Oregairu Vol 13 Chapter 2

  Chapter 2: Insistingly, Isshiki Iroha Has  Something to Confirm


The windows aside were dyed with the colors of the sunset.

A dark blue presence slowly stretched itself from the other side of the sky, the flickering
road lamps illuminates the path for the leaving students.

Even though the length of daylight has slightly extended, night still seems to have fallen
rather early. The total silence from the soccer field where most sports club operate on
tells me that the school gates will soon close.

The  time  spent  in  the  staff  room  wasn't  too  long,  but  enough  to  change  the  scenery
within the campus. As if we have lost our sense of time within that small isolated space.

Within that tiny gap of time where I looked away from the windows, things continued to
change.

Even by now, as I walk on this short path that leads me from staff room to the student
council room, new circumstances might have arose without me realizing it.

Being  aware  of  the  changes  that  could  happen  in  any  minute,  I  made  haste  on  my
footsteps.

This  passageway  with  no  presence  of  anyone  other  than  myself,  is  filled  up  by  the
sunset's afterglow.

In comparison to the special block or new school building that has better lighting, the
transparent windows being the only light source here gives off a more chilling sensation,
while during winter things would look much more colder in this corridor.

The sounds of footsteps echoed within the chilly air.

Not the lively flapping kind of footsteps, nor the bold heavy kind of footsteps, but mushy
sounds of footsteps that gave off a sense of wetness.

As I'm in a hurry, I walked in an awkward way, where I can feel one my shoes stepping
on the heel of the other at times.
But I can't stop just yet.

Not stopping is already a big improvement by itself.

My body felt lighter after the talk with Hiratsuka sensei.

I now have a clear image of the things that I want to do, the things that I wish to own.

Ignore anything unnecessary, throw away the questions accumulated in my mind, stop
thinking about those concerns that loomed in my heart.

Leave everything else behind, keeping only the mission, and work on it like a robot.

As long as this can be solved, its fine to shove everything else aside, what I must do now,
is to seek for every single option that I could make use of.

As I kept walking, I have reached the very end of the afterglow in the passageway.

The seemingly continuous flow of windows were replaced by the walls that links to the
student council room.

The door to the student council room was closed shut, and no voices were heard from
the inside, making my own breathing the only sound audible to me. I took some time to
regulate my breath in order to calm myself down.

It has been a few days since I've ever met Yukinoshita and Iroha, the last time we met, is
the  day  when  Yukinoshita's  mother  came  over  to  the  school  to  request  for  the
cancellation of the prom. Our last conversation being a refusal that hardly counts as a
proper talk.

Which is why staying calm and composed is crucial to what happens next. If any one of
us have our feelings take over ourselves, it will be impossible for us to reach a common
ground.

Alright, this shouldn't be that big of a problem, after all my emotions have died off to the
point that it has reached a negative value! But wait, isn't that worse?

Can  I  do  it?  Can  I  do  it?  (Heartbeat  rises)...Ah  yes,  ah  yes,  I  can  do  it  I  can  do  it,
gambatei~gambatei <3

This  extremely  out  of  character  encouragement  I  made  to  myself  had  a  surprisingly
uplifting effect on my mood, thus I took advantage this change, and knocked on the door.

"Coming~"

Iroha's voice and sounds of approaching footsteps could be heard.
The door soon opened up, as I looked into the door seam, her flaxen brown colored hair
could  be  seen  swaying  around,  along  her  long  woolen  sweater  that  shone  under  the
sunset.

Isshiki Iroha's head then popped out from the half opened door, and soon as she saw me,
her  expression  turned  from  her  originally  cute  curious  face  into  a...face  that  spells  of
yabai desu.

"...Ah."

Iroha took a soft sigh, took a glance behind her, and walked out of the student council
room cautiously, and closed the door immediately as she stepped out. Looking at me we
an awkward expression:

"So you came after all...ahaha."

"Yeah, is Yukinoshita in there?"

Iroha looked back at the student council room as she heard my question, implying that
Yukinoshita is indeed in the room, I then exhaled out gases of relief and nervousness.

I  grabbed  onto  my  pockets  to  wipe  off  the  sweat  on  my  palm,  then  moved  forward,
reaching out my arm towards the doorknob.

As I was about to reach it, Iroha moved left to block my arm. What's this? A crab game?
Guess the Obamasgone meme even got to the masses huh. I then sent out my left hand,
which  Iroha  reacted  swiftly,  blocking  all  possible  paths  I  could  reach  out  to  the
doorknob. What's with this one on one defense situation, our national team really need
someone of your caliber on their defensive line...

"Uhm......you're blocking the way...can you uh, move aside please?"

Iroha answered by completely sticking her back onto the doorknob, crossed her arms,
stared at me and said:

"Before that, may I know for what exact reason are you here? Unrelated personnel are
prohibited in this room, you know."

Iroha  wagged  her  finger  while  saying  this  with  a  stern  face,  huh,  a  never  seen  before
expression from her. Thanks to the special treatment from both ex and present student
council president , I've always entered this room without asking permission, but it is a
rule  that  unrelated  personnel  are  prohibited  from  the  student  council  room.  And  now
that this rule has been brought up against me, I can't do anything about it either.

Sigh, for a girl of Iroha's personality this is just so annoying, but then again...the way she
put one hand on her waist, while waggling her finger on the other looks so cute, not to
mention that she's pouting too.

But  in  contrast  to  her  cute  expression,  from  how  she  refused  to  move  away  from  the
door, I can sense a strong will that won't yield unless I convince her properly, so I'll have
to be honest with Iroha or she won't budge.

"...I'm here to help."

"You can't <3 "

"Eh......"

Iroha then moved closer to me and lay out her arms horizontally, as if she is blocking me
while asserting her dominance.

But she seemed to realize that I have no intention to leave either, probably knowing this
situation will probably last very long without any of us giving up, Iroha then asked:

"So...you already knew about the current situation of the prom?"

"Yes."

As she heard my answer, Iroha then knocked on her head with a troubled face. After a
few moments of silence, she looked back at the room again. She then took a few steps
away from the room, while signaling me to follow her. It seems that she doesn't want our
conversation to be overheard by Yukinoshita, at least that seems to be her intention.

Or I can just ignore her and go straight into the room instead.

As  I  sneaked  bit  by  bit  towards  the  door,  Iroha  who  already  expected  me  to  do  so,
grabbed onto my cuffs, and dragged me far far away from the room.

Since I can't just shake off her small hands, I had no choice but to follow Iroha's lead,
after walking a distance in the corridor, we took a turn, and stopped at the open corridor
that links the main school building to the special block.

A long bench was placed at the walls of this air corridor, students tend to gather around
here in between classes, but now that its late, the only things here are the chilly air that
fills in the atmosphere and the dim light from the sunset.

After walking to the bench, Iroha finally let go of me, I rubbed on the cuff of my sleeve to
make sure that there are no wrinkles, a lingering warmth could felt as I touched it, which
made my cheeks tickle a little. Geez don't just hold onto my sleeves all of a sudden, this
makes me feel shy you know.
"Senpai, I appreciate your intention to help, I personally feel happy about it too but..."

As Iroha made a pause while leaning her back onto the window, she awkwardly looked
to the ground, along that long eyelashes of hers.

"But I can't let you in just yet, more specifically I can't let you meet her."

"Why?"

I  asked  while  sitting  onto  the  bench.  Iroha  lay  down  her  hands  and  put  it  behind  her,
sticking onto the windows.

"To be honest I was thinking that things will get more troublesome if senpai came over
immediately, so maybe its better if you could come over a bit more later."

"Well... yes, maybe you're right."

Its not hard to figure out where she is coming from, since Iroha was there when we had
that argument. It makes sense for her to be worried, especially after witnessing such a
pointless  dispute.  I  felt  anxious  about  meeting  up  with  Yukinoshita  too,  but  even  so,  I
can't just take a step backwards.

"...Its fine, I plan to speak to her properly."

"I  P L A N  T O  S P E A K  T O  H E R  P R O P E R L Y. Eh~~ you sure about that senpai?"

She  stared  at  me  in  a  very  doubtful  way...the  edges  of  her  lips  were  twisting  as  if  its
making a 'ngyeh' sound, her eyebrows look tightly wrinkled too. What's with this level of
disbelief...her expression made me feel uneasy, so I slowly averted my eyes, and made a
soft cough.

"Its  true,  its  true  all  right?  I  did  make  a  proper  planning  on  how  to  startup  the
conversation."

Bringing up codependency will only stress us off. So for now its better to avoid dealing
with this matter, and work on the other important issues. Our thoughts might differ, but
we have the common topic of making the prom a success, and that should allow us to
have a constructive discussion.

But man, why is Iroha still putting up that doubtful face...

"How to start up the conversation huh...can't say that I trust senpai on that."

"Yeah, sure sucks to have low credibility."

Being self aware of my life decisions that hardly earned me any credibility, I shrugged
lightly.

Iroha then stood silent for a moment as if she's trying to observe something, and let out a
deep sigh. Guess she's just felt speechless towards me.

"Senpai, you're being overprotective again."

As Iroha said so, she walked towards me, gripped onto the edges of her skirt, and gently
sat beside me. She held onto her forehead, slightly lifting her chin. Her hair rustled lightly
as they moved across her elbows, glimmering under the sunset, she started to gaze  at
somewhere beyond the windows in front of us.

"I'm sure that, Yukinoshita senpai is trying her best here. Not that I can't understand how
she felt."

"...Well, she definitely is."

I lay down my hands behind me, and stared at the ceiling above.

Perhaps  Iroha's  respond  is  a  better  idea.  When  someone  has  the  intent  to  complete
something alone, for the others to take a step back and see things through is probably
what's better for that person

"Even so...you still plan to help her?"

Looking  towards  the  direction  of  her  voice,  Iroha's  hand  continued  to  lay  on  her
forehead, while slightly turning her head towards me, as if she's observing my reactions.
Even if this action felt pretty childish, very cute, but a chilling sense of seriousness lies
within her eyes.

"...That is my intention."

While  I  can't  trust  my  dead  fish  eyeballs  to  make  me  look  serious  at  all,  I  tried  to
compensate by deepening my tone. Iroha stayed silent for a while, seemingly considering
something, then asked me in a soft tone:

"Even if...doing so wouldn't benefit Yukinoshita senpai at all, you'll still offer your aid?

"I never really acted out on the intent of benefiting anyone in the first place, so I'm just
doing the usual here...yeah."

"Doing the usual...huh."

I nodded in reply as she muttered those words in a confused tone. Iroha then laid her
head down, while I turned my head to look at the windows
The outcomes have always been the same.

My words and actions have always end up being far from the correct solution. An endless
cycle of misunderstanding things and making mistakes, even my apology didn't end up
well, like a row of buttons that continue to end up in the wrong hole of the shirt.

This  has  been  repeating  throughout  the  whole  year,  and  before  I  realize  it,  winter  is
almost over, the strong winds that indicates the incoming of spring rattles the windows,
breaking this short moment of silence.

"To be honest, I don't think that Yukinoshita senpai will accept your offer."

"Indeed..."

I accidentally let out a deep sigh, Iroha then came closer and continued saying:

"In fact, you'll probably be cruelly rejected."

"That's probably the case..."

I sighed once again, Iroha moved even closer and stared at me:

"Even so, you still want to help?"

"Of course I'll help..."

Hearing my answer that was followed up by another sigh, Iroha opened her mouth wide
while leaning her head to her right:

"Huh!? But why bruh?"

"Well for why I'm doing so..."

Is it really that shocking, she even stopped using honorifics at this point, not that it really
matters...But, did she forgot what she said in the first place...

"Weren't you the one who asked for my help in the first place..."

As I said that, Iroha looks frozen for a moment, blinked her eyes for a few times. Then
took a quick step back, and then shook her hands, while saying rapidly:

"Wha...what?  Are  you  doing  it  for  me?!  What  the  hell  do  you  have  a  crush  on  me  or
something even though I have always received your help even though you always treated
me nicely and even though I don't dislike you but there are too many things that need to
be cleared up for now so lets put this off for another time sorrymasen."
She  quickly  followed  up  with  a  deep  bow.  Which  I  responded  by  nodding  my  head  in
satisfaction.

"Ah  yes,  now  that's  what  I'm  looking  for.  It  sounds  different  from  the  usual  but
whatever."

"What's with this comment...its the same as the usual isn't it?"

Muttered Iroha unhappily, she seems to have glared at me too.  Yeah whatever, that's the
reaction  I  expected...taking  a  distance  away  from  me  as  I  lie  down  feeling  exhausted,
Iroha pointed at her cheeks with her index finger, while saying with a poker face.

"I won't mind if you use me as an excuse, though."

"Bad excuse, and its not the real reason after all..."

Iroha ignored my correction, and continued poking her cheek, looking troubled:

"But to be fair, I doubt that wouldn't be the kind of reason Yukinoshita senpai will accept
either."

"Of course its not...how did we loop back to this? But hey, at least our great Irohasu can
help by saying a few goods throughout our conversation, no?"

"Eh...I don't want to... Also it impossible for me to do so."

"Impossible... Even answering that in an instant..."

Wait, did she seriously just said 'I don't want to'? As I looked towards her, wondering if I
misheard Mada Mada for Yada Yada, Iroha made a soft cough, then patted on her chest
for no reason and said:

"Yes, a girl's decision cannot be easily be changed. Well, but if its something decided by
someone else we can simply make amends to it, if that decision is a pain we can act like
we forgotten it."

"You're the worst..."

Nonono,  that's  just  you  isn't  it?  Its  not  a  girls  exclusive  thing,  but  varies  from  one  to
another. The kind of equality where everyone can be All Might is something that a person
without talents like me believes in.

As she turned back towards me, Iroha said with a worried face.

"And considering that its Yukinoshita senpai we're dealing with here, its going to be hard
isn't it..."
"Of course, of course it would be..."

Not  because  its  a  girl's  decision,  but  Yukinoshita's  decision,  a  decision  that  I  can't  go
against  easily.  Looking  back  at  my  year  long  experiences  of  interacting  with  her,  its
obvious that Yukinoshita's honesty and seriousness won't allow her to take back those
words that easily.

Shutting her eyes closed, crossing her arms, Iroha made a short groan and said.

"For this time, I can feel that she has been caring for me a lot...so I felt like supporting her
decision too."

She then stated her final stand with a bitter smile:

"Which is why, I can't bring myself to help out in persuading her, I'm sorry senpai."

I told her not to worry while making my best smile possible, which she replied with a
gentle  nod.  For  my  random  idea  of  her  saying  some  good  things  to  Yukinoshita,  she
listened  properly  and  even  considered  things  thoroughly.  I  have  to  say,  Isshiki  Iroha
really is a much decent person than how I used to judge her. Which made me feel sorry
for attempting to drag her into such a messy issue.

Yes, I should be the one to do the planning.

...Now then, how should I tell her exactly? I can't figure it out, she is truly a big trouble,
that girl...but when it comes to being a troublesome I'm the same as her, perhaps even
more troublesome in comparison.

I started to rub on my forehead to have a better blood flow around my brain, while doing
so, Iroha kept staring at me without making a sound.

"......"

"What is it?"

I asked as I realize her view focusing on me, she shook her head and answered.

"Not really, I was just thinking on how persistent you are."

"Ah...well yes."

To hear such a direct comment, while being stared by her, I find myself in a lack myself of
words. Thus I could only reply in such a short, incomplete manner. Iroha slowly walked
near me until reaching an arm's distance, while continuing to look into my eyes.

"But why? Being rejected by Yukinoshita senpai by herself, and after hearing such words
from Haruno senpai. For what exact reason are you pushing yourself this much? When it
comes to such a sticky situation one would simply stay away as far as possible, isn't it
so."

She phrased her question in a way that doesn't allow me a chance to answer. Even if I
could, I doubt that I can come out with a proper answer.

Iroha  steps  closer  every  time  she  asks  a  question,  while  I  move  back  to  maintain  our
distance, to the point I could feel the back of my legs pressing itself onto the bench.

"There's a lot of reasons behind it..."

Realizing that there is no further space for me to move away, I could only avoid looking
directly at her, but Iroha proceeded to grab onto my tie.

"Please answer me seriously, senpai."

Iroha forcefully re turned my head towards her, the obvious twist on my necktie tells me
that she's applying a lot of strength onto it.

I'm unable to look away, neither could I avert my line of view from the image of Iroha's
soft lips and glowing eyes. In front of her determined expression, I could only do my best
to open my heavy mouth.

"I swear, there really are a lot of reasons behind it, its impossible to state each of them
clearly just yet..."

"Its fine even if you said it vaguely."

Iroha does not give any room for me to play around with words, removing all chances for
me to remain silent.

But how exactly should I phrase it to make her understand better.

These painful feelings are not something that could be simply expressed through words,
but  what's  more  troublesome  about  them  is  that  they  could  be  described  and  be
interpreted  as  anything  within  the  acceptable  range.  Such  a  translucent,  unclear,
shapeless thing. To apply existing words onto it will only slowly chip it off from the sides
to the point it reaches degradation, ending up as a total mistake.

More  importantly,  I  could  not  accept  the  act  of  simplifying  things  into  one  single
sentence.

Up until now, I've always relied on excuses like bringing my sister into the picture, or
stating  that  I'm  just  doing  my  job.  Even  just  now,  I  tried  using  Iroha's  request  as  an
excuse, something that she would usually get along with.
But what Iroha Isshiki wanted is not such dishonest words. Her eyes keep telling me that,

it doesn't need to come with a motive, it doesn't need a proper elaboration,

its fine for me to make it unclear, its fine for me to say it vaguely.

'Show me your answer.'

"......I have a responsibility."

"Responsibility, huh."

Muttered Iroha in a low voice, she took a short breath, and slightly inclined her head.

Did  it  sound  too  confusing  to  her?  She  lowered  her  head  and  seemingly  thought  for  a
while, then looked back up, signaling me to continue.

I nodded in reply, and started assembling words in my head. Probably because Iroha is
grabbing onto it, my slightly loose necktie now felt very tight, I find it hard to breath, and
my chest felt unusually hot.

"For  things  to  become  so  complicated,  and  reaching  such  a  state  of  codependency,  its
safe to say that I am responsible for causing all of these. Which is why I wanted to clean
up my own mess, not a decision to change things up, but simply how I have always done
it. That's all that there is." as I finally said out my conclusion that sounded like an answer,
Iroha's hand let go of my necktie, and slipped down as it loses its strength.

"Ahaha...my  bad,  it  sounded  so  different  what  my  expectations,  that  I  spaced  out  a  bit
right there. Ah...your necktie is completely messed up too, I'm really sorry."

"Ah, don't mind, it was kinda twisted before you grabbed on it anyway..."

Even  after  hearing  that,  Iroha  seemed  to  think  that  she  shouldn't  have  done  that,
muttering  words  like  yabai  desu,  while  anxiously  rubbing  my  necktie  with  her  hands,
attempting to straighten it. She rubbed on it so hard, that my body wobbled along her
movements.

Her hands stopped all of a sudden.

"Those  words  that  you  said  just  now,  can  you  properly  tell  the  same  to  Yukinoshita
senpai?"

Iroha's  eyes  are  still  focused  onto  my  necktie,  making  a  weird  expression  that  I  can't
identify.
I couldn't answer her in time, so Iroha pressed on my necktie again, urging me for an
answer. Her flaxen brown started to rustle as if they're teasing me. Her cute expression
that seemed like she was joking gave me a peace of mind, which made me smile before I
realized it.

".....I'll definitely say it, but the real question here is whether these words can reach her."

"Hmph, truly a troublesome bunch of senpais."

Iroha looked up with a speechless kind of smile, and then slapped on my necktie.

"For me  as long  as the  Service  Club would  help me  out  then there  will always  be  less
things to worry of. So go for it alright."

Iroha swiftly stood up, after taking a few steps, she turned back at me, and waved in a
way  that  signals  me  to  follow  her.  Guess  she  finally  allowed  me  to  enter  the  student
council room.

I lifted up my stiff body, and walked towards her.
                                  2-2

As I entered the student council room alongside Iroha, a fragrant scent could be smelled,
which seems to be some kind of indoor perfume. Unlike the one we have in the Service
Club room, its a more refreshingly sweet fruity smell, without the clear fragrance of tea
within in.

The student council room isn't really big, and the stacking piles of items within the room
shows a sign of its long history. In the center of all this mess is a small space that looks
unusually tidy and clean.

Beside  the  poignantly  designed  chairman  table  places  a  simple  work  desk,  where
Yukinoshita is standing behind it, while looking at a white board.

Considering that no other student council members are in here, Yukinoshita and Iroha
probably stayed here by themselves to discuss on a new course of plan. Words in red
blue and black could be seen on the whiteboard, as she notices someone else entering,
Yukinoshita turned her head over.

"Oh, Hikigaya kun."

"Sup."

Yukinoshita acted naturally even after seeing me, showing a faint smile, as if she wasn't
affected emotionally by the self restraining order.

"Isshiki san, lets have a short break shall we."

Saying that, she unlocked the fixating valve on the white board, flipped the board around
to show its other surface, and pushed it aside.

Yukinoshita proceeded to prepare tea, she turned on the electric kettle in this room, and
took out tea bags while waiting for the water to boil.

Looking at her doing these actions in a skillful manner, I felt reminiscent all of a sudden.
As she realizes my sights laying on her,

Yukinoshita shifted her eyes, and stopped at a chair in front of her desk, signaling me to
take a seat.

The popping sounds of water boiling can be heard as I pulled the chair to make space.
Iroha  then  walked  lively  towards  the  chairman  desk,  sitting  on  a  luxurious  looking
armchair. I mean that chair is cool looking and all, BUT CAN YOU DO THIS!? Only 399 by
the way. (I'm doing my part Pewds)

Soon,  Yukinoshita  pushed  over  a  cup  that  looks  different  from  our  usual  tea  set.  As  I
thanked her, I held up the cup of tea, only to smell an unfamiliar scent.

"Have you heard of it?"

She  asked  an  unspecific  question,  but  its  obvious  on  what  topic  are  we  talking  about
here.

"Ah, yes. Since I was beside Yuigahama just now."

Yukinoshita  seemed  surprised  for  a  second,  but  quickly  went  back  to  her  calm
expression from before.

"...I see."

"I already talked to Hiratsuka sensei to learn about the details. Is it fine on your side? I
can help if there's anything that requires my assistance..."

As I was halfway through my sentence, Yukinoshita brought the paper cup near to her
mouth, took a light sip of tea to moisturize her mouth and answered:

"There  is  no  need  for  that,  as  we're  already  working  on  the  appropriate
countermeasures."

Comparing to the warmth from the cup of tea in my hands, our conversation seemed to
have started in a cold awkward tone. Being uneasy of such an atmosphere, Iroha made a
few twists on her body, while glancing towards me, telling me to "please say it nicely".

No  wait  a  second  Iroha,  for  a  conversation  to  work,  stuff  like  directions,  sequences,
procedures and timing, even bravery are all relevant essentials isn't it? Man, it just feel so
difficult  to  make  a  proper  conversation.  Even  now,  my  attempt  to  make  a  test  on  her
intention to talk about this topic got shut down immediately.

Anyway for the conversation to continue, an appropriate head start is required, which
isn't really something I'm used to.

I made a few blows over my cup of tea, thinking on how should I start the conversation.
Soon  after  the  hot  sensation  starts  to  fade  away  from  the  tea,  reaching  a  temperature
where my cat tongue can take it in, I took a sip of the tea, and asked with a soft voice.

"So... what's your plan?"
Upon hearing my question, Yukinoshita looked into my eyes, as if she's trying to instigate
something out of me.

"We're still reviewing our existing proposal, for now there's nothing much to say about
our plans."

Reviewing, huh...But considering all those words that I saw on the whiteboard just now,
and  Iroha  glancing  towards  Yukinoshita  with  a  weird  look,  it  seems  that  the  main
direction they'll be taking has already been decided, but she didn't want to talk about it.

She even flipped the whiteboard around so that no one could see it, perhaps forcing an
answer is not the best course of action.

In  that  case,  its  better  to  talk  in  a  more  roundabout  way,  since  the  conversation  will
continue to be derailed with my current method. I looked towards Iroha and asked.

"Is there anything to do right now?"

"...For now, nothing much."

Iroha looked away while answering, but she didn't look towards Yukinoshita either, so
its hard to say whether this is a lie or not.

But  looking  at  the  absence  of  the  other  student  council  committees,  and  the  lax
atmosphere  within  this  room.  It  does  seems  that  the  situation  wasn't  as  urgent  as  it
seems to be, at least there's no specific action that has to be done immediately.

"So  to  put  it  in  other  words,  right  now  is  not  the  suitable  time  to  execute  immediate
actions?"

"Of course, after all we only received the self restrain order by today."

Yukinoshita replied the conclusion that I muttered out accidentally, with the same calm
tone. For someone who just received the notice not long ago, her words lack a sense of
anxiety one would usually expect. Most probably she too, has already noticed the other
meaning behind 'apply self restrain', which is why she can remain her composure right
now.

For the self restraining order from the school's executives, me and Yukinoshita share a
similar  view  on  the  school's  intent.  A  common  topic  is  the  spice  to  inducing  an  active
conversation, I can probably touch on this topic a little more.

I looked back at Yukinoshita.
"But there are countermeasures that can be designed based on that isn't so. After all it is
only a restraining order, in fact straight out ignoring such an order is possible in case
you're desperate."

The  ones  who  gave  out  the  restraining  order  are  the  school  executives,  specifically  a
concession they made towards Hiratsuka sensei. To request for someone to apply self
restrain, it also means handing over the right of action to its subject, a wording that could
be portrayed in a way where its subject is allowed to make their decisions based on their
own judgement. While its original intent is to request the prom organizers to cancel the
event  without  them  sounding  to  be  forceful,  Yukinoshita  can  intentionally
misunderstood  its  meaning,  and  complicate  things  further,  by  using  the  debate  where
they're only asked to apply self restraint, but the final decision still lies in the hands of
the student council.

I said that with a bitter smile, being aware that Yukinoshita probably knows better of the
situation than I do.

Which Yukinoshita replied without raising her eyebrows:

"If possible I prefer not to take such a risk,"

"while  using  the  ambiguity  of  the  term  against  them  could  work.  But  simply  showing
them an unyielding attitude won't be enough."

"I am aware of that too, so we'll only use this to open up a platform for discussions."

Just as she said, to forcefully conduct the prom, is merely a self destructing that will only
work  once.  Such  a  reckless  decision  cannot  be  made  if  they  still  plan  to  organize  the
prom for the years to come.

Their  current  plan  is  to  apply  their  self  restraining  status  as  their  means  to  negotiate
with the parents.

We  might  organize  it  without  school  supervision,  we  might  set  up  the  venue  at
somewhere not within school grounds, we might do something that goes beyond your
imaginable level of extremeness, are you still fine with it? Threatening them with such
statements.

Even  if  the  student  council  won't  actually  do  such  things,  it  is  an  effective  method  to
make the parents accept their request to negotiate.

It is the hard way to do things, but it will open up room for negotiation.
But what matters afterwards, is what material can they present during the negotiation.

I  stood  up,  and  walked  over  to  move  the  whiteboard.  Yukinoshita  sighed,  but  did  not
attempt to stop me.

I pulled out the whiteboard and flipped it over.

As  I  expected,  suggestions  of  the  strategy  they  can  take  has  been  written  on  the
whiteboard, and other information that relates to the new direction the prom will take.

It seems that they had quite a discussion, traces of their discussion were left on every
corner on the board has. There are two different kinds of handwriting and writing style
on the board, which seemingly belongs to Yukinoshita and Iroha.

The sentences that mostly end with a question mark, but properly phrased and written
horizontally  were  probably  written  by  Yukinoshita,  while  the  clump  of  sentences  that
end with a large exclamation mark seems to belong to Iroha.

Judging from the order those sentences were arranged in, Yukinoshita and Iroha each
came  out  with  one  suggestion  at  a  time,  and  proceeded  to  comment  on  each  other's
suggestion, in order to find out which idea is better and the possible improvements.

"So you two came out with these ideas?"

"More accurately, I question Yukinoshita senpai's idea, while Yukinoshita senpai refutes
my suggestions."

"Is that so, then its quite the constructive discussion you had there."

Giving more than one suggestion is important when one reaches a stagnant situation. At
least  they're  able  to  more  options,  and  both  suggestions  can  compromise  with  each
other, but being too fixated on denying each other won't make things progress either.

Only by forming an opposing situation, the discussion could move forward. But merely
pointing out whether the suggestions would work, will only make them reach a 'yes or
no' kind of conclusion.

So,  exactly  what  kind  of  conclusion  have  came  to...eh?  Among  all  the  written  things,  I
can't seem to spot something that feels identical to a conclusion, its like reading through
a note that only its owner can understand.

"...So, where's your conclusion?"

"Lets see...the ones in the red circle."
As Iroha answered, I took another look at the whiteboard, there are indeed a few spots
that are circled in red.

Gorgeous, wholesome, dress code restriction, supporting guidelines, supervising officials,
upload prohibited, OK!

That's all of them.

"Hmmm...I kinda understo...no wait wait wait, I don't understand what's going on here at
all."

Like, what is this, a spot the word game? I felt like I can understand it yet I can't at the
same time...what am I looking at exactly?

I looked back, hoping for an explanation.

Yukinoshita  then  placed  her  finger  on  the  cup  mouth,  looking  at  the  gently  swinging
waves on the surface of the tea.

"I was still sorting things out when you came."

"Oh, that was...sorry for interrupting."

Yukinoshita sounded as if she was simply stating a fact with no intent of blaming anyone,
which made me stutter at my words. From how she was standing in front of the board
when I first stepped into the room, it does seem that Yukinoshita was finalizing things. I
apologized for my sudden interruption, which she gently shook her head, telling me not
to mind.

To shift away from this awkward atmosphere, I cleared up my throat and ask with a clear
voice:

"So, what are these words supposed to mean. I don't really get it"

This time, it was Yukinoshita who seemed awkward, pausing for a short moment before
she answered:

"...As I said, we're still reviewing the proposal."

She  looked  down  and  didn't  say  anything  further.  Well,  considering  that  Yukinoshita
doesn't want me to be involved, it make sense that she would prefer not to elaborate any
further.
Which means, ready, se, no, Irohasu chan~ I briefly glanced at Iroha, which she replied
while showing a reluctant face.

"Um...to  put  it  simple,  our  current  focus  is  to...  make  amendments  on  our  clothing
restrictions? Am I saying this right Yukinoshita senpai?"

As Iroha turned over to confirm with Yukinoshita, probably thinking that it's not good to
just ignore her, Yukinoshita answered reluctantly.

"We  plan  to  enforce  our  dress  code  to  prohibit  extravagant  or  very  revealing  clothes.
After properly defining the proper requirements, we'll contact the clothing renter from
our side to prepare a suitable catalog."

"Oh..."

I  see.  Setting  up  a  standard  for  the  acceptable  dresses,  in  order  to  guarantee  the
wholesomeness on the appearances of the students during the event. And most students
will  prefer  renting  clothes  through  the  student  council,  so  they'll  naturally  have  to
adhere to the dress code guidelines. But there are also exceptions...

"What about students who intends to wear their own clothes?"

Iroha then pointed towards the circled words and answered.

"Since  most  participants  will  be  wearing  clothes  that  meets  our  guidelines,  those
students  will  most  probably  restrain  themselves  to  not  stand  out  too  much  from  the
group."

"Right, peer pressure."

"That's not a nice word to describe it..."

Iroha  glared  at  me,  looking  disgusted  and  unhappy.  But  isn't  that  exactly  what  she
meant...

Even then, I doubt that everyone would accept to blend in with the crowd. No matter
which era we're in there will always be that one eccentric person with a thought like "I
will walk my own path even if that means being different from the others!! Look at my
erotic  image  that  makes  me  stand  out  from  dem  plebs!!  It's☆party☆time!!",  while
placing a Pichelle on top of their heads (Ref 1: A Japan fashion magazine).

"But wouldn't there still be a few students who would wear ridiculous clothing on the
purpose of gaining attention? It is an important moment in their school life, after all."
"We're  aware  of  such  a  possibility.  So  existing  countermeasures  have  already  been
planned."

Yukinoshita  gave  a  direct  answer,  but  did  not  further  elaborate  on  her  statement.  But
take a better look at these clues, and the answer will eventually reveal itself.

"...Will they really accept or obey the restriction to not upload anything on the SNS?"

I  tapped  on  that  unusually  small  text  on  the  lowest  part  of  the  white  board.  Was  the
written  this  small  because  of  their  lack  of  space?  Or  their  lack  of  confidence  in  this
solution?

Yukinoshita let out a very tired sigh.

"About  that,  even  if  its  hard  to  have  them  obey  it,  it  wouldn't  hurt  to  at  least  have  a
written notice either."

"Even  if  any  issue  arises  from  that,  the  responsibility  will  only  fall  on  them  for  not
obeying the rules isn't so? After all, they're no longer kids anymore."

Said Iroha.

While  it's  true  that  the  graduates  are  above  the  age  of  consent,  but  there  is  still  the
general idea where people above the age of 18 can be viewed as adults, and it wouldn't
stop  people  from  criticizing  the  organizers  either.  While  I  was  thinking  it  through,
Yukinoshita made another remark.

"We're  aware  that  simply  restricting  them  from  uploading  pictures  online  will  cause
dissatisfaction, so we intend to compensate by hiring freelance photographers, and sell
photos or data to the participants after the prom.

"Ah...I see how it is."

For some reason Iroha raised up her chest in satisfaction, I guess girls do have the need
of taking cute pictures.

Hiring a photographer and selling pictures won't be a problem. Considering that recent
school events such as our sports day also restrict parents from taking photos, while the
school openly sells pictures to them.

Even during the Showa period, there are certain occasions where students would bring
along  a  photographer  with  them  for  events  like  their  graduation  trip,  and  purchase
photos from them, so this should be acceptable by the parents.
This might even bring us to interesting stories like, someone writing down the purchase
number  of  the  picture  that  has  his  favorite  girl  in  it,  only  to  be  noticed  by  the  other
students. asking him: "Yo, this picture doesn't have you in it no? Lets see...bruhhhhhhh!"
rumors then quickly spread around among the class, the poor guy getting teased by his
classmates,  and  getting  rejected  on  the  second  day  before  he  could  even  confess.  Any
parent  who  had  such  a  painful  experience  will  understand  what  selling  photos  really
mean wouldn't they?

Cough.

Anyway, setting it up as a written rule on the surface, bringing out the argument where
its their own responsibilities to obey the rules, and convince those who felt dissatisfied
by bringing up the advantages of this rule, while preparing an alternative choice for the
students. A viable plan indeed.

The students might go against it, but what's more important is that the student council
have a relevant point that can be accepted by the parents.

While uncertainties still exist, being able to show the parents that the organizers have
countermeasures to deal with the concerns they expressed on is what matters here.

"I see...a good plan indeed."

"Thank you."

I briefly made a remark while staring at the whiteboard, which Yukinoshita replied with
minimal words.

Even if its only an outline, the amount of thought put into it within such a short time is
incredible.

However, there is still a few parts where I can question of.

"So with this, what are the expected chances of winning?"

I asked them as I knocked on the whiteboard with the back of my finger. Iroha made an
uhm  sound  looking  displeased,  while  Yukinoshita  did  not  show  any  changes  in  her
expression, and answered in her usual calm tone.

" We took their concerns into consideration, and came out with methods to deal with the
said issues. I believe that our chances of getting their approval won't be low."

"Well yeah, that seems to be the case. That they'll approve of the improved proposal now
that you dealt with their concerns...under normal circumstances, that is."
But I know, that things won't be that simple this time.

This is not the same situation like the ones we've always dealt with.

All these weird concerns and requests from the parents were presented to us based on
the absolute intent of shutting down the graduation prom. Not with the intent of making
the  prom  a  reality,  nor  the  intent  of  expecting  improvements  from  its  organizers.  No
matter how much compromises were made, the chances of them approving the event are
still slim, they're lacking a crucial element if they wish to get past such an ill intent.

The  one  crucial  element  that  Yukinoshita  can't  obtain,  or  specifically,  can't  attempt  to
obtain.

And this is where I step in.

I've  been  observing  Yukinoshita's  reactions  in  order  to  find  an  opening  to  talk  to  her,
now  seems  to  be  the  right  moment.  I  glanced  at  Iroha,  which  she  nodded  lightly  in
approval.

"Yukinoshita, there is something that I wish to speak properly to you of."

Hearing that, Yukinoshita looked at me with an astonished face.

"...Alrighty, then I should probably seek myself ou..."

Pretending  to  react  towards  the  atmosphere,  Iroha  stood  up  intending  to  leave.  But
Yukinoshita stopped her immediately.

"I believe that its related to the graduation prom? If that's the case its better that Isshiki
san stay present too."

"Ahaha...is that so."

Answering  her  awkwardly,  Iroha  glanced  me  briefly,  which  I  reacted  by  shaking  my
head, telling her that its fine. Iroha then sat back down with an uneasy look on her face.

I'm aware that Yukinoshita does not want me to be involved. In fact she probably prefers
to avoid having a conversation with me at all. That's why she asked Iroha to stay, as the
presence of a third person might make it harder for me to speak out.

But if that's the case, then I just have the hold on to my resolve.

"...Can I help out with the prom?"
Right after I said that, Yukinoshita's eyes open up wide, seeming to be shocked. She then
lowered her view, and slightly opened her mouth as if she was about to say something.

If I simply waited for her to give a reply, she'll definitely try to derail the conversation
like  she  did  just  now.  So  I  interrupted  her  by  continuing  to  speak,  forcing  out  every
reasons I could think of without leaving any gaps in between.

"I don't think that there's any problems in your amendments to the proposal. But, the
rate of success isn't too high. So we should probably work on another set of proposal. I
know that the original proposal has been rejected, so maybe we can think of a third or
fourth option on how to change things up."

As I continued to speak, I realized that what I said doesn't seem to convey my message
properly. But if I take any pauses I'm afraid that I might end up feeling breathless.

"Now that things have developed to this stage, its not like I'm taking the initiative to do
something, I'll simply act based on your instructions, just look at me as a character who
comes  up  with  a  few  ideas  while  standing  near  to  the  wall.  This  kind  of  role  has  no
difference  from  that  of  Iroha  and  the  others  right?  Just  doing  the  kind  of  thing  that  I
usually do, that's all I wish for."

Yukinoshita  lightly  bit  on  her  lower  lip,  and  listened  silently,  she  doesn't  seem  to  be
angry or sad, as if she's trying her best to suppress her feelings.

".....Indeed, just like how things have always been."

"If that's the ca..."

Yukinoshita interrupted, lowering her head as she continued speaking.

"In the end, I'll still have to rely on you..."

Her  voice  seemingly  sounded  calm  and  steady,  yet  every  word  she  said  drops  a
suffocating pressure on my chest.

Yukinoshita lifted her head back up, staring at me with a smile which resembles that of a
mother looking at her playful child, gently, slowly, said out those words of persuasion.

"Which is exactly why, I wish to change it, those words that my sister said, you know that
too don't you?"

"I......yes."
Hearing her say that, I couldn't help but avert my eyes away.

Codependency.

Perhaps its not just me, Yukinoshita herself is aware of that term too.

Which is why she refuses to let things remain the way they were, to correct what's wrong
with our relationship, to become independent.

While I can't even find myself to question what's right or wrong, simply sugar coating
our relationship with a vague term, constraining myself to such a twisted relationship.

"But......this is a responsibility that I should take. It was never about which side is on the
wrong, isn't so?"

As  I  fought  my  through  my  brain  to  complete  this  sentence,  I  looked  into  Yukinoshita
eyes, they're twitching painfully, which made me look away again, I can't find myself to
continue now that I've seen such an expression from her.

But if I don't say it now, I might never have another chance in the future. For I am aware
of how much of a troublesome and unreliable person I am.

Which is why I have to let her know. Even if its hard to tell her how I feel, even if I can't
express those feelings properly, I have, to let her know.

"Of  course,  I  can  simply  choose  to  step  aside  and  not  do  anything.  But  such  a  method
won't change anything for the better, if the methods we've been using up until now is
wrong, then we seek for a different method, and different mindset, a different form of
communication..."

How could I make my words sound better? I continued to search for better terms to use,
yet  the  monster  of  self  awareness  and  rationality  continues  to  bare  it  fangs  at  me.
Ambiguous  thoughts  form  themselves  into  a  hideous  shape  as  they  leave  my  mouth,
every word I say strays myself further and further from their actual meaning. Am I being
too anxious, before I realize it my hands clenched themselves into fists under the table. I
took a deep breath, and opened up my palms to wipe off the sweat onto my pants.

Did my words reach her the way I wanted them to?

"So...no matter what kind of ending awaits, I wish to take responsibility for it properly."

No, perhaps it doesn't matter.

"Which is why...I really want to...help you out."
These words were only said for the sake of my self satisfaction, for the sake of forcing my
wish onto Yukinoshita.

Being aware of the true nature of my actions, I am unable to look into her eyes, thus I
could only steer my vision away from her.

"......Thank you. But its fine now, you've said enough."

Her voice sounded as tender as the sounds of snow falling during the night, a beautiful
sensation that felt like it'll vanish all of a sudden, a strong force that could attract every
being in this world. Her expression seemed like she is at peace, in front of such a cute yet
pitiful smile, I could only hold back my breath and voice.

Within this frosty silence, Yukinoshita continued to speak in a soft voice.

"It  was  my  fault  to  begin  with,  always  letting  you  and  Yuigahama  san  handle
things...that's  why  we've  entered  such  an  unclear  situation.  If  I  don't  clean  things  up,
none  of  us  will  be  able  to  move  forward,  isn't  so?  The  one  who  should  be  taking
responsibility, is me."

"......No, its my responsibility too."

Yukinoshita  lowered  her  head  after  hearing  my  reply,  slowly  shaking  her  head.  As  I
struggled to find a better way to continue the conversation. Iroha interrupted us.

"Ano, may I ask how long do you two plan to revolve on the same problem?"

She sounded mad as she asked the question, staring at me and Yukinoshita.

Neither of us could answer her, so we could only continue to lower our heads. I guess
that's just how things work between us, no conclusion could be obtained no matter how
much we talk about it, and our viewpoints will remain as parallel lines. Knowing that, me
and Yukinoshita decided not to continue, both of us remaining silent.

In the end of the day, my thoughts still failed to reach her.

The message can never be conveyed if we refuse to speak, but even through speaking the
message still can't reach the other side. Throughout the whole year, we have always had
this  sort  of  feeling.  That  the  idea  of  talking  to  each  other  to  achieve  a  mutual
understanding  is  merely  an  arrogant  thought,  while  the  idea  of  achieving  mutual
understanding without communicating with each other is merely an illusion.

Which is why, we'll always have to properly think on what to speak of, how to say them
properly. Being able to speak of any pointless topics to our freedom, yet remaining silent
on the most important things.

But, these feelings that I wanted to express is not some kind of phrase or term, and in the
end of the day I'm not an expert of communicating through words.

In that case, the solution is simple.

Our medium of communication has always been there.

"I understand. Then I'll stop talking about it, I won't help you out either."

Whew, I said it loud and clear. At the corner of my field of view, Iroha took a gasp.

Yukinoshita smiled and nodded her head, looking relieved after hearing my reply.

I already expected such an answer since the beginning. But without properly talking to
her I can't be sure of things. If I don't make our positions clear the conversation can't go
on.

I smirked and continued saying.

"......But I never said that I won't oppose you."

"Huh?"

Iroha leaned over her head.

Yukinoshita also seemed confused as she first heard me, but closed up her eyelids soon
after, has she understood what I was trying to say?

I put up a sarcastic smile, and put up both of my fist up to my chest.

"I  don't  think  its  hard  to  guess,  what  happens  when  our  opinions  oppose  each  other,
right?"

After listening to Hiratsuka sensei's talk about heroes of justice fighting out a solution,
this is the hazy idea that I came out with.

When communicating through works couldn't work out, then I'll express myself through
my actions.

"I've been concerned with the prom's status for quite a while after all, so I'd feel kinda
upset if the event fails to be approved. But I can't fully approve of your amendments to
the proposal either......In that case, I'll make one by myself."

"Are you being serious about this?"

I nodded in reply to Yukinoshita's question.

Even if its a one sided decision, this is indeed a way for me to gain minimal relevance to
the graduation prom.

If I give up here, that would mean that I'm denying all the relationship I've built with her,
and the Service Club.

Which  is  why  I  have  to  try,  to  prove  to  Yukinoshita  that  our  relationship  is  not
codependency.

To prove to her that, all these time that we've been through has a more positive meaning
to it.

Only  after  proving  that,  we  can  slowly  move  towards  a  better,  a  more  correct
relationship.

"Our competition haven't ended, and not everyone has to go with the same way of doing
things either. So, its fine for the two of us to take a different route from each other, isn't
so?"

Yukinoshita  said  a  similar  thing  to  me  a  long  time  ago.  But  I  believe  that  she  still
remembers it, otherwise she wouldn't be biting her lower lip right now.

Referring to how we set up the competition back then, as long as the basic structure and
concept  of  the  competition  haven't  changed,  the  rule  should  still  apply  to  our  current
situation.

I waited for Yukinoshita to reply. But only a few troubled sighs could be heard from her.

Iroha who was sitting beside the silent Yukinoshita answered.

"I think this could work, "

"As long as the prom could be approved, the process doesn't seem that relevant to me,
and what Yukinoshita senpai said just now won't matter in this case, so it should be fine."

Iroha's indifferent statement, made Yukinoshita find it hard to think of a reply.

The silence within the room continues to loom. Perhaps such silence is the exact answer
that I needed, thinking of that, I let out a breath of relief.

As I guessed, even if I brought up the competition as an excuse, she wouldn't just accept
it......despite her competitive nature, Yukinoshita Yukino is not a simple minded person.

"......Well, not like that I plan on getting approval from your side anyway, I'm just stating
on what I plan to do afterwards, that's the only point that I want you to know."

This is not a negotiation. Simply my notice, my declaration of war.

She should be clever enough to understand the situation, Yukinoshita let out a sigh, took
a shallow bite on her lips. Closed her eyes painfully, and put her hand under her mouth,
and started thinking.

Faint sounds of breathing flow within the silence of the room. But unlike the speechless
situation from before, the quietness right now does not give of a sense of rejection, but
felt more like an intermission towards the next stage.

Yukinoshita tapped on the edge of her lips, which then opened up, creating a voice that
doesn't sound like a sigh or mutter.

"If that's the case......"

Did she originally intended not to say it out? The words that just left her mouth paused
midway, as if they're about to vanish into the thin air and never resurface.

As I leaned forward, ready to ask for a follow up. Yukinoshita opened her eyes, her grim
expression loses momentum slowly, returning into its original calmness.

Like  a  frozen  blue  flame,  beautiful  yet  faint.  The  awe  inspiring  clearness  on  her
expression took away my breath, made me forgot to seek for a continuation of her words,
and even filled up my entire field of view.

"The victor will have the right to command the other to do anything...I believe that its the
case?"

A sharp light glimmers among her pale blue eyes. Unlike how she seemed to be lost in
her thoughts a while ago, her eyes are now free of confusion, staring at me openly.

I looked properly into her eyes, and nodded in conirmation.

"Yes, that will be the case."

Its been a while since the last time I had chills from Yukinoshita, this nostalgic feeling
that  reminds  me  of  our  conversation  from  back  then.  The  realization  that  the
atmosphere between us went back like how it usually was, made me let out a breath of
relief.

The tension within the air has finally gone away.

Iroha, who has been listening to our conversation all this time muttered.

"Ew, what was that all about? Gross."

"Hey now..."

As I looked at her, Iroha lowered down her head like a kid who got scolded for saying
something inappropriate.

"Hmphhhh...but it really does feel out of place and a little creepy isn't it...also senpai, why
are you getting ahead of yourself all of a sudden?"

Iroha blurted out her ridiculous comment with a dissatisfied look on her face, oh come
on......as I grunted at Iroha, someone started to laugh all of a sudden.

"Yes, it does feel a little gross. Ufufufu..."

Yukinoshita  laughed  in  a  pretty  comical  way.  Its  been  a  while  since  I  last  saw  such  a
carefree  laugh  from  her,  a  smile  as  mesmerizing  as  a  blooming  flower.  Which  Iroha
nodded her head repeatedly like she's saying 'I know right!'. Seeing them acting this way,
something that has been pulled tight within me suddenly snaps into half, making me lose
my strength uncontrollably.

"You two..."

"Ahaha...cough,  that  was  simply  a  joke.  But  now  you've  reminded  me,  everything  did
started from that day indeed."

Yukinoshita held back her smiling face, with the colors of happiness still lingering within
her eyes, she stared at me with a provoking look, that also felt a little delightful.

"So allow me to finalize things. The both of us will do things by our own methods in the
aim of realizing the graduation prom, and the victor gets to demand something from the
loser,  is that it?"

"Ah...yes."

I answered briefly, which Yukinoshita nodded in satisfaction. I stared at her smug face
with my mouth half open.

She probably realized that I was acting strangely, as Yukinoshita looked over and asked.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing... I'm just surprised that you would actually accept the challenge."

I looked over towards Iroha, trying to make sure if I said it the right way. But probably
because  she  wasn't  aware  of  the  competition,  she  seems  to  be  sulking  with  a  very
displeased face, and shrugged at me like she's saying 'I don't even know what's going on
here anymore'.

"Its not really that inconceivable."

Yukinoshita calmly stated that, as she threaded over her hair over her shoulders.

Hmm...is this a riddle? But the answer seems pretty difficult to figure out. As I started to
try solving the question, Yukinoshita smiled at me triumphantly.

"Didn't you already knew? That I really hate losing to others."

With  a  slightly  mischievous  smile,  in  a  teasing  tone,  she  revealed  the  answer  to  her
riddle.