…Usual

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[-Continuation-]

[Location - Soubu High(:school)]

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[Hachiman's POV]

"Hikigaya. Let's get going." Yukinoshita called my name and headed straight to the gym.

"Ah, yeah, coming." I replied, hurrying to catch up. "I am kind of excited to see what she's got."

Without turning around, she responded, her voice carrying a hint of something I couldn't quite decipher. "You're definitely in for a show."

…

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We passed through the gym doors, greeted by the sight of every single chair occupied. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation.

"Ah, Yukinoshita….. And Chairman. Good timing." The volunteer in charge of the gym approached us. "We are having everyone else stand since we don't have enough chairs, so would it be better to organize them into lines?"

Yukinoshita considered for a moment, ignoring all the chaos around us. "I believe it should be fine."

I glanced at the growing crowd, a bit concerned. "But won't it get too loud?"

"...No. It will be quiet very soon." Yukinoshita replied, her voice soft but certain.

True to her words, the noisy atmosphere began to evaporate as an honorable, classical presence seemed to seep from the instruments set up on the stage. The crowd's excited chatter gave way to hushed whispers and then to an expectant silence.

Before things got started, we made our way to the end of the line of standing viewers. When we reached the end, there was a moment of commotion.

I placed my eyes on the stage, and woman in magnificent dresses holding various instruments appeared on stage one by one. They were met with applause from the audience.

The one that appeared last, coming out with leisurely footsteps, was Yukinoshita Haruno.

…..a superstar entrance. I must say.

I looked at Yukinoshita, noticing how her posture had stiffened slightly, with her eyes fixed on the stage.

There was something in her expression – a mix of admiration, determination, and perhaps a touch of anxiety.

Then, under the dazzling spotlight, wearing a slender, long dress, Haruno held the end of her skirt and gracefully bowed.

She ascended onto the rostrum with her high heels and grabbed the baton. She gently raised it in the air and stopped.

That elegant motion coerced those who watched into restraining themselves.

And, like that of a rapier, she sharply swung the baton.

Instantly, a tune filled the gym.

The performance was a spirited musical opening that didn't cohere with their classical attire, all the more so with their unconventional, gaudy, and intense maneuvers.

The audience was shocked, as if they were stuck across the side of their face.

And the one allowing for that to happen and commanding the orchestra with a definite competence was Yukinoshita Haruno.

The music from the orchestra continued, rushing towards the last segment.

The final notes rang out, powerful and precise, leaving a resounding silence in their wake.

For a moment, the gym was perfectly still, as if the audience were collectively holding its breath.

"…usual."

I barely caught a whisper from beside me, a voice so small that it could have been drowned out by the incredible intensity of the performance.

"Huh?" I couldn't catch the entirety of what she murmured. Tilting my head, I stepped half a step closer, careful to maintain a respectful distance.

No problem. Our faces weren't close, and we were also standing at the very end of the line so that no one could watch us.

Yukinoshita also then moved her body slightly closer, leaning in to clarify. "I said amazing, as usual."

"That's rare." I commented, unable to keep the surprise out of my voice. "Hearing you compliment your sister for real."

"....Really?" Yukinoshita's tone held a hint of defensiveness. "It may not look like it, but I do hold my Big Sister in high regard, you know."

"I know you admire her…" I said carefully. "It's just that you two always seem to be... at odds."

Yukinoshita sighed softly, her gaze dropping to the ground.

"It's complicated. Big sis is... difficult to deal with sometimes. But that doesn't mean I don't recognize her abilities."

The closer we were, the clearer our voices became.

However, for the words Yukinoshita added afterward, they were quiet enough that you could miss them entirely. "Sometimes I wonder if I will ever measure up to her."

My gaze followed hers to the stage. There was Haruno, continuing her swinging the baton, freely, like that of a sword dance and with splendor.

Without really thinking about it, I found myself responding, my voice equally soft and meant only for Yukinoshita's ears. "...You don't have to measure up to her. Just stay as you are."

The crowd's cheers swelled, drowning out any potential reply. But I caught Yukinoshita's eyes widening and her lips parting slightly in surprise. A faint blush bloomed on her cheeks, painting them a delicate pink.

Just then, the overhead air conditioning kicked in, sending a cool breeze through the auditorium.

A small piece of confetti, leftover from the earlier celebrations, fluttered down from above. As if guided by an invisible hand, it landed gently in Yukinoshita's hair, a bright speck of color against her dark locks.

Without conscious thought, I reached out to brush it away. My hand hovered near her face, our eyes meeting in that suspended moment.

I found myself lost in the depth of her gaze, noticing for the first time the flecks of silver in her blue irises.

The soft scent of her shampoo - lavender, maybe? - mingled with the sweet fragrance of the cherry blossoms.

Realizing the intimacy of my gesture, I quickly pulled my hand back, feeling heat rise to my face.

"Uh, there was a... piece of confetti." I mumbled, gesturing vaguely at her hair, and suddenly I was unable to meet her eyes.

Yukinoshita blinked, her hand moving to where mine had almost touched. "Oh." She breathed, her voice softer than I had ever heard it. "Thank you."

Feeling a need to break the tension, I added. "If you really turned out like her, I wouldn't be able to tolerate you for even a day... I have to survive too, you know?"

This time, Yukinoshita's reaction was immediate.

She turned to me, one eyebrow raised, a familiar spark of amusement in her eyes. "Oh? And here I thought you were trying to be nice, Hikigaya. Silly me."

After a minute, I spoke again. "Hey, do you want to hear my thoughts on Haruno's performance?"

Yukinoshita's reply held a hint of sarcasm. "Do I need to? You are clearly looking forward to watching her."

"Who knows? My opinion might differ." I countered, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Oh?" Yukinoshita turned to face me fully.

"...I am sure that your eyes were glued to her the entire time. But since you bought it up, why don't you share your undoubtedly profound analysis then?" She folded her arms, awaiting my response.

I scratched the back of my neck, considering my words. "Well, I did like it. But my preference for music is kind of the opposite of what she did. I would have loved to see her performing some jazz music."

"...just don't go out saying you don't like it, though. You will be cancelled out more than you already are." She glanced around, as if checking for eavesdroppers.

I shrugged, my gaze wandering to the empty stage. "Right. I won't, I just thought I could see you guys perform today."

"Decline." Yukinoshita said it flatly, and her response was immediate. "Not gonna happen."

I slumped forward, leaning on the rill, feigning disappointment. "...guess I should call it off in a disappointed taste."

Yukinoshita rolled her eyes, a hint of amusement creeping into her voice. "Stop being overly grumpy. How do you even know she is proficient in playing jazz?"

"I just have a gut feeling…" I trailed off, my fingers drumming on the metal rod.

"Good. Let it stop right there." Yukinoshita said firmly, her gaze piercing.

A mischievous glint appeared in my eyes as I straightened my back. "Maybe I should directly ask Big Sis Haruno."

"Like she would entertain you." Yukinoshita's lips twitched, suppressing a smile.

"What if I rinse her up and provoke her performance." I leaned in my head again, lowering my voice conspiratorially.

"...Dont." Yukinoshita warned, her voice tinged with genuine concern. "Don't be fooled by her appearance, Hikigaya Hachiman. She isn't as forgiving as I am."

I couldn't resist one last quip. "I understand, but when were you forgiving, though?"

Yukinoshita's final plea carried a note of exasperation and fondness. "...just don't do anything stupid, please."

.

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[To be continued…]

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