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[-Continuation-]
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[-Hachiman's POV-]
…and as I entered the classroom, ignoring a few unfamiliar looks, I took in the atmosphere, scanning the room.
It seems the classroom was no different, just the same desks, the same faces, the same idle chatter.
Everything had returned to normal.
Whatever that meant.
I shuffled noiselessly through the aisles between the desks in the chatter-filled classroom.
When I made it to my seat, I quietly pulled out my chair and settled into my familiar spot.
I sat down, my body moving on autopilot, as I waited for morning homeroom to begin.
My gaze wandered aimlessly around the room, trying to find something to latch onto.
But even as I tried to zone out, my senses had other plans, my ears caught fragments of conversation, snippets of laughter, and the general hum of a classroom settling back into routine.
And, inevitably, my attention drifted to the back of the room where Hayama and his gang were
Despite my best efforts to tune them out, my ears picked up on their chatter.
Judging by the atmosphere around them, things seemed as normal as ever.
No. Scratch that. It felt even more upbeat than usual.
Also Tobe did get shot down by Ebina, and big time at that, but from my point of view, it didn't seem like a full-blown confession. It felt more like he was just admitting he had a crush, which she already knew, and she simply responded that she wasn't interested in dating anyone.
Maybe that's why he didn't seem too broken up about it...
Anyway, after surviving the so-called 'trials' of the field trip, you would think their 'bonds' had only grown stronger.
Or at least, that is what someone might assume.
But no, that wasn't quite it.
It wasn't about the deepening of friendships or any sentimental nonsense like that.
More likely, it was the ticking clock, the awareness of how little time they had left together.
October and November were months filled with Cultural Festival followed by Sports Festival. Just as we managed to catch our breath, we found ourselves in the middle of December, staring down winter break, which ended the year and continued into January. The month again had another biggest event in the lives of high school students - Field trip to Kyoto.
And now, in less than a week, February will arrive, a month shorter than the others, leaving us with even less time. By the time March rolls around, we will be wrapping up spring break.
The remaining days of high school life were ticking away, hour by hour, slipping through our fingers like sand.
In short, the remaining time we had in this classroom was close to three months. Not that I was keeping track or anything.
Maybe that's the real reason. They wanted to savor these fleeting moments, as once we get to our final year of high school, we won't be this leisure.
As I arbitrarily observed, analysed, and came to my conclusion, I let out a small yawn.
Thinking up all these pointless theories was probably just a sign I was bored.
At that moment, Toutska rushed to make it on time to appear outside the class. He was in a hurry, although his pace seemed relaxed.
"Phew, I made it..." Totsuka nodded to himself with a relieved smile, exchanging quick greetings with a few classmates as he made his way down the aisle.
About halfway to his seat, he caught sight of me and veered over.
"Morning, Hachiman."
"Yeah, morning." I replied, my voice unintentionally softening at his approach.
….
.
As classes ended one by one, I could feel my body getting increasingly sluggish. I began to count the remaining hours left of school out of habit.
Finally, the day drew to a close with the usual homeroom session, which, of course, meant the end of my internal countdown.
Time was up.
I grabbed my bag, a mostly empty vessel, save for a few stray papers and the odd pencil, then pushed myself to my feet.
….oh there might be a book too that I hadn't finished reading.
However, I didn't head to the club room immediately.
Instead, I took a detour to the school canteen, picking up a few snacks and drinks. I grabbed enough to fill two bags, more than enough for three people.
It wasn't like I knew what they would want, so I figured I would cover all bases.
After dawdling longer than necessary, I finally made my way to the club room.
I paused outside the door, my hand hovering over the handle.
I could hear faint voices from inside, a muted conversation that I couldn't quite make out. But at least I knew they were both here.
Having confirmed that, I opened the door in one motion.
Once I did, they stopped talking.
"…"
The room fell silent as Yukinoshita and Yuigahama stopped mid-conversation to turn and look at me.
The silence stretched for a heartbeat before Yukinoshita's lips curved into a gentle smile. Yuigahama's gaze, meanwhile, was magnetized to the bulging bags in my hands, her eyes widening with curiosity.
"You came, but you were late." Yukinoshita observed, her tone wasn't that exactly called - reproach.
I explained myself. "Yeah, sorry about that." I mumbled, lifting the bags as if they were evidence in my defense. "But I brought snacks and drinks. I figured it's the first day back after the field trip, and you two probably haven't restocked yet."
Yukinoshita's eyes softened. "That was indeed a thoughtful action."
"...thanks, I guess."
With a nod of acknowledgment, I made my way to my usual spot, the chair creaking slightly as I settled in.
I simply placed the bags on the table.
Yukinoshita rose gracefully, approaching the table with purposeful steps. With meticulous care, she began unpacking the snacks, arranging them in a display that would put most convenience stores to shame. Her attention then shifted to the side table, where a teapot sat patiently on a small burner.
After a brief glance confirmed it was ready, she turned off the stove and carefully picked up the teapot. Steam rose softly, carrying with it the warm, soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea.
As Yukinoshita set the teapot down, I couldn't help but notice the quiet satisfaction in her eyes, ready to serve, as if this simple act brought her genuine pleasure.
Oh, and if I hadn't mentioned, Yuigahama was there all the time, hovering over Yukinoshita like a hawk, ready to snatch up the snacks and tea the moment they were set out.
Meanwhile, I took out an unfinished book from my bag.
The bookmark that marked my spot in the book was still the same as it was before the field trip.
After everyone had a cup of tea in their hands, they took their first sip.
As if that was the trigger, Yuigahama put her cup down and spoke up before slightly breathing. "Ah, speaking of which, everyone was acting really normal. Um, that is… everyone…"
The first 'everyone' was probably referring to the general student body, while the second 'everyone' was more specific - Tobe, Ebina, Hayama, Miura… the whole gang.
At least, that's what I figured.
But she was right.
"...Yeah." I nodded, my gaze fixed on the tea in my cup. "Just looking at them, you wouldn't think anything was off."
"Well." Yukinoshita replied, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her teacup. "Then, our service was a success, I suppose."
"We did good!" Yuigahama chimed in, her eyes bright with excitement.
Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, Yuigahama turned to me. "Oh, Hikki, did you give the souvenirs you bought during the trip to Komachi?"
This girl really has many topics prepared to throw at people, huh?
"Where is this coming from?" I asked, caught off guard by her abruptness.
Yuigahama's smile grew, her words tumbling out in a rush of excitement. "Well, I did! My mom was so happy... and..."
Ah, so that's it. Just a bit of innocent bragging. I thought, suppressing a smirk.
"Don't worry, I did," I replied, aiming for nonchalance. "In fact, the moment I stepped into the house, that was the first thing they asked about…–!"
Crap. Almost let the truth slip there.
I caught myself, realizing I had nearly revealed too much. "I mean, that was the first thing I did when I got back." I hastily amended. "Yeah, they were worried about me and all, but no... I had to give them the souvenirs first."
"Haaa, I could see that. Komachi is too sweet… and I bet your mum and dad are the same, heee." Yuigahama giggled, clearly believing my words.
I forced a laugh at my own misfortune. "Yeah, they are the sweetest, right."
In my mind's eye, I remembered my old man, though he didn't outright say it, but his expression definitely had that - 'No entry. No souvenir' - look plastered all over it.
Hey, at least Kamakura(:Kai) seems to care about me... though I guess he doesn't have much of a choice.
–Ring!Ring!
??Just then, a phone rang, causing all three of us to start, our heads turning in unison towards its source.
It belonged to Yukinoshita. I realised.
The phone was all the way back near where the tea was prepared. She must have absentmindedly left it there while preparing our drinks earlier.
Due to the distance that needed to be covered, it took some time for Yukinoshita to reach the buzzing device.
There was only one look on my face - a little interest.
So, yeah, I found my gaze following her path. A quick glance at Yuigahama confirmed she was equally intrigued, her eyes barely concealed curiosity.
Holding onto the device, Yukinoshita silenced the phone with a quick tap.
??Her brow furrowed slightly as she checked the caller ID.
And then... nothing.
"...."
She didn't answer.
If before I was only interested, then now I am curious, and that was the same with Yuigahama. Maybe a tad bit more for her, as I was already connecting a few dots.
"It's my sister, Haruno." Recognizing the air of curiosity, Yukinoshita explained as she returned to her seat, her tone carrying a hint of exasperation.
The name hung in the air like a storm cloud, heavy with unspoken implications.
Yuigahama, ever empathetic, leaned in further. "Haruno? Is something wrong?"
A soft sigh escaped Yukinoshita's lips as she shook her head. "It's nothing serious. Just... Haruno being Haruno. She has a knack for intruding at the most inconvenient moments."
"Ah, I see," Yuigahama responded, her voice a mix of sympathy and poorly disguised intrigue.
I gave a noncommittal nod, my mind already spinning possibilities.
"Well, if it's nothing urgen–!"
–Ring!Ring!
??The phone's insistent ring cut through my words, startling us once again.
It was probably her again. I could tell. Talk about being persistent and determined.
Yukinoshita's shoulders sagged almost imperceptibly. "I think I need to take this call." She said, rising once more.
I nodded silently, my eyes following her movement.
"Sure... don't mind us, Yukinon." Yuigahama chirped, flashing an encouraging thumbs-up that seemed more suited for sending someone off to battle than answering a phone call.
As Yukinoshita slipped out of the room, a heavy silence descended upon us. Yuigahama's gaze darted between me and the door, her expression a clear question mark.
"Nope. I don't have a single clue." I said tactically, addressing her unspoken inquiry she was about to launch.
A mischievous glint appeared in Yuigahama's eyes. "Bluh, some boyfriend you are, Hikki." She teased, her voice lilting with playful accusation.
I felt a twinge of annoyance. Was she actually trying to insult me?
"Yeah, well, some best friend you are." I retorted, unable to keep a hint of defensiveness from my tone.
Yuigahama shook her head, her orange hair swaying with the movement. "Haa... Stupid Hikki. A boyfriend should know more than a best friend."
A smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth. "So you admit I am more important to her than you..." I couldn't resist the jab.
"Also, I do know the reason, but I just don't want to tell you." I added, my mind already reaching an answer to some extent.
Well, I mean, I could guess.
Haruno, from what I had observed, was more of a texter than a caller. Unlike some teachers I know of.
So for Haruno, the choice to call - and then immediately call again - spoke volumes.
Like now.
Or… it might be a thing between these two sisters.
Anyway, the two calls just now from her, signifies the importance and for me to guess what it might be.
Given that we had only returned from our trip a day and a half ago, with just one day of rest before school resumed, it seemed likely that Haruno was calling Yukinoshita home. Knowing Yukinoshita, she probably didn't visit her parents during that brief break.
I suppressed a sigh. My girlfriend really did need to work on her family dynamics.
But as I sat there, waiting for her return, I couldn't help but feel a mix of concern and fondness.
….
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[To be continued…]
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