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Том 6.5 Глава 3






 

[In summary, Hikigaya Hachiman has a premonition]

 

There was an unusually large group of people in the classroom during lunchbreak. Those who had gone off to buy lunch were all slowly returning back in droves.

 

I was amongst one of them.

 

I took out the bread from the plastic bag and unwrapped it on the table. Although I would normally bring my food to a much more open space, I didn’t do so today.

 

Water droplets were falling along the windows, and the railings of the verandah were being struck with rain.

 

The rain had started falling since morning, and while it did not look like it was going to get heavier, it also did not show any signs of stopping. Just the continuous constant drizzle of the rain.

 

This was not the autumn shower nor the rain that signified the transition of autumn into winter. Just seeing this type of incomplete rainfall made me feel a little bit chilly.

 

However, it was all the colder in the classroom.

 

There was a gloomy atmosphere at the front of the classroom that I thought was brought about the by rain.

 

It seems like today, the tragic Sagamin theatre continues on with its stunning performance.

 

I could see it pretty well even when I was seated halfway towards the front of the class.

 

There seems to be a new program, [To be urged on by someone to become the Sports Festival committee chairman, and then to be told off by some annoying person. That’s me] that was making its debut. The title is so long. Is there a way to condense it?

 

Sagami had an unusually black face. A girl was seated in front of her, looking at her face to face, whilst another was standing beside her looking at her with a worried look.

 

“So, he seems to have asked me to do something in a roundabout manner.”

 

“What, that is like, too much? ”

 

In that instant, I could feel them staring at me. Oi oi, don’t keep looking at me from time to time, I will think that you are in love with me.

 

To be able to feel the gazes of scorn and contempt was an ability that was the norm for a loner. Being a loner meant taking the world as your enemy. Your daily life was a battlefield, and so, in order to protect your life and your spirit, you had to acquire these skills. This was the same as those elites who were able to detect another’s killing intent or their presence. Hmm, something wrong with that? Am I wrong?

 

Since one knew beforehand what was going to happen, then one must go in prepared. Just like how it was raining outside, if one knew about it in advance, then one would have prepared an umbrella. Well, one may still get wet from the rain despite the umbrella.

 

“I didn’t perform to my best at all, sorry, but—“

 

“Nothing like that at all. The one who’s in the wrong is Sa–“

 

Sagami’s foul mood was increasing with a fury. Its sphere of influence was spreading to the nearby areas, even those who passed by her were affected by it.

 

“Oh- man-, the rain is seriously bad. I was drenched to the skin just from buying stuff from the convenience store.”

 

The one who was dragged in was Tobe. He seemed to have bought it as a forfeit for a game. Both his hands were carrying bread.

 

As he walked to the front of the classroom frivolously as always, he was sucked into the foul temper.

 

“Ah, hey, Tobe-kun, have you heard? ”

 

“Ah, what, about what? ”

 

Tobe asked as he unwrapped the bread wrapper. That girl approached Tobe’s face gently. ……What? Her face seems to be a little red. Don’t tell me she’s about to say something as lame as a confession of her love towards Tobe? Sigh, this Tobe.

 

I stared at Tobe with my Mystics Eyes of Death Perception. [1] Tobe threw his head backwards and slapped his forehead.

 

“Uwa. He’s here. Hikitani-kun is seriously too much.”

 

“Wait, wait abit! Your voice is way too loud……”

 

Just as I thought that Tobe’s love story was about to suddenly unfold. I realized that my worries were for naught. The topic of their conversation was me. To be the subject of a conversation is really bad.

 

“Ah-. But this is really bad. No, Hikitani-kun wouldn’t do such a thing-“

 

Ku. Are you still saying the same thing from just now…… Don’t just keep saying the same thing over and over again…… Well, it can’t be helped that humans are going to keep conversing for all eternity. However, saying the same thing over and over again would get you hated pretty quickly, you know?

 

Tobe seemed to want to join in the conversation and left the plastic bag on the table beside him.

 

……Is that okay? Weren’t you asked to buy stuff for the others?

 

Just as I thought.

 

I heard the sound of fingernails clicking against the table.

 

A strong presence seems to be approaching the center of that foul mood.

 

Looking back, I saw Miura’s irritated expression as she stood there. From her glare I could see the burning flames from deep within those eyes.

 

See, I said you were scary……

 

“Oi, Oi-! Tobecchi, hurry up hurry up! ”

 

Sensing Miura’s displeasure, Yuigahama beckoned to Tobe. Noticing this, Tobe waved his hand as well.

 

“Ah coming now. ……Sorry, someone’s calling me, excuse me.”

 

“Ah, un.”

 

Seeing that, that bunch of foul-tempered people realized Tobe. This was probably because they just needed someone to converse with, and that it need not necessarily be Tobe, or they were taking into consideration Miura glaring at them from behind. Well, probably a mixture of both. Thereupon, Miura grew more irritated upon seeing this attitude.

 

“Sorry.”

 

Tobe apologized as he lined up the bread. While Hayama and his group were giving their words of “Thanks” and “Good job”, Miura squinted her eyes at him, with a look of displeasure.

 

“So slow.”

 

Miura exclaimed, unable to hide her frustration. However, her mood seems to improve upon choosing her bread. As she took the chocolate coronet, she let out a laugh. Was she hungry?

 

However, I cannot keep looking at others. You see, there was Yuigahama who was stealing glances at me.

 

Guess I should hurry up and finish my bread and head off to the library.

 

Yuigahama and I barely converse whilst in the classroom. At least, not in the presence of other.

 

Even though I don’t remember any agreement, but this seemed to be a mutual understanding between us recently. This is not on deadly grounds. [2] Yuigahama seemed to have noticed that as long as she doesn’t speak to me, I would not take the initiative to do so either.

 

Well, from the hostile pose that the Sagami group was taking, our actions could possibly aggravate them. There was no need to go the extra mile to pray for rain when it is already raining.

 

To be able to preserve the current situation was probably due to Yuigahama’s ability. Having the ability to discern the moods of various group was really useful. Yuigahama was probably fit to work as a saleswoman in a clothing store.

 

However, it was probably impossible to expect someone else other than Yuigahama to have this ability.

 

Suddenly, my aura of ‘Do not speak to me’ was interrupted by the shadow of a person walking towards me. ……OI oi, those who did not know how to read the mood won’t be able to survive in today’s Japan, you know? As a human, that could be said to be horrible.

 

Although I had that thought, but everything would be fine as long as that shadow did not belong to a human.

 

“Hachiman.”

 

Totsuka trotted towards me.

 

It can’t be helped if it’s an angel. They don’t live according to the same rules and principles as we humans do. You could say that they are those who dance in the rain without an umbrella. That is what it means to be free. [3]

 

“Wh, what? ”

 

“Ah, no, nothing. I only felt that It was strange for Hachiman to be here in the classroom.”

 

Totsuka replied and placed a bread on my table. Wh, what was this, a bait to lure me? As I had that thought, Totsuka pulled a chair from the nearby table and sat down beside me.

 

As I stared blankly at Totsuka, Totsuka raised his head and looked at me in surprise.

 

“Is something the matter? ”

 

“Ah, no, nothing in particular.”

 

That, why was Totsuka sitting with me, face to face and eating bread? If this goes one, I would mix mine and Totsuka’s bread together and change it into a state of PANPANKAPAN. [4] (Especially my head)

 

In this current situation, there was only one reason why Totsuka would approach me. I regulated my breathing, and spoke to him in what I hoped was a normal voice.

 

“……Then, shall we eat together? ”

 

If at this point in time Totsuka were to say “Ah……. I don’t really want to……” I guarantee that I will not be coming to school ever again. However, Totsuka replied energetically.

 

“Un! Hachiman is always eating alone outside. I have to practice during the day as well, so I always didn’t have the chance to eat lunch with you. Doing this occasionally is great.”

 

In contrast with Totsuka’s lighthearted smile, my heart seems to be entering a rainy season.

 

My heart received a supplement of rainwater and was now feeling the effects of hyaluronic acid. The composition of the rainwater is GURUGURUGURUGURU glucosamine grape sweets! [5]

 

……Rain is awesome! Way to go, this foul mood.

 

As I thanked the heavens for this gift, Totsuka’s gaze dropped to his hand.

 

“Also……”

 

Totsuka stopped his actions with the plastic wrapper and continued on in a small voice.

 

“You don’t seem too well……”

 

“……”

 

I was silenced by that unexpected sentence. Totsuka raised his head suddenly and looked straight at me.

 

“Although I can’t do much…… but as long as it’s within my power.”

 

Thereupon, I understood. Totsuka was worried about me.

 

The situation in the class was as such, especially Sagami’s group who was spreading this matter far and wide openly. No matter how ignorant one was of current affairs, Totsuka would have noticed it.

 

Also, I fear that my behavior was different from usual.

 

Although I had wanted to face it calmly, but hate would accumulate unknowingly. Then, this hate would be naturally expressed through one’s behavior. Even though I would say that I am not a person who would suppress pressure in the bottom of my heart, I wouldn’t say I couldn’t feel anything.

 

Just like how rain water would eventually erode a rock, there was a limit to all this.

 

That’s why, at those times, whenever I notice those kindness coming at me at a whim, I would want to rely on them.

 

However, it would probably be trouble if I were to rely on those kindness. I was frankly quite troubled.

 

I didn’t want to let such a kind person shoulder this heavy burden. Those that I could rely on unconditionally were my family members.

 

I could not make that request for others to help me lessen my burden. I didn’t know how to as well. To learn such a method now was extremely difficult. Furthermore, if I were to rely on others with this feelings of guilt, it would be far happier if I were to suffer alone.

 

Totsuka’s words, worry and warmth, were like break of clear weather amidst the long rain.

 

However, I was more willing to become the loner who danced and sang under the rain than to stay in that interval of clear weather.

 

“……Sorry to have worried you. However, there’s no problem.”

 

I laughed and answered with a sense of self-mockery and servility, but my voice never once dropped.

 

Although my intention was to convey the message that he needn’t worry about me, I didn’t want him to stop caring just yet.

 

“That’s good to hear…… However I did hear that the preparations for the Sports Festival was troublesome…..”

 

“Sports Festival? ”

 

Totsuka was smiling as he said his point.

 

Hearing that term all of a sudden caused me to blink my eyes in surprise, to which Totsuka tilted his head in bewilderment.

 

“Hachiman is currently doing work in the Sports Festival committee? I thought that you seem so lifeless because you were fatigued from your work……”

 

Ahem. So you were talking about the Sports Festival. Ah, that’s right, and there I was thinking you were worried about my current situation in the class.

 

What’s up with this excessive self-consciousness? I really want to kill myself now…… To think that I would read so deeply into such trivial concern. ARGHHH!!!!! SERIOUSLY!!!!

 

Just as I was reeling from the damage that I had caused myself, Totsuka patted my back.

 

“Ha, Hachiman! Are you all right? ”

 

“Y, Yes…. I just choked from eating the bread.”

 

I gave a cough to try and corroborate my words. Totsuka looked at my bread with a face of bewilderment.

 

“You haven’t even started eating yet……”

 

“It’s the saliva, that, the drool……”

 

“Are you that hungry? Then hurry up and eat.”

 

“Un…….”

 

That’s right, unexpectedly, humans generally don’t care about others. As someone who has already given the matter considerable thought, such matters were all too common.

 

……Well, Totsuka would be indifferent towards these fetters. Because everyone treats Totsuka as some sort of mascot. Cute boys were easily ‘tampered’ by guys and girls, and so I was inclined to protect him from coming into contact with such darkness of the human soul. I didn’t know whether this was really the best decision for him.

 

However, no matter how I tried to explain it, the fact that Totsuka had shown me concern was an undeniable fact. Then, the conclusion would no change no matter how I said it. Thus in order to not cause him further worry, I ought to conduct myself in an appropriate manner.

 

I had a complicated expression on my face as I dug into my Neapolitan roll, before washing it down with tea.

 

“Well, there’s no need to worry about the Sports Festival. What will be will be.”

 

“Is that so? If it’s Hachiman, I guess there won’t be any problems! ”

 

Being trusted so simply really is troubling.

 

What should I do? Hearing such a thing, a loner’s practice was to simply reply “Ah, no problem.” Consequently, meeting with a catastrophe as a result of that answer was not uncommon. Now, I had already answered reflexively despite knowing that.

 

“However, was it really as troubling as it looks? ”

 

“Un…… The tennis club has already sent forth some members to help out, how should I put this……”

 

Totsuka at this instant seemed to be evading something. He wasn’t the type who like to speak ill of others. Regarding this, he was the exact opposite of me. That is to say, our personalities were pretty much compatible with one another, guess we can’t help but to marry each other. Wrong.

 

The most important thing was not this, but from what Totsuka couldn’t say, it seems that the members that we loaned from the Tennis club surely didn’t have a good impression towards the executive committee.

 

“Well, I am afraid that we will have to trouble everyone until the Sports Festival ends. The Tennis club as well.”

 

“There’s absolutely no cause for concern about that. Even so, even if I can’t help out much……”

 

“No, it’s enough that you could lend us some club members to help out. Anyway, it’s not like I can do anything as well.”

 

“Then, isn’t that still no good? ”

 

Totsuka seemed surprised for a while before letting out a laugh. Seeing him laugh so freely, I felt better myself as well.

 

However, there was still one matter that couldn’t make anyone feel happy.

 

From Totsuka’s words, it would appear that during the weekends, the people from the sports clubs had already been spreading around a negative image of the committee.

 

That is to say, it wasn’t hard to imagine that the hate from the helpers must be continuing to increase.

 

If the person wasn’t there, they would surely be vilifying that person.

 

The tennis club was headed by a gentle president. One could infer from this that the tennis club was still considered one of the more peaceful clubs within the school. If the remarks amongst them were bad, then those by the other sports clubs were obviously much worse.

 

Repairing these relationships, although it was what Meguri-senpai had asked, I knew that it was no simple feat. Especially if it was Sagami who was the one to do it, then one could not really expect to look at it optimistically. If that’s the case, then my workload was going to increase again. If you were to say that it was for Sagami, it would be more accurate to say that it was because of Sagami’s error that caused the increase in my workload. This was no small pressure.

 

The moment I thought about my bleak future, I sighed deeply.

 

“However, I am looking forward to this year’s Sports Festival.”

 

Hearing that voice, I raised my head, and saw Totsuka’s bright smile. Totsuka was carrying frank rolls in both hands. I really wanted to feed him.

 

I bite down on my bread. Although I kind of felt sorry for him, I still hoped that he wouldn’t have such expectations.

 

“This time probably won’t be all that different from all those other times. School events are always like that.”

 

“Is that so? I thought this will be more fun than last year. You see, the last year……”

 

The words at the back faded, and Totsuka lowered his head gently. Saika-chan what’s wrong? Why did your face turn so dark all of a sudden? I asked him curiously.

 

“What happened? ”

 

“That…… Because I was forced to wear some strange costume……”

 

As he replied, his eyes gradually lost their shine. Eh? There was such a thing? What happened last year…… I totally had no idea. Was it because I didn’t attend last year’s Sports Festival?

 

Last year, Sports Festival, strange costume…… Eh? Cosplay?

 

“Eh, Totsuka, you went for that? ”

 

Totsuka nodded his head.

 

“I was forced by my senpai……”

 

Totsuka’s voice had gone very soft. Se, sesesesese senpai, mu mumumumumu muri. What was this hot progression? (Mainly in the thin book.) However, I won’t allow it. Wasn’t this the equivalent of power harassment? A Robattle Fight cannot commence unless both sides agree to it. [6]

 

Then again, why didn’t I remember? Nobody showed me a photo? Even if there was a photo, I still had no friends so I didn’t have any way in which I could borrow the photo. Ah, this is regrettable.

 

Although I had already formed that conclusion in my heart, I still could not mask my regret as I spoke.

 

“I have no impression of it……”

 

“……It’s better if you don’t remember it.”

 

Totsuka turned his head abruptly.

 

What was he wearing…… It would be too normal if he was wearing a maid or a nurse costume. A sailor suit was also not really unexpected for a student. That means, it was a China Dress? My personal opinion was that a costume that revealed the chest, as well as a deep slit would be more suited for Tostuka. See, if you were to tie the hair into a bun-

 

But wait.

 

This was not necessarily so, for the Chinese dress would place an emphasis on the young aspect of Totsuka, so it may not be that choice as well. In other words, it would make him even cuter than usual.

 

I stared at Totsuka.

 

“What on earth could the costume be……”

 

“Really! Don’t think about it! Stop! ”

 

Totsuka knocking on the table and interrupted the conversation. His face swelled up to exaggerated amounts, seemingly very angry.

 

“Ah, no, I was thinking of using it as a reference for this year.”

 

Although I had an excuse, Totsuka turned his head to the side without replying me. Even when he was angry, he was so cute. No matter when, I had to say “That’s great! Come and find! ” [7] However I was not the Girl of Love, Hachimanna. Rather, you could say that I was a sad warrior.

 

I know that Totsuka didn’t like others treating him as a girl. As expected, I can’t let him hate me. Then again, will he face me again? Even though I wished for it, Totsuka still did not look at me.

 

Both of us were silent for a while, Totsuka stole a few glances at me as though he wanted to ask me something. His actions were like those of a squirrel. It made one have the urge to ask him “Did I bully you? ”

 

“I am going to buy some yam. Do you want some, Totsuka? ”

 

“No, No.”

 

“Then, that. Coffee? ”

 

According to my past experiences, Totsuka was unexpectedly into coffee.

 

Both of us finding a compromise. This was how negotiations were supposed to proceed. Well, it would only work if both sides had the intention to negotiate in the first place.

 

Luckily, Totsuka had such an intention, and he nodded hesistantly.

 

“……If it’s coffee.”

 

Totsuka broke into a smile shyly as he said it. Although I wanted to smile as well, I held it back. Because that probably wouldn’t be a smile, but a smirk.

 

“Then, I am going off to buy it.”

 

“Ah, Un. Take care.”

 

I stood up and waved gently to Totsuka.

 

Although I don’t normally eat with Totsuka for lunch, but this sort of interaction wasn’t that bad. This sort of happiness that wasn’t forced felt good.

 

Seems like this was a service only provided by the rain…… It would be good if it could rain every day.

 

X X X

 

Walking out of the classroom, the corridors during lunchbreak were very crowded. It seems that due to being unable to go outside, it was even more bustling than usual. As expected, some of the people had gotten carried away with the mood and were now playing hide-and-seek. However, their crazy antics did liven up the students that were entering or leaving the classroom. ……The rain is such a bother. If only the temperature could be lowered by two degrees.

 

As I approached the second year student classroom, I felt the gazes of others. The feeling of everyone around me laughing away, accompanied with the humid weather, was discomforting.

 

The students in this school have a wrong inclination towards the idea of “hit the man who is down.” To stand out was bad, but the bad will inevitable stand out, and will become the target of biases.

 

The most important bit, was to neither stand out nor yield. As long as you did not admit to being defeated, then you will not be defeated. If you didn’t view the problem as a problem, then there won’t be a problem.

 

In the instance when one admitted failure, that was when one took the greatest hit. Because of the notion that justice must triumph, then the losers must be evil. And when dealing with evil, it was right no matter how you dealt with it.

 

This was the iron rule of school and society.

 

Low-caste members or failures were detested by all, and hence abuse was natural. The school was such a place whereby such trial in absentia was carried out.

 

Everyone was the plaintiff, and yet everyone was also the accused. Everyone was also the prosecutor, the defense lawyer and the jury. Not only that, the judge who gave the final judgement was also everyone. In the end, everyone was bound by this concept of ‘Everyone’.

 

I fear that the day whereby they were free of these bonds would never come.

 

Unexpectedly, perhaps the Riajuus who went about playing with others cheerfully was so as to escape such trials by absentia. It seems to be a preventive measure to prevent one from being back stabbed when one wasn’t around.

 

I ignored the gazes and occasionally turned my head around to intimidate them with a scary look, and arrived at the vending machine on the first floor.

 

Although I was here to buy sweet drinks, but to Chiba citizens, sweet drinks mainly refers to MAX coffee. I slotted in some coins and pressed the black-yellow button that resembled a bee. “KACHA.” With that sound, the first can dropped to the bottom, and I started to think.

 

What’s next would be buying coffee for Totsuka.

 

Well, MAX coffee was something that all Chiba citizens drank. MAX coffee was really omnipotent.

 

As my hand reached for the button without hesitation, I heard some quick steps from behind me. Seems like there was someone who wanted to buy the same drink as me, or perhaps to buy some sweet snacks.

 

I took the can of MAX coffee from the outlet and retreated swiftly to the side. I was very confident in my ability to not be a hindrance to others.

 

However, that footstep did not continue to walk forward.

 

What’s happening? Was that person hesitating over whether to approach me? I looked at that person as I entertained such thoughts.

 

And then, I saw Hayama Hayato with a bitter smile on his face.

 

Hayama, upon noting that I didn’t seem to have anything to say, nodded his head slightly and walked towards the vending machine. After a bit of hesitation over what to buy, he pressed the black coffee button. Look here, are you trying to pick a fight with me by buying something else other than MAX coffee in front of me?

 

I opened my can, and even Hayama’s words that followed seemed like he was trying to pick a fight.

 

“……Seems like progress isn’t all that smooth.”

 

“Ah? ”

 

Was he trying to pick a fight or remonstrating me? Even though the intention behind his words were not clear, but if one understood Hayama, then one would know that he was saying it out of true concern. Not causing trouble was the way he lived his life.

 

“If it involves people then there will be trouble. That much is natural.”

 

To me, no, probably to Hayama as well, this was natural. It would be a miracle if the relationships between the groups formed by the executive and administrative committee turned out fine. Just the number of people alone were sufficient to cause friction between them. I laughed scornfully at Hayama saying, ” Are you really asking this now? ” However, Hayama did not laugh.

 

“I am not talking about that. I am talking about the class.”

 

I thought that he was talking about the Sports Festival Committee, seems like I was wrong. Class matters, does that mean the one that involved Sagami? Miura was probably worried about her as well.

 

However, no matter which problem it was, they were all the same.

 

“The answer is still the same.”

 

In the end, the root of the problem did not change. The important bit was, whether a person could manage the work successfully. After all, human relationships were troublesome. Whether you viewed it from a macro or micro point of view, the work that had to be done was similar.

 

Hence, the answer to both the problems were the same.

 

“Once things turn sour, it would be unable for it to go back to its original state.”

 

Hayama didn’t seem to understand my answer. He didn’t drink from his opened can of coffee, only sending me a reproaching gaze.

 

“......Is that so? ”

 

“Probably.”

 

As I finished that, I turned my body and prepared to head back to the classroom. Then, I heard a voice from behind me.

 

“Sorry about the stuff with the Sports Festival.”

 

“Huh? ”

 

I turned my head, and Hayama’s gaze gradually lowered.

 

“Because I convinced Sagami-san to take up the post without giving it further thought.”

 

“No, I had already decided that Sagami would take the job. Even if you didn’t asked her to do it, I would still have done it. Rather, you were a great help since I didn’t have to step in. Thus, this has nothing to do with you.”

 

If a quarrel was about to break out in front of him, Hayama would step in to diffuse it. This was Hayama’s nature. I was abusing this point this time. Apologizing to me was illogical.

 

“However, I support the idea of Sagami becoming committee chairman. If there’s any problem, I will help too, so please go ahead.”

 

“Ah, Un……”

 

It wasn’t that easy to just list out the problems.

 

Just as I intended to speak my mind, Hayama noticed it and smiled.

 

“I have heard a little on the side of the clubs.”

 

Ha, was this new already leaked? Then again, since Totsuka was already worried about it, Hayama knowing such things was obvious.

 

However, this had a much stronger impact that I had imagined.

 

If even the soccer club, who was led by the super charismatic Hayama was also like that, then from the personalities of both the soccer club and tennis club, the members were probably gentle and easy going people.

 

That is to say, the situation in other clubs were even worse. There was even the possibility that they did not want to cooperate anymore. At the same time where people were spreading malicious gossip, they were also consolidating everyone’s opinion. In the end, they will become stubborn and be a stickler behind this unified opinion. This situation will further be cemented after everyone’s affirmation and approval.

 

During this time, playing the Hayama card was indeed a valid choice.

 

Hayama, not only was he an opinion leader, he could also garner the support of the soccer club and will result in the Sports Festival being able to progress smoothly without problems.

 

However, this would only raise Hayama’s value, but it would not elevate Sagami’s appraisal. This was the Cultural Festival all over again when Yukinoshita took up her post.

 

……Well, Sagami herself would probably be happy at receiving Hayama’s help.

 

However, if Hayama and Sagami were to become closer, Miura’s mood will get even worse, and the consideration towards Miura will make Sagami shrink even more. The class atmosphere will enter a deflationary spiral. The opposition between these two sure were bothersome.

 

No, wait a minute. If the administrative committee received Hayama’s help, then Sagami will definitely become more annoying. If that’s the case, then I should seriously think about objecting to it……

 

Whether it was Hayama or Yukinoshita, although they were both wild cards, but putting them to use effectively was no easy task. This time, there was a need to deploy them while letting Sagami be the main consideration.

 

As I was stimulating the moves of all these pieces like a chess problem, I heard a hesitant voice.

 

“What’s the matter? ”

 

Seeing my sudden silence, Hayama looked at me in surprise.

 

“Ah, no…… Well, that, should be no problem. No need to worry.”

 

“……Really? ”

 

“Well, if there’s any problem I will talk about it then.”

 

Having spoken my piece, I turned and left. Although it seemed that Hayama still had something to say, but seeing that I had no intention of listening, he waved to me silently.

 

I walked swiftly through the corridors.

 

Hayama was a trump card against the anti-sagami or the anti-committee alliance. However he could not be used against both at the same time. In the event that Sagami and the committee were facing off against each other, it would be hard to utilize Hayama’s peaceful nature to calm down both parties. In fact, it may even spark off something else.

 

I first had to think of a way to remove the friction between Sagami and the helpers.

 

For this problem, the conference today yielded some plans. More or less, some preparations were being done.

 

Yes, even so.

 

------- Once things turn sour, it would be unable for it to go back to its original state.

 

The words that I once said, continue to swirl about in the depths of my heart.

 

X X X

 

The footsteps of the people entering the conference room were unusually heavy.

 

This was expected given what had happened last time. Despite the weekend, it seems like the hateful image had not disappeared. In fact, I felt like I was one of them now as well.

 

Because of that, the number of people coming to the conference was a bit lesser than that day. Most of the people arrived punctually or slightly later than the scheduled time.

 

As a result, the start of the conference was pushed back 5 minutes from the scheduled timing.

 

Meguri-senpai who was keeping constant watch over the door, did occasionally glanced at the clock. Then, she spoke to Sagami.

 

“Sagami-san, let’s begin……”

 

“……Yes.”

 

Although Sagami answered as such, she did not stand up.

 

“I, I as well……”

 

Yuigahama wanted to stand up as though to encourage Sagami, but was stopped silently by Yukinoshita. With Yukinoshita’s hand pulling at her, Yuigahama sat down reluctantly.

 

This was all right.

 

What Sagami needs to do after this was to perform a purification ceremony. [8] This had nothing to do with the others. Sagami probably found the gazes of all those present unbearable.

 

Sagami breathed deeply and stood up determinedly. If the time dragged on, there will probably be someone who will stand up. She probably wants to avoid such a scenario. This sort of pride, no, more like her vanity. That was really a strong display of vanity there.

 

Even though the speed at which she stood up was slow, she did walk at a brisk pace.

 

Her target was the back of the conference room, where the helpers sat.

 

Haruka and Yukko were seated there as well.

 

They stared at Sagami. That gaze was perhaps that of contempt or scorn, or maybe just simple doubt.

 

The reason why Sagami would go there.

 

She will say it herself.

 

“That, can I have a few moments of your time.”

 

Upon hearing this, Haruka and Yukko looked at each other. After exchanging looks with one another, they raised their head together and looked at Sagami.

 

“There’s no problem….. Now? ”

 

“Can’t it wait? ”

 

Hearing the objection, Sagami regulated her breathing.

 

“......It’s better if it is now.”

 

Hearing this, both of them replied without so much as exchanging a look.

 

“Then, …… please say it.”

 

“The conference has already started, it’s okay to say it here right? ”

 

“……Eh”

 

Faced with this condition that was added on so smoothly, Sagami seemed at a loss for words.

 

Then, one could hear the soft laughter coming from amidst the helpers.

 

On the other hand, the rest of the people in the conference room were trying their best to keep quiet, and were silently listening to her.

 

This really was a purification ceremony, and also a form of punishment.

 

Under everyone’s gaze, Sagami’s face was flushed red, and her shoulders shook gently.

 

And then, the words came out bit by bit.

 

“That, sorry…… I, was thinking about how to make the Sports Festival into a more enjoyable event. I was only thinking about that.”

 

Sagami spoke those apologetic words.

 

Haruka and Yukko as well as the rest were silently listening to that soft and slow voice.

 

Just like exposing herself to the rest.

 

However, it was normal for the one who bore the brunt of the blame to face the wrath of the people. As long as something negative happened, they will find the culprit and shame ridicule and scorn said person. That was a rule of society. As a result, the people here will likewise require that Sagami admit her fault in front of everyone.

 

What Sagami said just now, fulfilled their request.

 

Haruka and Yukko seemed a little trouble and replied as they played about with their finger.

 

“…….It’s no problem. We were too busy thinking about our club activities as well. Sorry.”

 

It seems like the members of the Sports club seem to think so as well, and now the place was filled with voices of “Yes” and “Un” agreeing with Haruka and Yukko.

 

Thanks to those voices, Sagami’s voice gradually became more fluent.

 

“Un. …… That, I. …… As I thought, I still want everyone to get hyped up, and I will work hard for the sake of that. That’s why, I would be more than happy if I could get everyone’s support. ……. Of course, I will try my best to cut down on everyone’s burden regarding club activities.”

 

Sagami raised her head firmly as she said it. In contrast, the helpers were slowly shifting their gaze away from her.

 

Even so, the meaning behind her words were already sufficiently understood. The people present continued to reply.

 

“……Un, we will do whatever we can as well.”

 

“Thank you, please take care of me.”

 

Perhaps she was already done talking, and hence she lowered her head speedily and turned about and went back to her place. Meguri-senpai looked at her and heaved a sigh of relief.

 

“We can finally bid goodbye to this matter.”

 

She smiled at me, to which I could only nod my head.

 

“……Indeed.”

 

I replied as I swallowed the worry that was stuck in my chest like a small piece of fish bone.

 

Looking at the surface, it did indeed seem like it was the end of the matter. From how it looked, it definitely looked like the matter was over and done with.

 

But if one thought about it deeper, one would see that there were still things unresolved.

 

This was a habit of the loner elites.

 

Sagami’s words, to me, seemed like while she was trying to defend herself, she was at the same time, outright accusing them of wrongdoing as well. She was ingeniously using Haruka and Yukko club activities as a complement to her explanation, to bait those words out of them.

 

What an annoying thought.

 

However, the annoying thoughts that I had would always come true, unfortunately. Sometimes, it gave me the wrong impression that I somehow could predict the future.

 

As I hoped that my line of thought was wrong, I sat there quietly, waiting for the conference to begin.

 

X X X

 

The conference got off to a proper start once the late-comers arrived.

 

Under Hiratsuka sensei’s watch, the first to speak was Meguri-senpai. Perhaps she felt guilty about handing everything over to Sagami just now.

 

“Un, then this conference will begin now. First, according to the conclusions we derived from the past conference, I had thought about some ideas to improve upon the proposals. Yukinoshita, will you please? ”

 

“Yes.”

 

With that, Yukinoshita stood up. Then, upon sweeping her eyes across the student councils, its members hastily changed their positions. Just exactly when did they become that obedient towards Yukinoshita?

 

The members of the student council gave everyone a piece of print-out.

 

Yukinoshita held a similar sheet of paper in her hand and began her explanations.

 

“We made enquiries regarding clubs who had some problems with the schedule. Then, we rearranged the schedules for all the clubs from now till the actual day itself. We have already taken into consideration each club’s schedule in this time sheet. Please confirm.”

 

Hearing her speak and with a glance at their own sheet of paper, the helpers seem to be thrown into disarray. Seems like they saw something unexpected and were now thoroughly confused.

 

Well, probably because this schedule list was created by us from our own point of view. But their reactions were within our expectations.

 

“Eh, because this is only an improvement, it’s not finalized. If there are still problems we can still amend it. I have already spoken to the club presidents so there shouldn’t be any huge problems.”

 

Yuigahama added swiftly. She belonged in the top-caste, and so contacting the clubs’ presidents and asking for their cooperation would be a simple matter to her. Everyone present should’ve at least understood this.

 

“Also, for the Kibasen, in order to lessen the burden, we have decided to amend a portion of the rules as well as simplifying the costumes. This will probably lessen the workload and manpower needed with respect to the target that we set last conference.”

 

Yukinoshita continued to explain. What is manpower? Was that like the sky of love? You meant the sky of ninjas. [9]

 

That sort of preemptory explanation was probably better termed as threatening.

 

Yukinoshita had made a detailed comparison between the current and old schedule list. I wasn’t sure whether it was just that she was a speedy worker or that she was too bored. Probably a mix of both. There was also the possibility that she didn’t want anyone else to give complains to delay the progress of the festival. She sure was evil.

 

However, this appeared to yield results, as the helpers all complied with the new schedule.

 

Yukinoshita surveyed the quiet room, and sat down. Probably she was going to let the committee chairman take over.

 

Noticing this, Meguri-senpai urged Sagami on.

 

“Then, following what was said the last time.”

 

“Yes, yes. Then, let us divide the jobs using this new schedule as a basis.”

 

As I watched Sagami speak from the side, I placed my chin gently on my hands. Measures have been taken up to this point.

 

The conference settled the issue with the schedule, as well as obtained the support of various sports clubs presents. The most important topic, the cost of the Kibasen had also received several suggestions on how to reduce its cost.

 

And now, Sagami had reconciled with Haruka and Yukko, the ‘leader’ of the helpers.

 

In the current situation, there was nothing else to do. Treating it as a plan B to restore relationships was more than sufficient.

 

Even so, my eyes were moving by themselves, searching for reasons to be uneasy.

 

My ability to think of the worst possible scenario was still ever present.

 

But doing so was not to prevent things from happening. I could only think up of plans to resolve it once such things happen, even I pitied myself for that.

 

Because you see, didn’t this cause the same amount of hurt to those who knew and didn’t know? Rather than being over-confident, the extent of damage would probably be lesser the less one knew. To reduce the damage to its minimum, so that the time to recover will be shorter. This is one of life’s wisdom.

 

They were solemnly distributing work in the conference room.

 

Looking about, there seems to be no big problem.

 

Sagami was doing a good job distributing the work. Meguri-senpai was beside her. Also, due to Hiratsuka-sensei exercising her authority over them, no one was making any fuss.

 

There didn’t seem to be any dispute on the surface.

 

But in that instant, I saw that look in those eyes.

 

Those eyes belonged to Haruka and Yukko, who were standing at the whiteboard writing their names. As they passed by Sagami, their face were expressionless. When they passed her by, both of them nodded their heads at each other.

 

“Hey……”

 

“Hey……”

 

I heard the sound of them whispering. Perhaps they were discussing some other matters, I didn’t know anything about it.

 

Well, the apology had only taken place quite recently. I didn’t think that the awkwardness that existed between them now would lead to anything.

 

I stopped my observation and speculation, and reclined on the chair. As I straightened my back, the chair made a creaking noise.

 

As I leaned back on the chair till it was on the verge of falling, I turned my head to look at the back.

 

Water was still steadily running down the window panes.

 

The rain, has yet to stop.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

[1] https://typemoon.wikia.com/wiki/Mystic_Eyes_of_Death_Perception

[2] Name of an American movie in 1994.

[3] Reference to a quote from Roger Smith, from the Big O series. Phrase: 雨 の 中 、 傘 を 差 さ ず に 踊 る 人 間 が い て も い い 。 自 由 と は 、 そ う い う こ と だ.

[4] Reference to the NDS game Panpaka Panya-san, where you… bake bread.

[5] Reference to the lyrics of a commercial about one of Setagaya’s organic products. Said product is supposedly able to treat joint pain. For the LOL commerical: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=tnLyYk0y5oY

[6] Reference to Medabots. Before they fight, the announcer would shout something like: Medabots! Robattle!

[7] Reference to the anime, 愛 少 女 ポ リ ア ン ナ 物 語. (The story of Pollyanna, Girl of love)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Story_of_Pollyanna, _Girl_of_Love

[8] A very strong word, misogi (禊) is used here, strictly refers to the Shinto Purification ceremony. Probably implies she’s too screwed up.

[9] Play on words. Ninku (人 工) means manpower. The sky of love; Koizora (恋 空)is a 2007 film based upon a cell phone novel of the same name. Lastly, Ninkuu (忍 空) is a manga by Kouji Kiriyama. 恋 空 and忍 空 are often mixed up by people, whereas人 工 and忍 空 are similar sounding.

 






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