AN: Okay, I've been idle for months. And there can be no legitimate reason that can justify the outrageous delay. I had plenty of free time, yes. But the moments when the drive to continue writing this came was unfortunately scarce.

I can't promise the next one would come early. That wasn't fulfilled too many times for me to do it again XD I'm just glad this one is out.

As a reminder, Shiromeguri and Hikigaya will be studying in random places. So random locations will be used as a setting. I haven't done any research, so I wanted to apologize first-hand for Chiba residents or goers reading this, only to find false information about the undoubtedly beautiful places there.

Thank you for reading!

Worrisome Turn of Events

As far as my boundless misfortune goes, there come several times when I would get out of bed late. One event that I don't particularly prefer, but also one I had come to comply.

The degree of tardiness which later on would be measured through the immense pain registered to my stomach by the fist of the merciless Hiratsuka Bazooka. How the aftermath of such occurrence was not a case brought to the court is particularly beyond me.

In my defence, waking out of my slumber late is not particularly a habit. This doesn't happen often, and quite possibly it only often occurs due to the sheer exhaustion I had to endure during the day before.

For instance, the one I had to went through yesterday. Therefore warranting my unfortunate situation right now.

I really lack the motivation of waking up this morning.

"...Another 10 minutes won't hurt, right?" I grumbled under the enticing comfort of the blanket, further burying my head into its domain. The alarm I had set nearby my pillow had also been ringing incessantly, disrupting my irreplaceable peace for the past 30 minutes.

However, that wasn't enough to falter my delinquent behaviour for I am a man of confidence and pride.

Only with the sufficient period of rest will I wake this exhausted body of mine. Continue your pointless efforts of waking me up, you naive piece of communication devi-

...

"...What?"

For once in this morning, I braced myself out the covers to grab the phone laid near beside me. I immediately stared at the screen with squinted eyes, looking to clarify the sudden peculiarity that came.

"Seriously?" I squinted more, hoping to get a better picture.

"...A phone call?" Who'd even call at this ungodly hour? Better yet, who is even sane enough to be calling me?

Feeling too nauseous to even think and register the name of my caller right now, I simply pressed the answer button and pushed the phone to my ear.

"Yo..," Looks like my attempt of sounding sober is completely in vain. "Who is this?"

"Haro Haro, Hikigaya-kun~ Are you in class already? Sorry if I ended up... Wait," The barrage of response already gave me plenty to know on who this nuisance might be.

"Don't tell me. Hikigaya-kun, you're still in bed?!" The instant change of tone prompted me to grumble and further my ear from the impending lecture I am about to get.

Taking my silence as assurance, Shiromeguri continued, "What are you still doing there at this time?! Do you have any idea what time it is?" Having forced to response, I tiredly focused at the time displayed on the tab at the top of the screen.

"There's still another 30 minutes left... That's plenty of time for me to get there."

"Yeah, if you refer there as the oblivion once you get another blow on the gut by Shizuka-sensei." That scary and witty comeback took me off guard, drawing a small grin on my face. After sighing hopelessly, she continued, "I feel like I'm slightly understanding why you're her problem student, Hikigaya-kun."

"You just got that impression now?"

"If you're willing enough to respond with your annoying comments, I assume you'd be the same to wake up now, Hikigaya-kun." I can sense her pout from here. "Really, you're going to be late."

"Hate to break it to you, Shiromeguri, but this is not the first time I'm ever late for school." You could even call me a veteran. I'm half certain that this stomach is now immune enough to endure her fatality move.

"You're saying it like it's an achievement to be proud of," she responded. My uncaring grumble after her statement warranted another humph from the other side, "Well, I'd hate to know that my disciple is severely injured on the first day of his valuable tutoring session, so I'll whole-heartedly take responsibility for this horrible situation."

"I don't remember that being one of your tutoring duties, though," I whined, rustling my already messy hair.

Blatantly ignoring my immature complaint was Shiromeguri, as she continued.

"Whatever it is, I suggest you to get going now, Hikigaya-kun. Do some basic stretching before you get into the bath. Don't forget your breakfast despite how late you are already. Plain water will help you a lot in getting yourself energized, so make sure you get at least 3 glasses of it this morning."

Just when I was about to remind the girl that she may be the sole reason I'll be getting a punch to the stomach, she finished, "I'll let you know about our meeting location this evening, okay?"

Tiringly swallowing every input that was rapidly delivered inside my head, I mumbled, "What are you, my personal assistant now?"

"Get a move on, Hikigaya-kun!" The boisterous cheer resurrected plenty of what was dead inside me to begrudgingly exit myself from the comforts of my bed. Upon hearing her close off the call, I slammed my head one last time on the pillow and reluctantly carry myself up.

"Honestly..," with closed eyes and sluggish feet treading slowly to the bathroom, I absently muttered.

"What did I just got myself into?"

In a flash, both my body and mind were already at school, grabbing the indoor shoes from the locker room.

As what I have been told painfully just this morning, it is in fact inevitable that I'll be coming to class late. The hallway and locker areas were almost already vacant. Plenty of the voices can now only be heard sourcing from the nearby classrooms from here.

Pretty sure this is one of the merits that goaded me to come late sometimes. One can never find wrong in peace and quie-

"Aaa~ah, I'm seriously late right now!"

"..."

Mercilessly slamming my previous statement to the ground, the student behind me exclaimed with breath bated from running.

Upon knowing the identity of the latecomer just from her conspicuous tone of voice alone, I turned my head around after closing the locker, looking at her anxious demeanour.

How she didn't even notice me even though our lockers are direct opposites just goes to show how in a hurry the girl is. Or just plain stupid, I'm not too sure.

"I did set my alarm last night, didn't I? Mou~ why didn't you wake me up, Momma?" The girl somehow found time to whine while finishing her business at the locker, donning her shoe at the process.

"..." I, on the other hand, just continued to stare, silently thinking that Stealth Hikki might've just became too OP.

Hopping on the wooden floor of the school, I have already expected her to bolt away hastily to the class. But I guess even someone like that can be a little bit observant.

"It's Hiratsuka-sensei's class this morning, right? I wonder if Hik...ki..," the girl muttered before turning her head back, finally realizing the presence of the other entity here.

"Wh-! It's Hikki!" Yuigahama childishly exclaimed, with face red due to the exhaustion.

"Don't call me like I'm some rare Pokemon," I tiredly whined. "And good morning to you too, Yuigahama."

The girl began with her signature pout before responding, "Why didn't you call out to me if you already saw me? Wait, we don't have time for this!" Yuigahama relented from filing her complaint with vigor.

The hallways was once again filled with Yuigahama's hurried steps and pants. Though she started immediately jerking her head back again several steps later. It seems the girl didn't expect me to not mirror her actions and get myself hurry to class with her.

"Come on, Hikki! You have any idea what time it is?" I've heard this.

"You can go on ahead. My motor is not going too strong today." While it is indeed late, I don't feel like running to class is worth it. Might as well dig yourself a deeper grave if you know you're going to be there.

Lunging myself in thought, I walked with closed eyes, hoping to regain be it a meagre of energy. I've heard somewhere that you can immune yourself from injury if you're able to somehow achieve inner peace. Might as well try it out on my way there.

It seems to be working too well, as shocking as it would be. Since the moment I stepped on the wooden floor, I had no idea after a solid second that my arm had been forcefully yanked away from my body.

"What are you talking about, Hikki?! Do you have a death wish?" The pink-haired I had not registered standing beside me questioned hastily, staring at me with furrowed brows. "There's still a few minutes left. We might still make it!"

Yuigahama wasted no time pulling me away from my stagnant form, determined to get ourselves away from the devastating punishment. All the while I remain flustered with the embarrassing situation that I had no idea hitting me this early in the morning.

"Wai-! Yuigahama I can walk by my own just fine..." My feeble statement went into deaf ears. Yuigahama continued focusing her way to dragging myself earlier to class.

I tread helplessly with mind in disarray at the sensation that enveloped my arm. Every attempt of pulling away was followed by a more intense yanking from this air-head that carried my body to her own. I knew this girl could be less than aware at times, but I really hope she's realizing how carefree she is at our less than normal situation.

Is her bust that enormous to the point she couldn't register herself locking my arm? You're killing me here!

Our journey proceeds with several eyes accompanying from our sides, many wearing curiosity in their expressions. The pairs of eyes that are able to catch us in the act are fortunately scarce, but I still hope the ones that did haven't thought about contemplating this issue any further.

In my fruitless attempts of gesturing to Yuigahama that I'm heavily demanding my personal space, the girl in question suddenly filled the air.

"What were you late for this time, Hikki?" Yuigahama so innocently asked, craning her head to get a better look at me.

Hoping to lighten the tense condition of my internal state, I clumsily answered, "W-Well, yesterday was a little more tiring for my body to bear." Though instead of meeting her curious gaze, I turned to the right as to ease my nerves. "I slept in."

Her laughter that came after was expected, and the oblivious clown continued the conversation, "You're not alone on that one, Hikki. My alarm wasn't helping me out at all!"

"Though I'm pretty sure our reasons for sleeping in are completely different."

"W-What do you mean by that?! Yesterday was tiring for me too, you know?"

"From watching dramas?"

"Wha-!" the girl stammered, inadvertently strengthening her grip on my arm as I hit the easy bull's eye. "H-How can you tell?"

"Your eyes kind of gave it away." Even before I could finish that short statement, Yuigahama had already swiftly pulled her face away, making it impossible for me to see her facial features.

She might've thought it was sneaky, but my height was enough for me to clearly see her discreetly pull out the phone from the pocket with her left hand and instantly check on her face with the screen after.

Her grip on my arm softens but still not letting go, gingerly latching on. "G-Geez, Hikki, why didn't you tell me sooner?" Yuigahama whispered, which I'm certain is accompanied with a pout of the lips.

I guess that was an impolite thing to be commenting about, moreso when it is about an idiot girl's physical condition. Rational or not, I'm putting my fatigue at blame for this.

Realizing the crudity that came with my previous statement, I respond with the intention of giving her a truthful assurance.

"Because it's not something you have to worry about," I answered with clarity, now being the one looking at her. "It doesn't look that obvious... and even if it did, you still look fine."

Silence unexpectedly came, leaving me to just stare at her without a word.

I was expecting another giggle, or a sincere phrase of gratitude by the girl at my left. But the moment she delicately turned her face to face mine, glancing hesitantly with red colouring the cheeks, I finally received the indication of how embarrassing the latest comment was.

"S-Sorry, that came out of nowhere..." After seconds of confronting her, I awkwardly retreated my gaze back to the windows.

Yuigahama brought her head down afterwards, looking at anything interesting on the cold, white floor.

"I-It's fine, Hikki. Thanks..." The gratitude that I was expecting to receive earlier finally came.

Being the social butterfly that she is, the pink-haired was fortunately quick at altering the subject and moved on.

"W-Well, I guess you ended staying up finishing another novel to be waking up late, huh?" Even though that would be the usual case for me, it appears I'm going to betray the girl's expectations.

I lightly shook my head. "Not this time. I had to relish the new experience of getting home late from now on. You remember about the tutoring thing, right?" I asked her in return, wondering if the air-head could recall such a thing was shared yesterday.

Looks like she did. "Yeah, I was going to ask you about that! Did it go well, Hikki?" Yuigahama was visibly sincere on wanting to hear about yesterday's endeavour. How can she be so eager to know about something so dull?

The opportunity to share with her the surprise I got from yesterday's meeting with Shiromeguri is one I was about to take. But I decided to save it for a later period as my eyes concluded to see our class closing in a few feet away.

"Guess I should be saving the story at the clubroom?" I gestured to our front, thinking that Yuigahama would take the hint.

Turning her head forward, the girl responded with a smile and an answer.

"Yup! I think Yukinon would love to hear about it too." Though I highly doubt that, perhaps Yukinoshita would probably do find it entertaining to hear if she had bear in mind that my first meeting with the tutor would be painfully awkward.

"Yeah..," I muttered in uncertainty. Our close position making it mix with a tinge of hesitation at the end of the word.

The end of our conversation lead me to believe that the girl beside me would finally realize our current situation. But with confident steps and her slender arm still wrapping mine, Yuigahama cluelessly walked in tow with her undying smile.

Upon nearing the classroom with Yuigahama still recklessly latching on to my arm, I decided to be the one reminding her about this.

"O-Oi..." I abruptly stood my ground, arm briefly pulled away with her before the girl was stopped from her tracks.

"Hm?" I'm already having a difficult time trying to tell you to let go, but that adorable head tilt of yours is just making it harder, damn it. "What's wrong, Hikki?"

"No, it's just..," I mumbled the way out of my words, contemplating on the method of making her realize it. For someone who took so long to think, I'd say it is still pathetic of me to just look down slowly at her arm holding on to mine. "You know..."

Yuigahama followed my gaze, curiosity still donning her expression. She took a while for some reason, staring at our connected arms like an idiot.

"Ah!" Until better conscience finally came to her mind as she unlocked herself, almost as fast as the tinge of pink coloring her cheeks.

"R-Right... Sorry about that, Hikki."

"No problem. You're trying to get me to class quicker, after all." Somehow I was able to instantly answer, hoping to save face for the both of us.

The silent atmospehere that came seconds after was used to gather our breaths due to our hurried steps to voice of our ruthless behemoth was already audible to hear from outside, obviously waiting in eager for any of her tardy students.

Being the first to gather his bearings, I spoke briefly, "Well, ladies first, I guess."

Yuigahama was fortunately kind enough to entertain my chivalrous nature and smiled in content, "Sure thing, Hikki."

The corner of my eye was able to register the girl walking towards the door, not too long before she stopped on her tracks and turn her head back to face mine.

"Where are you going, Hikki?" I turned back to her in response, emulating her confused expression.

"Taking my time, obviously," I reasoned. "Can't have the both of us getting in there together."

Yuigahama unknowingly pouted. "And why's that?" Silence filled the air for awhile, with both of us standing our ground.

I took some time simply staring at her, hoping to deliver the obvious implication of my statement. It's obvious that she knows, but the fact that she doesn't even think about considering it is something I can't come to comply.

"I wanted to take in some fresh air for a while. It'd be hard to take a breather when you're sitting furthest to the window in there." I answered firmly with eyes implying that I would not follow her despite how much she insists.

Yuigahama replied with one of her own, pools of pink staring directly back at me with an expression even I have some difficulty to resist. Not until a moment later when she finally drop her gaze while sighing hopelessly.

"If you say so, Hikki." The girl was visibly reluctant on pulling her legs to the door, making her way slowly and expectantly.

While I am aware that the relationship between me and Yuigahama is what many have known, I would still like to make sure people wouldn't recklessly come to their own conclusions of any development between us with this kind of happening occurring in front of them. It wouldn't bring about any good for either of us, and most likely it would've been more impactful to her.

My gaze couldn't help but stay at the lone figure in front of me as it walked further away for my reach.

Unable to abstain the nagging feeling of wanting to make sure she wasn't hating me for this, I quickly asked.

"See you at the clubroom, then?"

Yuigahama was fortunately slow enough to not pull the door open yet. Not before she turned her head with that giddy smile of hers with an answer.

"Can't wait."

Releasing a small sigh of relief with a light smile, I continued to watch Yuigahama as she opened the door with her usual vigour, ignoring the prospect of her coming in late today.

The stern voice of the guardian of the door became more distinct for me to hear, briefly interrogating Yuigahama before letting her go without a punishment but a warning.

With the door now closed, I rest my arms on the open window, embracing the amenity of the wind while reminding myself to open the door again after a solid five minutes.

The hustle and bustle of the surrounding buildings greeted my eyes. Everything under was noisy. The sky was much more of a peaceful scenery with the flock of birds flying away to a destination I know not where.

It was during this peaceful moment, something else suddenly took my attention.

"Hm?" Out of nowhere, my phone rang. Not the first time did this device able to do something peculiar to me today. I snuck a hand into my pocket, grabbing the irritating thing.

It was a message. Quiet the contrast to what I experienced this morning. But there was still something completely similar with those two.

The message was from the same person.

Sender: Shiromeguri-senpai

Here's to hoping that you're already in class without an injured stomach. Let's do our best for today's endeavours! Don't go dozing off to soon, okay?

I'll inform you of our meeting point this evening. So pay more attention to your phone.

Sincerely,

Shiromeguri

What is this I'm reading? A letter? Why is the closure so traditionally written?

I stared for a good minute at my screen, realizing the fresh information that went over my head.

The girl that has my phone address, and the very same person to call and text me at the very next day. That has got to be a record.

I answered her, sighing wistfully in the process.

Copy that. Good luck on your part as well. Will be keeping tabs on my phone.

Sincerely,

Hikigaya

I immediately sent the message, not allowing much of a second thought to review. Slipping the phone back into the pocket, I turned my back and slowly start my way to the classroom.

Perhaps I impulsively got carried away with her manner of typing that I ended up finishing it in a similar tone? Whatever, it was nothing to fret about.

Now that I think about it, Shiromeguri might just be one of those people that could drag me in doing whatever hijinks that I would naturally avoid. Her personality is just like that. Not at all strict and pedantic, rather more carefree and enthuthiastic. She's influential that way.

The type of person to make you believe there would always something to be looking forward to in life. So whatever comes our way should be met with unwavering confidence and an unfaltering smile.

I arrived in front of the door with a small thought that I may had just been unknowingly pulled by this trait of hers. I allowed my lips to slightly curl at that indigenous musing.

Today might just be a good day, after all.

"Why, hello there, Hikigaya! Very nice timing. My fists were waiting for you!"

...

The day at school continued as uneventful as it came, and before I realize it, my languid being was already sitting on the rusted chair of my evening sanctuary.

"Then Hikki still ended up getting a punch to the gut!"

So is one of the occasional activities in the clubroom was ticked off in a flash, my mind immediately putting focus to the novel in hand the moment Yuigahama mentioned my name.

"Seems like Hiratsuka-sensei must have been extremely frustrated about something this morning, and just conveniently found the perfect subject to punch her frustrations away." The girl currently standing hautily in front of me just had to comment about it rather than quietly serving the tea. "I see you have finally found your true purpose in life, Hikigaya-kun."

"Shouldn't it have made me more happy than wounded, though?"

"Oh my. Hikigaya-kun, I thought you had beared the expectation since the moment you were born that happiness is far from your reach." Then you're expecting too much from a baby to instantly realize it's morbid reality the moment he came out of his mother's womb. At least apply some logic to your arguments, woman.

Ultimately, I decided to keep the retort inside. Yukinoshita might just still find a roundabout way to insult as a comeback, and I don't have the generosity to allow her the luxury.

So what I could only do was grumble like an angered cat, scrutinizing the girl as she gracefully walked back to her seat.

A strand of hair was tucked behind her ear while she sat. "Well, enough about the entertaining stories that come with your daily suffering. I reckon the meeting you had yesterday with the tutor went well?" Her gaze was much more warm this time, a strong indication that she sincerely wants to know.

The friend beside her lights up for a moment, obviously forgetting about it before Yukinoshita decided to ask. Yuigahama swiftly turned to her side, landing her eyes on mine with curiosity.

Guess now's the best time as any.

"Oh, right. About that. As it turns out, the tutor that I'll be working with is Shiro-"

It was then from out of nowhere, the door of the clubroom was violently pushed to the side, which is implied by the blaring thud to the wall it just made. Our heads immediately responded out of reflex, confused to what had caused the sudden disturbance.

Standing there was just our usual aggravating customer, who for some reason decided to announce her arrival in a more palpable manner today.

Isshiki Iroha, the attention seeker.

I took the chance of time to calm my nerves, knowing that one person is more than enough to provide her the concise lecture on ethical behaviour that she deserves.

"While it did catch our attention, Isshiki-san, it would be much more civilized if you were to enter without causing any potential heart disorder." And there you go.

Isshiki didn't respond stupidly as usual for some reason, keeping an equally unusual expression on her face; shocked yet determined.

After taking in a few breaths, I wanted to throw in a piece of my mind as well, "Seriously, one of these days I've expected the door to violently crash, you know? Why do you... even need... to..," my piece trailed off and unfinished, bewildered with the sudden movement of this girl advancing towards me.

Not giving me any opportunity to react, Isshiki briskly grabbed my collar with both hands, landing her knee to the spot between my legs on the chair.

"Woah, Isshiki, what's going o-," my piece was once again cut short as the girl thrashes my poor neck back and forth, grunting at every move.

Be it the close proximity, her sensual tone, this is honestly uncomfortable for me!

"I-Iroha-chan, what's wrong?! Did Hikki do something stupid again?"

"Seeing that whatever he did warranted such punishment, it might just be so, Yuigahama-san," she so innocently clarified while preparing another cup of tea. "So what is it this time, peeking at the girl's locker room again?"

Stop providing unnecessary commentary and help me out with this situation already!

Before I could muster a proper sentence for an explanation to this situation, Isshiki decided to finally deliver.

"Senpai, what exactly is the meaning of this?" No, if you think about it you're the one who's supposed to explain what's the meaning of this.

"I just heard it from Glasses-chan..,"

"Y-Yeah, and what exactly did you hear?" I struggled, asking with varied tones that came with the sheer force of her shaking my neck.

Yuigahama is eagerly waiting to hear the answer. Yukinoshita is elegantly coming closer to pass the tea. Isshiki is vehemently trying to deliver me death.

After what I felt like minutes of her strangling my poor neck with strength I never expected her to have, the girl took one deep breath, and yelled needlessly for the whole world to hear.

"Did you just have a date with Meguri-senpai yesterday?!"

...

The world was quiet, or I felt like it was.

Isshiki stopped shaking me, Yukinoshita who I expected to deliver the tea stood frozen a few feet away, and Yuigahama looked like she had just stared at Medusa.

The walking hazelnut in front of me continues her absurd accusation, inconsiderate enough to disallow my part for defence.

"VP-kun and her went to that tea cafe a few blocks from here. Said they were having an ad-hoc meeting until they saw the both of you on their way out."

"Considering that their president wasn't participating in the little rendezvous, the both of us should already know it was far from being an ad-hoc meeting, Isshiki." The witty response prompted the girl to fiercely shake my collar once again.

"Then are you saying the two of you are guilty for doing the same thing?"

Waving my hand to her face with the hope of her to stop this excruciating ordeal, I pleaded, "No, of course not. So let me actually talk, Isshiki."

The girl fortunately did, finally letting go of my crumpled collar and backing up for some of my needed breathing space. She continued to stare interrogatively, hands folded on one another.

Feeling somewhat uncomfortable being under scrutiny of her fiery eyes, I slowly turn to the other occupants of the room. From seeing their reactions, I already knew what I had to do at this point.

"If you want to hear it, I've got an explanation."

"Now." The three spoke, at once and at sync.

Of course, what followed after was my very so interesting story of how I got to being Shiromeguri's student. It should've been short-lived really, since the matters I need to speak about was the tutoring problem, which two out of the three had been inquired about.

But did it went longer than I expected it would be as I was rapidly attacked with numerous questions, ranging from totally unnecessary to downright absurd.

"Did you lose to your hormonal desires and assault her, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Is she prettier than the last time we saw her, Hikki?"

"Didn't you say you like younger girls, Senpai?" Such were the painfully stupid questions imposed.

But honestly, I don't deserve to go through all that ordeal just to get this cat out of the bag. Since Isshiki brought this issue forward, it's just convenient that I now find the necessity to share my current situation with them.

"...and that's about it." I tiredly explained.

The atmosphere went silent for a while, with all the listeners of my story went in synchronized deep thought. I remain seated, deadpanned and tired after entertaining the questions that I had to for some reason answer.

"I-I see. It's like that then..," Yuigahama was the first to muster a sentence, anxious and still in her response. The other two settled on staring into my eyes for a moment, analysing whether or not I was telling the truth.

With a confident pose, knowing that I've told them everything that have transpired, I sat emotionless under their scrutinizing gazes while taking another sip of Yukinoshita's tea.

Eyes closed while lowering my head, I breathed out coarsely. "For all it's worth, I have a feeling I'm treading the most favourable path here."

Not wasting a second to instantly answer, the most merciless in the room spoke, "Oh? And why exactly is that, Hikigaya-kun?"

With an answer ready in mind, I did just the same, "The girl's the top student last year, right? Seems like Shiromeguri practices her own way to excel when she could juggle between her studies and responsibilites in the school. One method to success I would really love to profess."

"I was going to overlook this..," she started with a tone more demanding than before. I turned to meet her gaze strongly, bracing myself for the upcoming banter.

"What is it?" I goaded with caution, taking another gulp to the throat.

"Come to think of it, aren't you getting a tad too comfortable, Hikigaya-kun?" Yukinoshita asked in a firm manner, furrowing her eyebrows. "Addressing her as Shiromeguri, I can only imagine those doing that as either her close friends or senseless sleazebags."

"I wouldn't if I wasn't asked to, you know? I'm not anymore a student of Chiba High School, Hikigaya-kun~, she said," I lazily reasoned, mirroring the best Shiromeguri impression I could possibly make.

"My goodness, if you dare try to turn us deaf with that torturous voice one more time, Hikigaya-kun, I will not hesitate to call the authorities." The crude girl in front of me couldn't resist delivering her quip with hands courtly covering her ears. Although the tiny smile on her lips was clearly betraying her fuming tone.

Bearing the expectation that our exchange would end like this, I apathetically land my gaze to the other occupant of the room that have not yet utter a single word after my elaborate story. Despite being the one most demanding for it, too.

She kept on pondering, silently playing with her fingers. Though upon realizing there had been an intense gaze staring at her, our eyes finally met.

"W-What is it..?" Isshiki stuttered, oblivious to the reason why I have been staring at her.

"You're being uncharacteristically non-hyper verbal," I audibly spoke, quietly thanking Black Widow for bringing birth of that witty line. "Forcing me to explain myself just several minutes ago was you, wasn't it? Finally got your answer?"

"O-Of course! Right! Yup, totally got it!" The girl continued to fumble on her words, heads banging every moment for emphasis. Though she still ended by playing with her fingers and her head hung low.

"But, you know..," Isshiki started, with me having to patiently wait for the girl to form a coherent sentence.

"What?"

"I-I was kind of wondering if I could hop on being under her tutelage too. My grades do need to reflect my position at the school, after all."

Not an ounce of hesitation came with my immediate answer, "I think Shiromeguri already has plenty in her hands to cover everything on my own syllabus. Besides, your grades are far from being bad the last time you boasted it to me."

"T-Then..." I was expecting the one to mutter this was the girl I am currently addressing to. But did my head turn in mild confusion when it was coming from the pink-haired in the room.

"What?"

"M-Maybe I could join in on your sessions, you know? Since we're basically learning the same thing."

"Just as I told you guys before, our study locations are kind of random. So it can be kind of worrying to know you're walking in the middle of the night in the suburbs since we would practically finish at that time."

"S-So..." I painfully moved my head yet again, now reluctantly giving attention to the person the opposite of me.

"What?"

"Going by that logic, it would deem possible for me to participate in this beneficial endeavor. It wouldn't be very much of a problem to call for my driver to pick me up regardless of the time you two would finish."

"Is a tutor really necessary for the girl who results are frustratingly exemplary? Believe me, you might just end up wasting your time."

Contrary to her fellow peers, Yukinoshita urged forward. Eyes that were shyly blinking to the corner have now turned aggressively to meet mine. "You seem pretty adamant on preventing us from participating in this tutoring matter, Hikigaya-kun. Perhaps you really do harbour such ulterior motives, just as I expected?" Oi, oi. Don't go pushing your expectations of me to me, woman.

The other two were already staring at me, demanding an answer for the same question.

I scratched my head, wondering whether or not to be blunt about this.

"To be completely honest with you guys..,"

Let's just go with it. We promised to be more open with each other, after all.

With a deep breath, I first come to address the person imposing the question.

"You might end up being the one more doing the lecturing and every question that I would have difficulty answering will most definitely be ridiculed by you for not understanding the simplicity of it."

I swiftly turned to her left, the hazel-haired promptly twitched under my gaze.

"You might end up being the cause for no progress at all for your noisy demeanour in anything but studying and I'll most likely be distracted with you being there."

Fully expecting that I was going to finish it with her, the last person braced herself with an irritatingly adorable fist pump in front of her.

"You might end up not understanding every subject that is taught, resulting in the increase of stress for her and most definitely me." Sorry, Yuigahama. But that pout just makes me want to give you a little bit more. "That, and I fear the possibility of your idiocy being contagious."

"I won't infect you, dummy Hikki! Idiot! Pervert! Meanie!" The girl continued her barrage of painless insults while the other two sat in ponder, assessing the truth of my words under their breath.

Isshiki was somehow able to drown away the girl's rampage with her response, "Well, I guess it's true that adding another student would be more taxing for her."

"The fact that she was able to go with this despite her freshman year is already impressive," Yukinoshita rode in the statement, stating the matter that I also initially thought was incredible.

"That's just how she rolls, I guess. Asked her about it to," I began to inform. "There''ll be no problems if everything goes to plan, she said."

"You're not doing her impressio-"

"Shut up."

"So as to recap, Senpai. You're going to be meeting her every weekday night, right?" Isshiki asked, breaking the banter that I was about to initiate with this woman.

"Yeah." I shortly answered. "What about it?" I gave a rebound, curious as to why she wanted to confirm it. The girl avoided my eyes.

"No, it's just... I just realized that you're going to practically spend a lot of time with her from now on."

Clueless on how to answer that supposedly obvious fact, I absently muttered, "Yeah, I guess..."

As if coming with the same realization, the other two had their eyes briefly wide and clear. One of the two unknowingly turned to face me with the same pout she had been wearing just now.

Come on. Are you guys that worried about her? Minus the eyes, I never had any record for sexual harassment, you know that?

"Jeez..," I started, shaking my head in annoyance. "If you're that worried about her then why don't you just give her a call tonight?" I jokingly recommended.

Right after I finished the suggestion, I felt like I was seeing light bulbs on top of every other heads in the room. All of them turning to me, seemingly praising me for the amazing idea.

Shoot. They actually took it seriously.

"As much as I loathe the act, I must commend you for bringing that suggestion forward." Yukinoshita briefly nodded in content, turning to the girl at her left immediately after. "Isshiki-san, I suppose you would have Shiromeguri-senpai's contact number on your phone?"

"Ahhh, the thing is," Isshiki began to reason before the girl could even finish. "Meguri-senpai had recently bought a new phone, and I actually forgot to have her share it with me the last time we've met. I was actually planning to ask her first about their meeting before politely asking Senpai about it." Fake. News.

Knowing that the other person with the possibility of having Shiromeguri's contact number actually didn't, I promptly pulled my phone out of the pocket and gestured it to them.

"I have it," I lazily informed. "You guys can take it from here."

The three heads stared at me in bewilderment, until one returned the light in her eyes and started treading towards me.

"That's... to be expected, right? You're her student, after all, right?" Isshiki mumbled between her lips, slowly reaching her destination.

My eyes remained bored like they usually are, but did they open slightly wider when my clubmates made their move towards me as well.

"Wait, isn't one person enough? Why do you all need to have it?"

"Systematic precautions, Hikigaya-kun. Should one of us misses a chance to save her, the other two may play their role." What is this, the Secret Service? Don't make it sound like you're engaging in some hostage rescue.

I waste no energy to argue with her. It's pointless, anyways. A sigh of defeat while my phone snatched away by the cunning fox is enough.

"While I'm at it, I'll be taking your phone address too, Senpai."

"Why, though?!" Surprising enough, the one asking that wasn't me. It was the other two.

The girl waved her hand with a smile. "It's just the current circumstances. Might as well get his while I'm at it. Besides, it makes asking for help much easier!"

"I'm never gonna answer."

"Then I'll just have to make you answer." The girl winked. The boy shivered. The audience grumbled. Why, though?

Isshiki was visibly as adept as Yuigahama in the art of tapping phones, finger moving at the speed of lightning.

"There, Senpai's phone number, get." Oi, set your priorities straight.

"Now, let's get to Megu-"

Just when the girl was about to obtain the second address, a ringtone of a phone filled the clubroom.

I instinctively turned to Yuigahama, thinking that she would be the one most likely to receive a phone call among the people here. But as it turns out, I was the only one doing that.

These three are looking at my phone.

"Speak of the devil..," Yukinoshita muttered, staring still at the screen held by Isshiki.

Shiromeguri's reminder this morning finally hit my head as the phone continued to ring.

"Yeah, she told me that she'll update on the meeting location at this hour," I reasoned, scratching the mess of hair. "C'mon, gimme."

"R-right..." The girl is somewhat hesitant, but the phone still landed on my outstretched hand nonetheless.

I took it. I answered it. I brought it up to my ear.

These people didn't go back. These girls stood still. These nuisances actually came uncomfortably closer.

"Yo, Shiromeguri..." Too close, damn it.

"Haro Haro~ Hikigaya-kun! How are things going over there?" Oh, if only you'd know. I glanced at the heads towering over me, all of them closing in with their ears at the frontline.

"Yeah, things are going fine. Just peachy." I tried to simultaneously maintain the ease of my voice while keeping in mind the distance between our heads. "

"Yeah, about that!" The girl continued with elation. "What do you say if we go to the park for our first session? I just checked the weather forecast, and it seems there'll be no rain coming."

Making sure we're talking about the same park over the various parks in this area, I asked, "You mean the one near the community centre?"

"Exactly!" Shiromeguri exclaimed, assuring that we are on the same page.

"Yup. I think I know the place. No problems here."

"Great! I'll be waiting at one of the huge wooden porches, okay? Send my regards to the others for me." Oh, I think you just sent that yourself.

"Copy that. See you later, then." With that short exchange, I ended the call. I intentionally moved my body slightly away, physically telling them I'll be needing my personal space back.

They fortunately pulled away, though now towering over me like some cold-hearted bullies.

...

Now that I think about it, that have might just been my situation from the start of this whole fiasco.

"As you have heard her..," I started cautiously, sensing any form of reaction coming at me.

Yukinoshita folded her arms, staring down snobbishly, "You're not going to deliver her regards to us?"

"You already heard it. What's the point?" After a moment of silence with us merely staring at each other, I loudly sigh in exhaustion, reflecting the ordeal that I had just experienced throughout this evening.

But in being the most mature among us, I must portray that. Let me forgive you all. "We can conclude that the misunderstanding is now solved, right? How about we finish this with a peaceful note-"

"Stop right there," Yuigahama swiftly grabbed my arm, halting its way from slipping my phone back to my pocket. Almost feels like she's trying to crush it too.

"We haven't gotten her phone number yet." Tch. And here I thought you forget.

I watched indifferently at the circle that just formed, each waiting eagerly for their turn to gain another name in their contact list.

To think not one of you even had a second thought about taking an address without the owner's knowledge. Who exactly is the one lacking in morals here?

"Here you go, Senpai. Thanks for sharing them." Isshiki unnecessarily winked.

"Yeah." Not like I have a choice to begin with.

After retrieving my phone back from the demanding mob, I glanced at the tab on the screen.

As I had expected, we wasted too much time on this. I wasn't sure to be glad or not that no client showed up today. This issue went far too long that even Isshiki ended spending the whole club hours here.

With that, I announced the current time to the other members here and we unanimously agreed to end the activities for today. Though it wouldn't be the Service Club without a closing quip by the president herself.

"It is pretty unfortunate, then. I was planning to have you sign a blood oath before you leave this place."

...

"Give me a break, woman..."

"Be it the unforeseen turn of events, I wish you'll have a productive learning period this evening, Hikigaya-kun."

"Don't strain yourself too much, okay? Do your best, Hikki!"

"Say 'hi' to Meguri-senpai for me. Don't be a bother to her, got it?"

Mom, you might need to step up your game. There're three here eager to take your place right now.

"Will do, thanks. Be careful on your way home."

After the exhausting ordeal that had ate plenty of the compiled energy I planned to use during the tutoring session, my trusty bike and I are now on our journey to the aforementioned meeting point.

Being the veteran of Chiba that I am, not a single road sign was needed for me to know where I was going. Several lefts here and a few rights there, minutes later I was already looking on the beauty of the environment the park has to offer.

Now disembarked from my bike, I dragged the thing beside me, walking along the pathway to its entrance. My eyes wondered to the wide lake, the very attraction this pathway is surrounding.

The atmosphere was nice. Birds flocking around the large trees and butterflies landing on every unique flower. The wind was very welcoming of my arrival as it softly sweeps my hair, leaving a comfortable feeling on my face.

The several minutes of my walking along the park made me know one thing for certain. Shiromeguri was currently right in choosing this place.

Now what's left is to actually find the girl. The park was fairly big to begin with, large enough for actually trouble me to see the things on the other side of the lake. She had said she'll be waiting in one of the porches.

I've passed three of them since my walk. They were designated at a considerate distance from each other, far enough to serve as a checkpoint whenever anyone's doing a jog for a quarter mile. It was pretty big as well, cozy enough for ten people to fit in.

The moment I passed by the forth, was when I saw the body nonchalantly moving around the pillars of the next porch I'll be passing by.

Found the tutor.

Not wanting her to wait for me longer than she already had, I increased my pace. The girl was clearly having a relaxing time, making me wonder if it's right for me to disturb her right now.

I subconsciously locked my gaze to the person, and somehow the attractions of the park didn't even intrigue me anymore.

Light yellow sundress. Straps on her shoulders, leaving it bare to embrace the warmth of the sun. Flowery patterns of variant colours embedded on her dress. Even under the lack of light blocked by the roof of the porch, I could still see her amicable smile, greeting every passer-by that couldn't help but acknowledge her.

Her braids were still the way they used to be, laying on both sides of her front. The girl twirling one of the two with her fingers when an elderly couple passed by with perhaps a compliment on her appearance.

Shiromeguri smiled.

...

Somehow seeing her this way made the fact that I had before knew, come hitting me unexpectedly.

I'm going to spend alone time with a girl.

The sudden thought almost made me stop in my tracks. But did I force these legs to push forward, preventing any form of weird behaviour.

She is just here to teach me, and I'm just here to learn from her. Before I throw myself headfirst into the lake, get that immature mind out of the gutter, Hachiman.

The moment I released the last deep breath to calm my nerves, Shiromeguri seemed to finally notice my imminent arrival.

With an outstretched hand, a curl of her lips and an over-the-top reaction, the girl called.

"Hikigaya-kun! Over here~!"