SS 2
Short Story 2
Of course, Hachiman Hikigaya’s kindness is contrary.
Fall continued onward, and the leaves were turning color here and there. The season was showing signs of change, however gradual. And something a little strange had happened here in the Service Club recently, too.
“The Chiba Prefecture−Wide Advice E-mail!” Yuigahama did this weird announcement of the title, all excited, for some reason. “Duh-duh-duh-duuuuh!” she added with a round of solo applause. Yukinoshita’s and my eyes were cold.
This was our recent little anomaly. Miss Hiratsuka had suddenly gotten it in her head to give the Service Club a new assignment, and this was to respond to requests for advice sent to us from wherever via e-mail.
Maintaining the same level of enthusiasm, Yuigahama continued, reading out an e-mail. “Okay then, our first e-mail today is from someone living in Chiba city and calling themselves: I’m anxious.”
Does this person not know what username means? That sounds like it should be the title. They strike me as the type of person who won’t read the instructions fully when it clearly says Please read the instructions fully. Eugh, why bother giving advice or anything to someone who can’t stick to the rules? I’m not very keen on this.
Request for advice from username: I’m anxious
The older students have retired, so I’m going to be captain of the tennis club. What should I do to get everyone to follow my lead? Please tell me if there’s anything I should watch out for. Thank you.
…Oh-ho, I see. He mistook the username section for the title and ended up writing a title in there instead. How cute. Oh geez, to make such a minor, cute little slipup, he must be very anxious indeed. How very adorable.
“Okay, I’m gonna answer this good!” I declared.
“You’re awfully keen to help all of a sudden…”
I ignored Yuigahama’s surprise and exasperation and moved on so as to resolve this pressing issue as soon as possible. “Well, first, you’re a club captain, too, Yukinoshita. What do you think?”
“…Yes, well, if my personal thoughts on the matter would be sufficient…” Yukinoshita had been reading her book disinterestedly, but when she was specifically called upon, as you might expect, she closed her book and adopted a thinking pose. “The first step of taking control is displaying your own merits. Once you’re standing on top, employ suppression, informants, and a thorough purge of the opposition. Then, within a brief year or so, you should be able to solidify your regime,” she said, with a great big smile.
That grin really is terrifying, you know…
“Hmm, but would that actually work out?” said Yuigahama. “It sounds good when you call it leadership, but if you go too far, I think that just makes people resent you.”
“Yeah, that’s true,” I agreed. “A certain club captain around here seems less invested in showing leadership and more in acting arbitrarily on her own authority and throwing her weight around. And nobody likes her.”
“Could you not say that while looking at me…?” Yukinoshita was sullen. Maybe she was actually aware of what she’s like and was worried about it, in her own way.
…If you’re worried about it, then fix it.
“W-well, there are lots of different kinds of leaders!” Yuigahama said, attempting to mediate, and she began typing out a reply to the e-mail.
Response from the Service Club:
A club captain doesn’t just stand at the front and drag people behind them. I think maybe you could be the kind of captain who relies on the support of their club members. If you push too hard, they might be put off, so be careful. You can do it!
Yeah, that settles that one.
Starting on the next one, Yuigahama said, “Um, the next e-mail is…from someone living in Chiba city, with the username: Master Swordsman General.”
Him again… It’s like we have a regular. It’s actually kinda flattering, which is why it needs to stop.
Request for advice from username: Master Swordsman General
I’ve heard tell online that for light-novel newbie awards these days, anyone who can write Japanese will make it through the first round, but ’tis not so. Source: I. Instruct me on how to make it.
After reading that e-mail, Yukinoshita looked confused. “Perhaps we should begin with correcting the Japanese in this e-mail…”
“What’s he saying? I can’t even,” Yuigahama said.
When it comes to Japanese level, I think you’re probably about the same, though.
“Basically, his question is, how can he win a newcomer’s award and get published?” I explained, then glanced over at Yuigahama with the implication I was seeking her opinion.
But she just grimaced. “Huh? This one is yours, Hikki. You answer.”
Yukinoshita agreed and nodded, too. “I believe being harsh can be a form of kindness.” Having said what she wanted to say, Yukinoshita dropped her gaze to the paperback in her hands and went back to reading.
Hmm. Then maybe something like this. I pulled the computer close to me and typed a message.
Response from the Service Club:
If the readers and editing department staff won’t acknowledge you, it’s their problem. Have confidence and never change. Never give up, keep on chasing your dreams, right until your end, forever and ever.
Satisfied at finishing my response, I let slip a sigh of satisfaction. The trick here is making it your end instead of the end.
“Ohhh, you’re so nice, Hikki.”
“…Kindness can be so cruel.”
Yuigahama, peeking at the screen, was innocently startled, while Yukinoshita lowered her gaze sadly and softly.
Well, let’s say kindness is a double-edged sword.
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