Here we go, another chapter for y'all.

Also, here's another picture of Saki Kawasaki. Love her!

---

It was nearing the end of the day, the group were getting ready to leave Destiny Land. Minutes later, Y/N, Hachiman, Setsuna, Yui, Yukino, and Iroha were riding the train home.

Y/N was seated on the seats, Setsuna resting her head on her younger brother's shoulder as she was asleep. The others were standing, waiting by the door.

Train Conductor: (intercom) The train will soon arrive at Kaihin-Makuhari. Kaihin Makuhari.

Yukino: Well, the next stop is ours.

Yui: (nods) Yeah.

Y/N: (waves) See ya. Mines the next one after.

Hachiman: (turns to Iroha) Isshiki, I'm getting off, too. Which station are you--

He was interrupted as the foxy girl had tugged on his sleeve.

Iroha: Senpai, my bag's really heavy.

The two boys noticed that her tone of voice was much different, not the usual cheerful tone it usually is. Iroha hands the bag to Hachiman anyway, who was slightly confused.

Yui: (smiles) Yeah, that might be better.

A few hours later, it was now just the four of them, Yui and Yukino having left already for their respective homes.

Iroha: (sigh) That didn't work.

Y/N: What didn't?

Hachiman: She was rejected by Hayama. (looks to Iroha) You shouldn't need to say that now. You knew it wouldn't.

Iroha: Well, what was I supposed to do? I got all excited...

Hachiman: That surprised me. I thought you weren't the type to get caught up in what's going on around you.

Iroha: I was surprised, too.

Y/N: Hmm.

Iroha: I was expecting more indifference.

Hachiman: Huh? I thought you were trying to look like a love-struck fool, but were actually pretty clever...

Iroha: Not from me. From you.

Y/N: From him?

Hachiman: Huh?

Iroha: Of course I'd be moved after seeing that. 

Hachiman: Seeing what?

Iroha: I'm starting to want the real thing, too.

Y/N: The real thing, huh?

With a sigh, Y/N tunes out of the conversation, turning to look out the window. The lights of the city buildings brought him light reminders of the fireworks for some odd reason.

Then her smile came into his mind. Y/N sighs once more, sinking in his seat as he ponders what had occurred over there.

Timeskip-Next Day, Service Club Room

Hachiman had called the student council to meet with them in the Service Club room. This was to discuss their current agenda in the Christmas event at the community center.

Iroha: So, um, why did you call us here?

Y/N: Isn't it obvious?

Hachiman: To confirm our objective and discuss the future.

Iroha: Okay...

Hachiman: The plan currently in place is, frankly, impossible.

Y/N: Yeah. Even if we did somehow pull it off, only a small part of it would be successful.

Hachiman: For all the ideas they threw out, it'll end up being a pretty dull event. What do you think we should do to prevent that?

Iroha: Uh...I don't know...

Y/N: The problem is lying in those meetings. They're just a bunch of idiots.

Hachiman: We've pulled a lot of opinions together, but no one has made any actual decisions. So let's have a proper meeting, with none of the colluding. We'll oppose, confront, and deny proposals.

Y/N: Then make it clear to which ideas have won. That kind of meeting.

Iroha: (looks to VP) Uh...what do you think?

Vice President: I think...it's better if we don't make waves. And I think it'll be difficult to bring up counter-proposals at this point.

Iroha: That's true...

Y/N: Yeah, our time is pretty much nonexistent.

Iroha: But we'll do it.

Y/N: (thoughts) Why did I have the feeling that she would say that?

Iroha: I personally don't want this event to be dull.

Scene Change, Community Center

At the meeting, Iroha and the others were with the Kaihin student council, discussing their proposals.

Iroha: That may be true...but personally, I think I'd really like to put on a play. If the audience can see both your musical performance and our play, it's a really good deal for them, right?

Tamanawa: But if we separate, it would weaken our synergetic effect, and it doubles the risk...

Iroha: That's true. But we also have a budget to consider, as well?

Tamanawa: Let's all think about that together.

Kaihin Student 2: That's what this meeting is for.

Kaihin Student 1: I agree.

Kaihin Students: Agreed, agreed.

Kaori: Sore aru! (Preach it/That's the thing)

Vice President: Um, can I ask something? What's your reason for opposing the two-part event structure?

Tamanawa: Well, it's not that I oppose it. I just think if we all share our visions, we'll bring a sense of unity to this. I think the joint event framework is a must for building a positive image, too.

Hachiman: Is it necessary to do it jointly?

Tamanawa: Of course. By doing it jointly, we create group synergy and make the event bigger--

Y/N: There's no synergy at all. If we keep this up, we won't even achieve anything. Including something big.

Hachiman: So why are you still hung up on the form it takes?

Tamanawa: We've reached a consensus, and we've shared our ideas for the ground design.

Kaihin Student 1, 2, 3: I agree.

Kaori: Sore aru!

Kaihin Students: (murmurs) That's true.

Hachiman: You're wrong. I know because I had the conceited idea in my head that I could do it. That's why, even though I was wrong, I couldn't admit it. I guess I wanted to cover up mu own mistakes. To do that, I used tricks and words. I tried to put myself at ease by getting promises out of people. Because when I messed up, it was easier if I could blame it on someone else.

Kaihin Student 1: ...I get the feeling that's just a lack of communication. 

Kaihin Student 2: Why don't we take time to cool down and then discuss this again?

Kaihin Student 1 and 3: I agree.

Kaori: Sore aru!

Iroha and Hachiman grit their teeth in frustration and Y/N sighs, facepalming.

Yukino: If you want to play pretend, could you do it elsewhere?

The Kaihin student council quiet down and look towards her, Yukino opening her eyes with slight anger.

Yukino: You've been saying all kinds of things that have no meaning. Is it so much fun for you to pretend you're working by using words you just learned and mimicking a debate? You use vague terms to feel like you spoke up, to feel like you understand, but you take no action whatsoever. You'll never move forward that way. You won't create anything. You won't gain anything. You won't give anyone anything. You're just a pretender.

Yui: Yukinon...

Y/N: (sighs and mutters) And you wonder why they call you ice queen.

Yukino: Could you refrain from wasting any more of our time?

Yui: (sweat drops) Uh, wouldn't it be more fun to let people enjoy the even twice than to force it all into one? It would show the individuality of both our schools! Right?

Iroha: Uh...right. I think that sounds great.

Y/N: (sigh) Finally a bright idea for once.

Yui: W-What do you think?

Kaori: Uh, yeah...that would be cool, too. Right? Right?

The Kaihin students start to murmur, agreeing with them as they nod slightly.

They take a short break, Tamanawa blowing his hair up with frustration as Iroha was berating Yukino, Hachiman, and Y/N.

Iroha: Why did you two have to say stuff like that? You totally destroyed the mood!

Y/N: Well, what can you expect. They call Yukinoshita the ice queen for a reaso--

Yukino: (pinches Y/N's side) Behave.

Y/N: Ow! What are you, my mom? (notices Yukino's glare) ...Hai.

Yukino: (looks to Iroha) I don't believe anything I said was mistaken.

Iroha: You may have been right, but you could have read the mood a little. There were other ways to handle that, weren't there?

Y/N: Were there really?

Yukino: (referring to Hachiman) If you expect him to read a mood, your hope is in vain. Even in our club, he reads lines of text.

Hachiman: Sorry, but no. When you become a reader of my caliber, you can read between lines, too. Also, aren't you the one she was chewing out?

Yukino: But Isshiki-san acknowledged that I was right. (tilts head) So there's no reason for me to be chewed out.

Y/N: Yeah, that. That's exactly why she was chewing you out.

Hachiman: Agreed. Listen to what she's saying.

Iroha: (punching chalkboard) Excuse me! Were you guys listening to me? I was talking to the three of you!

Y/N shrugs while Yukino and Hachiman look away, the girl crossing her arms in the process.

Outside

Y/N had gotten a Georgia MAX COFFEE, Hachiman still picking his drink out.

Kaori: Here. My treat.

The two look over to see Orimoto handing Hachiman a drink.

Hachiman: (takes drink) Th-Thanks.

Kaori: (clinks cans) Yay!

Hachiman: Y-Yeah.

Y/N: (mutters) You are terrible with women.

Kaori: You've kinda changed, Hikigaya. I used to think you were totally boring.

Y/N: Nah, he's still boring.

Hachiman: And you're an asshole.

Y/N: (shrugs) Meh.

Hachiman: (looks to Kaori) D-Did you?

Kaori: But if someone looks boring, it might be the looker's fault. Still, I don't think I could ever go out with you.

Hachiman: Uh, I didn't ask you to do that...

Kaori: But...as friends, I guess it might work. I mean, you're hilarious. If we have a class reunion or anything, why don't you come?

Y/N: Hah. That's funny. He'll never go to any of that.

Hachiman: He's not wrong. Never.

Kaori: I figured! That's hilarious!

Hachiman: No, it's not.

After coming back to the meeting room, Y/N and Hachiman noticed that the children were happily talking to each other. However, Rumi Tsurumi was still by herself, making some of the decorations by herself.

Hachiman goes to help her, attempting to grab one of the papers.

Rumi: Hachiman, it's okay. I don't need help. I can handle it by myself.

Hachiman: Yeah, maybe you can, but...

Rumi: It's fine.

Y/N: But you know, he could handle it himself even better.

Rumi: (smiles) What are you talking about? That's dumb.

Hachiman lips curve into a small smile, him sitting down anyway as he starts to help. Y/N continued to stare out the window.

Hachiman: So you, uh...

Rumi: I'm not "you." I'm Rumi.

Hachiman: Okay, so, Rumi...want to be in our school's play?

Timeskip

It was time for the Christmas event. Y/N had asked Saki if Keika wanted to be in the play, Keika excited for it and Saki couldn't say no.

In the meeting rooms, Yukino and Yui were tending to the desserts.

Yukino: Yuigahama-san, did you finish bagging the cookies?

Yui: Yeah, I just finished! Want me to bake a cake, too?

Yukino: No need. So don't touch these, no matter what. (smile) No matter what, okay?

Yui: That's kinda mean!

With Iroha, Y/N, and Hachiman, the three were hiding behind the curtains. Many senior citizens were sitting at the table, waiting for the event to start.

Iroha: (nervous) Oh, god...we're totally in trouble!

Y/N: I don't know what you're talking about. The scenario was well-written.

Hachiman: What's there to be worried about?

Iroha: My secretary worked hard on the scenario.

Y/N: With my help.

Iroha: (blushes) And senpais, you...

Y/N: Oi...

Iroha: Oh, right! I'm gonna join the others, okay? Oh, and be sure to check with the vice president on how to time the ending! And take care of the cakes for me! (walks off)

Hachiman: (grins) You got it, kaichou.

The foxy president walks out on to the stage. The first part was a band performance by the Kaihin students. The elders seemed to enjoy it, smiles present on their faces. From the side, the Kaihin student council members were nodding their heads with the success.

Iroha was on the side, speaking into a headset as she commands the people, making sure the events and transitions run on time.

Saki was in the back, helping Keika get used to her costume while Y/N was behind Saki, his phone out as he was taking pictures of his younger cousin to send to Setsuna and Itsuki. After getting into her costume, Y/N pats Keika's head, making her smile brightly as the children prepare to go on stage.

As the play went on, Rumi had donned a blonde wig, being the main star of the show. After the play, Yukino was making the last touches on the cakes, the Sobu student council and Yui making sure they were almost ready to hand out. Zaimokuza had also showed up to overseer their work. Then, Hachiman and the vice president waited by the doors that entered the main banquet hall, Iroha off to the side as she gives the okay for them to open the door.

They open the door, the children coming out with cakes in their hands. Saki and Y/N were taking pictures of Keika handing the cake to an elderly man, bringing a smile to their faces. Hayato's group was there as well, giving a thumbs up for their success on the event.

Both Tamanawa and Iroha were working hard, directing their respective student councils in making sure everything went perfect.

The elders smiled at the children's performance, the children bowing as they finished up the play. The Service Club were to the side, smiling contently as their work was finished. The Christmas event was a success.

Timeskip-Evening, Sobu High

Hachiman was walking the empty halls of Sobu, the orange filled sky shining through the windows. 

He comes into the Service Club room, Yui greeting him happily.

Yui: Welcome back!

He looked over to see Yui and Y/N in seats, next to each other. Yukino was in front of the two, serving them tea.

Yukino: Good work today, Yuigahama-san, Y/N.

Y/N: (waves off) I didn't even do much.

Yui: Thanks!

As Hachiman sat in his seat, he noticed the Pan-san engraved in it.

Hachiman: Eh, what? What's this?

Y/N: (sips tea) Yukinoshita insisted upon it.

Yukino: And you didn't reject the idea.

Y/N: ...You're not wrong.

Yukino: (to Hachiman) Besides, giving just one person a paper cup would be wasteful, Your Christmas present!

Yui: I picked the shape, and Yukinon picked the print. L/N-san did, um...

Y/N: (sips tea) I was there for moral support.

Yukino: You were leaning up against the wall.

Y/N: What did you want me to do?

Hachiman: (picks up tea cup) I should've known. But I don't have anything for you guys...

Yukino: You don't need to worry about that. It's just a substitute for a paper cup.

Hachiman: ...Thanks.

Yui: You're welcome!

Hachiman: And for handling our request...uh...

Y/N: (rubs back of head) Yeah...thanks. It was a success thanks to you guys.

Yui: It's still Christmas, so let's have a party!

Hachiman: No, I don't think so.

Yui: Do you have plans, Yukinon?

Yukino: If we're having a party, I'll keep my schedule open.

Yui: Really? Yay!

Hachiman: You're not gonna ask if we have plans?

Y/N: No, I have plans. We're going to Kawasaki's place. Plus, Keika wants everyone there.

Hachiman: So was it a roundabout way of saying I'm not invited?

Y/N: (shrugs) I think?

Yui: Well, I know you don't have any plans. I want to eat some of the cake you made, Yukinon!

Yukino: I made the cake you were eating earlier.

Y/N sighs with a smile as the two girls start to have a friendly argument. The green-eyed boy leans back in his chair.

Next Day

It was the next day and the Service Club, along with Komachi, had gone to a festival. Currently, they had gathered in front of a shrine.

Clapping their hands together, they prayed.

Afterwards, the five of them were walking away from the festival, Yui walking up to the two boys as she whispers into their ears.

Yui: (whispers) Hey, what should we do about shopping for Yukinon's birthday present?

Y/N: (whispers) Oh, how could I forget that.

Hachiman: (whispers) Oh...uh...are you guys free tomorrow?

Y/N: (whispers) Probably.

Yui: (blushes) Y-Yeah, I am...

Hachiman: Really? Okay, then tomorrow.

Yui: Okay.

Y/N: Sure.

The orange haired girl stops as she takes out her phone, seeing the caller ID was Yumiko.

Yui: Oh, it's Yumiko! Yahello, Yumiko! Just a sec, okay? (looks to everyone) Um, what are you all doing after this?

Y/N: Probably go home.

Yukino: So am I. I don't care for crowds.

Yui: What? But...

Yukino: We'll see each other at school again soon, won't we?

Yui: (nods) Yeah!

After they departed with Yui, they went back to the train station.

Komachi: Oh, shoot! I forgot to buy a good luck charm! I also forgot to write a wish to hang up, so I'm going to run back!

Y/N: Oh, Nee-san was asking me to buy one. I should--

Komachi: (whisper) What are you saying, Y/N-san!? (normal) You stupid! You dimwit! You Y/N!

Y/N: (confused) My name isn't an insult.

Komachi: (playfully salutes) Yukino-san, I'm going to take off! Come on, onii-chan!

Hachiman: Hai, hai, coming, Komachi. Good luck. I'll buy your sister one. I'll send it in the mail later.

Y/N: Huh?

The two walked off before Y/N could reply, his confusion growing even more. He hears giggling from behind him and he turns around to find Yukino had turned around, covering her mouth to hide her laugh.

Y/N: What's wrong with you?

Yukino: (giggling) Stupid...dimwit...Y/N...

Y/N: (thoughts) I guess her dictionary of insults was increased for the first time in a while. Actually, it sounded better if Hikigaya's name was said instead of mine.

Soon after, the train arrived and they got on. All the seats were filled up, leaving them to stand. 

Y/N held onto the handle rings that hanged from the ceiling and Yukino stood next to him. The train shifts slightly as Yukino moved slightly towards him, causing her to grab his arm sleeve.

He looked over to her to see she was slightly blushing, a blush soon coming to her face.

Y/N: (thoughts) Why are you blushing? You're making me blush now. Dammit. (normal) You were okay heading in this direction?

Yukino: Huh? Oh, yes.

Y/N: It's the end of the year, so I thought your family might be doing something. 

Yukino: Oh...I'm not going home this year. I don't have any particular reason to. And it won't make much difference whether I'm there or not.

Y/N: Then why not go? If it's not going to make a difference, that's easier for you. You won't cause any problems for anyone. Knowing me and my siblings, we'd cause a commotion at "father's" dinner parties. Not that we give a damn anyway. Besides, there are people who ruin the atmosphere just by existing.

Yukino: (smirks) I don't remember you introducing yourself like that.

Y/N: Well, in this day and age, I prefer to avoid contact with people except family. Besides, this is more of Hikigaya's thing.

Soon, the train hisses as it comes to a stop.

Y/N: Well, this is my stop.

As he departs off the train, Yukino calls out his name.

Yukino: Y/N.

Y/N: Hmm?

Yukino: (smiles) I look forward to this year.

As the door closes, Y/N only made a small smile.

Y/N: So do I.

Next Day, Mall

It was the next day and the Service Club members, minus Yukino, were at the mall. The plan was to find a suitable present for the ice cold queen and currently, Yui had ran up to the two, displaying two mittens.

They were in a clothing store, Yui trying on different things to see it would fit Yukino. As Yui was going to try on a shirt, she begins to take her upper area off. Hachiman looked away while Y/N turned to the shelves, pretending he was looking at the items.

Soon, their attention was drawn back to Yui, who was in front of them with a buttoned shirt. While it would look good on Yukino, they went to the biggest difference. Y/N awkwardly coughs as he looks away. They then find another aisle, Yui putting on a hand puppet of a dog. She proceeds to latch on Hachiman's arm, her giggling while Y/N facepalms at her childish nature.

They then gone to a glasses store, Yui trying on reading glasses.

Yui: (smug smile) Kinda makes me look smart, doesn't it?

Hachiman: Just the idea that glasses equal intelligence makes you pretty stupid.

Y/N: I mean, it's pretty common misconception.

Yui: Oh, shut up jerks!

Turning their heads, the two boys eyes lands on computer glasses. They do know that Yukino does spend most of her assignments on her laptop.

They were then called over by a familiar voice.

Haruno: Hey, it's Hikigaya-kun and Y/N!

The three turn over to see Haruno and Hayato.

Yui: Haruno-san...and Hayato-kun!

Hayato: ...Hey.

Instead of talking in the store, Haruno had lead the four to CHIBA cafe latte club, a coffee shop.

Haruno: Oh, that's right! Yukino-chan's birthday is coming up. So that's why you're here. (looks to Y/N) Are you looking to ask her out?~

Y/N: Why ask a stupid question with a stupid answer?

Haruno: Hmm, but if it were Hikigaya-kun and Yuigahama-san alone together, though...still getting along well, I see.

Hachiman: My little sister was with us at first, but she took off somewhere along the way.

Y/N: Eh? She was here?

Hachiman: Oh, that's right. You were dozing off most of the time. Anyway, it's unusual to see you two together, too.

Haruno: Oh, we're here for a New Year's dinner. Y/N, why didn't you invite your siblings and come. Your fa--

Y/N: That man isn't my father. He just help create me. That's all.

Hayato: A-Anyway, our parents have always been friends. They made us come along with them.

Hachiman and Yui look to see where they are, Y/N not bothering to even look.

Haruno: My parent's and... Y/N's father are off saying hello to some other people. We're waiting for them.

Hachiman: Ah, I see.

Haruno: Oh, right!

Going to her cellphone, Haruno begins to dial a number, making the three of them confused. Hayato could see who she was contacting.

The phone starts to ring as the three of them look at each other.

Yukino: (on phone) Hello?

Haruno: Hi, Yukino-chan! It's your sister! Can you come out right now?

Yukino: (on phone) I'm hanging up.

Haruno: Oh? Are you sure? 

Yukino: (on phone) What is it?

Haruno: Well, actually...here you go!

Y/N: Why me?

Haruno: Just talk to her!

Y/N: (sigh) Hi...

Yukino: (on phone) ...I can't believe this.

Y/N: What did you expect? This is your sister after all.

Haruno: (fake pain) I can't believe you said that, Y/N!

Y/N: Meh.

Yukino: (on phone) What are you doing there?

Y/N: Well...you know...

Yukino: (on phone) I'll be right there.

The call ends and the five of them were sitting in the coffee shop, waiting for Yukino. Minutes later, she was looking around before Yui called her over.

Yui: Yukinon! Over here!

Hachiman: (nods) O-Osu.

Yukino: Yuigahama-san, Hikigaya-kun...both of you, too?

Yui: Uh, yeah, well...I was shopping with Hikky and L/N-san and we kind of got snagged.

Yukino: (eyes widen) I...I see...

Y/N: It wasn't a date, if that's what you're thinking.

Haruno: Took you long enough, Yukino-chan!

Yukino: You've got some nerve, after calling me out here...

Hayato: Now, come on...it looks like Yukino-chan hurried over...

Haruno, Y/N, and Yukino perk up, Hayato noticing their stairs. It had been awhile since Hayato had called her that.

Hayato: (sweat dropping) What would you like to drink, Yukinoshita-san?

Yukino: (sigh) I'll have black tea.

After he tea had arrived and was seated, next to Y/N but much to her displeasure, Haruno speaks cheerfully.

Haruno: It's been ages since we all had tea together, huh?

Hayato: Yeah.

Y/N: I guess.

???: Haruno?

They look to the voice and Y/N's blood begins to boil, a scowl quickly appearing on his face. In front of them was Yukino's mother, but also Hirmada L/N.

Haruno: Oh, are you done talking?

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Yes. Hayato-kun, I'm sorry to make you wait.

Hayato: It's alright. With everyone here, I wasn't bored.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: (smiles) Hello, Y/N. 

Y/N sends an nod towards Mrs. Yukinoshita, but his scowl still remained.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: (looks to Yukino) Oh, Yukino, you're here? I'm glad.

Yukino: Mom...

Mrs. Yukinoshita spots Hachiman and Yui, nodding to them as they nod back. It was then, Hirmada decided to speak up.

Hirmada: (looks to Yui and Hachiman) Why are you spending time with people of the common class?

The three Service Club members eyes widen while Y/N kept his scowl.

Y/N: I wasn't. I was just leaving anyway.

Getting up and beginning to leave, he was about to go before his father had put a hand on his shoulder.

Hirmada: You're foolishness has gone far enough. It's time to come--

Y/N: That place...that place was never home. And I don't need your charity. I didn't want anything to do you.

Hirmada: That may be so, but it doesn't change the fact that my blood runs in your veins.

Y/N: ...Yeah. I know that. That's what I hate about myself.

And without a word, Y/N took off, Yukino only watching him with worried eyes as he turns the corner. Hirmada sighs before he turns to Mrs. Yukinoshita.

Hirmada: I'll be at the dinner table.

He, too leaves. Mrs. Yukinoshita then turns to Haruno.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Your friends?

Haruno: Yukino-chan's.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Oh, I'm sorry. I don't know any schoolmates of Yukino's besides Hayato-kun and Y/N. Please continue to be good friends to her.

Yui: (nods happily) We will!

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Well, shall we go?

Haruno: Sure.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Yukino.

Yukino: I...

Mrs. Yukinoshita: This is your birthday celebration, as well.

Yukino goes to say something.

Haruno: Yukino-chan, don't.

Hayato only watches with sad eyes before he turns to Hachiman and smiles. As they were about to leave, Hachiman stops them.

Hachiman: Before you leave...

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Hmm? Yes?

Hachiman: What's the problem with L/N and his father?

Mrs. Yukinoshita: (frowns) That's something you will have to ask him yourself. (sigh) Sarashiki was the world to him. Then again, to the three of them.

And without another word, the Yukinoshita family and Hayato go off to join Hirmada. Hachiman and Yui remain at the table for awhile before they begin to ponder what had happened.