Chapter 4: Once again, Hikigaya Hachiman elaborates
The classroom is filled with noises after school.
During class, I was thinking while occasionally snoozing, but for now I'll put that matter aside, I began to pack my stuff getting ready to go home, put on my coat, wrapped up my scarf, and stood up carrying my empty bag.
My first targeted location is at the back of the classroom, the corner next to the windows. It has been a while since the bell rang, most students have already left the classroom, while a small group of people stayed back, gathering at that corner.
In the center of group sat our queen, who's pulling onto her blonde straight-rolled hair, while tapping her phone with her nails. Standing next her is Ebina san and Yuigahama who's back could be seen in my direction. While Hayama and the three animals are getting ready to leave for club activities, standing against the window.
They seemed pretty immersed in their enjoyment of freedom after school, chatting happily among each other. I had no choice but to interrupt them.
To be fair, attempting to slot myself into their conversation felt like a huge pain. Its already taking me a lot of perseverance to even approach them, and there's just no way I can get myself to speak to them at all.
But right now, I'm taking the position of requesting help from Yuigahama. So it should be me to take the initiative. Waiting on my seat until Yuigahama to come over is a really disgraceful act. For example, during the break time of an anime voice recording session, the kind of light novel author who would deliberately sit at the middle of the hall of the recording studio, and wait for the voice actors to approach him, truly a disgraceful act.
Then again I'm already a disgrace myself, but even a disgraceful person should know when to push themselves harder. So, right now is the time I take courage to move forward.
Slowly and slowly... one step two step... approach them as slow as a Kyogenshi (Ref 1: 'Mad singing', one of the two formats for Japan's Noh dramas). Is it because I'm walking too slow? Miura and the others didn't seem to be too bothered, talking about their plans on where to hang out next time. My tempo is so slow, that I feel like that I can release a Motoya hand knife in mid air. (Ref 2: Izumi Motoya, originally a Kyogenshi, who then participated in pro wrestling exhibition matches, he once used a trick where he jumped onto the other side of his opponent, striking him with a strong hand knife before even landing onto the ground, also known as the 'Motoya midair hand knife', yeah I spent 15 minutes on this reference)
Approaching millimeter by millimeter, quietly stepping until I'm directly behind Yuigahama, I then made a light cough.
"...I'm about to leave, should we."
"Ah, sure. I will be going too."
Replied Yuigahama with a plain tone as she looked back. Who then picked up her bag and waved at Miura and the others.
"See you tomorrow."
"Ok."
"Bye bye."
Miura nodded without seeming too bothered, while Ebina smiled and waved.
Two of the three animals looked at each other in shock, and the remaining animal went "Eh? What? YO!?" while looking towards us multiple times. Truly a gang made of annoying species.
Hayama then glanced a little, showing an incredibly warm smile.
What's the hell, this is just super embarrassing and tiring, this is the kind of situation that makes people want to go commit die...
Looking back, the odd sensation still seems to be lingering within the atmosphere, I then sped up to leave the classroom. Pulling up my scarf without forgetting to cover up my face.
I slowed down after entering the corridor, Yuigahama who also rushed out of the classroom walked beside me, saying with strong intensity.
"By the way what was that for! Can't you just approach us in a more normal way? Getting close thissss slowly is very scary alright! You actually scared me for a moment."
"Well, it can't be helped ...... I was super nervous back there..."
The process of approaching them used up almost all of my strength, that now I could only make a low exhausted voice.
Yuigahama let out a breath of dissatisfaction, but then gave me a troubled smile.
We walked shoulder to shoulder until we reach a corner, the special block is to our left, and to our right side is the stairs.
"So what do we do next."
"Ah... right, we'll have to decide what we should work on... For now, lets get a place where we can talk about it."
"Sure, how about Saizeriya?"
"Alright, let's go."
Even though there is the choice of using the service club room, neither me nor Yuigahama mentioned it. Not because we've forgotten, but its because that place can now be ignored. I believe that Yuigahama's reasoning behind it is similar to mine.
That place can only be established under her presence.
Which is why we'll probably never, enter that room again.
4-2
We walked for a while after leaving school.
As we reached Saizeriya located in front of the station, we immediately ordered two self-service drink counters as we sat down, then walked towards the drink counter to get our drinks, taking a break as we drink up through straws. I originally planned to order something like spicy Milanese rice, chicken wings, or pasta. But today we aren't actually here to eat, so getting a drink is enough for now.
When I was having such a thought, Yuuigahama has already opened up the menu.
"I'm feeling a little hungry right now. What about hikki? You want some food too?"
Yuigahama sat at the middle of the quadruple seat in front of me, leaning forward, looking through the menu left and right seeming busy. Time to time I could sense something flashy swaying across the table, please don't do this any longer. Ah right, I already eaten lunch just now...
"By the way, what do you usually have for lunch?"
The moment right after I asked the question, Yuigahama's hands that was moving across the menu stopped its movement. She then let go of the menu, and leaned her back onto the chair.
"...Just your regular food...why did you ask that."
As she whispered super softly, Yuigahama swiftly turned her head to the side, twisting her body while trying to make it look not obvious. I can feel her struggling to shrink down her belly to make herself look slimmer... Which ended up emphasizing her good body instead! I looked away while making light coughs.
"No, that's not what I'm trying to say? I mean don't you always had lunch in the club room? So how do you deal with it recently."
"Ah, so that what you're trying to ask..."
Yuigahama exhaled looking relieved. Then, she took some time thinking about it silently, and answered slowly.
"Yukinon said for this period, she plans to eat while working in the student council room. So I have been eating with Yumiko and the others for the past few days... and usually the same after school."
"I see."
Yuigahama nodded after hearing my short reply, turning the straw placed in her glass.
Yuigahama and Yukinoshita have been spending time with each other for almost every lunch break and after school sessions. And before Yukinoshita returned to her family's house, Yuigahama also tends to hang out with Yukinoshita in her unit, so they probably also spent most of their nights and holidays together. But even since the prom thing happened, Yukinoshita began to focus on her job more, so they probably won't have such an opportunity for the time being.
How will things continue to develop? After the prom, as we entered the next year, will they still be spending time with each other?
"... Well, for now lets focus on completing the prom."
In attempt to interrupt myself from thinking further, I brought up a different topic, and drank up all of the remaining ice coffee. Even though I put in quite an amount of milk and gum molasses, it still felt bitter.
Yuigahama looked downwards at the glass she is holding, biting onto her straw. After taking a sip, she nodded heavily.
"So what plans do you have?"
As she looked back up, Yuigahama has already went back to her cheery expression. Which made me remember how our conversation usually felt. I began to talk about the things that I've been considering last night, while holding onto the back of my neck.
"So, although I've been thinking on it for a long time, but it seems that just organizing an ordinary prom is a very risky idea. For a proposal that has already been criticized once usually own't be approved."
Up until now, referring back to my experience with the proposing sessions like the cultural festival, the Christmas event and some other events, these experiences tell me that the prom is in a very severe situation.
The other events that we have been involved with were built under the condition where they're already approved, and discuss on how to improve things. But right now the parents simply demanded the organizers to completely cancel the prom instead of improving it.
It doesn't matter how many times the proposal gets revised, as long as the core concept of a prom exists, its safe to say that they won't change their view on the event.
Most importantly, the fact that the event has already been disapproved once will become our biggest obstacle.
A proposal that has been marked as a failure, can't get rid of such an image that easily, thanks to that, presenting improvements to it won't necessarily make them give a positive feedback.
The bad impression the public have towards proms, and the fact that this proposal has already been rejected before, will cause them to view it with a biased attitude. Which is why fixing the core problems the event has is ironically not the best solution.
I bit onto the straw, sort out my thoughts, and presented my conclusion.
"...Which is why, a new bias is needed."
Yuigahama opened up her mouth and slowly muttered.
"Bias... ah! Vibes?"
"No."
Why are you showing me that "I got it!" "Hey I totally know that!" kind of expression? It’s totally wrong, 'bias' has nothing to do with 'vibes'. Guess its better to explain the term to her.
"Bias is uhm...think about propensity or prejudice.... it means that one is viewing something with a false image under the influence of a generalized thought process. Well, yeah, something like that."
"Hngh......?"
Answered Yuigahama who ended up picking her head. Why does it seem like she doesn't understand it... Well, I don't particularly remember its actual definition either. I just need to let Yuigahama understand it.
But what I really need her to understand is what I'll be talking about next.
"So basically, in order to change their bias, we need to come up with a proposal that is visually different from the prom Yukinoshita and the others are working on."
After hearing that, Yuigahama's mouth seemed to opened up even wider. And, eventually looking at me with a suspicious look.
"...But why?"
"Right now the idea of a prom itself is considered an absolute evil. But what will happen when a much more vicious presence appears in front of them? This will make the previous prom proposal look much better in comparison right?"
"I... see?"
Even though she said that, Yuigahama still seemed conflicted on the idea. Even the way she said her agreement has turned into a question.
How to explain it better... as I started thinking, Saizeriya's menu happened to flash across my eyes, I then opened up the menu and flipped to its last page. Where there are various choices of dessert written on it.
"...Sugar makes people fat. So it's a better idea not to have ice cream and desserts right?"
"Well, yeah, why did you ask that all of a sudden..."
Yuigahama grunted while twisting her body, turning her unhappy face away.
"But if you add on a new choice of ice creams that comes with half of their original calorific value, you might end up trying it, right?"
"Well yeah, I'll probably eat two of them..."
"No what the f... Well, that's basically it."
Yuigahama seemed very attracted to the pictures on the menu, that I had to make a cough before going back to our topic.
"So the plan here is to come up with a plan that will be abandoned. Choose one out of two, make the parents feel that they can't refuse on making a choice between them. Propose the sacrificial plan, have them abandon the sacrificial plan, which in return means the approval of the main proposal."
The current situation is, that they only have the choice to approve or reject the proposal for prom proposal A.
However, if we propose a prom proposal B, the parents will end up having this mentality that're selecting between Plan A and Plan B. Excluding 'rejecting the prom' from their selection list as a result.
"Ah... so that's what you meant. So Yukinon and Isshiki-chan's prom will be the ice cream with half the calories."
Yuigahama nodded in confirmation, but the nodding soon stopped and she suddenly looked up at me.
"But if they already demanded to cancel the prom, wouldn't they just reject both proposals anyway?"
"Yeah about that...."
Hearing this, I slapped onto my forehead.
What Yuigahama just pointed out is the weakness of such a strategy. Even though Yuigahama is an idiot, but her brain isn't actually bad at all. Still an idiot though.
This strategy tends to work well against hesitant opponents. But in our case the opponent has already came to a conclusion, so making them choose between the two options won't be as effective as it seems.
So, even though I'm adding this statement quite late, it is necessary to let her understand that we have another prerequisite.
"...Actually, that shouldn't be a problem."
Listening to that, Yuigahama picked her head aside again.
“Our school actually has no intention to cancel the prom. Otherwise they wouldn't have used the saying of self restraint. Our school was well known for its respect towards the autonomy of its students, in fact it was even used as our school motto.”
"Ah, yes... considering that so many events were held before..."
A slight sense of doubt still lies within Yuigahama's tone, but she still tried her best to agree with me.
Taking our school motto into consideration does seem unreliable. But like what Yuigahama said, our students did organize a lot of large events like the Christmas party. Which none of these were rejected by the school, which means that the school authorities have always intended to let their students organize activities with no strings attached. Hiratsuka sensei herself even mentioned that the school originally did not think that there are any problems with organizing a prom.
"The school still needs to care for their reputation after all. If they straight up shut down the prom, they'll look ugly if the word got spread out. So, if Yukinoshita can come up with a safer proposal, it shouldn't be hard to make the school our supporter. We'll have to count on Hiratsuka sensei regarding that."
"Mhm."
After listening to me, Yuigahama nodded seeming assured.
Actually, now that Hiratsuka successfully obtained their verbal promise of “apply self restraint”. So as long as we can come up with the second option, Hiratsuka sensei who's now backed up by the school's statement should have a certain level of right of speech and influence over the parents' choices. Which means that we can have a positive outlook over the school's possible actions.
The other big problem here is the negotiation with the parents. The more I think about it the more it feels depressing, to the point that I ended up biting onto my straw.
"And then there's, the parents... Specifically, the more vocal ones ... If we put down our gesture, show them the options we're providing, and eventually lead them into thinking that they're choosing out of their own will, it should please them enough to make them stop complaining..."
In most occasions, people who complains the loudest have no interest with debating over the content of the subject, but simply seek for victory against their opponents. Therefore, as long we make the other party come to this impression of "it was I who decided, it was I who changed their actions, it was I who made them apologize" , endure their criticisms and complaints, then things should end up with a good note.
No, to be honest this doesn't feel convincing.
This time it was me who picked up my head.
"...That's what I think, what about you?"
While sighing, I started to think about Yukinoshita's mother.
The fact that the people who came over to the school weren't the parents who had doubts with the prom, but Yukinoshita's mother instead made me see a ray of hope. After all, her role was a mere messenger. Her speech could either be seen as that from the member of the parent council, or the words from the wife of a local authority. At least that's my impression towards her original rhetoric.
But then again, as expected from the mother of the Yukinoshita sisters, the longer the conversation went on, the stronger the arguments she presented, to the point that even we got sold with her sayings.
That mother, also likes to talk over things. She also followed up with Iroha's counter arguments without looking bored. No, instead of saying that she enjoyed the conversation itself, what she really enjoys is defeating her opposition.
In this case, it's hard to say whether Yukinoshita's mother will simply give up arguing or not.
Which means we'll also need to prepare something to deal with her... Please don't be like that, I really don't want to be involved with her, Mrs Yukinoshita is just too terrifying, for real...
So for the time being, these are what I managed to come up with.
“So basically, we'll show them that we have the right to forcefully execute the event, while trying to convince them into our controllable options.”
I spat out the straw in my mouth that has been wrinkled into a ball, and presented my conclusion. Yuigahama then gleefully smiled at me in admiration.
"Wow...Hikki you should be doing this kind of job in the future! Some complaint correspondent kind of profession! It really suits you!"
"Absolutely no... that's not how it works, and I don't plan to get a job either."
I can't find myself to feel happy about this statement even in front of her sparkling eyes, and unconsciously revealed a disgusted expression. Yuigahama however continued to smile happily.
No, I'm really not suitable for this? Also to deal with complaints through such an approach as an employee, will definitely get me fired. My plan would only work due to the unique environment of the school and my position as an unemployed person.
Not to mention that, there is already a standard reply to deal with most complaints.
Its simple, just blame our boss! Or just transfer their calls to the customer service and have the professionals deal with them.
"Well, we haven't actually started any actual work too. So up next we'll have to deal with the real troublesome stuff."
"What do you mean..."
Listening to that I sighed deeply, crossed my fingers, leaned my body slightly forward, and lowered my head to make a Gendo pose (Ref 3: The signature pose of commander Ikari from EVA), and said in a deep tone.
"We still have to make preparations for the sacrificial plan. It needs to a look like that actual effort has been put in and has a realistic sense to it in the view of outsiders. Otherwise, it won't even qualify as an option."
"Ah, so that's how it is..."
Yuigamaha seemed to have moved slightly backwards. So I moved up a little forward as if I'm chasing after her.
"Which means that we're short of people and time. Also, we have no budget at all."
"So what resources do we actually have..."
As Yuigahama asked back with a troubled smile. I made a shallow smirk.
"Introducing, the beings who have too much free time, requires no salary in return of them working for us......Our school's students! They're completely free and always ready to be used."
"This is too shady!"
Yuigahama shouted out while grabbing onto her head.
But right now, it is true that if we don’t recruit the most professional talents in our school and squeeze out every ounce of their efforts, there will be no other way for us to make a comeback. This is Sobu High's newly revised labor system, a system that turns the most professional experts into slave... (Ref 4: Japan introduced a new standard to their labor system some time ago, employees of the higher hierarchy will no longer have an allowable limit to their overtime hours, and working overtime will no longer get them paid... Man they actually approved this.)
Yuigahama who sunk into her seat seeming discouraged, looked up at me through the gaps of her bangs.
"But, for such a plan that was never meant to be approved, can we even find anyone that are willing to help?"
"You're right..."
As I replied, I too looked up at the ceiling.
Like she said, it wouldn't be this difficult to recruit people if we're actually trying to organize an ideal prom, after all no one would like to become a sacrificial Yamcha. Only the most foolish of all fools, the nicest of all nice people, or high end eccentrics would be interested with working for such a thing.
Unfortunately we'll have to give up on direct recruitment. Which also means that the methods we could use are limited.
"I'll try not to disclose about our true purpose, and try convincing them as much as possible... As long as we avoid ending up with a financial deficit, and properly apologizing to them after that, yeah, things should be fi..."
If pleading for mercy could solve the problem the it won't be an issue, I crossed my arms, and did some thinking, suddenly I could hear a short sigh that sounded as if it was being contained.
As I looked up, Yuigahama could be seen biting onto her lips while slowly shaking her lowered head. She didn't say anything, but that is enough to convey her thoughts.
I shouldn't have said that without proper consideration. This is a mistake that I have repeated so many times.
I took a deep breath. And started to convince myself.
"...No, lets try and talk to them properly. They might not understand us, but for now lets seek out people that we're familiar with."
"Ok."
Yuigahama nodded and answered with a smile.
The situation we're in right now is a product of my mistakes.
Which is why, I should at least avoid make the same mistakes over and over.
A method different from what I've used in the past, a fundamentally different one, I have to find it.
4-3
After contacting the people who we could think of, time flowed through leisurely. The scenery seen from Saize's window will soon dyed with twilight, although its still far from the peak hour for leaving work, pedestrians could already be seen flooding into the train station.
After receiving replies from the people I asked to meet up with, we waited for them to come. During this period we decided to have an early dinner.
Yuigahama could be seen brawling with the pizza in front of her, whenever she says a 'gambateh', an eerie noise could be heard right after. Is she bad at using this round pizza cutter. Lots of screeching sounds could be heard as the toothed blade clashes fiercely against the pan.
Is she finally done? Yuigahama sighed and handed over a piece of pizza that has this weird shape that I can't describe of.
"For you, Hikki."
"Uhm, thank you."
But then again I won't make unnecessary remarks towards the shape of the pizza. I'm not in a position to complain after having someone else cut for me, and Saize's pizza is good no matter what shape or size.
"Do you want some chili sauce?"
"Ah, yes. Thank you."
I picked up the bottle of chili sauce placed on the center of the table, squeezed it for two to three times, and then munched on the pizza that now tastes even better.
After a while, the side dishes, Doria rice, pasta and salad were served. Then'll be another meat dish coming up soon. This set meal felt more sumptuous than I imagined, I should inform Komachi that I won't be having dinner when I come home later.
While I pressed onto my phone, Yuigahama used her fork and knife like a pair of chopsticks, asking me while picking up food.
"Do you want any salad?"
"Just a bit, no tomatoes. And uhhh, you can take all the prawns. I'll be full with the meat only."
"Really!? That's great! By the way eat some tomatoes too, its not good to be picky with food."
"Ah, its not that, I just tend to feel uncomfortable every time I eat tomatoes, I can't stand its slimy texture."
"Eh... but that's what make them taste good."
Seeming to be more skillful at separating salad as compared to cutting pizza, Yuigahama swiftly took out my share and arranged them on my plate. I nodded to express my gratitude, took it over and thanked her before eating.
Though... the lettuce is covered with the sticky juice of the tomatoes...I shoved it into my mouth with my eyes closed, and swallowed it almost instantly without even chewing.
Aha, now there shouldn't be any other vegetables with tomato essence stuck on them... As I opened up my eyes, Yuigahama could be seen placing her hands over her cheeks, happily looking at me.
"You look just like a child."
She gleefully made that comment as if she's teasing me, she then switched over into a more mature smile. This girl who was supposed to be at the same age as mine, for some reason looked at me in a way that resembles an older sister, my eyes felt uneasy, looking left and right.
But as I shifted my line of view towards every direction, her gorgeous tea colored hair that shines like an angel's halo, her big watery eyes, the concave spot on her collarbone, her fingertips that tapped onto the ends of her hair, the lifted corners of her mouth and those glittering lips, her long eyelashes that look like a soft artistic curve, and even her slightly blushed soft cheeks, everything that enters my view is just so captivating.
"S...some adults dislike tomatoes too..."
Apparently Hiratsuka-sensei hates tomatoes too ... after saying this, I lowered my head. Is this me feeling shy or embarrassed? Either way, I can't look directly onto Yuigahama's face.
I looked up and turned my head towards the air conditioner with a "Speaking of which ~ did this shop set their air conditioner a little too strong?" kind of look, and let a out a long breath.
Soon after, a familiar large figure appeared in the distance.
Wearing a trench coat, leather gloves and glasses. It wouldn't look weird for the current season, but the way he looks around while standing at the entrance, makes him look super suspicious. The way he's acting so suspiciously however is what made him easier to recognize, Zaimokuza Yoshiteru, the self proclaimed kengo.
As Zaimokuza noticed me raising my hand, the uneasiness expression on his face turned into cheerful one, marching while waving towards us. Like a wild grizzly bear who got tamed all of a sudden...
For some reason Yuigahama stood up holding onto her bag, and moved over to my seat.
"Ahem."
"Huh?"
I took over her bag, as she heard my confused reaction, Yuigahama said with a displeased face.
"Move over a little."
"Ah, sure..."
After I moved inside, leaving out some space, she then sat down directly.
Why...? Is it that hard to sit beside Zaimokuza? But then again, I don't really like Zaimokuza sitting sit next to me either, ...but aren't you sitting a little too close to me? I'm feeling super nervous all of a sudden!
"Hachiman, for what cause did you summon me here."
After making a deep breath, Zaimokuza made two unnecessarily loud coughs, and sat in front of me.
The way Zaimokuza's acting like his usual self made me felt a sense of relief.
Alright, calm down. Keep my breath going.
"For now lets wait for everyone else to come. For the time being, spot the differences."
I handed over the children's men to Zaimokuza. The front cover and end cover of this children's menu seemed like they have the same painting, but in fact there are some differences between them. Its a strategy to make children stay quiet by letting them find out these differences while waiting for their food, which makes this menu a popular feature.
"Oh!...This looks kinda difficult."
Zaimokuza immediately started to work on it as he took over the menu. Such a casual treatment feels pretty nice, and really comfortable... Before I realize it my face has now soften and a random idea came to my mind.
"Bruh, if we are still single by the age of 70, lets live together at a nursing home shall we."
"What this, some new proposal tactic? I'm pretty confident that we could buy a single men only kind of apartment unit. We can uhhh, watch anime and play table games together every day."
Zaimokuza didn't even bat an eye, staying focused on the menu, while answering me casually.
Yuigahama whispered "The fu...", sounding pretty disgusted by our conversation.
I felt my phone vibrating. Probably the other person that I contacted, Saika Totsuka. As I was about to pick up the call, he has already arrived.
"Hachiman."
Is it because we're in a public area? He called out my name in a lower tone than usual.
As I looked up, Totsuka walked over while carrying a tennis bag is coming. Wearing a coat over his usual sportswear, and his neck is covered with what seems to be a hand-woven muffler. Did he rushed here right after his club activity ended? His clothes look scattered, and his breathing sounded rapid, and his cheeks look pretty red. This felt refreshing, and I laughed unconsciously as I raise up my arm.
My smile froze instant.
Standing behind Totsuka, a familiar black blueish ponytail could be seen swaying. Wearing a black coat and checkered scarf, those daringly uncovered long legs, and also the big shopping bags that look incompatible with these clothing. Seeming unhappy yet trying her best to cover it up by showing a casual expression, Kawasomething nodded at us. Which I too nodded in response.
I then immediately whispered into Yuigahama's ear.
"Didn't I tell you to invite someone who easy to communicate with?"
"And you invite chuuni here!"
Complained Yuigahama with a pouting face while keeping her voice down. But its not like I can do anything about this situation.
"Well, yeah, this erm, um, well, it’s true that they're hard to communicate with but..."
... But really, for my case, there's actually not a lot of people who I can talk to isn't it?
Zaimokuza, Totsuka and even Kawasaki however are people we're actually familiar with, which makes them easier to talk to. If its someone like Miura for example, I definitely can't get myself to say anything in front of them.
Totsuka walked over in small steps and sat down lightly beside Zaimokuza, while Kawasaki pulled over a chair down to sit, crossing her legs, facing us sideways.
"Saki chan and Saika chan, thank you for coming. Do you want something to eat?"
Yuigahama handed them the menu, Totsuka then replied with a shy smile.
"Yeah, I would like to... feeling a bit hungry after club activities."
"I'll pass... a cup of drink is enough."
Kawasaki replied briefly. She probably has to go home and prepare dinner, and only decided to join in since she was on the way to pick up her sister Keika. Its better not to waste too much of her time.
I'll begin once Totsuka comes back ... Come to think of it, we haven't ask Zaimokuza if he wants to eat anything? As I looked towards him, Zaimokuza is still staring at the children's menu.
"Nghhhh, there are still seven differences that can't be found..."
Seriously dude, there's only 10 differences in the menu.
4-4
As I stared at Totsuka roll up the pasta and sending it into his mouth, after he seems to be done chewing, I began to talk.
"First of all, I would like to apologize for calling you out so suddenly, and thank you all for coming, thank you very much."
I bowed down my head and thanked them sincerely. Argh its feels embarrassing to act so earnest, that I'm afraid to look up into the expressions of these three people, so I continued to lower my head for a while.
Then, a satisfying "ohoho" sound, the gentle sensation of someone nodding, and a soft troubled sigh could be felt in the air, alongside the happy, relieved sensation travelling into my ears. Knowing which reactions were whose, it no longer make sense for me to continue bowing.
After making two coughs to drive of my shyness, I continued saying.
"I have an unfortunate news to tell you all."
"Ok."
Zaimokuza adjusted his posture, showing me an unnecessary "I'm listening" kind of expression, Totsuka sat nervously while setting his back straight, and Kawasaki is still leaning her head aside with a tired face.
"Do you guys know about the school prom?"
"Huh, no I don't, but I will now."
As he answered Zaimokuza took out his mobile phone. Searching on something after being asked about it, for an otaku this guy is actually pretty impressive. I was expecting him to ask me back on what's the prom about, and I was prepared to answer him "Just Google it, see this rectangular device thingy in front of you? Use it. I mean, DoN't YoU GuYS HaVe pHonES? " instead he just saved me the trouble.
I'm guessing that Zaimokuza is done researching about proms, as he is now showing a disgusted and wretched face while staring at his phone.
"Erggg... what is this, the kind of activity that only exists to satisfy the vile desires of normies, giving them nothing but a short term of happiness!? And those goddang chads will use this experience as something to brag on to their normie community once they enter university and be like 'Yooooo we organized a prom during high school, see how lit we are fam?' to brag themselves showing people how
cool their high school life was, alter a few details here and there, those sociable bastards..."
Zaimokuza slammed his phone onto the table, Totsuka took a peek on its contents, looking intrigued. Kawawhatshername didn’t say anything like “can I have a look”, but the way she glanced over seems to be telling me that.
"This prom will be organized in our school... but we decided to oppose it."
Just as I finished my sentence, Zaimokuza made a loud slap onto his knee and said.
"Which means that we're the anti-prom group right!?"
"... Well, something like that."
"Yes! We're the anti-prom bois!"
Did you made that term up when you were searching on it just now... Please don't use some random term you came up with so confidently... Seeing how agitated Zaimokuza's acting, the volume of my voice suddenly went down a few levels.
"Well...that's...erm, yeah, that's kinda what we're doing."
"What!? No!?"
Yuigahama shouted at me with a shocked face. It’s loud, she shouted really loud. Both of your voices are seriously loud. And can you please not turn around, I could almost feel something grazing over my elbow. Also please stop shaking my limb.
What's going on here! ? As I was being shaken, I looked around the shop. Fortunately, there isn't a lot of people in here. Now that the tables nearby ours are still empty. I should probably discuss about it with Yuigahama in private...
"Sorry, can you give us a minute?"
"Take your time."
After receiving Zaimokuza's permission, I turned over to Yuigahama. Then lift up my hands up to the chest, making a push-out hand gesture. Seeing my signal, Yuigahama unwillingly stood up.
I too stood up, after making a brief apologize to Totsuka and Kawasaki, I led Yuigahama to a different table.
Yuigahama looked at me full of suspicion, and grabbed onto my shoulder as soon as we sat down, she said quietly.
"What was that about? We are going to organize a prom right?"
"Yes yes. That is this plan.... But, its kinda hard to say it out now, you saw Zaimo's reaction just now didn't you... Its hard to explain it to him without making his mood down."
As I glanced over, Zaimokuza could be seen blabbering over negative rumours about proms. Totsuka who was just nodding obediently and Kawasaki who's completely ignoring them. Its like I'm looking at these three strangers just happened to be drinking together at the bar.
Eyebrows raised, Yuigahama said her voice down.
"Eh.... But it’s definitely not appropriate to not tell them truth."
"Yeah I'll tell them... But if anything goes wrong, do help me out a little. Please."
I closed my palms together and lowered my head. Yuigahama then let out a troubled sigh.
"... It can't be helped then."
Yuigahama smiled as she was standing up. I too stood up and walked towards our original seats.
Did Zaimokuza finally calm down after all that fussing? He's now looking at us with very eager eyes. I made another cough and said.
"Everyone, I have another unfortunate thing to announce."
"Ok."
Zaimokuza sat upright again.
"Look... we are indeed opposing the prom, but not as some kind of anti-prom group. The prom will still be held."
"what!?"
Although Zaimokuza tilted his head, but is still showing a serious expression. Totsuka and Kawasaki reacted in a similar way. Well, it can't be helped for them to react in such a way, since this does sound pretty confusing. When I was thinking on how to elaborate further, Yuigahama immediately followed up with my statement.
“Yukinon and Iroha chan are organizing the prom, but the parents a and the school demanded them to apply self-restraint. So we are considering to present them a different prom proposal, something like that.”
"....Huh."
Kawasaki’s reply sounded as if she was uninterested, her eyes however widened with a glint of surprise, it is because of hearing the term self-restraint for the first time?
"Yukinoshita and Iroha's plan has been rejected by the parents association. Even if they make amendments to that proposal, it will most probably get kicked back again. Therefore, we plan to present them with a second proposal. With the existence of two proposals, we should be able to force a situation where they'll have to select either one of them."
"Is Yukinoshita aware of this?"
Although her tone sounded cold, I could see the worries in Kawasaki's eyes. I shook my head.
"No, she doesn't know... to be exact, I did not tell her. Sorry, please don't mention about this to others. The plan won't work if it's exposed."
Kawasaki’s looked at me in disbelief. While although not obvious, Totsuka too seemed to be confused. Only Zaimokuza is tapping on the table with his hand while nodding.
"Uhm uhm, a double bind... under a premise huh, so you're suggesting them multiple options to choose, and pull off this psychological trick where they'll act under the impression that they must choose..."
"Yes, something like that."
Only this however won't be enough to induce an answer from the parents, so its not the full picture, but that is indeed our intention.
Sounding as if he's sorting out all these information being sorted out, Totsuka who had been nodding silently as he was listening said with a low voice.
"Which means that, you'll still be opposing the prom one way or another."
"... Indeed. So I hope that you can help us out with the planning of the prom..."
I find it difficult to convey my next sentence, so my mouth froze half open.
As I stayed silent for a few moments, he sat up straight staring at me. Showing me an impression that felt different from his usual serenity and gentleness, a slightly prestigious look.
"Hachiman, allow me to verify something first. Otherwise this conversation will just end up with loose ties like it did before. I don't like it."
Even though he sounded shy, a strong will could be sensed from his words. This feeling that I never expected Totsuka to have made me at a loss of words. But now that he said it, it is true that I never actually talked about this to anyone, no, I didn't even attempt to have a discussion from the beginning, simply allowing things to end abruptly. In their point of view I probably acted very dishonest and irresponsible.
"What exactly do you want?"
Not really understanding what is the intent behind this question, I asked him through my eyes. Totsuka then scratched his cheeks and said.
"The way Hachiman said it just now, doesn't sound like you really want to organize a prom. Which made me fell concerned about it...the fact that you're hiding this from Yukinoshita san doesn't sound right to me either. Is there another goal that Hachiman wants to achieve here?"
"No, I..."
As I was about to explain using the words I just came up with. Totsuka's strong eyes stopped me from doing so.
"Sorry Hachiman, I know that it might be hard to say it out loud with everyone being here. But we really want to understand you properly."
I couldn't speak for a while.
Everyone in front of me is staring here. Either with their backs straight, or leaning sideways, or seeming troubled from such an atmosphere.
As I was figuring out on what to say, my wavering sight landed on Yuigahama's worried face.
"Hikki..."
I could feel my cuff being pulled by her hand under the table. Feeling her warmth, I closed my eyes.
Yeah, I know. This time I should really say it properly.
This is not the first time I asked them for help. Although the lineup of people this time are somewhat different, the situation is the same. Back then, I kept everything hidden from them, using other as an excuse, for the sake of relying on their gentleness.
But its different now. Even if it feels embarrassing, but at least right now I can tell them all about it, with a language that contains no lies.
Even if they might find it unreasonable and illogical, and they might not find it to be true. But its my very language, the kind of language that is not a borrowed or a temporary one.
"Truth be told, I don't really care about what happens to the prom.... Yukinoshita, wants to achieve it with her own strength. So she doesn't want me to help."
I opened my eyes slowly.
"Even so, I still want to make their prom a reality... that's what I thought."
After struggling hard to finish my sentence, my eyes lined up with Totsuka's bright smile, as he nodded in approval. At this moment I feel liberated from all these things entangling my chest, and let out a breath.
"Generally speaking, I'm planning to come out with a proposal that acts as a sacrificial dummy. A counterfeit designed for the sole purpose of letting the original proposal to be approved. Now knowing that everything you do will only be in vain, if you are still willing to help, please lend me a hand."
I bowed my head and waited for their answer, and I could feel the tension on my cuffs growing stronger.
Silence itself lasted for only a few seconds. However, no other words could be heard other than the slightest sighs.
I then heard a deep sigh. As I looked up, Kawasaki showed me a sorry look.
"I'm sorry. As I'm currently helping out Yukinoshita, I can't just leave my current duties aside. Things should always have a proper beginning and end."
Kawasaki's hand that was supporting her chin a while ago, is now placed on her thighs, her body sat straight up, showing an admirable posture.
"...Ah, I understand. In fact, its good to know that you're helping out Yukinoshita. Their prom is the main event after all. Please."
Kawasaki then turned her head aside and said quickly.
"I will do it even if you didn't asked me to. But...I'll be cheering for you guys from the other side."
After adding that remark with a very low voice, Totsuka looked at Kawasaki with a smile, and followed up.
"I have club activities so I won't be available all the time... But if you need any manpower, just let me know. The tennis team will help out. I am the club president after all."
Said Totsuka as he patted on his chest. My expression calmed down after hearing his answer.
"Thank you, I'll count on you when the time comes."
Even though the number of active committee members have not increase, it still feels reassuring to know that we have backup in case of an emergency. Most importantly, frank people like those in the tennis club could be very helpful.
I let out a silent breath of relief, and I could feel a pat on my cuff. Even though she didn't say anything, the words "This is great." has been conveyed through this action. I didn't look at her face as I was feeling shy, so I only nodded slightly as a response.
There are no major progress. But at least we're moving forward bit by bit... As I had this thought, I looked up, only to see Zaimokuza remaining silent, occasionally making sounds that I can't tell whether its a murmur or a shriek.
"Hnggghh..."
As I thought that he's thinking things through, Zaimokuza suddenly stood up. Which Kawasaki and Totsuka who noticed him both stood up and gave way. Zaimokuza then gave them a nod and walked out with a hand knife pose. As he reached the aisle, he stood straight with his back facing me.
"...Right now it should be the one at west Chiba's Lucky? No, the ACE."
Zaimokuza is seen playing with his phone while saying those words. Feeling weird from his actions, me and Yuigahama looked at each other. Conversing silently with our eyes "What does that mean?" "I don't know". All I could recongnize is the name of the game centers he just said. Knowing that I shouldn't leave him that way, I asked.
"Hey uhh...Zaimokuza san? You there?"
As I called out to him, Zaimokuza turned back sideways, with his hands now in both pockets, showing a cold smile.
"... Well, guess I have no choice."
Even though I know that he was just acting cool, for some reason I find his acting much convincing than ever before.
No seriously, its actually pretty cool.
"You need talents right. Tomorrow, free up your schedule a little, I will contact you."
Once he finished that sentence, Zaimokuza walked towards the exit in large steps. The odd yet fascinating sensation made me froze for a moment, when I came back to my senses, I stood up and told him.
"Sorry, and thank you."
So, Zaimokuza stopped his movements.
"Wait! And hope!"
Zaimokuza could be seen waving his trench coat, both arms stretched out, and shouted these words. What, bruh. Can you please not do this in a restaurant ... Although, well, it does look pretty cool to be honest.
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