No matter how the seasons alternate, some things never change.
It's already half-way through April, looking outside the window from the classroom, you could
see the cherry blossoms starting to wilt.
However, the branches reaching into the sky, the thick tree trunks accumulating energy, and
the roots deeply plunging into the ground, remained the same.
From a flowering cherry blossom to a tree starting to sprout new leaves, despite the changes in
its appearance, it doesn't affect its composition.
Human nature may also be the same.
In the third spring of my high school life, no, if we're talking about spring in my high school life,
because of some reasons, it's only my second time, but if we're including elementary and
middle school, I've already passed through countless new semesters.
No matter how long time has passed, I still don't like this season.
The atmosphere of mutual greetings, superficial conversations, those, I've already long been
accustomed to.
Because I have to go through this every year, all I can do now is just sigh and say, "It's that
season of the year again …" It's like in the summer when family friends gift salad oil as a
greeting. You thought it was a bottle of Calpis, but uncapping it, you see that, it's all oil, and
mom and Komachi are happy. But then, getting oil as a gift is pretty exciting too, as you can use
it to fry things to eat.
I should have already grown accustomed to the new semester by now, but I still felt
uncomfortable somehow, even more so than previous years, which made me suspect whether I
had a pollen allergy.
But I already knew the real culprit.
It was the classroom redistribution after we became third years.
No, the redistribution itself was not the issue.
After all, I wasn't all that comfortable with our class when I was in my second year, so I doubt I
would have any nostalgia about that. At the most, it would just be crying into my pillow and
complaining, "I'm in a different class as Totsuka!" I'll never forgive you, Ministry of Education!
But as the saying goes, good things don't last forever, life is filled with goodbyes. Separations in
the short term are inevitable. Rather, I'd already gotten used to them. Looking from another
perspective, I could finally go to the tennis court in the afternoon break and just squat there,
waiting for an encounter with fate. So, the class redistribution itself really had no downsides for
me.
Therefore, the culprit that was making me uncomfortable was not the class redistribution.
Unwittingly, I squinted at the true culprit, and even softly clicked my tongue.
I'm not sure if he heard the sound, or if he felt the stare of hatred on his back, but the culprit of
my uncomfortableness turned around to face me.
His tie swung in front of his chest, and his bangs fluttered in the wind.
Hayama Hayato.
He was my former classmate, now current classmate, and the main cause of my
uncomfortableness.
Hayama originally had a cool smile on his face, but as soon as his eyes met mine, they flashed
an unsure look. He raised the corners of his mouth, then bowed his head slightly.
With that action, it was as if he was saying "Is there a problem?"
I have no business with you …
I shook my head lightly in response.
Hayama shrugged his shoulders, as if saying "Don't call me if you have nothing to say."
No, I didn't call you …
I sighed impatiently, and right at that moment—
"Huhuhu …"
A weird laughter reached my ears.
In an instance, Hayama and I had straightened our backs.
It's over! That person's coming! I raised my alertness, discovering a female classmate in my
peripheral vision.
She had soft shoulder-length black hair, a pair of red-rimmed glasses, and the sides of her
mouth were contorted in an unpleasant manner, showing an oddly delighted smile.
Ebina Hina.
She was also my former classmate, now current classmate, and another cause of my
uncomfortableness. She showed a satisfied smile, pulled the chair beside her, and started
pointing between me and Hayama.
"We're in the same class as Hikigaya-kun again huh"
"Hahaha …"
Hayama let out an awkward laughter after hearing Ebina's meaningless comment.
"Um, yeah, I guess this is fate …"
He helplessly replied, but, towards Ebina, he had made a grave mistake. Who knew Ebina would
then snicker and say:
"Fate … fufufu …" (TL note: This is a play on words, "fu" meaning rotten, BL)
She licked her lips, looking like a devil with no decency at all.
Miura had always been here to stop her rampage! Great queen, please come here quickly! I
shrunk my shoulders and prayed that this rotten storm would blow over.
As our new semester seat arrangement was based on our school number, Hayama was the one
to sit in front of me.
Up until middle school, schools in Chiba arranged our school numbers by birthday, but for some
reason they decided to arrange it by alphabetical order in high school. Damn it! Hayama's
birthday was on September 28th
, if our seats were arranged by birthday, he would be in the
back …
God, oh god, I just clearly remembered Hayama's birthday … doesn't that make it look like I care
about him a lot …?!
Ebina seemed to have picked up on the maiden-in-love scene playing in my heart, as she quickly
walked over, and her rotten energy intensified.
Since becoming third years, everyday has been like this.
Of course, the three of us weren't always together.
From an outsider's perspective, Hayama and Ebina frequently talked with the other classmates,
and seemed to socialize well. Rather, they seemed to always be happy with everyone.
But maybe because of the seating arrangement, sometimes things like this happen.
For example, after school when everyone is thinking of what to do next, or during the brief time
before and after class.
At times like these, a situation like this would gradually form, and Hayama, Ebina, and I would
end up together.
Even if we did make eye contact, we seldomly talked, and any talk that did come up always
ended in a simple two lines, not even counting as a conversation, pretty much the only way we
"made conversation" was through sighing. But it's still one month before the next seat change,
so before then, this situation can only continue on.
If it's just one month, I think I can make it through.
Furthermore, I've already had a whole years' worth of experience with Hayama and Ebina, and
at least knew how to handle being with them.
We respected the same rules, that is, not to meddle too much with each other's business.
Because both Hayama and Ebina were inclined to maintain the status quo, getting along with
them was quite easy. As for my other classmates … that was not the case.
Hayama Hayato had always been one of those attention-hoarding people, same goes as Ebina.
Many people in the class had already known them to an extent, plus, there were definitely
some that wanted to use this opportunity to get to know them.
And so, all the attention in the class naturally fell onto Hayama and his friends.
Evens so, Hayama often uses a non-offensive manner to coolly block their gazes, while Ebina
uses her rotten mode to make herself look like a clown character, so, no one had actually
gotten close to them.
To be able to break though all these protective layers is probably pretty impressive …
Can't say that I called it, but just as I was thinking about those things, a large ruckus sounded
from outside the classroom, and the door in the back was opened.
"Hayato! Listen to me."
Accompanied by the ambient noise, someone came in crying like how Nobita calls for
Doraemon's help. The one noisily running towards him was our former classmate, Tobe.
"This is bad! Yumiko is making me in charge of the 2F class gathering, but the soccer club is also
preparing for the imminent competition, I already said I have no time to spare …"
Tobe came towards us and started playing with the hair on his nape, crying and complaining
about his situation.
So that's the case, that really does sound like trouble.
As for the people remaining in the classroom, they had heard what Hayama and his circle were
talking about, and formed a discussion that went "Ah … Miura … ah … so that's it".
But with just that level of understanding, it was not sufficient to truly understand Hayama and
his circle.
Hayama and Ebina made no response. Surprisingly, Tobe changed the tone of his voice.
"This is not good; I'm betting my all on this last competition for the soccer club."
With that said he took a glance at Ebina.
"But she's forcing me to plan the gathering, what should I do? This is bad. I'm also in charge of
the gathering for our new class, I wonder if there's anyone else that can do it."
With every sentence, no, every section, no, every word, he glanced towards Ebina.
Even without deciphering the contents of his speech, it was evident that he was using a super
self-humiliating way to boast about himself. But it seemed that it had little effect on his target,
Ebina. From the beginning of his speech, she had not uttered a word, only smiling and nodding.
"Sure is hard for you huh, Tobechi."
Ebina's indifference made Tobe stop talking for a moment, but that wouldn't be enough to let
Tobe down, that's the kind of person he was.
"This is bad, this is really bad. Ah! If there was someone else that could do this other than me!
But I also want to prepare for my club! Ah! I'm in trouble! After all, this is our last year in high
school, so we also have to do something about class gatherings as well."
He was making it as if it was his last move before victory, with only one weapon called
"boasting" to carry him on. Um, that weapon you have, it's a bamboo gun …
His gallant effort sure was touching, but in the past few days, the frequency of his visits and
boasting had increased substantially, and to say the truth, as a bystander, it was quite sad to
watch.
This dude, I feel like he's the type of person that will one day send a "I may look frivolous, but
during Mother's Day I went home with my childhood bros to give her carnations" kind of
uninteresting and crazy tweet.
The bystanders listening to him had also gradually made a "What's up with that person …" kind
of look.
But the one person that can solve this problem is non-other than the human air purifier Hayama
Hayato! Although I don't know whether he has that plasma cluster-something function, it's like
he always has the fresh breath after eating a Frisk mint candy! He silently looked at Tobe and
showed a smile.
Seeing his cool smile, Tobe somewhat shyly scratched his nose.
Hayama started speaking while maintaining his smile:
"Doesn't that mean everyone thinks you're reliable? That's pretty good. Don't worry about the
club, you can focus on planning the gatherings."
An almost perfect reply. His speech really showed his matureness. Tobe was annoyingly
boasting about himself, and yet, he could still reply with a smile and decent tone. He really is
something.
Actually, the people listening to Hayama were also radiating a "Ah…Hayama really is something,
he's so mature …" kind of vibe.
But with just that level of understanding, it was not sufficient to truly understand Hayama and
his circle.
For people that knew Hayama well enough, his message was evident.
It seemed that Tobe had picked up on this, as he reached his hand towards Hayama's
shoulders, complaining:
"Wait, wait! Hayato! Nonono! I also want to work hard for our club!"
But Hayama swiftly dodged Tobe's incoming hand, and with a hammering smile, he said:
"No need to worry about that anymore, worry about the class gathering, I'll be cheering for
you."
He showed off a cool smile with perfect white teeth that made Tobe brim with tears. It was like
he was saying that the soccer club no longer needed him … the only person that could force
Hayama to say such toxic things was probably only Tobe.
On the flip side, Tobe was able to make this annoying, twisted, cool, and dark-sided handsome
person open up his heart, that's impressive on its own.
Seeing Hayama reveal his dark side, Ebina and I nodded without any surprise. As for the others
still remaining in the classroom, they started to secretly chat with one another.
"Should we also consider arranging a class gathering?"
"Right? Let's think of something too."
The people in the class started to make conversation. Their conversation was supposed to be
happening within their own circles, yet, they were secretly shooting glances at Hayama in
anticipation.
Things like class gatherings were usually organized by the leading figure of a group.
Although our classmates didn't openly request for it, their intention was obviously to get
Hayama to grant their wish for a class gathering. The whole class were waiting for Hayama to
say "Let's do it then (showing shiny white teeth ☆)!"
Noticing this, Hayama lightly sighed.
That sure looks exhausting … this year he was sure to be the center of the class again, stuck
being everybody's Hayama Hayato.
Just as I was trying my best to show an indifferent attitude, Tobe made an "eh?" sound, and
showed a worried expression.
It seemed that Tobe had also heard our classmates murmuring. He looked around his
surroundings, pulled at the hair on his nape, and asked Ebina a question:
"Ebina, you guys haven't had a class gathering yet?"
"Yeah. No one's planning one."
Ebina laughed troubledly after being asked that question, turning to look at me and Hayama.
"Is there anyone that would plan one?"
"Who knows …"
Seeing that Ebina was elongating her sentences and feigning ignorance, Hayama lowered his
shoulders. And then, as if he remembered something, the corners of his mouth floated into an
annoying smile.
"Right?"
He directed this simple question towards me and tilted his head in fake concern.
Stop that, don't ask me … what does this have to do with me …? Please don't drag me into this
mess …
To express my thoughts out loud, I tidied my new textbooks on the desk, then stowed them in
my drawer. At the same time, I picked up my bag to express my intention to leave. After all, it
was nearing club time …
I tried getting out of my seat, but Ebina and Hayama continued speaking to me, completely
ignoring my signals.
"But I do want to have a class gathering."
"After all, if we don't plan one now, there won't be time later."
"Yeah!"
Even Tobe, who was unrelated to our class matters, had joined in on the conversation, and
gradually, anticipation for a class gathering was growing in the classroom.
Not good … if I stay here, I will surely be forced to participate!
Even the three of them had begun to throw glances at me that said "What to do?" like they
were waiting for my reply. We were enveloped by an awkward silence.
If I were to agree now, they would probably say something like "Then I'll tell the girls, Hayama,
you'll be in charge of the boys, Hikigaya you're in charge of contacting everybody, choosing the
location and booking it, and we'll rely on you for all the other errands."
Even so, this growing anticipation would not be stopped even if I rejected the class gathering.
Towards Hayama and Ebina, I felt that I couldn't muddle past this situation with just an excuse.
I was really not good at handling those two …
And so, there was only one thing left for me to say:
"Remember to tell me when everything's settled …"
That was my killer technique.
Whenever there was going to be an activity, if I said those magic words, I could covertly express
that I had no intention to participate.
The person saying this basically didn't need to do anything, not even needing to chip in on the
finances. They were the people that others would label as an asshole, and so, in most
situations, that person would not be invited in the future. But if things were still to shape up,
they could avert it easily by saying "I'll go if I can." This technique may have originated from the
polite way that people in Kyoto used to refuse others, but it seemed that Hayama and Ebina
had caught up on what I was implying, as the two of them showed a troubled smile and lightly
nodded their heads, with a look that said "Thought so."
But sometimes you'd meet that one person that just didn't understand.
The person I'm referring to is Tobe.
Tobe played with his annoyingly long hair as he made a solemn expression, he looked to be
immersed in thought, but then he suddenly patted my shoulder.
"You're wrong, this type of thing needs to done in the moment! We need to decide it, now or
never, or else if we consider everyone's plans, this matter would never be settled. Just WEI it!
WEI!"
"Oh, ok … don't suddenly say something so correct …"
Because his smile directed towards me was too handsome, I accidently made a casual reply like
such.
Even I had a reaction.
Tobe's rude loud voice seemed to have entered the ears of all the people remaining in the
classroom.
In front of the classroom, a few boys and girls that had formed a group suddenly looked back
towards us.
The impression they gave at first glance, were not of people that caught the attention of others,
and not like Hayama and his circle's outstanding appearances, also not like the weird type you
would find with the woodworks or game creation club's members. Plus, they also did not seem
to have the dark vibe that Sagami had.
To put it simply, they were what we call normal people. You might disagree to what the
threshold is to be a normal person, but looking at the people I'm acquainted with, calling them
normal would be most fitting.
Because of this, they blended in to school life very well. Rather, they did it so well that it was
hard to even remember their names or faces. (TL note: Some names are referred to here but
they make no sense, so they're not included)
Two of our classmates glanced at Hayama, then at each other, and softly spoke to one another:
"What do we do?" "Do we say something?" or something like that.
At last it seemed like they had reached a conclusion, and one of the short black-haired girls in
the group nodded and stood up.
Under her friends' scrutiny, she nervously marched towards us.
Her hair was slightly curled in, its length going just around her shoulders, and her bangs rested
on her pretty forehead. With each step, her hair bounced about.
Her facial features were favorable, and she gave off a lively vibe, adding to that, her stature was
quite short, and the way she walked was like that of a small wild deer.
Because we had just recently been distributed to new classes, there were still many classmates
that I could not recognize, yet, I knew this girl.
I think she was the one that became our class leader.
Her name was … uh … her name … I think it was Tomioka Mio?
No, Tomioka Mito? Or Tomioka Mika? Nono, it's Tomioka something … well it could be in
reverse too …
No matter what it was, I was certain was she was a To-something-san. I'm actually pretty good
at remembering names, so much so that I haven't forgotten the name of that Kawa-somethingsan. I wonder if Kawa-something-san is doing well now …
Just as I was trying to remember To-something-san's name, To-something-san approached us,
took in a breath of air, and said:
"Um, about …!"
Possibly due to her nervousness, her voice came out somewhat sharp, but unexpectedly
energetic. Because of the sudden disturbance behind him, Tobe jumped and gasped.
To-something-san was frightened back, and couldn't speak for a moment.
Her sharp voice and Tobe's unsightly gasp attracted the attention of everyone. Perhaps still
being embarrassed from earlier, her face became all red. In the silence of the classroom, to
make up for the awkwardness, she repeated again and again "um …"
Seeing the situation, Ebina lunged forward to hug her.
"Oh Toto, what's up?"
Ebina called her by a nickname and started patting her head. That really is impressive … Ebina
was talented at reading the mood, so her ability to resolve awkwardness was top class …
She really is the person that tamed the Miura-lion and the endangered Kawa-somethingleopard … if this goes on, Toto could become a new member of "Ebina's Exotic Animal
Kingdom …"
Just as I was thinking about that, Toto seemed to have slowly calmed down in Ebina's embrace.
Hayama saw that she had calmed down, and took the chance to ask her:
"Is there anything we can help you with, Tomioka-san?"
Ah, it was Tomioka, yes, Tomioka-san. Uh-huh I already knew that. As I nodded my head,
Hayama shot me a contemptuous glance that said "You forgot her name, right?" No, I
remembered, ok? Wasn't it To-something-san? You sure mind my business a lot. That said, in
the end he would still remind me, Hayama-san is really such a gentleman☆!
Just as my maiden heart was going doki-doki☆, Tomioka-san was just like me, doki-doki-ing for
Hayama.
"Um, you were talking about a class gathering, right?"
Tomioka-san stuttered as her face turned red, glancing at Hayama.
"Yeah, we were just discussing about it. Were you talking about it over there as well?"
Hayama answered with his usual cool smile, making Tomioka-san frantically avert her gaze.
Wow, what a maiden-in-love reaction that was. Hayama senpai-pai is so handsome, just his
looks set him apart from everyone, if it weren't for me being used to it, I wouldn't be able to
gaze at him directly. I understand. Sometimes, I too don't dare to gaze at him directly!
I smiled at the sight in front of me, just then, Tomioka-san's averted gaze fell onto me, and we
made direct eye contact.
Of course, of course. Her gaze didn't leave me after that.
"Then, what do you plan to do after this ...? Um? A class gathering? Dinner together?
Something like that …?"
Tomioka-san tightly held onto the ribbon in front of her chest, and looked at me with her
earnest eyes. Because she couldn't yet calculate the distance between us, she had a soft tone
to her voice, from that, I could tell that she was a serious but air-headed person.
I'm guessing she said all of this because of the nonsense that Tobe was spouting earlier, like
"We need to decide it, now or never, or else if we consider everyone's plans, this matter would
never be settled. Just WEI it!" Tobe, it's all your fault, quick, apologize.
As a brotherly figure, seeing a girl try so hard made me want to just go along with what she
wanted, but if we were to go for a class gathering right after this, it would be way too sudden.
I still had my own plans for later. Normally, "I have plans later" is just a common excuse to push
away an event, and in reality, they were probably just watching re-runs of idol shows at home.
But today I really did have plans that I couldn't push away … and to be honest, if I could, I would
really want to.
To get away from Tomioka-san's searing gaze, I could only look away to the side, towards
Hayama for help.
Say, weren't you the one being asked that question? Shouldn't you be the one to answer? I
silently pressured him, and gestured for him to respond quickly.
Hayama lightly sighed, nodding in answer to my plea, then, he immediately put on his usual
cool smile and turned towards Tomioka-san.
"I'm sorry, but I gave to go to club."
"Ah, sorry Toto. We are very serious about soccer practice. I'm not sure about Hikigaya
though."
After Hayama rejected her with a smile, Tobe quickly followed up. Say, no one even called for
you, you're not even in the same class as us … but because I also had my own club to go to, I
obediently nodded in agreement with them.
And so, Tomioka-san also nodded.
"Yeah, yeah, I guess … So, like, after club ends or something …?"
She nodded her head as if she understood, but despite her apologetic attitude, she didn't give
up just yet. Ah-ha, so we have a troublesome girl here!
Hayama and Ebina were also shocked by how stubborn she was.
Usually when Hayama uses his cool smile to reject others, the other side would give up. As far I
as I knew, the only person that strategy wouldn't work on was Yukinoshita Haruno.
"Toto, that's some real spirit you got there. You're right, we could always go after club time!"
It seemed that Tobe had been swayed by Tomioka-san's stubbornness, as he voted a yes for the
gathering. Wait, I'm pretty sure you're not in our class though …
"I have time today as well."
Ebina slowly raised her hand in approval, and Hayama also nodded his head.
"After club huh …"
And then he glanced at me, as if seeing what I was going to do.
"Ah, today is not so convenient for me …"
I reflexively used that lame excuse, Hayama seemed to be baffled for a second after hearing
that, but he quickly thought it through and regained his composure, nodding his head and
saying:
"Oh yeah. Then it looks like we really can't go."
"Huh?"
Because Hayama became so understanding out of nowhere, I couldn't help but throw some
suspicion at him. But before I could think any further, Tomioka-san hurriedly interrupted.
"Ah, anytime is fine! We're just out to have fun, it's fine even if we go at night …! Yeah?"
"Um … so like, how to say …? It's just that the timing really isn't good …"
She really was being way too stubborn; I didn't even know how to reply in that moment.
Meanwhile, Hayama was holding back a laugh, his shoulders shaking non-stop. Just then, he
suddenly raised his head, and greeted me with a cool smile.
"Why not just say you're not available tonight."
"Yeah … that's right, but why are you the one saying that … and how do you know …?"
Wait, what's up with this guy, he's been smiling so slyly since just now … hey, wait. He wouldn't
really know what's up right? Wait a minute, wait a minute, no, are you kidding me? Wait, hey,
what the hell is up with this person? God, he has been way too interested in my matters, right?
How scary.
I stared at Hayama, attempting to read past his cunning and annoying smile, but from my
peripheral vison, Tomioka-san raised her hand abruptly, her jumpy actions making me think
how much she was like a fawn.
"Well, if that's the case then let's just do it next time! We could reschedule it to a time
convenient for Hikigaya-san to participate as well!"
"Um, ah, excuse me … actually, you really don't need to care about me … I'll go if I can next
time, you guys should have fun, no need to mind me …"
If it was someone that knew me, they would quickly pick on the fact that I didn't want to go,
but for someone that was speaking to me for the first time, it seemed that they wouldn't be
able to understand.
Tomioka-san stared into my eyes, then shook her head.
"No, I don't think that's ok."
"Ah, really …"
Isn't this kid way too serious …?
How have I been able get out of situations like this before? Just as I was pondering this
question, it looked like Tobe couldn't bear the situation any further, so he stepped in to resolve
the awkwardness.
"Then let's just do it next week or the week after and see if our schedules meet!"
"Yeah."
Hayato nodded in confirmation, and Tomioka-san also nodded back. Thank you, Tobe, even if
we are in different classes, even if our class gathering has nothing to do with you, still, thank
you.
With that matter solved, it was nearing club time. Hayama grabbed his schoolbag, noticing that,
Ebina said to Tomioka-san:
"Want to go get dinner later? If we're going to do a class gathering it would be best if we could
talk about it first."
"Ah, mm! Ok! Let's go get dinner!"
"Let's go, let's go!"
It was supposed to be a girl's gathering, but Tobe was inviting himself in, seeing that, Hayama
smiled and said:
"Oh, so that's how it is? Then you can go along with them, have fun."
"Heyyy, don't be like that, Hayato."
The scene of Tobe leaning on Hayama made Tomioka-san panic a bit, but as soon as she
realized it was just how the two of them joked around, she showed a gentle smile. At the same
time, Ebina was deep in thought, muttering:
"Ooh, that's the kind of scene I want to see …"
That so? Tobe X Hayama, it actually sounds pretty good … no, or is it Hayama X Tobe …?
As I was thinking about these things, I picked up my bag and got up from my seat.
As if that were the signal to leave, Hayama also stood up, and we left the classroom, entering
the hallway. Tobe, Ebina, and Tomioka-san also followed along.
"I'm going ahead."
After leaving the classroom, I muttered a useless comment, but just as I was heading to the
special building—
"Hikigaya."
Hayama abruptly called me, making me turn around.
"Good luck."
"… What nonsense are you spewing."
What are you talking about? — I wasn't able to say that in time, and neither did I want to go
back to ask. Most importantly, what I had to do today that would require luck, I knew all too
well.
Even if I were to feign ignorance, Hayama would definitely just say something like "Whatever,
as long as you're fine with," it would be an empty comment, but something I wouldn't be able
to ignore.
And so, all I did was make an annoyed expression and sigh as I replied harshly.
As for whether Hayama heard it? I'm not sure, as we left in different directions and there was
no way to confirm it.
But because I could still hear the sound of Ebina's high-pitched rotten speak "Hahaha that's
what I like, fufufu", it's safe to say that he heard what I had said. I was too scared to look back
anyways, so I hurriedly fled the scene.
I walked speedily through the hallway; outside the windows I could see the cherry blossoms in
the courtyard.
A breeze of wind passed by me, blowing up a storm of white petals, and as the wind blew away,
all that was left on the branches were fresh green shoots.
The sense of finality to the scene made me stop in my tracks and ponder.
This is the last spring of my high school life.
Summer will be coming soon, but even as the new leaves sprout, spring won't end just yet,
instead a touch of green will grow on.
—And so, our youth will never end, and spring will continue on.