….
[-Continuation-]
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[-Hachiman's POV-]
The follow up two days went by smoothly after 'we' all agreed to visit Destinyland on Sunday.
And, just like the past two days.
I once again managed to dodge the joint meetings that took place over those days.
The Service Club's duties rested entirely on Yukino's shoulders this time.
Of course, I wasn't actually lazing around.
I had my own 'work-related' meeting to attend.
It wasn't exactly an upgrade, but sometimes you take what you can get, right?
Just a few more days, and we would finally launch the first Alpha version.
Haaa… the thought of it is the only thing keeping me going.
All those late nights and endless hours, pouring over code and designs, making adjustments and fixes, finally, it's all coming together.
It's like the finish line is right there, just waiting.
And if everything goes according to plan, I won't just have a game on my hands - I will have a - Money Making Machine.
Heeehee~ Just you wait, my sweet retirement plan.
And a few more successful releases like this, and I'd be knocking on that door.
Anway, today's agenda was the same as before - no event meeting for me.
Still, I figured I would drop by and at least show my face to the others before heading off to the office.
You know, remind them I am still alive, I haven't kicked the bucket yet.
A little 'I exist, don't worry' gesture.
Turns out, that was a mistake.
Because now I am face-to-face with a small gathering of familiar faces- Yukino, Yuigahama, and lastly …Isshiki, who somehow managed to slide in just as I arrived.
What the heck happened?
My whole plan was to make this a quick in-and-out.
I would just drop off the bags in the meeting room and then slip away before anyone could catch me.
…and I was almost there.
The bags and snacks were set on the table.
All I had to do was turn around and leave.
Thud-!
But just then, the door creaked open, and in walked a figure I hadn't expected.
Orimoto, with her usual confident smile, raised her eyebrows as she took in the sight of us all gathered there.
"Oooh, what's this? If it isn't you guys…" She greeted, her voice bright and a little too amused.
The girls respond in their usual ways, each one giving a greeting that reflects her personality.
"Yes… hello…"
"Hellooo."
"Hum-hum…" I nodded, hoping to stay under the radar.
"Heeya! Sorry, I was chatting with my friends, so now I am kinda late." She says, though she looks anything but apologetic.
I know for a fact that she has no reason to be sorry, the meeting hasn't even started.
Yet she is making her way toward our group instead of joining her classmates on the other side of the room.
It is almost like she is using the apology as an excuse to sidle up to us, her gaze lingering a bit longer than necessary.
Isshiki doesn't miss a beat and steps forward, a polite smile already in place. "Of course, no problem… and really, it's not that late anyway."
She takes the lead, her tone a little too accommodating, like she has been expecting this.
From there, Orimoto lined up next to Isshiki and began chatting with her amiably.
Of course, Isshiki didn't show a moment of displeasure in her face even in the face of that attitude.
Seeing everything was running smoothly, I figured it was time to quietly slip out of this room and get back to the 'mountain' of work I had left behind.
But just as I turned to leave, Orimoto's gaze shifted to me, her expression lighting up with an easy, friendly smile.
"By the way, Hayama doesn't come to things like this, huh?" She tilted her head, watching me with clear curiosity, as if I might hold some hidden knowledge about Hayama's whereabouts.
I paused, figuring a quick answer might wrap up the conversation.
"Nope. He is not coming." I replied, keeping it brief.
Isshiki looked at me, eyebrow slightly raised, as if to say, really? "You are acquainted with Senior Hayama… too?"
"Yeah… Hikigaya introduced us to him." Orimoto replied smoothly, an easygoing smile on her face.
Isshiki's gaze narrowed ever so slightly, her smile perfectly intact, but her tone shifted.
"Oh, 'introduced us,' huh?" Isshiki repeated, her tone dropping just a notch, a hint of playfulness edging her words but carrying an undertone that made you take a second look.
Her smile might have been a standard-issue Isshiki grin, yet her eyes held a sharpness that seemed to be sizing Orimoto up, almost like she was daring her to say more.
This was on track to becoming complicated.
"He is busy with the club." I cut in. "I doubt he would be able to drop by just like that."
Orimoto glanced back at me, her head tilted with mild curiosity.
"Really? You seemed close with him, so I figured he would make an exception and stop by if you asked."
I shook my head, attempting to deflect her implication. "Whether he stops by or not has nothing to do with how close we are."
I locked my eyes onto hers, the weight of my words sinking in. "And could you please stop pretending that we are close when it's obvious we are not?"
A silence stretched between us, thick and tense, lingering just long enough to underscore my point.
"Anyway…" I said, shifting my attention to Yukino, who stood nearby, her expression a blend of patience and mild exasperation. "I will be heading out now."
The nod from her was subtle, but it was all I needed before turning away, making my exit while I still had the chance.
But just as I started to walk away, Isshiki's voice rang out, cutting through the air like a sudden gust of wind.
"Senior… Hikigaya, don't forget about the plan we have tomorrow with Senior Hayama and us… Okay?"
Her emphasis on the 'okay' was laced with a hint of mischief, and I could see her gaze drifting toward Orimoto, as if she were trying to gauge her reaction or maybe even spark something between us.
I paused, caught between irritation and disbelief.
"Yeah, I know." I replied, my tone more curt than intended. "Thanks for the reminder."
"Great! Can't wait!" Isshiki chirped, oblivious to any discomfort she may have caused to a certain individual.
…sigh…
With a resigned shake of my head, I stepped out of the room, grateful to escape the tension lingering in the air.
…
.
It was the next day on Sunday, and I was out since the morning.
When I arrived at my destination, Maihama Station, I buoyantly hopped off the train.
Even starting from the station, things like the departure chime were distorted to something Destiny related and the unique shape of the clock got you excited.
Being shown all of this made you want to have fun at Destinyland at a moment's notice as soon as possible.
After leaving the ticket gate in an uplifting mood, the meeting place came immediately into view.
I restlessly darted my eyes around the bustling courtyard, scanning for familiar faces and wondering if everyone had arrived yet.
Just as I was about to check my phone, a cheerful voice broke through the chatter.
"Hikki, yahallo!"
I didn't need to confirm.
I knew exactly who it was.
When I looked over, Yuigahama, who was wearing a bobbing knit cap, was waving her arms.
On the other hand, her standing neighbor, Yukinoshita, was bundled in a pristine white coat, the collar popped up slightly against the chilly air. Her black gloves were lined with soft fur, while the tartan muffler wrapped snugly around her neck looked both warm and stylish.
She wore a somewhat short pleated skirt, but it was paired with black tights and long boots, making it clear that she had dressed thoughtfully for the cold weather.
"…Anyway." I thought, shaking my head slightly. "It seems the date has officially begun."
.
….
[To be continued…]
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