I am only one world away from Yukinoshita.

As if she didn't see the other three's surprise, Yukinoshita continued to answer calmly, "As long as it's not something outside the scope of the executive committee, I can help you."

In stark contrast to Kiyora and the others' astonished expressions, Sagami and her group smiled at Yukinoshita with their hands clasped together, their smiles almost reaching their ears. "Really? Thank you!"

She turned around and started celebrating with her little follower, then walked out of the activity room with a grin.

As soon as Sagami and his group left, the atmosphere among the four of them suddenly became heavy again.

"Xiaoxue, I don't think we should accept this commission."

Yuihama, who previously supported Yukinoshita without any reason, was the first to stand up and express her opposition.

Seeing that Yukinoshita responded with silence, Kiyoyori continued the conversation, "I agree with Yuihama-senpai. The preparations for the cultural festival are already busy, and senpai and Hikigaya-senpai are responsible for the work of the executive committee. Yuihama-senpai must be busy with class affairs, and I also have to take care of both class and brass band matters. I think suspending the activities of the Service Club is the best choice."

Hachiman didn't speak, but just pretended to look in the direction of the sliding door, while keeping a close eye on the conversation between the three girls.

“Speaking of this,” Yukinoshita closed her book and met Kiyori’s gaze without flinching, “Indeed, as Tachibana-san said, the best option now is to stop the Service Club’s activities, which will also reduce everyone’s stress to the greatest extent.”

"That--"

“So, this request was taken on in my personal capacity, and you don’t need to worry about it,” Yukinoshita said, lowering her eyes to avoid Kiyoyori’s probing gaze. “Especially Tachibana-san, this time, I won’t force you to do things you don’t want to do.”

As if a breath were stuck in his chest, Kiyoyori frowned uncomfortably. "Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, Yukinoshita-senpai."

Kiyoshi deliberately used a sarcastic tone, but received a "you're welcome" response, which felt as powerless as punching cotton.

"Xiaoxue! Then let's just do it the way we always have—"

“Just like always,” Yukinoshita shifted her gaze, turned around, and faced the other three sideways. “Besides, since it’s a matter for the cultural festival executive committee, I have some understanding of the situation, and it will be more efficient for me to handle it alone.”

P.S.: I'm about to throw up from rerolling for Genshin Impact on my first try. Double drops are just a dream. Hopefully, the drop rate will improve after the official release...

Chapter 225, Section 03: Her and Her Before Crossing That Line

The atmosphere in the clubroom plummeted to freezing point. Perhaps knowing that she couldn't persuade Yui-chan to pick up her lunchbox, she left the classroom without a word. Hikigaya, on the other hand, lingered for a moment, then slowly packed up his things and left as well.

Kiyoshita remained seated opposite Yukinoshita, quietly watching her, the sound of pages turning clearly audible in the silent classroom.

"Doesn't Tachibana-san need to practice with the brass band?"

Yukinoshita didn't look up, but simply flipped through the paperback in her hand.

"Noon is for independent practice."

"Yeah……"

Like a stone thrown into a lake, it creates a brief ripple before quickly sinking to the bottom, and the lake returns to its calm state.

At least on the surface, yes.

“I haven’t thanked you yet,” Yukinoshita said, closing the book as the sound of pages turning stopped. She looked gently at Kiyoyori at the other end of the long table. “Tachibana-san, thank you for solving Kasaki-san’s request.”

"I do not have."

"Excessive modesty can seem fake."

"...Okay, you're welcome."

Kiyori thought for a moment, but still didn't mention what happened on the day of the fireworks festival. When she said that she hadn't resolved the matter herself, she wasn't being modest; Kiyori genuinely believed it.

That night, Haruno's words weren't meant for Kiyori, but for Mizore. Kiyori was a decoy; Mizore was her true target. Haruno's actions truly cut a wound in Mizore's heart, something Kiyori and Yoshikawa couldn't do. The more they worried about whether Mizore would be hurt by the truth of last year, the less likely they were to reveal the truth. Haruno, however, was different.

"Well then, all I owe you is an apology."

Yukinoshita's smile was somewhat forced, but the bright light shining from behind her made Kiyoshiro's expression of disdain for her look even more convincing.

Kiyoshi knew what the other person was talking about.

It was the day after Kiyoshiro went to the brass band to find Mizore but was intercepted by Kiyoshiro. Kiyoshiro received a phone call from Yukinoshita. Unlike her usual cold sarcasm, she was like a gunpowder-like person that day, pointing her gun at Kiyoshiro and firing non-stop, her words full of dissatisfaction with Kiyoshiro's lack of cooperation.

"Yukinoshita-senpai's way of apologizing was also quite peculiar."

What happened that day made Kiyoyori very uncomfortable, because Yukinoshita's words seemed to be peeling away Kiyoyori's outer shell, exposing his most vulnerable side. It was not a gentle and comforting way of resolving things, but a bloody and violent attack.

"I'm sorry, Tachibana-san."

"What happened, senpai?"

Yukinoshita was acting very strangely that day, something Kiyori noticed as soon as she answered the phone. However, Yukinoshita didn't give Kiyori a chance to ask, and her almost offensive words made Kiyori feel like a piece of ignited gunpowder. Afterwards, she put the matter out of her mind.

"Did... what did Haruno and Senpai say to each other?"

A look of surprise flashed across Yukino's face, quickly replaced by a deep expression.

"Tachibana-san really knows her older sister better than she said."

"I……"

Seeing Kiyora speechless, Yukinoshita's face revealed a triumphant smile, which quickly disappeared behind her lips. "That day, my sister told me..."

"You have no way to resolve this request."

Until now, you've only been relying on the strength of others.

Yukino didn't say those words aloud, because, as Haruno said, it was Kiyoyori who resolved the request.

"She even said that?"

Kiyoshi frowned; she still couldn't figure out what was going on in that woman's head.

"So, that's why you said something like 'accepting the commission in your personal capacity' this time?"

Kiyoyori felt that accepting a malicious request for such a reason was putting the cart before the horse. "Doesn't this violate the principles of the Service Department?"

What do you mean?

"It is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish."

“‘Growing together through helping each other,’” Yukinoshita said slowly, “I don’t think that goes against the purpose of the Service Club.”

"Excuse me for being blunt," Kiyori said, feeling nauseous at the thought of Sagami's appearance, "I didn't see any intention of that senior Sagami growing up."

"First impressions are not necessarily the truth."

Snow's resolve was as firm as a pounding weight, unwavering.

“Sagami-san wants to do a good job at this cultural festival, which does not conflict with my purpose, so it is not unreasonable to help her within my capacity.”

"Since Yukinoshita-senpai also wants to make the cultural festival a success, why not just have her be elected as the executive committee member Zhang? Why go through all this trouble?"

Yukinoshita fell silent. When their eyes met again, Kiyoyori was stunned by the coldness in her eyes. "This is a choice made by my own will, whether it is to accept Sagami-san's request or to accept the position of Executive Committee Member Zhang."

Kiyoshi understood that the other party had drawn a warning line in front of him and was warning him not to cross it easily.

“I understand,” Kiyoyori said, picking up the lunchbox and pushing back his stool. “Excuse me, senpai.”

Kiyoshi pulled his foot back from the line and retreated to a distance that was neither too close nor too far, maintaining a precarious relationship between the two.

...........................................................................

The Service Club's activities were canceled, and because of the Cultural Festival and the gold medal at the Kanto Grand Prix, the Brass Band was filled with a lighthearted atmosphere.

Since Kasaki's return, Mizore has successfully abandoned all ties for love, spending almost every day with Nozomi, whom she has been longing for, while Kiyoshi and the like have long been relegated to some unknown corner.

So all those claims about "not knowing who she's jealous of" are just lies...

So one day at noon, Kiyoyori, who was eating lunch all alone, was picked up by Asuka, who had been exposed before.

"The program for this year's cultural festival has been finalized!"

Asuka deliberately kept her juniors in suspense.

"Isn't this a piece for the competition?"

Indeed, with the national competition looming, it's a bit presumptuous of him to be preoccupied with practicing other pieces.

Asuka shook her finger. "I personally really like 'Academy Paradise.' The brass instruments, especially the trombone, have a very outstanding performance."

When the trombone was mentioned, Huang Qian paused in his eating, and his aura suddenly became subdued.

"What's wrong, Huangqian-chan?" Asuka poked Huangqian's soft cheek with her chopsticks. "You suddenly seem unhappy."

"Could it be—!"

"No."

"Hey~ I haven't said anything yet~!"

"I already guessed what Asuka-senpai was going to say!"

"How boring~".

Unable to stand the lively Asuka, Kiyoyori secretly moved to the side, only to be pulled into her arms.

"Asuka!"

"Speaking of which, Kiyoyori, did you know that Yukinoshita-san is on the executive committee?"

For some reason, the topic suddenly shifted to Yukinoshita, and Kiyori vaguely replied, "I guess so."

“It looks like the executive committee members have a tough job,” Asuka said, releasing Kiyori’s neck and casually bringing it up. “You’re very pale and look like you’re about to collapse.”

"She beneath the snow."

P.S.: Life's tough, AKI sighs. You can wait for more updates; just click the auto-subscribe button. October is almost here, please wait for my updates. Thank you for your understanding.

Chapter 04 New Business Development (Section 226)

"Haunted house".

"Drama".

"Haunted house".

……

Qinglai, who seemed indifferent as she sat in her seat writing and drawing, was actually listening intently to the class monitor announcing the votes. Every time a slip of paper was read out, she would turn around and draw a line on the corresponding spot on the blackboard.