Chapter 2: Kocchi. Muite. Baby.

"Quite an interesting noon we had."

Yukinoshita Yukino said before she worked on her cup of tea right after she had broken the tranquil silence that usually visited the Service Club during the afternoon.

"Indeed."

Hikigaya Hachiman nonchalantly replied, eyes still locked to the book that he was reading.

"Ha…ha…"

Yuigahama Yui, with nothing much to contribute too, awkwardly laughed to fill in her share of conversation.

It was indeed quite an interesting noon for the Service Club. Maybe not even the Service Club alone, maybe it was true for all who had witnessed it and now that it had transpired, they can do nothing but wonder if it was all a dream..

…but of course, unfortunately and also expectedly, it wasn't a dream at all.

All that happened today was all too real.

The crowd, the girl, the men in suit, the "proposal", all of it.

Right after what little conversation they had was the exact return of the silence that they tried to kill just now.

Lady Silence took them all in her uncomfortable embrace.

Yukinoshita was speechless as it took her time to let it all sink in.

Yuigahama was quiet because she just can't believe that it really happened.

Hikigaya was silent because he's still validating the entire situation… that or maybe he just doesn't care at all.

"Yo, Service Club."

A voice belonging to none of them echoed throughout the room.

What… or rather who, appeared before the door was none other than Hiratsuka Shizuka.

"Sensei..." The three chorused solemnly upon seeing their club advisor come into existence in the room.

There the three watched as their teacher make her way slowly in front of them.

In the end of it, Hiratsuka stood proudly before them.

Hiratsuka Shizuka stood there… and just stood there actually.

She didn't say anything at all.

They just stared at each other.

Half a minute passed with the four individuals waiting for something to happen. They waited and waited.. and waited.. until..

"Why didn't you come along with me, you stupid brat?!"

Hiratsuka Shizuka came into an outburst before loudly stomping her way towards the door.

And with the door closing as loud as it can, Hiratsuka Shizuka exited.

Dumbfounded at what was going on, Yukinoshita, Yuigahama and Hikigaya exchange glances as they tried to understand what the hell was truly going on.

"Brat, come here!"

Hiratsuka's angry voice pierced through the walls of the room and to the ears of the Service Club members.

"Oi brat, I SAID come here!" She shouted some more.

"Hiratsuka-san, I think I won't do it after all!"

Another voice was to be heard beyond the wall, although this time it was a much, much(, much) younger voice of a girl.

"Won't do it? Missy, you're not backing now after all the mess you've caused today. Through the door with you!"

"Hiratsuka-sensei! No is a no!"

Much like Hiratsuka Shizuka, the other voice was screaming too… but it was not of anger that it was screaming, rather it seemed out of fear or call of urgent help that it screamed.

"Sensei! Stop-

"..."

Crash goes the sturdy door as it opens loudly again. Pumpf goes the floor as flesh hits it hard. A person, specifically a girl, entered the room.

"There. Now do your thing. I'm out." Hiratsuka, poking her head through the door, said before leaving the said girl on the cold hard floor.

"Ouch, that damn teacher doesn't know how to handle anything carefully." Muttered the girl in question as she caresses her back that just landed hard on the room's floor. "You... can't just dump your student like tras-

"Eh?" It sunk in just now for her.

"It" being that she's inside the clubroom, now in front of the three.

Silent.

Awkward.

That was what the atmosphere was fitting to be described as of right now.

"Hiratsuka Shizuka, you dumbass." Cried the girl internally.

She wasn't prepared, she wasn't totally prepared to face them yet but it seemed like fate… or rather Hiratsuka Shizuka in this case, punished her for being unprepared.

"Okay… okay… calm down, calm down. Panicking won't do anything." She thought. "Behave, me. Behave."

She began to compose herself, slowly stood and began to breathe rhythmically.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

And with that, she somewhat calmed down.

As she did calmed down, she took a deep breathe once.

"Service Club folks, good afternoon." The girl said as she gently did a half bow before the three of them.

"Her?" Muttered Hikigaya.

"Ah! That girl!" Screamed Yuigahama.

As soon as Yuigahama and Hikigaya's heard her voice, they couldn't help themselves let out an expression of surprise before her. Perhaps because they had seen this girl before...

"That girl has a name, you two." Commented Yukinoshita as she held proudly her cup of tea.

"Now what could we do for you, Tsumiki Sumire-san?" She said before finishing what's left of her tea.

"Now what could we do for you, Tsumiki Sumire-san?" Yukinoshita Yukino's statement echoed throughout the room.

Upon hearing her, Tsumiki Sumire's eyes suddenly widened. Why? Well because Yukinoshita Yukino asked the question way before she could say it herself. It was as if Yukinoshita Yukino was expecting her arrival.

With her shock slowly but gradually settling down, Tsumiki finally entertained Yukinoshita. "I'll take you up on your offer, Yukinoshita-san." She softly spoke.

"Just as Yukinoshita-san guessed, I am here before you because I have a request."

"Go on.." With nothing to reply with, Yukinoshita prompted her to continue.

"My request would be nothing big or fancy. In fact, you don't even have to sweat a walk for it."

"Mind telling us what it is then?" The three surprisingly chorused in sync.

"I'd be glad to. Hikigaya-san, Yukinoshita-san…" Sumire paused. "Ah, that… that girl-san.." She said as her eyes landed at Yuigahama's direction.

"It's Yui. Yuigahama Yui." With a hint of dissatisfaction on her voice, Yuigahama corrected Sumire.

"Thank you, err… Yuigahama-san."

Tsumiki Sumire forced a cough.

"For formality's sake, let me say it again. Hikigaya-san, Yukinoshita-san, Yuigahama-san, my request would is that…" Sumire gave them each a glance before pausing for a few seconds. "I'd like to stay here for the rest of club hours." She said with a suspiciously innocent chuckle.

A couple of seconds passed without anyone moving an inch. Nobody dared say a thing. That was true until…

"That's it?" Hikigaya blurted out.

"Well, I can't make marrying you a request now, can I?" Tsumiki, without any delay and with a confident and playful smile on her face, asked Hikigaya.

"…right."

"But just as Hikigaya-kun said, was that it?" Not only Hikigaya was surprised with what Sumire said, Yukinoshita along with Yuigahama was too. Her request was underwhelming, overly underwhelming.

It was only an apt reaction from the three considering that they witnessed how she performed her "act" just this lunchtime.

"Yes, unfortunately that is all. All I'm asking now is… will my request be accepted or will it not?"

Upon hearing Tsumiki, Yukinoshita began to think. She also began massaging her temples right after as if she was getting troubled by the little request made.

"Permitted. Please enjoy your stay." But in the end, Yukinoshita found no fault at it so she just let it be.

"Eh? But Yukinon!"

Although Yukinoshita Yukino had approved of it, it seemed like Yui Yuigahama had a different view on the matter.

"Yuigahama-san?" Puzzled, Yukinoshita asked what could be the reason behind Yuigahama's denial.

"Why would you permit her?!" Cried Yuigahama.

"Eh… I don't see the reason why we should reject her request, considering how easy it would be to fulfill. Although I don't quite see why she would need this to be fulfilled."

"But… but.." Cornered by Yukinoshita herself, Yuigahama began to lose the grip on her words.

"It's fine, Yukinoshita-san. I would leave if Yuigahama-san or anyone of you won't approve. that's what I decided before trying to ask you this request."

"Ah, no.. that wasn't what I.. no.."

"I said it's fine, Yuigahama-san. I'm asking the Service Club about this and you are part of the club and if you don't approve of it then... I would gladly respect that decision of yours. Ah actually, that reminds me. Hikigaya-san, would you also permit me?"

"I couldn't be bothered so why not." He nonchalantly answered.

For a second or so, Tsumiki's eyebrows twisted. "But even so, Yuigahama-san's rejection would invalidate even yours so I guess it's futile after all." She said before letting a weak laugh escape.

"Ah… but… but.." Yuigahama's voice weakened and weakened.

Guilty.

Hikigaya Hachiman, Yukinoshita Yukino and Tsumiki Sumire all know that guilt had taken over Yuigahama Yui.

Was it justified kind of guilt? The answer to that question depends on who among the three you wish to ask it to.

"Well then, have a nice day you three." Not long after, Tsumiki began to head to the door.

"F-Fine! You can stay." Yuigahama shouted as if it was forced on her.

"I... can?" Stopping on her tracks, Tsumiki's gaze returned to Yuigahama.

"Well.. that does it for you, Tsumiki-san. Just as Yuigahama-san said, you can stay." Heaving a sigh of resignation, Yukinoshita stared at Tsumiki's direction.

Hearing Yukinoshita, Tsumiki felt hesitant for a second or so but finally heaved a sigh of relief after.

"Thank you, Yuigahama-san." She softly uttered.

"Well Tsumiki-san, please take a seat." With her cup of tea refilled, Yukinoshita prompted Tsumiki to take a seat as she had been standing since the beginning.

At first Tsumiki didn't move so Yukinoshita took it upon herself to point it out with her eyes the empty seat opposite that of Yuigahama's chair to let her know where she should seat.

But still, Tsumiki Sumire didn't advanced an inch.

"Well?" Puzzled at why Tsumiki wasn't moving, Yukinoshita directly asked her.

Instead of moving like she was supposed to, Tsumiki Sumire just stared at an empty space. More specifically, the empty space beside where Hikigaya Hachiman was seating.

"Hikigaya-san, mind if I take a seat beside you?" She asked him without any more delay.

"Ah." Hikigaya left his mouth slightly open for a second or two. "No. Not at all." He then said to her.

With the approval coming from Hikigaya himself, Tsumiki cheerfully dragged the chair near towards where he was seating and sat beside him.

"Well.. then." Scratching her head, Yukinoshita just resigned it to Tsumiki.

Yuigahama somewhat faced Tsumiki still, Yukinoshita on the other hand faced Hikigaya's direction, and Hikigaya faced the wall.

With that, although quite unsymmetrical, the table now had a person for each of its sides.

"Tsumiki-san." Uttured Yukinoshita before placing her half empty cup on a saucer.

"Yes?"

"While you're here, maybe you should do yourself an introduction?"

Tsumiki smiled at the suggestion. "Very well. I guess that too was one of my reason why I came here."

Tsumiki Sumire stood up, fixed her uniform and placed one of her hands on her back.

"I am Tsumiki Sumire." She pointed at herself with her free hand. "I am the only child of the Tsumiki household. I am currently a third year of Soubu High." Uhhhh, what else.. what else.. She thought. How about this..

"Last but not the least, I am the one and only one who proposed to Hikigaya Hachiman."

"...Yes, we do remember that bit."

"...right."

"...totally, yeah."

"That would be all." Tsumiki said before taking her seat again.

"So there you have it, Hikigaya-san. Your bride awaits your reaction." Said Yukinoshita before finishing what was left of her cup of tea.

"I haven't agreed to it yet you know, also what's with the –san?"

"Nothing, really." Yukinoshita chuckled.

"Hahaha.." Upon hearing the two, Tsumiki let out a small laugh.

"Would you like some rice cakes?" Yukinoshita obligatorily asked.

"Oh, uh... thank you." Tsumiki said as she quickly grabbed one, her mouth somewhat shaking in the process.

"You haven't eaten yet, Tsumiki-san?" Yuigahama wondered as she stared at the petite girl, the one other than Yukinoshita.

"Yes, I haven't eaten yet."

Tsumiki Sumire's stomach grumbled as she followed what she said with an awkward laugh.

"It is expected, I guess? It must be tough to have an appetite for lunch right after what you did." Commented Yuigahama before following it up with a awkward laugh too.

"Actually Yuigahama-san, I haven't eaten since yesterday's lunch."

"It's been that long?!"

"Ha..ha… I couldn't eat at all… the anxiety.. the pressure… my body numbs when I think about this day.. so much that I hadn't minded about eating at all since yesterday." Her eyes stared at her palm as she said those words.

"I'm sorry but can I take more of this?" Hands now on her lap, Tsumiki pointed at the snacks resting on the table.

"Go on ahead."

Slowly but surely, Tsumiki's hand grew closer and closer to where the plate of rice cakes was.

"Hey… Tsumiki." Hikigaya uttered, temporarily stealing Tsumiki's attention from the food.

"Y-Yes?" Tsumiki nearly lost grip on her snack that she had freshly held on her hand as she turns her face towards Hikigaya.

"You don't need to be so formal every time. Go crazy on them if you have to."

Tsumiki Sumire's eyes widened, her cheeks felt warmth. A sense of relief came surging into her body. "Ah…. Y-Yes…. Ah… I'll… t-t-take.. you on… t-t-that then…"

Not wasting any time to relieve her grumbling stomach, Tsumiki took a bite, and another bite, and another.

"Delicious." She blurted out without her consent. She took small bites after the other, careful not to let her eating offend anyone in the room.

Tsumiki Sumire's mind tells her to act politely before the three but her body tells her to sate her hunger as fast as possible.

"This... *hic* is ve*hic*ry deli*hic*cious."

Tsumiki's eyes began to water and her hands started slightly shaking, and along with those came trembles on her voice.

"Wait… why.. why are you crying now?"

"Hikki.."

"Hikigaya-kun, to think that you would make her cry."

"Ah, that's not what I wanted to do."

"No, it's not Hikigaya-san's fault at all.. *hic* I just can't believe… that this *hic* is really happening… I'm actually conversing with Hikigaya-san so casually.. Most of what's happening right *hic* now just hasn't *sunk* in me *hic* yet. I can't believe that *hic* my actions actually bore fruit." Tsumiki said while futilely wiping her flowing tears with her sleeve.

"Sumire-chan." Said Yuigahama as she frantically shuffled one of her hands into her pocket, she was trying to reach for something.

"Yes?"

"Here."

Yuigahama handed Tsumiki a pink handkerchief. Tsumiki's still watery eyes stared at the piece of cloth before her but soon enough she did take it.

"Thank.. Thank you." She said as she began wiping her tears away.

"I'm so sorry you had to see such an embarrassing side of me!"

I.. I said so frantically before bowing before the three of them.

I couldn't help it, I couldn't help my tears from falling at all.

To tear up before a large body of students was one thing, but to do it before him... I can't find any excuse at all. That was my complete and utter failure.

"If you would excuse me." I said before turning my back to them.

I can't face him anymore... not right now at least. I proposed to him and sooner made my introduction and in the end I ended up crying for such a petty reason. In any way you look at it, I am a weird person.

"Sure."

"Yeah."

"Go."

Those were their words I heard as I slowly began advancing towards the door.

Left. Right. Left. Right.

My shoes weren't heavy at all but every step I take felt like my feet had chains on them. My body wants to stay, that I'm sure. Unfortunately I can't grant its wish right now.

This special day ends like this, huh...

huh...

huh.

Huh?

no...

no..

NO.

NO.

On second thought, I'm not going to end it with such a weak-ass note.

"Screw it." I muttered to myself.

I turned around and walked towards their direction. I met them with anxious eyes.

"Hikigaya-san..." I paused, my eyes locking with his. All of them had hints of anticipation on their faces.

"I'll..."

"I'll..."

Force out the words, me. Force it the fuck out.

I can't stutter now.

'I'll be the one to walk you on the aisle!" I said before forcibly taking his hand.

"..." No reaction from the three at all.

Uh... what's with this uncomfortable atmosphere?

"Uhh…. Tsumiki-san… that would make you Hikigaya-kun's parent then. And that would also make Hikigaya-kun the bride." Yukinoshita-san, hand on her chin and face a bit worried looking, said.

"That sounds troublesome." Commented Hikigaya-san before gently unlocking my hand from his.

"Was.. was I wrong?" That question escaped from my mouth without my consent.

"Yes, Sumire-san." Yuigahama-san said springing up from behind Hikigaya-san.

"Eh.. uh... uhmm... I'm sorry!"

What a failure I am.

"Butler-san, can I have a piece of paper and a pen please?"

"Right away, milady."

I mindlessly stared at Butler-san's direction as Butler-san's figure slowly diminish in size until it disappeared.

I stretched my arms as high as I could.

"Ahh... a lot of things happened today, didn't it?" I muttered as I stare at the empty ceiling of my room. A lot of things did happen, huh.

"Milady, here."

"Oh, thank you."

A pen and a piece of paper. Just what I asked.

"Now... what should I write? Ah, I guess I'll just go with the flow."

.

Dear future me,

I am writing to you right now because I just want you to say to you that your past self is really, really, really happy at the moment...

Because today... today... I did it.

Much to my surprise, I actually did it.

My trembling hands that I couldn't shake off, my heartbeat that just won't go down, my mind that was needlessly thinking of scenarios that will probably never happen. All of it were evidence that this day wasn't a dream at all.

Ha...

Somehow, perhaps unexpectedly, I fell in love, and today I confirmed my feelings about it.

Maybe I just want to write this to you because I want you, my future self, to reminisce this very day although I think my attempt would be futile because I don't think I'll ever forget this day, not till the day I die at least. Haha.

Might you ask how do I feel right now? How do I say it... let's see..

I feel happy, of course that I already said. I also feel satisfied, and yet I somehow feel unsatisfied at the same time..

I want tomorrow's sun to shine as soon as possible because tomorrow feels like a year's worth of waiting right now.

I want to see him again. I want to feel that what I was feeling when I sat near him, talked to him, faced him, all of it I want to encounter again.

Haha, Man is really an insatiable being, isn't he?

Before I end this short letter to you, I just want to remind you one more time,

Today was the day you proposed to the man you love.

Hrmppff. Well... that's about it.

See you sooner or later,

Tsumiki Sumire.