Shizuka had been feeling troubled lately.
As time entered March, bringing with it a short spring break, yet she couldn't bring herself to feel even a hint of relief.
Ever since that night at Haru's house, she hadn't gone to the Photography Club at all.
When Yukino and the others asked, she could only reply with a vague, "I've been too busy recently," adding an apology along the way.
It was, in short, avoidance.
Shameful as it was, it worked.
Shizuka recalled that thought.
Still, usefulness aside, she knew that once the March break arrived, the entire Photography Club would be fully occupied with Utaha's short film project.
And she, an adult who had promised early on to help, could she really go back on her word?
"There's no getting out of this," she muttered to herself.
After school that day, Shizuka still avoided the clubroom, instead heading to a quiet café alone.
Even now, thinking back to that night made her cheeks flush.
Not only had she seen something truly shocking, but she had also been stirred in ways she hadn't expected.... enough to hum softly in her sleep.
Embarrassing. Absolutely Embarrassing.
She was still grateful that Utaha had been asleep beside her that night; otherwise, it would have been a social disaster of the highest order.
"How could they do something like that? And why did I have to see them?"
Shizuka stirred her coffee absently with a spoon, her gaze distant.
After these past few days of reflection, her sharp, sensitive mind had pieced together a lot.
For instance, she had heard that Utaha had refused to go on the school trip.
Now, the reason seemed obvious: she didn't want to be apart from Haru.
And Yukino... clever and perceptive as she was... surely must have noticed Utaha's intentions.
If that was the case, could Shizuka then speculate that Yukino not only knew but tacitly approved?
"Those three…"
Just thinking about it made her cheeks heat up.
Because of these realizations, Shizuka didn't know how to face Haru and the others, so she found excuses to avoid them for the time being.
But staying calm on her own hadn't worked well. By today, she realized that she couldn't regain her composure alone.
So she arranged to meet with Haruno.
Her circle of close friends wasn't large... aside from colleagues at school, Haruno was the only one she could talk to deeply.
Oh, and Haru could count as well.
Shizuka thought again of the familiar figure who had grown close to her over repeated encounters.
She admitted to enjoying their interactions, able to talk to him as an equal.
It was precisely because of that comfort that her mind had wandered in ways it shouldn't and it had led to some rather strange dreams…
After waiting twenty minutes in the café, Haruno finally arrived, backpack slung over one shoulder.
"Sorry, there was traffic. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long?"
She was radiant as ever, her smile captivating.
As Haruno settled into her seat, Shizuka noticed quite a few men in the café sneaking glances their way.
I'm not bad either, why weren't you looking at me just now? she thought, frowning.
It wasn't that she wasn't attractive... it was all about comparison.
Shizuka ordered a coffee for Haruno and watched her set down her bag with a cheerful smile before asking, "Have you been busy lately?"
"Not too much. Some things to take care of, but if it's you asking, I can make time," Haruno said warmly.
Shizuka felt a small warmth in her chest. "I'm planning a trip during the upcoming break. Would you be interested?"
"A trip?"
Haruno's expression was curious.
Shizuka raised an eyebrow. "What's that look for?"
"Well… Yukino mentioned that you were helping out at the Photography Club. So shouldn't you be busy there during the break? Why suddenly a trip?"
The question almost threw Shizuka off.
She hadn't realized the sisters had already talked about her.
Thankfully, she reacted quickly, forcing a resigned expression. "I've been under a lot of pressure lately and just want a chance to get away and relax."
"What kind of pressure? If you don't mind, I can help you with it," Haruno said, genuinely wanting to ease her friend's mind.
Shizuka lowered her voice, adopting a pre-prepared excuse. "A Blind date."
Haruno burst out laughing.
"What's so funny about this?"
Shizuka lowered her head in embarrassment.
This wasn't an act... her awkward expression was genuine.
Though she hated mentioning blind date, if she wanted perceptive Haruno to believe her, she had no choice but to use this excuse.
"Sorry, sorry. I didn't expect the reason to be like this… I just couldn't keep a straight face for a moment," Haruno said, stifling her laughter. After a few breaths, she returned to her usual composed self.
By now, she completely trusted Shizuka's explanation.
After all, she knew her friend had long wished to marry, yet had repeatedly failed at Blind dates. Perhaps it was these repeated failures that made her feel gloomy whenever the topic arose.
Haruno tilted her head thoughtfully. "So, just the two of us going on this trip?"
"Two should be enough," Shizuka replied. "After all, only you can talk to me about the deeper stuff. My colleagues at school are just ordinary friends."
Haruno waved her hand with a smile. "I meant, if your stress is really that high, we could invite Haru along on the trip."
"Huh?"
Shizuka was stunned.
Haruno looked at her curiously. "Why that reaction?"
Shizuka controlled her emotions. "Why would we need him on a trip for just the two of us adults? Besides, he's a boy... if he's there, I can't freely vent to you about things."
Haruno assumed she meant the matchmaking topic and softened her tone. "I'm not saying we'd just bring Haru alone. Yukino could come too."
"And the reason?"
"Haru's good at lightening the mood. If he's there, he'll definitely cheer you up."
Are you sure it's cheering me up and not… heating me up?
Right now, just seeing him makes it hard to control the restlessness in my chest... so much so that at night I've been… licking my fingers at night.
Shizuka mentally scolded herself, though outwardly she wore a hesitant expression. "Let me think about it."
She didn't dare refuse too bluntly; otherwise, Haruno would surely grow suspicious.
To divert the topic, she paused for two seconds, then lowered her voice. "By the way, Haruno, I have a friend who's recently had… a special situation."
Classic "I have a friend" opening.
Haruno blinked. "What's the special situation?"
Shizuka avoided her gaze. "Can you promise not to tell anyone?"
Haruno's lips curved into a playful smile. "Got it. That 'friend' you're talking about… is you, right?"
Shizuka: "…"
Fine. I've decided not to say a thing!