so dead!"
Hearing Hiratsuka-sensei's stern tone, Isshiki shrugged her shoulders.
Indeed. One more month, don't just think that there's 'still' one more
month.
Whether it was work or the summer holidays, if you keep thinking
about how much time you have left, then for sure, in the next instant, all
these 'excess' time that you thought you had will vanish.
Time and tide waits for no man. There's still hope, there's still hope,
hope, hope, Tasmania devil!15 People who keep thinking that, will soon
15 Just Hikki fooling around with the word, 助かる(Tasukaru) Whole sentence (Romanized) is mada tasukaru
mada tasukaru tasukaru tasukaru tasumania debiru (Tasmanian Devil)
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reach a truly hopeless situation. Such cases are definitely not in the
minority.
"You can't really count February as a 'month'. Not only are the number
of days lesser, but there's also the entrance exam. Hence, there will be so
much to do. In short, there's just no time in February."
Hiratsuka-sensei said those words sharply.
"Yes! I will do it! I will do my best! I will think of something! That's why
I am here to consult with them! I am here to hear about the situation in
the previous year!"
Isshiki's answer was pretty spirited. That's really wonderful of her.
However, what is that that you are saying? I am pretty sure that the
contents of what you wanted to talk to us about was the obligatory
chocolates......
Although it didn't really matter either way, there wasn't anything more
unreliable than the words "I will domy best" and "I will do something
about it." ......
You can't believe anything of that sort when it's said by a corporate
slave. The source is my father. Although this person would say
something nice-sounding when he was discussing work on the phone at
home, as soon as the call ended, he would be saying "Like hell that can
be done, idiot!"......
Of course, Hiratsuka-sensei saw through Isshiki shallow response and as
she combed her hair upwards, she looked at Isshiki with a frustrated
expression.
"I am saying, you can't do it this way. Next year, you are going to have
be independent. You can't keep relying on your senpais, right?"
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Hearing Hiratsuka-sensei's words, Yukinoshita continued to grip her tea
cup as she nodded her head.
"Indeed."
"Un. Although it's quite a big thing to deal with......, but Isshiki-San is the
president after all......"
Yuigahama too, was looking at Isshiki with a troubled smile.
Thereupon, as though seeking an ally, she moved her chair bit by bit.
Then, with tears welling up in her eyes, she tugged lightly at my sleeves.
I am totally weak against people who used this sort of method to seek
help.
Komachi would often shed tears for me to see over all sorts of things, I,
as an elite class Onii-chan would stand unconditionally by my sister's
side. I wouldn't even mind destroying one or two worlds for my sister's
sake. Ah, as expected of me this Onii-sama.
Guess it can't be helped. Time for me to say something to wrap all these
up...... As I was about to speak, I will interrupted by the sound of
Yukinoshita's voice.
"Hikigaya-kun, you mustn't pamper her."
"Nothing like that, it's just that she is here to discuss something after
all......"
Hearing me say that, Isshiki leaned herself forward.
"Exactly! Aren’t you supposed to at least listen to someone who's here
for a consultation?"
“But, Iroha-chan’s case is slightly different from Yumiko and Saki……”
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As Yuigahama troubled herself over this, Hiratsuka-sensei blinked her
eyes in surprise.
“What, you mean there were others who came here too?”
“Yes! It’s just as you said! There were many people who came! So, I
thought I would lend them my aid as well……”
“That’s not your job.”
Hiratsuka-sensei swiftly rejected her excuses. To that, Isshiki had no
response but to grind her teeth in vexation.
Isshiki, you are too naïve. Even if you tell her a decent reason, it would
still be impossible for Hiratsuka-sensei to forgive you. As for why that is
so, no matter how hard you try, Hiratsuka-sensei’s words will always be
much more logical that yours. In any case, Isshiki herself was not
‘decent’ at all. A better word choice to describe her would be flat……
Well, not really. What she ought to have, was there, un. Flat would be
referring to that somethingnoshita-san!
After all, people only adopt that sort of righteous tone when criticizing
others. You are not supposed to use it when accepting criticisms.
Therefore, the right thing for you to do would be to ignore her.
Let me show you how it’s done……
"Well, the contents of what they are discussing is more relatable to girls,
so it would be better if we had more girls discussing it. At least, that's
what I think since I am not too sure about it. See, isn't it going to be
Valentine's Day soon?"
Valentine's Day. As soon as I said that magic word, Hiratsuka-sensei
froze on the spot. Then, she immediately cast her gaze outside the
window, a faraway look in her eyes.
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"Valentine's day, is it...... So nostalgic......"
Then, with a self-mocking sigh, Hiratsuka-sensei's gaze returned to us.
Staring at us, she uttered "Valentine's day......" in a small voice once
more.
Her eyes no longer contained the playful look of just now, but one of
melancholy.
Hiratsuka-sensei cleared her throat lightly and readied herself.
"Since someone came to your with a request, I guess the matter with the
farewell speech can wait a bit. You do need Isshiki to help you out every
once in a while."
"Eh, not really, I don't really need Isshiki to help out with anything......"
"Isn't that just mean!?"
Isshiki turned to face me with a look of indignation. No, seriously, I
think you will just make it worse...... As I tossed her a cold glare,
Yuigahama began her intervention.
"Alright alright...... It's not really a bad idea. If she can lend a helping
hand, we would have less to deal with......"
"Are you sure?"
"Senpai, what do you take me for......"
Ignoring Isshiki, I turned to look at Yukinoshita.
"If Yuigahama-san says as such, then I have no objections."
At this point, Hiratsuka-sensei clapped her hands together.
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"Then it's decided. Isshiki will, to the best of her abilities, settle the
farewell speech herself. Also, since everyone has beseeched you with a
request, I think you all deserve some praise for all your performance up
till this point in time."
"Isn't that just because they treat us as some handyman......"
It is indeed true that the number of people who came to us with requests
has increased. Thanks to that, the amount of workload has also
increased. The problem lies in the fact that we didn't get anything in
return at all. It wasn't even on the level of being unpaid for overtime
anymore.
What was this? Treating overtime as flexible working hours? Please, this
was already like training us to dedicate ourselves to a black business.
Seeing my eyes convey this message in resentment, Hiratsuka-sensei
winked at me.
"Even if so, you are still helping others. An existence whereby you are
push yourself a little is very important. I think it's not a bad idea for
Isshiki to possess this trait."
"Yes! I will continue to put in my best efforts!"
Although Isshiki replied with a lot of vigor, but it was obvious, that big
smile of hers was saying "Noooo, extend the deadline~~"
"......My original intention was to correct some of your flaws. Anyway,
just do your best."
With a bitter smile, Hiratsuka-sensei gently patted Isshiki's head lightly.
Then, waving her hands slightly, she left the club room.
Watching her leave, we heaved a sigh of relief as well.
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"But, it really is quite troubling."
Hearing Yukinoshita, who was now crossing her arms, murmur that;
Isshiki, who had her arms crossed as well, looked serious as she sighed.
"Yes, Miura-Senpai showing her seriousness there is indeed a little
troubling."
"What I meant was the amount of request......"
Laughing bitterly at the exchange between the two, Yuigahama began to
speak.
"But then, I think I kind of understand how Hayato-kun is feeling......"
Hayama's feelings, no, I don't really understand him...... I looked at
Yuigahama questioningly, asking her for the intention of that line.
Yuigahama thought for a while, and then spoke once more.
"Ah, you see......, how should I put it.....as expected I still can't really say
it openly, or maybe I just read too much into things......"
This sort of worry was really like her. Hearing her, Isshiki nodded her
head
"Ah, that is so like Yui-Senpai. So kind."
"Is that, so......, ahaha...... Just like me, huh......"
Yuigahama laughed awkwardly at Isshiki's words, and had a slightly
dejected look on her face.
She was probably shy from being praised. It's probably just that. Or
rather, she was the same as Hayama Hayato. Because they were both
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kind, they were probably suffering from being too concerned about
others.
Thinking about it, Yuigahama was on very good things with Hayama,
Miura as well as Isshiki. Her trouble with getting caught between the
three of them had already surfaced during the ride to Destiny Land, and
it was all the more obvious now.
'Ah, such a huge problem......' It was very easy for an outsider to make
such a comment. However, I was unable to do so.
I had a hard time understanding why someone would keep worrying
about the relationships between others. However, I had the same feeling
as her. That feeling of wanting to obtain a conclusion.
Probably, Yukinoshita felt the same way as well. I could tell from
Yukinoshita's expression that she was quite concerned over Yuigahama's
dark mood.
For example, if I could obtain the same conclusion as Hayama, then
perhaps everything I have done up till now was a waste of effort.
Hayama Hayato, who has chosen to live up to everybody's expectation,
has decided to fulfill it flawlessly. To undertake the greatest compromise
without compromise. Dedicating himself to using such a measure to
prolong such a life.
There was nothing as sincere as this insincerity.
For such a [kind] person, there wasn’t much that an [unkind] person
could do. The most they could do was to engage in monologue, or to
repeat the same thing over and over again.
“…… Well, isn’t it enough to just use an excuse? Some sort of official
reason to convince Hayama.”
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“Huh?”
Isshiki seemed to have no idea what I was talking at all and the upper
half of her body followed her head’s movements and tilted to the side,
whilst looking my way. Although this action of hers was very cute, but
her answer was really annoying, Isshiki……
“Just as long as you get him into a position whereby he’s forced to
accept it, or rather, whereby he can accept it naturally.”
Hearing my follow-up, the corners of Isshiki’s mouth curled upwards, a
queer expression that didn’t really seem to suggest that she understood
it completely. Then, Yukinoshita placed the tea cup and cup holder to
one side and with her eyes, told me to be quiet.
“That is to say, it’s fine as long as there is an excuse? …… If you were to
give him in a closed environment, Hayama-kun wouldn’t be troubled by
it.”
“That’s right, closed, that thing.”
Actually whether it was closed or worst or QP 16, it doesn’t matter. The
important point was that Hayama doesn’t have to worry about how
others looked at him, that all we needed to do was not damage his
public image.
Though I have said so much, Isshiki and Yuigahama still did not seem to
understand and remained tilting their heads. Yuigahama was still
muttering “Cu-ro-se-to……?” Erm, what exactly is a closet
environment? Doraemon’s living environment? 17
“For example…… Don’t mention Valentine’s Day, just get him to taste it.
Something like that, I don’t have an exact idea.”
16 A manga by Hiroshi Takahashi, QP （キューピー）
17 Doraemon lives in a closet.
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“So it’s like that…… would it okay for everyone to make (the chocolates)
together?”
Yuigahama inhaled a deep breath as she spoke, her expression
suggesting that she was quite relieved. Un, I think that it would be best
if you understood it without much trouble.
“Well, something like that. Whether it’s Isshiki or Miura, as long you
made it with Hayama and get him to test its taste, that guy will have no
way of rejecting you.”
“I see…… I understand the gist of it now! I just have to drag him to a
place whereby there are no one with interfere with us?”
“Although you aren’t wrong, but please note how you saying it……”
Hearing me chiding Isshiki, Yukinoshita let slipped a chuckle.
“However, the main point is indeed as such. As expected of a genius
who specializes in disappearing from the public eye and unfair tactics.”
“Un, you need to take notice of how you speak too.”
Sometimes, you do need to put further thought into how you extend
your praise to others. As I thought that, Yuigahama slapped her thigh
and stood up.
“Then, let’s all do it. Us together, I mean……”
“……Indeed. If we could teach at the place as well, then there will be no
need to suggest menus to each individual person too.”
“Ah, isn’t that great! To be able to doing an event together with those
who came here with their requests, to learn from each other too. Also, if
Yukinoshita-senpai would teach, then that would be really great.”
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Isshiki moved her chair closer and closer to Yukinoshita. She grabbed
Yukinoshita’s hand, who seemed to be thinking of something at the
moment, and with a slight tilt of her head, looked at Yukinoshita in a
pleading manner with upturned eyes. Then with an “ehehe”, she smiled
at her.
“E, eh eh…… I don’t really mind……”
As always, Yukinoshita didn’t have much resistance to skin ship and
body touch. Throw in a sweet pleading voice, and Yukinoshita would
fall for it, hook, line and sinker.
Although the difference between this gesture of hers and Yuigahama’s
was just like the difference between something natural and cultivated,
the exceptional effectiveness that both had on Yukinoshita didn’t seem
to change.
Yukinoshita cleared her throat, and shot a glance at me.
“If it’s help, I don’t think there’s much of a problem in providing it……
What do you think?”
“I can’t really care, even if you ask me what I think…… The one’s who’s
doing the teaching is you, so if you don’t think you will be tired out
from it, then it’s alright.”
Also, Yuigahama seemed to be really into it. Hence, it doesn’t really
matter even if I rejected it.
“Is that so? Then we have to think about the way in which this event
could be held……”
Yukinoshita placed her hand underneath her chin and began to think.
Isshiki, who was sitting to her side, suddenly picked up her phone and
called someone.
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“Ah, Vice-president? I need you to help me write a proposal. Something
along the lines of a cooking class event. Something like that. …… Huh?
No, just make something that I can put up on the noticeboard of a
community center. Also.”
Despite the obviously troubled voice that could be heard on the other
end of the line, Isshiki tutted and began to give her instructions.
“Ne ne, Yukinon, what about me?”
Yuigahama too, shifted her chair closer and closer to Yukinoshita, asking
her what she should do. Hearing that question, Yukinoshita thought for
a little bit before replying.
"As for Yuigahama-San......"
Then, she placed her hand solemnly onto Yuigahama's shoulders, and
began talking to her in a gentle voice as though talking to a small child.
"I will do it together with you."
"You don't trust me at all!? U u, then...... what would Hikki be doing?"
Though she turned her head all of a sudden and asked me that question,
there was nothing that I could help her with regards to that.
"I have no experience with cooking or baking."
Hearing my answer, Yukinoshita gave a little chuckle.
"It doesn't matter. You just need to taste it and give us your opinion."
I think I have heard those words somewhere before. But the tone used
back then and now was different. Yuigahama, who was sitting next to
her seemed to have remembered something as well and let out a laugh.
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Oregairu Vol 11
"...... Leave it to me. I specialize in that field."
As I recalled the answer that I had given that time, I said as such. The
three of us looked at one another, and broke into a hearty laugh.
Isshiki, who was still in the midst of her call glanced at the three of us,
probably because she noticed our laughter.
Her gaze was asking us why were we laughing and to that, I answered
by shaking my head, telling her it was nothing.
There is really no proper explanation for this sort of thing. There were
some things whose importance could only be understood through the
passage of time as well as the shared memories of it.
Isshiki shook her head lightly at my actions, and before long, finished
her conversation with the Vice-President and ended up the call at long
last.
"Okay, alright, yes, thanks for your trouble."
The Vice President on the other end seemed to be on the verge of tears,
but Isshiki just ignored it and hung up the call. Having completed her
call, she stood up, looking refreshed.
"Well, that settles it. The finer details will be settled by the student
council, so I will leave the cooking room up to you~"
As she muttered "sorry for bothering you" in a small voice, she bowed to
us and prepared to leave the club room.
She was probably going off to do some preparations for the cooking
room or something like that.
That unreliability that had been present in the past no longer existed.
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Although her way of doing things seemed to be a little high-handed, I
did think that this also reflected her growth. No, it's a little extreme to
call it growth. Well, I think it's more appropriate to say that she was just
good at dealing with things. Also, the way that she treated the Vice
President was practically the same way in which she treated Tobe.
"Well then, sorry to trouble you, Isshiki-san."
"Un! Do your best! Iroha-chan!"
Towards Isshiki who was bowing to us at the doorway, Yukinoshita
smiled warmly at her whereas Yuigahama was pumping her hand into
the air cheerfully. I nodded my head and watched her leave.
Watching her close the door quietly behind her, I had a sudden thought.
......I see, because of how Isshiki was seriously doing this right now, I
didn't have to do anything in particular.
Somehow, it feels a little lonely when I couldn't help out.
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