The Wavering of Haruhi Suzumiya by Nagaru Tanigawa

washcloths along with orders to wash the windows.
    “This will be the last time we’re here this year, so in order to face the new year with a nice, clean feeling, we’re going home with the place sparkling.”
    Thus ordered, Koizumi and I got to work on the windows. After a while, I glanced at the trio of girls, wondering whether they were cleaning the room or just spreading dust around, when my cleaning partner spoke quietly.
    “This is just between you and me, but there are other organizations besides the Agency trying to get close to Nagato. Right now she’s every bit as important as you and Suzumiya. Nagato is in a unique position even among her fellow humanoid interfaces, which is probably a recent development.”
    I sat on the windowsill and breathed on my wet hand to warmit up while washing with the other hand; the winter chill robbed them of warmth all too quickly.
    What the hell was this—
    It was easy to play dumb. Recently I’d had experiences with both Nagato and Asahina that had nothing to do with Haruhi or Koizumi, and as a result I was still here, so I couldn’t just ignore this.
    “I’ll figure something out,” I answered casually.
    This whole situation had been caused by me. I’d have to be the one to fix it.
    “Indeed. I’m counting on you. I have my hands quite full with planning the SOS Brigade’s winter mountain trip. And may I just say that while you can release stress by quarreling with Suzumiya, I have no such sparring partner.”
    Who was the tomcat now?
    But the handsome smile on Koizumi’s face twisted.
    “Isn’t it about time for me to take off this harmless-looking mask and change the character I’ve been playing for so long? It’s quite tiring being so polite to my classmates all the time.”
    If it was so tiring, he should’ve just stopped. I have no desire to control how he talked, I told him.
    “That won’t do at all. My current self fits with the image Suzumiya wishes. I’m quite a specialist in her psychology.”
    Koizumi gave an exaggerated sigh.
    “On that count, I am rather envious of Asahina. After all, she needn’t change a single thing about herself.”
    Didn’t he once say that Asahina’s manner might be an act? I asked him.
    “Oh, did you really believe what I said? If I’ve actually won your trust, perhaps there’s been some value in all this effort.”
    As evasive as ever. His untrustworthy speech patterns hadn’t changed all year. Even Nagato had undergone some internal changes, but Koizumi was the same as always. For Asahina’s part,she didn’t need to change. I’d met the other Asahina, so I knew for certain that she’d mature both physically and psychologically.
    “If I were to change somehow…”
    Koizumi wiped more vigorously.
    “… that would not be a good sign. The status quo is my duty. I can’t imagine you’d want to see me look serious.”
    You’re right, I wouldn’t, I told him. His grinning face was perfectly suited to cleaning up Haruhi’s messes or setting things up for her in advance. I was really looking forward to whatever play waited for us in the snowy mountains. That is enough, right? I said.
    “I can’t imagine a finer compliment. I’ll accept that.”
    I didn’t know whether he meant it or not, but in any case his words ended up as white condensation on the window.
    Later that evening.
    Shamisen was curled up on my bed, and I looked at his sleeping face, feeling warm and pleasant. I wondered where this pleasant feeling came from and pondered the particular distinctions between love and lust. Just as I felt I was upon an answer—
    “Kyon, telephone! The boy from yesterday!”
    Once again my sister opened the door to my room, holding the receiver.
    She handed me the receiver, which was playing some easy listening version of a famous classical tune, then she sat on the edge of the bed and began tugging at Shamisen’s whiskers.
    “Shami, Shami, Shami’s so furry, Mommy’s gonna…”
    I watched Shamisen open