Oregairu Vol. 6.25 Chapter 2 (+end of chapter 1)

Vol 6.25 Chapter 1

-- Cont’d from Kyakka.

We stood up from our chairs, began packing up our things so as to get ready to leave.

The Service Club’s activity today, was to find an appropriate way to tackle Ebina’s delusion, to preserve the status quo as per Haruno-san’s request. Miura’s mail was pushed to be the back of my head. There was not one splendid solution to solve either of them.

Reflecting on those matter, I asked myself.

If that is the case, can this activity really be of use? Even if there was no direct results, the activities of the Service Club should have at least helped someone. Right?

And then I answered myself.

Of course……. No, our action this time, no that’s wrong…… this time too……Kuuu…… There was no results!!! [1]

Vol. 6.25 Chapter 2

A chance meeting with Shiromeguri Meguri once again.


Eyes resembled something like a mouth. That is, it could speak. To put it more accurately, one’s gaze was more annoying than their mouths.

Class had already ended. Currently, we were having a Short Home Room (SHR) before we were dismissed. [2] In the words of an elementary school student, this would be the time for the class gathering before dismissal. To be honest, using the term SHR made it much harder to understand its meaning. When I first heard it, I had thought that it was some race across the North America continent.

I felt the gazes sticking on to me and so I turned towards the back to catch a glimpse.

Since I don’t normally attract anyone’s attention normally, I was very sensitive to this kind of atmosphere. What was up with this sad habit of mine?

And so, turning my head, I saw those people.

It was the girls in my class. Wow, I didn’t know I was that popular amongst the ladies ------ Although I did entertain that thought, I knew that it was definitely not so in reality.

In those eyes that were narrowed and curved like the crescent moon, contained their scorn and disdain for me. Seeing that, I turned my body back to the front again. Then, a shrill laugh rang out for a short while.

Those gazes that had disgust and curiousity mixed into it grilled the nape of my neck.

Although I said that it was those girls in my class, they were not Miura’s gang of top-caste students but another group that had lower social status than them. The one at the center of that group, was Sagami Minami. Throughout today, she wore the same downcast look, with a sunken expression that seemed like she had been hurt.

Although I could not say that we had no connection, but Sagami and I did indeed have some distance between us. Well, although I would say that I was isolated from approximately half the school population, but all these were separation based upon nothing in particular. In the case of Sagami, this distance was based upon emotional grudges, or borne out of spite.

That sort of distancing was the most troublesome.


If both sides did not know each other, then we could ignore each other perfectly well. If the distance between people were based upon nothing in particular, both parties could normally maintain a certain distance between them, and continue to maintain this status quo.

However, this would be different should emotions come into play. No matter how much you wanted to keep your distance, you would definitely clash with that person at some particular time and place.

If you do not want to form these troublesome relationships, then you can’t help but to ignore them. This ignoring others was about as natural as breathing.

There was a trick to hating on others as well.

If you were to stir up trouble with anyone, then there would be repercussions. It was not just limited to the fact that the enemy of my enemy is my friend or that my friend’s friend is also my friend. Quarrels and disputes were inevitable, and they will make it known who are really your enemies and friends.

As of today, despite me not being on amicable terms with Miura, our opinions towards Sagami’s attitude was becoming more and more similar.

Sagami, you are way too naïve in this regard.

An open act of hostility towards someone would unearth all those potential enemies of yours.

Then again, it’s not like I was obliged to teach her this fact or anything.

Paying no attention to the teacher’s message, everyone started to stand up one by one.
There were all sorts of people, those that dashed out of the class immediately, those that stayed to talk to their desk partners and those who set about making preparations to go home in a slow manner.

As for me, owing to the fact that I still had the job from Miura’s mail of collecting information, I stayed back in the class, exuding an air of still having something to do.

Precisely because it was after school, that this kind of feeling exuded out from me, just like a high school student.

Above all else, the group of people gathered at the park were taking the high road.

Hayama and Tobe, as well as Miura and her friends.

“Then, I will be going off to my club.”

“Ah-, careful on your way-. Ah, Yui, I am going out to shop on Saturday.”

“Oh, ok. I will go I will go. Byebye.”

Yuigahama answered Miura as she skillfully smoothed over the issue over the lack of information that she had gathered as per Miura’s request. Now that I think about it, Miura’s way of invitation was really lousy…… That was totally similar to my level of asking someone out. Well, guess it can’t be helped since she’s the queen after all. That is to say, I am like an emperor?  ※But a nude one. [2]

Yuigahama waved her hand gently to Miura and her friends as she left the class. I guess she was going to the club room. Miura gave a smile as her eyes followed the disappearing figure of Yuigahama. I guess Miura too knows what Yuigahama was going to do during club activities. It was as though Miura was being understanding after Yuigahama had expressed her desires properly. I was one step closer to understanding Miura.

Miura who was staying behind leaned against the wall, beside her was Ebina-san. Hayama and his bunch of friends probably had club activities as well, and were already done with the packing up of their stuffs and were now engaging in leisure conversation as they left the classroom.
There were two doorways to the class, the front and back. Of course, Hayama and his friends would enter the sight of all those who were leaving via the back-door.

As they passed Hayama and his friends who were making light-hearted conversation, they would give one or two words of greetings and bid farewell to each other. What the heck is this? Going home from work?

Then again, this sort of thing was limited to only those who were on good terms with Hayama and his friends. Those who couldn’t be considered “on good terms” with them would quickly disappear from the front door.

There was still one more person who was leaving the classroom. That person was Kawa…… Saki? Well, I think her name is probably Kawasaki. What’s up with her, was she still working outside?

As she passed by me, Kawasaki suddenly increased her speed, and broke into a light jog. Then, as soon as she was a certain distance away from me, her pace returned back to usual.  As she walked to the doorway, she glanced back. As her gaze met mine, she made a “uuuu” sound as though the words were stuck in her mouth.  She lowered her head slightly and walked briskly out of the classroom.

Seemed like she wanted to say goodbye. Idiot, you should have done that when you walked past me.

When Kawasaki left, I stoned for a little while again. This time, it was Sagami who walked past me. I guess she was using the front door so as to keep a certain distance from Miura and her friends. From this, I could tell that she knew that it was going to be hard to deal with Miura.

Furthermore, that sort of awareness, was probably going to get on Miura’s nerves all the more. Just like Yuigahama in the past, actions that were unclear was bound to piss off Miura.

First of all, understanding the matter to this point was enough.

The crux of the matter is, this problem could be solved if Sagami could take some form of action that will not agitate Miura. What follows next was what kind of action to take.

Anyway, the most effective way was to set your sights on a “TIME OUT” battle. That means that until they changed classes, they should just go about ignoring each other. Although this should have been the way from the start, Yukinoshita wanted to deal with this problem immediately. That means that the original method wouldn’t work.

Anyway, as I mused over the information I obtained today, I began to walk leisurely in the direction of the clubroom.

                       X                                                                      X                                                                      X

It was tea time as usual in the club room. The band was about to start playing soon.

As I entered the clubroom, the two of them were already seated in front of the computer.

As the two of them drank their red tea, their hands moved for the snacks, their faces a look of deep contemplation as they looked at the screen.

I sat down at the usual spot, and looked absentmindedly at the two of them discussing various events.

Because there didn’t seem to be a portion of the red tea for me, I began to sip the MAX coffee that I had bought earlier on my way to the club room.

As the autumn season steadily goes by and progresses into winter, this period of time was the season for MAX coffee. Also, a can of sparkling chilled MAX coffee was delicious during the time when spring was changing to summer. Rather, why not just say that MAX coffee was a delicacy that lasted throughout the year?

Also, today’s snacks were damp rice crackers.

Those rice crackers, were a famous speciaility product of Choushi of Chiba prefecture. What was special about it was that it was an official product of the Choushi railway. That was probably known to most. Chiba prefecture was well-known for its production of rice, but it was also just as well-known for its production of soy sauce.

Chiba’s combination of rice and soy sauce.  Rice and soy-sauce is a “Yu-me” (Dream) Collaboration. ☆[3]

By the way, I recommend eating the damp rice crackers by using an oven toaster to toast it, and then spreading mayonnaise and the seven spice on it.

…….Well, if we talking about its compatibility with MAX coffee, it could probably only be answered with “I, really love Chiba!” with a refreshing smile on my face.

Just as I was about to feast on Chiba’s specialty products, or in short, feast on Chiba, Yukinoshita folded her arms with a “um”.

“Then, what shall we do?”

“Ah, this-------------“

Besides Yukinoshita who had lapsed into thinking with a “Um” was Yuigahama who seemed to be doing the same with a groan. They seemed to be frustrated over the new activity.

Chiba Prefecture Problem Consultation Mails. It was a new mysterious system that was recently added to our list of club activities.

I left my seat and looked at it from behind them, curious over the request that was sent.

[PN: Meguri☆Meguri’s Consultation.]

Collecting ideas on how to make the Sports Festival even more exciting. Also, because it’s my final year, I definitely must win!

I finished the damp rice cracker in one bite when I was done reading the mail, a feeling of surprise swept over me.

…… It was the first time that someone had written a decent request in the mail. Well, although if I were to say that I am surprised at this sort of thing, wouldn’t that mean that this club’s activities were questionable?

“Sports Festival, huh.”

Yukinoshita sighed with a hint of melancholy in it.

“Ha…… Is it already that time?”

Putting it that way, means that during the SHR after school, the red and white teams were already decided using the odd and even numbers from our index numbers.

Although recently, most Sports Festival and Sport Carnival were held in spring, our school held the Sports Festival in autumn. When it ended, the season would also finally turn to winter. If it was us second years, this would mean the eminent arrival of our school field trip.

It was not a surprising fact that students viewed the Sports Festival as a big event. Those that glorified youth would probably view this as a fun event as well. Especially those guys from the sports club that could show off their active participation in sports to the girls. [As long as I showed this to them, I too will get a girlfri……] Those guys who had these delusions were probably not limited to just one or two.

However, girls, especially Yukinoshita were not like that, they would frown in disgust.

“…… I really hate it, inter class relays.”

Ah, I know I know. We did that too in junior high.

“That mysterious pressure.”

I recalled the memories of that time and subconsciously said something that agreed with her. To that, Yuigahama nodded her head with an “Un-Un-“and continued.

“I couldn’t run very fast, so it was very tough for me-----------“

“Exactly, I know what you mean. There was Nagayama from the soccer club who would go “tut-tut” whenever someone from the class was overtaken.”

“Who is that?! Why must it be a specific name?!”

Yuigahama turned her head back in surprise. You don’t know Nagayama? It was my classmate from junior high. Well, let’s just leave it at you would be afraid if you knew about him.

Nope, I really hated that guy. Well, I guess I was probably hated by him as well.

Well, it was not only Nagayama from the soccer club that I hated. It was probably the fault of the term “inter-class relay” that fanned the flames of my trauma folder. [4]

“Then there’s also those girls that refuse to take the baton. Why do they say something like [That’s hard to believe] when she’s obviously in the next leg? Tsundere?” [5]


No matter how I thought about it, I figured that they said it so as to grab my attention. Was it to toy the emotions of the one they like? In other words, paradoxically, I am a super popular guy. Am I wrong?

I unintentionally showed a self-depreciating smile, Yuigahama too, gave a bitter laugh of “Haha.”

“No, that is…….”

Oh. Yuigahama’s pitiful gaze towards me was painful. Sometimes, those kind and worried looks that you get would be painful.

“Because I think that you understand the situation quite well yourself, I will refrain from saying it directly. When girls are being hateful towards something, there’s a huge possibility that they really do mean it.”

But, Yukinoshita-san. Didn’t you say that the cold truth would be easier on people?

“How is that not direct? Go and look up the meaning of direct. Also, about Sports Festivals, there’s also that.”

“There’s still more? …. …”

I was about to continue, but Yuigahama gave a stiff smile. Fool, there were obviously tons of stuff in my memories about the Sports Festival. Do I really have to spell them out for you?

“Yup. This is a characteristic of guys. Coordinated group gymnastics. Because you can’t do it with one person so you have to do it with the teacher. Furthermore, there was also not enough people when it comes to making the [Fan].”

Correct, correct – My brain’s 80000 Hachimans all agreed with me. Yukinoshita and Yuigahama did not seem to understand me as they were staring at me blankly.

“Fan…..”

Yuigahama murmured, a face a look of curiosity.

What? You don’t know about fan? It is that, it has no relationship to the Ougiya Jasuko departmental store. It has already changed to EON now. By the way, the EON group’s headquarters was pretty popular in Mihamaku in Chiba.

Though I really wanted to tell them more about such frivolous information and the like, but I knew that those two wouldn’t be interested, so I decided to just cut straight to the point and explain to them about this “Fan” thing in group gymnastics.

“A [Fan], is one of the basics of these gymnastics. Simply put, it is something like this.

\                |              /
↑               ↑              ↑
Me.    Another       The sports teacher
          lonely
          person

Although I was making a pretty animated explanation with my hands and body, their reaction was a bit slow. Well, perhaps it was because girls didn’t do this gymnastics and hence they have no idea.

“Anyway, this gymnastics weren’t limited to the fan formation. Most scenarios required me to pair up with the teacher. Thanks to that, I was the center of attention during those sports carnivals.”

“To have your parents witness that is really quite pitiable…….”

Yukinoshita put her hand to her forehead, a sullen look on her face. I thank you for worrying about my parents, but really, such worry was unfounded. My parents took one look at me and burst out laughing, and if you believed it, they soon forgot about me and were soon busy taking pictures with Komachi.

Brothers were such things. They even went to start their dining after that.

Just as I was immersing myself in the sadness and pain that only a brother would have, Yuigahama too seemed like she was provoked by something and called out in a short but sharp voice.

“Ah. But girls have their own troubles too. Such as the creation of their dance……”

Yukinoshita reacted to that term, and then, she let out a short laugh.

“….. What on earth is that dance creation thing actually? Though I must say that that activity is one of the very best at making us want to forget the past.”

Yukinoshita spoke with an air of annoyance at which Yuigahama went “Un- Un- Un-” and nodded her head in response.

Really, so this dance creation was really that troublesome. Indeed, I did have a great laugh when I took a peek at them, as well as remembered the girls’ huge disgust at having to do it. I couldn’t help it since I young back then. Looking back, when I think about whether it was still possible for me to once again appreciate the figure of those girls dancing with a look of embarrassment, I really wish I could’ve urged the past me to take a more proper look at them.

This was probably a highly detestable memory for the both of them. The atmosphere grew heavy and the silence itself was depressing.

Since it was my bad that had caused the atmosphere to be ruined, I decided to try to comfort the both of them.

“Well, dancing is the nature of the citizens of Chiba prefecture so I guess it couldn’t be helped. All those and gymnastics and such.”

“Totally not comforting us at all……”

I was told off fiercely by Yuigahama.

Although the mood did not change in the end, but as though it wanted to break apart this impasse, a short rhythmical “DON DON” rang out accompanied by music. Although there was not much force put into making that sound, but it was especially clear in a clubroom where the three of us were in silence.

All of us looked at the door.

“Please come in.”

Following Yukinoshita’s call of invitation, a student that had a familiar face entered the room.

“Please excuse me~.”

A warm atmosphere followed her body, each time she looked back and forth about the room, her pigtails shook about as well. Her bangs were tied up with a hairpin and her pretty brow reflected the evening sun. It gave off a feeling of cheerfulness that was like her personality.

Shiromeguri Meguri. She was our one-year senior which meant she was a third year student. Also, she was the student council president of Sobu High. Yukinoshita and I had become her acquaintance during the Cultural Festival executive committee.

Meguri-senpai surveyed the club room with a curious “Ehh” and then gave a smile.

“That, is this the Service Club? I sent a consultation mail regarding the Sports Festival, and since I didn’t receive a reply I decided to just come here directly.”

Hearing her say that, we looked towards the screen of the computer.

PN: Meguri☆Meguri.

I see, that’s probably what Meguri-senpai meant by the mail she sent. When it comes down to the content regarding the Sports festival, to the “Because it’s my last”, all these descriptions matched Meguri-senpai.

“The person who sent this mail……”

Yuigahama looked back and forth between the computer screen and Meguri-senpai, to which Meguri-senpai pointed a finger at herself.

“Ah, that probably is me.”

As she said that, she walked briskly towards us.

“I want to let the Sports Festival be as lively as the Cultural Festival. I don’t know if you can help with that? Yukinoshita-san and, uh…..”

Thereupon, upon glancing at me, Meguri-senpai’s words seemed to have stuck in her throat. Seeing her frown and going “Umumu”, Yuigahama muttered to her as though it was some kind of secret conversation they were having.

“It’s Hikigaya. Hikigaya.”

Hearing that, Meguri-senpai clapped her hands together. And then she gave Yuigahama a warm smile.

“Ah, so you are Hikigaya-kun. And then that is…..”

After her pause, Meguri-senpai glanced at me once more with a frown. Noticing the misunderstanding, Yuigahama hurriedly corrected her.

“No, I, I am Yuigahama. That one is Hikigaya.”

“Oh oh, I see.”

Hearing that, Meguri-senpai seemed to be convinced and nodded her head.

“Yes…… That, Hikigaya, to be referred to as such, that is kind of troubling……”

Yuigahama averted her gaze, her voice gradually becoming softer and softer. In fact, I can’t even hear her already.

That’s right, I too, was at a loss of what reaction I should adopt upon hearing that.

“To think that one would be troubled upon being called as such. That truly is a taboo name. That’s so expected of you, Hikigaya-kun.”

Yukinoshita nodded her head in admiration.

Don’t be like that! Don’t use one’s name to make fun of them! Please stop calling Kondou-kun Condom-kun from now on. In my case, although I was known as Hikki, if I were to talk about it calmly, it still was amazingly offensive. [6]

“Sorry, I am not too good at remembering others’ names.”

Meguri-senpai apologized as she bowed her head.

Thereupon, Yukinoshita consoled her gently in a quiet voice.

“There’s no need to take it to heart. It’s just that he’s excellent at not letting others remember his name, that’s all.”

“Isn’t it strange to hear that from you? No, although you are not wrong in saying that.”

The truth was, people often referred to me as [That] or [Hey], when calling out to me. I have begun to suspect whether it is true that everyone cannot remember my name.

“Isn’t that the case? Aren’t you particularly good at erasing your own existence as well?”

Yukinoshita gave a smile. What do you mean by [Isn’t that the case?] I totally didn’t understand that. Also, not to mention you added a [As well] to it. However, because all these were fact, I was unable to refute any of it, regrettably.

“That, that isn’t true!”

However, a sentence of denial came from an unexpected place. Yuigahama broke in between Yukinoshita and I.

“On the contrary, when’s he alone in class, he‘s even more conspicuous!”

“Was there really such a way to console people……”

It was totally not consoling at all. Why are you still following up on your attacks? Are you trolling me? [7]

“Aha”

Meguri-senpai couldn’t resist laughing as she watched our exchange.

And then, she took one step towards me, reducing the distance between us.

“Hikigaya-kun.”

Hearing her call my name from such a close distance, I involuntarily took a step back.

“Yes, yes.”

Meguri-senpai nodded her head with a “Un” at my reply.

“So, you are called Hikigaya-kun. Okay, I have remembered it properly now. During those times when there were people helping out at the Cultural Festival, you were still working very hard. You were very reliable.”

Facing that innocent smile, I thought that having my name forgotten was not such a big deal after all. Or rather, getting my name wrong was pretty normal.

More than that however, I was touched by the fact that someone actually remembered me for the work I did during the Cultural Festival.

Also, at the same time, I was embarrassed as I expected.

Although the distance between our faces were extremely close, Meguri-senpai continued to give me that warm smile without a care in the world.

Thanks to that, I averted my gaze.

“Ha, Ha…… Well, I will help out……”

Right in front of me, where I had shifted my gaze to, was this person who had a sullen face on her.

“Mu-----------“

What are you, a pufferfish? Was there an enemy? Is it that? Was it the recent craze surrounding the [Rage PunPun pill]? [8] When I first heard of it, I was thinking, “Which member of Yakult Swallows [9]was that?” So it’s not referring to that BunBun Pill after all. [10]

Behind the unhappy Yuigahama, came a cold voice.

“Meguri-senpai, we can leave “THAT” aside. Please tell us more about the details of your request.”

As I expected, she got colder as winter drew nearer……. It was a voice that gave me the chills. Probably because of that, the smiling expression of Meguri-senpai faded in an instant, and with a “Oh” clapped her hands together as though she had thought of something.

“Ah, that’s it, that’s it. What I wanted to request of you all, was to think of some ideas regarding the games at the Sports Festival that would be eye-catching.”

Meguri-senpai gave a thumbs-up as she started her explanation.

“Eye-catching games……”

An image of an eyeball monster that emitted sharp and shrill sounds running about materialized in my mind. My hairs stood on end as though they had just become a radar. [11]

This was a vague request that let one’s imagination run wild. For example, this was akin to a senior at your workplace asking you to tell him some interesting stories during your free time. Then when I was done talking, they would say something like “So boring. That can’t pass as interesting.” Oh? And if I were to say that I had nothing interesting to talk about, then they would begin their jibe of how I was an uninteresting fellow. How do I please your exactly? Those who were able to think up of such topics were the very definition of boredom themselves. Seriously, it would be great if those guys were fired!

Well, although I felt that Meguri-senpai did not fall under that category, but the topic at hand lacked any concreteness. We too were unsure of what we should do.

I wasn’t the only one who thought as such. Yuigahama raised her hand thoughtfully.

“What do you mean by that?”

Yukinoshita who was beside Yuigahama folded her arms quietly.

“That is to say, what did your do during the last year…..”

“Since you asked that, I really don’t remember anything.”

I tried to dig for those memories, but nothing of that sort came out. That feeling, was akin to just sitting on your own chair and stoning. Although I think I did participate in some match, I had no memories of that.
If we were to talk about what I did remember, it was those fellows from the sport clubs saying something along the lines of “Why are we still doing this Sports Festival when we are already high-school students”, “Yeah, seriously.” Yet when the matches began, they become particularly serious and seemed to have lots of fun in those stuff. When they returned, they were high-fiving the girls. On the other hand, I was just staring at the girls’ high socks.

Seeing that I couldn’t recall any important events, Yukinoshita let out a sigh as though she was pitying me.

“People will seal away those memories that are overly painful.”

“Will you stop treating my Sports Festival like it’s some kind of dark history? In the first place, being able to forget them easily means that it’s not some psychological trauma. Anyway, aren’t you the same as well since you can’t remember them!”

“Isn’t it also said that forgetting the past is a way to move on forward?”

Why was she saying that with that look of triumph?

“What? Why do you have that air of [I am beginning to understand] about you?  Those words weren’t even good words to use.”

“A, Ahaha. Bu, but I don’t remember anything as well.”

Although Yuigahama seems to be conforming to our views, but if it was her, I would bet that she had really forgotten everything. Probably it was because the three of us had forgotten the key events of last year, Meguri-senpai drooped her arms in disappointment.

“You really don’t remember as I expected……. The name is Cosp-race. You do a race while you are cosplaying……”

Cosp-race, seems like I have heard it somewhere before, but isn’t that Comp-ace? [12]

As I thought, I really didn’t remember anything. However, if I saw those top-class people cosplaying and joking amongst themselves, I would probably have put on a bitter face. I still believed so even till today.

Although she had already explained the details of the competition, Yukinoshita and Yuigahama were still cocking their head in bewilderment.

Seeing that, Meguri-senpai could only give a bitter smile. After muttering a “Is that so”, she probably thought of some new idea, as she said “Un” and become more lively.

“Those past years have always been so plain, so I want to make a showy event this year.”

We saw the warmth and determination behind her gaze. Probably it was because of that zeal of hers, Yuigahama and Yukinoshita took a step backwards.

“So, so I see……”

“I have understood the situation already. When do you need the ideas?”

Hearing Yukinoshita ask that, Meguri-senpai took hold of Yukinoshita’s hand.

“Regarding that, you can think about that during the conference with the Sports Festival Committee.”

“Ha? Ah, that is fine by me. That, why, my hand……. Could you let go of it……..”

Yukinoshita was considerably bewildered at having contact with another person out of the blue. Although I had thought that she was already used to this since Yuigahama did all this Yuri actions all the time to her, but it seems like that was not the case. Rather than say that she was used to all these Yuri Yuri actions, why not say that she was used to Yuigahama instead? Ah, this girl. [13]

Even when Yukinoshita requested for her to let go, Meguri-senpai seemed to have no intentions of doing so. Rather, she took yet another step and was now even closer to her.

“The truth is, we still haven’t decided a chairperson for the Sports Festival committee……. So, will you do it, Yukinoshita-san?”

Yukinoshita blushed under her fixated stare, however, she still seemed to have a little bit of strength inside of her to object, and managed to gently extract her hand from Meguri-senpai.

“I reject.”

“As I expected~”

Meguri-senpai drooped her head with a look of regret, but did not press her, and withdraw from asking her further completely.

And then, her eyes brightened up and she looked in Yuigahama’s direction.

“Then, then, what about you Yuigahama-san?!”

“Eh?!”

Yuigahama jumped at having such a suggestion brought upon her. And then, she frantically waved her hands.

“E, Eh, no, impossible!”

“That’s kind of expected. One would be troubled to be asked such a request all of a sudden.”

Meguri-senpai smiled as her shoulders drooped down lifelessly. Probably because she was pained to see such an expression, Yuigahama gave a heavy sigh.

“Sorry……”

“It’s alright. Don’t worry about it. It’s just that I would feel happier if you accepted it.  Thank you for your concern.”

Meguri-senpai patted Yuigahama’s head as she said that. Although Yuigahama was surprised by her sudden action, Meguri-senpai didn’t seem to mind as she continued patting.

But still, to not have decided upon the chairman at this stage was quite a serious problem. Will it affect the operation of this whole event?

Of course, Meguri-senpai probably sensed that impending danger as well, and she stopped her patting of Yuigahama’s head. She folded her arms, slanted her body and closed her eyes.

“But, not being able to elect a chairman is indeed troubling…..If this is the case”

If this is the case…….. Let me think about it as well then. I had this thought. If it was so, then it would come to that. Following the flow, the next in line would be me. Since she had already asked Yukinoshita and Yuigahama, then shouldn’t the next one to be asked be me? IF she were to take my hand and pat my head, I don’t think I can reject her at all.

Ah, this is bad, really bad.

Although I was thinking about how to avoid the situation, but before I could think of anything, Meguri-senpai had already made a conclusion.

“If that’s the case, I guess we can only try our best to find some ideas.”

Meguri senpai nodded her head with a “Un-Un-“ as she said that.

……Huh, what? Over here! The one person that Senpai hasn’t asked is over here! Quick, look, it’s me! ME!

Me?

However, the shouting in my heart could not be conveyed to her, as though the problem with the committee chairman was already settled in her mind. Gu……… I also want to let Meguri-senpai pat my head……. No, you see, I may have a younger sister but I do not have an elder sister. Towards this kind of things, I had some sort of longing.

As the fleeting fragments of my longings ran about in my head, Yukinoshita murmurs reached my ears.

“Still have not decided on a chairman…..”

I saw Yukinoshita putting her hand to her jaw, as she thought about the matter. She seemed to have thought of something as she suddenly looked up, and said to Meguri-senpai.

“It doesn’t matter who is the chairperson right?”

Meguri-senpai blinked her eyes at the sudden question, but quickly addressed the main intention behind that question.

“Eh? No, it’s not really right to say that it doesn’t matter who does it. It’s fine as long as it’s someone who would do things diligently and seriously, someone that we can leave work to without worry.”

Going by that, doesn’t that I was someone that didn’t treat work seriously nor someone that people can rely upon?

Well, the committee chairman, was just someone who was a person of character. I understood this point without them having to say anything.

However, Yukinoshita seemed to disagree, and shook her head quietly.

“No, the problem is not with the person’s character. The problem is more about the limitations of their qualifications or the groups that they are attached to.”

It seems like the point was missed. With the new explanation, Meguri-senpai understood correctly the intention behind her question.

“Ahah, so that’s what you are talking about. IF that’s the case then there’s no problem. The truth is that we did try to recruit some candidates, but we didn’t manage to get anyone……”

“So you did try and recruit people, I had no idea.”

Ah, Yuigahama let out a surprised gasp. This response caused Meguri-senpai to stutter slightly.

Wow, that was like telling her right in the face that she had no idea of their activities…… Yuigahama’s surprise carried no ill-meanings, but her nature sure was horrible.

Meguri-senpai crumpled as she started to reflect by herself.

“No one knew…… But that’s probably it…… Probably our way of notifying others was bad. Notices were put up, it was also written on the homepage. We distributed flyers, and also asked teachers to help us spread the news. Even my blog was updated as well…….”

No, I had no idea that senpai had a blog. What? An idol? …….No, this kind of stuff was pretty cute I think. Hehe.

“Ah, about that, sorry! Because I really don’t look at those kind of things! I don’t even know where the notice boards are. But, however, I will take a proper look at them from now on.”

As Yuigahama was trying to make up for her mistake, Meguri-senpai raised a hand silently, and stopped her from continuing. She rubbed her eyes and flashed a smile.

“It’s alright, it’s alright, Yuigahama-san. It was my bad, I will use Twitter from now on as well.”

“I don’t think that’s the problem……’

I voiced out my opinion involuntarily.

How can I talk to a senpai in this manner! Although I had that thought, I felt that she wouldn’t mind no matter how she was spoken to.

In reality, Meguri-senpai did indeed not seem to care.

“Yup, I will use LINE as well!”

No, that’s why I said…… But this form of optimism wasquite awesome, I thought.

“Meguri-senpai, there’s no need for such actions.”

Yukinoshita opened her mouth as though she was surprised at herself. After gently rubbing her forehead, she let out a short sigh.

“What do you mean?”

Meguri-senpai twisted her head slightly. Yukinoshita answered her doubt directly.

“I have a recommendation for this job.”

“Eh? Who who? What sort of person?”

Meguri-senpai pitched her body forward as she took a keen interest in it.  To that, Yukinoshita spoke slowly as though she was sorting out the thoughts in her head.

“There’s this person who have had experience with this sort of task, also, she has a will to improve as well as a desire for a honorary position. In other words, you could say that she’s someone who was willing to work.”

There were a wide choice of good points and although Meguri-senpai was clapping her hands in agreement excitedly, I was unable to rest easy.

An image appeared in my mind that seemed to fit the clues that Yukinoshita was giving. I am very good at guessing riddles. It was good to the extent that when it came to [How do you read gloves backwards], I answered it so brilliantly that I got 6 punches in after my answer. [14] Seriously, what happened to being civilized?

That brilliant brain of mine had already found the answer. Also, it was not a good answer.

“Hey, Yukinoshita, hey……. Don’t tell me.”


Having been interrupted as such, she probably knew that I had already figured out the answer. Yukinoshita glanced at me, and as though to give herself a secretive air, mouthed the words “Correct,” to me.

Wow, this girl’s lips sure were charming. Although this sort of random thoughts surfaced, but it was ultimately the feeling of disappointment and resignation that won in the end. Just barely though.

Yuigahama and Meguri-senpai didn’t seem to understand, and so watched our interactions in bewilderment.

However, they would probably have the same reaction as me once they hear the answer. This girl’s lips really were charming……. Well, they probably wouldn’t think those kind of stuff.

“Yukinoshita-san, tell me?”

Being urged upon by her, Yukinoshita once again looked at Meguri-senpai.

“Class 2-F, Cultural Festival committee chairman, Sagami Minami-san.”

“Eh-eh?!”

Yuigahama too added a cry of surprise. Probably because she had never thought of this. Although Meguri-senpai was just as surprised, but her expression quickly grew cold.

“Ah-. Eh, so, so it’s like that……. But, what should I do?”

Substituting Meguri-senpai who was hesitating to speak, I asked Yukinoshita about the true meaning behind her words

“Yukinoshita, what do you plan to do?”

“Same as treating a psychological trauma. Where you have failed once recently, you can only use something that is of equal or higher value to compensate for it. Am I wong?”

If she put it that way, then I have no problem understanding her. Yup, she was the type of person who would push someone who can’t swim into a pool in the name of practice.

That is to say, by letting her take up the post of Sports Festival committee chairman, she would be able to regain her confidence, or rather, to let others have a higher appraisal of her.

If this could go smoothly, Sagami’s request for herself could also be fulfilled, her frustration towards herself would also disappear.

And as a result, the gloomy mood surrounding class 2-F would probably change for the better. Because the main reason for the cause of it was Sagami. Well, although I can’t say whether it was my undeniable existence that accelerated that mood.

“However, is it worth to go so far? F class, whatever.”

“Yes, it is.”

Yukinoshita interrupted me with a steely voice.

I could feel the determination from that sharp piercing gaze of hers.

Well, it was going to be difficult to dissuade her when she has come this far. Not to mention persuasion was a difficult task in itself.

Furthermore, one could not say that Yukinoshita’s ideas were flawed, there was some logic to it.

However, what I could understand was only the reason for recommending Sagami. In other words, I could only understand the reason behind making Sagami the focus of the problem.

 The problem was the consideration behind letting the committee chairman being the main focus.

Also, Meguri-senpai seemed like she couldn’t be persuaded.

“Ah, Sagami-san?”

She murmured with her face in a frown.

Thus, Yukinoshita decided to say something more to supplement her previous statements.

“I think that giving one more chance is very important in nurturing others.”

“Yes, I think so as well.”

Towards Yukinoshita’s opinion, Meguri-senpai closed her eyes and nodded her head.

And then, she slowly raised her head and looked at Yukinoshita directly.

“However, this is serious work. If it is going to be done half-heartedly, I would feel very troubled.”

Those pair of eyes were telling us she didn’t want a repeat of the incident during the Cultural Festival. That warm yet firm attitude. It was different from the impression of the warm and gentle Meguri that I had always had. This dignified attitude of hers now was one that befitted a student council president.

“…….”

Although the intensity of that gaze was not yet overpowering, Yukinoshita lapsed into silence upon looking at those serious eyes of Meguri-senpai.
Indeed, just as Meguri-senpai had said, Sagami had a previous record. Sagami’s actions of abandoning her responsibility as well as slowing down the Festival were not something that could be forgiven.

“I don’t support this as well.”

People do not change that easily. If all it took to change, was words of gratitude, or the kind pity of others, or the cheap declaration of one’s resolve, then the streets of this world would be overflowing with transforming heroes.
After experiencing the failure of the Cultural Festival, I didn’t feel that Sagami had any sort of growth. If we were talking about growth, then she probably didn’t harbor any ill-will against me, and she also probably won’t put on some act to seek pity from the rest.

People will not chance. If they were to change, then there was only way to achieve that-.

Only by going through painful experiences one after another, the suffering that is carved into your heart will not disappear, and hence withdrawing from the rest because of the pain you have felt, that one would eventually end up changing one’s ways.

Sagami has yet to reach this stage.

Hence, I did not think that Sagami should take up the post of Sports Festival committee chairman.

“Sagamin, how to put it…….. If she was to end up like last time…….”

Yuigahama’s worry was absolutely spot-on. I fear, she would end up exactly likes he did in the past.

“She won’t become like that. I will make it my responsibility to see to that.”
Yukinoshita proclaimed confidently.

However, I felt that Yukinoshita’s confidence were dangerous.

“Are you an idiot? You. It wouldn’t have any meaning if you end up like you did during the Cultural Festival. Do you intend to work till you drop again?”

Hearing my say that, Yukinoshita froze there with her mouth agape.

“……..What?”

“Ah, eh, nothing. It’s a little surprising.”

Yukinoshita mumbled in a small voice. She was probably embarrassed by how she froze up just now. Her face was a slight shade of red as she cleared her throat.

“Your worries are unfounded. The Sports Festival is a closed-door event, not to mention that it last only a day. Compared to the Cultural Festival, the workload is significantly lesser and hence my workload will be reduced as well. Furthermore, Sagami-san also has room to reorganize herself should she make a mess.”

Yukinoshita’s explanations came out one after another like a torrential river. Seeing that, Yuigahama and I could only listen to her carefully whilst going “Un-un-“  Then, Yuigahama suddenly stopped whatever she was doing.

“Then again, isn’t the prerequisite for the above being Yukinon doing work diligently?”

Being stared at by Yuigahama, Yukinoshita’s words seemed to have been lodged in her throat in a moment of embarrassment.

“Yu, Yuigahama-san. However, there’s still the matter of the request, as well as Miura-san’s mail……”

Yukinoshita made some excuses concerning this and that. To this, Yuigahama uttered a soft “Mu---“ and looked at her.

“Ha…….”

Then she gave a sigh. Yuigahama raised her head and smiled at Yukinoshita.

“I will help too. You must let me handle some of the work too as well.”

“Yuigahama-san……”

A look on relief formed on her face and she let out a small whisper.

“Thank you…….”

“It’s nothing at all.”

Yuigahama took a step towards Yukinoshita to be right beside her, and gently held her hand. Ascertaining the warmth of each other.

Ah, two people getting along harmoniously was such a beautiful sight.

I was totally neglected by them, and so I could only watch those Yuri-feelings from afar.

There was still one more person, who was sighing from the side as she watched on.

“If Yukinoshita is going to help, then there shouldn’t be any problem.”

Those were words of some relief. However, you could say that this sort of trust was what caused the trouble during the Cultural Festival.

“Who knows? She’s not perfect after all. I don’t think that we should have too much trust.”

I looked at Meguri-senpai with just a bit of objection. And so, Meguri-senpai replied me with a smile.

“It’s okay. There’s Yuigahama too.”

Indeed, seeing her in front of me, that was sufficient to put me at ease. If Yuigahama is by Yukinoshita’s side this time, then it wouldn’t be possible for Yukinoshita to overwork herself. Finally, Yukinoshita as the failsafe, would ensure that the Sports Festival would progress smoothly without a hitch.

“……Well, I guess so.”

Hearing my short reply, Meguri-senpai brought her face to my ear. She spoke to me in a small voice as though she was telling me a secret.

“Also, you will be by their side right?”

Meguri-senpai’s voice tickled my ear. My body stiffened as I smelled the sweet fragrance, and then Meguri-senpai walked away from me.

Then, she awaited my reply with that smile of hers.

“……Yea, it’s my work after all.”

Unable to meet her eye, I looked towards the window. Nevertheless, the joyful sound of her laughter reached my ears.

“Okay! Then it’s decided!”

With a clap of her hands, she gathered our attention and then announced in a sonorous voice.

“Then, it’s time to go and visit Sagami-san. I guess you should let me and Yukinoshita go and talk to her?”

“That’s true. We will go tomorrow then.”

Yukinoshita nodded her head at Meguri-senpai’s proposal. However, Yukinoshita’s character was not one that was good at these sort of things……

“Ah, I will go as well!”

And so, to complement her flaw, that was Yuigahama’s job. Well, there should be no problem now then.

“Then, see you all tomorrow. I am counting on you all!”

With that said, Meguri-senpai turned towards the right as she prepared to exit from the clubroom, but she seemed to have thought of something and turned back to face us. Her skirt fluttered along with her movement.

“By the way, which team are you all in? Doesn’t our school separate each classes into two? I wish to ask about that. As for me, I am in the red team.”

She probably cared about this because of what she had written at the end of the mail “Because it’s my last so I want to win.”

Since it wasn’t like groups were some sort of personal information, I replied her first.

“Red”

After I said that, I glanced at Yuigahama.

“Red.”

Yuigahama looked at Yukinoshita.

“Red.”

Yukinoshita looked at Meguri-senpai.

The repeated words of “red” were akin to reporting strength. Meguri-senpai looked at us with satisfaction as she clenched her fists to psyche herself up.

“Same as me. Good! Let’s all set our sights on victory!!”

We did not follow in her high-spirits, and we looked at each other. Why was this person in such high spirits?

Seeing that there was no response from us, Meguri-senpai raised her fist once more.

“Let’s do our best!”

Uh-oh, this was that. This was the same as that with the king in Dragon Quest 5 in the Lenoire city or the big sisters who were the host at the Hero show. If one does not answer carefully here one would be stuck in an endless loop.

It seems that Yuigahama had also sensed that, and quickly looked at me.

“O, O……..”

No matter what, we were still very shy, and both Yuigahama and I raised our fists slightly like a [Beckoning cat]. [15]

Feeling satisfied, Meguri-senpai left the club-room.

……..How to put it, what is this weird situation.



____________________________________________________________________________________

[1] A reference to Attack on Titans.何の成果も得られませんでしたぁぁ A phrase said by the Recon team leader in Ep1 that made its rounds in JP.
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm20940922

[2] Homeroom- think of it as a meeting for the class after school to discuss random stuff.

[3] Formed from the kana of the two words. Soy-sauce (醤油) (Shou yu) and Rice (米) (go me)
Take the back of the two words and you get (Yume) which mean Dream (夢)

[4] Japanese meme. Has the form of俺のXX フォルダが火を噴くぜ Means I am about to showcase some collection of stuff I have.
[5] Tsundere: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsundere

[6] If you don’t know, Hikki is short for Hikkikomori, which refers to someone who is a shut-in, generally a derogatory term.

[7] Watari uses the word漁法 which technically means fishing method. The word trolling is thought to have originated from trawling, a form of fishing method. http://slang.tokyo/slang/troll.html The page is in Japanese, but you should be able to make sense of it with a online translator.

[8] A (somewhat) cute way to say you are pissed off, used by girls. There are 6 levels of rage,
More is discussed over here: http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/geki-oko-punpun-maru

[9] Baseball team in Japan: The Tokyo Yakult Swallows.

[10] The Bun-bun-maru is a nickname for a player in the above team. Takahiro Ikeyama, As for why, I don’t know. :D

[11] A reference to the GeGeGe_no_Kitarō series. MC has only one eye.

[12] Don’t you just love Wikipedia? TL;DR: Japanese computer game and manga magazine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monthly_Comp_Ace

[13] Yuri: think lesbian love.

[14] 手袋 is read as (Te Bu Ku Ro). Reading it backwards would be Ro Ku Bu te which is similar to
六打って (Ro ku bu tte) or hit me 6 times.

[15]  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maneki-neko <- READ. ITS CUTE AND AWESOME.