AN: Ahhh I'm so sorry guys for the stupid late update. I've been super busy with a lot of personal stuff. I started a new job and have been working on trying to get into other things besides writing. So I've been channeling my creativity into those other outlets. But of course I'm not going to forget about this. I'll make a real attempt to squeeze in more time for story writing. I'm of course just starting to get back into this so please bare with me. Of course I love reading reviews too so please feel free to leave some. They allow me to open my mind to more possibilities and also help me spot errors in my writing or characters.

The Warmth of Snow – Chapter 4

I placed the green pouch full of sweet, merciless bits of ulterior motive onto the table in front of me. Even though Isshiki, herself failed to mention the fact they were obligation chocolates. They had to be right? Yes, that's it. They definitely are. Just what is this sly kohai of mine trying to do? Did she forget that even if my initials are H.H, they do not stand for Hayama Hayato? Actually, I'm not so sure she even knew my initials, let alone my name. Well, even if she did forget I'm pretty sure her eyes could still function properly and still help her discern the difference between me and him. Still, this is odd.

"Aha….., So Hikki got chocolates from Iroha-chan."

Yuigahama softly spoke while shooting glances at both Yukinoshita and I while gripping the hems of her skirt. Hearing her voice caused me to look up from the green object.

"So it seems." Yukinoshita softly spoke.

I looked towards her. Yukinoshita had both hands on her teacup seemingly staring into it. I could feel a lump getting caught in my throat. I drank the rest of my tea to try and clear it. Still, I could feel it building back up. What's with this atmosphere?

Seeing as though everyone's attention has seemed to be focused onto the small pouch of sweets, I decided it might be better to just put it away in my bag. As I tossed the small item into my bag, Yuigahama shot a look towards me. She looked a little bit confused mixed with surprise and relief.

"Eh? You're not going to try one Hikki?" Yui asked seemingly curious.

"Nah, it can't be much different from what Isshiki had me try the other week during the chocolate cooking request. Besides, if I were to try one, I wouldn't be able to get the 'obligatory' taste out of my mouth." I replied

"What kind of answer is that?" sheepishly asked Yui.

I ignored her and continued with the novel I was reading before I was rudely interrupted by someone who knows no bounds. I took a quick glance over towards the person across the table. It seems she was still looking into her teacup. To my surprise, she had a somewhat upset and anxious look on her face and her cheeks seemed to be slightly pink. Her eyes quickly moved down towards the side of her chair over to her bag and back to her cup. It's not like Yukinoshita to look like that. Something definitely was on her mind and bothering her.

Seeing Yukinoshita like that made me feel somewhat uneasy. I moved my attention back to the novel but just ended up reading the same sentence over and over. Finally, I decided to just shut the novel and stow it back into my bag. Yuigahama went back to fiddling with her phone and must have read something interesting since now she was pestering Yukinoshita with it. Seeing those two going back to their usual lunch time conversation put me a little at ease. The awkward atmosphere from earlier seemed to have cleared out or so I thought. Noticing I was the only one to have actually finished my lunch, I decided to use that as a means of escape from this nuclear fallout.

I stood up, grabbed my bag and made my way towards the door. Honestly, I was a bit eager to leave the clubroom. Being here in the clubroom before regular club times felt extremely odd. Especially, during lunch period since I wasn't used to eating anywhere besides my perfect spot or the classroom during inclement weather. Taking a quick glance at the clock while approaching the door, I noticed I had enough time to go outside and enjoy a MAXX Coffee before the next bulk of classes started.

"You're leaving already Hikki?!" Yuigahama asked surprised.

"Yeah" I responded without turning around.

"Hikigaya-kun…" a cool voice called out to me. So I halfway turned to face the source and was surprised by what I was met with.

Yukinoshita was looking at me with slightly pink cheeks and eyes that reminded me of Kamakura whenever he wanted something. Seeing her like that, brought to my mind images of the other night, how she looked before she retreated into her apartment. I felt a small burning sensation starting up on the sides of my face.

"Ah, What's up?"

"You'll be attending club this afternoon, won't you?" Yukinoshita asked softly

"Y-yeah, I'll be here. Not like I have much of a choice."

"Well…until then Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita gave a small smile after responding.

I quickly left the room after that. If my face wasn't red during that small exchange, it definitely was now. What was up with her just now? Yukinoshita, you should be aware of how dangerous to my health those eyes are! Now finally out of the clubroom, I started on my way towards the vending machines somewhere outside the school building. Even though it's still about a month left before the weather starts transitioning towards a warmer climate, I still make it a point every day to enjoy a MAX Coffee some point during my lunch hour. The overtly sweet sugary taste helps ease the tension that tends to build up overtime from dealing with the bitter social norms that exists and exudes itself in prime majesty every day in the classroom.

The remaining bulk of classes proceeded like usual. Not much out of the ordinary had happened. Hayama, tobe and the rest of their goon squad were chatting it up and exuding that aura of popularity like any other day during last period. However, it wasn't exclusively just their posse that was socializing. The other inhabitants of this education centric habitat were also similarly huddled albeit into smaller groups. The last 10 minutes of class doesn't sound like much, but to a loner who is heavily outnumbered by the different social parties. The time seemed to drag. But of course, like I have stated many times to myself before I am no novice of the loner life style. To pass the remaining time, I dug into my bag looking to retrieve the paperback novel I have yet to finish reading. I had just started reading the same sentence which I had re read several times during the aftermath of the surprise attack from a certain sly kouhai of mine, when I overheard a loud voice…

"Eehhh?! What do you mean Irohasu has a secret boyfriend?!" Tobe said in a loud and shocked sounding voice

"Ahhh uhh, No. Maybe a secret boyfriend is stretching it a little too far" softly chuckled Yamato while was scratching the side of his head

"I just overheard someone saying

"If he's a supposed to be a secret, then how did you hear about this? Isn't that why it's called a secret, cause nobody knows?" asked a dumbfounded Ooka

"Dude, it's totally still a secret! Because we still don't know the guy's name!" explained Tobe.

"Where did you hear this Yamato? You know, repeating things that no one has proof of isn't a good thing to do. It's best we leave it alone and quit this discussion ahead of time before rumors are spread." Yupp, I definitely saw that coming from Hayama. However, I do agree with him. Those rumors of Yukinoshita and him definitely were a bother. Maybe it wasn't particularly a bother to me since it had nothing to do with me. Even with that in mind, in some way they were still bothersome.

"Aww c'mon Hayato, I'm just curious. Aren't you a little bit curious yourself, considering the fact that just a couple of weeks ago you…..uhh yeah. Ah nevermind." Tobe replied back but trailed off and didn't finish his sentence. Possibly due to the fact Hayama was giving him a stern look.

"Hey, I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious. But that still doesn't mean we should discuss it. Let's just respect our kouhai's personal life." Once again, Hayama with the perfect answer.

*Alarm signaling end of classes*

Hearing the bell, I packed up and headed for the door first. Rumors are rumors. Pesky and annoying are what they were. A few small vague words speckled onto a pile of sketchy and questionable suspicions. If one were to ask for any concrete evidence or actual facts of the matter, the answers they would surely be given, would be nothing more but mere coincidences. Coincidences, in turn can't fully be trusted. Because coincidences themselves, relies on the face value of the matter. In society whatever happens on the surface is what everybody sees first and sometimes it's the only thing they see. For example, a person sees another person giving a homeless person money for food. On the surface, it may look like someone doing a good deed. However, in reality, that one person is just exploiting the emotions of the onlookers for the recognition and status of being regarded as a good person. Apply that train of thought onto the situation of basing a rumor off of coincidences and it's not so logical. So it shouldn't be trusted.

Exiting the class I happen to notice a familiar face. The person this face belonged to happened to be the very subject of the conversation I just over heard. Isshikki Iroha was waving me over. Behind me I heard the footsteps of my fellow classmates approaching. Letting out a sigh, I made way towards Isshiki. She wasn't standing far, it was almost like she was waiting for me outside of class.

"Sennnnnnnnnnnpai!" Isshiki said as she leaned forward and gave me a small but forceful pat on the shoulder

"Yo"

"Eh, is that how you greet someone who just gave you chocolates?" she asked with a disgusted face on.

Did she have to say that out loud? Being reminded that I had received chocolates from someone other than Komachi sure felt strange. I could feel my face slightly burn. This has been happening a lot recently, am I getting sick? Just then, I heard a few gasps and whispers coming from behind me.

"*cough* I greet everyone the same. Giving sweets aren't going to earn you special treatment from me." I replied firmly

"Aww you're no fun senpai. Anyways, I'll be managing the soccer club today. So I need you to meet me near the soccer field after club is over."

"uhh, why? No, nevermind. Just forget I asked I don't want to know." I replied instantly. Knowing her, it'll probably be something involving me doing work.

"C'mon senpai, pleeeeeease!" Isshikki grabbed me by both arms and started to shake me. For a little girl, you got some strength.

"Oi, Oi! Okay, stop it. I'll go meet you there. At least let me know why so I can mentally prepare myself for the work."

"Great! I'll see you after club senpai! Say hello to Yukinoshita senpai and Yui Senpai for me Bye!"

Just like that Isshiki took off. Hurrying down the hall and out towards the soccer field. She didn't even tell me why! Ah, well there's nothing to be done about it now. I'll just have to go see her after club. So, I made way to the special building.

Club went by like usual. We weren't busy with any requests and no one dropped by today. It was just the three members of the service club for today. I looked up from the novel I was reading at the wall mounted clock above the black board in the room. It was 3 minutes to the end of club activities. That was just about enough time for me to walk to the soccer field. I stuffed my novel in my bag and stood up.

"I'll be leaving a bit early today. Isshikki asked me to meet her over at the soccer field after club activities were concluded. Seeing as there's only 3 minutes left and there were no requests I'm sure that's not a problem?" I decided to inform my club members. Because just leaving unannounced would be rude.

"Eh? What's Iroha-chan got Hikki doing now?" Asked a confused looking Yuighama

Both Yuigahama and Yukinoshita were staring intently at me waiting for an answer.

"Ah, It's nothing really. She just asked me to meet her there after club, that's all. I mean, it's the least I could do considering…" I clenched the strap of my bag and slightly turned my head towards the door. It was kind of embarrassing to bring it up.

"Oh..yeah, I guess you're right aha.." Yuigahama seemed to have caught onto what I was trying to say and was trying to smooth it over while scratching her hair bun.

"Okay well, we can still see each other at the school gates after and say our goodbyes there! So Yukinon and I will wait for you at the gates. Right, Yukinon!?"

"Indeed….But of course that all depends on Isshikki-san." Yukinoshita replied in a cool voice

"Eh? What do you mean Yukinon? We always exit the school gates together. Even if she's busy and needs Hikki I'm sure Iroha-chan wouldn't mind coming along also! We could all walk to the station together!"

"I -…I….suppose so…" Yukinoshita replied in an almost disappointed tone.

"I seriously hope you weren't trying to imply anything there Yukinoshita. I may have help Isshikki out with a lot but that doesn't mean I wouldn't put my foot down when I need to." While it is true that I have helped Isshikki with a lot in the past, I still have the ability to say no and choose not to help her also. I'm not some mindless zombie who eats up those sly moves that kouhai of mine likes to throw at people. Seriously, I'm not..

"If that's what you say Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita slightly tilted her head answered back with a small smile and eyes that had a soft look to them. It almost seemed like there was a touch of worry in them.

Seeing her give me that look, those blue eyes which were usually cold, stern and could send shivers down your spine were different in this moment. It made me uncomfortable. I felt like I had to say something but at the same time, I didn't know what to say. I was just standing there awkwardly looking back at her. I quickly shifted my gaze towards Yuigahama who was now looking back and forth between me and Yukinoshita with an expression which could only mean "Uhh what the hell guys, am I missing something?"

Taking that as a cue to leave, I quickly turned and opened the door

"Later"

I fixed my scarf around my neck and made sure my overcoat was buttoned. It was pretty damn cold out. I stuffed my hands in my pocket and continued around the corner of the special building and headed for the soccer field. Up ahead, I saw the soccer club guys gathering up and talking about something seeming as club activities were ending now. I saw Isshiki standing near by the side lines and made my way towards her. Seeming as though she saw me, Isshiki started heading towards me too.

"Ah, There you are senpai!" Isshikki slightly jogged up to meet me

"Yo..what's up? You asked me here for what exactly?"

"What do you mean senpai? Didn't you come here to see me of your own volition?

What is she saying right now? Did she honestly forget that she was the one to ask me to meet her here? No, that can't be it. Isshikki may be younger than me but she sure isn't that naïve to just simply forget something like that. I get the feeling she's up to something and it's not going to be good.

"Isshikki, what are you up to now? If there isn't anything you needed me for then I'm going to be leaving now. Thank you for wasting my time." The tone of my voice was sharp but not so harsh as to actually convey any feeling of angst.

"Ah, senpai you don't need to be so rude. I know! How about we go somewhere and I'll treat you to something to make it up to you! Yeah! Let's go!" Isshikki didn't seem to be phased by anything right now. Not by the cold weather, the horrendous block in her memory or even the amount of people staring at us right now. Which I just so happen to have noticed.

"Hey, Isshikki. Why is everyone staring at us?

"Oh c'mon senpai, you knooowww…"

"No I do not 'knooowwwww'." I mocked her

She looked at me like she was puzzled by my answer. But that look quickly vanished and a sly smile replaced it.

"Well don't pay them any attention senpai" Isshikki then walked passed me and grabbed me by my one of my sleeves and dragged me along with her.

"Oi, Oi…don't pull on my sleeve you'll ruin the jacket. I seriously don't want to have to replace this one." To be fair it was a nice jacket.

I knew she heard me but it seems like she was just going to ignore me. She tugged and started leading us towards the main school gate. Well at least that works out, I'm fairly confident the other two would be there already.

"Seriously though Isshikki, could you stop pulling on my sleeve."

"Ugh, Fine!" Isshikki let go of the chunk of my sleeve she was pulling onto but instead of leaving it alone she fully wrapped one of her arms mine.

"It's cold senpai, let me just hold on to you for a bit."

"I'm not a walking heater, so could you let go? Actually, I'm not asking you to. Let go please"

"Hey look It's Yui-senpai and Yukinoshita-senpai. I want to go say hi since I wasn't able to go see them today!"

Isshikki released her grip on my arm which she held hostage and ran ahead to the two other girls. Jeez, Could you not grab my arm so casually Isshikki? If I were in my old mind set, I would have fallen right there and then! I slowly approach the girls who were standing in front of the opening of the school entrance.

"Hikki there you are!"

"What took so long senpai?!"

"You ran ahead, don't give me that!" I retorted

"So have all of your business been concluded Isshikki-san, Hikigaya-kun?"

"I wouldn't know." I answered

"Pardon?"

"Oh don't worry about it Yukinoshita-senpai. Everything is taken care of." Isshikki answered Yukinoshita with a smile

"Well since everything is taken care of, how about we all go somewhere for a bit before heading home? OH! I know! Let's go to a cafe, there's this new place I want to try!"

"Count me out."

"Ehhh! Why Hikki! C'mon come with us it'll be fun and I heard they have sweets there that are so tasty!"

"Yeah senpai! Oh I know, perhaps I remembered that I need you to go to this café with us."

"What a convenient memory?!" Yuigahama exclaimed.

"Then it's decided lets all go." Yukinoshita proclaimed.

What? I don't get a say in this?!

"Let's go senpai!" Isshikki walked up to me hooked onto my arm again and dragged me along as she walked.

"Hey-hey let go"

"Ah.." The sound of someone attempting to speak caused us to turn our heads instinctively.

Yukinoshita was standing there flushed red cheeks with her mouth half way opened and intense eyes looking at us or was she looking at me! Scary!. Yuigahama wasn't much different. She was looking at this way too. Stop! It's not what you think! Isshikki who was standing to my side noticed this too and suddenly let out a small light hearted sigh which sounded almost like a small chuckle before letting go of my arm.

"Ha…You're too slow anyways senpai."