Hello, here's chapter two. I do apologize profusely to anyone who was followed this under the impression that this was a harem-end fic. It certainly does have those kind of undertones in chapter 1, but ultimately that's not how things go in the end. Sorry!

A bit of a hint if it's difficult to understand who's saying what: pay attention to the context and how the characters address each other. For example, in addressing Iroha, Yukino = "Isshiki-san", Yui = "Iroha-chan". Similarly, in this text, "Hayama-kun" vs "Hayato-kun". It's difficult for me at my current level to convert other nuances in the characters' ways of speaking into an English equivalent. It's a lot clearer in the original language. For example, Yukino adds a 'かしら' instead of a 'かな'. Anyway, this chapter starts with Yui's POV... then an internal monologue from Iroha, and then a section from Hachiman's POV.

Also quick note for the latter half of the chapter, just in case some of you weren't aware: Komachi often refers to herself in third-person.

Chapter Title: 「Komachi: "Um, Onii-chan. This might be a bit unbelievable, but, could it be that you haven't realized?"」

"Is that so… I didn't expect the two of you to be listening in."

Like a child that had just had their mischief exposed, Iroha-chan twitched involuntarily.

It seemed that she hadn't considered the possibility of being overheard.

I suppose that's to be expected. If you think about it, it was only by pure chance that we happened to be nearby to hear their conversation, in that courtyard on that day.

"Well, to be frank, that's just how it is. It's pretty clear that no matter how you look at it, the two of you do love senpai very much, and, it's also clear to see that senpai loves the two of you very much, to the point that any neglect of a single individual needs to be avoided at all costs, isn't that how it seems? That's why, if the three of you keep on sticking together in this way, won't there continue to be prolonged suffering and all sorts of troubles… with this current strained atmosphere, where everyone is skilfully trying to maintain the status quo?"

… I've thought so before, but Iroha-chan can be pretty dark.

Though, I wonder, since when did she notice? Are we really that easy to read…?

"So, Isshiki-san. You noticed our feelings…"

"Aah... that's… well. Even from the beginning I had the feeling that there was that kind of insecure atmosphere… I only really became convinced at that time when we were working on the free paper, when both of you saw that picture. Just a short while after that, the two of you had a very easy to understand, unmistakeably clear reaction."

"By… by that, you mean, that picture taken at that café?"

"Mhmm."

Free paper… was it? At that time, Iroha-chan had been showing us the pictures she had taken of all sorts of shops.

During which there had been a single photo that had mistakenly found its way into the mix. A super-cute smiling Iroha-chan, and a Hikki who was displaying a subtle expression of embarrassment at being photographed in such a kind of two-shot. The moment at which that happened, I still remember it clearly.

For a moment, I had felt shock, a throbbing, painful tingling in my chest, something to that effect. Almost certainly, that feeling had been jealousy.

"Well, even excluding that, there were various incidents that made me suspect something, but it was that moment that acted as a final confirmation, though."

"We were really seen through that easily?"

"Rather than it being the case for Yukinoshita-senpai, I think it was more Yuigahama-senpai whose feelings were too easy to read."

Saying so, Iroha-chan smiled broadly and laughed, as if teasing us.

Am I really that easy to see through…

"Now then, back to the two of you. What do you think?"

With a question, Iroha-chan suddenly moved the topic of conversation to the core of the matter.

Our feelings.

What Iroha-chan had said to Hikki, was something the both of us were on board with. That much was something we had already decided. After all, aside from that method, I don't think there exists an alternative route in which both Yukinon and I would be smiling together.

…However.

"I know that responding to a question with a question is foul play but… Isshiki-san. Are you really okay with this?"

Earnestly staring into Iroha-chan's eyes, Yukinon swung the main subject back in the other direction.

It was to hear this, that we had arranged for ourselves to have a proper conversation with Iroha-chan, so I listened attentively for her answer.

For the sake of all our futures.

"Meaning…?"

Giving the impression of not knowing what was being asked of her, Iroha-chan reciprocated with those words.

"As you said before, about myself and Yuigahama-san and Hikigaya-kun, this would be a method of ensuring happiness for all of us, such that none of us would be left out. ...However, what about you?"

"About me?"

"Iroha-chan, you too… love Hikki… isn't that so?"

I continued to press the still befuddled Iroha-chan, on behalf of Yukinon.

But, Iroha-chan's reaction was very poor.

"… Haaa. Between like and dislike, of course I'd have to say like. If that weren't the case, then I wouldn't have given this advice."

Saying so, she showed a complicated expression.

… Still. The Iroha-chan who's spending time with Hikki looks, immensely happy, and super cute, making us envy how in love she was.

Could it really be, that we had simply been misunderstanding things?

"Besides, isn't it the case that I already have someone I admire?"

"By that, do you mean Hayama-kun?"

"That's right! As expected, Hayama-senpai is super cool, isn't he!?"

"Iroha-chan, towards Hayato-kun, do you still…?"

"…Yes. Hayama-senpai is, even now, still my aspiration."

Just as before with Yukinon, Iroha-chan replied seriously to my question.

"… Is that so."

In Iroha-chan's eyes, in her voice, there seemed to be a sense of something like determination.

For this reason, it seems likely that Iroha-chan's words are what she truly feels.

"That's why, the two of you are over-thinking things."

Iroha-chan momentarily showed a small smile, before returning to a serious expression as before.

"Senpai is, undoubtedly, at this very moment, worrying about the situation. … Well, of course, that would be only natural after having that kind of advice given to him. If the two of you feel the same way, please try approach him and see. I'm sure you won't be disappointed by the result."

'Recklessness'… no, that's not quite it. If there is something you want to do, then, keeping that objective in mind, keep persevering, and move forward.

That, had been my policy in the past.

Not just in romance, but… well, how should I say it, all kinds of other matters.

For a certain goal and objective, if one were to hold back after being intimidated by other people, then they would definitely not be able to reach their goal and not be able to achieve their objective.

But, now, things are different.

Far from moving forward as before, rather, it seems much like a retreat.

Was it because I was frightened, or was it that I had lost the strength to continue? Ah, aren't those two the same thing?

After all.

I am afraid.

As Yui-senpai and Yukino-senpai had suspected, I really do love senpai in that way.

Despite him being that kind of twisted person, I noticed that, for some reason, I was attracted to him.

Normally, that kind of date should have been the worst, but, for some reason, because it was with senpai, all had been forgiven. I think that I had even enjoyed it.

Being able to do all sorts of things together with senpai like that, was something I did not want to leave behind. I had felt like I wanted to stay by his side forever.

That's why,

I'm scared.

Looking at the relationship between those three. I can't help but feel scared.

Because I think there is no room for me to enter.

Though, even if that's the case, then perhaps not as a lover, but as a friend...

If I were to adopt the position of senpai's best friend, I wonder if I could continue to stay by his side from here on out.

"I see. So that's why Onii-chan has been looking so troubled."

Late at night, after listening to the lengthy explanation that had followed her initial leading question, Komachi let out a long sigh of astonishment.

"Though, things really do seem to be as Iroha-san says. The thing about interdependence between Onii-chan and the others? That feeling of mutual caring, to the point that it's unacceptable for a single person to be left behind… already, it's no longer on the level of simply choosing one of them."

"As expected, that's how the situation also appears to you?"

"Komachi has only been a member for three months and hasn't been observing the service club for as long as Iroha-san, but yes that's what it looks like. Even so, after being around for as long as she has, Iroha-san came up with that kind of advice…"

If such a thing is being said by Komachi-chan, who has been watching me for a long, long time, then without a doubt, that really is how the situation in the Service Club is perceived.

…No, it's not like I was being particularly distrustful of Isshiki. Those were in actuality my true thoughts.

"After all, for example, if Onii-chan and Yui-san were to become lovers, if Yukino-san were to not be selected, and Onii-chan would consequently be repressing his feelings for Yukino-san, then Yui-san would be left with a guilty conscience when it comes to Yukino-san. And so, all three would become unhappy, and there would definitely be a collapse, right? Not just if Yui-san was to be chosen, but also in the case that Yukino-san was."

This was also something I couldn't fail to understand.

As perceived by Isshiki, I do like Yukinoshita, but at the same time, I like Yuigahama. I like the both of them.

Rather than treating these feelings as fake or a misunderstanding, they were now something I could no longer continue to deny.

That is why, while still in possession of those low thoughts, I don't feel it is permissible to start going out with either one of them.

"Then, that type of conclusion is definitely out of the question."

Even so, the dependence between the three of us is, a reality that can no longer be denied.

Ever since that event in February. Not by myself, not by Yukinoshita, nor by Yuigahama.

Furthermore, that dependence is, something becoming stronger over time. In the present continuous form.

"However Onii-chan and the others finally sort out this relationship, if it were just the case that the three of you were to remain good friends, that would be enough for me. Similarly, for Onii-chan becoming lovers with someone like Yui-san or Yukino-san. Though, frankly speaking, for Onii-chan to reach such a situation with the others would be fairly skillful, isn't it?"

"Rather than that skillful, you could say that it's something a loner could do."

"…You're still saying that. You self-styled loner."

Well, reflecting upon the so-called interdependent relationship the three of us in the Service Club share, it should no longer be accurate to call myself that.

"Besides. That Iroha-san. I think she gave this advice after preparing herself with a considerable amount of resolve."

"Hmm? That person? Resolve for what?"

"Do you really not understand what Komachi is trying to say?"

"No… well… I suppose, before proposing that kind of two-timing solution that would naturally be negatively perceived, it would be necessary to steel one's resolve?"

As I say this, Komachi-chan unmistakeably switched over to the attitude one takes when beholding a fool.

Excuse me, Komachi-chan? Your mouth is slanting like the 'へ' character you know?

"Um, you know, Onii-chan… this might be a bit unbelievable, but, could it be that you haven't realized?"

"No, even if you tell me something that, I have absolutely no idea what you could be talking about…"

…

"…Still, that might be all right too. Someone like Iroha-san. … I should really be going to sleep now. Goodnight."

Without any further explanation, Komachi stood up and left the living room.

What's with that? I couldn't make any sense of it.

"Erm, Hikki. I, like you."

"Hikigaya-kun. I also, like you."

"Whoever you choose, please don't say it, okay, Hikki? You letting us know your decision, I don't want that."

"As unusual as that might seem. As abnormal as it might seem. Even so, for both of us…"

"These are our honest feelings, you know?"

So… conclusion next chapter!

…When? I don't know!

I actually finished 75% of this chapter a few days after releasing the first one (sorry if the formatting/style's a bit all over the place), but I got distracted and never got around to finishing it. My knowledge of JP grammar has improved by quite a bit since then, but it feels like I'm not getting any faster – the more I learn, the more time I spend trying to change a sentence so it doesn't deviate too far from the original meaning yet still flows well. Plus, there's so much I still can't understand in the first place. Hats off to those guys who translate LNs, really. Knowing the gist of what a sentence means is one thing, but expressing it in English in a way that preserves the original is tough.

Good thing I have the freedom to change the wording if I find something too difficult.

The majority of you will be none the wiser, anyway… :)

…

I'll try my best to get more (Iroha) (again, sorry about my bias) 'fanfics' done/started/completed? in the near future. Vol 12 got delayed (again) anyway, so there's still a bit of time to write things that sound plausibly canon.

I'm planning to complete a separate one-shot before Chapter 3, though.

This story and the one-shot are some of the more serious ones I selected, the others tend to have a bit more lighthearted content.

On that note, still no idea when I'll be updating home tutor fic. Some day, I guess. I'll keep believing. Though, don't worry as there should be enough sugar content in some of the other works to make up for it.