Thread 1 - Aloof Yellow

[bunnyandcomet]

Notes:

This is the second part of Thread 1. The first part, Irresponsible Pink, has been translated by Misora and can be found here. Thank you to Misora for proofreading this also!

"Okoge" means scorched rice, like the rice you get at the bottom of the cooking pot.

Senbei are a type of rice cracker. Mentai (short for mentaiko) senbei are senbei made with spicy cured pollack roe.

Karashi is a type of mustard that can be mixed with mayonnaise to form a dipping sauce, among other things.

---

Chapter 1

Announcement: "The next stop is—"

Ito: (We've come quite far already, but I guess we still have a ways to go......)

Yuragi: ......

A slightly cramped two-person seat in the second-to-last row.
Impressed at how he could sleep despite the bus's characteristic shaking, we were heading towards—

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Ito: —The "House"?

Yuzuru: Yes. It's like Aporia's second dorm.
It's a share house that functions as both the office and living space of the Administrative Department members.
Of the three of them, two have work-from-home jobs other than Aporia, so it exists for that reason too.

Ito: I see......Understood. I'd better head over there tomorrow, then.

Yuzuru: That would be great. There's a bus you can catch from Shibuya that'll take you nearby, and I was thinking you could get there that way.
I'll give you a map later since the route from the bus stop is a little complicated.
I'm sorry I can't show you there even though it'll be your first time going. It would've been good if I could go with you, but......

Yuragi: What time tomorrow?

Yuzuru: ? We haven't sorted out all the details yet, but it'll probably be around noon.

Yuragi: If it's noon then I'll go too.

Ito: Eh......Yuragi-kun?

Yuragi: Because I'm going over to play with Okoge tomorrow.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Ito: (I wasn't expecting him to suggest that, but he saved me. Seriously.)
(According to Kou-san, "The Simulation Department has basically no opportunities for direct contact with the Administrative Department, so it's really only Yuragi who's close with them.")
(I feel like I got quite lucky this time.)
(Fluffy fur the colour of scorched rice......It's got to be cute.)

Yuragi: ......

Ito: (......At any rate, he seems to be sleeping pretty soundly.)
(I'm glad I asked beforehand what stop we're meant to get off at, but I'm a bit reluctant to wake—)

Thump!
Thud

Yuragi: !?

Ito: Ah.

The whole vehicle shook as if it had run over something—
And at the same time, the side of Yuragi-kun's head banged against the window with a harsh sound.

Yuragi: Ow, ch......Wha......?

Ito: ......! Sorry! For, um, not being able to help. Are you all right......?

Yuragi: ............Tch. Haah......

A chilling sweat ran across me at that sigh, so deep it seemed to touch the ground, unlike any other I'd heard before. All of a sudden, I recalled something.

Ito: (Could this be......)

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Kou: —He's quite temperamental, or should I say, he can be moody.
There are also times when he's in an extremely foul mood.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Ito: (......Oh no.)
(I didn't ask him the most important thing: what to do when he becomes like that!)

Fwump

Ito: Huh?

Yuragi: Shit......I could've slept more......

Ito: ......
(......Ehhhh......?)

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

—As I sat there bewildered by the novel move of leaning on me while seething with resentment, Yuragi-kun fell asleep once more using my shoulder as a pillow.
However, it seemed like that wasn't enough to cleanly reset his mood......
After alighting the bus.
Yuragi-kun, with a gaze that was 30% duller than usual (or at least it seemed that way), walked diagonally ahead of me without uttering a word.

Ito: ......

Yuragi: ......I won't apologise, because it's not like I'm asking for forgiveness.

Ito: (! He spoke.)

Yuragi: Since I'm not mad at you for this.

Ito: Ah......
Okay, thanks. We're good on that part.

Yuragi: Huh?

Ito: Huh??

Yuragi: "We're good on that part"?

Ito: No, I mean......I was thinking that if it was me you were mad at, you probably wouldn't have leaned on me or anything.
If this and that are separate things though, I apologise.

Yuragi: ......They're not separate.

Ito: Ahh, that's good.

Yuragi: So you don't have to be so careful.

Ito: Eh. Caref......?
(In times like these, I think it can be bothersome when people pay too much attention to you or try and guess how you're feeling from your expression.)
(I was actually trying to avoid doing that, but......)

Wondering just how my actions had made him feel, I waited nervously for Yuragi-kun's next words...
But they came from a slightly unexpected angle.

Yuragi: Normally you'd find it irritating if someone suddenly got into a bad mood and took their anger out on you, even though you didn't do anything.
If it happened to me, I'd look more annoyed.

Ito: (......Yuragi-kun......)
Did you take your anger out on me just then?

Yuragi: Almost, but I didn't.

Ito: I didn't think you did either, so......
That part is also okay.

Yuragi: ......

Ito: I still don't really know you that well yet.
But from the start, it didn't seem to me like you were purposely acting out due to your bad mood.
And even more so after what you just said.
So I wasn't annoyed, and I'm not bothered. Not at all.

Yuragi: ......

Ito: ......Sorry, "not at all" is a lie.
When I saw the look on your face the moment you woke up, I was worried......like, "Maybe my shoulder wasn't at a comfortable height".

Yuragi: ......Shoulder......

Ito: (......Ah.)

Yuragi-kun's aura softened just a bit as he let out a small breath.

Yuragi: The height was just right.
......Thanks, deputy.

Ito: ......It's no problem. You're welcome.
(......As I thought, he's different.)

Sometimes when one wants things to go their way, they try and control other people through "displeasure", whether it be intentionally or unintentionally.
People like that exist in this world. I don't think they're uncommon, either.

Ito: (When I heard that "he's a fickle, moody person who can be unpleasant", I thought there was a possibility he could be one of them.)
(But he probably isn't. At the very least, he "dislikes" who he becomes when he gets like that.)
(Good to know......Ah.)

—Then, Yuragi-kun stopped walking.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Ito: Here?

Yuragi: Yeah.

Ito: It sort of smells nice, like a bakery.

Yuragi: It's not bread today, it's chiffon cake. Taiga said he'd make some.

Ito: (Taiga......The department head is making chiffon cake?)

Ding-dong

Yuragi-kun, who had pressed the intercom while speaking, opened the gate and entered without waiting for a reply.

Ito: Is that fine?

Yuragi: He said "Whatever, it's fine already".

Ito: (Those are the words of someone who's given up......)

I tried waiting a little longer, but no response came over the intercom, so I quietly proceeded towards the house with an "Excuse me for intruding".
Pretty flowers in planter pots lined the front porch.

Ito: (Handmade sweets and well-maintained flowers. It gives off the feeling of a very conscientious way of life.)
(That's right, Kise-san did say that Tsukimoto-san is "a very polite, proper, and kind person".)

Yuragi: They're taking ages.

Ito: Oh no, could I have mistaken the time......ah, thank goodness, it seems like he's here.

Bang

Taiga: —I apologise for making you wait!

Ito: !!

Chapter 2

Intimidated by the force and intensity of the person who appeared from the other side of the door, my breath caught in my throat, and next to me......
The completely unperturbed Yuragi-kun let out a sigh.

Yuragi: Taiga, you're being noisy.

Taiga: Eh. Ah, my bad.

Yuragi: And your face is scary.

Taiga: You can shut up about that part.
Anyway......Excuse me, and good morning. You must be the deputy owner Yashiro-san...is it all right for me to refer to you that way?

Ito: ......Yes. Nice to meet you.
(That scared me to death......Thank goodness I didn't scream.)

Taiga: Nice to meet you, I'm Tsukimoto. I apologise for calling you out here so suddenly.
Please, come in.

Ito: (......Based on what I was told before, I just naturally imagined him as someone with an atmosphere like Kise-san's.)
(But, I see. He truly is a "polite and proper person".)
(So this is what the Administrative Department's chief is like.)

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Behind a set of classical-style double doors adorned with stained glass lay a spacious living room.

Taiga: !

The first thing I saw upon entering it was a figure sprawled on a cosy-looking sofa.

Ito: ......Thank you for...having me over.

Haruhi: Yeah. Welcome.
Yuragi's here too. It's been a week.

Yuragi: Yeah.

Taiga: Oi, you......what's with your sloppy as shit appearance, right in front of someone who's visiting for the first time? I told you to get up immediately.

Ito: !
(Tsu-Tsukimoto-san......so he can speak like this too. I see. What amazing spirit.)

Haruhi: I can't. This one's not going anywhere.

Ito: (He's going to respond like that, in the face of this intensity......!? Wait, that's......)

On the unruffled Haruhi's stomach lay a fluffy mass—a cat, curled up comfortably.

Haruhi: Okoge, Taiga says to get off.

Okoge: ......Meow.

Ito: (It really is the rumoured Okoge-san......how adorable.)

Haruhi: She said she doesn't feel like moving.

Taiga: Don't put words in Okoge's mouth.

Haruhi: Then, Yuragi, here. Pass.

Yuragi: Okoge......I missed you......Hhhhh......

Ito: (......He really does inhale the things he likes. Cat.)

Haruhi: Mm......Ahh, she was heavy......

Taiga: Isn't there something you have to do before stretching all leisurely like that? Quickly, stand up, say your greetings, and introduce yourself.

Haruhi: I was just about to. Haah, now I've lost all my motivation.

Taiga: I doubt you had much to begin with.

Haruhi: Ahh......Haruhi Ichikawa, 26 years old. I hate direct sunlight and tiresome nagging.
Nice to meetcha.

Taiga: If you don't want to get hit, at least say "Nice to meet you" properly.

Haruhi: Didn't it say on Chattas that it's fine to not speak too politely?

Taiga: That may be so, but for a first meeting you should......Ah.

One more person had entered the living room—a man with a composed aura.

Taiga: Sei-san. Sorry, were we too loud?

Sei: No, not at all. I came out simply because I had finished.
Welcome, Yuragi-kun. And......this must be Yashiro-san. Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you.

Ito: Nice to meet you too.
(Tsukimoto-san, and Ichikawa-san. This person must be......)
You must be Sei Okiya-san, I presume?

Sei: My, I'm honoured.
Yes, I'm Sei Okiya from the Administration Department. Feel free to call me Sei.
I apologise for not being able to welcome you in. I had to take a work call just then.

Ito: No, I'd also like to apologise for coming at a busy time.

Sei: Think nothing of it. We've been waiting for you.
Welcome to our House. Please, make yourself at home.

Chapter 3

Ito: —......!
This is delicious. Extremely delicious.

Taiga: I'm glad it suits your tastes.

After all the formalities.
Yuragi-kun headed towards the second floor with the air of someone familiar with the place, saying "I'm tired so I'm going to sleep."
Tsukimoto-san deftly prepared four cups of coffee and placed them on the table with three plates of chiffon cake.

Sei: Haruhi, would you mind splitting some of yours with me after all? Today's cake seems to be particularly exquisite.

Haruhi: You can just eat my share. If there's some left over Yuragi will eat it anyway.

Ito: (......Does Ichikawa-san not like sweet foods that much? It really is delicious, though.)

Sei: What a shame. Even though it's been made so wonderfully.
The elegant and refined sweetness produced by simple ingredients and careful efforts is further enhanced by the accommodating flavour of the Colombian coffee.
It's a pairing that makes you believe anything else is unthinkable, let alone better.
The salty taste lent by the unassuming garnish of roast nuts and the whipped cream, light as a cloud, take it to new heights.
Though it may be but a plain, modest chiffon cake, it still shows a great many expressions. A true marvel.

Ito: (Ohh......!?)

Haruhi: The real marvel here is you. You could talk all our ears off.

Sei: My apologies. I was a bit overly effusive.

Taiga: It's really not that big of a deal, but when you compliment it like that, it does make me feel like I've done a good job. Thanks.

Ito: ......

Sei: Yashiro-san, is something wrong?

Ito: ......No. I recall that you have another job outside of Aporia......
I was just wondering if it could be something related to cooking, perhaps.

Sei: Oh no, I'm afraid not. I happen to have a weakness for good food, is all.
My other job is a bit of translation work.

Ito: (Translation......! I see, that explains his vocabulary.)

Sei: Thanks to my grandmother, I've been a bookworm ever since I was a child, and it's ended up as your typical "hobby taken to the next level".
While I call it a side business, the work I do for Aporia is merely the management of this house and providing assistance to these two.
Compared to Haruhi, who single-handedly undertakes all the internet and design-related work, or Taiga, who handily deals with the complex accounting, I'm nothing much.
I've got it quite easy, really.

Taiga: You're being too humble. Neither of us would be able to do what we do if it weren't for your support.

Sei: I'm honoured to hear that.

Haruhi: ......Can I go back to my room for a bit?

Ito: (Huh?)

Taiga: No way. What's up with that?

Haruhi: Doesn't seem like we're going to get to the main topic anytime soon. I'm tired of just sitting around.

Ito: (Haruhi-san's the type who can really make his point......)

Sei: That's true. We called you out here so urgently, but perhaps we've been too long-winded in our conversation.
Shall we stop beating around the bush, then?

Taiga: ......Well. You can listen while you eat, so do you mind if I begin talking about our in-store agency request?

Ito: No......go ahead.

Ichikawa-san freely let out a yawn. Tsukimoto-san, side-eyeing him, wrinkled his brow and sighed.
And Sei-san, watching over the two of them amusedly, leisurely sipped his coffee.
Feeling like I was the only one getting nervous here, I waited for Tsukimoto-san's next words.

Taiga: As Sei-san says, the Administration Department work is primarily handled by me and Haruhi, with Sei-san acting as our support.
We rarely ever rely on help from the other departments, but......
The quarterly accounts settlement that I'll do over this week and next week......that is, a rather important accounting deadline and the due date for Sei-san's current job will overlap.
Because of that, well. Something that we won't be able to get around to has popped up, and just when we were wondering how we were going to deal with it...
We heard that Yashiro-san would be taking charge of support for the departments and we thought it might not hurt to try asking you just this once, and now it's come to this, so......

Ito: (......Is there something wrong? Somehow, it feels like he's avoiding getting to the point.)
Your request......Is it to help you with the accounts work in place of Sei-san?

Taiga: Ah. Not at all! That's my responsibility, I'll take care of it fully.
What we would like your help with isn't accounting work. It's, well. Haruhi's......
......Really, I hate to ask this of you, but......

Ito: Ichikawa-san's......assistant, is it?

Taiga: Rather than Haruhi's assistant, it's more like......

Haruhi: ......

Taiga: ......My apologies! It's really nothing, after all!

Ito: (Huh!?)
It's nothing?

Haruhi: Haah......

Sei: Now, now, calm down.

Taiga: Sei-san, I can't do it. Asking her to help us with this is beyond rude.

Sei: And having her come out here only to say "Actually, it's nothing" isn't?
More than that, how do you suppose we will weather the next week if we don't rely on her?

Taiga: Ugh......

Ito: (I can't see where this is going......Just what kind of situation are we talking about here?)

Haruhi: Fuahh...mm......

Taiga: ! Oi, seriously......acting like this has nothing to do with you. Really now, Haruhi!
We wouldn't need to have the deputy owner come here in the first place if you could just get your act together!

Haruhi: I've heard this spiel a million times already. That's why I said we didn't need to go out of our way to get her to help.

Taiga: You know full well what's going to happen if we just leave you be, though.

Ito: (Ahh, just give it to me straight already......!)
......Um, sorry to interrupt, but......

Taiga: ! Yes?

Ito: If the only reason you're hesitating is "Because it's unacceptably rude to ask this of her"...
I don't mind at all, so please tell me.

Taiga: ......I'm very grateful you feel that way. It's just......

Ito: Honestly, feel free. Go ahead.
No matter what it is, if it's something I can assist with, I'd like to.

Taiga: ......Yashiro-san.

Haruhi: ......

Ito: ......If there is something I can do, then. I'll do it, but...

Sei: Thank you. It's extremely reassuring to hear you say that.
To tell the truth, what we'd like to ask of you this time is Taiga's task. I believe his strong sense of responsibility is what's making this difficult for him.

Ito: (Tsukimoto-san's task......something aside from accounting?)

Sei: Taiga, shall I say it for you?

Taiga: ......No. I'm the one asking her to help with something I can't do, so I should be the one to say it.

Sei: Is that right? Then, I will simply observe.

Tsukimoto-san quietly took several deep breaths as if steeling himself, and when he had regained his composure......
His eyes, which had been swimming with troubles from the depths of his heart, looked straight at me once more.

Taiga: I apologise for showing you something so unsightly.
What I'd like to ask of you today is something that I'd usually take care of as a matter of unpleasant necessity—
That is, Ichikawa's "daily life and health management".

Ito: (Daily life and health...management......?)

Taiga: ......I'm truly sorry about this, but to put it in its simplest terms...
It's Ichikawa's personal care.

Chapter 4

With regards to when I should begin, I was told "The sooner, the better".
In accordance with that, after discussing the details, I prepared my things and arrived the day before the agreed date—
And the next morning, I started the job.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Ito: (......Ah.)
Good morning.

Taiga: Hey. Good morning.

After quickly getting dressed and going down to the first floor, the smell of delicious food, maybe miso soup or something boiled, wafted towards me.
Tsukimoto-san was sitting on the sofa typing on a laptop with a document in one hand.
The table was set neatly ready for breakfast.

Ito: (I planned on helping out with breakfast so I came down early, but......was I too late?)
You're quite the early riser.

Taiga: I got used to being a morning person due to a short-term job I once had.
More importantly, was the room all right? Was Haruhi being too noisy, or was it too hot or too cold, or......

Ito: Not at all, I slept very comfortably.

Taiga: I'm glad to hear that.

The job was to last about one week until next weekend. Due to the work required of me, the mornings were early and the nights were reasonably late.
Though it was only a bus ride away, having to commute from the dorm to the House every day was a hassle, and it would also mean having to walk at night day after day.
"It's cramped since we've been using it for storage, but there's a room with a lock you can use, and we'll prepare a futon for you."
"If you're willing to stay there, then by all means—" With those words, Sei-san offered me a room.
Of course I declined once, but then it became a matter of who would be responsible for seeing me off and welcoming me back.
In the end, I decided to take them up on their offer.

Ito: (To be completely honest, I think imposing on someone else's house for a whole week is a pretty outrageous thing for me to do.)
(But there's no point in me coming here if I'm only going to create more work for them......)

Taiga: I can serve breakfast whenever since it only needs to be heated up, but is it all right if I start preparing it now?

Ito: Thank you. I'll help.

Taiga: No, it won't take long. Please, take a seat.

Ito: (......Wait. There's only three chopstick rests?)

Taiga: Is something wrong?

Ito: Just, the chopstick rests...

Taiga: Ahh. Sei-san generally doesn't eat breakfast right before a deadline.
I'll go wake Haruhi when I've finished preparing, so please go ahead and eat first.

Ito: ! No......I'll go.

Taiga: What! No, no, there's no need.

Ito: But it's on the list of duties......

Taiga: I'll do it when I can......ahh, although. Better to have you do it once today rather than relying on you suddenly on a morning when I can't help......

Ito: ......That's true. For the first time, being able to turn to you for help if there's issues is...

Taiga: ......It is.
As I said yesterday, it might be a bothersome if he doesn't feel like getting up.
Sorry about this. If you would.

Ito: All right......
—I'll be off, then.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

The work assigned to me was divided into two main parts.
The first: aiding Haruhi's business operations. An assistant-like role, with duties ranging from simple computer work to running errands.
The second: supporting the maintenance of Haruhi's health, and taking care of him when he's unwell.
According to Tsukimoto-san, Ichikawa-san "Doesn't sleep, eat, or exercise", and "Due to years of inactivity, his poor constitution is basically baked in at this point".
In essence, his health is very fragile.
The bulleted summary list sent to me over Chattas contained easy-to-understand examples of what to do for both parts.
One of those listed under the second part was waking up Haruhi, who is not a morning person, at a fixed time.

Ito: (Even so, the examples for the second part are......)

・Offer him a drink frequently (he has a bad habit of not staying hydrated)
・Eat meals with him (he'll leave behind the things he dislikes if he eats alone)
・Stop him from eating too much mentai senbei (he's a small eater to begin with and he'll try to use it to replace proper meals)

Ito: (I thought this yesterday too, but it really looks like a guide to parenthood.)

"He has no sense of danger despite the fact that his ability to live, or even just to survive, is so low. It's risky to leave him alone."
Tsukimoto-san said that with a sigh while Ichikawa-san looked on coolly and Sei-san laughed.

Ito: (Although, instead of simply being dismissed as "someone who can't take care of himself", he's receiving a lot of support from the others. He must be an outstanding person.)
(He does all of the website management and design-related work, right? Rather than a company employee, maybe he's more like an in-house creator?)

Ito: Ichikawa-san's room is......this one?
(......Let's do this......)

I took a deep breath once, twice......and after the third time, I readied myself and curled my hand into a fist.
Then, I gingerly knocked on the door.

Knock knock knock

Ito: Good morning.
......

Knock knock knock

Ito: ......Ichikawa-san. Are you still sleeping?
............
(......No response......)
(I assumed this house had thick walls since I heard almost no noises from the other rooms last night. But Sei-san's room is right below here.)

(The sound of me knocking might echo further than I expect. Whether he's sleeping or working, it'll be bad if make too much noise......)

Ito: ......May I open the door?

There was again no reply. Not knowing what to do, I looked at the doorknob and saw a keyhole.

Ito: (Ah. This has a lock too......)

Haruhi: ......Is that you, deputy?

Ito: ! Good morning. Do you think you can get up?

Haruhi: ......Can't. It's too hard.

Ito: (Too hard......does that mean it's not just sleepiness?)

Taiga: Sorry Yashiro-san, I see that it's locked.

Ito: Tsukimoto-san......

Taiga: I forgot to tell you about it last night. Is Haruhi not getting up?

Ito: He did respond, but it seems he's not feeling well.

Taiga: Ahh, right from the first day......Excuse me.

Knock knock knock

Taiga: You good?

Haruhi: ......

Taiga: Fever, headache, stomachache, nausea. Which is it?

Haruhi: ......None of them. I'll sleep it off.

Taiga: Hah?

Ito: (Eh.)

Tsukimoto-san's voice took on a menacing quality, a complete 180 from his previous sympathetic tone of voice, and he clicked his tongue.

Taiga: You bastard......well then.

Ito: (......Could this be...)

With not a hint of wasted movement, he procured a keycase from his pocket, selected a key from within, and inserted it into the keyhole.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Taiga: I'm coming in.

Okoge: ......? Kuahhh....ah.

Ito: (Ah, so she was sleeping here. Good morning, Okoge-san......)

Haruhi: Ugh......

Tsukimoto-san entered the room without hesitation and flung open the curtains.
Ichikawa-san groaned from where he was on his bed and burrowed further into his blankets.
But Tsukimoto-san, merciless, immediately pulled them off him.

Ito: (W-What a stirring scene......)

Haruhi: I said I don't wanna......

Taiga: Don't give me that. Show me your face.
......No fever, and judging by what I saw of your sleeping posture when I came in, no stomachache either.

Haruhi: ......I said it wasn't, didn't I.

Taiga: What time did you go to sleep yesterday?

Haruhi: ......Early morning, so you're being too mean......

Taiga: I thought it was that! You bloody idiot, making Yashiro-san worry! Get up!

Haruhi: Shut up......You'll burst a blood vessel if you raise your blood pressure too high in the morning, Taiga...

Taiga: And whose fault is that?
I'm really sorry about this. He can be misleading.

Ito: No......as long as he's not actually sick.

Taiga: He may be ambiguous, but he won't outright lie to you.
As long as you ask him more specific questions like I did just then, I think you should be able to tell whether he's complaining because he doesn't want to get up or if he's actually in poor shape.
If he gives you vague answers, you can basically just open the curtains and strip off his blankets without mercy.

Ito: (I guess he won't wake up unless you go that far.)
......Understood.

Haruhi: "Understood", she says.

Taiga: That's right, so Haruhi. While Yashiro-san's here, keep your door unlocked while you sleep.

Haruhi: Fine, fine. Fuahh......ah...

Okoge: Meow, nyaa...

Haruhi: Going "food, food" the moment you wake up......aren't you lively. I got it, I'm getting up, so back away a little. I'm gonna step on you.

Taiga: Oi, someone who gets a fever so easily shouldn't be wandering about in such light clothing. Here, at least put this on, and your slippers too!

Ito: (......They really do get along well. Actually, rather than "getting along"......)

Ichikawa-san plodding down the hallway while avoiding Okoge circling his feet, and Tsukimoto-san chasing him holding a jacket.
I silently followed, with just one word flashing through the back of my mind as I watched that scene: parenthood.

Chapter 5

Ito: ......Good work today.

Haruhi: Mm.

Afternoon.
Following the instruction to "frequently offer him drinks", I had come to his room with tea at a fixed temperature, as directed.
Ichikawa-san looked straight ahead, the pen in his hand rattling with his quick hand movements.
A cute illustration of a parfait was displayed on his large monitor.

Ito: (Adorable......so he can draw like that without looking at his hands.)
I'll leave it here.

Haruhi: Yeah.

Ito: (Seems like he's in the zone. I don't want to bother him, so I'll make my escape—)

Haruhi: I wanna eat that, go buy it.

Ito: ......I'm sorry, but what do you mean by "that"?

Haruhi: Huh? You know, the usual......ah.

Ichikawa-san glanced in my direction as he spoke and the moment our gazes met, his eyes widened slightly and he abruptly fell silent.

Haruhi: Sorry. Forgot I wasn't speaking to Taiga.

Ito: (I could kind of tell.)
It's okay. Since I'm filling in for Tsukimoto-san, if you tell me what you want, I'll go buy it for you.

Haruhi: Nah, it's fine. Aren't you also doing some sort of work for the Main Office in the living room?

Ito: That's......more just work for me to do when I have spare time. My in-store agency duties come first.

Haruhi: Ahh......then.
I want the steamed chicken sticks they sell at the Dawson in front of the station, the red ones. Feel free to use the small change in the can in the entryway.

Ito: (Ahh......those are pretty delicious.)
Anything else?

Haruhi: Nope.

Ito: Okay. Sorry for disturbing you while you're working.
Well then......

Haruhi: Actually.

Ito: ! ......Yes?

Haruhi: I know Taiga gave you all those instructions and told you to take good care of me, but...
You don't have to fuss over me that much.

Ito: (Huh?)

Haruhi: What happened before was just me getting a bit careless. It's not like I want you at my beck and call.

Ito: ......

He certainly didn't say it harshly, and it's not as if he roughly pushed me away.
But like a shutter being pulled down right in front of me, like a door being closed, I could distinctly feel that a wall had been put up.

Ito: (Maybe he only said it because he thinks that's how I feel. Even though I tried not to be overly mindful.)

From the moment I stepped foot into this house, I had sensed it. That although amicable, they were somehow closed off to me—
That perhaps in this house, complete with three people and a cat, freely entering would not be warmly received.
Especially by Ichikawa-san.

Ito: (If that's the case......I really, absolutely must be careful.)

Haruhi: That's how it is, hope you understand.

Ito: ......That...
Can I interpret that to mean I should maintain association from a moderate distance?

Haruhi: Glad you're quick on the uptake.

Ito: Understood. I'll do that from now on.
......Sorry for being rude.

Haruhi: I mean......you weren't really rude, but...
Well. As long as you get it.

Ito: All right.

Haruhi: ......

Ichikawa-san resumed his work, and I was relieved to see that he didn't look displeased, at the very least.

With a small bow, I quietly took my leave.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Voice from the GPS app: "In 30 metres, turn left. Then, continue forward for 200 metres until you reach your destination."

Ito: (It's closer than I thought, and it's easy to get to as well. Turn left here, then...)
(......Ah, that's wrong. One more block.)

I stopped when I saw the icon on my app deviating slightly from the correct route, and when I turned to return to the street I came from......

Ito: (Whoa!?)

Man: !

Several metres behind me, in the shadows of a power pole, a lone man stood as if he were hiding.

Man: ......Fweet ♪

Ito: (He wasn't whistling before though...)

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but this was definitely too shady to explain away.
I unconsciously took a step back, and the man, still whistling a disjointed tune, spun on his heel and slunk away.

Ito: (Scary......What was that all about?)
(Weirdos really can be found anywhere. I'd better take a different route on the way back.)

I watched the man's retreating figure as I thought that.
Suddenly, something appeared to drop from him with a flutter.

Ito: Ah......

While I was hesitating on whether or not to call out to him, the man rounded a corner and disappeared from view.

Ito: (......What should I do?)

I cautiously approached the item, aware that he might realise and return for it...
And found a single photograph.

Ito: (Ahh......as I thought, it is something he dropped. This person wearing the uniform is probably him......wait.)
—Eh?

Another man stood next to him, smiling.
He looked a little younger than he did now.....but it was, without a doubt, Tsukimoto-san.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Day three of the Administrative Department's in-store agency job.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Haruhi: —So that's why when it comes to steamed chicken, it's gotta be Dawson's. Sorry, but that's the truth.
"Talking about steamed chicken again", "Do you not know any food except chicken and senbei?". Hey, don't underestimate me, I eat crab sticks with mustard mayo too.
Besides, whenever I start talking about this stuff, you guys get all riled up like I just hit a home run, going "Chicken! Chicken! Senbei! Senbei!".
I do eat meals like normal, you know. I ate celery just yesterday.
Haha, wa......eh, no way. "A guy who gets all full of himself cause he ate celery"? Hey, I'm not that full of myself.
Anyway, isn't it a good thing that I ate it! Aren't I amazing for eating celery!! Along with coriander, it's the biggest obstacle! The final boss of the vegetable world!
You're only allowed to laugh at me if you've never felt proud after eating celery.
Thanks for the hyperchat~. "Today's celery allowance". Okay, I'll use it for chicken~.
Oh yeah, by the way! Have you guys seen it? About the tournament the other day—

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Ito: (......Wow.)
(How can he talk like this for eternity by himself? And doing it in his free time between all his complicated work, too......!)

In the living room after dinner.
I watched the screen of my phone, letting out countless oohs and ahhs.
Easygoing music played in the background of an ever-evolving stream of chatter as Ichikawa-san constructed something in-game.
It gave me a strange feeling, knowing that a livestream being watched by over 20,000 people was being broadcast from this very house.

Ito: (I was really shocked though. To think that Ichikawa-san's other job was a streamer......and a pretty famous one at that.)

The streamer "demu", who had gained popularity through livestreaming an FPS game and was now widely known.
There were plenty of rumours going around about him, such as "He's a former pro gamer" due to his skill in said game, or "He's the reincarnation of this streamer from long time ago" due to his steady chatting.
But despite all of that, he hasn't publicised his face or private life, so he remains shrouded in mystery......apparently.

Ito: (......I wondered if it was possible for him to keep his privacy completely in this age of the "information society", because even though his face is hidden, his voice is the same.)
(But, I see now. Watching this, I get the feeling that as long as nothing unexpected happens, he won't get found out.)

With titles such as "The man born from a mouth", and "Passion monster who settles everything in a loud voice"...
No matter which way you look at it, there's no way anyone would conclude he's Ichikawa-san.

Ito: ("Since the ultimate hassle would be getting recognised in his daily life, he completely changes into someone who's his total opposite and acts as if they were 'real'"......)
(It's certainly an effective method, but to be able to think that and then actually do it is incredible.)
......

Recalling Tsukimoto-san's words, which were said to me during dinner as if to supplement Ichikawa-san's point-blank conversation...
I was suddenly reminded of "that photo".

Ito: (......What should I do about it?)

"There was a suspicious guy in the neighbourhood, and he was carrying a photo of Tsukimoto-san."
It was a dangerous world out there, so maybe it would be best to be on the safe side, inform everyone, and have them be on their guard.
But then again, it wasn't a photo that had been taken secretly or anything, so there was a possibility I could be digging into a private matter. I was conflicted.

Ito: (Bringing it up with the man himself is an option, or I could also consult with Sei-san or Ichikawa-san about it......)
(Maybe I could try telling Kise-san? But if it's something that Tsukimoto-san doesn't want others knowing about, that wouldn't be good either.)
(Ahh, dammit......I wish I'd just never seen that photo......)
!

Having faintly heard an ambient noise through my headphones, I looked over my shoulder.

Sei: Oh my. I didn't realise you were here.

Ito: Sei-san......

Chapter 6

Ito: Good work today. Are you taking a break?

Sei: Indeed. I'm feeling good today and was able to concentrate well, but I realised I'd left some essential documents with my assistant.
Fortunately, he was able to deliver them to me promptly, so I thought I'd have some coffee.
Ahh, there's some made already. May I have this?

Ito: Go ahead. Oh......is there enough left?

Sei: Drinking too much is toxic to the body, after all.

Sei-san smiled as he poured the coffee into his own cup, then casually lowered himself into an armchair.

Ito: (......I can't think of any topic that could make for pleasant conversation, but it's more awkward if I stay silent.)
So you have an assistant.

Sei: Yes. He's also an Aporia staff member. I don't suppose you've met him yet though, he's from the Watchdog Department.

Ito: (The Watchdog Department, huh......)

Sei: Incidentally, how have you been, Yashiro-san?

Ito: Me?

Sei: I regret that aside from at dinnertime, I haven't been able to meet with neither you nor the others.
I've only been able to gather that things have been progressing smoothly recently thanks to you.

But is there anything that's worrying you?

Ito: (Sei-san......he must be quite busy with work, but he's still concerned about me.)

No. Ichikawa-san hasn't requested much of me, and luckily his health seems to be stable too.

Sei: That's good. How about outside of your work duties?

Ito: Outside of......

Sei: Oh? It appears there is something.

Ito: !

Having unintentionally recalled the matter I had been thinking of before, Sei-san's words, spoken as if he had peered straight into my thoughts, startled me.

Ito: ......There is something that's been weighing on my mind a little, but it's just that I haven't been able to make up my mind about it yet.
At the moment, it's not anything worth taking up your precious time to talk about.
It also involves the personal affairs of someone other than me, and it'll probably end up being a long story. Perhaps another time.

Sei: I see, I see.
Firstly, I appreciate your consideration for my circumstances. You need not worry about me at all, though.
Truthfully, if anything, I'd say it's in my nature to like troublesome things.
If I can be of any help, I'm more than willing to lend an ear.

Ito: (Liking troublesome things......)

Sei: Regarding your second point, we in the Administration Department handle all kinds of information, so I can guarantee my discretion.
Acting like I never heard a thing after our discussion is over is also one of my strong points.

Ito: (......That definitely would make sense.)

A person belonging to a department bearing the name of "Administration" should be good at keeping secrets.

Sei: Thus, if you are in need of help, then please.
Allow me to hear you out.

Ito: ......
(I don't think anyone would be able to hear from their room what's being said downstairs in this house. And if those two were to come out of their rooms, we'd know immediately from the sound of their door opening.)

Ito: ......The truth is—

Though I was still a little hesitant, I concluded that simply discussing it with Sei-san was unlikely to make the situation worse.
While keeping an ear out for any noises coming from the second floor, I related the story of the suspicious man and the photo to him.

Sei: ......I see. So that's what happened.
Are you worried about Taiga because of that, Yashiro-san?

Ito: ......Would you say my concerns are unfounded?
I always think "By the time something happens, it's already too late", so it's become a habit of mine to think ahead.

Sei: I believe it's just as you say. Once something happens, it's too late. That is the unmistakable truth.
......By the way, is that something you learned from your parents?

Ito: Eh? No......Ah, actually, maybe it is.
It's not something that was consciously taught to me, but now that you mention it, it is a phrase my father says often.

Sei: He sounds like a wonderful father.
Hm. I see, I see......

Saying that, Sei-san nodded lightly several times.
Then, after taking a slow breath, he calmly resumed talking as if to regroup the conversation.

Sei: Taiga has slightly complicated circumstances......he has a secret. I would say there's a high likelihood that the suspicious man you saw is someone connected to that secret.

Ito: A secret?

Sei: Yes. It's not that strange, is it?
No matter who, no matter where. Everyone has one or two secrets that they don't want publicised.

Ito: ......

Sei: Therefore, I am unable to tell you the details myself.
However, if he was carrying a photograph of himself and Taiga smiling...
He should not be anyone who wishes harm, certainly not to Taiga, and not to Yashiro-san or the rest of us either.
I think you can rest easy.

Ito: (......He sounds pretty confident.)
I hope that's the case.

Sei: Well, though you may be relieved, I suppose there may be a lot of things you're curious about now.

Ito: ......No. I'm fine with this.

Sei: My. Do you not have any interest in Taiga?

Ito: !? ......I mean that I'm not going to pry into things that the person in question won't talk about!
I didn't mean to imply he's uninteresting or anything rude like that......

Sei: I know, I was just joking a little.

Ito: (Well, it was a joke that's bad for my heart......!)

Sei: At any rate, I'm glad we've settled that matter for now.
But if anything happens, please don't hesitate to reach out to me anytime.
I'm nearly always in my room, so let's talk again sometime.

Ito: ......Thank you very much.
(......What was that. It's a kind smile, but...)
(Just for a second—it creeped me out a little.)
......Ah. The livestream's coming to an end, so. I'll go and help him tidy up.

Sei: Yes, please do.
Well then, I'll see you tomorrow.

Ito: Yes.

Sei: ......
......Ku, fufu......
("By the time something happens, it's already too late"......She really is "his" daughter, isn't she.)
(Such an admirable, considerate, kindhearted girl.....)
......Poor thing.

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Just as Sei-san had said, the suspicious man didn't make any moves after that.
The days passed by uneventfully, and with one day left on the Administration Department's in-store agency job, morning came—
And with no warning at all, Ichikawa-san's health took a turn.

Ito: (......Hm? Is someone coming down?)

From the quiet living room, I suddenly heard the sound of a door opening and closing.
Footsteps continued down the stairs, and Okoge-san, who had settled down next to me as I worked, pricked up her ears.
Shortly after, Ichikawa-san appeared.

Okoge: Meow.

Haruhi: Ahh. So this is where you were, cosying up to the deputy. Yuragi's gonna get jealous.

Ito: Is it okay for you to be up and about?

Haruhi: Mm, gotta take care of the flowers. I remembered it's my turn today.

Ito: Oh, the flowers......I can do it for you.

Haruhi: Nah, it's fin......wait. Can you actually? Like, do you know what you need to do?

Ito: I was told how to. Watering and then checking the mail, right?

Haruhi: ......Okay then. Sorry about this, but I'll leave it to you......thanks.

Saying that, he lay down on the sofa, and Okoge-san immediately snuggled up to him.

Ito: (This is where I should probably recommend that he go back up to his room and sleep in his bed, but climbing the stairs might be difficult.)
(Watering duty......Good thing I checked how to do it before.)

A softer voice than usual and a pale face. Ichikawa-san, who had curled up as if to fit on the sofa, was extremely quiet.
He was so quiet that it made me want to check whether he was breathing.

Ito: (......After I finish the watering, I'll grab his duvet from upstairs.)

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

Checking outside first, I temporarily set down the watering can and headed out towards the mailbox.

Ito: (I think they're all flyers, but it might be better to not throw them away just in case. I'll leave them in the living room.)
Ah.

A single note that had been sandwiched between the flyers slipped out and fell.
I hurried out the gate to retrieve it.

Ito: (Ahh, good. This one isn't a letter, just another ad......)

???: —Oi. You there.

Ito: (......Eh—)

The moment I turned to face the direction of the voice, a small sound escaped from my mouth.
Just a few dozen metres away stood the man who had dropped the photo.

Chapter 7

Ito: (......Calm down, you're okay. There's...distance between us.)

Moving slowly to avoid provoking him, I attempted to return to the house as quickly as possible, but the moment I did so—

Owner of the Photo: WAIT!!

Ito: !!

—:ཐིཋྀ:—

I should have just gone back inside, unbothered. Or maybe I should have shouted for help.
But I was unable to do either, and without thinking, I ran off like a shot.

Ito: (Wha-what the heck? What does he want with me......!?)

Gshh

Ito: !!

My whole body was pulled to a sudden stop by a hand around my arm.

Owner of the Photo: Why...did you run......haah......

Ito: (Why? That's what I want to ask!)
......Let...go of me......
(Ah. Oh no. My voice won't come out at all...)

Owner of the Photo: I just want to ask you something. Quiet down and I won't do anything to you.

Ito: (......And if I don't, then what?)

His words, delivered with a grim expression, made my body freeze up even more. And then—

Haruhi: —Let go of her now.

Ito: (Huh?)

Owner of the Photo: Eh!?

A hand grasping the arm of my captor.
The person who had separated me and the man despite breathing raggedly was......

Owner of the Photo: Ha-Haruhi-san?

Ito: Why......
(Wait, he called Haruhi-san by name just now......?)

Haruhi: Taiga said I didn't have to water the pots out front today. I forgot to say, so I was about to go tell you......and then I heard a loud voice yelling "Wait!".
When I went outside, there were flyers scattered everywhere, and I caught a glimpse of you two running away......I thought I'd better chase after...you guys......
Don't make a shut-in like me run, I'm gonna die......and ow, my foot......I stepped on something......

Ito: ! Ichikawa-san, you're barefoot!

Owner of the Photo: Whoa. Your skin's peeling, seems painful......are you all right!?

Haruhi: I said it hurts, didn't I.

Ito: (He came after us without even putting shoes on first......)

Haruhi: Deputy, you good?

Ito: Ah......I'm fine, nothing actually happened, I just ran away on reflex......!

I'm sorry, I made you get injured like this.

Haruhi: No, anyone would be startled if they were yelled at by a stranger like that. Especially by someone as dodgy-looking as this guy.

Owner of the Photo: Ha-Haruhi-saan......I was only—

Haruhi: I get it. You're just gonna make things worse, so let me do the talking.
Uhh......firstly, this is Shigeta-kun. He seems dubious, but he's sort of like a servant of Taiga's family.
He comes by every now and then to see how Taiga's doing, and me and Sei know of him too.

Ito: (Eh.)
......Tsukimoto-san's family is the kind that has servants......?

Shigeta: ! Do you not know?

Haruhi: We only met her recently. It's not like he's going to blabber on willy-nilly about his family.
By the way, she may be a newbie, but she's higher up than Taiga. She's our superior, you know.

Shigeta: WHAAA!?

Ito: (Superior......In terms of position, I guess that's true, but saying it out loud feels really uncomfortable.)

Haruhi: Well, I assume you mostly just wanted to see what kind of relationship she and Taiga had, since she showed up so suddenly.
But you went about it in a really bad way. Seriously, she could report you and you wouldn't be able to object.

Shigeta: I'm real sorry!

Haruhi: So yeah......that's how it is. He's as stupid as he looks, but he doesn't mean any harm.

Ito: ......Okay.
(I see. It really was as Sei-san said.)

Shigeta: I had no idea that you were higher-ranked than the young master......I deeply apologise.

Ito: Young master?

Haruhi: Ah, you idiot......

Shigeta: I'm Noriyasu Shigeta from the Yamayoshi Family. As the young master's number one underling, putting my all into supporting him any way I can! Every day! Is what I intend to do.

Ito: The Yamayoshi......Family.

Young master. Underling. My brain couldn't keep up with all these vocabularies coming out one after another.

Ito: (Moreover, does he mean that Yamayoshi Family?)

A name synonymous with gangsters. Japan's most famous yakuza—the Yamayoshi Family.

Ito: (And "young master", as in, the second-in-command? Tsukimoto-san is?)
......Ichikawa-san. Um......

Haruhi: I know. Judging by your response, everything that you're thinking "could it be" about is probably correct.

Ito: ......!
(Wait, for real!?)

Shigeta: A superior of the young master is also my superior. Ane-san, what's your name!?

Ito: I'm not that big of a deal......My name is Yashiro, but...

Shigeta: Yashiro-ane-san!

Ito: No. Um, please, just Yashiro.

Haruhi: Haah......Shigeta-kun, I really don't get you......

Thump

Ito: ! Ichikawa-san!

Staggering, Ichikawa-san slowly sunk to the ground, bracing himself on the fence.
We crouched down next to him, panicked.

Shigeta: Are you okay!? A-an ambulance—

Haruhi: I'm fine, just a bit dizzy, it'll get better......Ahh, I feel like crap......Ugh......

Ito: (His face! It's past pale, he's white as a sheet......!)

Shigeta: Oh no, what do we do, what should we do, ane-san?

Ito: Sorry, but I also don't know......
If-If we loosen the clothes around his neck, it'll make it a little easier for him to breathe, right?

Shigeta: His neck! I see! Haruhi-san, bear with me for a bit. Please raise your neck.

Haruhi: Ughhh......?

Shigeta: Though there's actually no buttons or zips......Haruhi-san, mind if I pull on your collar a little? I'm gonna, okay?

Haruhi: Ehh? No way......it'll get stretched out......

Shigeta: Your life is more important!

Ito: (Oh no, that was probably unnecessary......!)
Sorry, he actually doesn't have any tight clothing around his neck to begin with, so you might not need to go that far.
In fact, I think pulling like that could restrict—

Taiga: —Shige. What are you doing?

Ito: !

Shigeta: Ah......

Ito: Tsukimoto-san!

Haruhi: ......He couldn't have come at a worse time......

Ito: (......He seriously couldn't have.)

Ichikawa-san, collapsed in exhaustion. Shigeta-san, gripping Ichikawa-san's collar. And me, attempting to stop him.
From an outsider's point of view, this definitely wouldn't look like a peaceful state of affairs.

Taiga: First of all, release Haruhi immediately.

Shigeta: Eh? Ah! Y-Young master. I'm not, this isn't......
Speaking of which, why are you here......

Taiga: I could hear you yelling like an idiot.
Neither Yashiro-san nor Haruhi were inside, and the front door was left wide open......Thinking something terrible had happened, I came out to search for them, and what do I find?
This.

Ito: (......Ahhh......)

"You're gonna burst a blood vessel, Taiga."
I had thought that the reason Ichikawa-san remained undaunted in the face of Tsukimoto-san's anger was because he was in a "position to be forgiven".
But now that I had heard this chilling, low voice that seemed to spread across the very earth coming from Tsukimoto-san's mouth, I think I was slightly wrong.
Now that I know he becomes like this when he's truly angry—
I understand that even if he was to be scolded at full force, it wasn't done out of "anger".

Taiga: I'll ask again. What did you do to Yashiro-san and Haruhi?
You swore, didn't you? That no matter the reason, you wouldn't lay a hand on the people around me.

Shigeta: You're wrong! Ah, no, you're not wrong about that promise, but this is different! Young master!!

Taiga: Don't shout. You'll frighten the neighbours.
I didn't ask you to throw a tantrum. I asked you what you were doing, grabbing the collar of someone pale-faced and slumped over. Answer me.

Shigeta: ......!

Ito: (......What should I do? He's so intense, my mouth won't open......)
(But I can't stay silent. I get the feeling Shigeta-san's going to be in deep trouble if I do......!)

Ito: ......S...Sorry, Tsukimoto-san.
It was me who told him to do that!

Taiga: Eh?

Ito: I said that if we loosened the clothes around his neck, it might be a bit easier for him to breathe. Shigeta-san only did what I told him to do without question!

Shigeta: That'zz all it wazzz......!

Taiga: ......Eh......

Haruhi: She's telling the truth, so you don't need to blow your top like that.
More importantly, I can't stand, lend me your shoulder......actually, my feet hurt too, so just carry me.

Taiga: Ehhh......?

Chapter 8

Taiga: —I truly, deeply, sincerely apologise for everything I've put you through!

Ito: Tsukimoto-san, you haven't done anything wrong. It's really all right, so please......

Sei: What a beautiful kowtow. I expected nothing less from Taiga.

Ito: (I want you to stop him, not praise him......!)

Haruhi: Ow! Ugh, it stings......

Sei: Right, finished. Thank goodness it wasn't a cut or something else more severe.

Upon returning to the house after parting with Shigeta-san—
Sei-san promptly began treating Ichikawa-san's foot, and I explained the whole story from beginning to end, including what had happened the other day.

Sei: I should have gone to speak with Taiga when you told me what had happened.
If I had, I might have saved you a lot of fear.
I'm truly sorry.

Ito: No need. In the first place, I told you about it because you said you'd keep it a secret......

Haruhi: Shigeta-kun's basically spilled everything already, but shouldn't the deputy hear it from Taiga too?

Taiga: ......Yeah.
I apologise for hiding it from you. As Shigeta said, I was born into the Yamayoshi Family.
My biological father......was the previous head of the Family.

Ito: (Biological...so he's a "child of the Family" in the truest sense.)
(The person who used to be at the top of the Yamayoshi Family was Tsukimoto-san's......)

Taiga: It's been many years since the change in leadership, and I'd already cut ties with him by then.
Though, it's a long story, but I owe a small debt to the current head, so I haven't completely severed my relationship with them.
I take care not to trouble or frighten others as much as possible......or at least, that was my intention.
But now something like this has happened because I only "intended to". I won't even attempt to justify my actions.

Ito: ......I think it's fine if you don't.

Taiga: Eh?

Ito: You haven't done anything wrong, so I don't think there's any need for justification.
Please don't worry about it.

Haruhi: ......

Taiga: ......I appreciate your consideration.
But to say it's nothing when I've caused this much trouble for you is......

Haruhi: Well, in the end, the one who kicked up such a fuss was Shigeta-kun, which Taiga had nothing to do with.

Taiga: ! What are you on about......how do I have "nothing to do with" this?
Shigeta was the one who directly caused the commotion, but he came here in the first place because I'm here.

Haruhi: Naturally. You live here.

Taiga: That's not the point.

Haruhi: It is the point.

Taiga: Shut up for a little, will you?

Haruhi: ......Haah, I can't deal with this. He just doesn't listen......

Ito: ......

"Someone who's always polite, proper and kind."
That statement contained no lies or falsehoods; it was his true self. At least, that's how the present Tsukimoto-san appears to me.
But as I interacted with him over this one week period, what I felt most keenly, more than anything else......
Was a sense of distance, one that neither widened nor narrowed, maintained by his humble bearing and prudent words.

Ito: (......Since I had that conversation with Ichikawa-san before, I wondered if Tsukimoto-san was also simply avoiding getting deeply involved with me.)

But after hearing what he had to say today, I felt like there was another possibility that that was not the case.
Tsukimoto-san wants to protect those around him in the present from the "bad people" he's connected to.
Or perhaps he even feels he "needs" to protect them.
He builds a wall between himself and the outside not to protect himself, but to protect other people.

Ito: (......Ahh. This is definitely not something an outsider like me should be interfering with, but......)
(If by any chance that's what Tsukimoto-san is thinking. And if I'm correctly interpreting what Ichikawa-san intended to say just now......)

Then I want it to reach Tsukimoto-san, is what I thought.

Ito: "This house is where Tsukimoto-san is now, and just like any other person, you have a natural right to be here."
"You being here isn't an inconvenience or a burden."

Haruhi: !

Taiga: ......Eh?

Ito: "So, I don't think that what happened today counts as 'causing trouble'."

Sei: ......

Ito: ...Is what I think he was trying to say. Please correct me if I'm wrong, and excuse me for butting in.

Haruhi: ......You're not wrong. Anyway, that's all I was trying to say.

Taiga: Haruhi......

Ito: ......I'm glad.
I also think the same.

Taiga: ............I'm sorry.
—Thank you very much.

Ito: Ah, no, you don't need to go that far......! It's not anything that warrants you lowering your head to me.
(But......it did get through to him, I think.)

Haruhi: You're so serious about every little thing, Taiga.

Taiga: Be quiet, Haruhi. I'll express my apologies and thanks to you properly after this.

Haruhi: Nah, I don't need them. And I keep saying this, but it was Shigeta's fault this time, not yours.
He also apologised like crazy, so let that be the end of it already.
Kowtowing like that when the deputy's not blaming you either is just embarrassing.

Ito: I wouldn't say it's embarrassing, but it does......make me feel kind of guilty.
If we have to place the blame on someone, it was me who didn't tell Tsukimoto-san about Shigeta-san in the first place.
And that caused Haruhi to run after us and get injured when he was already unwell. I think I should also take responsibility.

Taiga: No! That's not true at all. You haven't done anything—

Haruhi: Ahh......That's right, that did happen......Haah.
You know, deputy.

Ito: ! Yes?

Haruhi: The reason you didn't tell me about your first meeting with Shigeta-kun...
You said before that it was "Because he told me to keep our relationship at a reasonable distance".

Ito: Ah......yes.

Haruhi: I don't like being dragged into annoying things, and I don't like it when people try and close that distance for no reason. But I never said not to talk to me.

Ito: (Eh......)

Haruhi: Deciding on your own to communicate with me as little as possible actually ends up being more annoying.
For example, look at what happened today.

Ito: (......Now that he says it, he's right.)
I'm sorry.

Haruhi: Yeah.

Taiga: "Yeah" is not the correct response. Also, your wording could be a little more—

Sei: Now, now. Let's just settle down and listen.
......Consciously or unconsciously, it's rare for Haruhi to meet someone halfway like this.

Taiga: ......

Haruhi: Talking for a long time is also a pain, so I won't say much more after this.
But ask first, and then I'll tell you if I don't like something. I'll decide for myself, so don't just stop before that on your own.
In your case, it's best to just tell me things in the first place.

Ito: ......Okay.

Haruhi: Mm. And one more thing.

Ito: (There's more......!)

Sweating profusely on the inside and going back through the series of events that had occurred, I prepared myself to sincerely receive anything that came my way.
But what Ichikawa-san threw at me was a surprisingly light curveball.

Haruhi: Watering the plants. I'll leave it to you.

Ito: Oh......
Okay.
(That's right, I didn't finish......wait, that's it?)

Taiga: You can do that much yourself.

Haruhi: It was Yashiro who said she'd do it, though.

Sei, Taiga: !

Ito: (Yashiro......come to think of it, I think that's first time he's called me by name.)

I hadn't paid much attention to the fact that he didn't.
But now that he'd seemingly deliberately called me that, I somehow felt relieved.

Ito: (......Of course, I don't think that just calling me by name means that he's "recognised me" or "raised the shutter".)
(But if this means that something's moved in the right direction compared to when we first met, that's a good thing. A really good thing.)

Haruhi: Not only am I sick, I'm injured now too, so let me sleep.

Taiga: Are you going to sleep down here?

Ito: Ah, his duvet......I'll bring it down before doing the watering. Ichikawa-san, may I enter your room?

Haruhi: You can leave off the "san". I already am.

Ito: Eh.

Haruhi: To be honest I don't really care, but Taiga's gonna get annoying if I'm the only one who does.

Taiga: The annoying one here is you. Just be straightforward about it, something like "You don't need to use 'san' with me". Geez......

Ito: Um......I see......
(Not using honorifics at all is a little......but then......)

Sei: In that case, how about calling him "Ichikawa-kun" from now on?

Ito: ......Is that fine with you?

Haruhi: I don't care, whatever's fine.

Taiga: "I don't care", yeah right. What're you putting on airs for?

Haruhi: I'm not. And what's with you being in such a good mood all of a sudden? Creepy.

Taiga: I'm gonna hit you.

Ito: (They really do get along......)
Well then, I'll go grab the duvet.

Taiga: Ah, I'll get it.

Ito: Oh no, there's no need......

Taiga: Really, I can......

Haruhi: ......My duvet isn't so heavy that it needs two people to carry it.
Fuahh......well, whatever.

Okoge: Meow?

Sei: Fufu. That story took quite a few twists and turns, but as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. At least for now, it's a happily ever after.
......And a "once upon a time", perhaps.

Haruhi: ? Sei, what're you muttering on about over there?

Sei: My apologies. Just speaking to myself.
Nothing's happened.
—Not yet, at least.

---

TL Notes:

I personally dislike putting TL notes within the translation and I didn't want to spoil Taiga's yakuza stuff at at the top, so I chose to translate the yakuza terms and then stick the TL note for them here at the bottom.

Shigeta refers to Taiga as "waka", short for "wakagashira" (literally "young head"). In the yakuza, the wakagashira is the second-in-command that makes sure the head's orders are carried out. They're not necessarily young as it's just part of the older-younger "family" titling system of the yakuza, but since Taiga is pretty young and I couldn't find an alternative I liked better, I translated it as "young master".

Shigeta is Taiga's "shatei" (literally "younger brother"), basically his subordinate. Taiga and Shigeta are most likely not actually related, so I translated it as "underling" to avoid confusion.

"Ane-san" (literally "elder sister") can also be read "nee-san", but ane-san is the reading used when referring to higher-ranking female members in the yakuza.