Chapter 2: Even So, His and Her Routine Will Continue On

No matter how the seasons alternate, some things never change.

Inversely, some things do change.

For example, the service club that I'm in has had some change.

A while after parting with Hayama—

I entered the special building and headed towards the club room, immediately, something

running towards me appeared in my peripheral vision.

"Oh, Onii-chan, what took you so long?"

The biggest change here, is that we now have an adorable new club member, who was coming 

to greet me in smiles.

The one and only, best sister in the world, Hikigaya Komachi—wearing the Sobu High uniform 

and joining the service club. That was a scene that I'd never imagined to see one day.

During spring break, I'd already seen her in uniform at home plenty of times, but to see it in 

school made me more emotional than I thought possible. Because of how precious she was, I 

didn't even dare to talk to her when we ran into each other on the hallway. To be exact, 

Komachi treats me like air in school, but talks to me normally in the club room. Onii-chan is so 

happy …

Perhaps because she was still not used to it, she wore her uniform jacket with her sleeves 

slightly rolled up, and had a new hair pin to put down her bangs, and now, there she was, 

applying Sock Touch casually like it was no big deal. (TL note: Sock Touch is a type of glue that 

prevents knee socks from falling off)

When she had just joined the club, she was like a new cat in the house exploring its new home, 

however, just a few days later, she had already completely adjusted, thus exposing such a 

defenseless pose. Don't do that in front of other boys, alright? With how cute you are, I'm afraid 

that you will awaken a Sock Touch fetish in them!

Sock Touch … sounds pretty good …

Of course, the change here is not only in my newly discovered fetish, there are other things that 

have changed.

"Ah, Senpai, what took you so long?"

Isshiki Iroha puffed her cheeks in an adorable manner, and was busy doing a manicure on her 

nails … 

This person is just the same as the last huh? Say, what are you even doing here …? You're not a 

club member, right?

But the one sitting next to Isshiki, Yuigahama Yui, did undergo a bit of a change.

"Hikki, yahallo!"

Her smile and cheerful waving had not changed, and neither did her weird but lively greeting.

Although, she now sat in a different place compared to before, on the other side of the table, 

right beside Isshiki.

"… Oh, good afternoon."

The change from the usual distance confused me, thus, I was slow in my reply. To cover that up, 

I speedily walked towards my seat.

But even this seat was different from before.

"Good afternoon."

As I was sitting down, a soft voice came from beside the window. As usual, this voice was quiet 

and composed, but it felt closer than before. And so, I replied with a quieter voice than usual:

"… Yeah, good afternoon."

This was probably the smallest change of all.

Yukinoshita Yukino sat in front of the windows, the sunlight shining in and forming a glowing 

backlight on her. She was lightly combing her hair, with an elegant smile on her face.

The distance between us had become slightly closer than before, just by a few millimeters.

In the past, my seating arrangement had always been diagonal to Yukinoshita's, but now, we 

were on the same line.

Looking back at the past, it was clear to me that however far I stretched out my hand, it would 

never be enough to reach her, and so I never tried. In the past, the distance between us was as 

far as such. 

But now, the distance between us was such that, if we both took a step forward, and tried our 

best to reach out, we would be within each other's grasp.

Even so, the distance between us now was still not all that close, that point hadn't changed that 

much from the past.

Despite being an almost negligible change, it was still something.

× × ×

The ambient noise and faint scent of tea gradually filled the club room.

Interrupted by the fragrant scent, I looked up from the novel I was reading, and faced the 

source of it.

In front of a billowing cloud of steam, Yukinoshita Yukino was elegantly brewing some tea. The 

sunlight reflecting off the cloud of steam made it looked like there was a veil over her face.

I gazed at this marvelous scene, just then, Yukinoshita's eyes suddenly met with mine.

Anything wrong?

Yukinoshita tilted her head, silently asking me.

To that, I responded by shaking my head, and looked down to shift my attention back onto the

novel. At that moment, I saw the corners of her lips move into a gentle smile.

There was nothing special about this type of exchange, but it made me feel a bit uneasy, so I 

decided to concentrate harder on my novel.

That's what I thought … but I couldn't concentrate at all …

Getting used to a new environment is a time-consuming process. The subtle change in 

relationship, the deviation in our positions, and the unfamiliar distance. All of this was par for 

the course.

Other than that, there was still something bugging me.

The thought of the words Hayama spoke to me as we parted stayed in my mind and wouldn't

dissipate, it really was troubling me …

The moment I thought about that and the upcoming event, I couldn't focus on the novel, and all 

I could do was scan through the lines one by one.

In situations like this, when only your ears are hard at work, naturally, you would be attracted 

by the trivial conversations around you.

"Did you know a new café opened around here?"

The one that said that was Isshiki. She tapped at her phone, and showed it to Yuigahama. 

Yuigahama took a look at it, then exclaimed:

"Ah, it really is close!"

"Yeah, I think we can go after school. It looks like the shop was originally from Kobe, so the 

décor is pretty stylish. There's quite a diversity of drinks too."

The two sat shoulder by shoulder, and chatted as they tapped at the phone screen. Just then, 

Komachi pulled a chair over and sat beside Yuigahama, looking at the phone.

"Ooh, pearl milk tea."

"No one's drinking that stuff anymore, only old-fashioned people drink that now."

Hearing Isshiki's mean comment, Komachi was greatly impacted. I'm not sure whether it was 

the force of the mental impact, but Komachi sat slanted on her seat upon hearing that.

Then, she said in a shaky voice:

"Eh, but, but Onii-chan said he quite likes it …"

"Ah—that's probably because Hikki is like an old-fashioned person …"

Hearing what Yuigahama said to Komachi, I was impacted even harder than Komachi was, so 

much so that I also sat slanted on my chair.

Hey … I didn't drink it because I knew it was all the rage, um, it's just that I enjoy sweet things 

like milk tea, and the stickiness of the pearls were quite intriguing … say, in its originating place 

in Taiwan, it is already a mainstream beverage, you can't even describe it as "the rage" 

anymore … I feel that it should also gradually have such a presence in Japan … like how even the 

convenience stores sell ice cream sundaes in the summer … (TL note: Taiwanese here, can 

confirm pearl milk tea/boba is the best, STFU Irohasu)

Just as I was furiously protecting my pearl milk tea, or my old-fashioned-ness, Isshiki added to 

the insult, as if she was not satisfied yet:

"Old-fashioned people really do like to chase trends from two weeks ago."

"I understand what you're saying … that type of person that comes over and says 'This is all the 

rage now right?' really makes gets on your nerves …"

Yuigahama said that with an impatient tone, making a very annoyed expression.

Yet, the one listening to their conversation, Komachi, showed a frightened expression.

"Both of you are way too familiar with old-fashioned people …"

"Yeah, cause daddy …"

"Yeah, because dad …"

Komachi heard both Isshiki and Yuigahama answer in a similar manner, and, as if noticing 

something, started murmuring non-stop:

"Ah, so that's how it is …"

What's wrong …? What type of "daddy" are they talking about … I don't really understand, but 

it sounds pretty scary, better for me to pretend that I never heard anything!

I shifted my gaze away from them, and saw that Yukinoshita had prepared five servings of tea. 

She poured the tea into a mug with the dog illustration, a plain teacup, and a paper cup.

"Here, have some tea."

Yukinoshita said, and the three people opposite of her reached over for their cups and said 

their thanks.

"Ah, thank you."

"Thank you, Yukino-san."

"Thanks, Senpai."

Yuigahama, Komachi, and Isshiki held the tea in their hands. Then, Yukinoshita quietly poured 

one last cup of tea into the mug with the Pan-san illustration and gave it to me.

"Thank you."

Hearing my quiet thanks, she lightly nodded. A look of satisfaction appeared on her face, she's 

probably pretty confident in the taste of today's tea. Or it could have been because I properly 

thanked her, and she thought that her daily teachings had finally paid off. She's always 

reminding me to be polite …

Even without direct conversation, both of us weakly signaled to each other similar feelings. This 

type of lovey-dovey old couple interaction made me feel a bit uneasy, so, to conceal the 

reddening of my cheeks, I blew at my tea, trying to forget about it. 

Looking sidewards, I could see that Komachi was using her long sleeves to hold the teacup as 

she blew on her tea.

And then, both of us took a sip at the same time.

"Ah, hot…! Not really …"

My voice and Komachi's overlapped in perfect unison. This made both of us stare at each other, 

but despite our shared surprise, no one else felt that way.

"You could even say it's not hot enough."

Isshiki held the paper cup to her lips, and made an unsatisfied expression. Then she glanced at 

me and put on a face that said "What's this guy talking about?" and added:

"What's this guy talking about?"

Hey, what type of expression was that? It was cute, sure, but also so irritating … how can you be 

dissatisfied with the temperature of Yukinoshita's tea? Pupu!

Just as I was thinking that, Yuigahama showed an interesting expression and looked me in the 

eye, saying:

"Ah, it's because Hikki is afraid of hot things."

Her smile seemed a bit awkward, and I returned a similar expression in agreement. From my 

peripheral vision, I saw Komachi with a look of gratefulness as she sipped her tea, and then she 

moved her chair to sit beside Yukinoshita.

"Everyone in the household is afraid of hot things, even Kamakura."

"Well, he does have a cat's tongue." (TL note: In Japanese, a cat's tongue can be used to 

describe people that don't like eating hot things)

"So, this warmth is perfect for our whole family … what do I do, Yukino-san …? I like you too 

much …"

And then she put her hand on Yukinoshita's thigh, and meowed as she cuddled on her.

"Don't be like that, Komachi …"

Yukinoshita looked like she was at a loss then and there, but it seemed that she didn't dislike 

Komachi's feline way of expressing intimacy, so, she just left Komachi to do whatever she 

wanted. A short while later, she cautiously reached towards Komachi's head, and started to pat 

her gently. Hm, not bad, Komachi's preciousness really is something to behold … it makes me

want to sing like Remeoroman "Machi —Yuki —ah …"

I really wanted to become a wall then ... but just as I was acting like a bystander in a play, 

suddenly, an ice-cold sound "GURAWEAGOWARAGAKIN" knocked down my imagination. (TL 

note: References are too Japanese for me to understand, something about a song and a manga 

catchphrase)

"Oh, that so."

I glanced towards the side, only to see Isshiki make a very cold expression, saying something so 

harsh without a damn. Then she took a sip of tea and made a disgusted expression, and 

murmured:

"So that's how it is …? It is pretty hot, and it's bitter, sour, and annoying."

She had done away from her previous opinion, and let out her feelings in a stream of 

consciousness, rivalling the excitement of Okada's triple home run. (TL note: Japanese baseball 

reference, something about a triple home run by some person)

What are you saying …? It's not hot, I don't think so at all … I averted my gaze and sipped my 

tea.

It was neither hot nor cold, it wasn't at either state, it was just perfect in that moment.

× × ×

After drinking the perfectly prepared tea, I finally felt more relieved.

Around me, everyone had a look of satisfaction, and the club room returned to its usual calm 

atmosphere. It was silent as if nothing had happened, anyways, we were very idle, not much 

different from the usual.

Me, Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, and Isshiki were all doing what we wanted to do, drinking tea, 

reading, and playing on the phone.

The only person panicking from the idleness was Komachi.

"… No one's coming."

She held her face with her hand, and lightly sighed.

"That's just how it is. This silly club is basically idle all the time."

You could say that being idle and not doing anything was what we did in the service club.

There was only the occasional troublesome request, other times, the service club = passing 

time in the club room.

And so, I held up my novel, gesturing for Komachi to bring a book or a phone to pass time here. 

Just then, Yukinoshita, who was also reading, lifted her head, and said in an amused tone:

"Yeah, that's why there's one silly club member that treats this place like a library."

"So you do now that you're a silly club member."

Yukinoshita pressed her temples as if she were in great pain, left speechless, she sighed a 

breath. Just as she lowered her head to get back into her novel, she silently added:

"… It's better than it was before, at least he knows he's a club member now …"

The way she flipped the pages of her novel was very gentle, and the way she gazed into the 

distance, paired with the novel in her hand, made it look like she was holding an album of

memories.

"Hm, huh, ok."

A year ago, as I was dragged into this place, all I could think about was how I could get out of 

here. Remembering how I was in the past compared to now made me feel super embarrassed, 

and I wanted to kill the me in the past. In times like this you need to cough twice to cover up the

shame!

Cough, cough.

After coughing a couple of times to perfectly cover my shame, I turned to Komachi like nothing 

happened and said:

"Whatever, isn't it good that we have no work to do?"

Either way, we're not getting paid for this. Such unfair labor, calling it evil is not enough to 

describe it. Say, why are we still relying on manpower in this day and age? Can't we rely on AI?

Just as I was speaking nonsense in my heart, Ms. Isshiki enthusiastically said:

"Yeah that's right. That way, I can casually redistribute student council work to here."

"In your dreams. Say, what are you even doing here …? You're not even a club member, right?"

The second we let our guard down this girl appears here … 

"Don't you have work in the student council and soccer club …?"

I asked in concern, and Isshiki tilted her head with a finger on her chin.

"I'm not a club member, but as a client, shouldn't I be entitled to being here?"

"Showa-era thinking?!"

This type of power-abuse attitude made Yuigahama exclaim in shock. Isshiki saw the shocked

expression on Yuigahama's face and seemed to realize she had said something bad, so, she 

cleared her throat and said:

"I mean, last year we really went overboard with our budget, so, I'll need some help from you 

guys to make up for it."

"Over 80 percent of that is your fault, isn't it?"

Isn't it because you keep planning those meaningless activities …? What was up with that free 

newspaper thing …? Of course the budget is not enough.

Hearing me speak such logical but annoying things, Isshiki adorably pouted at me.

"What about the joint prom from earlier …"

"Yes, you're right, I'm so sorry."

I really couldn't refute that, so I just admitted that I was in the wrong, forcibly ending this 

conversation. Then, Isshiki exhaled dissatisfiedly.

"To say the truth, I've even thought of borrowing the cat's paw" (TL note: An idiom in Japanese 

meaning being understaffed and busy as a result)

"Ah, then you can borrow the one we have at home, our cat is really cute!"

Noticing the commotion, Komachi suddenly interrupted and pulled out her phone from her 

pocket. She tapped a few times and showed the screen to Isshiki. 

On the screen was an out of focus and blurry picture—a picture of our housecat Kamakura's 

butt facing the camera.

Say, Komachi, couldn't you have taken a better picture …? If you were to participate in a worse 

cat photos competition, this would surely be the champion … anyone seeing this picture would 

just make a confused face …

That's what I thought, but there was one of us that showed a strong reaction.

"…"

Yukinoshita was trying to peer over Komachi to look at the phone, it looked like she was 

jumping up and down on her seat. This person really loves cats like they love their Friskies … 

that's so cute.

But other than Yukinoshita, no one was making any reaction. Isshiki was wearing a cold 

expression and waving her hand dismissively.

"No, I don't need a real cat's paw." 

"Oh really …?"

Isshiki's coldness made Komachi droop her shoulders in disappointment, but she immediately

lifted her head, as if she had thought of something.

"Ah, then Komachi can lend you a hand?"

As she suggested that, she made a gesture like a lucky cat. She really was a cat owner, the curve 

of her fingers, angle of her wrist, and cuteness of her action, even the lurking danger of hidden 

claws, was perfectly represented in her glamorous display.

But her outstretched hand did not reach Isshiki.

Because before that could happen, another hand from beside her had taken it away. This made 

Komachi look back in surprise. Behind her, of course, was Yukinoshita Yukino-san. Yukinoshita 

made a serious expression and started to caress Komachi's hand.

"Oh, oh? What's up …? Ah, Yukino-san's hands are so warm …"

At first, Komachi was surprised, but after that she snuggled onto her like a cat. Yukinoshita also 

took the chance to obtain the phone from Komachi's hand, enjoying the cat photo while patting 

Cat-machi (cat-form Komachi). This can be considered VR, right? That's way too advanced.

Yuigahama and I looked at this warm scene leisurely, but Isshiki didn't look happy at all.

She pouted at Komachi, and as if she had thought of something, she turned around to face me, 

and squeamishly pulled at my uniform jacket while saying:

"Senpaiii … can't you think of something?"

"There's no use talking to me …"

She tried convincing me with her squeamish voice, gleaming eyes, and soft pull on my uniform

jacket. I gently pried her hand way. Don't think that would work on me every time! I looked 

towards Yukinoshita and Komachi, then gestured to Isshiki to ask someone else.

"Go ask the club president."

Hearing the term "club president", Isshiki and Yuigahama looked towards the same direction. 

At the other end was a playful Komachi, making purring noises as if she were in a dream, on the 

other hand, Yukinoshita stroke her chin while holding Komachi's phone, it was like she was a 

villain of some sorts.

Noticing our attention being focused on her, Yukinoshita nodded her head, and calmly

expressed her opinion in a clear voice.

"Yeah, borrowing a cat is a good idea. Rather, we should just get a cat."

With that said, she revealed a smile of wisdom, but her actions were totally the opposite of 

smart. Yukinoshita … she's gotten cat-deficiency syndrome …

"You weren't even listening to what we were saying? This can't go on! Komachi, wake up! 

Come back! House! House!" (TL note: House is a command to get a dog back to their shed, lol)

Yuigahama shrieked, trying to get Komachi to wake up, as a result, Komachi sprang up abruptly.

"Woah! Whew, that was close … I almost fell asleep …"

This person really is scary—she had such a loving expression for Yukinoshita, but I think the 

intimate Komachi is really deadly … it can't be …! Are you Beast Ⅱ?! (TL note: Reference to 

Tiamat in FGO, who has the same CV as Komachi, Yuuki Aoi)—That's what I had thought, but 

Yukinoshita drooped her shoulders and looked distraught after Komachi left. Yukinoshita-san, 

you're pretty scary too!

After getting some vitamin c (cat), Yukinoshita returned to her usual calm self, and sipped at 

her tea as if nothing had happened.

"Anyways, this is a matter for the club president to decide."

"Yeah."

Saying that, Komachi continued to leisurely sip at her tea, but then she realized everyone had a 

"No, um…" look and were silently staring at her. Noticing that, she suddenly raised her head.

"Eh, ah, eh?! Komachi?! Komachi should make a decision?!"

Komachi tilted her head, and continuously pointed at herself. Towards this, all of us frantically 

nodded. The club president of the service club had now become Komachi. No, to be exact, it 

only began this spring, as the first president for the reformed service club was registered as 

Hikigaya Komachi.

Also, Yukinoshita's service club had never even been officially recognized. Hiratsuka-sensei 

must have done some funny business to get the club running.

But since we were now an official club, we needed Komachi to be the leader for it. Considering 

we're third years now, it would be best for Komachi to start being the club president from now 

on. 

It seemed that Yukinoshita and Yuigahama shared the same idea as me.

Yuigahama lightly patted Komachi's shoulder, and cheered her on:

"Yeah, since the club president is Komachi."

"Eh, ehhh …?"

Komachi's worries and confusions were all over her face, so, to help calm her down, Yuigahama 

smiled and said:

"It's ok, we'll help out as well."

"Yui-san!"

Komachi lunged forward to hug Yuigahama, and it was now Yuigahama's turn to playfully ruffle 

Komachi's hair.

"What're you going to do about it?"

Isshiki glanced at Yuigahama and Komachi, then whispered towards me.

"… She'll get used to it after some time, I think."

I said as I grabbed my teacup and drank some tea.

No matter it being the role of the club president, or some other things, it'll all work out after 

you get used to it. A year ago, this club also felt very wrong, but as time passed, everything 

began to fall into place.

To be honest though, even now, regarding this club, this relationship, or its current situation, 

something still feels out of place.

Sometimes, I feel as if there's a thorn in my heart that I can't pull out, leaving me with pangs of 

pain. 

But even with all these scars, from the bottom of my heart, I really think that this is the place

that I belong to.

It's a good thing this club continued on.

Because of Isshiki and Komachi, this place that would not have continued existing was 

preserved. Although they didn't tell me exactly happened, this type of thing, I'd still 

understand.

Not too long later, I'll have to leave this club behind, in the limited time that we have left here, I 

want to repay for that kindness.

The biggest problem at hand was probably Komachi's transition to the club president, which 

would ensure that the club could continue on. Oh, and of course, the student council would

have more lackeys to order around.

But even without all this talk about repaying kindness, all of these problems have to be solved 

in due time.

After all, the service club is one hell of a fishy club …

Up until now we had Hiratsuka-sensei to rely on, therefore, even if the meaning for the club's 

existence was ambiguous, we could still continue on through her dubious methods. But now, it 

was only because of Isshiki's role in the student council that allowed for the preservation of this 

club.

The problem is what will happen after Isshiki steps down.

If we want the service club to continue existing, we'd need to set a clear basis for our activities.

A proclamation of independence without any backdoors involved.

Ah, feels like that's not possible at all … the future sure is looking grim …

I lightly sighed, and finished the rest of the tea in my cup.

After I put the lightened teacup on the table, Yukinoshita silently stood up, and naturally 

poured a new cup for me. 

Thank you.

I lightly nodded to express my thanks, then I sipped my perfectly warm tea. I was thinking of 

getting some snacks to go along with the tea, but as I raised my head, Yuigahama's eyes met 

mine from across the table. 

However, she said nothing, and immediately averted her gaze, continuing to play with the 

phone in her hands.

That was all, nothing had happened, but just thinking that our silent exchange may had been 

noticed made me feel a bit uneasy. This type of thing used to happen a lot, but now it felt quite 

awkward … I feel like I'm starting to sweat … anyways, let's drink some tea and have some 

snacks to calm down!

To get away from these feelings of unease, I reached out for the snacks on the table.

But just as I touched the plate, it suddenly moved towards the side, and my hand grabbed at 

thin air. I reached out my hand another time, but the plate escaped once again.

"…"

What? —I stared in protest at the culprit behind the moving plate.

With her flowing black hair, snowy white skin, and clear blue eyes, she looked elegant even 

while she was standing and drinking tea.

The culprit behind the moving plate, Yukinoshita Yukino, directed her gaze at me, and her long 

eyelashes drooped as she slowly shook her head.

Eh …? What …? What's wrong?

Are you telling me I don't have the rights to snack? Having snacks when we don't have any

bread is pretty fine in itself, but not even letting me have the snacks? Is she telling me to starve? 

You're even more harsh than Marie Antoinette! (TL note: It is said that when Louis XVI's wife 

heard of how the peasants in France had no bread to eat, she said: "If there's no bread than 

have some snacks!" this phrase is now used to mock the upper class on know nothing about the 

common folk) 

But I'm the rebellious type, how can I just give up then and there? My stomach demands snacks

now!

I reached at the snack again, but once again, the plate moved away from me. Eh? Is this a flying 

saucer? A UFO …?

"… Hey, trying to bully me?"

Because of the illogical treatment I was being given, I couldn't help but say that. But then, 

Yukinoshita glared at me from the side.

"Have you forgotten our plans for later?"

Hearing her say that, my shoulders immediately drooped down.

"… I really want to forget."

For the whole day, the thought of tonight's plans had been in my mind, failing to dissipate. 

After thinking about it again, I deeply sighed.

It may have been that I looked too down, as Isshiki tilted her head and asked:

"Is there anything happening later?"

"Um, yeah I guess …"

It wasn't anything worth talking about. I answered as ambiguously as I could, as there was the 

saying that there are always ears on the wall, people can't keep secrets.

Komachi made a knowing look and murmured, then she clapped, and energetically said:

"Say, I think I've heard something about that."

"You know something, rice girl?"

Isshiki said in a serious voice, urging for her to continue on. The two sandwiched Yuigahama, 

and started to whisper to each other.

"Um, according to Haruno-san's intel …"

Hearing that name, a wave of despair came over me.

Why would that person go out of her way to tell Komachi? The intel has leaked in full already, 

this was way too unbearable …

That explained Hayama's attitude today. Of course, Haruno had already told him … Ahhh! The 

person I wanted least to know was him!

Hey! Say, what is up with that sister of yours? —I shot a protesting glance at Yukinoshita, but 

she too was shaking in anger.

"That person has told Komachi …"

The hatred in her voice made her speech feel colder and colder, but then, her voice started to 

weaken, until I almost couldn't hear it, then she said:

"I already said it was embarrassing, I told her not to do that …"

Her face was red, and her eyes were brimming with tears as she put her face down and 

shivered.

… Hm, that was different from what I thought, but being able to see something so rare, not bad.

The root of all evil was that good-for-nothing big sister.

Younger sisters aren't in the wrong, younger sisters are justice!

That's what I thought, but my sister continued leaking the intel like it was nothing.

"I heard that Onii-chan is dining with Yukinoshita-san's mother tonight …"

Ahh, she really said it! Actually, after the joint prom ended, Yukinoshita's mom had invited us 

out for dinner.

I already resolved myself for it to be revealed, but I was beaten to the punch, and it was 

answered before I could say anything, thus, the awkward situation now.

"Ah … so that's how it is?"

Yuigahama tugged at her hair buns, and revealed a troubled look. Beside her, Isshiki was eating 

snacks, and uninterestedly replied:

"Oh, so that's it?"

Isshiki's dull tone shocked Komachi. Then, Isshiki looked at me while chewing snacks with a 

teacup in hand.

"Well, I'm not all that interested … but, hearing you say that, Senpai's face does looks a bit 

awful now huh."

"Really? It doesn't look all that different from usual though."

Isshiki's words made Yukinoshita stare intently at me in wonder. And so, I did my best to put on 

a lifeless expression. My dead fish eyes were world renowned, and by relaxing my facial 

muscles to make a lifeless expression, I could really make the anguish at the bottom of my 

heart surface. 

Just then, Yukinoshita giggled.

"See, I told you he looks the same as usual."

"How have you been looking at me?"

Can I ask how you have been looking at me? Yukinoshita-san, have you really seen Hikigayasan's expression? Although I don't want to admit it myself, I'm basically no different from a 

zombie now. Being able to express the rottenness of a zombie without any makeup, even the 

zombie film makers all around the world are interested in me. Say, do you think that is the 

expression that I have all the time?

Just as I was about to launch into an emphatic speech, Isshiki used an overpowering voice to 

say:

"I can understand how Senpai is feeling, having to go out for dinner with that old hag must be 

pretty exhausting."

"Old … you …"

Yukinoshita was speechless.

Isshiki, how could you say that? That's not the case at all! —Was what I wanted to say, but what 

she said really resonated with me, so I couldn't refute her. Ah, no, I don't think Yukinoshita's 

mom is an old hag, I think that she's a pretty, young, elegant, and scary woman, and sometimes 

I can even see her humorous side, which is quite lovable.

It's just that, out of all the good, the scary part really stands out. In conclusion, going out for 

dinner with her is pretty exhausting. 

As I nodded to my thoughts, on the other side, Komachi and Isshiki were deep in conversation, 

appearing to be pretty entertained.

"Woah, Iroha-senpai, you're bad mouthing really is excellent, ☆ I definitely don't want to call 

you my sister! ♪"

"I didn't ask for it, and I don't want to be called that either."

"Komachi, what even is your standard for calling someone your sister?" (TL note: The way 

Komachi has called Yukino and Yui can also be interpreted as "sister", like "Yukino-nee" and 

"Yui-nee", but it felt off, so I used "-san" instead, up to your imagination)

Yukinoshita also added in to their conversation. What are you even asking about …?

Because Yukinoshita's attention was now diverted, it was the perfect chance for me reach for 

the snacks I wasn't able to get to earlier.

Don't look down on the appetite of a healthy teen. Eating some snacks is nothing for me, and 

considering the hardships later, filling up my belly now is important!

This time I was definitely going to get my hands on some snacks.

Just as I thought that, my hands grasped at thin air yet again.

"Huh?"

Eh? Why? Wasn't Yukinoshita with Komachi? I lifted my head in confusion, seeing that 

Yuigahama had the plate in her hands.

"Aren't you having dinner later? I'll be taking this."

With that said, she held the plate in a protective manner, and started eating away at the 

snacks.

"No, why are you the one eating then …?"

"Because, it would be wasteful if no one ate it."

As she said that she turned to look at the clock, and so did I, it was nearing evening, outside the 

window in the direction towards the west, the sky had already been dyed a thin layer of red.

"Yukinon, shouldn't it be time for you guys to leave? We'll clean up here."

Hearing that, Yukinoshita also looked towards the clock. Although I didn't know the exact time 

they had arranged, now was probably the time to leave. Yukinoshita thought for a while, then 

nodded and responded:

"You're right … then I'll let you take care of it …thanks."

Yukinoshita showed a smile and thanked her, in response to that, Yuigahama shook her head as 

if to say it was no big deal. 

"Then let's go."

"… Yes."

Yukinoshita picked up her schoolbag and urged me to leave, and I also started keeping my 

things in preparation for leaving. There was nothing much in my bag, but it felt particularly 

heavy now.

Yukinoshita had already packed all her things earlier, and was waiting for me by the door.

Nothing else I can do but resolve myself and go … I sighed one last sigh, stood up, and slung my 

bag behind my shoulder. 

"Then we'll go first, see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see you tomorrow."

Yuigahama and Komachi waved their hands at me, and Isshiki added in a "good luck", but didn't 

turn to face me. Under their supervision, we opened the door and entered the hallway. Wait, 

one person wasn't paying attention to us at all.

Just then—

"Ah, Yukino-san, you forgot this."

Komachi called for Yukinoshita, and ran towards us, holding a small paper bag in her hands.

She firmly placed the paper bag in Yukinoshita's hands, Yukinoshita looked down at the bag and 

tilted her head in confusion, but she carefully opened it and peeked at its contents, then 

abruptly smiled.

"Thanks, this will help a lot."

"Don't mind it!"

Komachi elegantly bowed while standing by the door, and waved her hand while saying:

"Be careful on your way!"

Inside the club room, Yuigahama waved us goodbye, while Isshiki continued playing with her 

phone.

This time under everyone's gaze, we left for real.

Wait, there was one person that didn't look at us. Whatever, it's easier on me like this, it makes 

no difference really!

Interlude

After seeing off Senpai and Yukinoshita-san, rice girl slowly closed the door.

Because of that, the club room plunged into an eerie silence.

And so, Yui-senpai put down her hand, and an audible sigh reached my ears.

I peered over my phone look at her, and I could see that she had a smidge of a smile. Her face 

looked the same as usual, but perhaps because of the light shining in from dusk, she looked a 

bit lonely.

I pretended not to have noticed Yui-senpai's lonely smile and sigh, and directed my gaze 

towards rice girl.

For some reason, rice girl also sighed.

"… Is Onii-chan going to be fine?"

"There's no need to worry so much."

Yui-senpai comforted the pouting rice girl.

"No, it sounds like Haruno-san will also be there."

Hearing that, I also sighed.

Haruno-senpai looks pretty, has a good figure, and a big chest, she's like an ideal woman, but I 

couldn't quite understand her stubbornness towards Yukino-senpai. Between the two of them, 

there was surely some complicated and hidden matters, but what made matters worse was the 

existence of Senpai. Ignoring Yukino-senpai, I think if Senpai was involved in the equation

anyhow, it would surely turn into a mess.

"Ah—some conflict is definitely going to happen. I bet one perica that those two will argue on 

the way." (TL note: "Perica" is a reference to the currency in the manga "Kaiji", 1 perica = 0.1 

yen)

Hearing me say that, Komachi enthusiastically replied:

"Ah then Komachi bets 1000 points that Onii-chan will hole himself up in a toilet and never 

come out for the rest of his life, what does Yui-san want to bet?"

"No, I'm not betting anything …"

Our betting seemed to have frightened Yui-senpai, but I think I can understand how she was

feeling. Anyways, Senpai's defeat was already a fact, so this round of betting wouldn't even 

establish, and most importantly, rice girl was still worried a while ago, but now she's fooling 

around with me, so scary. What is up with this kid …?

It was because our motives met that we were able to create the service club we have now, as 

for what thoughts resided deep in her heart, I still didn't understand to this day.

She really is Senpai's sister … as I was deep in thought, Yui-senpai tilted her head, as if thinking 

about something.

"But, a big fight … I don't think that will be the case."

"Eh? Why is that so? Aren't the two of them always arguing?"

Ever since I began hanging around the service club, that had been the case for them.

Yui-senpai showed a shocked expression, then laughed out loud, as if she had heard some kind 

of joke. "Ah, that's funny …" she pressed the corners of her eyes, then smiled as if nothing had 

happened and said:

"That's not the case at all, you're being too dramatic, that can't even count as a fight. It'll 

probably be just two weeks of ignoring each other?"

"Isn't that even worse …?"

"Woah, now everyone surrounding them have walk on egg shells."

Both me and rice girl were shocked. 

How could this person say such heavy things with a calm expression …?

Anyways, Yui-senpai doesn't even consider that as a fight, that's really something … she really is 

experienced after dealing with them for a whole year …

Just as I thought of that, I looked towards the seats that both of them were sitting in just now.

"Those two, they really are troublesome …"

My catchphrase is "All girls are trouble", but just as rice girl has said, Senpai is pretty 

troublesome too as a boy. So Senpai's saying that "All human beings are trouble" really is true …

Anyways, the two of them together means trouble … but that's not something that I hate about 

the two of them.

But that's another matter.

Thinking about the trouble that may come tomorrow made me feel as if the club room's 

atmosphere has become murky.

"It'll be fine! Completely fine!"

Yui-senpai must have felt the atmosphere sink, as she exclaimed in an optimistic tone.

"Is that so …?"

Rice girl shot her a doubting gaze, and in return, Yui-senpai clenched her fists in front of her 

chest and made a victory pose.

"Yeah, you'll get used to it in no time! It's not like it hasn't happened before! It's quite the 

common occurrence!"

Woah, what an awful response. Could it be that you're the mythical optimistic monster? That's 

what I thought, but I found what she was saying to be quite negative. If this person were to 

start working, she would definitely be taken advantage of like crazy …

Of course, I wasn't the only one shocked, as it looked like rice girl also had quite the fright.

She shifted her gaze away from Yui-senpai and whispered towards me:

"Um, Iroha-senpai, where do I submit the form to leave this club?"

"Not sure, I'm not even a club member, I think it should be submitted to the club president? 

But you're the club president."

Saying that, I couldn't resist my laughter anymore. Hum, during these troubling times, I guess it 

would be best to not come here anymore.

"Ah, I need to head back to the student council."

Just as I said that and prepared to excuse myself—

"Wait! Don't leave me here alone!"

Komachi tightly hugged my waist.

"Hey, what is up with you? Let go of me! I suddenly remembered that I have two weeks' worth 

of work that I need to finish …"

Depending on the situation it could also be three weeks, but if things cooled down faster, I could 

be back within two days, so don't come to find me!

I pushed her hands away, trying to get out of her grip.

But Komachi tightly held me and refused to release me.

"Wait! Komachi was also in the student council in middle school! I could definitely be of help! 

Take me along!"

Ah for real, she is annoying. There's nothing else I can do I guess, I'll just let her stay with the 

student council for now—just as I thought that:

"Ah, but I think it won't be a problem."

Me and rice girl looked at each other, communicating with a "What do you think?" and 

"Nonono, that's not possible" gaze. Considering her wrong optimism just now, it didn't feel 

believable at all.

"Eh? Are you really saying the truth?"

Me and rice girl said at the same time, even matching in our doubting demeanor.

But this time, Yui-senpai revealed a warm and calm smile to us.

"Yeah, for real. Because Hikki probably wouldn't get angry, at the most he'd just be tired for 

two or three days and look half dead, probably?"

"Ah …"

So that's it …? Me and rice girl nodded our heads in a somewhat cheerful manner.

Hearing what she said, I couldn't actually imagine the look of Senpai being angry.

Although we always hear him complain, no one had actually seen him overtly unhappy, at least

not to the point that you wouldn't want to approach him.

Should I say that he would take care of his matters himself? He is pretty mature in things like 

that. Although, he doesn't give others that impression at all.

And also, Senpai looks half dead all the time, it wouldn't make a difference to see it for two or 

more days longer, hmm.

Seeing me nod, Yui-senpai also smiled and nodded back.

But then her movements suddenly stopped, and her face darkened. Following that, Yui-senpai 

turned her head around like a rusty robot, towards the corner of the club room.

Why do I feel something ominous is about to come …? I shivered in my corner, just then, Yui-san 

said something despairing in a broken voice.

"But on the other hand, Yukinon, she might, take offense, and become very depressed …"

"Ah …"

So that's how it'll be …? Me and rice girl drooped our heads down, and sighed in a slightly 

gloomy manner.

I could relate very well, as the image of that happening immediately came to my mind.

Yukino-senpai may be dexterous, but she's also a cool beauty that's quick to reach conclusions. 

If it had anything to do with Senpai, she would also be just like a maiden, even her mentality 

would become very fragile.

But that's something I like about her.

Giving off a girly impression, I liked that very much.

Yui-senpai probably also thought the same. If she didn't like that, how could she have dealt 

with them for so long?

They really are troublesome, but I like it that way, so there's nothing I can do about that.

Whew … I lightly sighed, just then, rice girl suddenly leaned over, and whispered to me:

"Say, without Yui-san, the service club wouldn't be this peaceful, right?"

"Ah … so you have noticed …"

Seeing me nod with a wry smile, rice girl also showed a difficult smile and said, "Yeah, that's 

right."

You really are impressive, Yui-senpai.

So, I like her.

I like girls in love and girls that never give up. I like myself, so I like others that are just like me.

I gazed at Yui-senpai with a look filled with respect and gratefulness, while she peered outside

with a look of unease.

"… Yukinon, she'll be alright, right?"

What she said sounded like it came out unwittingly, and along with it, a feeling of gentleness 

way surpassing that of a mom.

No, instead of saying she's impressive, I'd say she's impressive to the point of being quite scary, 

Yui-senpai …

I continued to gaze at Yui-senpai, albeit with an extra bit of fear compared to earlier. The sunset 

shining in from the windows enveloped Yui-senpai like a halo, making her gleam so much that I 

couldn't help but squint my eyes.

"Is this person an angel …?"

"This should be the level of a goddess …"

At least we couldn't count her as a normal person anymore … me and rice girl expressed the 

same opinion, albeit a bit fearfully. The two of use clasped our hands, and prayed towards Yuisenpai.

Thank you for protecting this place that we love so much … after this, let's go to a café and hold 

a conference to bad-mouth Senpai