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[-Continuation-]
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[-Hachiman's POV-]
"There is no room for refusal, huh…" Yukinoshita sighed lightly and wore the coat she was handed in resignation.
"Now then, let's get going."
Taking us along for the trip, Ms. Hiratsuka walked along on her heels, and as the sounds of the heels hitting the floor echoed, she gallantly headed for the night in Kyoto.
….
.
The night breeze was uncomfortably cold as we made our way from the hotel.
I should note that I am out here in my indoor clothes too…
"....!It's freezing out here." I muttered under my breath, the words carried away on a cold gust.
Maybe I should have invested half as much thought into my outfit as I did into crafting this whole situation.
Ms. Hiratsuka looked at my outfit and gave me a mocking smile.
"Of course it's chilly. We are in Kyoto, not some cozy lounge. Did you really think those flimsy clothes would cut it?" She eyed my thin clothes with a disapproving click of her tongue.
Hey, what's with this double standard? Yukinoshita was dressed similarly earlier, and I don't recall her getting this kind of critique. Why do I get the special treatment?
…And wasn't it her bright idea to drag us out on this spontaneous outing in the first place?
While I stewed in silent irritation, Yukinoshita's eyes drifted towards me, her expression softening as she took in the sight of me shivering like a leaf.
She didn't say anything at first, just watching me with a kind of quiet concern. Then, without warning, she stepped closer, her voice low and steady.
"You really should have dressed more warmly. This isn't the time to test your so-called [Endurance] stats." She murmured, almost too quietly for me to catch.
[Endurance starts] Hum…. Isn't that my vocabulary?
Before I could even think of a reply, Yukinoshita slipped her arm through mine, pulling us together as we continued walking.
??!! The sudden warmth from her body was a sharp contrast to the icy wind, and the casual intimacy of the gesture left me completely unprepared.
"Look who's talking." I managed to quip, trying to sound normal.
She would have been in the same situation as me if it weren't for Ms. Hiratsuka's 'generosity' in sharing her coat with her earlier.
Ms. Hiratsuka's smirk faded slightly as she observed Yukinoshita's unexpected reaction and the way she casually linked her arm with mine.
"Someone's got a soft spot." She teased, though her tone was less biting than before.
I decided to ignore that, expecting Yukinoshita to do the same, but instead, she surprised me again.
"Don't misunderstand, Ms. Hiratsuka." She replied quickly, her voice a touch sharper as she avoided looking in my direction. "I just don't want to hear him whining the whole way."
I glanced down at our intertwined arms, a strange mix of surprise and something else I couldn't quite place settling in.
As I moved in a bit closer, I tightened my grip slightly.
"Thanks." I muttered, the word slipping out almost involuntarily.
"You should be, I am being really generous here." She muttered, her voice holding a mix of irritation and something softer that made the cold seem a little less biting.
We continued walking until we reached the main street, where Ms. Hiratsuka flagged down a passing taxi with a swift wave of her hand.
Almost immediately, a small taxi screeched to a halt in front of us.
But then, just as I thought we were about to pile in, Ms. Hiratsuka suddenly took control of the situation. She grabbed Yukinoshita's hand, unceremoniously untangling our linked arms, and hurried her towards the taxi.
Seriously? What's she doing, ruining the moment like that? This is what I get for playing matchmaker? I even sacrificed my friend's peace of mind for her, and this is the thanks I get?
As I muttered a curse under my breath, Ms. Hiratsuka suddenly paused, releasing Yukinoshita's hand as if a thought had just struck her.
"Wait, I will go first." She declared a hint of childish determination in her voice as she stepped into the taxi.
At that moment, I didn't catch the mischievous glint in her eyes as she glanced at Yukinoshita. I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts to notice.
So, Ms. Hiratsuka was the first to slide into the taxi.
I peered inside the taxi, noting the limited space that had now been occupied by Ms. Hiratsuka. It seemed like fitting three people into the back seat of this tiny taxi would be a tight squeeze.
"Hikigaya, hop in. You mentioned it's cold outside, right? It's much warmer in here." She called out, her voice sounding innocent enough.
But the way she patted the seat next to her made me squint at her in suspicion.
Her words triggered a thought, if I got in now and Yukinoshita followed, I would be squished between two beautiful ladies.
The image made me smirk involuntarily.
"...." I couldn't find a reply.
Still, I decided to step forward. But just as I was about to enter, Yukinoshita gave my shoulder a light pinch, as if she could read my thoughts.
"What are you staring at in daze?" She asked with a touch of irritation.
"Nothing." I muttered, shaking my head.
"I will go in next." Yukinoshita declared, her tone brooking no argument.
"Hm, sure, go ahead." I said, rubbing the spot where she pinched me.
"Hikigaya, why are you hesitating?" Ms. Hiratsuka chimed in, her voice adopting an exaggeratedly whiny tone.
Yukinoshita shot me an annoyed look, and I was completely lost.
What the hell was going on here?
Seriously, these women can be impossible to figure out sometimes.
No, not just sometimes - more like most of the time. Or maybe all the time.
"That's fine, teach. Let her go." I objected, not wanting to drag this out any longer.
"Oh, you are the ladies-first type? How you have grown." Ms. Hiratsuka teased, her tone light but with an edge of mockery.
The sudden praise felt oddly misplaced. What was she up to?
I silently stepped aside to let Yukinoshita enter first. It made sense, and frankly, it was the more 'practical' choice for me.
As I finally slid into the taxi, I was pleasantly surprised to find there was actually more room than I had anticipated.
It seemed that Yukinoshita and Ms. Hiratsuka's slender figures had made the space feel more generous.
Still, I made a conscious effort to keep a respectable distance, folding my arms tightly against my sides.
Despite my occasional fixation on Yukinoshita, I had no intention of taking advantage of this type of situation. Though, if the ride happened to get a bit bumpy and a few accidental brushes occurred, well, that wasn't my fault.
All the best, Mr. Captain of the Ship.
"Take us to Ichijouji." Ms. Hiratsuka instructed the driver and the taxi went on its way.
As the car began to move, I relaxed slightly, feeling the warmth spread through the small space.
The older woman flashed me a conspiratorial grin.
"Comfortable, Hikigaya?" Her gaze then shifted to Yukinoshita, a subtle spark of amusement in her eyes.
For some reason I didn't feel good about her question just now.
"Yeah. I am good." I replied.
"Well it would probably be more comfortable if you had sat beside me. Isn't it appealing to be sandwiched between two attractive women." Ms. Hiratsuka asked, a sly grin creeping onto her face.
"That…. Would be really bad."
Ms. Hiratsuka chuckled. "Oh come now, Hikigaya. Body heat is the best way to stay warm in cold weather."
I could practically feel Yukinoshita bristling beside me.
"I hardly think that's appropriate, Ms. Hiratsuka." Her words were polite, but there was an underlying edge to them.
"Now, now. I may look like this, but I am just looking out for my favorite students." Ms. Hiratsuka replied, her tone light but her expression decidedly more pointed.
"Well, I never asked for that kind of privilege." I shot back, unable to keep the annoyance from creeping into my voice. "And should a teacher really be playing favorites?"
If I am going to be stuck in this situation, I might as well make it clear that she shouldn't get too comfortable with her antics. Every student should experience the 'joy' of having someone like her as their mentor.
"It is my very own praising policy, you see." She said while puffing her chest.
So that's how it was…
Again, why are you so proud about something like this?
Also I don't remember being praised all that much though…
"That's kind of hard to see …" I said with a shrug, but Ms. Hiratsuka just smiled, undeterred.
"Of course, I make sure to scold just as much." She added, her tone taking on a more playful lilt.
More like you only make sure to scold…..
The taxi rolled through the streets, and the city lights danced across the windows, casting fleeting shadows inside the car.
"Hikigaya, did you say something?" Ms. Hiratsuka asked suddenly.
"Nope. Not a word."
Like I would say that out loud.
"Really? Now that I think about it, the front seat is empty, isn't it…?" She remarked, delivering the comment like a lighthearted jab.
I desperately searched for something to say that might diffuse the situation.
"So, uh, Ichijouji... that's where we're headed for dinner, right?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
Ms. Hiratsuka nodded, her grin widening as if she'd just won a small victory. "That's right. I hear they've got excellent sake there too. We should really make a night of it, don't you think?"
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Yukinoshita rolling her eyes. This was shaping up to be a long night.
….
.
The conversation continued in bits and pieces until we finally reached our destination. The taxi sure was fast. Way faster than the salamander.
But as soon as we stepped out of the taxi, I was greeted by a sight that nearly knocked me off my feet.
"This... This is Tenka Ippin…"
….
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[To be continued…]
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