Oregairu Vol.11 Chapter 3

Vol 11 Chapter 3

[Surprisingly, the thing that Iroha’s absence brought about was]

Although it was said that we needn't bother ourselves with the small things, this was quite unsettling.

The truth is, in the few days after that heated consultation as well as Isshiki's proposal, there was an unsettling air within the club room.

Coming to the club room after school, reading books, drinking black tea and the occasional tea-snack, and then suddenly glancing at the door. These few days passed just like that. Today was no different.

This uneasy feeling was akin to how one felt when they were running an errand for the first time. Even up till now, there were tons of jobs being thoughtlessly pushed upon me. I felt anxious for Isshiki as to whether she could do her job properly without anyone's help.

Hmm, indeed. It must be that. It must be because of that something called paternal love.

If it wasn't that, I would begin to question myself if I was actually a workaholic and get myself into an identity crisis.

Since always, whenever we accepted a request or a consultation, I would immediately plunge myself into the job. However, this time was slightly different.

If I had to put it in words, it was like accepting a job that had vague descriptions, but one where you distinctly knew the deadline or the due date for it. A feeling whereby living was akin to dying.

Moreover, the person who was entrusted that task was Isshiki Iroha, who would be spurred on by that sense of unease.

[What am I going to do now!?] I had this sort of feeling that was typical of a protagonist from a Magical Girl series as I thought about it and sighed deeply. Then, I could hear someone sighing across the table as well.

Looking up, I saw that Yukinoshita had looked up from her book, and was now looking at the door.

It seems like, she had the same feelings of fear as me. Ah, don't tell me she has fallen in love with Isshiki? Iroyuki, that would work!

Thinking of this, I suddenly heard the sound of laughter coming from Yuigahama.

"Since just now, you two have been staring at the door for quite some time."

She said it with a wry smile.

"If it's about Iroha-chan, I don't think you two have to worry too much."

"I am not worrying about Isshiki."

"No one was talking about Isshiki-san."

Both of us replied her at about the same time.

All of a sudden, Yukinoshita turned her face away.

The truth is that I, and I fear, Yukinoshita as well, was embarrassed that Yuigahama had seen through us and could tell that we both cared very much about Isshiki, and as such, could not help but spout those hateful words.

And then, as though seeing right through those hateful words as well, Yuigahama had a teasing grin on her face.

"Really?"

"Really."

Yukinoshita, whose expression was being spied upon by Yuigahama, suddenly twisted her whole body to the side this time. Her cheeks and the tips of her ears that poked through her hair were a visible tinge of red. Seeing this, Yuigahama sighed lightly in happiness.

If she was satisfied by this then that would be great. However she was now glancing in my direction, and with a 'Mmmmm', tilted her head, a complicated expression on her face.

"Hm? ......But, Hikki, is very kind towards Iroha-chan."

"Indeed. Pampering her too much in fact. Even I think it's a bit too much as well."

After listening to Yuigahama, Yukinoshita stared daggers at me. Hey, wait a moment, don't just change your target to me all of a sudden?

"It's nothing like that......"

Hearing my answer, both Yuigahama and Yukinoshita stared at me suspiciously. Why aren't you two saying anything......

No seriously, it's nothing like that at all! I didn't know why I felt like I was finding some sort of excuse. I cleared my throat and began to explain once more.

"In the case of Isshiki, I am just worried when she would just throw everything to me, that's all. It would be a huge bother if that sort of helpless situation comes about. Hence, I thought it would be more effective if I were to help out from the start."

As I spoke, even I felt that the words that came out of my mouth on the spur of the moment had hit on the heart of the matter. No, because those words were spoken on the spur of the moment, they were definitely the truth.

That was my bad habit.

Unable to entrust anyone with anything, that was tantamount to not having any sort of trust in them.

Towards this sort of person, how was it possible to understand and rely on them. Needless to say, it was all the more impossible to see the truth behind such a scary existence that thrived on reliance.

Seriously, who would be worried about that sort of person. There was a limit to how absurd something could be.

I thought back to those words exchanged in that cafe where the cold wind blew about us. Was there really anyone who could answer that question?

Thinking about it, my mouth stopped moving, and an inevitable silence resulted from that. Noticing that, I quickly added on something to make up for that lapse.

"Hence, instead of saying that I am worried about Isshiki, it would be more appropriate to say that I am worried about my future. I feel all uneasy when I think about how I am going to be stuck doing work."

"What you just said made me worry even more for your future......"

Yukinoshita pressed her temples and let out a deep sigh.

"Well, that answer was very much like what Hikki would say."

Yuigahama replied with a bitter smile, an uncomfortable and troubled look on her face.

Well, actually, Yukinoshita and I weren't actually that kind towards Isshiki.

Because you trust someone, you would entrust it to them. Using this as a gauge, the one that was kind to Isshiki was probably only Yuigahama.

Assessing Isshiki properly, there wasn't a need for us to be worrying about her or lending a helping hand unnecessarily.

This point alone was more than enough to distinguish us from Yuigahama.

Come to think about it, what about Yukinoshita...... She had already revealed that she was super weak against pestering kouhais who engaged in skinship to Isshiki...... Thinking of this, I couldn't help but point this out. I glowered at her accusingly.

"If you were talking about pampering her, then you are quite close to doing that as well."

"Me? I think I treated her fairly strictly."

Yukinoshita cocked her head and looked at us blankly. Yuigahama who was watching on from the side seemed to have guessed at what I wanted to say, crossed her arms and began to groan.

"Uunn...... That is exactly what gives people the feeling that you are actually kind. After all, Yukinon enjoys taking care of people."

As expected of Gahama, this was totally like Gahama-San. She was as understanding as always.

"That's right. Yuigahama often gets taken care of as well."

"EH?! Noth, nothing like that at all! I have never given her that sort of trouble, probably! Nothing like that!"

Yuigahama had leapt to her feet, and seemed ready to argue vehemently about what I had just said, her face a look of strong objection. However, this was interrupted by Yukinoshita's smile.

"Ara, have you no self-awareness?"

"I am not lacking in self-awareness......"

Seeing her sweet smile, Yuigahama's face was flushed a deep red and she faltered mid-sentence, then sat back down dejectedly. Thereupon, she corrected her sitting posture, and even her hands were placed gracefully on her knees.

Un, self-awareness. It's very important.

However, the way in which Yukinoshita looked after Yuigahama and Isshiki were slightly different.

In Yuigahama's case, it could be said that she was at the mercy of Yuigahama, or perhaps pampering her unconditionally. Towards Isshiki, i had the impression that she was simply more inclined to take the initiative and help her. There was a sense of distance between them, or it could be said that she had realized her position as a Senpai and used that as a basis for all her words to Isshiki.

If we were to say that the closeness between Yukinoshita and Yuigahama was akin to that of a kitten and puppy, then the closeness between Yukinoshita and Isshiki was that of a mother cat and her kitten. No, rather than say that Isshiki was like a kitten, I felt that her real nature was that of a stoat with its own ferocity and indomitability.

......Well, I think that Yukinoshita often gets taken care of as well, so both are to blame.

Ah anyway, it's a good thing for beautiful girls to have a good relationship between them, un.

Put it another way, beautiful girls quarreling with each other were seriously scary......

There were those like Miura or Kawasaki, whose intensity were strong enough to make people cower in fear and wet themselves. I would say that they were turning into the people of the planet Chiburu. [1] Like hell they would.

Anyway, the relationship between the Service Club and Isshiki could be said to be pretty decent.

As I was thinking of this, Yuigahama seemed to have understood something and nodded her head.

"Well, but maybe Iroha-chan does like being taken care of. That part of her is really cute......"

She sprawled herself on the table lazily all of a sudden and murmured that at the end.

Well, Yuigahama was surprisingly reliable at times, and I don't recall her voluntarily relying on others as well.

Looking at her, she seemed just like Isshiki, but those two were actually polar opposites.

Hence, she may actually be envious of Isshiki.

However, one Isshiki was more than enough.

If there existed two of such a person, it would be a big problem. If Yuigahama was going to become like Isshiki, that was a little-, there was some good to that but this was already fine, or maybe this was better...... Un...... I have a feeling that this was going to turn into some long and nonsensical bullshit if I continue on. And so, I coughed and cleared my throat and swallowed the rest of what I wanted to say.

Towards that extremely unnatural cough, Yuigahama remained sprawled on the table and slowly turned her head backwards.

Her hair flowed towards the back from that bun of hair, and her fringe fell gently forward. Her eyes peeked out from within the tiny gaps in the hair. Her mouth opened a little, and her lips trembled slightly, a charming sight.

Looking up from below, her gaze met mine and whatever I had prepared to say disappeared immediately.

"Erm, to call that bit of Isshiki cute is a little..., it's not as though that alone is enough to be labelled cute......"

As I said it, I became so embarrassed that I started scratching my head, and lowered my head to look at a page of my book that I had yet to read.

What I spoke was completely incoherent, it's meaning completely unclear. If I had known that this would happen, I should've just shut my mouth......

At least, those were my thoughts. I heard a small chuckle. Looking at the source, I saw that Yuigahama had sat up and was smiling at me.

"......Un, so it's like that."

Thanks to her reply, I was able to calm myself down a little. And so, I continue to speak in a normal manner.

"Also, there are kind Onee-sans here who are willing to help her out with this and that, so she's pretty pleased with that. Recently, she even comes here earlier than me."

With that said, Yukinoshita placed her hand at the edge of her mouth and looked sullen.

"I am not sure if she's pleased with that. ...... Though I hope that she would give us a notice if she's coming here. My supply of black tea is dropping pretty quickly and I do have to prepare more tea snacks as well. Furthermore, the time where I get to read my books in peace and quiet is decreasing as well."

With an exaggerated "Haaaa", she sighed. Although it was clear that she was complaining, the corners of her mouth slackened gently, as though she was pretty happy.

To give an example, it would be like how a foul tempered grandma would be mesmerized by her grandson...... 'Buying a bed for the cat to sleep but yet it chooses to sleep in the cardboard box, that kid, seriously.", that sort of tone.

When Yukinoshita and Isshiki were alone together, that sort of scene, one can imagine how it would be.

Pretending to not care about Isshiki, but then going out of the way to pour some tea for her, then going around to help her with this and that. So, when Isshiki was grinning broadly and had said she wanted to celebrate, it meant that from the depths of her heart, she had already relaxed her guard around Yukinoshita. Whoa, this sure escalated quickly. Iroyuki, that would work.

Yuigahama stared at her blankly, watching Yukinoshita spout stuff about Isshiki in between breaths.

Then, she uttered a few words.

"Maybe I should come here a little earlier as well......"

From the way she spoke, I thought I detected a sense of envy in it. Hearing her, Yukinoshita raised her eyebrows and looked at her accusingly.

"...... This is more or less a proper club activity. Coming here a little earlier should be natural, no?"

"Ah, un, but I would somehow  start chatting with Yumiko and end up coming late."

Yuigahama chuckled sheepishly to smooth things over and at the same time, played with her bun of hair. However, Yukinoshita did not seem to find it funny at all.

"......I see."

With that short answer. Her gaze fell silently and slowly back to the book in my hands.

By the looks of it, she seemed to be sulking. Well, what she said could be interpreted as prioritizing Miura over her. She sure does get jealous. Today's club room was as peaceful as always.

Well, if even I could see that (she was jealous), it was not possible that Yuigahama could not figure this out. Yuigahama corrected her posture and shifted her chair a little.

"However, if you really want it, I could just come much earlier. The three of us just relaxing here, I kind of like it...... No, I mean, I really love it."

Because she was closer than just now, her words seemed to have a easier time reaching Yukinoshita. Sighing lightly, Yukinoshita glanced at Yuigahama's expression. Well, there's really nothing to be gained from looking at her expression.

Both of their expressions were not that much different from one another.

Their expression, with that little bit of embarrassment, their downward gaze as well as their cheeks which were gradually dyed red, were a complete match.

"...... Black tea, let me brew another kettle."

"Ah, really? Then, let me take out some new snacks!"

Saying that, Yuigahama began rummaging about in her bag.

Un, well, those snacks were pretty much eaten by you only...... What you really like, are snacks...... I somehow couldn't bring myself to say those sort of detestable words.

In place of those, I sighed in between my smiles.

"Hikigaya-kun."

"Ah ah, sorry to trouble you."

Hearing my name being called, I extended my hand towards her, teacup in hand.

The warm air rising from it, as well as the fragrance of the black tea, and then with the addition of the sweet fragrance of the cookies.

"Here, Hikki."

"Oh oh, thank you."

The plate of snacks was pushed in front of me. I took one from it and placed it in my mouth. Then, I took small sips from the warm black tea, exclaimed how hot it was, and at last, exhaled a long hot breath.

Each of us drank our tea in our own way. When our breaths overlapped with one another, our eyes crossed one another.

Yet, however.

Especially during this sort of moment, there would be a visitor.

Just as I had anticipated, there was a series of light knocks on the door. Following Yukinoshita's reply of "please come in", that visitor opened the door slowly.

"Sorry for making you all wait!"

Saying that, Isshiki Iroha has arrived at the club room at long last.

X                               X                            X

As Yukinoshita was preparing a new cup of black tea, Isshiki handed a few print outs to us.

"These are some of the many things that we have decided on. I will be doing the explanations on all of these."

"Okay. Please."

As Yukinoshita answered her, she poured some black tea into a paper cup. Then, she added two sticks of sugar. Thereupon, Isshiki gave her thanks and took it from her calmly.

......Oh, Yukinoshita's concern for her was amazing, but Isshiki was just as amazing for being trained to this standard.

"Anyway, about the schedule and the place......"

Ignoring my surprise, Isshiki began her explanations. At the same time that she spoke, I began to read the print out that I was given.

All of a sudden, my eyes stopped at the date of the event.

"It isn't held on Valentine's Day?"

She had wanted to give chocolates to Hayama Hayato through any means, and so I had willfully decided that she would definitely hold the event on that day.

However, contrary to my expectations, it was held several days before that. It seemed as though Yukinoshita had realized this as well, and she removed her gaze from the print out and looked in my direction.

"Is it because there is an entrance exam on that day, so you couldn't get a teacher to supervise the event?"

"Ah, yes. Also, on that day, it's a school holiday."

Isshiki nodded her head in reply to Yuigahama who had muttered a "Oh" after she was convinced by the answer.

"Well, that would be one of the reasons. There are also those who have plans on that day, and so with consideration of the participation rate, I thought it would be more considerate towards everyone if we held it before the day itself."

"I see."

What a perfectly believable reason.

If there was going to be an entrance exam on Valentine's Day, I would definitely be praying for Komachi's success in the exams the whole day. Not only that, I would even be doing scapulimancy, drawing fortunes, and even subjecting myself to a trial by the gods. [2] Actually no, I definitely won't be subjecting myself to the latter.

Because my entire head was preoccupied with Komachi, I already felt that the event wasn't even important anymore.

If the entrance exam fell on Valentine's Day, it meant that Komachi definitely wouldn't prepare any chocolates...... I mean, if I saw her making those love-filled chocolates throughout the night just before her exams, I would be so mad that I would hit her. After hitting her, I would go and gently hug her......

Ah ah, Komachi chocolate, abbreviated Komachoco, is getting further and further from me......

As I lamented this fact, Isshiki continued her explanation solemnly.

"Yukinoshita Senpai, can you reach the place around 1700? Senpai and Yui-Senpai can come a little later."

"I don't mind."

"We will go together with Yukinon. Right, Hikki?"

Yuigahama's voice came to me from a distant place.

"Ah, I don't really care anymore."

If I couldn't get Komachi's chocolate, then nothing else matters anymore...... With a rustling, my mood turned into dust and ash and vanished. Just like ARMS whose nucleus was smashed into pieces. [3]

Well, to me, Komachi was like my nucleus, there's no helping it.

Resting my back against the chair, I was burnt to a pure white color, and felt a cold glare coming from Isshiki，who was seated diagonally opposite me.

"You seem like you have been neglected which makes me really curious."

When Isshiki was done saying that, Yuigahama burst out laughing as though saying "It's nothing."

"Well, whenever Hikki has that look, the reason is downright obvious so there's nothing to worry about."

"Indeed, I can more or less guess the reason. There's no need to worry so let's just let him be."

"Oh, is that so......?"

Towards Yukinoshita's look of disgust, Isshiki replied her nonchalantly.

Isshiki continued her explanations.

"The materials and utensils will be gathered by the student council so there's no issue on that front. Aprons and stuff like that are quite troublesome so I think that people will have to prepare those themselves."

With her hand supporting her jaw, Yukinoshita who had been listening attentively all this while looked up all of a sudden.

"That sounds about alright. Could you let me take a look at the utensils list later? I want to confirm the details to ensure that nothing has been left out."

"Most certainly!"

Isshiki's reply was a little strange, I wasn't sure whether she had really understood what Yukinoshita had meant. Then she began to write some notes down on her own print out. When that was done, she spun the pen round and round as though it was some magic wand, and glanced at Yuigahama.

"That's about it for the communication portion. Ehh, could you please help me to contact Miura-Senpai and Ebina-Senpai as well? I actually have no idea how to contact them."

"Okay, I understand."

Yuigahama answered coolly, but I was momentarily stunned.

Oh, oh...... I think I just caught a whiff of how complicated a female's society could get, could you girls not...... Chatting away so happily with one another when meeting one another, yet not even having each other's contact, it was a little scary......

I mean, the scary part about girls lies in the fact that despite their relationship not being good, and maybe even if they weren't friends at all, you would totally be unable to discern this from the way they converse......

......No, it was quite obvious that Isshiki and Miura were not really on good terms on each other just by observation only. At best, their relationship could only be considered normal. As expected of Ashi-San, I really hate how crooked you are! [4]

"And, and also...... That Kawa......, Kawa......, that somewhat scary Senpai, could someone please contact her?"

"Un, I will contact Saki."

Yuigahama replied coolly, but I was momentarily stunned.

Oh, oh....... Likewise, Isshiki too can't remember her name...... As expected of Kawasomething-San. However, please don't ever mention this in front of her, Irohasu! Don't hit my face! Don’t hit my body either! [5]

"That settles the problems with the contacts." Isshiki said it as she checked her print out once more. Then with a sudden, "Ah, that's right", she began to add on to her previous statement.

"If any of you want to invite someone else, please notify us beforehand. We have to do some readjustment according to the number!"

"Ah, so we can invite others as well."

"Yes. Hmm, it seems that Tobe-Senpai is coming even though I didn't invite him."

Somehow, it seems that Isshiki was saying that with a exceptional amount of scorn. You, are really cruel towards Tobe. You can definitely get along well with me.

"Ah, did you hear that from Yumiko or Hayato......"

Yuigahama gave a troubled laugh. However, Tobe was going to come to the event. Well, if Tobe was going to come to an all-girls event, Hayama could feel more at ease, and make it easier for him to come as well. He was an unexpectedly considerate person, he probably rushed to join the event after hearing about it from someone else. Tobe, he was a good guy even though he was annoying......

As I thought this, a few words appeared suddenly in my mind.

Tobe, man, woman, Hayama, ...... I can call others as well?

That is to say, diligently putting together all the pieces so far, soon, an image began to form.

In short.

That would mean.

...... ...... I could invite Totsuka?

"Alright, leave it to me!"

The instant I had my answer, I shouted out. To this, Isshiki shoulders jumped in shock and then, looked at me timidly and drew away from me as she looked in my direction.

"Why the sudden gusto......"

When Isshiki said that, Yuigahama burst out laughing as though saying "It's nothing."

"Well, whenever Hikki has that look, the reason is downright obvious so there's nothing to worry about."

"Indeed, I can more or less guess the reason. There's no need to worry so let's just let him be."

"Oh, that so......?"

Towards Yukinoshita's look of disgust, Isshiki replied her nonchalantly.
Ah, it's great that you two are able to understand so quickly. I mean, they had both already given up on me......

"Yukinoshita-Senpai, I wish to consult you about the menu. I feel that we should prepare a few choices in advance, otherwise there's no way we can preorder it~"

Isshiki had already completely ignored me, and as she spoke, she started to take out multiple of what seemed like confection-making textbooks from her bag and tossed them onto the table. Yukinoshita nodded her head in approval at this and took one out from the stack and began to read it page by page.

"There are so many to choose from, which would be the best...... Chocolate gateau or Sachertorte, or maybe chocolate truffle...... Cookies are a possible option as well. All the same, we can't only have chocolate on the menu. There will be beginners there as well, so we have to take into consideration the difficulty level too......"

As Yukinoshita pondered over this in frustration, she turned another page of the book. Indeed, even though it was chocolate-flavored snacks, there were still many types of it.

Regarding this, I wasn't too sure about the details, so I shan't comment much on it. Just how unsure was I? I was one of those who would pretend to know what a Sachertorte is by calling it a Sacherotote. [6]

However, there will always be those fearless people who choose to speak without having any knowledge of the matter. Yuigahama was such a person.

Right now, Yuigahama had her hands raised high in the air, and as though unable to wait for her name to be called, leaned her body forward and began to speak.

"Yup, everyone! Something like chocolate fondue! Seems as fun as a chocopa!”

“Cho, copa……? Eh, what?”

Probably because this was her first time hearing such a word, Yukinoshita tilted her head in bewilderment. Well, according to my deductions from everything that Yuigahama has ever said till now, chocopa could either be an abbreviation for a chocolate party or a party for making chocolate fondue. I was close to reaching the 2nd level of the Gahama language. I could probably score a high mark in the YUEIC. [7]

Yukinoshita was still confused at this point, but Isshiki nodded her head with a “Ohh” in admiration.

“Well, I guess everyone can have fun playing together~. This sort of event is possible.”

Is possible…… But, that. Takopa or hotpotpa or currypa, those people that could turn all sorts of things into a party, are really party people, who on a daily basis, go juicy party yeah! [8]

“But, because it’s an event held in the cooking room so…….”

Although it was a little difficult to bring herself to say it, she still managed to make a cross with her fingers. Yuigahama saw it and hung her head dejectedly.

Then, Yukinoshita who have been watching those two nodded her head.

“If that’s the case, then I think it’s still better to teach some common food items…… Something that’s quite pretty and also simple……”

Yukinoshita who had been speedily browsing through the textbook suddenly stopped her gaze at a particular portion. It looked to be an advertisement page, and some new products were being advertised on it.

“They are selling a complete kit here…… And there’s no need to measure out anything as well, seems pretty simple to use too.”

“Ah, if that’s the case, then I think I can do that.”

The instant Yuigahama said that, words just wouldn’t come out of me. No, you, what, are you saying……

“…………”

“Don’t just keep quiet!”

My silence and Yuigahama’s cries of anguish overlapped with one another. As soon as that voice died down, an extremely kind voice gently sounded out. Yukinoshita patted Yuigahama’s shoulders gently and kindly.

“Yuigahama-san, I think that it would be better for you to put your efforts in the wrapping, don’t you think so?”

“Don’t worry about me!”

Then, came the sound of Yuigahama’s cries of ‘Uwaaa’. No, the wrapping was very important, you know? For example, using a blue string as a decoration and wrapping it around your chest was bound to make you the subject of everyone’s conversation, guaranteed to make you popular! [9]

As I thought so, Isshiki sighed lightly.

“Haa, but the taste won’t change regardless of the packaging. If you were to look at it from a distance, you can’t really tell the difference anyway…… Anyway, because it’s for an event, so there’s no need for any sort of packaging.”

“Well, the price of providing the materials for the packaging is expensive anyway.”

“Yes. Well, there’s still a need to more or less recover the cost price through the entry fee, so the cheaper, the better.

“……Eh, we are collecting entry fees?”

The tone of my voice distinctly carried some emotion in it. Then, I craned my neck forward. Seeing my expression, Isshiki let out a cry of ‘Uwa’ and drew away from me.

“Senpai, your face is really detestable right now…… It’s just a few hundred yen. …… Anyway, for you senpais, it will be free, since you all have been a great help.”

“That’s great……’

“Yes, if there’s the collection of entry fees, then the budget could probably allow for more things…… First, can you tell me the budget? Using this as a basis, we can come up with a few lists of ingredients that will serve as a future reference and estimate.”

“Okay, please.”

Then, she took out another piece of paper from her clear folder. It appeared to be a trial balance sheet for this event. After looking through it, Yukinoshita began to examine the few candidates for the menu once more.

However, the details of the request given to us were kind of difficult to fulfill.

We were in for a rough time trying to complete it, but that couldn’t be helped at all.

The thing most suited for obligatory chocolates. Something that one could give to a romantic interest without feeling shy or embarrassed. Something that once learnt, would be convenient in the future as well as something that would interest a child who was making it.

Then, an even more difficult criteria to fulfill was, that something that Yukinoshita had been muttering away incoherently since just now.

“Something that even Yuigahama-san can make…… Something that even Yuigahama-san can make……”

“That’s too much, Yukinon!”

Yuigahama, who had begun wailing, had begun to move closer to Yukinoshita. Then, despite being bothered by how Yuigahama was now hugging her, continued to flip the pages of the cooking book.

After a while, she seemed to have gotten an idea of the potential candidates, and began to note down the ingredients needed as well as the amount. All this while, Yuigahama remained hugging her, and took a peek from under her arms.

Then, Yuigahama laughed happily.

Yukinoshita, who seemed to think that Yuigahama was laughing at her, looked at her with displeasure.

“……What’s the problem?”

“Ah, nothing at all…… I just thought that, this is so nostalgic.”

Yuigahama had at first tried to wave her hands hurriedly to try and smooth things over, but as she lowered her hands gently, she had said those words in a mellow tone. Her eyes seemed to sparkle as she looked at Yukinoshita.

As to what she felt nostalgic about, I knew the answer. Maybe Yukinoshita too.

“……Indeed.”

Yukinoshita answered simply. However, her gaze in response, continued to capture Yuigahama in her pupils long after she was done talking.

After a while, Yuigahama chuckled sheepishly, and deliberately shifted her chair to get closer to Yukinoshita. In the end, the two ended up sitting next to each other, directly opposite me.

“……Isn’t it?”

Then, as though she was confirming something, she spoke that in a soft voice. Looking at her tilt her head, looking my way with a faraway look in her eyes; I couldn’t help but break into a smile at that cherubic expression of hers.

“I guess so.”

I replied just as simply, and shifted my gaze away.

One year has clearly not passed, yet, why did that feel like it had happened such a long time ago, that it could evoke such nostalgic feelings. In that room where everything has yet to begin, in that instant in time where everything started to move.

“Iroha-chan, thank you.”

“Eh, ah, yes, erm no, …… you’re, you’re welcome?”
Having been suddenly thanked by Yuigahama, Isshiki seemed to be at a loss, and tilted her head to one side. Was it because this action was so comical that Yuigahama started to giggle? Then, after stopping her giggling fit, she sighed contentedly.

“Although this year is about to come to a close, I am glad that there’s such a fun event near the end.”

“Although this year hasn’t started for long.”

“To be more precise, this school year.”

Yukinoshita and I spoke unanimously, to which Yuigahama puffed out her cheeks.

Even Iroha too was taken aback by us and muttered “Uwa, the two of them are so nitpicky.”

But thinking that this exchange of words between us signaled the end of the conversation, she gazed at us and sighed a long breath, said, “Let’s call it a day,” and stood up.

“Thank you for the tea. Then, sorry for the trouble.”

“Ah, un. Thank you in advance for the help you will render on the actual day itself.”

“Then, see you again. I will do my best to come up with an estimation.”

Hearing both Yuigahama and Yukinoshita’s parting words, Isshiki bowed and left the room.

Just like that, the three of us were left behind. The feeling of nostalgia that struck us now was even more real than what we had felt previously.

However, this nostalgia that we felt, it was probably because a lot of things have changed since then. It was also probably because somewhere, sometime, our identity has been lost. Perhaps, it was because we knew that it was no longer possible to obtain the same thing once more.

That’s why, it was nostalgic.

If it did indeed begin to change, then, surely, there will be a day where everything came to an end.

Yuigahama, who was smiling so purely, as well as Yukinoshita who was looking at her. The two of them were engaging in empty conversations.

Although it was just this sight, yet strangely enough, I felt so contented.

X                                                                                  X                                                                                             X

A bath in winter always tended to be long.

I unintentionally became totally immersed in the bathing atmosphere, and sighed deeply. Was that because of the gloomy feeling I felt as I cycled home on the long path?

I climbed out of the bath just as I felt I was about to faint from having immersed myself in it for so long, and quickly tunneled myself into the kotatsu so as to not catch a cold and lay down.

The things that I didn’t think about just now once more floated in front of my eyes, and my feet felt light.

Because of that, I rolled about, and then felt myself kick against a soft fur ball thing.

And so, our beloved cat Komakura wiggled itself out from underneath the kotatsu. With a look of disgust, it glared at me once and begin to prim its fur.

After a while, it pricked up its ears as though detecting something, and turned its face towards the door.

At about the same instant, came the sound of the door opening.

“I am back~”

“Oh, welcome back.”

Komachi placed her bag down and prepared to take off her coat, when Komakura came over and rubbed itself against her feet, indicating that it wanted to be hugged.

“Ah, I can’t. Your fur will cling to my school uniform.”

Komachi sidestepped Komakura smoothly and I picked up Komakura to hug it as her substitute. Look at you, I am here to take care of you so don’t go and disturb Komachi who is most likely tired after a long day.

Then, as though detecting my intentions, Komakura begun to kick up a fuss in my arms. Seriously, this cat really can’t be considerate for others.

I mean, Komakura-san, do you really hate hugged by me so much, why are you trying to push my face away with your paws……

I looked at Komachi as Komakura continued to press its paws on my face, and I saw that Komachi was now balancing herself on one feet, trying to remove her high socks.

Although the heater is switched on, your feet is going to be cold. Girls really shouldn’t let their bodies be cold. Looking at her with a mother-like gaze, she seemed to have noticed me looking at her, cocked her head, and looked at me questioningly.

“Ah, Komachi, come and have your bath, the water is ready.”

“That so. Ah, but, I have just refilled it and heated it, so the water is boiling now.”

“Un, that’s why Komachi, go have your bath.”

“No, that’s why I said that the water is boiling now.

“Un, that’s why-“

Komachi kept repeating the same thing over and over again.

……Wait? What? Looking at her accusingly, Komachi waved her hands back and forth.

“No no no, I am definitely not going to enter a bath that Oni-chan has just used. Just think, there’s Oni-chan’s body fluids in there. No way no way.”

“Don’t treat me as though I am a pig bone?”

Would Wakame-chan say the same thing to Katsuo-kun one day as well…… I think that the bath water left behind by the Isono family would be very tasty. [10]

I mean, why did this girl keep replacing the water that I had bathed in. Wasn’t this treatment a little bit overboard? I mean, I always enjoyed Komachi’s fluids every time after she has had her bath…… Of course, it's natural if you find that disgusting though.

However, as compared to how she had been nicknamed the smart and cute Komachica when she was young, the Komachi-chan of today was so different, probably because she has hit puberty……[11]

My tears flowed on its own accord as I was touched by my sister’s growth. The corners of Komachi’s eyes had something shiny there too as well. ‘No way, did Komachi feel the same too?’ I thought as such, and then, I heard a yawning noise.

“Then, Komachi is off to take her bath.”

“Ah ah, go slowly and don’t fall asleep in the bath.”

“Okay~”

Her reply too was interspersed with the sound of yawning. Seemed like she was really tired.

Well, there were only a few days left to her entrance exam.

The things that I could help her out was to not bath before Komachi, as well as to offer my prayers. Also, I could help her warm her blanket and shoes. Uh-oh, I am going to hated again.  If this was in the Sengoku period, I would’ve had led a successful life.

Seems like this wasn’t the time to talk about Valentine ’s Day……

I think it would be better if I didn’t tell Komachi about the event. There wasn’t a need to trouble her or cause her regret. After all, she was already up to her neck in work preparing for the entrance exams. When the exams were all over, I was going to reward her magnificently.

That’s why, I will try my best to not give any problems to Komachi. I won’t bother her or let her be worried!

Komachi is doing her best by herself, so I won’t get in her way.

Using your own strength and your own will was one of the steps of growing up. Learning to crawl by yourself, walking by yourself, then understanding for the first time what it means to walk together with another person.

Gradually going further and further away from this brother, Komachi will gradually become an adult. So lonely, so lonely…… As I thought these thoughts, I felt all the more lonely, and I began to have mixed feelings.

As I was overly lonely, I suddenly plunged my head into Komakura’s fur, who was sitting on my arm.

Aha…… When can I get Komachi’s chocolate…… I really want to be able to keep getting chocolate from Komachi throughout my entire life.

Whether it was friendship chocolates or homo-chocolates, it doesn’t really matter anymore. All I want was Komachoco.

…… Make me a Komachoco, please?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

[1] http://ultra.wikia.com/wiki/Alien_Chibu Because Chibu and Chibi sounds almost identical.
[2] An ancient practice by the Japanese, whereby (usually) you plunge your hand into boiling water, and if you are innocent, you escape unscathed.
[3] Should be a reference to God Eaters Burst
[4] Ashi-san refers to Miura. Nickname given to her by fans because of how of the unique way she addresses herself in the first person as “A-shi” You can go watch the anime again to hear it.
[5] Refers to Junko Mihara’s famous line in 1979, 3年B組金八先生 as山田麗子(Reiko Yamada)
[6]From EP2 of Ore Monogatari!
[7] The YU comes from Yui’s name. YUEIC is a parody of TOEIC, a basic English language proficiency test.
[8]Unique greeting for voice actress Chiaki Takahashi.
[9] Danmachi: Hestia
[10] Reference to an ancient comic strip Sazae-san. Wakame and Katsuo are siblings.
[11]Chica is Spanish for female.