I Don't Like You

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[-Continuation-]

[-Location : Chiba Village-]

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[Hachiman's POV]

Perhaps she just came out for a breath of fresh air. If that's the case, then it's a good thing, I guess.

But either way, even if that is overlooked, her coming out alone is the main problem.

"So you're the girl who's been making Yukinoshita so worried." I addressed Rumi, studying her reaction.

"..." Rumi met my gaze, her expression unreadable in the dim moonlight.

"Aren't you scared of the darkness?" I continued, gesturing to the dimly lit surroundings.

"It's less uncomfortable outside." Rumi replied softly, her voice barely audible over the gentle rustle of leaves.

So, it is still uncomfortable, right?

I raised an eyebrow, pondering her response. 'Is it really that bad? I wondered.

"Kids these days are so frail." I remarked, my tone teasing but with a hint of nostalgia. "Back in my day, it used to be much worse for us."

"Stop nagging her like an old bone." Yukinoshita interjected, her voice tinged with annoyance.

"If someone like me is called old, then I am intrigued by what that makes you." I retorted, a smirk dancing on my lips, before I caught myself.

Shit. Maybe I shouldn't be speaking words like 'age' in front of a woman.

"...*cough…*cough." I fake coughed, clearing my throat a little to shift the focus.

"Now that she's here, why don't we ask her whether she really needs our help or not? Isn't it better than debating among ourselves?" I suggested, turning to Rumi for her input.

"What are y-!" Yukinoshita began, her confusion evident, but her thoughts trailed off as she seemed to understand my point without further explanation.

"No, you don't." She interjected firmly, attempting to steer the conversation away from whatever she deemed unnecessary.

But it was too late, I had already shifted my attention to the small girl beside us.

"So, Rumi, was my joke that hilarious?" I asked, deliberately sidestepping the main topic for a moment.

Like you know, unlike some people who dive straight to the topic.

"No." She replied bluntly, her response leaving no room for interpretation.

Hey, just a moment ago, you were the one laughing like there's no tomorrow, and now you are denying it.

"Haaha…" A small laugh erupted from a certain person on my back.

Yukinoshita didn't miss a beat.

I gave her the space required, then I turned my head, looking at her with a little annoyed face… by now, her laughing face was subdued.

Seeing that she finished with her things, I again shifted my focus to the girl, and when I looked at her, there was a small smile planted on her face.

Hey, is it me or is this brat being more cheerful than described in the story? Wasn't she supposed to be more of a poker face, always the serious type?

Why is this acting out of her character? Well, anyway, this makes things easy.

"What are you smiling about now?" I asked with a worn out tone.

?!..Startled by my remark, her hand instinctively moved to touch her lips, as if she were trying to confirm the presence of a smile.

Conforming to it, she quickly masked her expression with a blank face, as if caught in the act of a mischievous deed.

This girl makes me feel bad…

Sighing inwardly, I decided to push aside my discomfort, focusing on the task at hand.

"You know her, right?" I questioned, gesturing with my thumb over my shoulder, hoping my aim was true.

"Yeah." Rumi nodded, her gaze fixed on Yukinoshita beyond me.

"Alright, that makes things a lot easier to explain. You see, she, along with a girl with orange hair, and there's also this fellow named Hayama, who you might already be acquainted with– though probably not on the best terms. And there are a few others involved too..."

"I wasn't around when they hashed it out, but apparently, they had quite the heated debate on how to lend you a hand."

"So, yeah, that's the scoop. Just thought I would fill you in since you're already here." I finished, trying my best to sound nonchalant despite the uncomfortable atmosphere.

"I don't care what you guys do, just don't disturb me." Before I could respond, Rumi interjected with a dismissive tone.

I raised an eyebrow at Rumi's blunt remark, taken aback by her dismissive attitude, deciding not to press the matter further.

As I gazed up at the moon's soft glow casting a serene light over us, a wave of tiredness washed over me.

A light yawn escaped my mouth, betraying my growing fatigue. "Hey, am I the only one feeling sleepy here?" I remarked.

"Yeah, I think so too…" Yukinoshita agreed, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.

Rumi remained silent, her expression giving nothing away.

"Rumi, what do you think?" I asked, prompting her for a response.

She shrugged, still not saying a word.

Deciding to take charge of the situation, I spoke up. "Okay, Yukinoshita, you head back. I will take Rumi back to [Safepoint](:camp)." I suggested, offering to escort Rumi myself.

Yukinoshita glanced between us, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Are you sure you will be okay?" She asked, directing her question to both Rumi and me.

I nodded reassuringly. "Yeah, we will be fine. I will make sure she gets back safely." I replied confidently. "See ya later."

Yukinoshita hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright then. Good night." She said, giving us a small smile before heading off.

Yukinoshita walked the unlit path with confident steps. I watched her promptly disappear into the darkness.

Once she was out of earshot, I turned back to Rumi. "Ready to head back?" I asked.

"...*Um-hum." She nodded, a subtle acknowledgment of my offer.

With that, we set off together towards the camp. Surprisingly, Rumi was the one who broke the silence.

"I don't like you." She stated bluntly, her words cutting through the quiet night air.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her straightforwardness.

"You shouldn't, either." I replied with an amused smile.

Yeah, sorry, I am not into little girls.

"You are smart with your words, aren't you?" Rumi remarked, her tone contemplative as we continued walking.

"Hmm? What gave you that idea?" I replied, feigning innocence, though I knew exactly what she was referring to.

"...You were doing something suspicious with that sister earlier, were you not?"

"..." 

Good god! Children these days…

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[To be continued….]

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