474: Omission

The cold weather, the group gathered around the dining table watching the bubbling hot pot, dipping the meat or vegetables into the smooth egg mixture, and sending them into their mouths with steaming rice. 

The flavors of the ingredients burst in the mouth, and the body warmed up as a result. Just thinking about it made one feel happy.

So, in conclusion, the location for the long-awaited dinner outside the club for the Service Club was once again decided to be at Yukino's house.

The main reason for this choice was that Yukino had been living alone. 

There would be no elders at her house, and with only peers present, they could do whatever they liked without having to be concerned about others.

As for cooking the meal, it wasn't that much of a bother. Yukino had been living alone for a long time, so she was used to preparing her own meals. 

This kind of environment had made her cooking skills very reliable.

Anyone who has cooked knows that cooking for one person and for several people doesn't require much difference in preparation. 

It's basically the same process, just with a little more food to prepare.

Moreover, when eating alone for a long time, it could get lonely sometimes. It was nice to have everyone gather together and enjoy a lively time.

Thus, Yukino didn't mind inviting Iroha and Yui to her place for dinner, especially since they had kindly offered to help with the cooking.

However, there was one thing that slightly deviated from the original plan.

"...Please, please, I'm begging you, Yukinoshita-senpai, let me invite Suzumiya-senpai to come and eat with us," Iroha whispered into Yukino's ear with a small voice.

During the evening, the train was crowded, separating Chisato and the others into two groups.

Chisato was standing by the door, while the three girls were slightly further inside.

With the train's usual hum and the constant announcements of station names, along with the chatter of other passengers and the sound of phones, Iroha's lowered voice didn't catch Chisato's attention at all.

Upon hearing Iroha's request, Yukino didn't immediately answer but subconsciously glanced at Chisato.

He was holding onto the pole with his left hand and staring out the window quietly.

Iroha continued in a low voice, "I know this might be sudden, but today Suzumiya-senpai is alone at home. Don't you think it's a little sad for him to eat alone tonight?"

Yukino sighed and closed her eyes helplessly. She then slowly opened them and met Iroha's pitiful gaze.

"Isshiki-san, eating alone is something I experience every day."

"Uh…"

Realizing she had said something wrong, Iroha quickly corrected herself.

"But Yukinoshita-senpai, you're different. You're strong inside, so it doesn't matter. But Suzumiya-senpai is different. It's always worrying about him."

"If that's the case, wouldn't it be better for you, Isshiki-san, to accompany him?" Yukino suggested.

"If I do that, my intentions would be too obvious. Suzumiya-senpai would definitely be wary of it."

Iroha's face was full of determination, as if she had made up her mind to turn her thoughts into reality. 

For that, she even lowered her pride to act coquettishly towards the same gender.

"Please, Yukinoshita-senpai… This opportunity is rare, it's very important to me."

"Ha, haha…"

Yui, who had been watching the whole process, couldn't help but chuckle. 

She was amused by Iroha's rare state and also had the urge to help her. So, she joined in and pleaded with Yukino.

"After all, today we were invited by Suzumiya-senpai. 

After the upcoming sports event between the two schools, we might need to ask him for more help, so I think it wouldn't hurt to get closer to him."

"Hmm…"

Yukino fell into thought.

"Senpai…"

Iroha lightly tugged at Yukinoshita's sleeve, showing a pitiful expression that made her look like a cute little animal.

"As for Suzumiya-senpai's meal costs, I'll pay, so… please."

"It's not about the money…" Yukino sighed inwardly. After all, how much would it cost to buy ingredients and cook at home?

"Forget it…"

"Mainly, you haven't asked the most important person for their opinion, have you?"

Iroha's pleading expression softened, then turned into sheer joy.

"Senpai, does this mean… you agree?"

Yukino nodded.

"My agreement doesn't matter. If Suzumiya-senpai doesn't want to come, we can't force him."

"Don't worry, I'll make him come!"

After giving a bright smile to Yui, who had helped her, Iroha squeezed through the crowd and apologized while moving toward Chisato's side.

Then, just as she did with Yukino, she cozied up to him and whispered something in his ear.

He turned to look at the other two and shook his head. Iroha's expression then changed to one of displeasure.

But with her grabbing his arm and shaking it lightly, accompanied by the same pleading expression, Chisato sighed deeply and nodded.

Iroha smiled brightly and showed a peace sign to the two others.

"Pfft... Hahaha."

Yui suddenly burst out laughing.

Yukino looked at her friend in confusion.

"What's wrong?"

"Sorry, sorry. When I saw Isshiki like that, I had this déjà vu. I couldn't hold it in," Yui said with a grin.

"Déjà vu?"

"Yes, Isshiki's way of asking you and Suzumiya-senpai is almost the same pattern. 

And your response to him is almost like a mold too. First, a helpless expression, then you were worn down and agreed to her request. 

It felt like parents finally giving in to their child," Yui casually explained, still smiling.

Yukino couldn't simply laugh it off like Yui. 

Some thoughts had quietly taken root in her heart, though she didn't notice it yet.

_______

50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta

_______

If any of you noticed an error, please point it out in comments!