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Page 344
"What's up?"
She smiled smugly and pointed to the computer screen.
"It was Miura-senpai who sent this letter, right? Actually, she wants to know which group Hayama-senpai chose. Because it affects the class assignments for the third year."
Wow—I never imagined such a short letter could contain such profound meaning. Writings in a woman's language are far too difficult to interpret. If it were a required course, a huge number of people would fail. As for writings in a man's language, they can almost always be interpreted as "wanting to be popular with girls"—it couldn't be simpler.
Thanks to the presence of the female interpreter, Iroha, we were able to understand the purpose of the inquiry letter. However, there is still one thing I don't understand.
"If it were you, I could understand, but would Miura go to such lengths?"
"Senior, what kind of person do you think I am...?"
She glanced at me with displeasure. Wait a minute, didn't you use me the same way to find out which group Hayama chose...?
If it were a girl, she would probably understand Isshiki's words. Yui Hama pondered for a moment, then began to think. Oh, and by the way, Yukinoshita could only let Yui Hama hold her tightly.
"I understand now... Yumiko seemed to be concerned about this a lot in the classroom too. It's very possible... Besides, she also has a girlish side..."
"Yeah, yeah! Aren't I a young girl too~"
Isshiki nodded vigorously, seeking my agreement. Hmm... in my personal opinion, neither she nor Miura really seem like girls... especially Miura, "captain" seems more appropriate. And he's the captain of Yokohama. Hmm, maybe it's because their names are similar (Note 24 refers to Daisuke Miura, a player belonging to the Yokohama DeNA BayStars professional baseball team).
Getting back to the main point. Earlier in the classroom, Miura did ask the others about their team selections. Leaving aside Yuigahama and Ebina, I don't think Miura would care which team Tobe chose. And I certainly wouldn't care either.
Based on this assumption, she might be planning to find out about Hayama's whereabouts in a similar way, just like Isshiki used me to inquire about him. However, Hayama gave a very typical reason for turning the tables.
No wonder Miura decided to try a different approach and write to the consultation mailbox...
As Isshiki said, if Miura wants to be in the same class as Hayama in the next grade, he will have to choose the same group as him.
Based on past data, there are usually seven humanities classes and three science classes in the third grade. Even if students choose the same group, whether they will be assigned to the same class depends on luck. However, if they choose different groups from the beginning, they are destined not to have the opportunity to be in the same class.
Furthermore, the humanities classes are on the second floor, while the science classes are on the first floor. With the increased distance, the chances of them seeing each other will inevitably decrease. For a girl in love, this is a matter of life and death.
"Then why not ask yourself?"
As Yukinoshita spoke, she also busied herself pulling Yui away from her. Despite it being the dead of winter, being clung to like that must have been quite stuffy. Her arms hung dangling in mid-air, much like a cat that had grown impatient with being held.
"We discussed this while everyone was still in the classroom. However, Hayato refused to answer, saying that such questions should be thought out by oneself."
"That's because everyone's there, right? Why not go when it's just the two of you? You can even promote yourself at the same time!"
"It can't be that simple."
Yise shook his finger and spoke eloquently. But I must say, this issue is definitely not as simple as it seems.
Even the closest friends have topics that shouldn't be touched upon.
We don't know if the other party's past, present, or future holds any hidden dangers.
What if you insist on investigating and get an answer you don't want to hear? We've all had that thought. And so, the words that were about to come out are swallowed back.
Having thought this through, Yukinoshita spoke up:
"So, how should this consultation be handled?"
"There's nothing wrong with taking it now, is there?"
While interfering in other people's relationships is not our intention, this should still be considered within the scope of our assistance. Moreover, if we can restore Hayama and Miura's relationship to normal, the baseless rumors will naturally disappear.
"Understood! I'll ask again tomorrow."
"Yes, that's better that way. Well then, I'm sorry to trouble you."
"Um!"
Yui responded with high spirits, but then immediately showed concern.
"I wonder if he'd be willing to tell me..."
Just the fact that Hayama didn't tell Miura and Tobe the answer earlier in the classroom makes it easy to imagine that even if Yuihama, who belongs to the same group in Hayama's eyes, asked, she still wouldn't get an answer. Even if it were Isshiki instead, the result would probably not be different.
Judging from Hayama's own words, he probably didn't want his choices to affect those close to him.
Therefore, only by asking someone he considers to be of a different kind, someone who won't be affected, can he possibly get an answer. After this filtering process, those who qualify immediately come to the fore.
I glanced at Yukinoshita.
However, a question mark appeared above her head; she didn't understand my intention.
...Excuse me for retracting my previous statement. The rumors are spreading like wildfire, and my idea of having Yukino approach Hayama at this time is incredibly foolish. Regardless of whether Hayama is willing to tell her or not, the mere fact that the two of them are together is enough to cause new problems.
It seems like I'm the only one left... Although it would probably be pointless for me to ask.
"There's no other way, I'll go..."
Yuihama and Yukinoshita looked over in surprise upon hearing this.
"Oh, you're going?"
"Are you sure everything's okay? Is there a way to talk to him?"
"Your concerns are a bit off... I'm not really sure either."
Despite my worries, Hayama and I are both native Japanese speakers, so conversation shouldn't be a problem. However, being able to speak the same language doesn't necessarily mean being able to understand each other. Sometimes, using the same language can actually prevent the meaning from being accurately conveyed. This goes beyond simply renaming a native language as a negative language.
"However, it's not impossible."
"How to say?"
"If he can't say it to those close to him, then we have to do the opposite. Some things can only be said to those who are not involved."
"...That makes sense. It's like confession or repentance, right?"
“ㄍˋㄠㄐˇㄝ……”
Yui probably didn't know the word and blankly repeated it. Oh well, I'll explain it to her later. Let's see what Yukinoshita says first; although it's a bit exaggerated, the meaning is pretty close.
In everyday life, it's not uncommon to see people pouring out their hearts like confessions. In bars or izakayas, you often see middle-aged men grumbling to customers sitting next to them; online, some people treat social media platforms or discussion boards as private forums, discussing their personal matters with a vast number of users whose names and faces they don't even know. Some things can only be said because the relationship between people is weak. Although I myself can't bring myself to talk nonsense to strangers, and I don't like doing so.
"Anyway, I'll give it a try. Why not ask if there's no harm in asking?"
This is what office workers call "playing dumb and asking around." This skill is incredibly important for new employees when they hear insider information. It's said that whether or not one can effectively utilize it will be a major differentiator in future work performance. My dad has also complained about the recent new employees, so it's definitely true. But just thinking about how such a boss actually exists makes me immediately not want to work. Come to think of it, I seem to be learning some useless office worker skill again…
However, since there are no other options, I have no choice but to ask around first.
After deciding on the strategy and bringing the discussion to a close, Isshiki let out a soft sigh and stood up from his seat.
"Well then, I should head back now. Thanks for the hospitality! Yui-senpai, if you find out any news, please let me know~"
She bowed and then prepared to leave the office. I quickly called her back:
"Hey, remember to take your things with you."
"ah."
Isshiki turned back, gave us a silly "hehe" laugh, and then picked up the cardboard boxes piled up in the corner of the clubroom.
"Hey...whoosh!"
She was carrying the cardboard box, and her steps became unsteady, making me hold my breath in suspense. Then, my "older brother skill," honed by Komachi, automatically activated. Before I knew it, I had reached out and snatched the box from her hands. Is there no way to undo this skill...?
"Oh, thank you so much, senior! Could you please help me move this to the student council office?"
"Yes……"
Well, I guess I'll just have to see this through. Before I do, I should probably tell Yukinoshita and Yui first. I turned around, about to speak, but saw that they weren't moving, silently staring at the cardboard box.
"..."
"..."
Huh, why aren't you saying anything?
"...Then, I'll help you move your things over there."
Only after I spoke did Yukinoshita react, silently clearing away the dishes. So, why won't you speak...?
After she had finished tidying up, she and Yuihama exchanged a glance.
"...Let's call it a day."
"Okay! Let's help move it!"
Yuihama stood up abruptly, grabbed her backpack, and strode outside. Yukinoshita also slung her schoolbag over her shoulder and quietly walked outside. Isshiki looked puzzled by their actions, her eyes filled with confusion.
"Hmm...actually, we don't need so many people..."
"...I need to lock the door. Could you please come out?"
“Yes, yes!”
Urged on by the cold smile beneath the snow, she hurriedly left the office.
There was no one else in the corridor, making the perceived temperature feel lower than the actual temperature.
It was completely dark outside the window, with only a dim light shining from inside, floating and sinking in the darkness.
Three girls walked ahead, and I picked up the cardboard box from my hands again.
The cardboard box was filled with all sorts of decorations for Christmas activities.
Despite the mess inside, I could still feel the weight in my arms.
Volume 10, Part 4: Even so, Yumiko Miura still wanted to know the answer.
The campus was chilly after school. A few days after we received that email, winter drew ever closer.
The daytime was sunny and the weather was fairly warm. However, as the sun began to set, the temperature dropped sharply.
Also, don't forget about the wind.
This school is located by the sea, with no large buildings around to provide shelter, allowing the winter sea winds to blow in unimpeded. Adding to this, Chiba Prefecture is the flattest prefecture in Japan, meaning the wind is most likely to penetrate. Incidentally, Chiba Prefecture also has a homely feel, making it a great stage for young people to showcase their talents. This description sounds exactly like a shady company's recruitment ad. As a satellite city of Tokyo, it's almost understandable that this place would become a haven for wage slaves. It's truly unbelievable!
However, having been a Chiba citizen for seventeen years, my body is already accustomed to this level of cold wind. Thanks to this, I've also become quite used to the cold and ruthless critical atmosphere of this society.
A strong gust of wind blew by, and I pulled my coat collar tighter, looking towards the soccer club practicing in the distance.
I stayed in the corner where the bicycles were parked, which was also in the shadow of the special building, waiting for the soccer club's class to end.
The reason for waiting here, as the Service Club concluded a few days ago, was that I asked Hayama about the group he had chosen. After observing him for several days, I could hardly find an opportunity to talk to him privately. In the end, I had no choice but to wait for him at the end of the club's activities.
Until just now, I had been huddled in the warm office, observing the soccer club's activities through the window, so now that I'm outside, the low temperature feels even more biting.
I saw them start packing up before I went outside to wait, but I was still a little early. They still had closing exercises to do.
While waiting, I paced back and forth to ward off the chill a little. Suddenly, someone tugged at my sleeve.
I turned around and saw a fluffy cat plush toy holding a coffee can.
"Here, take it."
Hearing voices, I looked up and realized the cat was wearing the gloves Yukinoshita was carrying. She handed me the MAX coffee. So Yukinoshita really did use those gloves…
"Oh, thanks."
I gratefully accepted the coffee, holding it in my hand like a hand warmer. Ah, so warm!
Yuihama stood behind, rubbing her hands together, while Yukinoshita pressed her cat-shaped gloves to her face. Both of them followed to check on the situation, but Hayama still hadn't appeared.
The sky gradually darkened, as if stained with a layer of light ink. I looked at the sky and said to them:
"...It's alright for you to go back first."
"Leaving everything to you all by yourself feels a bit... umm~~"
Yuihama was momentarily at a loss for words, so she turned to Yukinoshita for approval. Yukinoshita nodded in agreement. However, I shook my head and told them:
"No, it might be easier for me to ask alone. Although I'm not entirely sure, I doubt he would be able to bring himself to tell you such a thing."
It's not a wise move for Yukino to meet Hayama at this time and place. If those nosy gossips see this, regardless of the truth, they'll most likely spread it around. Thinking about this, my words began to become ambiguous.
Yukinoshita stroked her chin thoughtfully, and after a long while, she raised her head and said:
"Hmm...you have a point."
"Ideally, I'd like to be able to get the answer from the questions..."
"Well then, I'm sorry, I'll leave it to you..."
"It's nothing. Who taught me this is my job?"
She and Yuihama still felt bad, but when they heard my relaxed reply, they smiled.
"That's not like something you would say."
"Yes—" I couldn't help but nod, chuckling self-deprecatingly. Yui Hama finally made up her mind and put on her backpack.
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