Checkmate

6

This is bad. This is really bad.

"Hikigaya-kun... Would you care to elaborate on what Isshiki-san just said?"

The Ice Queen's voice reflected well how she earned the moniker, as even the completely normal and understandable question she asked caused a chill to go through me, and I found myself inadvertently swallowing. Her expression was neutral, but I could feel the tension coming off her. S-scary... I didn't think she'd react this strongly... Okay, let's calm down for a second and think about this rationally. There is no way Isshiki should know that I've been talking with Miura. I know for a fact that no-one has seen us at my lunch spot, and we've been returning to the classroom separately.I looked at the younger girl across the table, who was looking at Yukinoshita, but now shifted her gaze to me. Then again, as long as there's even a slim chance for that to be the case... I need to be careful with my words and keep cool.

"First of all... Where did you hear that from, Isshiki?" I asked, trying to keep my voice as level as I could. If it's an unreliable source, like a rumour, I might be able to bullshit my way through this. I spared a quick glance at Yukinoshita, who had fixated her gaze on me in an almost accusatory way. A part of me isn't fond of lying to her so openly, but... If all goes well, Miura's request will be over soon, so there's no need for me to tell them about it. If it does come down to that, though... Well, I'll see about that if it happens.

"Oh, Hayama-senpai told me about it." Isshiki replied nonchalantly. Hayama. Of course. But how did he find out? Has Miura slipped something up? Damn that woman... "Although... maybe 'told me' isn't the correct term here... Hmmm..." I lifted an eyebrow at Isshiki's words as the girl looked upwards in thought, placing a finger on her lips as an attempt at being cute. "More like... I overheard him say it yesterday when I was stalk- at soccer practice with him." Isshiki looked back at me with an innocent smile. Oi. You just said something very suspicious. Yukinoshita is always going on about reporting me to the authorities, when Isshiki is the real culprit. "He was sorta like, muttering to himself about some rumour, and then I heard him saying something along the lines of 'Yumiko must have been talking with Hikigaya'. I got curious, so I came here now to ask you about it." Isshiki continued, and I let out a sigh.

"So in other words... You heard something that constitutes as nothing more than a rumour – no, that isn't even a rumour yet, simply the ramblings of one person – and made conclusions based on that alone?" I asked in turn and gave Isshiki a glare, while the younger girl lightly tapped herself on the head with her fist while making a 'Teehee!' sound. That cutesy act is only making me more irritated right now... Besides, it's only cute when Komachi does it, so you're wasting your time, Isshiki.

"So, what you're saying is that... it isn't true, Hikigaya-kun?" Yukinoshita asked warily with narrowed eyes, and I turned to look towards her and nodded.

"Of course it isn't. Me talking with Miura of all people? Can you even imagine that? We can barely tolerate each other's presence in class." Yukinoshita thought for a moment, then seemed to relax as she shook her head. Well, I guess I can imagine it, as she has done so on a daily basis up until today, and – for some bizarre reason – she seems to be enjoying it as well. But, at least my reputation is handy here. "Hayama is probably worried about the rumour, maybe even struggling without our help, though I don't know where he would get the idea from that I would have anything to do with Miura." I rested my head on my palm, sensing the tension that had previously permeated the clubroom disappearing. Crisis averted, though only barely. I think Yukinoshita would have understood if I explained the situation to her, but she probably wouldn't have been happy to know I've undertaken another request behind her back. Also, Isshiki is here, and I don't particularly fancy telling her about it. Although... I do now know that Hayama may not have the situation under control as well as we thought. And he is also clearly suspicious of Miura... I'll need to tell her to be more careful if she doesn't want him finding about her plans.