Mkr

Part 1

Sei: How nice to be blessed with lovely weather and calm waves.

Yashiro: …Ah, yes. Indeed.

There’s a reason as to why I responded slowly.

I was distracted by Sei-san currently being surrounded.

Yu: ……

Sei: Oh my, it seems that Nina-kun has also come outside on the deck.

Yu: Yeah.

Sei: Fufu. Are you here for some birdwatching?

Yu: No.

Yu: You walk around with bird feed to get flocked like that?

That was something I was wondering about myself.

If anything, it seemed more as if he came to observe Sei-san’s current predicament of being surrounded by birds, than the birds themselves. 

Sei: Not at all. I’m rather perplexed myself, but it does delight me.

Sei: Truth to be told, I am quite fond of birds.

Yu: Really now.

Sei: Could it be that you feel the same?

Yu: No. Was simply curious. 

No sooner than after he spoke, Niina-san left right as his curiosity was satiated. 

Sei: And here I was certain about Nina-kun being a likeminded spirit… Seems that I misunderstood him— My, what a shame.

Sei: What about you, Yashiro-san, are you interested in birds?

Yashiro: To some extent…?

Sei: That is more than enough.

Sei: The majority of migratory birds are the same as dolphins— They have the possibility to engage in hemispheric sleep, where they alternate between letting one half of the brain rest by sleeping with one eye open at a time. 

The lecture, which had started without warning, continued without any interruptions due to Sei-san’s vast knowledge on the topic at hand.

Sei: That being said, it still is quite a long trek to make. Which is why there’s times where they come down on the boats to take a break. 

Yashiro: So there’s actually a reason behind it.

Sei: Yes. Unless they are terribly exhausted, they do not overstay their welcome.

Sei: By the way… I believe you’re also in order for a breather.

Yashiro: Eh?

Sei: I suppose it’s because you ended up listening to my rather lengthy lecture, but you seem somewhat tired.

Yashiro: Oh, that’s not the case at all… If anything, listening to your explanation refreshed me instead.

Sei: Fufu. Thank you for your kind words.

Sei: Nonetheless, due to how we’re in an unfamiliar environment, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

As he said that, Sei-san fell silent and his gaze turned towards the birds.

Sei: Even if one were to be accustomed to traveling like they were, the slightest change of environment comes with its own fair share of stress. 

Sei: …Aah, it seems that Nina-kun is concerned, too. 

While looking at Nina-san who was a little further away, standing in the salty sea breeze, Sei-san pleasantly smiled in his direction.

Yashiro: (It’s not far-fetched to say Nina-san and Onda-san have a sense of stability, or perhaps it’s unrelated to the location when it comes to these two.)

Yashiro: (As for Sei-san…)

Sei: The wind has picked up, how about we head back inside.

Sei-san nonchalantly shielded me from the wind picking up, and it made me realize once again. Not only does Sei-san know how to maintain his own pace, he is also someone who is considerate of his surroundings, no matter where he may be.

Part 2

Sei: To continue from where we left our previous conversation at—

While walking down the corridor leading to the main hall, Sei-san opened his mouth as if he remembered something.

Sei: There are some people who have difficulty falling asleep when they change their pillows, but how about you, Yashiro-san?

Yashiro: I don’t quite recall having experienced that before… I think.

Sei: That’s good to hear. It’s merely a pillow, yet, a pillow.

Sei: Some time before, I had the chance to have a talk with a seasoned traveller, and it turns out bringing your favourite items somewhere is a common occurrence.

Sei: Such as an alarm clock, incense and tea leaves… That person considered such items to be symbols of their daily life— It was truly fascinating.

Yashiro: What would you take with you, Sei-san?

Sei: If I had to make my choice, it’d amount to something like a novel I was in the middle of reading. What about yourself?

Yashiro: Right, good question.

I was now on the receiving end of the question I had casually asked, and in a panic, I went through all the luggage I imagined in my head.

Yashiro: There’s nothing that comes to mind in particular… Sorry, it’s not an interesting answer.

Sei: No, not at all. It was more than sufficient to be a thought-provoking answer.

Yashiro: (I-in what way…?)

As always, I found myself being lost in my own thoughts about what the mysterious Sei-san was “‘feeling” around for.

Sei: Ah, however, indeed…

Sei-san, who was walking beside me, broke out in a monologue. 

With a flick of my head I looked up to him, being met with a gentle expression.

Sei: A symbol of daily life that I would come to want to take with me while travelling, might be Taiga’s home cooking. 

Sei: Enjoying the local food is a pleasure of its own, however I can see myself yearning for the familiar tastes I’ve grown used to at times. 

Sei: Moreover, Taiga’s cooking— onigiri, salad, pork miso soup… each dish conveys how they were made with us in mind.

Sei-san brought up what must’ve been memorable dishes for the three of them.

I’m certain that there was even more, and I could imagine how spending time together led to these becoming symbols of daily life, as Sei-san called it. 

Sei: Besides if it were Taiga himself, he’d thoroughly research everything no matter where we go, and would want to be entrusted with preparing souvenir lists and the like.

Yashiro: Fufu, it’s as if Tsukimoto-san himself is right beside us. Ah, but would that mean that Ichikawa-kun is left house-sitting on his own…?

Sei: I believe Haruhi would be delighted to see us off, however for Taiga it would be a different story, wouldn’t it.

Yashiro: With all due respect, I imagine will have Tsukimoto-san trouble sleeping, which is why it would be better to invite Ichikawa-kun and travel with the three of you together, perhaps.

Sei: No doubt. That compassionate side is also a charming point of his, after all.

It was made clear that Sei-san cherishes Tsukimoto-san from his choice of words alone.

While gradually feeling a warmth spreading throughout my chest, I listened carefully to Sei-san weaving a tale of the administration department travelling together.

Part 3

After parting ways with Yashiro-san, I found myself on the deck once more.

Yu: ……

Gazing at the evening sun sinking into the sea, Nina-kun made an appearance as if it was a reenactment from earlier today.

Sei: It seems that the birds have made this ship their temporary home.

Sei: And the next morning, they’ll be carried to a location they never imagined… I suppose it’s nothing unheard of.

Yu: Guess so.

A reply of a few words, with the same old tempo and sensation of warmth behind them.

Is it a plain lack of interest in the topic a hand, or—

Sei: Incidentally… I was discussing safety blankets with Yashiro-san earlier today.

Sei: What we were actually discussing was a “symbol of daily life” one would want to bring with them on their travels, and it was a considerably amusing conversation.

Sei: As for you, the answer must be Onda-kun, no?

Yu: ……

Despite him being unresponsive to the sudden change in the subject at hand, once I mentioned his name, a pair of eyes turned right towards me.

Sei: Am I wrong?

Yu: ……

Yu: Talkative as ever but still can’t see what you’re actually getting at. What do you want me to say?

Sei: I want to know more about you— that is what I think.

Sei: By the way, Yashiro’s answer was “There’s nothing that comes to mind in particular”.

Sei: Do you not believe that in itself is profoundly intriguing?

Yu: And you? What’s yours?

I couldn’t grasp his real intention. Nevertheless, this unexpected question had quietly excited me.

Sei: Taiga’s home cooking— that was my answer.

Yu: ……

Sei: There’s the matter of the houseplants and Okoge too, so being away from home for a prolonged period might prove to be difficult.

Yu: Sure enough Ichikawa’s also included, huh.

Sei: Sure enough, you say?

Yu: Easy to decipher given Taiga’s personality.

Sei: Fufu. Yashiro-san had told me the exact same thing. You both understand what Taiga is like very well. 

Yu: Tsukimoto is easy to understand, he lives up to his words. It’s no more than being easy to predict based on his behaviour. 

Even if that wasn’t what he intented.

What came after “Tsukimoto is” was a perfectly fitting phrase.

Sei: (Aaah, this is why humans are fascinating.)

Part 1

Heading towards the deck to take in the view of the sea at night, I noticed Ichikawa-kun standing there.

Yashiro: (Not often that you see him outside.)

Yashiro: Good work today.

Haruhi: Ah, Yashiro. GG EZ.

Ichikawa-kun threw a fleeting glance at me as the words left his mouth, and then his gaze turned towards the sky again.

Yashiro: (I’m only guessing, but maybe he’s looking at the moon?)

Yashiro: (I must be bothering him with my presence if he’s busy. However, since I’ve gone out of my way to greet him, it’s too late to take my leave…)

Haruhi: I’m more bothered by the fact that you’re standing behind me in pure silence.

Haruhi: S’not like it matters if you stay here or go away, whatever floats your boat.

Yashiro: Then… If you insist.

I moved next to Ichikawa-kun, and looked up at the night sky in the same manner as him. Without anyone else around us, silence had fallen for a brief moment.

Haruhi: …Heard from Sei about how “the moon was beautiful tonight”, so came to see it for myself— That’s pretty much it.

Haruhi: Feels like I pulled a double SSR by not only being able to see the moon up in the sky, but the reflection of it, too.

The gaze of Ichikawa-kun, who had been mumbling to himself, had fallen down to below the sky without noticing.

Yashiro: (...Ah, he’s right. The moon is reflecting on the surface of the ocean.)

Haruhi: It’s all the same water, yet looking at it from a sandy beach or a pier still hits differently than here, huh.

Haruhi: Feels like an exclusive view you could only get from being on a ship.

Yashiro: Perhaps he had noticed that himself, which is why he told you how beautiful the moon was.

Haruhi: Aaah— Right, it’s Sei we’re talking ‘bout after all.

With a gentle whoosh, the sound of the waves were resonating.

And then audible footsteps blended in together with the echoes.

Yuzuru: Yashiro-san, Ichikawa-kun. Here, if you’d like.

Some warm drinks and blankets were being held out.

Yashiro: (I wonder if he saw us outside and went out of his way to arrange these for us.)

Yashiro: Thank you very much.

Haruhi: Thanks.

Haruhi: …Mm. Just the right temp.

Ichikawa-kun remarked as he spared no time wrapping the blanket around him and grabbing a drink. Tempted to try a sip myself, it was indeed the perfect temperature— Not too hot, neither too lukewarm. 

Haruhi: Dunno why it feels different, even though you did the same thing as Taiga would.

Haruhi: Maybe it’s the way you called out to us? Or the status of our friendship bar?

Yuzuru: Does it feel that much different?

Haruhi: Taiga’s more like a mama. All the nagging included.

Haruhi: You got that supporter role going on, or like, the manager of a school club.

Yashiro: (Someone who enjoys looking after others, in other words. Though, Ichikawa-kun is right in how they’re different.)

Yashiro: Being considerate comes with its own fair share of different approaches, doesn’t it. 

Yuzuru: Tsukimoto-san is the kind to pay attention to all the finer details.

Yuzuru: Thanks to that, I am able to entrust various things to him without any worries.

I redirected my gaze ahead of me, and unintentionally made eye contact with Ichikaxa-kun. That also goes for you, Kise-san— I could tell we were thinking of the same thing.

Yuzuru: …I do feel that it has been quite a while since I’ve talked face to face with you like this, Ichikawa-kun.

Yuzuru: I haven’t been able to come by the house lately, but is there anything I could help you with?

Part 2

Haruhi: Everything’s good. Same as usual.

Yuzuru: I see. I’m glad to hear that.

Yuzuru: All of the administration department are on great terms though, not much room for concern if I had to say.

Yuzuru: There’s a sense of security with how well everyone is always on the same page.

Haruhi: S’not like we never disagree on anything, y’know. I’m often beefing with Taiga ‘bout our difference in opinions.

Yashiro: What do you do when that happens?

Haruhi: One side backs down and it ends, basically.　

Haruhi: But, when none of us do and it looks like it’ll get dragged out longer than needed, Sei will step in and wrap it up all nicely.

I’m not surprised in the slightest to hear Sei-san’s name being mentioned.

As you’d expect— I nodded while continuing to attentively listen to Ichikawa-kun talk. 

Haruhi: He sticks to watching over us until we’re about to 1v1, though.　

Haruhi: Intervening when it’s necessary makes me think he’s some kinda balancer. 

From his nonchalant way of speaking, it seems that Ichikawa-kun keeps a close eye on Sei-san on a regular basis.

Yashiro: (How he’s able to objectively analyze someone regardless if they’re close or not, is very typical of Ichikawa-kun.) 

Yuzuru: Another way of being considerate, perhaps. 

Haruhi: Maybe.

Haruhi: In any case, I do feel thankful for Sei being around.

Yuzuru: Yes. That I can tell.  

Yashiro: …Everyone in the administrative department perfectly balances each other out.

Haruhi: Can’t you say the same for the main one, though?

Yuzuru: It’s due to Ai-san being one step ahead, that the main office is able to neatly keep it all together. 

Haruhi: For us, everything will fall apart if anyone were to be one step ahead.

Haruhi: Not that we’d end up all on bad terms, but more along the lines of not being able to be on the same page anymore. 

Haruhi: On the other hand, ain’t like we’re always walking side by side either.

Yuzuru: It’s probably because it’s the three of you that there’s a consistent balance.

Haruhi: …I guess. Probs.

Yashiro: (Not like they’re usually walking side by side, but neither is anyone one step ahead either, huh.)

At first glance, you could point out how it’s a contradiction, yet oddly enough it made sense when it came to the administration department.

Yashiro: (Perhaps it’s precisely because Ichikawa-kun is keeping an eye out for everyone in the department that one could say that.)

Haruhi: And that’s why the three of us is just right.

While looking at the moon’s reflection on the water, Ichikawa-kun’s cheeks relaxed just a little as he mumbled.

I felt as if I have learned yet another thing about the administration department’s relationship. 

Part 3

A little while after our conversation, Yashiro and Yuzuru-san went back inside.

I wanted to stick along for a lil’ longer, and mindlessly stared at the moon swaying back and forth between the waves.

Haruhi: (When Sei said it was beautiful, wonder if what came to mind was the sky or the ocean.)

Haruhi: (...Ah.)

[text messages]

Tsukimoto: Where are you right now? okoge: outside Tsukimoto: Thats way too vague. Tsukimoto: You know you"ll catch a cold if you keep standing in the sea breeze Tsukimoto: What about water? got any with you? okoge: yea

[end of text messages]

Haruhi: (This dude worries too much, I’m not a kid.)

I let out a sigh thinking he can’t be for real, being sure Taiga would know what was on my mind. ‘Cuz that’s how it always goes between us. 

[text messages]

Sei: I’m glad you were able to get in touch. Sei: I let him know how you’d most likely be out on the deck given how I told you about the moon tonight. Yet as one would expect, he couldn’t help but worry. Sei: Next time, even if it is a mere word, please do tell Taiga yourself about your whereabouts. 

[end of text messages]

Haruhi: (See, this is what I meant.)

Whether it's through LIME or face to face, Taiga and Sei never changed.

This kind of back and forth I’ve grown used to by now, was strangely giving me a sense of security.

[text messages]

Sei: By the way, if you happen to still be there, would you mind if I came over? Sei: I believe I’d be able to see a yet different kind of moon, given the passage of time. okoge: sure Sei: What about you, Taiga?　 Tsukimoto: Im going Tsukimoto: I'll bring some drinks and snacks while im at it

[end of text messages]

Haruhi: (No need for them to come together. Or do they wanna check up on me?)

Haruhi: (What an overprotective bunch, in that case.)

It’s something I’ve been feeling for a long time now.

I hid that sentiment deep within my heart, and looked up at the night sky once again.

Haruhi: (...The moon, huh.)

A dazzling, beautiful moon illuminating the sky, and a serene, dim reflection of it flickering between the waves.

Haruhi: (It really does put you at ease.)

Part 1

Taiga: Then, I will certainly let you know next time I make it.

Yashiro: Thank you very much.

Akehoshi: Now that sounds nice, whip up some for me too.

Yashiro: !

While I was talking to Tsukimoto-san, Akehoshi-kun chimed in.

Akehoshi: Dunno what this is all ‘bout though.

Taiga: Ah, right…

Taiga: Earlier, I remarked how delicious the food we received was and how I ought to try making it myself at home, which then led to inviting Yashiro-san over for a bite.

Taiga: How about coming along if you don’t mind, Hinomiya-kun?

Akehoshi: Ooh, sounds good. I’ll happily take you up on that.

Akehoshi: Dunno what you’ll be making but I know for a fact it’ll be delish.

Taiga: ….Heh.

Akehoshi: ? Did I say anythin’ weird?

Taiga: No… It’s the same way of asking me to do something, and yet it feels different when compared to Haruhi.

Taiga: Your requests come over as endearing, sorta.

Taiga: That guy’s just plain ol’ shameless about it.

Akehoshi: Ahaha, Haruhi-san just bluntly throws it out there, doesn't he. 

Akehoshi: But ya kinda can’t refuse these kinda shameless demands, or can ya, Taiga-san.

Taiga: Eh. No, I wouldn’t say that’s completely the case, but… 

Taiga: What he can do by himself, I oughta make him do it— That’s how I see it.

Taiga: …How do you usually go about it though, Hinomiya-kun?

Akehoshi: Huh.

Taiga: You know, with Yuragi?

Akehoshi: Aaaah.

Yashiro: Yuragi-kun is indeed the type to spontaneously ask others to do something for him.

Akehoshi: Hmmm— That being said, Yura ain’t really letting me pamper him to begin with.

Taiga: Pamper?

Akehoshi: Yup, goin’ all like “C’mon, do this for me~” to others. Ain’t that behaving like a spoiled child?  

Taiga: Wouldn’t that mean Haruhi’s behaviour is the same then…?

Akehoshi: Right on the mark. Or ya thinkin’ it ain’t so, Taiga-san?

Taiga: Yeah. It’s pure laziness, if anything.

Akehoshi: Ahaha.

Akehoshi: But yanno, if someone responds to do it yerself, yet ya still hit ‘em with a “C’mon, do this for me”— I find that to be plenty spoiled behaviour. 

Part 2

Akehoshi: Have to say that from what I heard so far, don’t think it’s the case here.

Akehoshi: I gotta ask, Taiga-san— Don’t ya get fed up with Haruhi-san ordering you around?

Akehoshi: If I thought someone was acting spoiled, I’d see it as cute and give ‘em some leeway for what I’d put up with, but it don’t seem that you feel the same way.

Yashiro: (He has a point… I’m a little curious to hear.)

Taiga: …Right— I’m having a hard time finding my words, though.

You could see how Tsukimoto-san was being fairly cautious with picking out what words to say, to make sure that there was no room for even the slightest of incorrect nuances. 

Taiga: I think there’s a part of me that feels helped whenever someone tells me to do something for them.

Akehoshi: Mhm.

Taiga: By nature, I’m someone that ends up worrying for others even when they don’t ask me anything— Sorta.

Taiga: Despite this, there’s many times I fail to realize when there’s someone that genuinely needs help. 

Taiga: So clearly being told that’s what they want from me, all the unnecessary stuff is left aside and I can actually do something meaningful for that person’s sake. 

Yashiro: (I see…)

Taiga: That’s why, I don’t dislike it at all when Haruhi tells me to do something for him.

Taiga: I did imply earlier that the way Haruhi goes about it isn’t endearing, but it’s not like it’s something I want. 

Taiga: Our relationship has gone beyond the need of walking on eggshells around each other.

Taiga: Because I know he’s not looking down at me.

A gentle expression on Tsukimoto-san’s face conveyed more than enough how there were no lies beneath his words.

Akehoshi: …Naw, Ito-san, y’hear all that? What a treat, huh.

Yashiro: Indeed. 

Yashiro: If anything, it made their closeness and Tsukimoto-san’s pleasant personality apparent.

Akehoshi: Yup yup. Sure makes ya think whatta big-hearted guy Taiga-san is. Thank ya kindly for this appetizing convo.

Taiga: I don’t believe I’ve said anything to warrant— 

Taiga: …Hm? My bad, seems I got a message.

Yashiro: Ah, I believe everyone received one. “Everyone gather round!” it says.

Akehoshi: Wonder what’s up. Either way, let’s get movin’.

Part 3

Taiga: (I’m glad it wasn’t anything dire.)

Shortly after receiving Suoh-san’s invitation and going our own ways.

What Hinomiya-kun said about me right before the gathering suddenly came back to mind while I was walking in the corridor.

Taiga: (Wouldn’t say I’m the kinda guy worthy of being called big-hearted, or anything like it.)

Taiga: (Yashiro-san and Hinomiya-kun are what you’d call good people—)

Akehoshi: Naw, how ‘bout we take it easy.

Taiga: (Hm?)

I could hear Hinomiya-kun’s voice ahead of me, and unconsciously quickened my steps to get closer. Turning around the corner, there was a drunk man and Hinomiya-kun with a smile plastered on his face trying to calm him down.

Drunkard: Just take it easy, huh… Sure got some nerve saying that with such a goofy ass grin on your face, think I’m stupid or what?

Akehoshi: I ain’t makin’ a fool outta— Ah.

Taiga: What’s the matter?

Without being able to leave them be, I stepped between them and started talking to the man.

Taiga: I’ll take it from here if there’s anything troubling you.

Drunkard: …Ain’t like there is.

Taiga: Then, shall I bring you some water instead?

Drunkard: I’m freakin’ telling ya, ’m fine.

As soon as the man made an awkward face, he abruptly turned his back towards me and left.

Taiga: (...Did I mess up with how I offered to help? Hopefully I didn’t scare him off…)

Akehoshi: Thank ya, Taiga-san. ‘ppreciate your help.

Taiga: Ah, no, my bad. Didn’t know what was happening, yet I jumped right into it.

Akehoshi: Naw, you really did save my hide. I oughta should’ve done what ya did— A handy learning experience for me.

Akehoshi: I was being gentle and made sure to smile, but wrapping it up properly like you is probably the better way to go ‘bout it, eh.

Taiga: No, it just happened to end up the way it did this time.　

Taiga: Besides, I might’ve intimidated him and scared off someone that needed help instead.

Having said that, Hinomiya-kun let out a small laugh.

Akehoshi: Ya genuinely are a humble, kind fella, Taiga-san.

Taiga: (...That’s not who—)

Akehoshi: This right now also made me realize why Haruhi-san relies on ya. 

Taiga: Eh?

Akehoshi: I’m sure how much ya let stuff slide and that kindness of yours is all part of it.

Akehoshi: But seeing how ya stepped right in between that fella and me really put me at ease.

Akehoshi: Wouldya look at that, no wonder yer such a reliable guy— Came to mind.

Without beating around the bush, it was exactly because of how straightforward those words were, that a feeling of embarrassment akin to uneasiness started swelling up within me.

Taiga: (Being cool about it, and putting people at ease, huh. These are far-fetched words for someone like me, but—)

Taiga: Then, I’m glad. It puts me at ease too to hear that from you.

Taiga: …Hinomiya-kun, thank you for everything you did for me today.

Akehoshi: Huh, did I do anythin’ for ya?

Taiga: Told me a bunch of stuff that made me happy. 

Taiga: While we might not have many chances to see each other face to face, I’m delighted we were able to for today.

Akehoshi: Taiga-san, you sure got a romantic side to ya.

Taiga: …I do?

I’m glad to have met you.

A feeling that wasn’t only directed at Hinomiya-kun.

Yashiro-san, everyone in Aporia, and once again— that Haruhi who doesn’t hold back and goes for it straight away.

Part 1

Taiga: Then, I will certainly let you know next time I make it.

Yashiro: Thank you very much.

Akehoshi: Now that sounds nice, whip up some for me too.

Yashiro: !

While I was talking to Tsukimoto-san, Akehoshi-kun chimed in.

Akehoshi: Dunno what this is all ‘bout though.

Taiga: Ah, right…

Taiga: Earlier, I remarked how delicious the food we received was and how I ought to try making it myself at home, which then led to inviting Yashiro-san over for a bite.

Taiga: How about coming along if you don’t mind, Hinomiya-kun?

Akehoshi: Ooh, sounds good. I’ll happily take you up on that.

Akehoshi: Dunno what you’ll be making but I know for a fact it’ll be delish.

Taiga: ….Heh.

Akehoshi: ? Did I say anythin’ weird?

Taiga: No… It’s the same way of asking me to do something, and yet it feels different when compared to Haruhi.

Taiga: Your requests come over as endearing, sorta.

Taiga: That guy’s just plain ol’ shameless about it.

Akehoshi: Ahaha, Haruhi-san just bluntly throws it out there, doesn't he. 

Akehoshi: But ya kinda can’t refuse these kinda shameless demands, or can ya, Taiga-san.

Taiga: Eh. No, I wouldn’t say that’s completely the case, but… 

Taiga: What he can do by himself, I oughta make him do it— That’s how I see it.

Taiga: …How do you usually go about it though, Hinomiya-kun?

Akehoshi: Huh.

Taiga: You know, with Yuragi?

Akehoshi: Aaaah.

Yashiro: Yuragi-kun is indeed the type to spontaneously ask others to do something for him.

Akehoshi: Hmmm— That being said, Yura ain’t really letting me pamper him to begin with.

Taiga: Pamper?

Akehoshi: Yup, goin’ all like “C’mon, do this for me~” to others. Ain’t that behaving like a spoiled child?  

Taiga: Wouldn’t that mean Haruhi’s behaviour is the same then…?

Akehoshi: Right on the mark. Or ya thinkin’ it ain’t so, Taiga-san?

Taiga: Yeah. It’s pure laziness, if anything.

Akehoshi: Ahaha.

Akehoshi: But yanno, if someone responds to do it yerself, yet ya still hit ‘em with a “C’mon, do this for me”— I find that to be plenty spoiled behaviour. 

Part 2

Akehoshi: Have to say that from what I heard so far, don’t think it’s the case here.

Akehoshi: I gotta ask, Taiga-san— Don’t ya get fed up with Haruhi-san ordering you around?

Akehoshi: If I thought someone was acting spoiled, I’d see it as cute and give ‘em some leeway for what I’d put up with, but it don’t seem that you feel the same way.

Yashiro: (He has a point… I’m a little curious to hear.)

Taiga: …Right— I’m having a hard time finding my words, though.

You could see how Tsukimoto-san was being fairly cautious with picking out what words to say, to make sure that there was no room for even the slightest of incorrect nuances. 

Taiga: I think there’s a part of me that feels helped whenever someone tells me to do something for them.

Akehoshi: Mhm.

Taiga: By nature, I’m someone that ends up worrying for others even when they don’t ask me anything— Sorta.

Taiga: Despite this, there’s many times I fail to realize when there’s someone that genuinely needs help. 

Taiga: So clearly being told that’s what they want from me, all the unnecessary stuff is left aside and I can actually do something meaningful for that person’s sake. 

Yashiro: (I see…)

Taiga: That’s why, I don’t dislike it at all when Haruhi tells me to do something for him.

Taiga: I did imply earlier that the way Haruhi goes about it isn’t endearing, but it’s not like it’s something I want. 

Taiga: Our relationship has gone beyond the need of walking on eggshells around each other.

Taiga: Because I know he’s not looking down at me.

A gentle expression on Tsukimoto-san’s face conveyed more than enough how there were no lies beneath his words.

Akehoshi: …Naw, Ito-san, y’hear all that? What a treat, huh.

Yashiro: Indeed. 

Yashiro: If anything, it made their closeness and Tsukimoto-san’s pleasant personality apparent.

Akehoshi: Yup yup. Sure makes ya think whatta big-hearted guy Taiga-san is. Thank ya kindly for this appetizing convo.

Taiga: I don’t believe I’ve said anything to warrant— 

Taiga: …Hm? My bad, seems I got a message.

Yashiro: Ah, I believe everyone received one. “Everyone gather round!” it says.

Akehoshi: Wonder what’s up. Either way, let’s get movin’.

Part 3

Taiga: (I’m glad it wasn’t anything dire.)

Shortly after receiving Suoh-san’s invitation and going our own ways.

What Hinomiya-kun said about me right before the gathering suddenly came back to mind while I was walking in the corridor.

Taiga: (Wouldn’t say I’m the kinda guy worthy of being called big-hearted, or anything like it.)

Taiga: (Yashiro-san and Hinomiya-kun are what you’d call good people—)

Akehoshi: Naw, how ‘bout we take it easy.

Taiga: (Hm?)

I could hear Hinomiya-kun’s voice ahead of me, and unconsciously quickened my steps to get closer. Turning around the corner, there was a drunk man and Hinomiya-kun with a smile plastered on his face trying to calm him down.

Drunkard: Just take it easy, huh… Sure got some nerve saying that with such a goofy ass grin on your face, think I’m stupid or what?

Akehoshi: I ain’t makin’ a fool outta— Ah.

Taiga: What’s the matter?

Without being able to leave them be, I stepped between them and started talking to the man.

Taiga: I’ll take it from here if there’s anything troubling you.

Drunkard: …Ain’t like there is.

Taiga: Then, shall I bring you some water instead?

Drunkard: I’m freakin’ telling ya, ’m fine.

As soon as the man made an awkward face, he abruptly turned his back towards me and left.

Taiga: (...Did I mess up with how I offered to help? Hopefully I didn’t scare him off…)

Akehoshi: Thank ya, Taiga-san. ‘ppreciate your help.

Taiga: Ah, no, my bad. Didn’t know what was happening, yet I jumped right into it.

Akehoshi: Naw, you really did save my hide. I oughta should’ve done what ya did— A handy learning experience for me.

Akehoshi: I was being gentle and made sure to smile, but wrapping it up properly like you is probably the better way to go ‘bout it, eh.

Taiga: No, it just happened to end up the way it did this time.　

Taiga: Besides, I might’ve intimidated him and scared off someone that needed help instead.

Having said that, Hinomiya-kun let out a small laugh.

Akehoshi: Ya genuinely are a humble, kind fella, Taiga-san.

Taiga: (...That’s not who—)

Akehoshi: This right now also made me realize why Haruhi-san relies on ya. 

Taiga: Eh?

Akehoshi: I’m sure how much ya let stuff slide and that kindness of yours is all part of it.

Akehoshi: But seeing how ya stepped right in between that fella and me really put me at ease.

Akehoshi: Wouldya look at that, no wonder yer such a reliable guy— Came to mind.

Without beating around the bush, it was exactly because of how straightforward those words were, that a feeling of embarrassment akin to uneasiness started swelling up within me.

Taiga: (Being cool about it, and putting people at ease, huh. These are far-fetched words for someone like me, but—)

Taiga: Then, I’m glad. It puts me at ease too to hear that from you.

Taiga: …Hinomiya-kun, thank you for everything you did for me today.

Akehoshi: Huh, did I do anythin’ for ya?

Taiga: Told me a bunch of stuff that made me happy. 

Taiga: While we might not have many chances to see each other face to face, I’m delighted we were able to for today.

Akehoshi: Taiga-san, you sure got a romantic side to ya.

Taiga: …I do?

I’m glad to have met you.

A feeling that wasn’t only directed at Hinomiya-kun.

Yashiro-san, everyone in Aporia, and once again— that Haruhi who doesn’t hold back and goes for it straight away.

Part 1

—This is something natural, but:

There are days when even though I have the day off, Tomose has work to do.

Tomose: Is it alright if we have dinner later today?

It was when I was seeing him off for work. I nodded to the sudden question, so long as Tomose was fine with it.

Yu: Are you going to finish work late?

Tomose: No. I want to go watch the sea with you after work. Last year, we went together around this time as well.

Yu: Yeah, I remember.

While we were passing near the sea at the time, Tomose had fixed his gaze outside. I had asked if he wanted to make a short stop there, and just like that, the two of us had gone down to the beach.

Yu: (Looking back, that was also after he was done with work.)

Tomose: How about it?

Yu: Fine by me. I’ll be out during the day, so I’ll be back by evening.

Yu: Once you come back, we’ll go by car.

Tomose: Okay, got it.

Tomose: I’ll be going.

Tomose’s expression as he left the room was calm. Was he looking that forward to going to the sea?

I went out, stopped by the bookstore, and after that went to the coffee shop, where I had plans.  

I gave my order to the waiter who had brought water, and started to flip through the cookbooks I’d just bought as I waited for it.

Yu: (I see, if I were to use this method, the texture would remain. If the prototype is good enough, I can use this method regularly.)

Yu: (On to the next book…)

As I flipped through the pages, a certain sentence caught my eye.

“It’s important to imagine how happy the recipient would feel as you cook!”

I doubted whether the sentence that was next to the recipe really was something that important.

Yu: (I can’t think of a connection between feelings and the taste of food…)

Shopkeeper: Here, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.

As he placed my order on the counter, I closed the book that I was reading.

The dish filled with potherbs was something that Kise had recommended to me. As I took a bite, the unique aroma of the dish filled my nose.

Yu: (I could probably make this for Tomose.)

I carefully savored the dish to remember the taste and smell.

Shopkeeper: Well,  I’m glad to see you enjoying your meal so much.

Yu: Does it seem that way?

Shopkeeper: You know, the main reason I cook for others in the first place is because I want to see how happy it’ll make them.

Yu: ……

The “reason” the shopkeeper spoke of doesn’t apply to me.

Ultimately, it’s a good thing if it makes Tomose happy. However, I wouldn’t say that alone is the “reason”.

Yu: (Because it’s a necessity.)

After finishing the dish, I started gathering my things. As I put away my phone, I looked at the screen.

Yu: (No notification from him, huh…)

After paying for the meal, I briefly thanked the shopkeeper and left the shop.

----------------------

Part 2

After gathering information from the coffee shop, I visited the shopping mall.

There was a store here that specialized in imported ingredients, and I often came here to buy spices.

Yu: (I should be able to gather the ingredients I need here.)

Yu: (What else… right, we’re running out of detergent.)

As I started making my way to the supermarket, I saw a familiar face in the direction I was heading.

I had no intention of calling out to them. However, there was no need to change my route either. 

As I kept walking, I realized they had noticed me as well.

Kamiya: So it was Yu-san.

Akehoshi: Noticin’ him from that distance is amazin’, Kamiyan.

Kamiya: No, no, I’m pretty sure he saw us first.

Yu: I did notice you, but I wouldn’t know whether I was quicker or not.

Akehoshi: I see. Then I should’ve said, “the ST Department sure is amazin’.”

It didn’t seem as though either Hinomiya or Kamiya were on duty at the moment. They must have the day off, like me.

Kamiya: Are you shopping, Yu-san? The two of us went to the movie theater. We saw a musical.

Yu: A musical, huh. That’s a genre I don’t watch often.

Akehoshi: Do ya watch a lot of movies, Yu-san? If ya’ve got any recommendations other than musicals, I’d love to hear ‘em.

Yu: I only watch them at home with Tomose. I’m not suited to recommend such to others.

Akehoshi: Well then, ya both like to watch movies at home. Sounds nice to be able to relax like that.

Yu: If Tomose wants to go to the movie theater, then we’ll go.

Akehoshi: Ya don’t watch movies alone often, then?

Yu: I won’t watch a movie if there’s no reason for me to.

Yu: In the first place, movie theaters cut off any means of communication with the outside world. If something were to happen to Tomose, I wouldn’t be able to react appropriately.

Yu: That’s why I absolutely will not go alone.

Kamiya: In that case, your memories of watching movies will always be with Tomose-san by your side.

Akehoshi: Ya truly care about Tomose-san. 

Akehoshi: I seriously think it’s amazin’ that you’re so devoted to someone.

Yu: It’s not like that.

Akehoshi: There you go again~

We continued our conversation, and eventually parted ways because we had our own shopping to do.

While I had told him that “it wasn’t like that”, I had no intention of answering if he had asked “then what is it like”.

I don’t know if Hinomiya had assumed that would happen, but if he had, then…

Yu: (He’d be telling all of that to the wrong person.)

I bought some detergent and left the shopping center.

Yu: (I still have some time left before Tomose comes back. I could prepare dinner and test out some of the spices I bought with the time I have left.)

After shopping, I headed my way toward the train station.

???: Yu.

I heard a voice I’d recognize anywhere. I stopped in my tracks.

----------------------

Part 3

As I turned towards the direction of the voice, I saw Tomose, without any injuries, standing beside the parked car.

Yu: Are you done already?

Tomose: Yeah, I finished than I had planned.

Tomose: I remembered you said you were going to stop by the shopping mall, so I came to pick you up.

Yu: Sorry. You must be tired.

Tomose: It’s fine, it was on the way back anyway. Plus, we can just head to the sea like this.

Yu: Then I’ll drive you until there. You should rest.

Tomose: Got it, I’ll leave it to you.

For a while after we arrived, the two of us stood side by side at the seashore.

There was not a single person in sight. There was only the sound of waves that made the silence of the dark night stand out.

Tomose: Tomorrow we’re going as a four, right?

Yu: If we need the company’s car, I’ll reach out to Kise.

Tomose: That'd be great.

As our short exchange came to an end, the once-faded silence returned.

However, it wasn’t unpleasant at all for either of us. Although the scenery that we were looking at was different, time was passing by as usual.

Tomose: How was the coffee shop?

Yu: I only went because Kise had recommended it. I got all the information I needed to replicate the dish at home, so I’ll make it at some point.

Tomose: Is that so? I’ll look forward to it.

Yu: …However, there was a spice I couldn’t get at the shopping mall. Is it all right that we visit the supermarket on the way back?

Tomose: The one we usually go to?

Yu: Yeah. It’s a bit far, but they have a good selection there.

Tomose: Then we’ll go.

The sound of waves stood out once more. Next to me, I saw Tomose with a peaceful look on his face.

Akehoshi: Ya truly care about Tomose-san. 

Akehoshi: I seriously think it’s amazin’ that you’re so devoted to someone.

Yu: (What’s most important is that Tomose is at peace, and I want that to last forever.)

Yu: (It’s only natural that I’ll do anything that I can to make that possible.)

Tomose, who was staring at the sea, suddenly looked at me. Our eyes locked onto each other and then quietly averted as we looked back towards the sea.

Tomose: It’s beautiful.

Yu: Is that so…

The sea breeze that carried the waves pushed my body unsteadily. I wondered if it’d be better for us to head back to the car before the wind got any stronger.