Not a member of Pastebin yet?
Sign Up,
it unlocks many cool features!
- Summary for Vol 7:
- First off, Miura's clique has Miura, Hayato, Ebina (fujoshi), Yui, Tobe (soccer club) and Ooka (baseball, virgin (seal of confirmation by 8man)). Thanks to highschoolers being highschoolers and Hayato's help, the fallout of vol 6 starts to fade away.
- The 2nd years have to go on a school trip, and during the school trip Tobe wants to confess to Ebina. Back in the Service Club, Yukinon starts to treat 8man better like making tea for him (it was always his job being the slave). Tobe, Hayato and Ooka visited the Service Club, but Tobe held back his request after seeing 8man in the Service Club, and he starts insulting 8man. 8man took it like a man, but Yukinon and Yui got angry and Tobe apologized after that. He requested the Service Club's help to make Ebina and himself a couple, and an excited Yui help convince the Service Club to accept this request.
- Boy's side has Tobe, Hayato, 8man and Totsuka and girl's side has Miura, Yui, Ebina and Saki (who was pulled in by Ebina). The school trip would last 3 days 4 nights.
- Ebina senses something wrong with the formation and went over to the Service Club to probe (Yui probably gave it away, she's an idiot), and Ebina used her identity as a fujoshi to ask if the 3 idiots (Hayato, Tobe, Ooka) had a fight, she wanted the Service Club to look into this while on the trip. 8man thinks it's weird but accepted the request.
- For the school trip Yui took initiative and tried to get Tobe and Ebina together. Tobe takes initiative as well, but Ebina avoided their attempts. Yui paid a lot of attention to 8man as well and love comedy stuff happened. 8man kept trying to convince Tobe that he'll most likely fail but Tobe brushes it off as 8man trying to be a nice guy. 8man tells himself that Tobe hasn't experienced a failed confession before and he thinks Tobe would still try to laugh it off as usual after the failed confession, it'll be a sad sight to behold and 8man wouldn't want any of that.
- First night, 8man lost a game of UNO to Zaimoukuza and had to go out and get drinks for both of them. He ran into Yukinon outside (she's in a different class) and apparently Yukinon became revered as an "onee-sama" because of the events during cultural festival. They talk about things people are saying during the school trip but a ramen starved disguised sensei ambushed the both of them, to keep their mouths shut, she took them out to eat ramen. On the way back sensei ditched the two of them to get some beer, Yukinon didn't want to walk by 8man's side due to the rumors that spread during the cultural festival (they were bickering like lovers over the airwaves), so the two of them made it back to the hotel while blushing.
- The next day the group went places like a movie village. In the haunted house, 8man was trapped between Totsuka, Yui and Saki. Totsuka ran off first, followed by Saki. The remaining two glanced and each other and held hands. n the other hand Tobe got closer to Ebina thanks to 8man and his own initiative, and it seems that it'll work out for Tobe after all. Interestingly, Hayato looks depressed the whole day and didn't do much. Tobe didn't sense anything but 8man took note of that. They met Yukinon in the next attraction, Yukinon apologizes for not being able to help and promises to be there on the last day when the confession takes place.
- At night, 8man went out by himself and met Miura, who surprisingly approaches 8man and started a conversation. She tells 8man that she's aware of what was going on and reveals that Ebina never wanted a boyfriend even though Miura did a lot to help. Ebina isn't as simple as people believed. Miura treasures the people around her a lot and doesn't want them to meddle around. To appease her, 8man says Hayato would handle such problems.
- On the 3rd day, Yukinon joins the group. While the rest were busy, Ebina met up with 8man, 8man tells her that everything's going well with the guys and she need not worry. Ebina says "That happened when I wasn't around. What I want is people getting along in places where I can see." 8man knew what she meant and that Ebina wanted to keep the status quo, but 8man couldn't do anything about the situation.
- On the eve of the confession, everyone, including Yukinon and Yui rooted for Tobe, except Hayato who left the scene. 8man went after him and Hayato blurted out that Tobe's confession will never succeed because of Ebina's circumstances. Hayato wanted status quo as well. 8man pointed out that their friendship isn't worth shit if a small thing like this could damage their bonds, and Hayato didn't deny it. He adds that he's good at pretending that nothing is happening (like when everyone gets 8man's name wrong, Hayato knew the real pronunciation but kept quiet). 8man rebukes by saying pretending that nothing transpired is fine but asks if he considered how Tobe feels. Hayato said that he didn't want to lose anything and 8man counters by saying that's Hayato being idealistic and selfish and Hayato got angry, he told 8man that 8man couldn't do anything if he was in this situation. 8man noted that Hayato can't take a stand if someone gets hurt in the end, and decides to handle it himself.
- At the time of the confession, 8man warned Tobe again and Tobe says he'll just try again if he fails and brushes it off by saying 8man's being a nice dude looking out for him. 8man tells him to "do your best until the end" and Tobe got really happy since "Hikitani was actually a good guy". Yukinon and Yui said it's not like 8man to worry so much and 8man tells them coldly that the confession will fail. The girls are shocked, but 8man says he was a way to salvage the situation. The girls then entrusts him to save the day and 8man makes up his mind.
- To complete Hayato, Tobe and Ebina's request, 8man was forced to resort to a single choice. He confesses to Ebina before Tobe did. Ebina reacted immediately and tells 8man that she doesn't want a boyfriend and dumped him. The dense Tobe finally knew what's up and got frustrated (not angry) at 8man though he now treats 8man as a rival. Hayato apologized to 8man, and he says "I knew you would resort to this all along... Sorry... (just like back in the cultural festival)", and took pity on 8man (reading between the lines, Hayato might have planned it all along and egged 8man on). 8man got extremely angry at Hayato's attitude but didn't punch him.
- The Service Club members didn't console 8man, and their attitude was completely different from before.
- Yukinon got furious at 8man.
- "...I hate the way you handle things."
- "...I can't say why, but it irritates me a lot. But I really do hate the way you handle things."
- Yukinon wanted to say more, but decides to leave.
- Yui asks why 8man did that.
- "That scared me, I thought you were doing it for real..."
- "How can that be possible?" <- 8man
- "But... That method just now, i-it's against the rules."
- 8man tells her that this was the best solution, he explained that some people wanted to keep the status quo, someone wanted change and that was the only way even though it was a despicable lie.
- "But... but..."
- "Why don't you think about how I felt back then." <- 8man
- "Even though you know so much, why didn't you understand that? (read: consider my feelings instead)"
- 8man reveals in a monologue that he knew what Yui meant and that the relationships he's destroying now might not even be salvageable. Yui staggered off.
- Ebina then came to 8man and thanks him for that act, it kept guys off her and the clique would remain the same. 8man still put in a good word for Tobe, but Ebina says she's rotten, she couldn't understand others and others can never understand her, but adds that 8man might be someone who can. 8man tells her to stop teasing him and he might fall in love with Ebina if she keeps doing that. Ebina likes how frank 8man is with his thoughts and it feels good to know such a person and 8man agrees with her. Next, she tells 8man that she likes her current self and the people around her, and it's something that not easy to come by (she's a fujoshi). So Ebina doesn't want to spoil her relationship with the clique, and she hates herself for that.
- After Ebina leaves, 8man, as usual, reflects on the events that transpired and in the last line comments that everyone is a liar, but the person who told the biggest lie is himself.
- Nofunallowed long ass prose version that /a/non hates:
- Chapter 1:
- Girls wearing thicker clothes might be cuter than girls wearing thinner clothes, this is that kind of season. The cultural festival is done and the sports festival went by without any problems, and it'll only be less than 2 months till this year ends. The temperature has been dropping, especially Hikki's surrounding. Or it might be due to thier Japanese habit of sitting in the corners of a room, and that's why there's an empty space around Hikki. It's normal for him but the gaze their give Hikki is different, they're deliberately pretending that they "don't care" but the gaze seemed like an ambush of sorts, as if they're holding back their laughter and ready to burst out, that kind of gaze.
- He decides to follow through with the Hikki style by ignoring everyone. Normally, your eyes would meet if you pay them attention and they'll look away after a while, but it's different this time. They have the higher ground this time and they would look at you for 2 seconds and then laugh with the people around them. "He's looking this way (lol)", "what is he doing (lol)", "disgusting (lol)", they'd say something like this. Hikki's thoughts goes on by comparing himself to a diamond, he's not afraid of scratches but diamonds can be crushed easily by a hammer.
- Next, Hikki tells us that the "anti-Hikigaya" period is already over, but then again people didn't pay much attention to him in the first place, and their attention shifted to another subject. Hikki's analogy is like someone changing waifus every season. In the first place, people already look down on Hikki, and now they don't even care about him. The world has no interests in Hikki, but to Hikki, this world still has many interesting stuffs. As usual, there's a cheery atmosphere in the classroom.
- Behind Hikki, there's someone speaking loudly while pounding his chest like a gorilla and it seems to Hikki that those 3 are speaking loudly, trying to announce that "they" exist. He peeked at the group and spots Tobe, Ooka and Yamato sitting on tables. Tobe starts by asking about the school trip and Ooka immediately mentions USJ (Universal Studio Japan), and the third says it's in Osaka, like a straight man to the others. The three starts talking in Kansai ben, and becomes even noiser due to the mood maker Tobe.
- Though Hikki comments that it's an unbearable sight, a real Kansai ben speaker would probably throw an ashtray in their direction. Hikki says it's a Kansai thing to get angry when someone tries to imitate Kansai ben and does it badly, and mentions that Conan-kun mentioned it.* The three continue speaking loudly and threw glances to the girls in the class from time to time, as if they're saying "we're talking about something interesting right?" and it makes Hikki want to laugh.
- *Detective Conan
- Tobe and Ooka talk about how troublesome it is to go to Osaka, and the slow Yamato took his time, thought about it and played the straight man told Tobe to go by himself. Tobe exclaims that the 2 are trying to push him away like he's "somethingtani-kun (Nanitani-kun)"* They burst out laughing and on closer inspection, Hikki sees that the nearby Oda and Tahara were holding back their laughter, shoulders trembling while playing with their smartphones. That's how Hikki's being treated now, they're all doing it in their own ways, looking for a chance to use Hikki as a joke.
- *Hikigaya -> Hikitani -> Nanitani
- Hikki tells himself that no bullying occurs in this school, and this is all done in jest, a joke. No one's bullying anyone else, this is just a normal joke you hear everyday. They can say all the ugly things they want and at the end of it pass it off as a joke, it's convenient. Anyway, as to why they are doing this, Hikki rationalizes and says it's a method to cope with stuff that they can't deal with. When faced with unbearable stuff, they aren't many methods to cope with it, passing it off as a joke is their last resort. This is how a group deals with an irregularity that exists in it.
- At first, there was a wave of "pity" for Sagami in 2F, and people start giving Hikki hateful gazes and started caring for Sagami, beautiful camaraderie can be seen, but things in a highschool changes fast. After the sports festival "poor Sagamin" cooled down and it's "let's make jokes about Hikitani-kun" now. The perpetrator of that event, Sagami, has already been forgotten and now all's left is pieces of the truth. Only the part "this is how we should treat Hikigaya Hachiman" is left and became a habit. Hikki says it's similar to the relationship between ritual and religions, people remember what they need to do but forgot all about the original purpose. He comes up with examples like the Bon Festival dance or Christmas, and says that people can still have fun even without knowing the meaning, and it's only a matter of acceptance. Anyway this is a specialty of a group, you can even all this a sort of culture, and they would get tired of this joke after a while.
- Then again, the whole class is excitedly talking about the upcoming school trip, and this kind of behavior is still widespread. Tobe and the others are still talking about "Nanitani-kun Nanitani-kun" and pushing their conversation forward, and Hikki complains to himslf that his name isn't Hikitani in the first place. They talk about more senseless stuff then Ooka asked Tobe curiously about "that" and he tells them it's decided, which somehow makes them go "oooh" in awe. The three started talking softly and sneakily, and to Hikki it looks like something they don't want anyone else to hear about and it's a topic among themselves, so their gazes are no longer on Hikki. Hikki secretly confirms this and started staring at the ceiling, lean all the way back and slowly closes his eyes.
- The whole class' topic started shifting towards the direction of the school trip and got noisier, but thanks to that the mocking and uncomfortable gazes on Hikki are all gone. Suddenly, Hikki's view goes darker, he opens his eyes to investigate and saw a part of familiar breasts, no, familiar face. Yui gives Hikki a "Yahallo" while looking down from the top and Hikki almost fell from his chair, but he still manages to give her a weak reply. She asks Hikki if he's going for club activities later and he confirms it, and then Yui goes off. Hikki notes how Yui cleverly spoke softly to him and chose the opening when everyone averts their gazes from Hikki. Yui gives Hikki a stealthy and small wave then rejoins Miura, and Miura, with a shocked face, looks at Hikki, but quickly moves back to look at her cellphone.
- Hikki notes that Miura lives up to her selfcentered queen of hell name, she's not interested in those living below her and they're neither friends nor foes, but also not neutral. But they have no connections with each other, which makes Hikki rejoice. Hikki thinks Miura wasn't looking at him, but rather at Yui, since it's risky to talk to Hikki during this period. Them again, Yui's ability to read the atmosphere and her quick wits are formidable. Though it's due to Yui's self preservation abilities but it helped Hikki out since the two of them didn't get spotted and made fun of.
- Hikki continues by telling us if a person that is disliked by a group is forced to remain in the group, then he needs to pull in all effort to eliminate any factors that can be used to attack him. Don't make mistakes, don't reveal your errors, don't expose your own faults. These 3 are important. Then again they all mean the same thing. That being said, showcasing how perfect your are will get you targetted by others, that's why you don't do anything. If you remain passive then you won't lose. And of course, don't bond with anyone. There's bound to be friction when it comes to relationships, and it's not only limited to the 2 parties, everyone has something called "line of sight". This is especially true when you come in contact with someone who catches everyone's eyes, and you'll have to be very careful when handling that. If you're alone then you only need to look out for so much, and don't get others involved. Yui uses her position high up on the hiearchy and good timing to approach Hikki and get away without a trace, but Hikki can't alwas count on that. He usually tries to erase his own existence, but now he might need something physical to add to it, like typing on his cellphone when leaving the classroom or pretend to have a call... But it'll be exposed immediately since no one would call Hikki, and everyone could tell that much.
- In the end Hikki did nothing and assumed a sleeping posture again. Break time is almost over and people start coming back to the classroom and Hikki opened an eye to take a look and spots someone with a long ponytail. That person is grinning while toying with her cellphone, but hastily changes into a bored face in the next moment. Hikki thinks that brocon is mailing her little brother again, and he needs to take caution when he mails Komachi, or else people would call him a siscon. Or even Sister Princess. No, that didn't happen.
- Kawasomethingsaki (Kawananatokasaki), shortened to Kawasaki, looks around her sneakily, checking if anyone saw her grinning face. And her eyes met with Hikki's. She gave a small and sad "eeek!" cry and jumped in shock, then her face turned red and quickly walked back to her seat, with her head hanging low. Saki's been this way since the cultural festival and she never goes near Hikki, and everytime her gaze meets with Hikki's she would just turn away. Hikki is glad that she is keeping her distance so both of them can enjoy their peaceful lives. Although some people say that humans are the only creature that kills their own kind, but that's wrong since wild animals kill each other all the time to claim territories, and school is just like that, everyone has their own terrority and they overlap, so there's bound to be a lot of conflict. To add on, highschoolers belong to a myriad of different cliques, hiearchy, which is just like different races.
- Everyone is a different existence from one another, especially this person approaching Hikki, who Hikki thinks is someone from a different race. Hikki hears the word "Hachiman" and comments that it's a voice from the heavens that person's steps are like walking in the clouds and that exalted posture is like an angel. Totsuka is an angel, and since Totsuka is an angel, Totsuka doesn't act like those dogshit humans and talks to Hikki.
- Totsuka tells Hikki about the school trip, they will need form their own groups and it'll be decided in the upcoming homeroom class. Hikki doesn't know the source of the info, but he knows that the school trip would last 4 days and 3 nights. On the first day they'll move as a class, and on the second day, move in small groups and on the third day they're free to go wherever they want. Due to the way it's organize, the discussion in the class is mostly all about the second and third day. The homeroom later on would decide on the groups and how 2/3 of the trip would be like, so it's an important skirmish. Anyway, to Hikki, he'll just be assigned with the leftovers and follow them from behind, so he doesn't care.
- Hikki tells Totsuka that people have already decided on the groups, but Totsuka says that Totsuka hasn't decided on one yet. Might be due to not having a group, Totsuka spoke shyly and with Totsuka's head lowered. Hikki stared quietly at Totsuka, and Totsuka, sensing that, lifted Totsuka's head and tries to smile it off. Hikki decides on the spot that he wants to protect this smile. He changes his tune and tells himself it's okay to invite others since it's the one and only school trip, so he'll put in effort, but why is he doing it for a guy. Nevertheless, Hikki invites Totsuka, which makes the latter happy and Totsuka showed a lively, smiley face, which pleases Hikki, who claims that he might have achieve nirvana if he were a lost spirit, or even join the JSDF after a little persuasion.
- They wonder about the other 2 they need to form a group, and decides to leave it till later, and started discussing where the want to go. Class is about to start, and Hikki sees Totsuka off, but not forgetting to rub Totsuka's shoulders lightly. Totsuka gives a nod and a small wave then walks back. The surrounding classmates turned their gazes towards Totsuka for a moment, but most likely due to their impression of Totsuka, they can't find anything to hate. Hikki reminds himself not to draw attention, so he'll be like normal, not starting a conversation or getting close to anyone, keeping a good distance from others, and that's all he needs to do. And he has maintained this unchaging lifestyle for a long time.
- As per normal, Hikki concentrates on pretending to be sleeping. In times like this it's good to act normal and do stuff that you normally do, that's the most important part. Hikki uses his left arm as a pillow, lying on his table, but Hikki sees a rare combination from the corner of his eyes. Class is almost starting and Hayama and Ebina came in together. Even though Hikki saw them together in the group all the time, but he has never seen them talking privately. Then again, Hikki is reminded that those 2 were nowhere to be found just now. Hayama and Ebina secretly exchanged a few words, and then they split.
- Ebina went back to her group with light footsteps and a "hallohallo", and she looks cheery like usual, the other gave a normal reaction as well. As for Hayama, he has a blank expression on his face. That guy showed a rare and anguished smile, though only for an instant, it's as if he's mocking himself or feeling sad. Obviously, if Hikki can sense it, the other can too, and the first to open his mouth is Tobe, who asked where Hayato-kun went, and if he's starting to do things alone like Nanitani-kun. Hayama tries to brush it off by saying he went to the washroom alone, and comments on Tobe's Nanitani-kun joke, and lightly tap Tobe's head. The others took the chance to make fun of Tobe's name*.
- *A pun on the slip of tongue and how Tobe sounds, can't find the right words in English
- From then on, Tobe, don't Tobe, this kind of joke become an in-joke for class 2-F, and Hikki is impressed, thanks to Hayama the Hikitani joke became a thing of the past. Thanks to that, Hikki's everyday life is finally back to normal, the prideful solitude he enjoys. To add on to that, he also felt a bigger distance between him and others, as if he's buried in the darkness. Somehow he's turning into a ninja now, Ninja Hikigaya. But Hikki still wants to visit Kinkaku Temple* in Kyoto.
- *Temple is in katakana here, I didn't get the joke, maybe someone can point it out
- (Chapter 1 end)
- Chapter 2:
- Someone brought a kettle to the Service Club and boiled water. Yukino folded a corner of the magazine she's reading and walk towards the kettle, and Yui, who was busy with her cellphone, announce with an excited gleam in her eyes that it's time for snacks. Yukino prepares the tea and Yui opens her bag and took out some snacks, laying out fine china on the table and a mug with a dog printed on it. Yukino poured tea for Yui and herself, then stopped for a moment, put her hand on her chin as if she's thinking about something, then fetched a paper cup and poured tea into it. She poured the tea herself, but for some reason she stared hard at the cup, looking as if her own actions are unacceptable. After filling the cup, Yukino put a cap on it to keep it warm.
- Yukino brought the tea back to her seat, and Yui stretched out her arm to receive her share, while playing on her cellphone. The lone paper cup stayed there, emitting shaky steam as if it's a lost child. Yukino tells Hikki that the tea is getting cold, and Hikki took a while to realize the cup of tea is for him, so he replies that he has a "cat's tongue". Hikki accepts the tea since they went through the effort to make it for him, and says he's feeling a little cold while reaching out for the tea. Yui, while trying to blow air into her mug to cool the tea, brought up the school trip which made Yukino's eyebrow twitch. Hikki comments to himself that the whole school is talking about this, Service Club wouldn't be any different.
- Yui asks them if they've decided their destinations, Yukino said she's still thinking and Hikki replied that it depends on where his group wants to go. To Hikki, the school trip is boring and he's forced to accompany others. People in his group would decide on where to go while ignoring his opinion anyway, and they would do so in his face too, treating Hikki like he doesn't exist, and Hikki can only keep his moouth shut and follow them. He isn't unhappy, it's easier on him this way but still he wouldn't derive much enjoyment. An irregularity is an irregularity, if the group is made up of good kids who are on good terms with one another, they might ask for Hikki's opinion. But still, an irregularity must be eliminated. For a veteran irregularity like Hikki, it's obvious and logical. Yukino would be treated the same way since she's an irregularity as well.
- So Hikki asks Yukino what she's going to do during the school trip and the group activity since he's bothered by it, but Yukino holds her cup with one hand, tilt her head sideways and asked what does Hikki mean.
- http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/images/f/fe/YahariLoveCom_v7-029.jpg
- Hikki tells Yukino that she doesn't have any friends in her class, and Yukino, not affected by it, replied plainly with "so, what of it?" Hikki continues by saying what would she do when it comes to the forming of groups, which finally got through Yukino, she put down her cup and says it depends on who's inviting her along. Hikki is shocked by Yukino's words, which made Yukino unhappy, and Yukino tells Hikki that she doesn't know what kind of impression Hikki has, but she has never worried about groupings since people usually approach her and invites her to their group, and flicks her hair onto her shoulder. Yui raises her head from the mug on her lips and adds on, saying she knows how that feels since class J is filled with girls, and cool looking girls like Yukino are popular.
- Hikki understands since it's class J they're talking about, it feels like an all girls school in that class, and there's a high chance that the girls there wear pants under their skirt during the winter. Due to the amount of girls in Yukino's class, they feel relaxed and comfortable, that's one of the pros you get without people of the opposite sex around. If there were guys, they would do funny things to catch the girls' attention. Tobe pounding his chest is an example, or guys pretending to be delinquent, or people with Chuunibyou. Hikki admits that he's aware of those qualities in himself. It might be the same for girls as well. In fact, Yukino might have experienced it too, especially in a classroom full of guys and girls who are in puberty.
- Yui starts talking about wanting to go Okinawa, but Yukino doesn't recommend it and looks through the window, the chill wind blowing hard outside. Yui says Kyoto is boring and full of shrines and temples, and they have those over here. Hikki comments that those words fit Yui perfectly and he's getting a headache just by hearing those, Yukino might have felt the same, since she started massaging her temples. She tells Yui that Yui didn't consider the historical and cultural values of the shrines, and Yui replies by saying she doesn't know what to do when visiting shrines. Hikki understands her, most highschoolers don't have interests in religious aspects and to them shrines and temples are places where weddings and funerals are held, so it doesn't have much to do with them.
- Yukino tells Yui that she can come into close contact with this country's culture but Hikki interrupts her by saying that's not all of it. Yukino, who doesn't like being interrupted, gave Hikki a challenging gaze, which scares him a little, and says, "Ara, then tell me, what are we supposed to do during the school trip?" Hikki voices his opinion and says it's to prepare them for society and Yukino replies that it makes sense. However, Hikki isn't done yet and continues, saying that making a trip that you don't want to, going out with a superior that you don't like, you can't choose where you stay and what you eat, in the end you can only submit to others and suppress your opinions. After that you'll look at your budget and tell yourself, "this souvenir is good enough for those kind of people... well, it doesn't matter if I buy it or not" and then make all sorts of calculations because of that. This is what the school trip is conveying, to teach you "I can't do whatever I want in this world, but even so I can derive enjoyment from all these compromises", which is training you to lie to yourself.
- Yui gives Hikki a look of pity and says Hikki's kind of school trip is not fun at all and Yukino never expected anyone to thought of such pessimistic things while planning for the school trip. After listening to Yukino, Yui thought of something and says Hikki meant that they should learn how to enjoy the school trip in their own ways. Hikki tells himself that everyone's going through with the same kind of restrictions, so you need to enjoy the trip in your own way. Yukino continues by smiling at Hikki and asks if he's expecting anything from the school trip. Hikki gives a vague answer and thought of sleeping in the same room as Totsuka, bathing with Totsuka and eating with Totsuka, so he has some expectations. Yui asks Hikki the same question as well, and Hikki said no but he likes Kyoto itself.
- Yukino's eyes went round when she heard Hikki's answer, she's surprised and thought Hikki to be a person who treats traditional and rules as garbage. Hikki's used to people saying that about him so he just continues and says to someone like him who loves the History of Japan and Japanese language, Kyoto's a holy place. Anyway, if he can't go to the places he want to during the school trip, he'll just go by himself. Yui comments that going by himself is lonel but Hikki tells himself that he'll be happy if he can go alone since he doesn't need to deal with others, and he's not the only person since Yukino nods her head in agreement as well and says going alone would mean he can thoroughly view the attraction and it's a way of enjoying the trip. Hikki adds on and says he can immerse himself in the place's atmosphere and if he visits Ryuuanji with noisy highschoolers he might just pick a rock from the garden there and split open someone's head. Yukino, lacking humor, is stunned and says Ryuuanji is a world heritage site and Hikki can't do that.
- The conversation goes on to Yui, who wants to visit the famous Kiyomizu temple, and Hikki says Yui is giving off a commoner's vibe, but it's an answer fitting of Yui, she pouts in return. They talk about more sights and Yukino wants to visit Jishouji and Rokuonji (the famous Ginkaku temple and Kinkaku temple's other names) and Hikki comments that those temples fit Yukino's image, and Yukino wants to visit Philosopher's Walk in Kyoto too and goes into great details, and Hikki comments that Yukino is really looking forward to the trip, and says that she read "jalan", a monthly magazine about traveling. Yukino is displease and turned away, but not before grabbing the magazine. Hikki comments to himself that it's rare for Yukino to be innocently looking forward to the school trip. Hikki and Yui are amused by Yukino's action and tried to hold back their laughter, and their gazes met, then they burst out laughing.
- Yukino gives them an icy cold look and asks them if they have any problems, Yui then tries her to best to brush it off by waving her hand, but Yukino isn't convinced and continues staring. Yui laughed awkward and then thought of something, she asks if the 3 of them want to go to somewhere together on the 3rd day. Yukino tilted her head a little and says "together?", but Yui still flashes a bright smile. Yukino thought about it a little and opened her mouth, but Hikki interrupts her since he already know the answer, Yukino is in a different class. Yui doesn't mind it and nods her head, saying they can contact each other and enjoy Kyoto together. Yukino isn't convinced that they can have that much freedom, but Yui says she doesn't know but it's going to be fun.
- Hikki then thinks about the places he wants to go like the old Shinsengumi place and stuff while Yui pushes the conversation forward, and Yukino finally relents and agrees, turning her head sideways. Yui, still smiling, moves her chair closer to Yukino's. Hikki comments on how beautiful their friendship is, silently, and says enjoying the school trip together though they're in different classes is a great thing. Yui then make Hikki promise to go with them, looking at Hikki with her big eyes, which catches Hikki off guard and he doesn't know what to say. Hikki tries to come up with a good answer but a knock on the door breaks the silence.
- Yukino tells the person to enter and it's people Hikki didn't expect. Then again, people who visit this place are better off not visiting, and in the first place not many people drop by for a visit. But, this time round it's the rarest of the rarest, it's Hayama, followed by Tobe, Yamato and Ooka. Hikki never expected the 4 of them and he doesn't know if they're on good terms with one another, although from a bystander's point of view they're friendly to each other. Hayama has been to this place before so he acts naturally, but the other 3 started looking around the room in curiosity, and their gazes stopped on Hikki. Hikki knows what they're thinking without them opening their mouth, and they had an incredible look on their face, they then started looking at each other's faces while looking at Hikki. Of course, Hikki can't call them out on their rude gazes, since he's looking at them the same way.
- Why are these people here? It's not only Hikki who wants to ask this, the same goes for Yukino and Yui as well. Yukino asks them coldly what do they want whereas Yui just nods. Hayama looks at Tobe as though he wants to confirm something, and Tobe starts to tidy his hair, Hikki finds it disgusting. Hayama started saying that he wants to discuss an issue, so he brought the others along, Hikki notes how he's making it seem like it's not his problem, which means it's not Hayama who's going to make a request, it must be someone else.
- The others hurry Tobe and Tobe opened his mouth halfway but goes silence instead, which irritates Hikki. Tobe starts pondering in Tobe's own way and then shook his head, his long hair shaking along, making him look like a wet stray dog. He says he can't do it since he doesn't want to discuss it with Hikitani-kun. Hikki is miffed and wonders if it's sales hour for pissing him off, a surge of anger awakening in his peaceful inner mind, but Hikki takes a deep breath in and out, then looks around calmly. Yamato and Ooka has the same "it's not happening" smile on their faces, and Hayama sighed. Yui has her mouth hanging while in a daze, but it's the opposite for Yukino, her lips are kept together shut.
- A period of silence and Hayama, who couldn't take it anymore, tells Tobe that they're the one who wants to ask for help. Tobe says he knows that but it's not something he wants to discuss with Hikitani-kun since that person has 0 reliability. Hikki realizes that his existence is being acknowledged, in other words he's being disliked, he never thought it would occur in such unexpected situations. Due to Tobe not wanting to voice out, there's another period of silence, but thanks to that Hikki could hear a tiny voice.
- "Infuriating..."
- Hikki thanks Yui who voiced out Hikki's emotion but he wonders why is Yui saying that. Hayama tells Tobe not to talk like this and he's at a loss for words. Hikki's happy that he got some help, but he doesn't want Yui to do everything and started coming up with an answer, but Yukino spoke before he does.
- http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/images/0/04/YahariLoveCom_v7-043.jpg
- "I see. Then, if it's Hikigaya-kun's fault, then it can't be helped. There's nothing to be done... Then can you please leave?"
- Hikki agrees that it's the only thing they can do, they'll speak up once he leaves and tells them to call him once they're done. Yukino stops Hikki and asks where he's going, he says he wants to head out, but then Yukino looked towards the other 4 and tells them that the ones who needs to leave are those guys. "Eh?" came the reply, it wasn't only Hikki, Tobe and the others were stunned, but Yukino continued as if nothing has happened. She says these guys don't know how to respect others and they won't even listen to requests made by such people, so they better leave. She said all those in her own style and together with the calmness and poker face, it seems like she looks colder than normal, and her icy gaze pierces Tobe. Yui, as if trying to tighten the hold on their necks, says they're pissing her off.
- Hikki feels his back aching since he's been in a half standing position since time stopped for them, and he wants them to decide who to leave, and why not everyone leave. Hayama was the first to speak out and he tells Tobe that it's their fault so they should leave and handle the problem by themselves, with a sigh of relief. Hikki wishes they leave faster. Tobe took the chance to speak, but before that he threw his hair backwards and tells them that there's no going back for him since he already told Hikitani-kun that, so it's fine. Hayama, seeing how determined Tobe is, lowered his head.
- Hikki is surprised that Hayama backed down, but he reminds himself that it's the kind and upright Hayama, he might be testing Tobe's determination that's why he pretended to stop him. Hayama's the kind to support others from behind and cheers them on, so this is something he would do. But is that true? Hikki doesn't know and Tobe doesn't seem to notice this side of Hayama. He stills hesitated and Hikki wishes he leaves asap.
- Everyone listened quietly as Tobe finally spoke up, though Hikki says he's not interested at all, and wants Tobe to hurry up and spill the beans. He compares it to TV commericals, and now that the commericals are over Tobe still wants to do a summary of previous episode, so Hikki wonders if he leapt forward in time or something, and if this goes on he'll stop watching such shows and watch only anime. Tobe finally continues but hesitated and cuts off his sentence, but he finally told everyone that he's interested in Ebina and he wants to make up his mind during the school trip. To Hikki's it's a sentence with lots of hidden messages, but this interests Yui greatly, her eyes glimmering brightly. Hikki finally realizes that Tobe meant what he said back during their trip to Chiba village, he had this piece of info so he knew what Tobe meant, but Yukino is puzzled and tilted her head sideways. Because of that, Yui filled her in and Yukino first started nodding her head in agreement, then suddenly stopped and looked at Hikki and wants him to sort out the facts.
- Hikki tells them that Tobe wants to confess to Ebina and then go steady with her, and Tobe brushes his hair back and pointed towards Hikki, agreeing with Hikki and says he'll feel bad if he's dumped, and it helps that Hikitani-kun's really easy to talk to. Hikki wonders if Tobe's trying to get closer to him, and knows that such people exists in this world, and Tobe spoke to Hikki naturally back during the trip in summer. Then again, Hikki focused on "feel bad if he's dumped" and tells himself that it's a naive thing to say and people should start getting used to being dumped. Hikki's bored by the topic and lean forward onto the table, using his right arm as a cushion.
- Hikki sees that Yukino has a troubled look on her face and one hand hold her cheekes, deep in thought. The only person who's drawn in by the topic is Yui, she stood up from her chair, fully interested, eyes glimmering brightly and telling Tobe that it's good and this kind of thing is great, she'd be cheering him on. On the other hand, Yukino is still thinking, she asks what do people do when they go steady. Hikki doesn't know how to answer her, but it seemed to him that the both of them want to take on the request, but he's not interested at all. Then again, asking someone to help you when confessing is already heading in a bad direction.
- Hikki knows from experience, since grade school, he's heard of peopple doing this and they believed that getting help would make their confession succeed, but Hikki has never seen that happen before. Most of the time people would join in since it's "fun" or even use this to make fun of you. They might not use this against you now, but eventually when you get into an argument it'll be used as a form of threat, or they'll use it to exchange for information on who someone else likes. Hikki comments to himself that the information war in grade school cannot be underestimated, and he doesn't want to help or cheer others on, it'll just remind him of his sad experiences.
- Hayama notices Hikki's trouble expression and smiled bitterly and said it won't be easy. Hikki doesn't know how to reply so he turned his head away and his gaze meets with Yukino's. Her gaze is saying "what should we do?" and she tilts her head sideways while thinking. Hikki turns up the rotten-ness in his eyes by one level as if to say "no can do" and shakes his head lightly. Yukino nods her head as if she's saying "I see" and told the others that they are of no help this time. Hikki agrees and tells himself that it'll be good this way. Hayama accepts the situation and nods his head. Hikki comments that they, inclusive of Hayama, aren't people who can help everyone and people who think they can are delusional. Compared to the things they can do, the things they cannot do are greater in number, that's how the world is. It's a pity they can't be of any help, and it's a pity that Hikki too does not have a girlfriend.
- But, there's someone who can't accept this. Yui tugs Yukino's jacket and says it's fine to help out, Yukino gives Hikki a troubled look and Yui gives Hikki the same look as well. Hikki already said no but they still gave him the authority to decide for them, and Tobe, watching this scene, stepped forward and gave his best smile, this time asking Hikitani-SAN for help. Hikki comments to himself that being polite doesn't help since Tobe still got his name wrong and this seemed more like an insult. The others chipped in and asked Hikki for help, Yui asks Yukinon to reconsider with moisture in her eyes, and Yukino is lost. Hikki tells himself that Yukino has been spoiling Yui lately.
- Now that things became this way, Hikki doesn't think he can reject it by himself. No matter what kind of situation, you lose when you're in the minority, even if they respect the opinions of the minorities you won't have any chances of changing the final decision. Hikki already learnt this in the society called grade shcool. He relents. They thank him, Yui and Yukino and Hikki tells himself that he didn't do it for the thanks and it's part of the job, and he's not going to do a halfassed job, but he won't be giving his best either, just doing enough to get a pass. This is the lesson he learnt when he was part of the organizing committee during the school festival, just do enough to keep your job.
- Hikki asks them if they know exactly what to do and Tobe says he's going to confess and they'll be on the side helping him. When the word "confess" came out of his mouth, Yui covered her mouth and let out a small "hya!". Hikki feels sorry to get Yui so excited, but he doubts the confession would go smoothly, and since he asked what exactly do they need to do, he expects Tobe to give him a clear answer. Hikki tells Tobe that he understood Tobe's determination but what else does he have aside from that, it's still a risky move. Tobe's hand stopped while he was tidying his hair and started say it's risky, really risky, might be risky, and Hikki wonders if Tobe knows what risky means.
- Though Tobe's acting weirdly, Yui is even weirder and she turned and asked Hikki what does "risky" mean. Yukino answered with "Risky. It means there's danger and loss involved", spoken like a Pokedex, but this made Yui angry since she knows what the word means but doesn't know what are the risks. Yukino gave an angry Yui a blank look and Hikki wonders if it's Yukino style joke. Hikki decides to explain it and tells them that Tobe would first confess and then get dumped, and Yui's shocked at how fast Tobe's getting dumped. Hikki tells himself that Yui shouldn't be shocked by that since this is only the beginning. After a person is dumped there are more things they have to face. Even if you feel that you're at your lowest point, there are people who are deeper and deeper and deeper in, that's right, Hikki is someone who can sink that deep.
- Hikki continues and say that the 2nd day after the confession people would have heard of it and started discussing it, but it'll be bits and pieces they know about. Hikki starts talking about his past and a Hikigaya confessed to a Kaori, and people felt sorry for Kaori, to add on to that Hikigaya confessed by mail and then everyone felt that Hikigaya is a coward for confessing by mail, but also relived that they didn't give Hikigaya their mail address. And that's the example Hikki gave, people would use your confession as conversation fodder and if you happen to hear that you'll be at risk of getting hurt. This is what people mean by extermination, after getting a hit from getting dumped, next you'll be killed on by society as a gift.
- Yui comments with a soft voice that it's yet another Hikki tale and Hikki tells himself that if it's another person he wouldn't know so much, most of his stories are about himself. Maybe it's due to Hikki's speech being too much for the others, but they all became silent. Hikki asks if they got his message but Yukino holds her head with a hand and comments that it only happens to Hikki, but Hikki says it happens to many middle schoolers as well. Of course, Hikki knows that Tobe doesn't have this kind of experience, so his speech might be a waste of effort, and they only seemed to catch a little bit of the meaning.
- Tobe points his thumb towards himself and says he understands you don't confess by mail and tells them that he's isn't that kind of person to care about what others say. The others respond by praising Tobe saying how he's looking very cool now. Tobe blushes a little and says that they're bros and Yui tries to interrupt Hikki but Hikki continues and tells Tobe to watch his relationship with others once he has confessed, but then Hayama stops him after the sentence, he tells Hikki that they understood and pats Hikki's shoulder. With this, Hikki stops talking and nods his head, he believes that Hayama would do a better job when it comes to this and it's not something Hikki should be worrying about.
- Then, Hikki lifts his head up and doesn't see the usual expression on Hayama's face, Hayama looks at the 3 idiots while having a sad smile on his face. He tells them to take care of things from here and leaves for club activities and reminds Tobe not to be late, and Hayama leaves the Service Club. Ooka and Yamato leaves too and it seemed like they were here to accompany Tobe and not here to think of solutions. Tobe tells them that he'll be there shortly and looks at Hikki again, and wants Hikki to take care of him although Hikki doesn't know what to take care of.
- Yukino, slightly impatient, still doesn't know what they should do to help out and Hikki agrees with her, they don't have the know-how and it seems that Tobe asked for the wrong people to help out, there are others who can deal with this better. Hikki asks what made Tobe choose this club and Tobe says Hayato-kun strongly recommends this place, but Hikki replies that this kind of thing is Hayama's forte. Tobe tells Hikki that Hayato-kun is especially handsome and not the kind of person to worry about these kind of stuff and Hikki understands what he meant, Hayama hasn't let slip that he worries about this kind of stuff.
- To those who have this thought of "I wanted to become popular like him" when they laid their eyes on a handsome guy like Hayama, it seems to them that it'll be very difficult to share their troubles with those people. Hayama is a kind person and everyone agrees with it, no one can deny it, he's so kind that you'll go "wow". It's not only his looks, he has a hearty personality and you might think that people who hates Hayama doesn't exist. But, because of that, you don't want to hate him, and you have to steer clear of him. It's like a negative opinion isn't allowede to exist, a perfect person's perfection itself is a weapon. Yukino is on the same level and similar to Hayama's but fortunately or unfortunately, Yukino's personality is such that she destroys you completely with words.
- But Hayama is perfect when it comes to this as well, it's not only his looks, his way of receiving people, this wit, his emotions and he has so much more to him that you can praise. But due to that, being near him is a sort of torture. He's better than everyone, excelling in everything, and whether you like it or not, you'll realize how inferior and lacking you are when in comparison. That's why, if you want to find a flaw in Hayama, it's his existence itself. A bystander can tell that much, and a person close to Hayama would feel this even stronger.
- Yui gave a bitter smile and agrees that Hayato-kun doesn't have that kind of worries and Tobe agrees again, this time Yukino nods her head as well and gives Hikki a beautiful smile and says that's why they needed Hikki's help. Hikki asks if they think he's constantly worrying about love, and he did so because of Yukino's superb smile but also on reflex, which makes Yui and Yukino look away and fall silent. Yukino seems to be pitying someone and let out a few sighs and Yui seems to understand something and let out a sigh too, and they avert their gaze at the same time. Hikki tells them not to do this while remaining silent, it's making the atmosphere heavy, but Tobe pats Hikki on the shoulder and tells Hikitani-kun to take care of him because of all that.
- Hikki comments that Tobe still got his name wrong.
- (Chapter 2 end)
- Chapter 3:
- The Service Club members started analyzing the request and discussing approaches, but Hikki isn't motivated enough to put in effort since it's someone else's problem, it feels stupid since it has to do with people falling in love and it's Tobe. Hikki summarized the request for the others, Tobe wants to confess to Ebina and they will be supporting him. Yukinon tells them to grasp the situation at hand by collection information then come up with a plan. Hikki comments to himself that it's a Yukinoshita thing to do, and is reminded of data collecting individuals in sports manga, these guys are always right. They start off with information about Tobe, and Hikki tells them that know yourself and know your enemy would allow you to give up every battle, he feels that Tobe should just give up since it's Tobe.
- Anyway, they get Tobe to do an introduction, he smiles and tells them. Tobe goes to the Service Club after classes and naturally joined in the conversation and they feel it's better to ask the person himself. He's okay being here since their upperclassman have retired and Hayama's the leader of the club, that's why he doesn't need to worry about the Soccer Club. So they decide to find something good about Tobe and tries to glorify it and get Ebina's attention and they went silent. After a while Tobe raises his hand with an exclaimation, he tells them that he's Hayato-kun's friend. Yui sighed and comments that Tobe is already relying on others.
- Hikki comments to himself that it's tough to come up with good points about yourself since they're not outstanding like Hikki. He decides to ask people close to Tobe, which is Yui. Yui crosses her arms and thinks for a while then pounded her fist on her palm, she finds that Tobe is cheerful. Yukinon is next and she says "Noisy... no, loud... Very lively." and with a smile, to which Hikki comments silently that she's exposing her thought process. Hikki gave her an "okay, I see" and he realizes that Tobe has nothing you can praise him for and Yukinon, unhappy at Hikki's reaction, asks him to come up with something.
- Hikki says he can't make up things out of nowhere and Yukinon says it's just Hikki being unmotivated. The poor Tobe just remained quiet in the meantime. Hikki decides to think for a moment, which means he's going to make something up, but he doesn't know much about Tobe, he only found out about Tobe's first name, Kakeru, just now. In Hayama's words, Tobe might look like a delinquent on the outside but he's a mood maker. But in Yukinon's words, he's a noisy, talentless guy who gets carried away easily. Hikki's evaluation of Tobe is similar to Yukinon's, he can't find anything special about Tobe's personality and Tobe doesn't do anything noticable. That's all Hikki can gather from Tobe's appearance. But then, Hikki doesn't treat Tobe as one of Hayama's followers now, he got to know Tobe more since they spent a night under the same roof. Tobe is something who tries to attract attention to himself, he'll do something when he wants a girlfriend, but he'll get jealous of a friend if someone likes that person, that's the kind of person Tobe is. And Hikki can't draw any conclusion from that, to him, Tobe is just a plain person A you can find everywhere, and Tobe is the most normal and ordinary person you can find.
- There's nothing special about Tobe and Hikki can come up with something good to say after all that thinking. Yukinon and Yui keeps giving Hikki anxious glances and Tobe has a look of "quickly say it" in his eyes, Hikki opens his mouth and mentions the words "Tobe's good points" and then decides to change the topic. He tells the others that it's more important to cater to Ebina's tastes instead of dwelling on this topic, and that would be a better plan, probably. Hikki praises himself that it's more constructive this way since they won't have to dwell on something that doesn't exist.
- Yui agrees with Hikki's idea and Hikki comments silently that Yui did good, people don't normally hate such naive kids. Yukinon nods in response and comments that they're working on someone's weaknesses and only a person like Hikki who's the best at using underhanded methods can come up with this suggestion. Hikki doesn't feel happy even after Yukinon praises him.
- Yukinon asks the rest about Ebina, and Hikki comments to himself that Ebina is a gorgeous teenage girl and shes at the age where she would fall in love and she's the kind to talk about love issues with other girls like herself. Hikki holds these expectations as he awaits Yui's reply, and Yui just look away, muttering that Ebina prefers "liking guys" instead of "liking a guy who catches her fancy". Tobe concludes for them and says Ebina has a great personality, and that's why she's different from others. Hikki tells himself that looks great now as he came to the rescue of the girl he likes, this must be what the mean by "love is blind". Then again, Hikki thinks that this must mean Tobe really likes Ebina, and for him, if someone says something about about Totsuka or Komachi, he'll go berserk, he's similar to Tobe in this aspect.
- Yukinon nodded in admiration, but shortly after that she tilted her head and asked what does Ebina think of Tobe. Yui is shaken by Yukinon's question and can't come up with a clear answer, but Hikki comes up with his own answer after seeing this, it's a giveaway. Tobe screams that "oh shit" since he really wants to know the answer right now and leans forward in anticipation. Hikki asks him if he wants to know the answer and Tobe agrees, and then they look towards Yui for the correct answer. Yui gives a "guu" and is at a loss for words, but she continues and says, "a nice guy", while turning her head the other way. Hikki weeps silently for Tobe.
- Hikki comments to himself that to a girl, "nice guy" means "he's nice, that's all" and in the best scenario, "he's nice to have around". To him, Tobe is done for, but Tobe flashes a smile of victory as though he has already won, and he considers that a positive evaluation. Hikki wanted to say a lot of stuff like how the only positive thing is Tobe's line of thought, but he doesn't voice it out and feels that Tobe is really shallow person. Yui tries to smooth things out by telling Tobe that at least he isn't hated, but Yukinon and Hikki already felt like giving up. They both admit that there's a huge gap in Ebina and Tobe's personalities and they can only do so much since one is a shallow and easily carried away person whereas the other is a good looking but utterly rotten girl.
- But then again, to Hikki, the oddity is Ebina herself. She's not a "stealth fujoshi" and people like these rarely get to stay high up in the hiearchy. A "stealth fujoshi" would be up there and it's not a rare occurance. A beautiful and hearty girl might turn out to be a fujoshi and source would be manga, Hikki reads Genshiken and Tonari no 801-chan. According to Hikki, Tobe and Ebina shouldn't belong to the same caste, Tobe's group is filled with gorgeous and attention catching people, and in Ebina's case, she looks good and is a little clumsy which makes her cute, but when you compare her to Miura, that "cute" would be a little different. Normally, Ebina would belong to "I know this girl is super cute" position, which is below the top caste and people below her would silently yearn for her. People from the middle and bottom of the hiearchy might have this wish, "maybe a person like me can go steady with her?" Ebina's this kind of girl and for Hikki, if he met Ebina back in middle school he might have fallen for her.
- But the person who overwrote this convention is the leader, Miura Yumiko. She has always been cold to pepole, but enthusiastically collecting cute girls to form her group. And measurement of the "cute" would be all according o her tastes, and Hikki wonders why Saki wasn't chosen, she looks good but she needs to change her unfriendliness and brocon ways. A person like Miura who can defy the natural order is in a way, a key factor to approach this issue. Hikki's thought stops here as Yui mentions Miura's name, she asks TObe if he ever requests help from Miura, but then Hikki tells Tobe to give up, which shocked ui again. Tobe says Miura wouldn't help but Yui denies it and tells them that Miura loves this like of topic. At this point, Hikki coldly tells them not to do it, which was unintentional but he believes that things would turn sour. This request wouldn't be granted and the aftermath would be Ebina thinking Yui and Miura instigating Tobe on to confessing.
- To Hikki, Yui would be let off the hook since she has the protection of the Service Club, people unrelated to the clique like himself or Yukinon, and Yui could use them as an excuse. But, when Miura is involved, Miura having no connections with the Service Club would just lead Ebina to have a strong impression of "it's all Yui's idea" and if that happens, she would start disliking Yui. Hikki doesn't like this kind of stuff and this request is high risk with low returns. Yui agrees and gives up without asking Hikki why and Hikki is glad since he has no clear way of voicing this out, it's all built up on his emotions and feelings that he feels are dumb, troublesome and vexing.
- Yukinon sighs tiredly and says that they're out of options and Hikki tells Tobe to give up again, but Tobe slaps his forehead and comments that Hikki is too strict just like what Hayato-kun said, Hikki has a foul mouth but continued and sums up Hikki's actions as Hikki caring for him since the opposite of liking someone is indifference, so he assumes that Hikki's worrying about him. Hikki feels vexed about that outburst and tells himself that the opposite of like is supposed to be dislike and indifference is shown when a person hasn't fulling evaluated another, and after understanding such a person, you'll sort them into like or dislike. And when you fall into the "dislike" category, you'll be attacked and forever hated, so the opposite of like is hate, a killing intend.
- Hikki's thought doesn't get across to Tobe, and Tobe started droning on, apparently Yamato and Ooka wants to help but they're just tagging along because it seems interesting. He stops for a while and with an embarrassed look he said that it actually felt good when Hikki tries to stop him. Hikki kept quiet and wishes Tobe would stop trying to assume things so positively and he's going way off. Tobe tells them that Ebina does such things as well, she would unexpectedly stab you with a comment and it makes his heart skip. He concludes that Ebina isn't what she looks like out the outside. It's these occasions that makes Ebina looks so cool. And then Tobe comments that he said something embarrassing, and says he's disgusting, he tries to hide his embarrassment by combing his hair back.
- Hikki thanks Tobe silently for saying a bunch of stuff he doesn't give a damn about, and wishes Tobe would cut his bothersome long hair and stop flashing refreshing smiles. Then again, Hikki found out that Tobe paid a lot of attention to Ebina, and as another person who spends his whole day watching others, Hikki knows that Ebina isn't a mere cute girl like her appearance suggests, she's hiding something within her. Though Tobe hasn't gotten any closer to that core issue, Hikki believes that Tobe probably knows that it exists since he watches Ebina all the time. Tobe might have caught notice of it, got curious and finally attracted by it, and to understand that hidden side he must have felt warmth welling up in his chest, this happens to everyone, whether it's Tobe or Hikki. Guys who act like this are idiots, and even if they know they wouldn't succeed they wouldn't use this as a reason to quit. Guys are really idiots. Like Hikki in the past, Tobe became a guy fell in love, even if he's high up in the hiearchy, he's still a guy deep down.
- Hikki brushes it off by saying again that it wouldn't succeed, but tells himself that he would help if Tobe got serious. Tobe asks Hikki to help him again and Hikki just give a handwave. After that, Tobe has to leave for his club since the upperclassmen are there, he runs off. Yukinon comments that it's noisy with Tobe around and they went quiet, but when it became silent the Service Club members became restless and reached out for things around them. Yukinon started making tea, Hikki grabbed a book from the table and Yui started flipping through the magazine on her hands. Yui suddenly stops and stares intently at a page as if she's going to eat that page up, this is a rare event so Hikki decides to observe her. Yui's looking at love charms and wonders if they can help Tobecchi. Yukinon interjects by saying there's a lot of shrines in Kyoto that sells these kind of charms and they're famous for being effective, people even organize tours to go to all these shrines, but for them to rely on charms from gods and deities it feels arbitrary.
- Yui's eyes started sparkling as she spots something, then she points out that the atmosphere is great when you're visiting shrines in Kyoto, there's also the fact that Ebina likes Kyoto and often shares some tidbits of Kyoto knowledge with them, so Yui thinks this would work out. Since they can't do anything in school, they're relying on the change of environment during the school trip to make something happen. The school trip would be 4 days 3 nights, and to Hikki "making them a couple in 4 days and 3 nights" sounds like a tagline from an imported movie. All in all, they have to make Ebina and Tobe like each other in that short time period, Hikki tells himself that this shitty game lacks balancing. Yukinon says that they need to create opportunities for Ebina and Tobe to get together, Yui tells her that it's no problem since she's in a group with Ebina and Yumiko and they have to stick with the class for the first day.
- Hikki thinks that it's confirmed but they need 4 in a group so Yui's party has to find 1 more person but that person's influence on the others shouldn't be an issue. He wonders about Tobe's side but Yui interrupts Hikki's thoughts and tells him to group with Tobe so the 2 groups can meet up and visit the same places during the second day. Hikki tells them that he's already in a group with Totsuka and started waving his hand in disagreement and Yukinon chips in, saying that the members of Tobe-kun's group has already been confirmed, squeezing Hikki in wouldn't help at all, no one would be happy if that happens. Hikki is glad that Yukinon came to his help but somehow he doesn't feel like thanking her. Yui disagrees, she tells them that it'll be better if the 2 of them are around to provide support on the second day. Hikki is shocked at Yui who's seriously thinking this through, with his eyes widened, but due to that he missed out on a chance to voice his opinions. Yukinon, seeing a silent Hikki, nods her head says that Ooka-kun and Yamato-kun came to them with Tobe-kun so they would understand the plan, Yui agrees with that and would help convince them.
- Hikki feels danger as the conversation goes on and he might be grouped together with Hayama, he desperately wants to avoid this and tries to voice his opinion, but he's cut off when Yui claps and says the 4 guys would have to form 2 groups, they'll add in Hikki and Sai-chan to form the new group. Hikki comments silently that it's a superb idea.
- 2F is considered a noisy class and it's partially due to the amount of people from the middle portion of the hiearchy, they would gather around the core personnel which is Hayama and Miura's group, influenced by the 2 lively groups, 2F naturally becomes filled with smiles and laughter. On that day it was noisier than normal, one of the reason being they have to decide on the grouping for the school trip, which was settled during the homeroom and didn't take much time. This is due to people hugging others who were already close to them, but then again it took the class almost an hour to settle this, Hikki comments that this is their way of showing kindness to the loners, in other words interrogation, people in the class spend that hour probing others and asking who they're grouping with.
- For Hikki, his group is already decided beforehand. Yui already informed Yamato and Ooka, so their clique was broken into 2 groups, with Totsuka, Hayama, Tobe with Hikki, this was also the group they had during the summer trip. After forming their groups, people started chatting, next to Hikki is Yui's group who are doing final adjustments. Yui says that they're lacking 1 more member and Miura nods in agreement, but then Ebina pats Miura's shoulders from behind and appeared, Yui and Hikki, noticing her voice, turned to face her. Ebina brought an unexpected person, Sakisaki, and Hikki comments silently that the nickname make it sound like she's really good at mahjong, and the Kawasaki who's being called Sakisaki is fidgeting out of embarrassment. She doesn't want to be called Sakisaki, but Yui asks if Saki wants to group with them, they'll be together with Hikki's group most of the time.
- Yui keeps throwing Hikki's group looks and the person who spoke was Ebina, she says that she understood and looks at the 4 guys and Hikki notices her somewhat keen look in her eyes as she observes them. Saki then asks if going with the guys are what they're doing for the trip, this prompts Ebina to stop looking that the guys and she let out a deep pant, saying "It's good it's good~ 'HayamaXHikitani' can now be enjoyed in such close proximity! You can witness HayaHachi in Kyoto!" Hikki wonders if that's the reason she was observing them, but he hears Saki asking if who they mean by Hikitani, with a blank look on her face. Saki looks at the guys, but then turned her head back with incredible speed and grabs Ebina, saying, "Hi-Hikitani means t-that? No, nononono!" Ebina replies with, "Ahan~ It's alright~ At first I thought this pairing wouldn't work out, but now I'm convinced that this should be the one true pairing! Just like I thought, in actuality Hayato-kun is bothered by him, he would shoot melancholic gazes over there from time to time."
- Saki doesn't care about this Hayato-kun which prompted Miura to jump up from her chair from behind Saki, she asks Saki what did she mean by that outburst. The atmosphere became intense, Hikki thinks that Saki must have have stepped on Queen·Miura's landmine. Miura taps her desk with her nails, ready to pounce and on the other side Saki also entered battle mode, she flicked her long ponytail back and turned to face Miura, staring at her angrily. This is the Saki he knows, the person who can take Yukinon head on. Saki says she means she doesn't care and asks if Miura needs to clean her ears. Miura replies with a "haa?" and got back an "ah?", and Hikki comments to himself that it's a battle, battle, big battle and he truly fears it. Yui butts in and says that their group is now decided, while trying to defuse the head on clash. Hikki finally knows what Saki looks cute but didn't get invited to join Miura's group, their characters clashes hard.
- Hikki feels troubled that he has to spend the school trip with these people.
- (Chapter 3 end)
- Chapter 4:
- It's the day before the school trip and the members of the Service Club gathers to have one final meeting. They've successfully created the groups and made sure Tobe and Ebina are sightseeing together during the trip. Hikki feels that even if he's not involved things would still go this way. Next they'll have to showcase Tobe's good points and to produce Tobe. Produce desuyo, produce.*
- *im@s reference, specifically Haruka
- They've looked at food and travel magazines to find places they can visit and Yui brought even more magazines so they can think about which places to stop by. Hikki wonders where Yui got the magazines and she said some were from Yukinon, some from the library and from sensei. Hikki comments that the first 2 is logical but the last one is kinda off. Sensei must be really looking forward to it, which is natural. To be honest, Hikki's looking forward to the school trip as well, it'll be better if he doesn't have to go with the school.
- Hikki flipped through one of such magazines next to him and sees patches of girly colors all over it like red and pink, he prefers the color black and the topic to be "Manly Solo Traveller". He scans through some of the famous sights and skim over the small blurts about good food. For Hikki, he would like them to discuss the details of the trips together but instead the plan now consists of Yui drawing up the itinerary for the girl's side and Hikki would be the one saying "Oh we're actually going to the same places, what a coincidence" on the boy's side, to make it seem like both sides are fated to meet.
- "Coincidences like this really feels like a fated encounter!" was what Yui said but Hikki doesn't agree with it, he comments silently that Yui should stop being so romantically inclined. For Hikki, if he chanced upon a girl during the free movement period, he would think "Crap! She might suspect I'm stalking her!" and overtake the girl, then later hide in a small alley until the time's up, that's how self conscious guys like Hikki are. But then Yui doesn't even appreciate 1/3 of such a guy's naivety and still continues flipping through the magazines. Yui comments that she can't find a good place to visit but she's vigorously flipping through the magazine pages without reading the content and Hikki recognizes that style of reading.
- Yui's style of reading relies heavily on her feelings, it's very Yui like, and it's completely different from Yukinon who reads word by word. Yukinon brings up the topic of it being momiji season, they can visit Arashiyama, Tofukuji and also Fushimi-Inari Taisha which is nearby. Hikki asks if Yukinon has been to those places before since she's really well informed, but she's taken back and replied no, she just did a lot of research since it's their first time visiting together as a group, so she wants them to visit interesting places. After saying that, she flashes a smile, and all this positive talk surprises Hikki who lets out an "oh?". Yukinon seems more easygoing as compared to before, must be Yui's influence, and Hikki feels that it's not a bad thing, but prefers it if Yukinon is more gentle with him normally since her retorts still hurts Hikki.
- Yui catches Hikki's attention by saying she found a "Power Spot", but Hikki comments that it's only a place Yui wants to visit. The 3 make boring conversation while researching places to visit, and then came a knock on the door. It's pretty easy to miss since the sound was soft. Yukinon invites the person in and that person says "I'm enterin", ending the greeting with a slight mispronunciation at the end. The door opens slowly and it's a lone girl, she has shoulder length black hair and glasses with a red frame, you can see her clear iris beyond the thin lenses, her body shape and face gives you the impression that she's a petite girl. She would make a beautiful sight if she's seated at the counter in a library.
- Yui greets Ebina, and Ebina, recognizing Yui, greets her with a "halo halo" which prompts a "yahalo" from Yui. Hikki wonders what kind of tribe uses these kind from greetings and pities Miura who has to deal with these all the time. Ebina greets Yukinoshita-san and Hikitani-kun with "halo halo" as well. Hikki returns the greeting as if he's a character from NHK and Yukinon calmly returns the greeting and inviting Ebina to take a seat. Ebina curiously scouts the clubroom and Hikki remembers that Ebina spent time with the Service Club back during the summer trip and helped solve the problem, she must have an idea of what the Service Club is about. Ebina gives a light cough after saying "Oh? So this is the Service Club." and faces Yukinon, she's here to make a request.
- Hikki is really curious about Ebina's request since she doesn't seem to be the kind of person who has troubles, or even the kind who would request help from others, she gives the impression that her personality is hard to get hold of. Hikki isn't the only one to think that way since Yukinon and Yui both braced themselves and listened intently. Ebina gets stared at by 3 serious faces and face away with a slight blush, and then dropped the bomb: she wants help regarding Tobecchi.
- "To-To-To-To-Tobecchi?! W-What about him?!"
- Hikki understood Yui's reaction since they have been troubled with Tobe's request for a while, and to be exact they're troubled by Tobe's feelings towards Ebina. Hikki doesn't show a reaction by he's actually interested in knowing how Ebina views Tobe. Ebina blushes even harder when they look at her again. She tells them she doesn't know how to put it and looked downwards, tugging at the sides of her skirt with her fingers while looking for the right words. Hikki comments silently that he's the one who doesn't know to put it into words and Ebina's actions is just drawing his attention to the skirt and he wants her to stop it. Anyway, the usual cheerful and lively Ebina is showing such embarrassment, Hikki wonders what kind of request she wants to make. Or is this hinting at Tobe's big victory? Unforgivable.
- "Tobecchi he..." <- Ebina
- "Tobecchi what?!" <- Yui
- An impatient Yui overreacts and Ebina finally makes up her mind, she takes a deep breath, open her eyes and shoots them with a request which stems from her most honest intentions.
- "Tobecchi, recently, is on really good terms with Hayato-kun and Hikitani-kun, is he having a fight with Ooka-kun and Yamato-kun! I want to witness an even more rotten relationship between them! If this goes on the triangle hearts would be wasted!"
- Wasted! Wasted! Wasted... waste... d...
- Ebina's voice echoes throughout the silent clubroom. Everyone was rendered speechless and just stared into space.
- Yui was the first to reaction, Hikki thinks her fast reaction might have something to do with her being used to Ebina. She asks what did Ebina meant by that and Ebina nodded deeply, replying that recently Tobecchi has been talking to Hikitani-kun a lot and the guy's grouping seems unnatural, the guys look at each other with meaningful gazes all the time as well, and Ebina ends it with an "gufufufu"*.
- *The "fu" here is written with the kanji for rotten (腐).
- Hikki finds Ebina scary since she started laughing evily while explaining her request. Ebina gathered herself after saying "This won't do this won't do" and wiped the corner of her mouth. Seems to Hikki that Ebina's delusions go berserk when Miura isn't around and Miura have have possess the personality of an "okan (kansai dialect for mom, okaa-san)" Hikki pities Miura and even feel she's a little cute since she's friends with this Ebina and the idiot Yui, especially Ebina who has such a terrible hobby. Though Hikki's entertaining such thoughts, he feels that it's not the occasion to escape into his thoughts, Ebina hasn't finished her explanation so Hikki urges her to speak with a gaze and Ebina, getting the hint, smiles slightly.
- "Though I have no idea how you guys got on such good terms... But the distance between Tobecchi, Ooka-kun and Yamato-kun is weighing on my mind."
- http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/images/4/49/YahariLoveCom_v7-089.jpg
- Hikki understands where Ebina is coming from, the main 4 in Hayama's group was split into 2 and they added in Totsuka and Hikki, it's very unnatural. Perhaps it's not only Ebina, other members of the class would find it strange as well. Hikki then tries to explain but he doesn't know what to say, Ooka and Yamato knows about the plan but he can't divulge it to Ebina. Ebina shakes her head and tells Hikitani-kun that he should seduce all the other guys and accept all of them, to put it simply, he should be the seductive and receiving type (sasoi-uke 誘い受け)*. Hikki is in despair and he tells Ebina that it isn't possible for him, he shakes his head vigorously and feels that this overwhelming despair is on par with a boss who has 2 more transformations left** and Hikki lets out some tears.
- *Them Boys' Love terms, knock yourselves out:
- http://bangin.wordpress.com/2007/08/03/the-classification-for-攻めseme-and-受けuke/
- **A boss in Dragon Quest has 5 transformations
- Ebina gave Hikki a seriously and tragic look as if she understood the shock Hikki received, and tells him that he isn't the seductive and receiving type, he's the wimpy, receving type (hetare-uke ヘタレ受け) and Ebina apologizes to Hikki for classifying him wrongly. Hikki says "No no no it's not like that, it's totally wrong!", his huge reaction is due to him understanding what Ebina meant and he grabs his head. Yui, showing that she already gave up, let out a sigh. Yukinon finally spoke up, she shuts her eyes tight, massaging her temple and asks them to explain what happened. From the looks of it she's trying hard to make logical sense of the conversation. Hikki likes hardworking girls because he already gave up trying to understand, so it'll be better if they work hard to cover his part as well.
- Ebina explains in a melancholic tone that she noticed something different about the guys when compared to before and Yui tries to console her by saying Ooka-kun and Yamato-kun's plight might have something to do with the intricate relationship between guys. Ebina points out the "intricate relationships between guys" part and tells Yui that it's a lewd thing to say, and Yui is shocked as a result. Hikki informs Yui that she was serious, it wasn't her fault, but Ebina's, and somehow Ebina's face is red. Hikki explains that there are lots of reasons and you can't expect to read another person's thoughts, they might still be good friends but just not showing it. Ebina understands what Hikki meant and says that it's still different from before and if this weird situation continues she'd feel bad, and while saying this Ebina smiled, then continues saying that she hopes that the guys would be on good terms again just like before.
- Hikki points out to himself that that smile was one that isn't rotten and it's without any malicious thoughts, an extremely nature smile. Ebina sesems to like her current situation and the people around her, and she's not feeling that way because she's a fujoshi but she's herself likes it. Everyone getting along with one another. This is a sentence Hikki hates but it seems natural for people who wishes for it, but Hikki believes that it might have a hidden meaning in it since it's Ebina and Hikki hasn't figured out what kind of person Hina Ebina is. Even so, Hikki tries to infer her true intentions from her words, it's a bad habit of Hikki's, trying to read between the lines.
- While Hikki is thinking, Ebina adds on and says that she thinks that Hikki joining the guys and being on good terms with them is a good thing, she's in for a treat. Hikki denies being in the guy's clique and tells Ebina to check her eyesight and eat more blueberries. Hikki knew what she meant by a treat, it's not aimed at Hikki but rather what kind of guy Hikki comes in contact with... Upon hearing Hikki's reply, Ebina lets out a "hah" laughter and concludes the meeting by saying that she looks forward to the school trip since it's going to be tasty while sucking back the saliva that's dripping out. She gives Hikki a wink and Hikki comments silently that the thing Ebina is lookin forward is problematic. Before she leaves, Ebina tells Hikitani-kun to take care of her (yoroshiku) and Hikki returns the greeting while seeing her off.
- Yukinon spoke up again and asks what happened, Hikki explains by saying he doesn't know and Ebina just wanted the guys to get along, the guys also happen to be getting along just fine so they didn't need to do anything. In the first place, splitting up the group was just something they did to complete Tobe's request, this act itself is the proof of their friendship. Yui nods in agreement but asks Hikki what would make guys get along better. She's interrupted by Yukinon who says it's a cruel thing to ask Hikki and she needs to watch what she says. Hikki agrees she needs to watch her words but refers to Yukinon instead. He comments to himself that showing a gentle look but torturing others with your words is even more unbearable.
- Tomorrow's the day of the school trip. To the Service Club, the only problem left is Tobe's request which means they don't need to worry about it. But, that last sentence of hers keeps echoing in Hikki's mind.
- Back at home, Hikki prepares for the trip. He tells himself that he only need to bring a change of clothes and doesn't know what else to bring, so he picked a few sets of clothing from his wardrobe. He has lots of spare socks and underwear so he can survive the next few days. Next is toiletries and Hikki wonders if the hotels there provide it, but he brought those along and soon his bag is filled and all preparations are complete. He praises himself for doing it like he's used to traveling and says that he looks really cool. He thinks about UNO, poker cards, mahjong cards and comments that everyone brings so much stuff along, and some might even bring along handheld gaming devices.
- Then again, in this age even if you forget to bring something along you can just buy it at your destination and with a cellphone you can check lots of information. Traveling is easier now but it also became boring. Hikki takes his bag to the living room and threw it to one side. He prepares to sleep since he has to wake up early tomorrow, they're meeting at Tokyo station and taking the Shinkansen to Kyoto, and if you're late you'll be left behind. But you can take the Shinkansen by yourself and stay in contact with the others with your cellphone, though the price of the Shinkansen ticket is too much for your wallet, can you apply for reimbursement? To Hikki, they already paid for the school trip but they can't choose where and when to travel, there's no love in this.
- But on the other hand, if you're late you get to enjoy traveling alone, you can even eat train station bento and take your own sweet time, isn't it much better? Hikki started losing motivation to get up early when thinks this much. He sinks his butt into the sofa and wonders if he should drink coffee, Komachi appears and reminds Hikki to bring something along. She waves a camera in front of Hikki's face and Hikki comments that he doesn't need it, there isn't a use for camera and there are better places to take photos.
- Komachi asks Hikki to bring Vita (PSVita) along and Hikki knows that Vita-chan must have some special program installed in it while Vita-chan is being waved in front of his face. Hikki decides that Vita-chan would stay at home to accompany Komachi. Komachi keeps Hikki's Vita-chan and Hikki comments that he wants it back eventually, i-it's only temporary, this won't become a scenario in which the brother lends his sister an electronic dictionary and the dictionary eventually becomes the sister's thing. Hikki tries to hold himself back from checking if this is true and Komachi, not knowing what Hikki wants, puts a finger on her cheek and tilts her head.
- Komachi asks if Hikki is bringing anything along since he'll be alone with nothing to kill time, it'll be bad for him. Hikki is happy that Komachi worries about him but she's also insulting him at the same time. He replies that he has things like ebooks so Komachi need not worry. Hikki comments silently that Komachi-chan looks down too much on him, at his level you only need a cellphone to kill time easily, and even if he brought nothing he still can effectively kill time, Hikki is someone who would mimic a frog with his fingers during class and make frog noises with his mouth and plays with himself. Though he would admit it since it's his little sister he's talking to.
- Hikki tells Komachi that he isn't going there purely to play and Komachi blinks her eyes rapidly with curiously, she asks Hikki and Hikki replies that he's going on an ascetic trip while looking far away. To him, things called school trips or whatever would never be a good thing, sometimes it feels like he's running a 72 hour silent marathon and obviously the winner of the marathon is Hikki. While Hikki is in deep thought, Komachi claps her hands in an eureka moment and hands Hikki a white object. Hikki wonders if it's her underwear but realizes that it's an origami, then again he would be troubled if Komachi hands him her underwear. He's only saying this because he had to say something, it's not that he likes it. Then again, even if Hikki's "my little sister"* is an idiot she would still be able to differentiate between underwear and origami. The origami she hands over is folded in a special girl's way.
- *This part was in Katakana
- If an origami is folded into a diamond or square shape, it's probably those kind you pass around to various people during classes. Even if you don't know if something bad about you is written in it but you'll always remember that the people behind you started giggling when it's your turn to pass it in front, so all in all Hikki wishes Komachi not to fold it in this way. Upon opening up the origami, Hikki is assault by bright, almost blinding pink and yellow round letters.
- Komachi's recommendations! A shopping list of souvenirs!
- Third: Yatsuhashi (From the original store or the main store or the branch or the main branch any of them is okay)
- Second: Oil-Blotting paper from Youjiya (Please buy some for mom as well)
- First: Revealed after the commercial break
- The way she puts it is infuriating. Hikki asks what's the first and Komachi replies that it's onii-chan telling her about his fine memories of the school trip. Komachi laughs while doing a nico nico ni* and Hikki finds it to be super cute. He tells her not to worry about him and concentrate on her studies, she complies and asks Hikki to greet the others on her behalf.
- *Love Live http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4iC52d-fVY
- Hikki comments that the places he needs to visit have increased and wonders if he could get the Yatsuhashi at the station. He has heard of Oil-Blotting paper from Youjiya and can probably get it at the station. But, there's another place he has to visit...
- ...He'll need to visit the shrine for the deity of studies as well.
- (Chapter 4 end)
- Chapter 5: As you can see, Yuigahama Yui is trying her hardest
- Morning! Let's go Hachiman! To Tokyo! Hikki woke up earlier than usual to leave house early and he greeted his parents who were preparing to go to work. Now the list of souvenir got even bigger with his parents' requests. Hikki comments to himself that he can't buy liquor for his "papan" since he's underaged and he'll just keep the money for himself. Chiba is close to Toyko and you might even call it the prefecture nearest to Tokyo. In other words you can think of it as the capital city or even treat it like it's the capital city. Strong, Chiba is strong. You can get to Tokyo via a single line, the Sobu rapid line.* Other than that you have the Keiyo line.** Awesome, Chiba is awesome. Hikki goes on and explains how Tokyo is too far from Chiba wonders if it's the countryside, and that means Kyoto is an unexplored region.***
- *http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sōbu_Line_(Rapid)
- **http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keiyō_Line
- ***In case you haven't notice Hachiman loves the fuck out of Chiba, it's not apparently in the anime but he sometimes wear the I <3 Chiba shirt. I actually left out 2 more paragraphs of him talking about Chiba.
- Hikki leaves for the nearest train station and almost missed a train. He lets out a sigh of relief and congratulates himself for getting on, and then lifted his head up... Just to meet eye to eye with a pair of blue iris that are clear like ice.
- "..."
- "..."
- No one spoked and the blue ponytail on the opposite sight hastily turned and looked out the windows. Kawasaki Saki, Hikki finally remembers this name inside his mind. He recalls that Saki lives near his house and she probably boarded this train in the previous station , so them meeting up would definitely happen since they both wanted to board the same special line.
- "..."
- Saki took a peek at Hikki, watching him sneakily and their gazes meet again. Saki immediately turns her head the other way as if she's trying to shake off Hikki's gaze. Hikki wonders what she's up to but knows that she missed the chance to greet him and if Hikki just walked away he'll still be bothered by this and feel that he lost the battle, so Hikki stayed there. In the end, Saki and Hikki stood in front of the door and spent the next 4 or 5 minutes like that until they reach Tokyo Station.
- After getting off at Tokyo station, Hikki spies a few people with Sobu High's uniform in the crowd. Looks like they've met up and traveled here together, to Hikki they seemed like country bums who can't even travel to Tokyo alone and should learn from him, he got here by himself. Hikki went up the stairs to the ground floor, it's still within a building so you can't see the sun, blue sky or stars or the moon, a concrete jungle if you will. Being surrounded by the wiggling masses and the dry city, Hikki starts to miss his hometown of Chiba and feels like going home. He went with the flow of the crowd and reached the Shinkansen line and sees that there's quite a lot of Sobu High students around the entrance, their presence makes the already chaotic Tokyo Station even more rowdy.
- "Hachiman!"
- Someone called Hikki's name from within the crowd. Almost no one from the same academic level would call him Hachiman but then again, almost no one got his name, Hikigaya, correct. Then, who's this person who called out to Hikki with such intimacy..."Hachiman yo... I'm feeling nostalgic for the city of Kyo. It's the land of my soul! Refrain refrain!"*
- * http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ia8DqEYvIc
- This fellow addresses Hikki by his name as well. Zaimoukuza drew closer to Hikki and Hikki asks what he wants. Zaimoukuza admits that the batteries on his DS are running dry so he's looking for ways to kill time. Hikki notices the bulging backpack Zaimoukuza brought along and commented if Zaimoukuza wanted to hole himself up in a mountain and asks about the contents. Zaimoukuza replied that he wants to go sword training on Mount Kurama. Hikki comments that it's a really remote location for a such a choice but he knows that it's a famous sightseeing location but it's just too far from Kyoto city and it's not efficient.
- Zaimoukuza says that it's not up to his choice and he has to go train at Tengudono as well. Hikki asks if Zaimoukuza is heading towards Kifune Shrine but nevertheless tells him that it's relaxing since they can choose wherever they wanted to go. Zaimoukuza agrees and says that it's his wishes as well and there are places on earth like "shops that I really want to visit" and asks Hikki why he isn't playing the straight man to his character setting and it's boring this way. Hikki notices Zaimoukuza is protesting with a high voice but he knows that playing the straight man to Zaimoukuza's manchild setting is just a waste of energy so he should just ignore it. He's not going to provide so much service for Zaimoukuza.
- Hikki tells Zaimoukuza that it's pleasing to visit places you want to and such occasions are hard to come by so they should enjoy it. Zaimoukuza agrees and asks Hikki where he's heading and Hikki replies that he's going to a lot of places but he hasn't decided where to visit on the third day. Zaimoukuza invites Hikki to accompany him to "shops that I really want to visit" since they are free to roam on the third day and he wouldn't mind it. Hikki shoots him down. It's not because he doesn't want to travel with Zaimoukuza and he's interested in shopping but in reality he has the Service Club request on the third day so he wants to keep it free.
- It's time to gather and Zaimoukuza tells Hikki that they'll meet in Tokyo but Hikki replies that he feels they won't meet again. Hikki bids farewell to Zaimoukuza and looks for the places where his classmates are likely to gather and he stayed in a corner to look around. He notices some familiar faces, it's Hayama and the others and that direction with the rowdy people would be his class. With Hayama's group as the core, the rest form an outer layer around them. Hikki thinks he should be fine if he's near the outer layer and activates his Shadow Skill and with that he can go undetected by others around him, but recently it's gotten to the level where people would say "I have a feeling, that person somehow got so close without me noticing" and these extra chances of being damaged. Since he's being noticed recently it must mean his total Aura level increased.*
- *No idea what's the reference, Shadow Skill?
- It's almost time. The relaxed and sparse groups started coming together to form straight rows, they're categorized according to classes, attendence is taken and then lead into the train platform, Hikki feels like it's the sports festival all over again. Other than that the attendence of the various groupings were taken, and Hikki finally meets his group members, which means contact with Totsuka. Encounter in space!
- *Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space
- "Hachiman!"
- It's the real thing this time round... So healing...
- "Good morning, Totsuka."
- "Um! Good morning, Hachiman."
- While Hikki greets Totsuka and chat a little, the group moves towards the Shinkansen platform and they finally reached the train they're supposed to board. Each class boards the cabin they're assigned to and Hikki finds the arrangement to be incredible. There are 5 seats in a row, it's split into 3 seats and 2 seats, that's why it's difficult for the groups of 4.* Though you can split the group into 2 on one side and 2 on the other, but you might end up with "3 person group + lonely person", 3 of them taking the 3 seats and the lonely person taking the seats opposite the others. That means you'll need to choose a human sacrifice and that person would be labelled as a loner. The former is easier and puts people at ease but if a person assigned to the two others from another group they would just feel pressurized by the silence and it'll become a case where the human sacrifice would have to chat with the other group of two on the opposite side, it's a scenario where there's no happiness for anyone at all.
- *Have a look: http://www.tabi-o-ji.com/shinkansen/img/illust_fujiseat_en.gif
- Let's say the people involved are A, B, C, D and 1, 2, 3 and 4. 0 is an empty seat and ? means some other group. The configurations would be like this:
- A-B-C D-0
- or
- 0-A-B C-D
- If you throw another group into the mix and try to squeeze in as many people as possible it'll become:
- A-B-C D-1
- 2-3-4 ?-?
- or as Hikki feared,
- A-B-1 C-D
- ?-?-2 3-4
- I'm guessing the 3 seater in this case would be awkward since 1 was forceful inserted into another group and he can only chat with C and D or 3 and 4 on the other side. If 1 rotates his seat then it'll be super awkward for A, B, C and D. Or maybe I'm not thinking properly it's 2am here in the morning.
- Hikki wonders what position should he take in this vehicle of tragedy, there's Totsuka, Hayama, Tobe and him. Considering that's it the 4 of them Hikki believes the corect answer would be splitting them into groups of 2. But, the problem lies with the arrangement of the people in the class, it involves a lot of factors and complications. The next few seats are decided after seeing who takes the first few seats. Every single person peeked at each other after getting on board the train while thinking about their seats, it feels like a case of whoever makes the first move loses.
- "Shit! Shinkansen and planes are the same type, I'm getting fired up!"
- Tobe started speaking and walked inwards while looking around the cabin and making lots of noise. Ooka and Yamato chipped in and commented that they've never been on a plane or Shinkansen. Hikki believes they want to be together on the train as the 2 followed Tobe in, the other 2 from their group followed behind those 2 as well. Also, there's another group on the aisle, Miura, Yui, Ebina and Kawasaki, it's the close together group of 3 + 1 other person. Miura says she wants to seat by the windows and Yui follows her. Ebina asks Saki if she prefers the window seat or the aisle and made a pun, which of those is more "receiving (uke)". Saki is fine with any seats but she didn't catch the last part and froze, Ebina started drooling but Miura stopped her by pushing her lower jaw upwards. Yui just watched over them with an awkward smile. Hikki comments to himself that these 4 have this kind of conversation even during the school trip and he's happy for Saki since she made friends. Big brother here is overwhelmed with emotions.*
- *Hikki calls himself onii-chan here, so there you go.
- Hayama probably noticed that the classmates couldn't make up their mind regarding the seating so he uses his usual, calm voice, directed it to no one in particular and told everyone to take any seats available, they can always change during the journey. Hayama chooses a row of seats the center of the train cabin and a 3 seater that's near the windows after saying that, next, Tobe took the adjacent seat. Miura says that she'll take a seat next to the windows and rotated her seat so she faces Hayama. Hikki is impressed by Miura, she didn't need to announce her intentions to everyone else and just picked the seat she likes. Next, Miura calls out for Yui and Ebina while folding her legs and patting the seats next to her. Hikki comments silently that he's doesn't know what's up with that way of invitation but somehow it's natural and cool looking.
- Yui muttered silently about where Yumiko and Tobecchi are seating and started making arrangements, but before she can finish processing all that, Ebina pushed her from behind to a seat. Ebina then requests Saki to sit opposite her which she protests but Ebina clinged onto Saki's arm and doesn't allow any room for protests. Hikki tells himself that Saki can't deal with aggressive people. Ebina forcefully decides the final seat with smiles on her face and the seats are like this:
- Miura-Yui-Ebina
- Hayama-Tobe-Saki
- Saki couldn't do anything but sit next to Tobe and with a disgruntled look, she supported her head with an arm and prepares to doze off. Hikki notices it and comments silently that Tobe is afraid of her so she might want to act friendlier, and thanks to her there isn't a shred of romance comedy in the air. After Hayama and gang took their seats, Ooka, Yamato and company picked the 4 seats next to the 6. Soon enough, the rest of the class took their seats as well. While Hikki watching the scene unfurling in front of him, someone tugs on his sleevee. Totsuka, looking left and right, turned toward Hikki and asks him what to do. Hikki couldn't take Totsuka's gaze and turned away in embarrassment but he still scours the cabin. Hikki knows that the loners would hastily snatch up the corner seats in these cases and everyone else would not dare tread into those restricted areas, but since they moved in before Hikki did he has no choice but to take the remaining empty seats. Thanks to Hayam taking the center, the front and back portion of the cabin are spacious enough, Hikki suggests to Totsuka that they proceed to the front. Totsuka complies without questioning Hikki and Hikki fears that this naviety would involve Totsuka in criminal activities so he must watch over Totsuka.
- The frontmost seats were already taken so Hikki chose those that are a little behind. He lifts his backpack and puts it in the compartment above and notices that there's still a lot of empty space due to him traveling light. He offers to help Totsuka by stretching out his hands and Totsuka tilted Totsuka's head sideways and looked apprehensive but gave in, somehow Totsuka's hands reached out and touched grabs Hikki's. It's soft, tiny and smooth. Hikki tells Totsuka that he wanted to help Totsuka and not hold hands while thinking about the smoothness of those hands. Totsuka blushed furiously and looked downwards, then handed over the luggage to Hikki. Hikki helps Totsuka and almost felt like hugging Totsuka, he really wants to take Totsuka home. Hikki urges Totsuka to take the seat next to the window and then took a seat for himself, he comments to himself that it's a great day for traveling.
- Hikki dozed off since he left home earlier than usual today, and after opening his eyes and stretching his body he hears laughter from the seat beside him which is also the seat near the aisle. He hears someone talking about him sleeping again and that person being startled that he woke up and Hikki jumped in his seat. Yui is displeased by his reaction stares at Hikki and Hikki just reply that people normally gets shocked when people talk to them when they just woke up. Truth is, Hikki doesn't want people to see his sleeping face because it's embarrassing and wishes them not to do it anymore and he wipes the corners of his mouth to check if he drooled in his sleep. Yui probably found this little action interesting and she laughs happily, she reassures Hikki that he didn't have his mouth opened and he slept quietly. Hikki doesn't find it reassuring at all and still feels embarrassed. He wonders why did Yui come over, Hikki knows that Totsuka should be next to him and he spots Totsuka sleeping next to him.
- Totsuka makes a small "mu..." sound wakes up due to Hikki making noises and Totsuka rubs the corner of Totsuka's eyes. Hikki thought about how he should slip a ring on Totsuka's fingers while Totsuka slept and then propose when Totsuka woke up. He should have complete operation "if she opens her eyes... the diamond would sparkle on for eternity" and blames himself for not noticing this earlier, therefore he missed a great chance to propose. Totsuka yawned softly while using a hand to cover the mouth and blinks rapidly while discerning the surroundings. Totsuka then apologizes for falling asleep and Hikki says it's fine and sleeping is good, he'd wake Totsuka up when they reach and offers his shoulder for Totsuka to lean on. He then silently comments that his arms and laps are free as well. Totsuka then exclaims that Hikki should be the one sleeping since Totsuka is wide awake now. Hikki tells himself that Totsuka is very cute so a lot of things might happen. Totsuka and Hikki then discuss about sleeping and not sleeping, even sleeping at the same time. Yui, looking at them, sighed and told them not to sleep so much, it's only the beginning of the school trip. Totsuka agrees with her and says they ought to enjoy the trip more, Hikki thinks that it makes sense since it's too early to collapse from exhaustion on the first day alone. That being said, he noticed that Yui's looking tired and asks what happened on her side.
- Yui confessed with an air of defeat that Yumiko and Hayato behaved as per normal but Tobecchi got shocked by the displeased Kawasaki-san and they couldn't converse at all. Hikki then asks about Ebina and Yui says that Ebina acted as usual but due to the school trip she's even more excitable than usual and is going overboard. Hikki more or less understands the situation from Yui's words and feels sorry for the disaster Tobe is caught in. Saki doesn't like the noisy Tobe and Tobe is useless so he afraid of the delinquent, Saki. That's not all, the one true pairing Ebina's fortifications are as thick as the Death Star's and Tobe, without energy, has no chance of breaching it. And Hikki concludes that there won't be a breakthrough on this ride and everything went wrong from the moment the choice of the seats. He comments that if the same people remains where their surrounding changes nothing would differ, the environment doesn't need to be adjusted, it's the relationship between people.
- Yui wishes for a chance to get those 2 together and Hikki disagrees, he believes nothing would change for those 2 even if they're alone. Yui submits and goes with Hikki's opinion but then Totsuka clapped and asks if it's about Tobe-kun. Yui is surprised that Sai-chan knew this and Totsuka said that it was mentioned back in Chiba village. Yui remembers and asks if Totsuka wants to help them fulfil this request and Totsuka smiles gently and says if there's anywhere that needed helped Totsuka would gladly do so and hopes that the whole thing goes smoothly. Hikki comments to himself that he's not motivated enough to grant others happiness but he's not malicious that he wishes for the downfall of others but he sometimes wishes bad things happening to people he dislike, though he doesn't feel this way about Tobe. But, seeing people around him thinking about various stuffs and the naggy Yui, he starts to harbor a feeling that he needed to do something as well.
- While they crossed their arms and lost in their thoughts, Totsuka made a small "ah!" sound and Hikki asks if Totsuka came up with anything. Totsuka exclaimed "Hachiman! Look! It's Mount Fuji!" and pointed outside the window, Totsuka offers Hikki to come and take a closer look since the view isn't good from Hikki's seat, so Totsuka leaned on the window while beckoning Hikki to come closer and Hikki does so. Totsuka's face is very close to Hikki's and since Hikki wants to get closer to the windows he moved forward while Totsuka started curling up. Hikki turned his face away from Totsuka and viewed Mount Fuji sideways, he let out a sigh of awe and it leaves a layer of condensation on the windows. Oh, so this is Mount Fuji... My Mount Fuji is nearing as well... Before Hikki's Mount Fuji go into the danger of erupting, someone tugs on his shoulders. Yui wants to take a look as well and leans on Hikki's arm from behind. Hikki feels a shiver and is startled by the sudden body contact, a faint smell of perfume came fluttering by as well. Hikki comments to himself that bodily contact is against the rules, but even so he couldn't remain calm enough to dodge Yui or push her aside so he remained in this position.
- "..."
- Yui might be taken in by the scenery deeply and remained silent for a moment, Hikki could only hear small sounds of breathing in his ears. Yui leaves Hikki's back after a while and comments on how beautiful Mount Fuji is, she returns to her seat and thanks Hikki. Hikki pretended to be calm and replied her but his heart is going amok within. He has no idea why Yui did that and if it's okay to do that to him. It's a really innocent act but it'll make a lot of guys misunderstand then head towards their death. If she understands this then Hikki hopes that she takes caution before doing stuff like "bodily contact", "sitting on a guy's seat during break" and "borrowing stuff from guys when you didn't bring it along". To cover up his red face, Hikki tries to preach to Yui and looks towards her but Yui says she needs to head back and leaves hastily before finishing her sentence. Hikki let her escape and is filled with regret, anger, troublesome feeling and a little pity, but also relieved. He has no idea how to process all these emotion so he sighed.
- Then, from his chest a voice that sounded like a little bird chirping came, Totsuka asks if it's enough for Hachiman. Hikki takes a good look and it looks as if he's pushing Totsuka down, and probably due to the discomfort from remaining in those position, Totsuka's eyes are wet. Hikki apologizes panickly and returns to his seat, his back hits the armrest and he groans in pain but he reassures Totsuka that he's fine when Totsuka looked asked by lightly waving his hand. Hikki laters massages his back, it still feels a little hot and feels that there's a slight itch instead of being painful.
- http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/images/a/a4/YahariLoveCom_v7-119.jpg
- It took about 2 hours to get to Kyoto and the class got out of Kyoto station and walked towards the carpark while feeling the coldness in the air. Autumn in Kyoto is very cold and it'll just get colder. Due to the terrain of Kyoto being a basin the summers are hot and the winters are cold, but thanks to that you get to enjoy the beauty of the 4 different seasons on this piece of land. During springtime, the hills are filled with the piny sakura blossoms, for summer you can view the greenery and enjoy the coolness of the Kamo river. Come autumn the hills would be painted red by the maple leaves and the snow dances in the wind when winter arrives and all the surrounding hills are turned into beautiful white snowfields.
- It's nearly the end of the season of red leaves and very soon it'll start snowing. They're visiting Kiyomizu temple today and the different classes got on their respective buses. This time round the seating arrangement is same as those in the Shinkansen, Hayama and Tobe with Miura and Yui in the same row. The row in front contains Ooka and Yamato, and then Saki and Ebina. But the most important thing for Hikki is he's being paired together with Totsuka. But then, on this bus, Tobe and Ebina didn't make any special progress. One of the reasons being you don't have the freedom to move around in the bus as compared to the Shinkansen and the journey to Kiyomizu temple is small. You can get there easily if you put in effort and walk and taking a bus won't take up a lot of time.
- The bus goes through the roads meandering out from the main route through the city and sometimes goes up hills. They stop at a spacious carpark which is filled with other tourist buses and from there they would only need to climb up the Sannenzaka to reach Kiyomizu temple. Even though it's no longer the prime time to view the red maple leaves, there's still a considerable amount of tourists. Kiyomizu is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyoto and there's a huge amound of people around the temple. They'll need to take a group photo in front of the Nioumon, too bad for Hikki it's a forced scripted event and he can't skip it. Everyone started forming up with their best buddies whereas the loners started philosophizing their raison d'être.
- There are 3 days to do this.
- The first kind is out of bounds style. It's easy to pull off so newbies should try out this style. Then again, it's simple that's why it's so powerful. You keep a distance of about 5 people between you and your classmates, and this distance would deal a lot of damage mainly to your parents who are looking through your graduation photos and the future you who's reminiscing past events. Though it's highly recommended to get rid of your graduation photos or similar photos but if you just throw them into a dustbin inside your house, this kind of halfhearted attempt would just allow your mother to pick up and keep those photos without telling her son and in many ways it'll become a really tearful scenario, so this is a risky style.
- The second kind is guerilla warfare style. It's an operation where you jump into a group of noisy classmates and put on an unnatural smile, trying your hardest to squeeze out the smile and pretending to be very close with the others. Though you can't tell from the picture itself but being excellent at pretending would put some pressure on your mind before and after you take this picture, and even when the operation is there's a chance of this kind of residual effect happening and people would say this about you: "that person only come close with smiles on his face when we're about to take a photo (lol)".
- The third kind if the zero distance style. This one means you stick with your classmates all the time and fight it out without having any distance in between. But in the end you'll be in someone else's shadow and blocked from view. Because you're sorta captured in the photo, your mother won't be worried about you. Though it won't make for a good photo, but there in the picture itself is an indescribable beauty. Also. if the photo taker decdies to be a little more professional, you'll be served with a "ah, you're being blocked by the person in front, can you stand a little further" so you'll need to take caution.
- Hikki chooses the zero distance style this time and finds a suitable spot, he wants to stand behind someone big like Yamato. Hikki makes it through his classmates and hid in Yamato's shadow and made it so that he's not completely blocked from view. A few photos were snapped and everyone went according to plan, the class then leaves. They went up stone steps and through a gate and saw the Gojunoto. Hikki is in awe after seeing the streets of Kyoto in front of him. Since there's a lot of people wanting to enter Kiyomizu and other classes are lining up to go in, Hikki stared blanky into midair and waited quietly in line. Yui approaches him and he tells her that she needs to queue properly, people are overtaking her and the same applies to her life. Yui says that the line won't be moving for a while so she wants Hikki to follow her to an interesting place that she discovered. Hikki then asks her to wait since Hikki doesn't like to multitask, he's the kind who prefers to complete the task at hand, in other words, he prefers to put off tasks he hates until the end.
- Yui, displeases, stared lightly at Hikki and made a "muu" sound and reminds Hikki of the job, Hikki tells her that he prefers to forget about work when he's out traveling but his thoughts didn't reach Yui, Yui grabs his jacket and tells him that Ebina and Tobe are already waiting. They reach a small shrine which is close by but easily missable, Hikki comments that there are tons of grand looking ones in Kyoto that's why this one didn't leave much of an impression. The only special thing about this one is a stern looking old man shouting about how you can experience something different here. You can take a walk inside, and if you can complete this "walk in the womb"* in complete darkness something supernatural might happen to you. As Yui mentioned before, Tobe and Ebina are listening intently to the old man's explanations. Miura and Hayama around as well. Hikki, in whispers, ask about the 2 and Yui whispers back and says that it would be weird to single Tobe and Ebina out. Hikki understood what she meant since if there's only the 2su of them around they would start harboring strange thoughts, Tobe would get nervous and more importantly Ebina might suspect something.
- *No idea what's the correct name for it, do your own research
- Yui rushes Hikki and he took off his shoes and paid 100yen, he's surprised that he has to pay. It's really dark at the end of the flight of steps and reminds Hikki of a dungeon underneath a castle in RPG games. Yui suggests that Hayato-kun and Yumiko head in first and she'll be the last. Hayama reminds her that they don't have much time so they should go in together, a suggestion that's common sense. Hikki agrees silently since they broke off from the main group and this is the correct way to do it, but for him the best answer would be "let's visit this place afterwards". Hayama didn't voice this out but the rest didn't mind it. Ebina also agreed to Hayama's suggestion and Hikki feels a little disgusted, he's the only one to mind Hayama and it's embarrasing. Tobe then tells Hayato-kun and Ebina-san that this attraction won't take much time so they don't need to care so much while laughing. Ebina crossed her arms and shakes her head but Hayama gave in and gave an awkward laugh, he reminds them to get back asap.
- Miura grabs Hayama's arm and leads him down the stairs. Next, Tobe starts saying that the darkness is putting him in high spirits and Ebina just says, "Uun... Haa, darkness... Hayato-kun and Hikitani-kun are entering this together..." and she leaves with this ominous sentence. Hikki is relieved to be kept away from Hayama. Hikki and Yui goes in last and it became even darker after they make a turn, light has completely disappeared from view. Hikki is unable to separate his hand from the handrail inside and without it he'll lose his perception of distance and direction. It doesn't matter if you leave your eyes opened or closed since it's completely dark. This must be what abyss is and Hikki walked clumsily, he make sure that there's ground in front of him before the takes another step, and to others he probably resembles a penguin.
- Since he's robbed of his eyesight, Hikki's other senses became sharper, he can hear Miura's voice up ahead and she seemed to be saying something over and over again as if she's sleeptalking, it sounded to Hikki like she's chanting something which makes this experience even scarier.
- "...This is bad. It's dark it's dark it's dark, this is bad it's really dark." <- Miura
- "This is awesome." <- Hayama
- Hikki doesn't know if it's Hayama's opinion or a reply to Miura.
- "Uwa, this is super dark! Shit! I knew it! The darkness level is max!" <- Tobe
- Tobe seems to be trying to encourage himself and kept making noises and Hikki can hear hearthearted replies of "yeah" as well. Hikki realizes that those were Ebina's replies. His sense of hearing isn't the only thing that improved, Hikki's sense of touch became even sharper and he moves forward in the darkness while holding onto the handrail. The air is still. Because they took off their shoes the coldness of the floor keeps assaulting their legs and sometimes Hikki trembles and it's not because of the temperature but also out of the natural instinct of fear. You can't see, you can't tell, you have no control and you can't understand. All of these are linked together with uneasiness and fear.
- Since Hikki is still not used to feeling this way he keeps his hand on the handrail. Suddenly Hikki's hand collided with something soft, he stopped moving due to the shock and something knocks into him lightly from behind. Yui apologizes since she couldn't see anything and she starts touching Hikki's back and arm to confirm if it's him. Hikki apologizes as well and understood the situation, it's complete darkness and it can't be helped, you feel uneasy due to the darkness so you will instinctively grab onto someone else's clothes or hold hands so he doesn't question Yui. It's fine. Hikki held Komachi's hands recently, h-h-he d-doesn't m-mind at all. It was relaxing. Yui says that she thought Hikki was lost since he didn't speak at all and Hikki told her that he has always been lost. Thanks to that his experience level is extremely high, even his speed of getting home and his psychological defense are extremely high. Upon hearing his
- arbitrary words, Yui laughs from behind him but Hikki doesn't know if she accidentally let it out or was it an awkward laughter or even a worried laugh. With that, they continued moving and the weight put on his jacket remains the same through.
- After making a few turns something broke the complete darkness, it's a piece of rock that has light on it and Hikki finally sees Yui's happy face. They're supposed to walk around the stone and make a wish and Hikki comments that he doesn't have much to wish for except a steady income, his family members to be safe, and then no sickness, no accidents, and says that it's actually a lot of wishes. But then again, Hikki feels wrong to wish these things from deities or gods since those are things you can work hard for and so you wish for things that you can never attain. Yui asks if Hikki thought up of a wish and it broke Hikki's line of thoughts, he says yes but in reality he hasn't come up with one yet, so he wishes for Komachi to pass her entrance exams. They circled the stone Yui shut her eyes tightly with a serious look on her face, and she clapped twice after that. Hikki comments that clapping twice is something you do after praying at a shrine.
- A highly motivated Yui pushed Hikki from behind and says that they should move and the both of them enter the darkness again. The stone is like a climax of the journey and it's not far from the exit, they reach the exit soon enough and Hikki misses the light. He let out a sigh of relief after bathing in light and sees everyone else stretching lazily after going up the stairs. An old man at the cashier asks if they felt reborn and Tobe says that he feels super refreshed and if this is what being reborn feels like. Hikki comments that Tobe is strong, he hasn't changed at all. He does a time check and they took only 5 minutes or so.
- Hikki knows that people aren't naive enough to believe that you can be reborn from something such at this. Even if you journey to India or go hiking in Mount Fuji you won't feel reborn. Let's say you changed yourself completely, but you can't actually do that without having amass experience up to this point. Even if have this thought of change, you can change people's evaluation of you and your past mistakes so nothing would be changed at all.
- People are defined by their history and the stockpile of experience in their lives defines the a person. If you're born anew that means you have to delete all that history until nothing is left. But in reality this isn't possible. That's why, you can't expect to be reborn and you can only bear with the regrets in yourself and sins you carry and live on.
- You can't live life all over again.
- Tobe must have experienced some failures in his lifetime but if his failures are comparable to Hikki's and still manage to retain that optimisim, Hikki would respect him.
- No, that's what Hikki wants to believe... He doesn't want to use "I don't want to see such a shallow person suffer a psychological trauma" as a weird kind of spiritual support...
- Yui notices that the rest of the classes already went on ahead and urges the gang to hurry walked quickly to catch up with the rest.
- They caught up with the rest of the class before they entered the main building and Hikki finds it hard to touch the statues since there's a lot of people there. In front of them is the Kiyomizu stage and it's one of the most popular attractions, there's students like them who wants to take a commemorative photo and lots of tourists too. Yui is impressive by the view from the stage and you can see the red color hills and the whole of Kyoto city from here. Hikki wonders what the view is like a thousand years ago and the city might be different but it must feel nice to be able to enjoy this view from such a high elevation. Kyoto is a city where unchanging things and the constantly changing city coexists. He sort of understands why Kyoto was chosen for the school trip.
- While Hikki is taken in by the view, Yui asks him to take a photo and panickly took out a camera, it's a tiny and pink camera that suits her well. Yui hands her camera over to Hikki and Hikki snapped a photo of her, she made an upside down V with her hand. Hikki claims that the photo turned out well since he took the photo and Yui immediately checks her camera, Hikki comments to himself that digital cameras are really covenient since you can check how your picture turned out but you'll need to retake it if it didn't turn out well. Yui is pleased by the results and wants to take a photo with Hikki and Hikki is cornered, it's hard to reject since she asked and he doesn't have any excuses he can use. Though Hikki can claim that "my soul would be sucked away" but then like what Yui said, it's a rare chance but he didn't bring a camera along so he has to ask someone else to do it.
- Hikki suggests that they find someone but Yui says they can take a picture easily, she stood next to Hikki, face the camera towards them and prepares to snap a photo but then she says that they need to be closer and Yui moved in, she put her arm around Hikki's a took the picture. Hikki's eyes looked away from the direction Yui was looking so thanks to that his eyes would look even more rotten than usual, it'll be close to the level of a haunted photo. Yui let go of his arm , turned to Hikki and thanks him. He tells her that she did't need to thank him and comments to himself that taking a photo is a normal thing to do. Around them there's a lot of people taking photos of each other and to highschoolers nowadays this shouldn't be a rare sight. It's only a commemorative photo so he doesn't need to make noise about it. Taking a photo with someone or taking it without the opposite sex is not a big deal, so all in all, taking photos like this is the norm. Hikki believes that he's overthinking this.
- Yui grabs Miura and Ebina and wanted to take a photo with them, next Hayama is called over and everyone else started gathering. Tobe, Ooka and Yamato came over when Yui asked them as well. They all wanted pictures and Hayama comments with a troubled smile that they have too many after looking at the people around him. Yui suggest that they split into groups but her voice is drowned by the crowd so no one heard her, Hayama, instead, walked towards Hikki and handed him a camera. Hikki agrees to help out and a line forms up behind Hayama, everyone started handing their cameras over to Hikitani-kun. Hikki only promised to do it for Hayama but Miura, Tobe, Ebina and Ooka... there's even more behind.
- More people came by to ask Hikki for help and Hikki sighed. The last one came over and said, "Sorry about this, Hachiman, but can I trouble you with this?" to which Hikki replies, "Okay, leave it to me!" It'll be the best of the best photo and Hikki would make sure that his soul is captured in it and it'll become the perfect picture, he'll put in all his effort. Next, Yui, with an air of defeat, asks Hikki to do the same and handed her camera oer to him as well. It seems to Hikki that Yui wants to get Tobe and Ebina together for a photo that's why she suggested this but it turned out this way. It's normal for a class and once someone suggests taking a picture everyone would just come together and it won't be easy to change the situation.
- Hikki consoles Yui and says that they can always work harder tomorrow and after a short reply Yui returns to the others and Hikki prepares to take the photos. There's a lot of cameras and it numbers up to 2 digits, Hikki feels like he's really popular. Then again, Hikki realizes that he needs to only take 1 and send it to the rest via email or sites like facebook so why don't they just rely on social networking websites in times like this. He takes the pictures and notices that Yui has a lot of expressions and they all showed that she's enjoying the moment, every picture has a different pose or expression Hikki is glad for the auto focus function on cameras, else he would end up with all the same pictures. Miura seems to know what to do when taking photos, her poses differ each time but the expression on her face doesn't. Hayama looks extremely nature and has a "Hayama" look that people know so well, he didn't pose or anything but he still looked good. Tobe is somewhat natural but they all look like poses that you can see in magazines. On the other hand, Ebina always has a smile on and this is a smile that Hikki has seen before, but she showed this same smile in every single photo and that terrifies Hikki.
- The class prepares to enter the main shrine and Hikki knows that this place is famous for the deity of fate so it's a popular attraction for those people who wants their romance to turn out well. For young people visitng Kiyomizu, they most probably make this place their first stop. After the visit, everyone started buying talisman and fortune lots*. Hikki already decided to not get anything so he activated "Hidden Technique: Following behind without making a sound". Though for Hikki he can buy a fortune lot but the fortunes are often more about comparing fortunes with others who bought them as well so Hikki doesn't have a habit of buying those. Hikki moves between the crowds steathily and observes the situation in his class. As he expected, the no.1 attraction is the "fortune telling stone of love"**.
- *http://zoomingjapan.com/wiki/omikuji-fortune-telling-paper-strips/
- **No idea what the actual name is, go look it up
- A lot of girls are taking up the challenge and to make sure they aren't interrupted, their friends take become the security to keep the path clear and give them the cue to start the challenge. The challenge of the fortune telling stone of love consist of you keeping your eyes close and if you manage to reach the other stone from which is some distance away, your wish for love would become true. It's along the same veins as "if you manage to pull this off you'll be awards a million". Anyway, even breaking a watermelon requires help from others, to Hikki that means romance also requires helps from others to succeed. Hikki sees a well dressed woman with a white labcoat walking clumsily and reaching the stone on the other side and she's being showered in praises and applauses. Hikki feels that his advisor is really remarkable.
- Also, while the highschool girls are waiting for their turn to try this, the guys are also taking peeks at the challenge. If they see a girl they adore doing this challenge they'll think "shit, that person has someone they like... is it me?" and their heart would start beating faster. Well, even Hikki used to think that way, so it's good to have expectations since nothing is exposed and no one would be hurt if you don't put your words into actions. Aside from guys who are out to collect information regarding romance, there are also guys who are watching from afar.
- "Okay, I'm gonna complete this with one try!"
- After Tobe announced this sentence which seems deliberate, Ooka and Yamato also started cheering him on, making the atmosphere livier. Tobe gave them a victory sigh then closed his eyes and walked towards the goal like a zombie. He started saying that he doesn't understand and if all he needs to do is to walk straight and Ooka and Yamato gave interesting suggestions. They told him to go straight but watch out behind him and he turned. Hayama comments that there's no point turning since his eyes are closed, the courtyard is then filled with laughter,it's a heartwarming sight. It's good if they're all so happy, that means Ebina doesn't need to worry about anything, those guys are on really food terms. While Hikki is absorbed by the act, Yui thought the same and pats Ebina's shoulders, she tells Ebina that the guys are still good friends but Ebina says that it looks this way but you can't let your guard down until the last moment. Ebina looked downwards after saying that and HIkki can't tell what lies in those deep iris of hers behind those glasses from his position but the tone of her voice has a hint of loss.
- Yui is shocked by this side of Ebina she has never seen before and asks what she meant but Ebina, as if trying to cover up her words, lifted her head up and clutched her fists tightly and screamed that they need to improve the level of their relationship to an acceptable level during the school trip. Hikki comments silently that he doesn't know what that level is, and Tobe, who's failing, got help from Hayama. After the events of the stone, the class decides to reveal their fortune lots and Miura happily made a boyish pose of victory and she looks happy. Yui, who's next to Miura, is impressed by her and congratulates her, Ebina says that Miura got the best lot and clapped. Miura then says that these are just lots and they shouldn't take it seriously, Hikki notices that the words coming from her mouth sounded collected by Miura happily folded the lot up nicely and kept it inside her purse. She gives off the vibes of a girl in love, it's really cute.
- "Don't you know? Someone said, getting the best luck isn't a good thing you know? You'll start being unlucky after this." <- Tobe
- Miura gave an "ahh?" and stared at Tobe intently, Hikki finds Miura as scary as before. It's true though, there are people who prefers to be a wet blanket when someone's being overjoyed and they do this to make people uncomfortable, Hikki knows because he did the same thing back then and was hated for it. But then, if you assume that the best fortune is the pinnacle of luck then Tobe isn't wrong. On the other hand, the same applies if you drew the worst fortune. Ebina got a bad fortune and let out a sad note but Tobe started saying how her luck would only become better after this. Hikki notes that Tobe probably noticed how this logic worked after making fun of Miura and used it to console Ebina. He feels that things are going smoothly even without them doing anything special. But Hikki decides to put in effort.
- He tells them that a bad lot should be tied as high up as possible so the deities can notice it easily. Because Hikki suddenly spoke, Tobe and Ebina started looking around them to look for the source of the voice. Hikki comments to himself that it's him who said it, it's Wario*, though he isn't Wario. The two finally notices Hikki and Hikki repeats his sentence again, he threw Tobe a look to hint him and he finally got it and offered to help Ebina out.
- *That Nintendo character
- Ebina thanks Tobe and says that "you're really a gentleman" and hands her fortune lot over to Tobe. Hikki comments to himself that if it turns out to be "you're really a gentleman, (that's useful to have around), it'll just be sad. Hikki watches from the side as Tobe tries to tied the lot as high up as possible and Hikki leaves after feeling that he completed a job. Next, they'll be visiting the various shrines on the sides of the path, Hikki strolls leisurely and looks around, he confirms that the path leads to Otowa waterfall, the water there is famous as holy water and it's also the namesake of the Kiyomizu temple. It's packed with people and while Hikki's standing there shocked by the chaos, someone chops him on the back of his head with their hand and Yui tells Hikki not to go on by himself. Hikki says that it should be fine since he doesn't need to travel as a group today while rubbing the back of his head and looking at Yui. Miura and the others started catching up.
- "Oh! There's water flowing! And it's split into 3 flows!"
- Hikki thanks Tobe-kun silently for pointing out something so mundane. Hayama informs everyone the name of the waterfall and Yui started reading from the tourist guide. The 3 flows are split into studies, love and longevity. Hikki finally understood why sensei is over there queuing up, carrying an empty daigorou bottle* in one hand. Hikki comments that it's too much to bring home. Then again, Hikki wonders if it's true, the description for the waterfall didn't mention anything like this and it says "the 3 flows all contain the same water".
- *See this http://www.asahibeer.co.jp/news/2010/image/0318_3la.jpg
- After queuing up for about 15mins, it's finally their turn. One thing to note, sensei tried to collect too much water and was reminded by others. Everyone took a dipper and waited, Yui, who was in front of Hikki, aimed for the middle flow (love), she brought the dipper to her mouth, brushed her hair behind her ear and started drinking, Hikki can see some water flowing down the fair white skin on her neck. After drinking it, Yui comments that the water is great and tasty, Hikki comments to himself that it's water that has been flowing since ancient times and the taste has been tempered by a long history, it's natural and flowing water, and that combined with the cool season means the chilled water is easy on your throats. Hikki reaches out for a dipper in the sterilization box but Yui stops him and offered the dipper she used, he's taken back and couldn't react faster enough. Hikki comments that this person sometimes show a calculating side befitting of a girl but she also displays a simple, foolish side so it's tough to make a quick judgement.
- Hikki believes that she's offering her dipper out of kindness and Yui, upon realizing what she did, started blushing.
- "Ah..." <- Yui
- "Um..." <- Hikki
- Hikki comments that "Well, that's how it is." and took out the dipper that just finish being sterilized and caught the flow from the water, he drank it in one go, it's tasty and cooling.
- "Y-you didn't need to care about that..." <- Yui
- ...Of course I care. If I used that to drink I probably won't be able to taste anything.
- (Chapter 5 end)
- Chapter 6: Silently, Yukinoshita travels through the streets at night
- "It's an unfamilar ceiling..."*
- *Eva reference
- Hikki organizes his memories and recalls that it's still the school trip. The first day they visited Kiyomizu, then Nanzen-ji and also Ginkaku-ji as well. The red maple leaves were beautiful and the Philosopher's Walk was great, it generated a decent atmosphere for Tobe and Ebina. After that they arrived at their lodgings, ate dinner and then Hikki forgot, he probably fell asleep. Totsuka checks if Hikki's awake and changes Totsuka's sitting posture while looking at Hikki's face.
- Hikki wonders what happened and if he was attacked by King Crimson* and somehow time has been fastforwarded to the ending where he and Totsuka are newlyweds. That's what Hikki wanted to believe but from a distance not far away he can hear attention catching noises and talking. They talk about how they're tricked and Hayato-kun being too good and lots of other noises and some sounding like "pon" and "kan" and the source of the noises are Hikki's classmates who are smiling happily.
- *It just works. Go google Jojo Vento Aureo and King Crimson.
- Hikki finally gets it, he has been living a terrible lifestyle so he's suffering the side effects, he fell asleep when they got here. For Hikki, he's been excercising in the morning and ate a lot just now that's why he slept. Totsuka tells him that bathing time is over but sensei allowed Hikki to use a bathroom in the building. Hikki is aghast, he missed his precious bathtime with Totsuka, and almost jumped out of his blanket out of shock. While he's clamping his teeth down due to the intense regret, Totsuka points to the exit of the room. Hikki doesn't understand the situation and thinks it might mean "Hachiman is a pervert. Shouldn't a pervert like him leave the house and bath alone in the courtyard?"* He tells himself that he's neither a pervert (hentai) nor a prince (ouji).
- *This part is in Tsutsukakushi's tone. From Hentai Ouji.
- While he's worrying, Totsuka tells Hikki gently that there's bathroom for a single person over there and Hikki thanks Totsuka. Though Hikki wants to go in with Totsuka but he'll enjoy this tomorrow, it's a 4 days 3 nights trip and there's still 2 more chances and on the third day they'll be visiting Arashiyama which has hot springs, and it's opened air as well. Hikki happily takes a shower and after getting out, his gaze met with Tobe's who happened to be lying down and turning. Tobe looks down probably because he lost in games but he immediately stood up and spoke with Hikki, he asks Hikki if he would like to play mahjong, it's boring for himself since the others are too strong. Hikki wonders to himself if Tobe is insinuating that he's weak so he's can be easily beaten but then again they're inviting him to join in. One of Tobe's good point is that he can approach anyone but Hikki doesn't feel that he can click with Tobe so he tells Tobe that he doesn't know how to count the points in mahjong.
- Tobe doesn't probe further and says something along the lines of "really" and then went back to the mahjong circle. Hikki really doesn't know how to count the points and the cpu counts it for you when you play those games. Totsuka is with them and they're teaching Totsuka how to play, Totsuka notices Hikki and waves to him. Hikki contemplates his actions and decides to just go to bed but then the door opened.
- "Hachiman! Why don't we play UNO!"
- Zaimoukuza invites Hikki to play but Hikki asks him what happened to his class since Zaimoukuza enters their room so causually. He raises his voice and pounced towards Hikki which topples Hikki over.
- "Listen to me, Hachi-aemon, those guys are too much! They actually told me 'Sorry, Zaimoukuza, this game is meant for 4' and decided that I should wait in line before I get to beat them!"
- Hikki finds that waiting in line to play is normal and is surprised that Zaimoukuza's blending in just fine. Totsuka asks Zaimoukuza what game they were playing and Zaimoukuza replies with "Umpaka umpake*! Dokapon Kingdom!" Hikki comments that those guys are actually playing a game that destroys friendship during this school trip. Dokapon is those type of games where people's true nature are revealed. Those guys with malicious intent using overt tactics against you is still fine since wars are heartless, in a sense. The problem lies in those people who plays seriously and the sinister atmosphere while you're playing with them. That would seriously cause cracks in your relationships. Also, there's another type of problem, it lies with those people who aren't motivated and would tell you "you can skip my turn if you like" while reading comics at the side. It happened in Hikki's grade school before.
- *Apparently it's from this anime's op. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5lk7gEgnHI
- Zaimoukuza suggests that they play UNO again and Totsuka agrees since they might have enough people to play but Totsuka still doesn't understand the rules well enough. Zaimoukuza distributes the cards and starts off by spamming Reverse cards and the turn order becomes Zaimoukuza, Hikki and followed by Totsuka. They play more and sometimes manage to lose a card, sometimes eating a Skip or even Draw 2 and they return the favor with another Draw 2 and so on. In the heat of the battle, Hikki has 2 cards remaining whereas Zaimoukuza and Totsuka still has 5 each, Hikki has the advantage. It's Hikki's turn and he's about to play the last card but Zaimoukuza started talking to him, asking Hikki where he's heading tomorrow, Hikki replies with a "why are you asking me this during the match?" and comments silently that Zaimoukuza asks these troublesome stuff. Before Hikki can give an answer, Zaimoukuza turns away to face Totsuka and asks Totsuka-shi where they're heading to, Totsuka mentions Kyoto Studio Park and Ryouanji, Totsuka put down the cards on Totsuka's lap and started thinking and Hikki finds it really cute so he joins in the conversation. Hikki adds that they're going to Ninnaji and Kinkakuji as well and after that Totsuka played a card. While Totsuka does that, Zaimoukuza jumped up and pointed at Hikki intensely, shouting that Hachiman didn't say "UNO" when he was left with a single card.
- Hikki noticed this too but it's already too late since Totsuka already played a card and Zaimoukuza shouted "yeah!" while raising his hands high up, Totsuka joined in as well and gave each other a high-five. Hikki comments silently that it's dirty, as expected of Zaimoukuza, it's dirty. Hikki stopped for a moment and wonders if those 2 planned it but then again he wants to high-five Totsuka as well. Zaimoukuza picked the moment before Hikki announces the word and disrupted Hikki, it's despicable. But, since Totsuka making a racket is especially cute so Hikki is satisfied with the outcome. They both started screaming "Punishment Game Punishment Game !" and started plotting what they would like Hikki to do and Hikki comments to himself that these guys being so high is probably the result of being on the school trip and they're making a lto of noise. It's the same for the others, the mahjong group on the opposite are getting heated as well because of a punishment game. Yamato looks at Ooka and announces that the person who loses the next round would have to head to the girls' room and ask for snacks. Ooka rejects it and Hikki comments that it appeared, doing stuff in the girls' rooms, it's something those guys would often say but this notion was stop short by Hayama who just replied with "well, well".
- He mentions that Atsugi is stationed at the staircase leading up and that immediately shuts Yamato up. The PE teacher, Atsugi, is scary due to the pressure his existence exerts on others and a mysterious Hiroshima dialect. Because of his position as a PE teacher, he's strict towards the sports clubs and that's why for them, Atsugi is someone that's difficult to deal with, that being said, Hikki has trouble with that sort of person as well. Ooka quickly revised the suggestion and proclaims the loser would have to confess to a girl. They start the next round immediately and Tobe and Yamato complains a little but continued playing, Hayama smiles bitterly while shuffling the tiles. After repeatedly drawing and discarding tiles, Tobe flips his tiles over and proclaimed that he wins by drawing the winning tile himself and everyone flip their tiles over as well, but with sighs. Ooka and Yamato curses Tobe and asks him to stop being so happy and go confess since he's in the last place but Tobe doesn't want to do it. After hearing Tobe's refute, Hayama smiles and suggests that Tobe might be in the last place but he can go buy juices for everyone as punishment instead. Tobe complains that he won this time is fine with getting juice since he's thirsty as well.
- Hikki comments that Tobe went with it after all and he's such a straightforward person. Hayama turned it into an easy punishment but the others did curse Tobe aftrer all. Totsuka, seeing that Tobe is leaving the room, says that Totsuka's thirsty as well and Zaimoukuza jumps in and brings up Hikki's punishment game, he is to get stuff for the rest of them. Hikki is fine with it and promises Zaimoukuza some ramen and Zaimoukuza is actually fine with it, he starts thinking and Hikki turns away since Zaimoukuza might need more time. Hikki looks at Totsuka and Totsuka gives Hikki a "niipah"* smile, Totsuka says that Hikki can decide for them. Hikki got the message and walks out.
- *That smile Rika from Hashi no Naku Koro ni gives
- Hikki goes down the stairs and wonders about the girls' rooms but the rumors suggest that Atsugi is blocking the staircase so Hikki isn't able to verify if it's really the girls' rooms. There's a vending machine in the lobby on the first floor and the students are allowed to visit even during lights out, but since everyone's busying bonding with each other no one would come down here and people who does so are probably those who lost at games and have to get stuff for the others. Tobe's in front of the vending machine and he's buying them bottle by bottle, he notices Hikki and thanks Hikitani-kun for the hardwork. Hikki replies with a greeting and concludes that Tobe says that sentence no matter the time of the day, it's probably on the same level as Yui's "yahalo". After exchanging greetings, Hikki takes over Tobe's spot in front of the machine. Hikki feels a gaze from behind him and turns, for some reason Tobe's still standing there. Hikki asks Tobe if there's anything wrong and he's shocked by Tobe who didn't go back to the room as soon as possible but Tobe smiles happily and says that Hikitani-kun helped him out a lot and wants to thank him, something along the lines of "nice assist!". Hikki comments that it's a nice assist but the ball hasn't gone in so it's not considered an assist, he replies that Yui did the most work and Tobe should thank that person instead. Tobe affirms it and says he would do so and thanks to the two he's determined to confess and then asks them to help out tomorrow as well before leaving.
- Hikki tells himself that Tobe is a nice person, but he follows the mood of the atmosphere around him to a fault, in other words he's a slave to the atmosphere around him. But, probably because he's such a person, that's why he couldn't progress much with Ebina and he has to react to the atmosphere around him all the time that's why he couldn't take the best course of action. Hikki ends it with by commenting that Tobe has a rough path ahead of him. Hikki wants to drink his favorite Coffee MAX* but can only spot MAX Coffee. In the end, Hikki goes along and buys it since it looks like his favorite drink, they're both long, thin cans. He opens the can and sits on a sofa in the lobby. Though buying stuff is Hikki's punishment game but he isn't looking forward to go back since the room turned into a mahjong room, while he's sipping the coffee, Hikki spots a familiar person.
- *Hikki's favorite drink, he actually talks a few paragraphs about it in previous volumes
- Enter Yukinon, due to her having bathed before, she ties her hair up and she's wearing casual clothes, it's not something you see often.
- http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/images/a/aa/YahariLoveCom_v7-159.jpg
- She walks straight into the souvenir store inside the building and started looking intently at one of the shelves, Hikki comments that if a thing is being stared at so seriously by Yukinon that means it's something she has already decided to purchase. With a hand on the side of her mouth, she started thinking and then stretched out a hand as if she's made up her mind, but in that instant she started looking around her and her gaze meets with Hikki's. Yukinon withdrew her hand in the next moment and traced her steps back to her room without showing any emotions. Hikki comments that it's business as usual and he wishes Yukinon a good night silently and continues sipping his coffee. Then, Yukinon started heading back towards Hikki.
- Yukinon stood in front of Hikki with her arms crossed and look downwards towards him, she says that it's a coincidence to see him here at night. Hikki tells her that she should have said those words just now but comments to himself that he's surprised that Yukinon came back just to say what she wanted to say before, though Yukinon is putting on airs for some reason. Yukinon started asking Hikki about his side and probes if he ran out of his room due to the unbearable atmosphere but Hikki deflects it by saying he leaves the rest to the young ones and asks about Yukinon. She sighs with annoyance and divulges that the topic amongst her classmates are about her and she doesn't understand why do they like those kinds of topics.
- Hikki wonders what kind of topics those were and he isn't totally disinterested but it feels as if Yukinon would get angry if he asked so he decides to talk about something else that's less provoking. Hikki tells Yukinon that if the girls in her class are approaching her and asking her stuff, that means they're showing interest in her, it's a good thing but Yukinon replies that Hikki's speaking as if he's uninvolved, it all started because of what he did during the school festival and then Yukinon cut off the sentence, her downward looking gaze became sharp and contains a bit of anger. Hikki doesn't know what he did wrong but he answered that it wasn't his fault. Yukinon closed her eyes and massaged her temples, as if she's giving up and said that it was nothing and asked Hikki what was he doing out here. He told her that he's taking a break from playing games and asks Yukinon the same thing as well. Yukinon neither denies or confirms that she's here to buy souvenirs but tells Hikki that there's something on her mind and looked away. Hikki read Yukinon and concluded that since Yukinon is looking in that matter that means she must be here to buy something and it's probably her favorite panda dolls, Kyoto limited edition and so on.
- Yukinon asks Hikki about getting souvenirs and he just tells her that those stuff just gets in the way now so he'll be getting them when they're leaving Kyoto, Yukinon asks if Hikki already knew what to buy and Hikki replies that he's getting whatever Komachi wants him to buy and then he asks Yukinon if there's places related to deities in charge of studies. Hikki brings this up naturally and prays that Yukipedia has the answer and Yukinon tilts her head a little and blinks her eyes, she asks if it's for Komachi and Hikki gave a halfhearted reply of "something like that", which made Yukinon smile. She sat down next to Hikki while brainstorming, aikki made some space for her since Hikki feels that standing up and thinking doesn't go well together. Yukinon came up with an answer and suggests Kitano Tenmangu and Hikki takes note of it. He plans to visit that place on the third day and he would get a talisman, though he comments that asking for divine aid indeed costs money. Next, he entertains the idea of getting a Hamaya* or even an Ema** but wonders if it'll be ineffective if it's not the person making the wish writing on the plaque.
- *Literally, "demon-breaking arrow": http://eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp/modules/xwords/entry.php?entryID=325
- **http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ema_(Shinto)
- Yukinon comments that it's good to worry about Komachi but what about the request since Hikki went into deep thought and Hikki tells her that it's not exactly good but also not exactly bad, something along those lines. Yukinon looks downwards while feeling apologetic after listening to Hikki, she's sorry that she couldn't be of help since she's in another class. Hikki tells her not to mind that since he didn't do anything even when he's in the same class, to which Yukinon replies that he should start minding more. While they're chatting, sensei walks by, she's wearing a jacket over her suit and wearing sunglasses even though it's a night. After noticing the two, sensei showed a miserable look, she asks why were the two of them out here and Hikki replied that he's here to get a drinks and he asks what's sensei doing out at this hour.
- "U-Umu... D-Don't tell others about this alright? You absolutely have to keep this a secret you know?"
- Hiratsuka sensei spoke hesitantly and it made her looked like a younger girl, to which my heart starting beating faster. Looking at her embarrassed countenance, the words "Shizukawaii" started forming in my mind, but everything came crashing down after her next line.
- "T-That... A-After this... I'm going to eat ramen..."
- There's no helping her. Please return me those those affections I felt for you right now.
- Yukinon and Hikki are stunned but sensei but then she crossed her arms and stood upright as if she just thought of soomething and finally took off those sunglasses which were used as a disguise. Sensei tells the 2 of time that it's alright if it's them, Yukinon tries to guess sensei's intentions and tilted her head sideways while thinking and sensei gave her a smile. To Hikki, sensei mocks him instead and comments that Yukinoshita won't tell anyone about this but sadly, she can't trust Hikigaya. Hikki tries to deny it but sensei clears her throats and announces that she'll seal their mouths and suggest ramen, that means she's bringing them along and treating them. Hikki hasn't tried the ramen in Kyoto before and realize that his stomach is empty. Either that or his stomach emptied itself after hearing about ramen. Sensei nods her head after hearing Hikki's reply and Hikki is looking forward to Kyoto ramen and goes in deep thought. Yukinon stood and tells the others that she'll be heading back and bowed but as she turned to walk away, sensei calls out to her and suggests thatt she come along. Yukinon turned halfway around and looked downward with a troubled gaze, she tries to reject the notion but sensei smiles happily and tells Yukinon to treat this as an extra curricular activity and it's fine to go out since it's not that late. Yukinon is worried about how she dresses and grabs onto the sleevees of her shirt and posed with her arms outstretched as if she's displaying her dress. Upon seeing Yukinon looking like that, sensei took off her jacket and threw it over to Yukinon, she tells Yukinon to put it on.
- Hikki comments to himself that it's really bad since this person is acting so cool and he almost fell for her. As expected, in this age "Shizukakkoi" is more apt than "Shizukawaii". Yukinon comments that she has no means of getting out of this and Hikki agrees, Yukinon sighs as if she gave up and put on sensei's jacket. Sensei urges them to hurry along and they set out into the chilly Kyoto night.
- Cold air assaults Hikki after he took a few steps from the hostel and he feels that way since he came out wearing indoors clothes. Sensei looks at Hikki's clothing and teased him about how Kyoto is cold. She then walked into the streets and hailed a cab which arrived in no time. Sensei urges the both of them to get in very politely and Yukinon nods and got in whereas Hikki decline out of respect and suggests that sensei go in before him, which impresses sensei.
- http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/images/c/c1/YahariLoveCom_v7-167.jpg
- Sensei praises Hikki for his "ladies' first" notion and sees some growth in him but tells him not to worry about such things. To console sensei, Hikki tells sensei that even at that age she's still considered a lady and should be more confident about herself. Sensei grips Hikki's head and flashed a gentle smile, she adds that the fatality rate for the person sitting in the middle of the back of the car is the highest. Hikki cries out in pain while sensei continues to grip him with an iron claw and she threw him into the taxi. Hikki comments that sensei has evolved a new technique that's not bash attack and recognizes her growth as well. Yukinon calls Hikki an idiot though Hikki says it's his way of expressing his care and Yukinon rebukes him by saying he even misinterpreted the meaning of "care".
- Sensei sits next to Hikki and although the taxi is a small one where it'll be cramped when you squeeze 3 people at the backsats but due to Yukinon and sensei being slim, there's wriggle space for Hikki. He finds it reassuring since squeezing tightly together would be troublesome for him. Sensei tells the driver to take them to Ichijouji, which is a place familiar to those who likes Miyamoto Musashi, there's a legend behind that place and it's the top place to go when you want to have ramen in Kyoto, a heated warzone as well due to the amount of ramen stores over there. The 3 of them talked about such stuffs during the car ride and a little while later they reached their destination, Hikki got hit by a shocking truth, this is the main store of Tenkaippin. Hikki has heard of the rumors, you can stand your chopsticks upright in the ramen soup, that's because the noodles are extremely chewy and that's why there isn't much soup in it.
- While Hikki is feeling touched about ramen, Yukinon asks him from behind if this is a famous store, he informs her that there are branch stores all over the country. Yukinon then says that they didn't need to come all the way here if that's so and Hikki agrees, but there's another fact that made him feel this way, somehow Chiba lacks such a store and even in the Kanto region, Chiba is the only place where they didn't set up shop. In his long history (17 years), Chiba is considered (by him) as the promised land, but it's not perfect, the only thing that was missing was this Tenkaippin. Sensei tells them that Chiba used to have a store and Hikki got excited and exclaimed that the the walking dictionary when it comes to Chiba's ramen has appeared, but it's already too late.*
- *There's a pun here, the 2 parts sound the same, walking dictionary part and the already too late part. It means it's already too late for sensei (too old).
- Sensei happily tells Hikigaya that he made a mistake when he corrected himself but her happiness is in contrast to the creaking sound made by Hikki's skull, he cries out in pain again. Sensei adds that there are stores all over the country but those are branch stores after all and visiting the main one would invoke lots of emotions, also, the chain branches cannot be compared to the main one so that's why sensei wanted to visit this place at least once. While saying that, she releases Hikki's head from her grip and started looking up towards the signboard with lots of interwining emotions. They enter the store and luckily for them there were empty seats, they sat at the counter in this order: sensei, Yukinon, Hikki. Sensei orders kotteri* without looking at the menu, Hikki wants to try the rumored kotteri in Tenkaippin and so he ordered the same item.
- *http://www.ramenramenramen.net/ramen-glossary/
- Yukinon remains silent and didn't order anything so Hikki peeked at her, she's looking around her in terror and couldn't speak. Next, she tugged Hikki's sleevees lightly and ask about ramen soup. Hikki comments yet again on her terrified look and tells himself that if Yukinon is already overwhelmed by this, then she can never have Naritake ramen, it's closer to fat and oil than soup, but it tastes really good. Sensei notices Yukinon's plight and opened the menu while smiling gently, she recommends a less greasy soup but Yukinon replied that she doesn't need it, she already felt full when she saw the soup, Yukinon continues shaking her head vigorously in terror. Sensei suggests letting Yukinon taste a little bit of her soup but Yukinon still showed hesistation, but finally nods her head later.
- A short while later their ramen arrives, they started eating and Hikki comments that the ramen is extremely delicious and this takes up a few paragraphs. Sensei fetches a small dish and lets Yukinon sample a portion of her soup and Yukinon was hesitant at first but then wielded her chopsticks and spoon as she made her decision. Yukinon gently pulls her long hair behind her ear, brought the spoon to her mouth and made a "hamu" sound. Due to Yukinon looking extra seductive while forcing the viscous soup down her throat, Hikki looked elsewhere in a hurry. She wipes the residue sticking to her mouth and put on a really serious face and comments that it has a savage and scrumptious taste. Hikki comments to himself that it was great description and continues enjoying his ramen, but then his thought escapes his mouth and he asks sensei if it's alright to do this. Sensei, still as calm as ever, tells him that it's not okay and that's why she's treating them a meal to silence them. Yukinon comments that this isn't what a teacher ought to do but sensei continues eating her ramen calmly. She tells the 2 students that teachers are humans too, adults are humans too, they all make mistakes, whether or not they're aware of it themselves. Hikki asks if they would be scolded if the cat got out of the bag and wonders if he would be involved but sensei reassures him that there might not even be a scolding, they would just call you over and grumble or let their anger out of you and it'll be fine after that.
- Yukinon comments that it sounds like a scolding and Hikki agrees. Sensei finally finishes drinking the soup and laid down her cutlery, she wipes her mouth meticulously and looked at the 2 students, saying that it's totally different, like the example of being ordered not to cause trouble and being compelled to solve a problem, they're completely different. Hikki doesn't get it but Yukinon understood it though she also mentioned that she has no experience of being scolded. Yukinon holds her chin lightly with her hand as if she's reminiscing past events, sensei nods her head while looking at Yukinon. She tells Hikki that she would scold him more next time, even though she has already been planning lots of punishment for him all along, it seems to her that she's been too softhearted. Hikki desperately waves his arms in denial and tells sensei that he's had enough, he comments silently that if sensei inflicts more wounds on his body, he would let her take responsibility and provide for him, though he laughs it off and tells himself that he put this as his goal.
- Yukinon tells them that she has never done anything that invites people to fault her so it's fine but sensei reminds her that it's not a bad thing when people reproaches you, it also means that people are looking out for you when they do so. Yukinon lowered her shoulders just slightly after hearing what sensei said and looked downwards at the ground, what was in her gaze, Hikki doesn't know at all. Sensei pats Yukinon's shoulders gently and tells her that because people have always been looking out for her, that's why they sometimes make mistakes.
- After getting off the taxi, sensei walks in a direction that's different from the way back to the hostel, she tells the 2 that she's going to get some beer at the covenience store and it's goodbye and reminds them to stay safe. Hikki wonders if that's really alright but they made a slight wave at sensei together with Yukinon when they saw sensei waving at them. Next, the 2 of them take the route back to the hostel and remains silent, Hikki thinks this is natural but then Yukinon, who was a few steps in front, suddenly stopped and started looking around. According to this thing called rule of thumb, Hikki can somewhat understand the worries that gripped Yukinon. She tells them to veer right and Yukinon covered her face with sensei's jacket. Hikki forces out a laugh mixed with a sigh and walked in front of Yukinon and tells himself that he would lead the way, Yukinon realizes his intentions and followed his foot, after he walked a few steps.
- Slowly, the footsteps behind Hikki started sounding further away and Hikki turned and looks back in surprise, he finds that Yukinon kept a bigger distance between the 2 of them. He comments that Yukinon might get lost if she keeps falling behind but Yukinon couldn't give him a clear answer, she buried her head deeper into her jacket and the volume of her voice kept dwindling. Hikki doesn't know what she wanted to say but he doesn't wish for trouble if Yukinon ever gets lost over here, so he stopped and waited for her to get closer. They stared at each other from a distance and Hikki wonders what they're doing. A moment later, Yukinon finally let out a sigh that signifies that she has given up, she tells Hikki but with a subdued voice that it wouldn't be a problem even if he went ahead and Yukinon hesitantly walked towards Hikki's side. Hikki comments that it feels as if he's dealing with a stray cat but tells Yukinon that there's not point in walking ahead since they're nearing the hostel. Yukinon rebukes him, saying that she would be troubled if he does this kind of stuff.
- Since Yukinon didn't voice her reply properly, Hikki can't helped it but turn back and ask her what she meant, even though he knows that it's polite to pretend not to hear stuff that are hard to bring up in conversations. Yukinon stutters and tells Hikki that being seen together with Hikki at this kind of hour it would be... Even though it's not that cold, Yukinon buried her face in the jacket as if she wanted to hide in it. Hikki starts to analyze the situation calmly,he didn't do this on purpose nor did he meet up with Yukinon secretly, so far nothing of this sort has happened. That's why he doesn't have to be conscious of anything, he didn't need to mind anything, there's nothing weird about this, there's nothing, nothing and nothing.
- But, he hasn't seen this side of Yukinon before. She's being wary of her surroundings but also afraid to get lost, so she looked downwards and her gaze stopped somewhere near Hikki's feet. Hikki hasn't seen such actions before like Yukinon's embarrassed face as she averted her gaze downwards or Yukinon stretching her hand out but then pulling it back as if she's trying to stop Hikki from moving too far ahead. Such clumsy actions are contagious and so Hikki started walking with his right hand and right foot synchronized together. Thanks to that, even if the journey to the hostel isn't that long, it gives off the feeling that it might be really far away. Hikki and Yukinon, they're never walk shoulder to shoulder, but they'll keep on moving ahead together even if they don't come contact with one another.
- After making it back to the lobby, Hikki is overwhelmed by fatigue. To allow Yukinon to go off first, Hikki stood still and lifted his arm a little, he tells Yukinon that they'll see each other next time and she returns the greeting, while stuttering, with a goodnight and thanks Hikki for walking her back. Yukinon started making her way out and still had the jacket on even after they got back to the hostel, because of the speed which she was walking, the sleevees are the jacket started flailing around. Hikki wonders if the jacket would still be the same but he doesn't put much thought it that and returned to his room. Back in his room, the mahjong competition is still going on. Totsuka and Zaimoukuza approached Hikki, they welcome him back and asks where did he go since he took such a long time, he's been gone for a little more than 2 hours.
- Zaimoukuza asks for his drink and ramen and that's when Hikki recalls that he's still stuck in the punishment game, Zaimoukuza gives Hikki an unhappy gaze as if he's looking at an idiot and asks if Hikki already forgot about everything, Hikki immediately puts on a front and replies that he didn't forget and actually bought the ramen, it's here. Hikki points to his stomach and Zaimoukuza's face started twisting in horror, he exclaimed that Hikki is a fearsome person for actually going out and eating ramen, Zaimoukuza wiped the sweat off his brow and shoots Hikki with a gaze filled with respect, Hikki comments silently that it's too easy. But, the other person has a different reaction, "Why don't you go again?".
- Totsuka gives a smile, ordering Hikki to do another run, but with a face full of smiles. Hikki cries silently and comments that Totsuka is really scary.
- (Chapter 6 end)
- I'll just leave these here before I forget.
- https://archive.foolz.us/a/thread/85853049/#85858540
- https://archive.foolz.us/a/thread/85853049/#85859031
- http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?p=4669485#post4669485
- Some analysis I found useful when dealing with Yahari characters, last one has volume 7 full spoilers but who am I kidding, you're here for the spoilers. I don't agree with all of it, but it's still interesting stuff that merits discussion. Was 8man truly a batman or a self serving scum? You decide.
- Also, >animesuki
Add Comment
Please, Sign In to add comment