Minor note: Uh, yeah. Going to try to make a full-series that have chapters that actually relates to one another. Enjoy.

Chapter 1: A visit from Yukinoshita Yukino is unexpected as always.

I think I mentioned this several times to myself before but I'll do it again for the occasion.

I dislike rain. One might even go as far as saying that I hate rain.

And no, it's not because it makes me wet or hinder my commuting to my workplace.

Well, I guess those reasons can be taken into account as well.

It's because it reminded me of a memory that I would very much like to forget. The memory isn't embarrassing or traumatizing but it's rather regretful.

It's that feeling you get when you don't take advantage of an opportunity.

But then I reminded myself. Even if I took the opportunity on that rainy day, would things turn out any different?

Probably not.

But when that vivid scene replays itself over and over again in my mind, I couldn't help but try to imagine the possible outcomes. Even if I know that it's redundant.

When you aren't able to convey a message to a person, you feel frustrated, maybe even angry, at yourself.

Would regret fit into those collections of emotions as well?

The rain was pouring down harder so I decided against going to lecture today. Apparently, I took Hiratsuka-sensei's class for granted because without her, Modern Literature just got a whole lot more boring.

Slowly pushing myself up from my bed, I hobbled over to the window where I could fully view the sight of falling rain. It wasn't a light drizzle but it wasn't a downpour either.

It was somewhere in between.

I scratched my head in an attempt to erase any traces of drowsiness left from my afternoon nap. Maybe I could go to the lecture after all, seeing as the rain was getting progressively weaker and weaker by the seconds.

My food storage, aka instant noodles and MAX coffee, was also running low so I'll have to get that as well when lecture finishes.

But just everything that occurred in my twenty years of living, life decided to throw a curveball at me.

Despite the rain turning into a drizzle mere moments ago, it returned with more vigor than ever, producing more noises as it clashed against my apartment roof.

The difference this time was that a bright flash of light followed said downpour. The eventual boom of thunder came later.

I sighed in exasperation as I plopped back down on my bed before reaching out for my phone.

The sound of raining falling on the roof was getting progressively louder and louder and as much as I tried to block it out, the continuous 'Tap-tap-tap' of the rain eventually got to me.

I should've gotten one of those condos where they have all those cool stuffs. Like soundproof wall. But alas, my financial situation doesn't allow it.

As I checked my room for any ways to block out the persistent annoyance that was falling rain, a loud thud emanated throughout the room.

Originally, I thought it was from a thunder but the sound was too dull and it sounded as if it came from an impact with a plastic surface.

Wait a minute…

I pushed myself up from the comfort of my mattress, gazing at the door in the process. There wasn't anything plastic in this room so the only logical conclusion was that the sound came from the door.

Reminding myself to stay calm, I trudged over to the entrance with hands poised to defend in case it was an unwanted intruder.

Was it a stray cat? Nah, it couldn't be. No stray cat would climb the stairs.

A baseball? Then again, there's no baseball field around the area. Plus, it was raining.

Door to door salesman? Man, then he must be a committed salesman to go out in this weather.

I shakily reached out for the doorknob, twisting it slowly. A squeak emerged as I twisted it more and finally, the door was opened.

Maybe it was the rain. Maybe it was the dark sky or maybe it was the generally dark atmosphere.

I swore I saw tears streaming down her face. But despite that, she still smiled despite her troubled expression.

"Hikigaya-kun…"

She muttered softly as she leaned herself against the plastic doorframe. The cheerful disposition that she was putting forward contained hints of sadness and relief.

"Yukinoshita…"

Her eyes were still as cold and blue as they were during high school. The long, black hair that she was somewhat famous for had almost grown past her waist.

"So…uh…" I was at a loss for words. Komachi or even Isshiki visiting was normal enough but Yukinoshita? There was no chance in hell that it will ever happen.

Guess I was wrong about that chance.

"Hikigaya-kun…" She muttered again, this time with less energy than the previous. Her eyes lids were getting dangerously low.

Then, as if a weight descended upon her body; she fell forward with little to no warning. Somehow, I managed to catch her. Just barely, anyway.

Her body was wet from the rain and it looked like she fainted. I sincerely hoped that it wasn't the case.

But contrasting my earlier sentiment, I placed my palm on her forehead as I fought the urge to call the ambulance straight away.

I immediately recoiled from her forehead. What the hell?

Despite the cold and damp atmosphere of the rainy day, Yukinoshita's forehead was anything but cold and damp. It was burning, in fact. Her breath was getting heavy and erratic with every passing second.

It was crystal clear that she had a burning fever.

I quickly weighed my choices of either calling the ambulance or taking care of her myself. Seeing as the latter was more convenient and quicker, I moved her towards my bed.

Now, I never let anyone on my bed. Ever. Maybe except for Komachi when she needs life advices but other than her, no one ever intrudes on the sanctuary that is my bed, be it here in my apartment or in my house in Chiba.

So Yukinoshita should feel pretty honored right now.

My humble bragging aside, Yukinoshita was slightly squirming in my arms; adding another layer of difficulty as I attempted to lay her on the bed.

Within a few tense seconds, the ordeal was over as my bed was occupied by the Ice Queen herself.

Now then…

The door was still opened and due to the bothersome weather, quite a few droplets of rain poured through. Yukinoshita's bag was also sitting by the door so being the gentleman that I am, I picked it up and tossed it inside nonchalantly.

Now, on to the subject of Yukinoshita.

She had a fever plus, there was also the case of her wet clothes. So I have to cool her down without her getting a cold.

Calm down, Hachiman. There must be a way or maybe, the solution was just putting two solutions together.

Getting a bowl and filling it with cold water, I dipped one of my towels inside. The ruffles of bedsheet alerted me of Yukinoshita's state so I hurried to her side.

Why was I taking care of her again? I had no excuse but I didn't care either. Yukinoshita's just one of those people that I can't ignore.

When I placed the cold towel on her forehead, she squirmed a little with a little bit of agitation showing on her face.

You don't have to make me feel worse, you know…

Her clothes were still wet so I had to deal with that too. I didn't notice this when she appeared in front of me in the rain but Yukinoshita was apparently wearing a white shirt so combined with the dampness of her body, it made the shirt rather…transparent.

But I didn't look, I swear!

…Not that there's anything to look at though…

She must be getting quite uncomfortable under those clothes so logic dictated that I need to change it. Morals, however, dictated that I mustn't touch her under any circumstances.

Despite being the so-called 'Monster of logic', the moral side of my brain eventually won.

I supposed I could use a hair dryer. Isshiki must have left it here somewhere…

It was by mere luck that I happened to find said object on my study desk. As I went to pick it up, I questioned myself.

Why did I even let Isshiki into my room in the first place?

Whatever.

After I plugged it in, I spent a good amount of time learning how to operate the damn thing. Cursed girl products.

The mechanical whir of the hair dryer indicated its start-up and I quickly pointed to head towards Yukinoshita's resting form.

Her breath wasn't as erratic as before but her lips were somewhat quivering. Her chest (or lack thereof) slowly rose and fall with every breath that she took.

I should change the towel soon.

With that thought in mind, I reached for the towel with my one free hand and dipped it into the cold water again before placing it on her forehead once more.

Now that everything had calmed down, I finally had the chance to compose myself and analyze the situation.

Why did she have to appear in front of me? I was sure that the chance of us interacting after the simulated life training that was High school was close to none.

Yet somehow those small chances managed to take place. Not that I was complaining or anything but it was rather surprising. Yuigahama hasn't even visited me even once yet so Yukinoshita visiting was somewhat…impossible, in my mind at least.

I had to pinch myself twice to make sure I wasn't dreaming and that Yukinoshita wasn't actually a delivery box that I put on my bed due to my delusion.

Calm down and assess the situation, Hachiman.

Even if this was somehow an illusion, an assessment of why she was here wouldn't hurt.

First of; what was she doing here? She was having a fever in the rain so I had to take her in. Reasonable enough.

Secondly; why was she soaking in the rain with a raging fever?

…Sadly, no answers came to me as I continued to point the hair dryer at her body. Her breathing became more a periodic now so my rather unorthodox methods were working at least.

I could just ask her why when she woke up anyway.

The sound of the hair dryer and the continual tapping of the rain began to make my eyelids heavier as each second pass by. Maybe it was a combination of the cool weather and the impromptu lullaby of the rain but soon enough, I found myself leaning on one of my hands.

Seconds later, I found myself face first into the mattress.

The rustling of fabric and a mechanical click caught my attention. I opened my eyes weakly, only to be met with the sight of white. Pure, unadulterated white.

As I lifted my head up, a gasp was sounded to my right.

"Hikigaya-kun…"

Oh right, Yukinoshita's here…

"Yo…" I greeted weakly. The strain of sleeping on in a weird position was starting to become evident as I could feel my joints pop with every small movement.

Even though it was clear and undeniable that Yukinoshita was in my room, on my bed nonetheless, I couldn't help but feel that it wasn't her. Something about her expression just screamed confusion and the Yukinoshita that I knew for about two years was almost always composed about everything and anything.

Strange indeed.

She slid of my bed before slightly bowing towards me.

"Thank you for…sheltering me, Hikigaya-kun." I narrowed my eyes at her tone. I know that you're supposed to express gratitude towards your savior but this is the fabled Ice Queen after all. The sight of her slight bow could be considered the Eighth Wonder of the world.

"So, why were you soaking in the rain?"

She stopped her bow and looked up with an expression that contained little traces of pain or reluctance. If she doesn't want to talk about it then I won't press on any further but at least, I needed to know her excuse.

One might argue that 'Oh, it's a friend. It's definitely fine!' Such logic would apply under normal circumstances but right now…

"I…" She looked away for a brief second before turning back with resolve in her eyes, "It might be rude of me to say this but I would like to tell you when the time is right."

Despite doing a small bow to go with her statement, her tone was…slightly entitled. Maybe that's how she has always spoken but right now, it certainly rubbed me the wrong way.

"Tell me when the time is right?" I went to sit on a nearby chair, "That can't happen unless you're staying here…"

The thought suddenly dawned on me as I looked at Yukinoshita incredulously.

She isn't seriously thinking about that, is she?

"If you don't mind."

"Look, I may be your acquaintance from high school but you certainly can't expect me to house you." Her face didn't show any emotions so I continued, "Plus, don't you have to go to your own university? Which was it, Tokyo-U?"

"You don't need to worry about that. I can take care of it myself."

I brought my hand to my forehead. Was this how Yukinoshita felt every time a troublesome request was made? Speaking of forehead…

"How's your fever, by the way?"

"Thanks to you, it has lessened considerably."

Even though her words and tone were screaming 'I'm fine', her face on the other hand was slightly tinted red. But if she said that she was fine then I have no problems with it.

"If you have to stay out of your apartment, why don't you just stay at Yuigahama's apartment?"

"Then she would find me easily."

"She?"

"My sister."

Yukinoshita answered blankly but I felt a chill crawling up my spine. Was it due to the weather or was it due to the mere mention of her.

Nah, couldn't be. I've gotten somewhat used to the presence of Yukinoshita Haruno but the context of Yukinoshita not wanting to see her was somewhat suspicious.

"Please don't tell me you murdered someone and your sister is out to catch you."

I mean, the possibility of Yukinoshita committing a crime was still somewhat plausible even though in actual facts, the chances that the uptight, law-abiding Yukinoshita becoming a criminal was closer to zero.

But nonetheless, I questioned that possibility anyway.

Yukinoshita responded with a shake of her head.

"Then why can't you just stay at Yuigahama's apartment then?"

"I told you. My sister will find me."

"And why is that a bad thing?

She was dodging the question left, right and center. I know I wasn't supposed to intrude on other people's personal business but she asked me to lend her a place to stay therefore I had every rights to know her reasons to do so.

Unless it's a really traumatic reason. In which case, I apologize in advance, Yukinoshita.

"I…The reason…it's rather…sensitive." She murmured almost incoherently.

"Jeez," I rubbed my head in exasperation, "I can barely afford to take care of the room myself and now you're here. What a bother."

"If that's the case, then I can take care of it in your absence." Yukinoshita replied sternly and immediately.

It was really off-putting to see her like this. A confused and distraught Yukinoshita is never a pretty sight to see. A straight forward Yukinoshita is even more off-putting.

I stared long and hard at her but she returned it with her own stare. For ten tense seconds, we locked gaze.

I narrowed my eyes. Hers stayed the same.

My eyes were threatening to clamp shut from the lack of moisture. Her gaze didn't falter.

I gave out a defeated sigh. I didn't like this arrangement but as I reminded myself before.

Yukinoshita is someone that I can't ignore.

"So you're going to stay here for how long?"

She seemed rather surprised by my acceptance but nonetheless, she replied.

"I don't know the exact duration but…"

There it was again. Her reluctant tone followed by her looking away.

"Look here, I'm not going to be responsible for your housing. Can't you just tell me the reason why you can't stay at your house? Or even Yuigahama's for that matter? And if your sister is the reason, then tell me why you can't see her."

I was beginning to get frustrated here. Sure, I may have accepted my fate of letting Yukinoshita stay here but what's the harm in asking for an authentic reason? Even if she wasn't going to tell me, I would still let her stay. It's the least I could do for an old acquaintance but even so, I asked her for the reasons…again.

"Do you really want to know?" Yukinoshita replied grimly, dropping the room's temperature to an even colder level than it was before.

I knew it! She did murder someone!

I inadvertently gulped as I stared at her cold, blue orbs. They always say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Suffice to say, Yukinoshita's eyes were anything but soulful.

"…If you don't mind telling me, of course."

What if she tells me and roped me in to become one of her accomplices? In that case, wouldn't it be better to not let her tell me? Wait, if she did murder someone then why was I letting her stay in my room anyway?

What kind of causality is that?!

"I'm running away."

…

…

…

"Hold on, hold on." I pressed a finger to my temple, "Running away as in…not planning to live in your own house?"

A nod followed my statement.

"As in…wanting to avoid members of your family?"

Another nod.

"I know you don't have the best mother-daughter relationship or the best siblings relationship but surely, you can't get so angry that you want to never see them again, can you?"

How many times have I reasoned with her already? Reasoning with people is one of my trademark skills of the 108 skills that I'd built up over the years.

Then why is it so damn hard to convince this woman?

"It's…more than that…"

We were getting nowhere in terms of productivity here so instead of babbling on about the same topic over and over again, I decided to end this conversation.

"You know what." I lifted myself up slowly from the office chair that I was sitting in, "Just as long as you don't cause me troubles then I'm fine with you staying here."

"…Sorry to trouble you, Hikigaya-kun."

It's too late for that though.

I turned heel and went to find a raincoat. Lectures can be skipped but part-time job? Not a million years if I value my current housing situation. My mom also gave me some money once a month or so but having some prudential cash won't hurt. I also made an effort to keep all valuables on me as one can never be too cautious.

Perhaps I was simply being cautious. Perhaps I was paranoid.

Yukinoshita never struck me as someone who takes full advantage of someone else's pity but you'll never know what has changed in the spans of two to three years.

I patted my pocket to check if I forgot anything important. The outline of my wallet made it presence known while in the other pocket; the outline of my phone signaled its presence there.

Only one thing was missing. The key.

I went over to my study desk before picking up the metallic key that holds the authority over my entrance into this room. And now, it holds authority over hers too.

I looked back at Yukinoshita who was trying to dry off her bag. Seeing her struggle brought out a sigh from me.

"Yukinoshita. I'll leave the key here so if you get hungry, you can buy something from a store. Just make sure to lock the door."

"But I…"

"You know where it is, right?"

A slight nod answered me. Is this how she's going to communicate with me from now on?

The rain was beginning to get weaker again but I wasn't going to take a chance with how Mother Nature works. Plus, there was also the added benefit of me being very early in my shift.

Why did I trust Yukinoshita with the key even though I took everything else with me? Was it so I'll have a reason to trust her again? She didn't leave a lasting impression on me in high school so I really had no concrete reason to doubt her.

But one thing was for certain.

I want to trust her. It was a stupid thing to say but I really want to trust her. Maybe it was the lack of close social bond, like the one we had as the Service Club, which has driven me into this state. Nah, couldn't be. My colleagues at work were enough for that…

Were they really enough though?

Despite my already excelling grade in literature, university wasn't a cakewalk like Hiratsuka-sensei said it would be. The various projects and reports that we have to turn in require a bit of cohesion from the students.

As such, university forced me to interact with other students whether I like it or not. It was a cruel system indeed. Even though I escaped the life simulator that is high school, society suddenly made a corporate slavery simulator where people have to interact in order to reach a common goal.

Well done, society. You've one-upped me this time.

But all in all, it did help me in some ways. During my high school years, I couldn't hold a part-time job due to my rather 'peculiar' personality. Thanks to the forced interaction between students, I was able to find a job in a nearby convenience store.

It's not the most glamorous of part-time jobs but then again, is there really a glamorous part-time job at all?

However, I can't complain, seeing as the job pays well for a part-timer like me and my colleagues are generally tolerable people.

Except for that one guy who talks a lot in a similar fashion to Tobe.

Oh dear heavens, why must there be a Tobe for every Hachiman?

The manager is also kind as well…in her own ways. At least, that's what she said her scolding was. A way of showing kindness. Tough love, so to speak.

As I approached the store front, the rain finally died out; leaving behind puddles of water by the sidewalk. The inside wasn't horribly packed despite the weather. I guess the people that were seeking shelter from the rain left.

The door automatically slid open as I went closer and at the cash register was the Tobe of this establishment. He waved cheerfully at me, not caring if the customers can see us or not.

What the hell, Tobe number two?

I sighed at my predicament before covering my face and covertly sneaking to the dressing room.

And thus, my four hours of forced smile and just above average customer service officially began.

"Hey, Hikigaya. You wanna go with the manager for a drink?" The Tobe-clone asked offhandedly when both his and my shift finally finished.

Not again…

"I'm busy."

"Is that sooo?" I could feel the smirk on his face, "What happened? Did you woo another girl like those two?"

I knew what he was talking about but playing right into his hands and winning was a foolish attempt.

That said, I am foolish.

"As if I could flirt with girls with these eyes," I turned to look at him. He crossed his arms angrily.

"Oh and those two girls I saw walking with you ain't yer targets?"

Your Kansai accent's slipping out again.

Jealousy and bitterness were literally seeping out from his voice. I had gone over what happened that time so many times that I actually got accustomed to it. There must be something wrong with me.

"I told you, one was my sister and the other was my underclassman." I finished with a slightly loud slam of my locker, hoping that he would get my signal.

"Suuuuuure. Just your little sister and underclassman. I get ya but listen," His voice suddenly became serious; "I ain't going with the manager for a drink alone. Ya know how she is, don't cha?"

I checked the time on the wall clock. It was currently five minutes till eight.

"Good luck."

I said curtly and walked out of the store. I swear I could hear his screams of anguish and pain and a couple shouts of 'Traitor!' mixed in along with it.

By the time I get to my apartment, it would've been a few minutes past eight o'clock. I considered buying some ingredients for curry. I haven't had one of those in a while but I decided against it as

One: I'm too tired to actually cook.

Two: I already have instant noodle.

Speaking of instant noodle, I once again reminded myself to resupply my food source and of course, MAX coffee. It's not a healthy lifestyle but it's efficient so that's good enough for me.

By the time I arrived home, the night was already dark and the street lamps began to light up. I climbed up the metal stairs and finally, faced the door to my room.

The room that she also currently occupies.

I was hesitant in opening the door but then I realized. This is my room, my settlement, my place of comfort and even if Yukinoshita's in there, I got nothing to be afraid of.

I've handled Yukinoshita in high school so two years later; I'll still be able to do the same.

As I pushed aside the plastic door, the smell of wheat permeated throughout the room and into my nose. It was almost overwhelming and slightly nostalgic as well.

During the rare occasion where I got the chance to have dinner with my family, mom usually gets home first so whenever Komachi and I got home after, we would be surprised.

I guess that's her way of making up for the lost time.

However, I was certain that it wasn't my mom who was in the kitchen. Despite the apartment being located in Chiba prefecture, my apartment is quite far from my original home so she couldn't have travelled all the way here just to make me some food, could she?

It was beyond a shadow of a doubt that the only person could be Yukinoshita.

After putting my raincoat at an inconspicuous corner of the house, I strode over to the kitchen. The smell was getting stronger and my growling stomach wasn't doing me much good either.

There was steam coming out from a metal pot. It was definitely Soba noodles.

Wait, did I even own a metal pot? During my stay here, I'd only used the kettle to cook my instant noodle. The only other culinary equipment that I have was the microwave that I used for my instant curry.

…That's a lot of instant.

"Yukinoshita."

She twisted her petite body, her embroidered apron following her movement. I was genuinely surprised that it wasn't a Pan-san patterned apron but instead, it was a flower patterned one.

"I hope you don't mind me using your kitchen, Hikigaya-kun," She said politely, "I also took the liberty of purchasing some kitchen utensils."

"How did you get the money…?"

"If you're concerned then I assured you that it was from my own pocket."

I gazed at her with slight annoyance. Doesn't she know that I don't have the space to keep all the utensils and things that she brought?

But nonetheless, I complied. If it isn't my money then I don't really care. After all, money wasted by someone else isn't money wasted by me.

Sighing for good measure and allowing Yukinoshita to go back to cooking her dinner, I went to the cupboard. The amount of instant noodle inside was only enough to last me a day or so.

Well, I could always restock when I get back from the lecture tomorrow.

I pulled out a cup of noodle and immediately placed it on the counter. Sometimes, I wonder if the apartment rent would decrease if I told the landlord I don't need any kitchen counter. One could only dream of such a possibility.

As I was preparing to get the kettle, I saw Yukinoshita bringing out two bowls from the corner of my eyes.

A normal person might see this and think 'Why does he even own two bowls? He must have an imaginary friend, right?' followed by a dry laugh and all those nice stuff.

But I disagree. While it is true that I have no need for a second bowl, considering I eat from a cup noodle, there are times where a man needs to fulfill his urge to have the greatest ramen known to men.

And thus, a bowl was needed. It also doubled as a way to not serve any potential visitors that I might have instant noodle as that would be very un-gentleman-like of me.

But since those bowls in Yukinoshita's grasp were mine and I am the owner of this establishment and not the guest, the situation raised the question of why would she bring out two bowls instead of one for herself?

Did Yukinoshita become a glutton? Did she have some sort of special medical conditions where she required at least two servings?

As usual, it was none of my business.

"Hikigaya-kun."

Judging by how muffled her voice was, she was probably in the dining room, feasting on her meal.

"What is it?" I said without turning my head.

"You don't have to get a kettle."

"And why is that?"

I had my doubts that Yukinoshita is a person who micromanages each and every one of your actions but as seen right now, there's no doubt about it.

"I already made you some Soba noodle." The sound of ceramic bowls hitting the plastic table filled my ears, "You shouldn't be too dependent on instant food. It's unhealthy."

Jeez, who are you? My mom?

But she did have a point. As much as I hate to admit it, the last time I got a good, hearty and nutritional meal was….

Anyway, food bought or cooked by someone else is the best because it's free! And just like I reminded Komachi time and time again, 'Never refuse free calories!'

I put the kettle and the cup noodle back into their place before striding over to the dining room table. She had neatly prepared our chopsticks along with our bowls.

It was almost hypnotizing to see how perfectly the space between the bowls and the chopsticks was. If the one who did this was Komachi, I would've shed a tear and hand her my chopsticks and bowls, never to arrange a dinner table again.

Unfortunately, Yukinoshita isn't Komachi.

With an air of caution surrounding me, I sat down on the tatami mat and face the bowl of freshly cooked Soba noodle. Yukinoshita didn't pick up her chopsticks yet so she was probably waiting for me to start first as the owner of the room.

I complied and pick up said chopsticks. I looked at her facial expression and tried to guess if she actually put something harmful into this bowl.

By reflex, I gulped. Her face was still unchanging as ever but her eyes told another story. It screamed 'Eat it. Eat it. Eat it.'

Once again, I complied.

The slightly spicy taste of Soba filled my entire mouth and I have to say. Despite not seeing her for over three years, her cooking skills were impeccable as always.

"So what's the reason?" I asked offhandedly but nonetheless, it caught Yukinoshita off guard.

"I already told you. It's…sensitive but maybe in-." She began to mumble.

"Not that," I slurped some more noodle. I know it was rude but what the hell, this is my place after all. "Why are you cooking for me?"

"Normally, you have this 'Holier than thou' air around yourself." I finished my statement.

"Oh…"

A pregnant silence followed soon after.

"Well, I thought it would be expected of me since I entered your home unannounced." She finally spoke up.

Yukinoshita did have a point. She barged in (I brought her in but details, details…), begged to stay here and I was forced by guilt and pity to help her.

"You struck me as the kind of person barges into someone's house, demands hospitality then leave without doing any favors in return."

In other words, you're a cat. I forgot to add that last part. Oh well.

A clink of chopsticks hitting ceramic bowl caught my attention. Yukinoshita looked at me with a dispirited look.

"…Do you really see me that way?"

"N-No, it's just…" I attempted to correct myself, "…an analogy, that's all."

"Oh…"

Ever since I started university, I realized that I took a lot of things for granted. Hiratsuka-sensei's way of teaching, the easy access of actual nutritional food, Totsuka's smiling face….

What I would do to see that face one more time…

One of those things also include Yuigahama's invaluable ability to kick-start a conversation. Something that Yukinoshita and I sorely lack.

We ate our meals quietly and quickly with the occasional sound being the clattering of our bowls. After we finished, Yukinoshita took it upon herself to wash the dishes, citing that it was the least she could do. I didn't refuse.

But now, we faced a dilemma. A very huge, unsettling dilemma if you look at it at the right angle.

Because my situation of being a university student, I never thought of needing two beds or a futon. And there lies the problem.

Should I give up my bed and my comfort for someone who blatantly barged into my own home?

Should I succumb to the etiquettes and norms of society?

Or should I just let her sleep on the cold, hard tatami floor?

Of course, I went for the option that would benefit me the most. I decided to stay on my bed as its rightful owner.

"Here you go." I tossed one of my good blankets towards Yukinoshita who caught it with ease despite little to no warning.

"But won't you get cold?"

"If you're worried, I have more of those." I brought out another blanket. To be honest, the last time I used this blanket was when Komachi last visited and she had to stay for the night, which was two months ago. Sufficed to say, I prioritize my little sister's comfort above mine.

I should really buy a back-up futon just in case something like this happens again.

"You brought some pillows right?"

Yukinoshita's face suddenly turned into various shades of red though I couldn't see her all that well since I was exhausted.

"I…didn't…"

"Is that so…" Once again, I was at an impasse. Do I give up my spot as rightful owner of this apartment and this bed?

I silently cursed my sense of moral as I slid of the bed. Yukinoshita was either surprised or in awe at my kind gesture. I can't blame her. The sight of Hikigaya Hachiman willingly giving up his possession is as rare as the sight of Totsuka Saika nowadays.

If only I got his email before we parted from one another. Such a cruel fate.

I gestured over to the bed as she reluctantly and slowly climb atop my haven with my (now her) blanket. A notable wince must have been shown as I could feel my heart ripped out from my chest the moment her entire body took refuge on my bed.

Sighing to calm myself down, I tried to make myself comfortable on the hard tatami floor. I had my fair share of sleeping on the floor, most of which comes from Komachi staying the night, but I never got used to the hard sensation so I always wake up with back pain.

Tonight's no different. I reminded myself bitterly.

"Hikigaya-kun, won't you need this?" I turned to the voice, only to be met in the face by the fluffy white pillow that I had left on the bed.

"Not really, I left it there for you." I answered back with no hesitation though my back was probably screaming at me to get it back.

Yukinoshita appeared visibly upset at my reply for whatever reasons she thought of. Why is it that every time I tried to be nice to her, she always thinks I have an ulterior motive?

Not that I can berate her, of course. I haven't trusted a lot of people either.

"I admit that you feel obligated to look after me but I won't be able to sleep if I know that you are sacrificing your own wellbeing." She finished with a stern look. The one that I usually get from my mom.

I stared long and hard at her, making her appeared uncomfortable in the process. In response, she spoke up, albeit slowly.

"…What is it?"

"Nah, it's nothing," I stretched one of my hands towards her. She immediately understood and placed the pillow in my hand, "Just thinking how much you've changed since high school."

She didn't respond, either out of nostalgia of those simpler days or simply because she was too tired to deal with me. But when I met her gaze, it felt like she had something more to say.

I didn't let her though. Sleep is now a limited resource for me.

"Well, it's to be expected," I puffed up my pillow in preparation for a night of back and neck pain, "The old Yukinoshita wouldn't have run away from her family."

I turned off the night-lamp before slipping under the cover of my blanket. I didn't see Yukinoshita directly but the ruffles of bed sheet signaled me that she began to enter the wondrous world of dreams.

As I laid there on the floor, I thought to myself that I should probably ask someone that might have the reasons to why Yukinoshita ran away. I might even go as far as asking Yukinoshita Haruno.

I shuddered at the thought. I hope that I won't be desperate enough to ask her for help.

Another thought crossed my mind as the sounds of our breathing intermingled and the wind clashed against the windows.

Hopefully, Yukinoshita isn't a loud sleeper.

Title might be subjected to change later. Seriously, I'm drawing a blank at what to name this story.