We Are Fine. Why Wouldn't We Be?

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[-Continuation-]

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[-Hachiman's POV-]

Seizing the moment of distraction, I spoke up. "You two wait by the gate. I will grab my bike."

I turned towards the parking lot, feeling a sense of relief as I walked away, ready to put some distance between us and the lingering awkwardness.

Nice.

I felt a sense of relief as I walked away.

Quickening my pace, I made my way to the parking lot.

My mind raced with thoughts, each one jostling for attention.

…And I really need to carve out a moment for Yukino and me to talk. Alone.

That conversation needed to happen today. No postponing.

The thought nags at me insistently, like a catchy tune stuck on repeat, and I can't quite figure out how to orchestrate it.

The best time I could think of was after this little 'meeting,' when everyone would disperse in their own directions to head home.

Yeah, that's the plan for now.

But first things first - the bike retrieval.

My eyes swept over the familiar rows of bikes, searching for the telltale frame of my trusty ride.

But as I reached the usual spot, my heart sank.

Empty spaces stared back at me like blank pages, and reality hit hard.

I hadn't brought my bike today.

In my desperate rush to escape the awkwardness of the moment, I had completely spaced on that crucial detail.

Now what?

A frustrated sigh escaped my lips as I rubbed the back of my neck, my mind racing for a solution.

If I returned empty-handed, Yukino would undoubtedly unleash her razor-sharp wit, cutting through my flimsy excuse like tissue paper.

I could already imagine her biting remarks about how I had conveniently used my bike to escape while leaving her stranded in the mess I had 'inadvertently' created.

With no other options in sight, I decided to just roll with it.

It was time to face the music, whether I liked it or not.

Delaying the inevitable wouldn't help my case.

Squaring my shoulders, I turned back toward the entrance, bracing myself for whatever awaited me.

As I approached, I noticed a small group of students gathered near the steps.

Among them stood Yukino and Yuigahama, engrossed in what appeared to be a 'hushed' conversation.

Their eyes flickered towards me as I drew near, a flash of confusion crossing both their faces.

Ishikki was there too, leaning slightly against the railing, her playful smirk lighting up her features.

With a few more strides, I joined them.

"Ready?" I called out, directing my question toward Iroha.

She turned to face me, her expression shifting from mild impatience to one of eager anticipation.

"Finally! I thought you were lost or something, Senior." She teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Yukino uncrossed her arms and nodded, the faintest hint of a smile threatening to break through her stoic demeanor.

Yuigahama looked around, her brows furrowed in concern as if she had just noticed something amiss.

"...but Hikki, where's your bike?" She asked, her gaze scanning the area as if expecting it to pop up from behind a bush, ready to reveal itself.

Yukino immediately raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Maybe it isn't him that got lost. It's the bike." She remarked, her tone deadpan yet sharp, as if she were slicing through my thin veneer of calm.

"....it seems I didn't bring my bike today." I replied, keeping my tone as normal as possible.

"What do you mean, 'it seems'? You definitely didn't." Yukino shot back, her incredulity palpable, her eyes narrowing slightly as if assessing the gravity of my forgetfulness.

No.

If you are wondering why she was so irritated about my bike, you were mistaken.

It wasn't about the bike at all. To her, it was about my escape route, the one I had relied on after the mess I had created.

"Haa…. Hikki, did you really forget something like that?" Yuigahama laughed, her cheerful giggles ringing out like a bright bell, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she leaned slightly toward me, clearly enjoying my predicament.

Iroha joined in, her laughter blending with Yuigahama, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere.

I decided to let it slide.

After all, it had been a bit awkward for Yukino, and I hoped this playful banter would ease some of the tension, even if just a little.

After a moment, the laughter faded, everyone settled down and began walking off together.

But the earlier awkwardness returned between the two girls, curling around us like an uninvited guest.

What the...? They seemed perfectly fine just a moment ago.

Now, it felt like I was the primary source of their discomfort, as if my very presence was the catalyst for the tension.

"Why are you guys being so stiff?" Isshiki chimed in, a playful grin dancing on her lips.

Her words felt less like a genuine observation and more like an icebreaker, a nudge to spark conversation rather than a pointed remark about the atmosphere.

"Especially you, senior Yukinoshita?" She continued, slipping between the two girls and linking their hands together in a cheerful gesture.

"...It isn't like that." Yukino replied, her tone a sharp, clear indication to not push further.

Hm, Isshiki seems to be opening up a bit with Yukino.

At that, it felt like a silent sentence had been cast over me.

Yukino glanced my way, her gaze sharp as she caught me off guard from the corner of her eye, as if she were saying she would deal with me later.

…

As we walked together, somehow Yukino and I ended up in pairs walking ahead while Yuigahama and Isshiki followed us behind.

Despite it being a while, the memory of our recent kiss lingers, casting a subtle glow between her and me.

And maybe because Yuigahama misunderstood that the tension between us was because of the 'letter' I can feel her gaze on my back, observing like a good friend.

Isshiki, ever the sharp observer, picks up on this immediately.

"What caught your eye, Senior Yui?" Isshiki's voice carries a hint of mischief as she leans in close to Yuigahama.

Despite being a few paces ahead, her words reach us clearly.

It was loud, way too loud for us not to miss.

"Don't tell me you caught them making out or something!" Isshiki exclaimed, her voice ringing out loud enough to turn heads.

Beside me, Yukino flinched, her cheeks turning a shade of crimson, while I was taken aback as well. I quickly masked my surprise with an unimpressed look, trying to regain my composure.

This brat.

I knew she was just blurting out whatever popped into her head, but somehow she could hit the nail on the head all too often.

As I silently cursed her, I couldn't help but focus on Yui.

…Yukino did the same.

Yuigahama's eyes widened in response, her surprise evident as she stammered, "W-What?! No, of course not!"

She really didn't, right?

What's with her reaction then?

Reveling in the chaos she's created, Isshiki presses on. "Oh, come on! Your face is as red as a tomato! It's not like you have never walked in on a couple before, right?"

The tension in the air thickens as Yukino and I continue walking.

Isshiki, sensing she's struck gold, sidles up closer to Yuigahama.

Unable to let her antics continue unchecked, I stop and wait for them to catch up.

As soon as Isshiki was within reach, I gave her a gentle tap on the head, a lighthearted reprimand meant to steer her back on course.

"You know we can hear everything, right? If you are so curious about relationships, why don't you go find yourself a boyfriend? I am sure there's no shortage of brain dead candidates in your vicinity."

"Ouch!" Isshiki whines, rubbing her head dramatically. "That was uncalled for, Senior!"

Yuigahama's laughter breaks the tension. "Don't take it so seriously, Hikki. Iroha's just having a bit of fun!"

Iroha grinned back, clearly undeterred. "Yeah, I am just looking out for my seniors! I have to keep the gossip interesting."

Her playful demeanor faltered for a brief second, her eyes flickering between Yukino and me as she leaned in, her voice softer but still teasing. "But seriously, are you two okay? It kinda looks like… a small couple fight."

Did she actually notice something? Or was this just one of those random comments she threw out to keep the conversation flowing?

Also, isn't she being a bit more rebellious than usual today? Maybe she should tone it down, I thought, casting a quick glance at Isshiki.

I shrug, keeping my expression neutral. "We are fine. Why wouldn't we be?"

Yukino, ever composed, didn't react immediately, but I noticed a slight tightening around her eyes, almost imperceptible.

Adopting a more serious tone, I address Isshiki directly. "Also, Isshiki..." Her playful demeanor falters for a moment as she focuses on me. "...don't keep doing what you are doing. It isn't good." I try to convey my concern without sounding too harsh. "Be the good junior you are, okay?"

"Haaa… Okay."

Ishikki laughed it off, but I could see the understanding in her eyes. Yet, in typical Iroha fashion, the playful spark returns almost immediately.

She places a hand dramatically on her chest, feigning innocence. "But I am just the messenger of the truth! It's not my fault if your faces are telling a different story."

Yukino rolls her eyes and crosses her arms with an exasperated sigh.

But I notice the corners of her mouth twitching, fighting against a smile she's trying to suppress.

.

….

[To be continued…]

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