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[-Continuation-]
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[-Hachiman's POV-]
As we sat there, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the room, I realized the real task wouldn't just be helping Tobe or doing what Ebina wanted.
It was about how to handle the complicated game of teen relationships, of growth and change, and the painful process of learning to be honest – with others and with ourselves.
"So." I began, unable to keep the edge from my voice. "Care to explain why you have decided to drop this mess in our laps, Hayama?"
Hayama's smile faltered slightly. "I thought... given your track record with helping others, you might be able to lend a hand here."
I couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle. "Lend a hand? With what exactly? Are we your personal cleanup crew for messes you can't handle?"
"That's not what I meant at all." Hayama retorted, his laughter sounding forced and hollow in the quiet room.
My eyes narrowed as I studied his face. "Hayama. This will be the last time I say this. Don't be a cat on the wall. Decide on something when you once again come to the Service Club. Otherwise, I am sorry, but can you leave?"
He nodded. "Hu-uhm…."
"Alright, let's start from the beginning." I said, my fingers drumming a soft rhythm on the desk. "What exactly are your intentions regarding Tobe?"
Hayama features his trademark smile. "To cheer him on for what he was trying to do…. As I would absolutely do for any of my friends."
Bullshit…. That's what I want to say.
The Hayama Hayato that I knew was a human being that, regardless of the time and place, would choose a near correct answer. He was a guy who stayed within the realm of his own reasoning so much that he was bound by it. Or so I thought.
Shifting in my seat, I turned to face him fully. "If you have concerns, voice them now. Otherwise, stay out of it. You see, I need you to be clear about your intentions. Are you here to support Tobe, or is there something else going on?"
The room fell silent, the unspoken tensions hovering in the air.
Hayama spoke in a stoic fashion without the slightest hint of embarrassment, revealing a flicker of frustration before he regained his composure. "…As I said, I am just looking out for my friends. Both Tobe and Hina."
"That's exactly why I say this. Stop being a cat on the wall, and jump onto either side. Make a decision." I shrugged, unmoved by his attempt at nostalgia.
"…Well, guess I am the one at fault here." Hayama closed his eyes and began to talk as if he had given up.
Yukinoshita cleared her throat, her voice cool and measured. "What Hikigaya is trying to convey, Hayama, is that we're puzzled by your true intentions. This charade of yours seems... more complex than you initially led us to believe."
Hayama's facade cracked further, a flicker of guilt crossing his features. "You are right. I... I haven't been entirely forthcoming."
"No kidding." I muttered, earning a sharp look from Yukinoshita.
Yuigahama leaned forward, her brow furrowed with concern. "Hayato, what's really going on? We want to help, but we need to understand the whole picture."
Hayama sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It is not just about Tobe's confession. Hina... She already knows about his feelings. She's not interested in dating anyone right now."
Anyone, huh?
I couldn't help but let out a soft, skeptical 'Hm' at Hayama's words.
So, Ebina Hina isn't interested in dating Toba.
Yep, that's what I want to believe.
After all, when a girl says - I am not interested in dating anyone right now.
It's often just a roundabout way of saying - I don't like you.
Because, we shouldn't forget that when someone says 'everyone,' that includes themselves too.
Unless... unless she really is in a situation where there's no room for the concept of love in her life. Not just romantic love, but any form of it. And honestly, I don't think Ebina's in that kind of situation. Not from what I have seen, at least. But who knows? I could be wrong.
Ignoring that, I couldn't help but scoff. "And yet you still brought Tobe here, asking us to help him. And let me say, he is trying pretty hard, you know. Are you not going to give him any consideration at all? Why?"
"I told him many times to give up, but he didnt." Hayama hesitated, but his sharp voice reverberated. "In the end, I thought if it happened in a controlled environment, with your help, maybe it would be easier for everyone. Less messy."
Yukinoshita's eyes narrowed. "So essentially, you don't want anything to change. You believe that if it happens this way, it's less likely to disrupt your group's dynamics. Even so, we can't predict what will happen in the future."
"…Yes, that's right. Is that so wrong, to want to protect what we have?" Hayama spat his words out.
His voice was diluted with anguish and impatience, which was something you wouldn't expect from Hayama normally.
"It is not wrong." I conceded.
"That is, if you're ready to take the risk of prolonging a situation that's clearly making people uncomfortable." I paused, letting my words sink in before adding. "But I know for a fact that you're not."
The room fell silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air.
I could see the conflict in Hayama's eyes, the struggle between his desire to maintain harmony and the realization of the harm his actions might cause.
I watched as Yuigahama broke the tense silence, her voice soft but carrying a surprising firmness. "Hayato, I understand wanting to keep things the same. Change is scary. But sometimes... sometimes it's necessary, you know?"
Her words hung in the air, and I felt a sense of pride and respect wash over me. Neither Yukinoshita nor I had any right to speak on this matter.
Because only the most honest person in this room has the right to say that, when faced with it, we both were not the ones to step up but Yuigahama.
Yukinoshita nodded, her rigid posture softening slightly in agreement.
Hayama looked between us, his usual mask of perfection crumbling. "I didn't mean to cause more problems. I just thought..."
"You thought we could fix everything without anyone getting hurt." I finished for him. "But that's not how it works, Hayama. Sometimes people get hurt. Sometimes things change. That's life."
A heavy silence fell over the room as Hayama absorbed our words. I could see the gears turning in his head, the slow realization of the consequences of his actions.
Finally, Yukinoshita spoke, her voice gentle but firm. "Hayama, we cannot solve this problem for you. Nor should we. This is something your group needs to address honestly and openly."
"But." Yuigahama added a small smile to her face. "We can help create a situation where honesty is possible. A safe space for everyone to express their true feelings."
I nodded, grudgingly agreeing. "We will set the stage, but what happens on it is up to you and your friends. No more hiding behind false smiles or unspoken agreements. It's time for some real communication."
Hayama looked between us, a mix of apprehension and gratitude in his eyes. "I... I understand. Thank you. All of you. I know I have put you in a difficult position."
"Just remember." I said, locking eyes with him.
….
.
"I think I have an idea." I said, interrupting the ongoing discussion. All eyes turned to me, a mixture of curiosity and wariness in their gazes.
"Oh? You already got the idea, just like that, huh…?" Yukinoshita said, her tone cautious.
I leaned forward, a sardonic smile playing on my lips. "We give them exactly what they want - and what they fear - all at once."
"What do you mean, Hikki?" Yuigahama asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
I began, my voice low and deliberate. "Picture this, we craft the ultimate confession scenario for Tobe. Moonlight, cherry blossoms, the whole shebang."
"But here's the twist - We make sure Ebina knows beforehand about Tobe's confession."
I mean, she already knows, but let's just make sure she knows about it completely.
Hayama's eyes widened in realization. "Hold on, if she's aware of it in advance-!"
"Bingo." I cut him off. "She will have time to prepare her response. And not just any response - a carefully crafted rejection that satisfies her desire to remain single while sparing Tobe's ego."
Yukinoshita's eyes narrowed. "That's... just playing Tobe for a fool, especially his feelings, Hikigaya."
I shrugged, unapologetic. "It gets the job done. Tobe gets his chance to confess, Ebina avoids an awkward situation, and your precious group dynamics remain intact."
"But isn't that kind of... mean?" Yuigahama asked, her voice small.
I softened my tone, meeting her concerned gaze. "Sometimes, Yuigahama, a gentle lie cuts deeper than a harsh truth. This way, everyone walks away with what they need, even if it's not exactly what they thought they wanted."
Hayama looked conflicted, his perfect facade cracking under the weight of the decision. "I... I don't know if I can go along with this."
"Then don't." I said bluntly. "Stay out of it. Let them handle it themselves for once."
….
.
"Haa, Hikki, you know so much about love and all." Yuigahama spoke, her voice a mixture of awe and teasing.
I have a question for you, Yuigahama. Was that really necessary just now?
"Well, they say the most inexperienced dog is the best adviser, right? Guess that really was true."
….
.
[To be continued…]
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