-This is just a freakin' light novel romcom cinematic parallel universe~ I'd say out of all the anime world-mega crossovers this is at the top! Author is one evil guy by creating a game that would push 2 anti social characters (Hachiman from Oregairu & Ayanokoji from Classroom of Elite) to overcome their fears but at the same time to suffer as they really can't trust nobody... Also, the author is a MACHINE with these 30K+ word count per chapter!
*Chapter 0 seems pretty slow but it does catch up after chapter 1. Expect a shit ton of foreshadowing!
Synopsis: It's often said that one person's insanity is another person's reality, and believing such was improbable. But if you were to reach a junction where self-delusion and insanity are the only choices left to take, what else can you be expected to do? Simple, defy the irrational world by choosing the path of logic, for I refuse to compromise my principles for the sake of convenience.
Rated: M
Words: 488K
Posted on: m.fanfiction.net/s/12607901/1/Logic-Is-My-Sword (Itherael)
PS: If you're not able to copy/paste the link, you have everything in here to find it, by simply searching the author and the story title. It sucks that you can't copy links on mobile (´ー｀) -I'll be putting the chapter ones of all the fanfics mentioned, to give you guys a sample if you wan't more please do go to the website and support the author! (And maybe even convince them to start uploading chapters in here as well!)
Chapter 0.0-0.8
Greetings… and welcome to my Third story.
There is not much to say, only that if you are new to the sort of stories I write, do check my profile. In it, you can find the profile for this story where I upload links that you can use to access the pictures I create for each chapter, and the song recommendations.
You are free to use them, or simply ignore them. Though, I recommend you people to check them out. You won't be disappointed.
This story starts just after the end of Oregairu season 2, which means that everything in the light novels, anime and OVAs have already occurred.
The story had been revised and had been improved dramatically, all thanks to the official beta of this story: "NirvanaFrk97". He is without a doubt an outstanding beta-reader. Thanks man, you rock!
Also, thanks to "Bronze v lee sin" for his advice and feedback, I appreciate it dude.
And one last claim about this story. This is a multi-crossover story, which will feature several other manga and anime, old and new to some extent. If you're not into multi-crossover stories, then this one is not for you. If you are, then welcome aboard.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in this story but the plot. Feels bad to say that though…
Without further ado, let's get started.
Logic is My Sword
Prologue – In the End, Hikigaya Hachiman Becomes a Loner Again
0-0
No Trouble, no life.
One might think that whenever something goes wrong, there's a solution. However, life, as variable as it is, has always reminded me that those who hold such thoughts were wrong.
Troubles are a part of life, generated from many kinds of circ.u.mstances, which when grouped, cause certain consequences. Whether they pertain to the economy, politics, love even… Either one could very well lead a human being to become, most of the time, delusional or an irascible bastard.
Naturally, human beings strive to avoid trouble due to their cowardice and refusal to face their realities and overcome them. Which, in fact, turns out to be one of the main reasons why problems are born in the first place. It is ironic, and most of the time, annoying.
The result of how problems can affect the current behavior of people depends on their personality of course, and the complexity of the problem itself. Some of them make people better citizens, contributors or supporters of the human society. While others simply turn them into the scourge that society rejects.
I, Hikigaya Hachiman, was that scourge, though it wasn't of my own volition.
I once sought to be a productive member of society, and no one can deny that I tried my hardest, but rejection, contempt, disappointment, ignorance and stupidity always got in my way. An additional hurdle being that I wasn't exactly the most social, much less an easily approachable sort of person. Then I came to the realization that it wasn't my fault, but everyone else's. This flawed world was at fault, moreover youth was at fault.
Human society and their shallow search for understanding was at fault. I believed that and the world showed me as much, so the only way I could continue living on was to not be part of it. I didn't hurt anyone, and in exchange, no one hurt me. It was a fine trade if you ask me. Both parties win.
However, things started to change, a minuscule light of hope began to well within me. Something I hadn't allowed to happen ever since I missed Sobu's entrance ceremony. I never meant for it to happen, but that slipped out of my control, and before I knew it, I had changed…
I wasn't the loner I was before as I had many… acquaintances now. I wouldn't call them friends, but that was certainly something more than I've had in the past.
A certain essay I wrote some time ago started me on this new path, as it led me to join a certain club, where I met certain people. There my life changed, and there my the route towards my new goal would eventually begin.
I wanted something genuine.
It may be embarrassing, but that is what I truly desired to find… no matter what it turned out to be in the end.
Now, I thought I'd seen it all during this whole experience, coming to be aware of the true nature of the people I knew, and even those I didn't. I came to think that my perception of the world was correct despite my initial method of solving problems. I've tried to change that, realizing that I was hurting the people I had begun to care about. However, not even that calculating and selfish Hachiman of old would have been able to handle the current dilemma I was currently facing.
Actually, my dilemma was more than just that.
This, to put it frankly, was an insane situation.
Current time: 7:23 p.m.
Not only was my cell phone filled with strange messages that contained death threats from people I didn't know, but I had a couple of messages filled with content that would make a hentai lover blush deeply, coming from the person I least expected.
And yet that was the least of my worries right now.
My room was a total mess, but not the mess one would expect to find in the room of a regular teenager. Instead of manga, videogames and… research materials splattered across the ground and bed, the mess was due to an unknown flying object had crashed into my bedroom. Thus punching a large hole where my window should have been and leaving pieces of my bed scattered everywhere.
Actually, I wasn't any better. My body was killing me and my head hurt from when I got hit by the shockwave.
But surprisingly enough, that wasn't completely to blame for my facial expression sporting utter shock. Maybe I was dreaming… No, I had to be dreaming. There was just no way that I could accept what was happening before me as reality.
A girl, who came out from the strange machine, was standing before me. She went on to greet me casually, as if she didn't just destroy a portion of my home.
I quickly limped away my destroyed room of course, panicking at the very abnormal events that had started occurring since this morning.
Despite all that's happened in my life since I joined the Service Club, today that meant nothing. Every student hated me at Sobu, even those that I held in high regard. I couldn't recall doing anything wrong after the outing I owed Yuigahama, who, for some reason, brought along Yukinoshita. In fact, they seemed to be in good enough spirits once I left the two for their impromptu sleepover.
I was always sure that any problem could be solved if one was to look into it closely enough, but I dumbly ignored the fact that a solution would only be feasible if one knew the very variables that caused it.
Think of it as a basic arithmetic operation: Two plus two, would obviously equal four. However, the fact that I could solve the equation was only possible as I was aware of the values to solve it. However if the operation had no numbers to work with, how would one complete it?
Even in equations that only give one certain variable, they allow you to discover the missing information. This could be applied to problems that people tend to face on a daily basis. Such as finding yourself late for work or school, having caused any sort of crime, misunderstandings and fights with other people, and so on.
If one knew how a problem originated as well as the facts that caused it, examining that information would most likely help craft a viable solution for it. But if one knew nothing, how would anyone proceed? How could I proceed?
The situation must have been very serious if I was able to disregard the fact that I was able to recall a mathematical subject and apply it appropriately to my analogy.
All I could think of in that moment was to get away from this absurd problem, but to do so was not an option unless I brought my little sister with me, Komachi. As her older brother, it was my obligation to take care of her well-being.
How naive it was of me to think that the surprises would end solely after that spaceship crashed into my room. I mean, that was pretty messed up to begin with, but what I witnessed upon entering Komachi's room was more than shocking. It was impossible, yet I couldn't discredit what my eyes were seeing before me. Or perhaps I can regard it as an after effect of my possible concussion?
Komachi turned to me while blinking in confusion when I entered her living space. Another set of eyes zeroed in on my arrival, ones that belonged to another girl I wasn't familiar with. The kicker? This particular girl was coming out from the wall, just suddenly materializing through a solid structure… Seriously?
I couldn't recall if technology had abruptly advanced so much as to allow people to practically ignore an object's space and existence, allowing them to pass through them like nothing.
Yes, I must be dreaming. Despite the fact that I was told countless times that I wasn't, I had to be. Despite that it was proven that all this madness wasn't a dream, my mind wasn't accepting of such ludicrous things.
[Idiot, that face of yours only shows denial… How pathetic.]
My gaze briefly diverts to the desk at my left, where a tiny mirror idly sat along the surface. I would dare say that things started to go bad since he started talking to me. And there, within that tiny mirror, he spoke to me again, mocking me in a way only I could.
[Why are you looking at yourself with that face? It's simply the truth, so… why don't you focus back on our 'cute little sister' again?]
"O-onii-chan!? W-what was that tremor…?" She exclaimed before she turned to see our recent intruder, "Oh, look! A goddess has come to grant me a wish!"
She was young, and anyone, myself included could have taken that as the delusion from a little girl. This time though, I witnessed how the young woman coming out of the wall finally stood inside the room in its entirety, the shiny door-like light that once covered the wall gone.
It was purely because of my protective nature over Komachi that I pulled her behind me as this intruder stepped towards us. It was then that an incessant sound registered in my mind amidst the chaos. I pinned it as the doorbell ringing multiple times, enough to call it worrisome, much like my cell phone was doing. Everything was wrong, I didn't know how to solve my current dilemma, and I didn't have any variables to work with.
This was bad, really bad…
0-1
12 hours earlier. Current Time: 7:31 a.m.
"Ah, Onii-chan? Um, it's time to wake up."
I slowly opened my eyes, the familiar cute voice of my lovely sister taking me out from my slumber. I seriously had to admit that this is a good way to wake up. I'm not a sis-con, it's just that a cute voice is better than those annoying alarms.
Hah… My natural-born NEET qualities are trying to keep me from getting up.
As my awareness slowly came back to me, I begin to recall what happened yesterday. Yuigahama's words about her being selfish, greedy and wanting to claim everything if she manages to win the contest that Hiratsuka-sensei came up with when I joined the Service Club. How she presented Yukinoshita an offer to keep things between the three of us the same, while also helping her reach a decision. But that wouldn't have solved anything, it would have left things vague and superficial. With no room for anything genuine…
I used to strive to maintain the status quo, just to keep trouble from arising. However, after seeing Hayama's desperation for it, I then realized that it wasn't the best course for us three. I couldn't accept that, what Yuigahama had offered during our group outing, and I was probably being a hypocrite as that was once my goal before realizing I was wrong. I wanted something genuine, but trying to hide our feelings was far from being productive in reaching that new wish of mine.
What was the answer to this then?
I didn't have the slightest clue. All we could do was to keep searching for an answer, no matter how long it takes us to do it, no matter the consequences.
Then there's Yukinoshita's request. She wanted to finally take control of her life and start making decisions for herself for once. She wanted to confront her mother about her future, and prove that she was indeed capable of handling herself and not just existing in Haruno-san's shadow. Honestly, it was still a shock that Haruno-san offered to help, though seeing who their mother is, I guess it doesn't come as that much of a surprise. They both admitted the possible failure on their parts as well, just goes to show how terrifying the matriarch of the Yukinoshita household is.
There's no use thinking this now though. It's out of my hands, I can only honor her request and see her through her final decision.
I prepared myself mentally before leaving the comfort of my bed. A normal room greeted me as was usual, though I don't remember it being such a stark white. While it had all the accommodations that a teen such as myself needed, it simply gave me a detached feeling that wasn't here yesterday.
Was my room like that before? Wait, where's my TV? And my Gamecube? They're gone! Wait!? Where's Vita-chan!? Even my bookshelf with my manga and light novels! I searched around the room, desperately trying to find my treasures. Maybe Komachi took them, or my parents…
There was nothing. Then my gaze focused on the closet. Opening it, my soul returned to my body. I was glad to see the large amounts of manga, video games, even my TV inside. Wait, I didn't have this much… I had to frown though as half of the games were eroge, and as for the mangas and light novels… Er…
They made my typical… research material… look like children's books.
"What the heck…? I didn't buy any of this…"
"Um, Onii-chan? Isn't it… getting late for you?"
Oh. Right. School. I'll look into this when I come back I guess.
Ignoring this 'discovery' for the time being, I walked out the bedroom and towards the bathroom, my confusion removing whatever fatigue remained. It was much too late to properly bathe, so I rinse my face, brush my teeth and fix my hair to at least appear presentable.
It only took me four minutes to get dressed in the winter uniform of Sobu High School. Picking up my cell phone, I turned it on. I blinked as the picture of Yukinoshita Haruno was set as my lock screen wallpaper. If I had been an idiot, the surprise may have loosened my grip causing me to drop this phone in shock and wind up pointlessly damaging it when it landed.
"Hah…?"
There was nothing in particular to note about the picture. It just showed Haruno-san smiling normally, dressed in what appeared to be a black cardigan over a white blouse. Is this a joke? I know she was 'drunk' last night and that she was acting erratically because of it, but I can't recall for the life of me seeing her snatch my phone even once in order to pull this prank.
Did that witch drag Komachi into some cheap practical joke? I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, that's how she got in touch when recruiting me for that disastrous double date with Hayama after all. Did she somehow know about Komachi's stress over Sobu's entrance exams, and manipulated her relief at my cost?
Don't worry Komachi! Onii-chan knows you were only relieving your stress! He forgives you!
Browsing the menu, I came to see I had three new messages. Wait, three? What three people could be bothered to contact me? Well, I can actually see Hiratsuka-sensei doing so. Someone please marry her already… But who are the other two?
The first one was from someone called… Ms. Annoying Bitch?
What the heck is with this contact? Who the hell is this?
- Hikio, good morning! I hope you had a healthy breakfast!
Who the hell is 'Hikio'? Hold on… 'Hikio'? Isn't that…?
Yeah, that 'nickname' is what Sobu High's Residential Fire Queen: Miura Yumiko calls me. How on earth do I have her contact information?
I looked back at the simple message for several more seconds in pure confusion. I couldn't grasp what it entailed at all. I was never close to the Fire Queen for her to send me something like that, let alone was I close enough that we swapped information. At best, we were neutral to one another. Am I missing something? And that's not my name dammit.
The next message was from someone called… Sakurai Aoi?
- It's me again, Hikigaya. Just how much more are you planning to neglect your duties with the Railway office? Stop being a coward and bring your ass over here already!
I have no idea what this message means either… And who is this anyway? As a loner, even as that status of mine gradually declines, I cannot recall ever interacting with someone with that name. That's even more weird.
The last new message displayed another unfamiliar name.
Kasumigaoka Utaha… Who is this now?
- Hachiman, I'm just letting you know that my next book will be complete soon. I will need your opinion about it as always. Anyhow, I hope you have a good morning. Don't be late for school.
Okay, this was another strange message from another unknown person. Since when was I the sort to receive these sort of messages? I mean, while I have made some acquaintances in the past few months, I never exchanged contacts with many of them, with the exception of Zaimokuza, Yuigahama, Hiratsuka-sensei, and Totsuka. Oh, Haruno-san also has it, though I have no idea who gave it to her. Probably Hayama, damn fake.
Opening my contact list, I come to see many numbers and names I couldn't recall adding to my list, let alone recognize. When you have, like, five to six contacts, one obviously can notice when something has changed, and the fact that I had so many contacts in my list is startling.
Maybe I was in some sort of dream. It could be that my brain was futilely trying to give me a dream (delusion) where I was part of the normal youth. Hmph, this is more of a nightmare for me though. Maybe I shouldn't have ate those sweets last night…
What made it worse was the fact the only names I could recognize from my previous list was Haruno-san and Komachi. Where are Yuigahama and Isshiki? Wait… where is Totsuka's number!? Oh no! I don't have it anymore! Ah… This really was a nightmare… Just put me out of my misery already…
I searched for old messages just in case. There was nothing, but remarkably aggressive messages towards me from unlisted email addresses. What?
"Onii-chan?" I hear my precious sister directly outside of my door. Then, for some reason she softly knocks on it. I raise an eyebrow, since when did she not just burst into my room to drag me out of bed?
Shrugging to myself at her unexpected restraint, I walk towards the door and open it. As expected, there stood Komachi, who for some reason jumped at my room's barrier opening. Odd.
It seems she was ready to leave as she carried her book bag. "Ah, um, your breakfast is getting cold, Onii-chan. I have to leave, so be sure to eat what I left, okay?"
This is getting weirder. She was acting uncharacteristically timid and reclusive. Why was she reluctant about meeting my eyes? Were they especially 'dead-fishy' today?
"Ah," I nod at her, "Sure thing."
She looks up at me with a small smile, as if unsure if she should be doing so. What the? But then she blinks at me, confused at whatever she could have noticed. Was there something weird behind me?
"Onii-chan…" Now it was my turn to gaze at her in confusion. What's with her today?
"What is it?" I ask her.
"A-ah, n-no… I-It's just that…" She stutters out, "Your eyes… They look sort of d-different…"
What?
"What?" My puzzlement was further increased, "What do you mean? I've always had these eyes, Komachi; you know that. Don't say such cruel jokes to your Onii-chan so early in the morning."
She jumped in place, seemingly intimidated at my attempt at humor, "N-no! I-it's not a joke… Y-your eyes really look different, I-I don't think you'll like them. U-um, but I think they l-look f-fine…"
That didn't make sense at all. I wondered if she was teasing me or something. But why go through this submissive and timid roll just for that? Hmm, maybe her test results were getting to her and she's blowing off steam in a weird way. Well, I'll let it slide then. As a good Onii-chan, I put a hand over her head in a show of fondness. She looked at me uncertainly, her cheeks reddening a bit at the sudden touch.
Really cute if you ask me, but then again she's my sister, she already gets bonus points for being cute. Hah! That ought to score me some Hachiman points!
"Whatever you say." I pat her gently before removing my hand, "But, isn't it getting late for you too Komachi?"
The ahoge on her hair moved, realization rushing into her. What are you an anime character now? She glanced at her pink watch and let out a yelp.
"A-ah, that's right! I didn't realize it! I need to get going then!" She spun around, going down the stairs as she said, "Ah, Onii-chan. Rito-san is waiting for you outside already. Bye Onii-chan!"
I waved my farewells to Komachi. 'Rito-san'? Another unfamiliar name.
Picking up my school bag, I walk towards the stairs hearing the door slam indicating Komachi's departure. Good grief, that girl… I understand you're nervous about how you did in your exams but that's no need to go slamming all of our doors.
Plus if you damage one, I'll probably take the blame.
Entering the main room within the first floor, I look around. Not only was this the living room, with a bookshelf, a glass cabinet, a large TV in front of a lilac multi-piece sofa, but on the other half of the room was the dining room, with a table and four chairs at the side of the kitchen. Unlike my room, it looked just the same as usual.
My attention was piqued at the TV that was currently on. Honestly, that empty-headed sister of mine…
"…n other news. Drivers caught using handheld mobile phones will face tougher penalties from today on throughout the prefectures. The fine has doubled to 28,000 yen, and the number of penalty points has also doubled to six. This means that new drivers could potentially lose their license after one sole offense. The law enforcements within each prefecture have pledged to put in an increased focus on catching offenders. Kumiko Morita reports…"
Then I lost interest, my new focus directed at the plate of fried pork, a bowl of rice and miso soup over the table. I quickly dig in, rushing as the doorbell continues to ring. I usually go by myself to the school, so whoever that 'Rito-san' fellow is, he or she can wait. Or leave, I'd prefer that.
With my breakfast finished, I leave the dishes by the kitchen sink, picking up my school bag from the chair. I walk towards the TV to turn it off, yet before I do so, the current news once again catches my attention, the female reporter speaking.
"…fter many tests, Prime Minister Sugayama has authorized the use of Shinkansen 2.0, which will be distributed to the main stations of Tokyo, Chiba, Sendai, Osaka and Nagoya. After the cabinet had finally voted in favor of the project developed by the Tenjouin Enterprises, the prime minis…"
Hold on a minute, wasn't the Railway System privatized? It's not like I care about it that much, but it was a matter of interest to the populace that had no means of traveling, such as almost every student in Japan with no driver's license. Sadly, I fall on that list when I can't ride my bike, which means that I depend on the government that much more now. My stomach begins to writhe in disgust at the fact that I've gotten closer to becoming a corporate slave. I'll be damned if I become like my parents though.
Why am I thinking about this? There's no use getting pointlessly depressed over the future. I still have hope in becoming a househusband after all. Now if only I can find a non-smoking, non-drinking, non-violent, and not gradually-aging potential partner to support me.
"…After the press conference held about Mishima Zaibatsu's future, the new CEO, Kazama Jin, has announced that he has great plans for the future of the Mishima Industries. The new CEO has also refused to give an interview about his new position after the last tournam…"
No idea what they were talking about. I never had any interest in politics or economy, so I finally turned off the TV. This dream sure is weird, it's way too specific isn't it? Well, whatever, let's go through it so I can wake up faster.
I head towards the entrance of my house, and open the door. Where I'm promptly greeted by pair of golden brown eyes, kind and honestly unnerving with how bright they looked.
"Yo, Hachiman," The boy, whose hair was brown and spiky, and wore a lemon colored blazer, a green tie and trousers with a yellow cross-hatched pattern, waved his hand at me. "What took you so long? Koo-chan just left a couple of minutes ago with Mikan."
Did he just call me by my given nam- Wait… Koo-chan? Who the hell are you calling that!? Oi, just because this is a dream doesn't mean I'm going to accept you giving Komachi a nickname. Know your place!
"Oi, that's my sister you're talking about," I glare at him, and he blinks in surprise. "Don't act that familiar with her."
The guy scratches his head in puzzlement. Ignoring the annoying way he called my sister, he gets on my nerves for some reason... He just seems the sort of kind hearted guy that doesn't want to cause trouble, which is honestly annoying. It reminds me of a certain blonde riajuu.
"Eh? Um… It's Mikan's fault, you know?" He responded, laughing nervously. Quit it asshole, that doesn't mean Komachi should be called by a nickname, more so when it comes from unknown pests like you. "I think you allowed me to call her that, but if it bothers you, I'll stop."
I observe him closely, "Who are you again?"
He laughs awkwardly, though this time he seems confused, "Wow, I know you're dry, but to feign you don't know me? That's a little too much, don't you think?"
What does that mean? I don't recall ever seeing this guy. He knows Komachi somehow, but why does she know this guy? She's never spoke of him until now, plus he looks to be closer to my age than hers. And now that I think about it, what uniform is that? It's not from Sobu or even from the Kaihin Sougou High School that Orimoto Kaori goes to.
I sigh, before gazing at my phone. It was getting late.
"Whatever, I'll be on my way."
I turn towards the bike leaning at the side of the entrance door. Nothing to say much about it other than I take Komachi sometimes with it to her school, though it is still my trusty steed.
"The campus is not that far, so why take a bike? The weather is really nice today," He smiles again, creeping me out. "We should enjoy it, you know?"
I sigh, "Seriously, mind your own damned business… whoever you are."
"I'm beginning to think you're not joking… I'm your friend, Yuuki Rito… We're neighbors, remember? We've know each other for more than two years."
Like hell I'd willingly interact with someone like you for two years! I looked at both sides of the street, trying to see any hidden camera. There was the chance that I was currently the victim of one of those disgusting TV shows that pulled public pranks on people. If this did wind up being a nightmare, I might be forced to experience a self-esteem destroying encounter because of it. Geez… That brain of mine sure is twisted…
There was nothing suspicious. These bastards were doing a great job at hiding. It was just absurd that I would have a neighborhood "friend" after all, I've never had anything of the sort growing up. I'm sure that this was all just an elaborate prank by now.
"I don't know you, and I'm not interested in anything you might say. So spare me the uncomfortable moment and go away already."
The annoying person, Yuuki Rito, sighs, then, scratching his head he states, "As cold as always…"
That comment seems to show that I usually act like that, and that he knows it and probably puts up with it. Familiarity is written all over that comment, and that is certainly startling. I mean, I could admit that Yukinoshita, even Yuigahama and Isshiki know a bit of me, if only a bit, but this unknown guy comes and talks to me so casually, even referring to Komachi by that idiotic nickname?
It pisses me off.
I leave my bike where it was before. After that, I walk to the street at my left, my destination, Sobu High School, and as I moved forward, I hear the unmistakable sound of steps behind me. It was that boy again.
I take some more steps, and again, I look over my shoulder. The guy was at the exact same distance…Was he following me now? Is he some sort of creepy stalker?
I seriously wouldn't mind if it was Totsuka, but this was beginning to get more aggravating. Either way, I just continued to ignore him the rest of the journey to school.
0-2
"What the…? Was this here before?"
I was some blocks away from my destination before I began to wonder why this area seemed different than it was before. I just couldn't even imagine how I could possibly disregard that this area was a shopping district. I've taken this path multiple times and I could have sworn that this place wasn't here before.
Some minutes ago, I noticed a large board with the kanjis displaying: Chibadōri Shopping District. And right now, I was staring at a Japanese-styled restaurant, which seemed to be closed. It was a two story building with a lilac awning, displaying the name of the establishment.
Restaurant Yukihira.
"Yeah…? We usually come here to eat whenever it's open," Responds Yuuki, who stood nearby, "You're acting really weird this morning. Did you forget that this restaurant is famous around here due to its excellent food? Doesn't Sou-?"
"A famous restaurant?" I mutter to myself, cutting him off mid-question. I would definitely know if there was a restaurant with such a great reputation located this close to my home, "I walked across this street yesterday and this restaurant wasn't here, or all these stores for that matter. What kind of sick joke was this? This is getting really weird now, I'd never have thought my brain could be this hyperactive.
"Hey, Hachiman. Are you sure you're okay?" Yuuki asked, looking concerned. Cut that out already.
"Stop calling me by my first name. We're not friends, it's gross." Hey, just because I'm not a lucid dreamer, it doesn't mean I'm going to just put up with this unwanted familiarity.
Despite my words, he chuckled, "Haha, well, I'm used to hearing that from you. I know you don't mean it."
"I do."
"I know you don't," He argued, stupidly smiling. He really pisses me off.
"I do. Stop saying I don't."
I sigh, before gazing once more at the traditional-styled sliding door of Restaurant Yukihira. I was never interested in eating anywhere else other than Saize, besides, there was always food at home, whether Komachi or mom prepared it.
And, one of my 108 Hachiman skills is actually cooking. Of course I'm not a professional, but I can defend myself at the very least. Komachi enjoys my homemade food, so that's a test to my ability. Though, she is the only one that has ever tasted my food… maybe she's just being complacent with her dear Onii-chan… meh.
"Hey, it's already late."
Oh crap, Hiratsuka-sensei is going to use her infamous Terminating Last Bullet on me for being late. It has been some time since she's punched me now that I think about it… Such unpleasant memories…
I visibly shudder, and the guy called Yuuki Rito at my side notices it.
"Mmm? What's wrong?"
"None of your business…" I manage to say, "Oi, shouldn't you be getting to your school rather than following me around like an idiot?"
"Haha… good one, Hachiman. This is obviously the way to get to my school too."
It is? I can only assume that if he had chosen to walk to school, then it must be as close as mine, but that wouldn't make any sense. I always observe my surroundings, and I'm pretty sure I would notice if there was another-
What in the world…? There are so many students wearing the same uniform as this guy. Actually, there were two other uniforms besides the one fitted on Yuuki. What school do these uniforms belong to? The students were all apparently walking towards school as we did. Were there more schools around? I always used this route to get to Sobu and I've never seen these uniforms before.
I turn towards Yuuki, glaring at him. There was something fishy here and I have to figure out what it is.
"Oi, where's your school? Take me there."
That demand generated a frown. Scratching the back of his head, he nodded reluctantly.
"Man, you're honestly worrying me now," My glares intensifies and he takes a step back in surprise. "Geez, I don't know what's with you, but if that's what you want, I'll take you."
Yuuki walks towards the direction of my school. I raise an eyebrow before following him.
0-3
Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Prologue Section: Song 01
I blink. Then I blink again, my mouth agape.
I was in the middle of the street gazing at the entrance of the school of the brown-haired dude, which was apparently called Chiba Sainan Municipal High School. Many students of varied ages, male and female, entered through its gates, some of them gazing at me and gossiping.
Then, I turn 180 degrees, and before me was the entrance to Sobu High School. Many students disappearing inside the entrance just as the bells rang from afar. This was so messed up! Why is there another school just in front of mine? Since when? How? This was impossible! And urbanistically speaking, what kind of idiot would put one school in front of another?
"Well, there you go…" Yuuki states, somewhat puzzled by my expression, "Are you satisfied? This act is getting sort of dumb. You were always dry, but dumb, never. What's gotten into you? It's not like you to act like this."
"You don't know me, so drop that pretentious crap," I walk around, trying not to bump into anyone. I look around in a semi-panicked fashion. This shouldn't be happening. "What the hell is going on?"
A hand grip my shoulder. "C-calm down, Hachiman. You're really scaring me." Yuuki seems awfully concerned. I roughly pull my shoulder away from his hand as if it were diseased. Don't touch me.
"I'm the one who should be scared here," I spat, before noticing the multiple gazes being directed at me. Tch, I was drawing a crowd. Unease was beginning to bleed into my composure, my heart rate was beginning to rise out of sheer alarm at my current situation. Can't I wake up already?
My eyes quickly scanned the surroundings, a familiar face finally coming to sight. It was Yuigahama Yui, sporting the Sobu High uniform for girls, composed of a black blazer with a white blouse underneath it with two buttons undone, a red ribbon, a school skirt and black stocking and shoes.
As she noticed my focused gaze, she stepped back. Her shoulder-lengthed coral-dyed hair bouncing slightly, even the locks coiled into a bun perched on the top of her head. I walked to her with hurried steps, Yuigahama's peach eyes darting from left to right nervously.
"Hey Yuigahama, did you see all this…" Wait… why does she look so scared? I blink at her teary eyes, murmurs erupting in the sea of students from both schools around us. "Yuigahama, what's with you? Why are-"
"Hey Hikitani-kun, drop it. You're scaring her."
That voice was annoyingly familiar, so I looked at my left to see a blond sporting the same uniform as me. His blue eyes scrutinized me with disapproval as Yuigahama stepped towards him, as if to put distance between us.
"I'm scaring her?" No matter how I look at it, she does seem afraid of me, "Yuigahama, why are you acting like this?"
"Eh? Well, I was, like, surprised when you approached me out of nowhere," She fidgeted under my inquisitive gaze. "You know, we've never really talked before, so it was, like, totes weird. I mean, you don't like anyone, so I thought that you were, like, going to insult me or something. Ehehe…" She forces a laugh, nervous as it was, it made her fear all the more apparent.
I narrow my gaze, "Is that how you see me?"
"I-I… well… haha… I…"
"Don't push her," The guy I knew as Hayama Hayato took a step forward, trying to cover Yuigahama from my sight. What the hell do you want you damn fake?
"Whatever you're trying to pull in here, just drop it. I don't want any problems, much less with you. We agreed that you would never try to harass anyone in the school again. Hiratsuka-sensei made you promise that, so I hope you behave yourself."
What does that mean? I have no recollection of harassing anyone, not even by misunderstanding… at least not in Sobu. Though Yukinoshita would say that my mere presence could be harassment enough.
I take a step back, which is taken as the cue of my yielding about the matter. Hayama puts a hand on her shoulder and the two walk inside the school's perimeter, disappearing with the rest of the students. I stood there, lost and confused.
To begin with, why was she afraid of me? Last I saw her, we were fine. Hell, she took me out on a date with Yukinoshita yesterday. And we were both there to accept Yukinoshita's request, so what's with this abrupt change? Speaking of that, they had a sleep over at last night, why wasn't Yukinoshita here with her?
Could it be that this was my unconscious telling me that I didn't want to lose Yuigahama? After everything that happened between the three of us yesterday, maybe I was instilled with the anxiety that my quest for the genuine thing could cost me whatever relationship I had with her?
Then there was the fact of how Hayama rested a hand on her shoulder, and how Yuigahama took cover from me by hiding behind him.
They seemed close, and not just as the group that hangs out once in a while. Yuigahama was always part of Hayama's clique, but never have I seen them act like… that. I can't really establish my thoughts now, something is wrong today and I have no idea what's going on. But I do know that I don't like someone as pathetically desperate for the status-quo as Hayama to be so close to Yuigahama.
"Eh, well�� let's talk later, Hachiman," Yuuki's uneasy voice comes from behind me, "I don't want to be punish-"
I turned around to face the idiot, and as I did, a girl bumped into me. A small yelp abruptly escaped her mouth in her surprise. While I manage to keep my balance, barely, I couldn't say the same for the stranger. The girl, wearing the uniform for girls of Sainan High which was practically identical to the males', save for the skirt with the same cross-hatched pattern, falls to the ground.
Another yelp erupted, though it was from Yuuki this time. I turn to him to see his face was red, his eyes as widened as could be possible. He stares at the girl of his school with hopeful eyes. What's with that exaggerated reaction?
I would say that she was pretty. Her hair had an unusual color, as it was blue, and it looked surprisingly good, probably a high quality dye. Her oddly purple eyes matched quite nicely with it and her complexion.
Now, her pretty qualities aren't what caught my immediate attention. I have long since grown out of such superficial attraction, but the fact that her panties were visible unintentionally drew my gaze on her, and was probably why Yuuki looked even more like an idiot. White as the clouds of the sky, I must say.
Blood began to drip from Yuuki's nose before he fell to the ground, as comically as one would expect from the protagonist of one of those senseless Harem mangas. Get a grip on yourself you pervert.
For my part, I only averted my gaze, my cheeks burning slightly.
I'm still a male teenager that has never… wait… I was forgetting about black lace and Miura's pink, unexpected- stop it Hachiman!
Anyhow, male teens rarely get an occasion when they manage to contemplate female undergarments with a live example. Even for a loner such as myself, that's a given. I just hope that my face doesn't look as perverted as this bleeding idiot's does. I don't need everyone thinking of me as one alongside him.
"Are… you okay?" I ask her.
"I think I'm fine," Responds Yuuki desperately holding his nose..
"I didn't ask you." I retort to him, deadpanning.
The girl finally notices the embarrassing position she is displaying and stands up in a blink. Her face was flushing red, tears appearing in the corners of her eyes. I have to do something before this escalates into something unfixable.
"So… are you alright?" I ask again, "I didn't, uh, mean to…"
"D-don't worry! It's fine!" She replies, bowing to me. She subtly eyed Yuuki for some seconds before resuming her attention on me, "I was running late and I was in a rush. I'm sorry."
As she says it, her eyes trail once more to the nervous wreck named Yuuki Rito. Girls are so obvious sometimes, it's easy to see that she is fairly interested in the guy at my side, and it's pretty much the same with him. I can tell, he completely overreacted upon seeing her underwear after all.
Go to profile, SEE: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Prologue Section: Picture 01
"So… are you really okay?" I ask again.
"…" She lowers her head, looking little embarrassed. Then finally, she nods her head.
I nod in response, and she bows again. Giving one last glance at Yuuki, she turns around and dashes away. It was then that I noticed that almost all the students were already gone, and the gates of both schools are about to be closed.
"That was too close… geez…" Yuuki sighs in resignation, "Why can't I ever say a word to Haruna-chan…?"
"That's her first name, right? Are you two close?" I ask, and he obviously panics, "If not, that's really creepy."
"Quit it, dude. You know she's a sensitive subject to me…" He sighs again, before staring at the distance, "Well, laters Hachiman. Hurry before you're left outside."
As he ran into Sainan High's perimeter, I can't help but feel that he reminds me slightly of myself from middle school. Though, I was much more of a gentleman than that nosebleeding pervert was. I turn around and dash boyond the gates just in time, reflecting a bit. They like each other, but it's easy to assume they have yet to confess their feelings considering what I witnessed. Great, this Yuuki guy I'm apparently "friends" with is part of the youth I hate. Whatever, it doesn't matter to me.
That aside, I should concentrate on the matter at hand, which is, uncovering the reason for this school being located in front of Sobu out of nowhere. Yuigahama has proven to not be an available source of information for the time being, for whatever reason.
I can't jump to conclusions about her attitude towards me yet.
Finally inside the school, I move towards the lockers. I was the only one around, so I guess classes were about to start. I open my locker, and to my surprise, there were many letters inside. What the hell?
Could this be what I think it is!? The situation where a boy receives the infamous so-called love letter!? Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. Knowing me, this might be a trap, or more likely a prank. Damn, I almost succ.u.mbed to temptation and my own naivete. This dream almost got me. Good grief. Who would dare to play with the honest feelings of a pure-hearted male such as myself? Oh, right, my own head…
Wait, what does that say about me!?
I scan my surroundings before gazing at the letters. Sucking in a much needed deep breath, I grab the first one on top, opening it to read the contents. I narrow my gaze, every word written in it destroying my silly hopes as I read on.
- Hey Hiki-mushi, still coming to school despite our warnings? You better watch your step asshole, cuz we're gonna f.u.c.k you up!
I expected as much, though it still came as a surprise. What's with this stereotypical delinquent writing? Wait, how was a delinquent able to enter a private school like Sobu anyway? And who the hell is 'Hiki-mushi'?
Anyhow, I've never done anything to hurt anyone despite that most of them deserved it. And while I was rejected by almost every person I've met, I never became the target of any hostility. Actually, only Hayama has ever threatened me, but that was only due to the incident with Sagami Minami. He just wanted to defuse the situation from getting worse and keep his appearance up.
Another 'love letter' huh…? I open it, reviewing it's contents.
- I hope you die!
Hoh… The 'love' is even more palpable with this one. I pick up another one.
- Sc.u.m!
The sentiments keeps getting shorter, I see. Show some originality at least.
- Disgusting Hikiyaya! I can't believe that I have to keep attending this school with a creep like you! Just seeing you makes me want to vomit. Not only are you ugly, but you are a spineless bastard. You don't deserve to live!
Oh, this one was longer, and it even has drawings of my face with disgusting expressions. I have to admit that my hairstyle was well drawn, but the face… can I even call it a face? If you're going to bother drawing me with such a level of detail then go all in dammit! Apologize to all struggling artists everywhere!
I can only assume the three additional letters left contain similar messages. This reminds me of elementary and middle school, where I became the target of mockery from my peers. I was never intimidated physically, much less attacked, but many times my possessions were the indirect targets. I can recall when I found my bag filled with insects, or my books destroyed and my folders full of insulting drawings.
Most of the time I was the focus of cruel jokes and rumors.
Humans can be so disgusting sometimes, and I'm sure as hell no one can deny it. Certain individuals often use force, threats, and coercion to abuse with the goal of dominating others. Any uninvolved bystanders observing such actions, without making any sort of interference, aren't any better. Using disinterest or fear as an excuse to remain out of the problem makes them, to me, just as bad as the the others. I would even call them accomplices.
Bullies…
Bullies often act as they do, due to their envy and resentment. A complex of inferiority that mentally forces them to try to show their false sense of superiority with aggressive means, in order to conceal their own shame and anxiety. It was ironic as these bullies demeaned others with the intention of boosting their low self-esteem. Pathetic if you ask me.
Others were simply narcissistic and arrogant.
Whatever, the fact that bullying existed was the solid proof of how rotten people can be, no matter the reason. No exception.
I grab the rest of the letters, tearing them in half, before tossing them to the nearest trash container. Having put on my shoes for school, I finally go to my class.
0-4
"Late? You? Hikigaya…? And what the hell is wrong with your eyes? Did you spend all the night watching hentai again?"
Oi, oi… That was seriously inappropriate, not to mention intentionally humiliating, sensei. Is this what a teacher should say to a student in class when greeting him? And what is with that surprised expression? I arrive late to school occasionally. And paid for it dearly each time…
"Woman, what kind of degenerate do you take me for?" I sneer, folding my arms as I stood by my teacher's desk.
I glare at Hiratsuka Shizuka, the fairly tall, busty woman who is the homeroom teacher of my class, 2F. She also happens to be my self-proclaimed guidance counselor and the one responsible for me joining the Service club. She was not a member of the club just simply the advisor.
"You tell me. I wasn't the one carrying questionable manga inside my book bag some days ago…" She pointed out, smiling evilly. "…was I?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," I stated with conviction. I admit in having a couple of those, but such… things… were nothing but morbid curiosity on my part. Although, I still wonder why I have so much of those H-class belongings in my closet.
I honestly fear it has something to do with Komachi. I'm not going to find out that she's a closet pervert who enjoys trashy eroges when I get home, right? This dream isn't going to go that far, is it? I really didn't enjoy that series.
"Then why are you late?" Hiratsuka-sensei pressed.
Heh, I was ready to answer that question, though I hope she has forgotten that I've already used this reply, "You're wrong, sensei. I'm not late. This is what you call executive work hours."
"Really?"
I blink already expecting her Megaton Fists, "Yeah, as one of the elite in society, it is only natural that I would have a different entry hour. Those lesser than me-"
"'Lesser…'? Your point better be good," Her frown became a glare, her eyes piercing straight to my soul. That wasn't a good sign, she was getting mad.
"Y-you see, society misunderstands what tardiness truly is, taking it as something wrong. I can assure you that isn't the case, in fact, the mere thought of such a thing is a sin. I think someone as intelligent as me would have told you this before."
That someone is me, from some months ago. It's obvious, considering that only two people are as smart as me. Yukinoshita, and of course… me, heh… Oh right, there's also that Haya-something Haya-whatever guy.
After fixing her long black hair, the woman leisurely folds her arms. As always, she wears a lab coat over a dress shirt, a loosely worn tie, and a black vest, with black pants and a brown belt completing her attire. She looks at me with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't believe I've heard something that nonsensical before, and I'm surprised you now bother to give an excuse as ridiculous as that."
She forgot! Then I'll proceed as planned.
"To consider it ridiculous is in fact the problem. You see, those with higher intellect can't simply be treated with the same rules as the rest. And so, I can't abide by the default schedule implanted by the school."
I honestly expected a punch, a glare and some harsh words, however, I received none of those.
She smiles, and then giggles, "That has to be the dumbest excuse I've ever heard in a long time, and I can't believe it came from you, Hikigaya. What's with you today?"
I hear murmurs from my classmates behind me, multiple gazes being shot at me. Curiosity sparks and fades instantly, which is fine because I don't like the attention anyway. They never meant any good as far as I know, so being the center of attention right now was something I was uncomfortable with.
I must be dreaming, I concluded. Since I woke up, I have seen many aspects of my daily life with changes that aren't possible. A new shopping district that was situated in a street I knew far too well from one day to another. Train transportation still belonged to the government. There was another school in front of mine which hadn't been there before.
A new 'friendly,' but nonetheless annoying neighbor. Messages from people unfamiliar to me, or from those I never expected. H-class stuff was stocked inside my closet, which I can't recall to having bought. All those letters filled with contempt inside my locker. And this woman didn't hit me!
Yeah… This has to be a dream. With nightmarish qualities…
"Nothing really…" I scratch my head, "I guess..."
"Well, go take your seat," I nod silently and walk to my desk, which was already occupied by… Miura?
"Oi, that's my…"
Her face suddenly flushes red, green eyes averting from my own as she fixated on her hair. What the hell was with that reaction?
"H-Hikio…" She stammers, fidgeting under my gaze, "W-what is it…?"
"You're in my seat."
She blinks, her eyes darting frenetically. Hold on a minute, is this really the fearsome Fire Queen? Did Hayama somehow level up his effect on her? Why on earth is she looking… so defenseless? This dream of mine keeps getting weirder and weirder.
"I am…?" She mutters. For some reason she isn't raising her gaze, "Is this another one of your jokes… like, the one from yesterday…? I…I don't get why you tease me so much…"
I can hear the continuous murmurs as these unexpected events unfolds. I look around, spotting Yuigahama, Hayama, Ebina, Tobe and… Totsuka… he looks sort of fearful. Why do I feel like everyone sees me as some sort of delinquent?
Hold up! Don't confuse delinquent with creep! I have never behaved violently. To be honest, even if I wanted to, I wouldn't have been capable of it. I'm the kind of guy whose strength lies in the brain, not in the muscle. Wait, did I just insult myself right now!?
"Hikitani-kun," Hayama buts in again. The nerve of this guy and that false hero complex of his. He's still as meddlesome as he is irritating. "Your seat's right there," He points at the empty seat behind his, "Don't bother her."
I sigh with hands in my pockets, walking towards my supposed desk. I catch some trash stuffed inside the storage part of the table. Yep, this is my desk alright. Well, at least the trashcan's right behind me.
While my gaze is only focused forward, I can tell many eyes were locked on my body. The tension was almost palpable.
Finally desk-bound, I rest an elbow over the table. And at last, class begins.
0-5
The ringing of the bell marks the start of break.
Lunch break…
Forty minutes given to students after the first four classes of the day. Forty minutes used to have lunch, relax, study and engage in socializing. In my humble opinion, it was simply the time of the day in school to slack off. Depending on one's interests and social reputation, every student spent this time in a different way.
Well, I usually ate my homemade bento at my quiet hangout by the tennis courts. As of now though, I was peacefully enjoying my solitude while putting my belongings back into my bag. I didn't bring a bento today, so this sweet roll filled with red bean paste will have to suffice. Nutritious? No. Filling? Totally.
Some steps echo in the somewhat empty class, with very few students around.
"Yuigah-" I look at my left, and I was greeted by a person I didn't expect. Why do I keep forgetting that Yuigahama is acting weird around me today? I have to admit I sort of got accustomed to her presence. "Uh, Miura…-san?"
Miura bites her lip, "-san?" Her gaze wavers, cheeks somewhat red, "You're so mean…"
The faint accent of a poppy fragrance reaches my nostrils as I gaze at her frowning expression. I just can't grasp what could have happened for her to act like this with me, to speak and look at me the way she is. It was as if she was expecting something, and that's pretty messed up if you ask me.
People don't tend to expect anything of me, and while both Isshiki and Yuigahama sort of did sometimes, that might no longer be the case if Yuigahama keeps acting differently. Now Miura seems hopeful about something… Wait, maybe she wants me to help her get Hayama's attention.
That should be it, right? I have no recollection of having accepted that kind of request though.
"I'm not being mean… if anything, I'm being polite," I retort, deliberately averting my gaze from Miura. "Also, I can only take requests in the clubroom after school."
Silence came, she was still standing at the side of my desk.
"What are you talking about?" She asked, and I finally looked at her. She yelped slightly, averting her eyes, "I-I me-mean…"
"The Service Club, obviously." I confirm, tapping my foot in impatience.
Her frown deepened, "You always leave early so I assumed that you didn't have a club. Besides, aren't the only members of the Service Club, Yukinoshita, Yui and Hayato?"
My eyes widen at the revelation, my calm demeanor shattered into pieces at this revelation.
"Hayama? In the Service Club?" I couldn't believe it, for more than obvious reasons. This was a dream so anything was possible, though it's getting too long, and more unpleasant as it drags on.
"H-Hikio…" She stutters, eyes unfocused, "I-is something wrong? You seem, like, sort of lost… I heard you tried to talk to Yui… Can you��� can you tell me why?"
"Nothing's wrong," I mutter, "I was just asking her about homework. Even if we… don't talk, she's still a classmate. Actually, why do you care? What I do is my business. It's not like we're friends or anything."
Because I may believe we are, and then deception would come once reality hits me in the face. People shouldn't be unconditionally kind to others, as it always creates misunderstandings and uncomfortable moments for the parties involved. I don't mind if no one was nice to me, I've long since stopped caring about that sort of thing. At least this way I wouldn't hope, and I wouldn't be hurt. A clean win in my opinion.
My doubt now was: Why was Miura Yumiko acting nice towards me when she was never a nice girl? With the exception of Hayama being present of course.
"Y'know… I… I hate the fact that I'm like this now, having to put up with that rotten personality of yours…" I had to blink, my mouth agape as the Fire Queen in front of me was nothing more than a fragile girl, with tears in her eyes, "I… I… never did anything for you to hate me."
I've never been comfortable with a crying girl in front of me. Typically, I appreciated a strong-willed girl finally showing her weaknesses she's hidden as in the cases of Isshiki and Yukinoshita. But seeing Miura like this reminded me of Yuigahama, who would cry because she was hurt, and like then, I felt a severe amount of guilt and found myself helpless to do anything.
My mind frantically wanders to any interaction I can recall having with her that could have possibly lead to situation.
"I'm… not that sure…" I scratched my cheek. I can't really say that she did anything against me, nor I her for that matter. Despite that, I could always tell Miura didn't see me in a good light whenever we were in each others' presence.
"I didn't!" She insisted, "I just want us to be friends, like, to hang out and do stuff together, y'know? Unlike everyone else, I don't hate you. Why can't you understand that, Hikio?"
"'Friends'? With you?" I repeat, disbelieving. I look at both my sides, "Look, I think you've got the wrong idea here. We don't like each other remember?"
Her hands becomes fists, she was biting her lower lip.
"Why won't you stop treating me like an idiot!?" She spat, finally the traits I knew appearing. "Despite the fact that you're a creep, I-"
I sigh. I can tell where she's going with this.
"Look, it doesn't matter. Spare me the pity and drop it. Go back to your group of friends, I'm not interested."
Without another word, I stand up and leave the classroom, not sparing her a glance. I wasn't about to stand there and endure the insults of a girl who forces her will on others, then becomes obnoxious and irrational should she find opposition to her ideals.
Hayama was the one who took it upon himself to reel Muira in, it might be in the worst way possible, but it's not my place to object. Though I wonder, why wasn't he around with his clique? It was odd to see the herd without its shepherd. Heh… Herd. Nice one Hachiman.
"His smile's really scary…"
"He must be planning something again…"
"Get away from that creep…"
I notice boys and girls alike talking behind my back as I make my way towards the Service Club, but as per usual, they are flawlessly ignored by me. Ignoring others is another one of my 108 Hachiman Skills after all. Though, this level of attention was surprising, even my situation after the Cultural Festival wasn't this overt. Everyone would joke amongst themselves about me, but they weren't as vocal about it, or scared for that matter. Well, it doesn't really matter right now anyway.
My mind was more interested in what Miura had said, and I needed confirmation about the fact that Hayama joined my club. Knowing what I know about the past he shared with Yukinoshita, I can't rule out the possibility of it happening. And… I don't like him being involved in her request. I don't know why, but I just don't.
Turning on a corner, I bump with another face that was familiar to me. Brown, shoulder-length bobbed hair, and eyes, as honey in hue as I can recall. The girl wore the Sobu High uniform with a pink cardigan under the blazer.
Isshiki Iroha… my underclassman and the 'second most rotten person in the world' I personally refer to her as.
While I expected her trademark phrase: 'Senpai!' I was greeted in a way that further elevated my confusion about everything going on today. She glared daggers at me, her previous smile evaporating. Had I not been so confused, surely I would have been intimidated to see such a hostile expression come from Isshiki.
"Isshik-"
"Leave me alone!" She cut me off and growled, "I told you to never speak to me again!"
I take a step back, shocked at her venomous reaction. Before I could even open my mouth, she walks past me, looking disgusted for even talking to me. She clearly hates me for whatever reason, and I'm seriously getting sick of this treatment already. I haven't done anything as far as I recall.
Great, a friendly reminder of my past…
I proceed towards my destination, within the special building in the school. I'll have to look into these matters later, if I don't wake up from this dream-turned-nightmare first.
0-6
Finally, here I am…
I stood just in front of the door of the Service Club.
According to the paperwork, this was a volunteer organization that provided help to every student within Sobu High. It was funny to think I was forced to join it as punishment for my essay. I can't say I regret it, actually. I seriously consider this club as a part of me now. It has become important to me. They have become important to me.
Many things have happened since I became one of its members.
I look at the door plate, where some stickers were stuck right under the classroom number… I could've sworn there were more on it as Yuigahama took it upon herself to add one for each request we solved. While I know this is still a dream, I mentally prepared myself just in case.
I grab the door handle, yet before I could open the sliding door, I hear some voices. I blink, taking in a deep breath before finally swinging it to the side.
"See!? I told you we'd have a new request tod-" The voice of Yuigahama suddenly comes to a stop as I enter the room. "Eh… it's…"
Silence follows. I observe the room. Just as I presumed it to be a store room of sorts the first day I came here, chairs, boxes and tables were piled up in cluttered stacks along the edges of the room. There was a tea kettle, a drinking water heater, snack packs, food cover, straws and tea leaves over a student table. It was a familiar room yet foreign at the same time.
I instantly noticed that by the 'guest' plastic cups, there were three porcelain cups that stood alongside each other. They obviously belonged to each member of the club. The plain, yet high class tea cup was for Yukinoshita, the long one with a dog image from Yuigahama and the third one was… different…
Instead of the cup with a Pan-san image that had recently been given to me, there was a short, yet wide blue cup. I have a faint idea of who might be the owner as dread welled up within me. I wanted to look away yet I couldn't stop staring at the cup that shouldn't be there. I don't like that he has one on that table.
Now… how is it that I told myself that I would be prepared, yet now I can't say a single word?
"Hikitani-kun," Hayama stands up from his seat at the middle of the table and hastily approaches me, gaining my attention. "What are you doing here? Have you come to make a request? If not, then please leave."
I narrow my gaze, ignoring him as I walked past him, yet I feel his hand clamp down on my shoulder tightly. I roughly pull myself out of his grip and looked forward, at the two pairs of eyes currently focused on me.
One was of course Yuigahama's, who looked hesitant, most likely at the possible outcome of this meeting. At her side, holding a book, was none other than…
Yukinoshita Yukino.
Waist-length black hair tied with two red ribbons by each shoulder, angular blue eyes, fair skin and… a flat chest. Yeah, definitely Yukinoshita. Just as Yuigahama, she wore the school uniform for girls with her additional knee high stockings. Even I could see that she was beautiful, well, if I was to remove her cold and overall unpleasant personality.
Right now, those cold, devious eyes observed me with contempt. A far cry from the beautiful smile she showed yesterday evening when assuring us about her request.
"Well if it isn't Hikihorrible-kun…" She began. Heh, she seems to be the similar to the one I'm used to so far, but I can't afford to relax yet, "Could it be that the most hated student in Sobu requires our assistance?"
Now, I have to think what I'm going to say first. She was treating me as if I were a patron, which confirms that I'm no longer considered a member of this club for some reason. I suspect this dream of mine will last much longer, so I'll have to keep dealing with it until I wake up.
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"Sure, I guess I have a request…" I responded lazily, with my hands inside my pants pockets. "Even if I'm hated, I'm still part of the alumni of Sobu, so I can request help, right?"
Yukinoshita smiles coldly, Yuigahama looking at her uneasily, "Of course you can, though I will make it clear that we will refuse the request if it brings harm in any way to the other students. Don't hesitate to leave if this troubles you."
Hoh… Already inviting me to leave without even hearing my request? I honestly have none, but I have to investigate what is going on. Just follow the waves, they say.
"Would it harm the students if I said that I don't want to be hated anymore?"
Hayama, already seated at Yuigahama's side, frowns. You got something to say?
"How can you ever hope for that after all you've done?" He scrutinizes me harshly, but I just smirk, making him narrow his gaze.
"Whatever. The past is the past, and those that dwell on it fail to advance," Was my response. Which not only made him angry, but Yuigahama now glared at me as well. I feign indifference when in fact I do not like being subjected to it. "I'm definitely sure this request isn't going to hurt anything, not even a fly."
Yukinoshita tilts her head cooly, "I wouldn't be so sure, Hikiunpleasant-kun. Every student despises you as far as I know, and trying to convince them to like you would be too cruel on our part. Who knows what you would do to them? Perhaps you have a plan to destroy the reputation of Sobu, and you want to gain the trust of the student body to pull off your scheme."
Since when did I become a cliché super villain? Even if I was one, I wouldn't waste my time doing something like that. Making Chiba be seen as a great city would be better. Wait… that doesn't even sound villainous. And Chiba's already great in the first place.
"Hoh… so you're basically saying that there's something fishy under my sleeve?" I inquire mockingly, knowing well which buttons to push, "The way I see it, it just seems that this club can't complete my request."
Her brow twitches as expected, and I c.o.c.k an eyebrow in victory. Looks like she's still as competitive as I remember.
"I'm afraid that…" Her voice fades as she exchanges glances with both Yuigahama and Hayama. "We won't accept your request after all. I admit it would be hard to accomplish, but nothing beyond impossible. However, helping you would only cause discomfort among the students. And I cannot, in good conscience, allow that."
"I see…" I look at her blankly. So that's it then?
"Would that be all?"
I nod my head, turning around. There was no need to say anything else, it was clear they never meant to help me, even if I truly requested it. I can't tell why I'm having such a dream, but I won't question it. I won't question them. In any case, I got as much information as I could here.
"Do take care that the door does not hit you on your way out," Yukinoshita adds, her gaze directed at her book. Hoh…? It's a sliding door, you know? You disappoint me Ice Queen, your tongue is usually sharper than that.
I smirk darkly, "They say there is a certain sort of hope that an loner can receive only by having company over.
Yukinoshita frowns slightly, "Oh, and that is...?"
"The hope that they will soon leave," I turn towards the door, "Thanks for your time."
"I'm sorry we couldn't help you," The irritating blonde says insincerely.
I don't need you to say it, bastard! I would have never asked you for help in the first place. I only meant it for Yuigahama and Yukinoshita. The social butterfly of the group was strangely silent now that I think about it.
I walk out of the room and close it. I hear Yuigahama saying something but I can't make out her words as she's most likely whispering them. It's probably something about feeling relieved now that I was gone. Feels sort of bad honestly, having all my acquaintances giving me their back.
I release a heavy breath and begin to walk away.
I just hope this stupid dreams ends soon.
0-7
Oh, my shoes were stuffed with natto. Great, now they stink like hell.
It was 4:12 pm, classes had just ended. I was right in front of my locker by the lobby of the school, cursing whoever pulled this prank to me. Damn it, I need to wash them or else my bag will stink too. I'll have to use my school shoes to get back.
I head towards the nearest bathroom, but on my way there, I run into Hiratsuka-sensei. She seems sort of worried. If it isn't about her age or the fact she's still single, then I have no idea what else it can be. I decide to approach her to ask her a couple of questions.
"Yo." I wave my hand to her, and she blinks in shock.
"What is this? There's something really wrong with you today. You've never spoken a word to me before, and now it's been twice today," With a hand on her hip, she continues. "Anyhow, what is it?"
I won't even question what she just said, it's the dream's fault.
"Sensei, why does everyone seem to hate me?" I inquire. As my homeroom teacher and advisor, she must be aware of the reasons behind the hatred I'm receiving in this dream�� I hope.
Hiratsuka-sensei seems surprised at first, then she frowns visibly as she prepares her answer. However, instead of a reply, I found myself before an inquiry.
"Are you kidding?" I c.o.c.k an eyebrow at her tone, "You more than anyone else know what happened in the cultural festival a couple of days ago."
Wait, what?
I narrow my gaze, " 'A couple of days ago'? The festival ended months ago, woman. I think your senility is starting to show. You'd better-"
A dark, oppressive aura suddenly invades the hallway. Drops of sweat trail down my forehead as I gaze at the cause of this phenomenon. Oh man, I did it…
"Hikigaya…" Her icy voice sears my body, her hand extending towards my face.
I flinch, trying to step back as her hand finally fell on my shoulder. To my surprise, I didn't receive a hit or anything like that. It was then that I noticed her fond expression.
"Those dead fish eyes look better on you," She smiled honestly, "I have this feeling… that I'm talking to someone totally different. I prefer it."
"…is that right?" I snort. My fish eyes garnered an honest compliment? This truly is a dream.
However, what I feared occurred. Her grip on my shoulder tightened, her eyes assuming a deadly glint, "But… I won't allow you to joke about my age again… am I clear?"
"…!" I nod frantically. This woman's still as terrifying as I remember at least.
She seems satisfied with my quick reply, and turns around, "We'll talk later, Hikigaya."
And with that she left, leaving me more confused than ever. At least answer my question before leaving dammit! All I could do was massage my aching shoulder and head to the bathroom to clean my shoes.
I better not have a bruise on my abused shoulder when I wake up.
0-8
After spending 6 minutes washing my shoes, I put them in the plastic bag of the long gone anpan. You've fulfilled your role of filling the empty stomach of a good-looking loner such as myself. I will always remember you, anpan!
I wouldn't want to get my book bag all wet for putting my shoes in there, so that's a plus to the awesomeness of the anpan. It even lent me its cover. Thank you, anpan!
Anyhow, I prepare to leave the bathroom when I notice something strange before me.
It was the mirror.
I look at it, blinking, yet I don't see the response I was expecting to see in it. If I recall correctly, mirrors reflect light in a way that, for incident light in some range of wavelengths, the reflected light preserves many or most of the detailed physical characteristics of the original light… or something like that. I'm actually surprised I recalled that much, sciences have never been my strongest subject.
However, while the mirror reflected the bathroom with utmost detail, there was something within it ignoring the optical effect.
That anomaly was my own reflection. I call it that, but it was more like a shadow instead. Still, with it placed in the mirror I decide to refer to it as a reflection.
My reflection in the mirror was staring at me like I was probably doing, but while I carried my school bag and the plastic one filled with my wet shoes, it simply had both hands inside its pockets. That couldn't be right. I couldn't see either of the items I carried within my reflection. Hell, I didn't see anything except for two dimensional shapes of eyes and a mouth.
And putting that side, I could swear I was sporting a confused expression considering what I was witnessing. However, my reflection looked at me with what I would call, an evil smirk. I have only seen those in anime and one on me as I role played my character during my chuunibyou period. I cringe at the reminder of the phase I went through. The past is the past Hachiman! You're better now compared to your past self! Wait. Focus, focus.
I leave both bags over the sink, and walk from one side to the other, all while gazing at the large mirror, and yet, my own reflection didn't move at all, only kept that strange expression plastered on his face, my face… I can't tell.
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[I bet you already figured it by now, so stop acting dumb. It's a pain to see myself hold that ridiculous expression.]
I stopped abruptly, mouth agape and eyes blinking. My reflection had spoken on its own, without me moving my mouth at all. How could I could hear myself if I hadn't even spoken? I narrow my gaze and touch the mirror, trying to feel if the glass was a fake. This had to be a joke, as tasteless as it was.
[Stop that. It's disgusting to see myself trying to touch me… us, I mean… me.]
I take a step back, realizing that I've had enough. It was time to wake up from this shitty dream. And there was one sure way, that's been said to be effective in doing so.
Clenching a fist, I punch the mirror, right in the face of my strange reflection. I can feel my wrist twist in pain due to the force behind it, the glass cracking, if only slightly. I cry out in pain, quickly pulling back my hand as I massage my aching wrist. Blood trailed from my knuckles with tiny pieces of glass stuck to it.
[That wasn't a good idea, moron…]
Shit, that hurt like hell… Wasn't that supposed to wake me up?
"Why am I…?" I mutter in disbelief, opening the sink to remove the particles of glass in my hand. Water and blood become one for several seconds until I turn off the faucet. With a piece of paper, I cover my hand, blood in minimal quantity staining it.
[That's what you thought? That you were dreaming? Are you really me? That Monster of Logic Haruno used to call me?]
I ignore the way that my reflection familiarly refers to Yukinoshita's sister, and grit my teeth.
"If this is not a dream… then what is it?" I stand straight, still holding my aching wrist, "What are you supposed to be? A doppelganger?"
My reflection makes an amused expression, pocketing out a hand and pointing his index at me.
[Well, I'm you of course, the real you.] The doppelganger responds, [I'm here to greet you in your new life.]
"…'My new life,' huh? …You see, I'm fairly positive about this whole thing being a dream," I stare blankly back at him, "Why should I believe any of this? Just because you say so? A dream is normally a recollection of various events, which are stored in the consciousness of the human being. This is most likely that," I release a breath, closing my eyes. "Whoever you are, I can tell you're lying, because… I'm the biggest liar, and if you're anything like me, then you're probably trying to deceive me."
[I won't argue with you, because that's exactly what I'd have thought in your place. Anyhow, all I want to do is let you know that as your TRUE self, I'll watch you. No matter what you do, where you go, let me assure you that I will always be here to remind you what kind of piece of shit you truly are. Your new life will be hell on earth, bastard. As your inner and true you, that I can promise.]
I continue to stare at him, before I scratch my head with a smile on my face, "Talking a lot of garbage that doesn't make any sense. You sound like Zaimokuza, you creep." That earned me a glare, courtesy of my 'evil counterpart', "Whether you're my conscience, or if this thing turns out to be a dream or not, I won't let it bother me. I've experienced enough things in my life to let some wannabe doppelganger interfere with me now."
Picking up my school bag and the plastic bag with one hand, my other injured hand hidden inside my pants' pocket so as to not attract attention, I walk towards the door.
[Time will tell, 'Hachiman.' Just you wait.]
"Find a seat then pal, because you're going to be waiting there for a while." I raise my hand in farewell as I fully turn my back on him.
0-8
It was now 4:57 pm.
As in the morning, many students from many unknown schools walked down the street. That wasn't my concern though as I had a much greater worry. I refused to believe this was not a dream, but it was lasting too long, and the pain in my wrist felt too damn real.
Did the guy in the mirror tell the truth?
Then what happened to my previous life?
What's with this new life my doppelganger mentioned?
According to the date on my phone, the sports festival just ended two days ago, and the trip to Kyoto was a few weeks away, which meant that I've somehow traveled to the past. It was impossible.
Who was that guy anyway? He looked like me, though his eyes didn't seem to be like mine. I could clearly hear the sharpness in his tone, and even the hatred he displayed towards me. However, he was supposed to be my reflection in the mirror, not an identical 'me' that wanted to screw with my life. How could I explain that?
It was obvious actually. There was no actual explanation.
Either way, I guess I'll get back home for today. Maybe if I sleep, I'll wake up with everything back to normal? Weird logic, but considering everything that's happened so far, anything is possible.
And so as I'm walking back to my home sweet home, I hear some shouts in the distance. Turning around, I spot the annoying pest from the morning, Yuuki Rito, straining to catch up to me. What the hell does he want?
"Hey Hachiman, why'd you ditch me!?"
I stare silently before proceeding to walk forward. It wasn't like I knew him, or even cared enough to bother waiting for him to walk together. He was just some unknown idiot after all. And after this morning's events, a pervert too.
I could hear his steps quickening as he finally reached my side. I heave a sigh, glancing at Yuuki as if I just noticed him. I had treated him poorly the entire morning, and despite that, he didn't seem at all bothered.
Did he also suffer from the Hayama Hayato syndrome? Wanting to please everyone to keep a status quo? Great… Like I needed something like that around me outside of school too.
The possibility of giving this guy a chance wasn't a tempting choice. He was friendly, but his entire personality rubbed me the wrong way. Plus that friendly act of his could be just that, an act. Though I have to admit, he was among the few people who hadn't treated me like I was the Demon King himself. That girl called Haruna and Hiratsuka-sensei too, but I had no idea who the former was. Maybe Miura, though after that lunch break she may no longer be an option. I'll have to do something about that if this winds up being real.
"So, how was your day?"
"…Why?" Seriously, what's with that familiarity?
Yuuki makes a humming sound as if expecting that sort of reaction from me, "Can't I ask?"
I don't reply, which doesn't seem to offend him. I really don't like this, and I bet no one else would either. What kind of person would enjoy interacting with some stranger that already knows your mannerisms?
After several minutes, having already passed the street where that Yukihira Restaurant was located and full of people now from what I could see, we both came to a stop. The reason was nothing more and nothing less than the presence of a large bear. Seriously!? What on earth is a bear doing here? We're in Chiba dammit! Go back north to where you belong!
It was too late to move, as the bear was dangerously close. Wait, if I remember correctly, they say bears attack those that show fear or something like that. They can smell it I think… and the time has arrived it seems to prove if that theory is true.
The bear stood on its feet, its large stature shadowing the last rays of light from the sunset. I gulped but managed to retain my composure, however, what I hadn't taken into account was Yuuki's reaction. That idiot was shaking like a blender. I couldn't blame him, but at least try not to look so scared, dumbass!
"W-why the hell is there a bear in the middle of the street!?" Yuuki stuttered.
Despite this absurd situation, I think it could be explained. While there was no zoo around here as far as I recall, maybe now there was one with all this new stuff popping out of nowhere around Chiba district. Maybe the ferocious animal had escaped from captivity and was roaming the streets.
I didn't feel like explaining any of this though.
"Just don't move" I advise him, though if he gets mauled I may just be able to escape safely.
The bear looked at us, before leaning its head menacingly forward. This was the end, I was about to get eaten by a bear. This must be a nightmare, and I hope to wake up in my bed with Vita-chan right next to me. Maybe it was because of video games that my dream is so chaotic, I should lay off of them. Suddenly, the sound of a zipper opening came within earshot. I understand that you might have a loose bladder, Yuuki, given this absurd situation. But if we're about to die, at least have the courtesy to keep that evacuation in your pants! Have some shame dammit!
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However, the front part of the bear suddenly fell limply to the ground, just before us. We look on in shock at the animal, until something far more incredible happens. Suddenly from the back half of the bear, two large b… hold on, b.r.e.a.s.ts? A girl?
"Puff!" The girl lets out a short gasp before she takes her legs out of the bear's body… "Geez… It was too hot in there!"
A costume! It was a costume! It looked abnormally real for a costume…
"Hey, ya two!"
After witnessing such an event, we both stood straight, nodding our heads at her call. She had Kansai accent from what I could tell.
"Y-yes miss!?" / "…What?"
I studied her. She wore a light blue sleeveless leather jumpsuit and shorts with a blue sports bra underneath. Purple boots with blue protectors adorned on her feet and long white gloves with blue elbow and hand protectors covered from the tips of her fingers to mid arm. Finally, around her waist was a belt with three green star emblems. We're in public lady, at least have the decency to dress appropriately!
Her eyes were brown, her short shoulder-length hair displaying the same color.
"Have ya seen a group of troublemakers aroun'?" She asked, approaching us.
I couldn't help but notice how well-endowed she was, her chest is even bigger than Yuigahama's… But I'm not a pervert, honestly, she's the one with the lack of decency here.
"N-no we h-haven't…" Responded a nervously blushing Yuuki Rito, while scratching his head. His eyes, however, weren't on her face. Seriously, how shameless is this pervert? At least try to be subtle.
She scrutinizes him before focusing on me. It makes me nervous, her gaze is quite sharp after all, much like the Fire Queen's. The one I knew at least, not the one I've seen today.
I only shook my head silently, which causes her to sigh.
"Darn, dose punks got away again… Damn it!" She starts to whine as she gazes behind her, which becomes the cue for us to leave. Looks like Yuuki caught on to my intention since he looked to semi-snap out of his staring. Quit following me.
As we both took our first step away, her voice shot out again.
"Hol' up!" We stopped, turning slowly.
With hands on her hip, the girl growled at us, "Ya're not hidin' them, are ya? If dey're threatenin' ya, I'll give 'em what dey deserve, so just tell me."
"We haven't seen anyone," I reply, assuming a more relaxed posture. This is getting troublesome to deal with. "You shouldn't waste your time with us. Whatever you're planning to do with whoever you're talking about, they must be somewhere else, so I suggest you ask someone else."
She frowns, folding her arms over her chest. Now that I think about, she actually seems a troublemaker herself. I just couldn't imagine what this girl would do if she found the guys she was looking for, clearly the gloves and protectors she used would to allow her to fight, but her… assets… did look like hindrances. This isn't an anime you know? You can't just fight with them in the way.
"Yer face looks suspicious… Kinda creepy… Are ya sure ya haven't seen 'em?"
That was rude. You don't call someone you just met creepy, at least wait for the second meeting, dammit. Tch, why do I get the feeling she's doing this because of my eyes? It wouldn't be the first time but…
"No, we didn't," I confirm, irritated.
She approaches me, leaning her face towards mine as if to discover if I was lying. She was pretty, although her somewhat brusque expressions made her a little unattractive. She reminded me a bit of, uh… Kawa-something, somewhat of a tomboy, but not that much if I took in consideration the fact that Kawa-something was a skilled tailor.
"Really…?" Her gaze hardens, you're too close! "Ya don't sound sincere… suspicious…"
I just can't help getting a bit intimidated, so I avert my gaze.
"Why are you assuming that? I'm telling the truth," I manage to speak, backing a bit away. "If you're going to decide by yourself that I'm lying, then I can't do anything but assure you I'm not."
"Yer face is suspicious."
That repeated comment irks me a great deal and I turn back with a bit of a glare, "Well excuse me, but this is the only face I have so you're going to have to deal with it."
"Okay, okay. Don't get all grumpy on me."
Yuuki suddenly steps forward, blushing madly at her proximity, and I suspected that was because of this girl's attractiveness. I can't completely blame him, but I do believe he's overreacting. It's not that hard to speak to a girl, at least not for me anymore. For someone that has lived a life of rejection from society, I learned to not care for such trivialities. My problem is mostly, whether I should bother speaking to others in the first place. Seriously, get a grip you idiot.
To exchange words was never something that meant getting close to another individual, in fact, most of the time these were simple formalities and pretty much the only way of communicating ideas and information between human beings. Obligatory if you ask me.
"Ehrm… Who are you?" Yuuki asks with uncertainty, while scratching his head.
She blinks, before pointing a finger at herself, all while grinning, "Kazama Asuka! Ya two can call me Asuka, I don't mind." Yuuki blushes and laughs awkwardly.
"A-ahaha, w-we just met, Kazama-san. I don't think we should refer to our elders so casually…" Seriously, I'll think you're a friend if I do that.
"Hey, I ain't old! I'm still seventeen, but whatever rocks yer socks," She grins again before waving a hand. "Well, laters!" She stops mid-way as she leaves, "Hold up! What're yer names? It's sorta disrespectful fer ya ta have heard my name without me hearin' yers."
"Yuuki Rito!" He bows to her frantically, "Nice to meet you… Kazama-san!"
That was too quick! Don't you think that telling this random stranger your name will cause you headaches in the future? Yuuki, you're going to suffer a lot in this cruel world if you are this naive with others! Just look what's happened to me, and these rotten eyes of mine!
She turns to me, expectant. To that, I only avert my gaze aside. I'm not the one who asked for your name you know?
"Mm?" With hands over her hip, she glares at me… probably. Well, that was at least what I could feel as I deliberately avoid facing her. "What's yer name?"
I don't respond. I only hoped she would notice my clear refusal to answering her question. I should feel happy for having a girl as attractive as her asking my name and actually talking to me, but I have learned that when such events occurred, there was usually an ulterior motive behind it.
Besides, being cautious won't kill me, right? She was seriously wearing a bear costume and searching for 'troublemakers', so how can I even consider just casually telling her my name?
However…
I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe, the reason for it was the girl called Kazama Asuka. She pulled me by my shirt with such strength that I couldn't offer any resistance. Her grip tightened the neck of shirt so much that I felt that I was being strangled by the material.
"I asked yer name…" She shakes me, her face absurdly close to mine. I can't even get embarrassed due to the increasing suffocation, "Dat behavior is wrong, y'know? Be polite."
I try to push her arm away but it was futile. Whoever she is, I could only call her a monster for possessing such abnormal strength. Hayama's grip was nothing compared to this girl's.
"C-c-c… Ca-can't br-breathe…" I manage to wheeze out… barely.
"K-Kazama-san! Stop it! You're hurting him!" Yuuki states desperately, waving his arms frenetically. At least try to pull her off of me dammit.
She blinks as her grip loosens. I stumble back, gasping for breath. My neck feels sore and I swear I could have died should she have continued. Was a girl supposed to have this strength? Even if she looked sort of athletic, the force behind the grip of that girl was just insane!
This had to be a dream! But the pain on my neck felt as real as the dull ache of my wrist, not to mention the minor wounds on my knuckles.
"Hey man, you alright?" Yuuki asks, displaying concern on his face.
Idiot… how am I supposed to reply after almost being suffocated? Besides, it's obvious that I'm not alright, dumbass.
I feel a hand on my back, patting me slightly. I immediately jerk away from the touch. "Oh, sorry… I didn't mean ta…" The girl sighs, "Ya're sort of weak, ya know? I never imagined dat pulling ya from yer shirt would shock ya." Good grief, not only did she choke me but she also gave a half-assed apology, as if it were my fault that I nearly died.
I clear my throat, as painfully as it is for its current weakened state, "W-whatever… Just leave me alone already…"
I raise my glare at her, she was frowning. Alright, I know she didn't do it on purpose from what I see of her reaction, but I don't care. She seriously could have killed me, so as a measure of self-preservation, I concluded it was for the best to not create any sort of ties with her. Who knows where she acquired such strength. While Kazama doesn't seem to be a bad person, she easily managed to destroy whatever possible good impression I may have had of her.
As I massage my aching neck, and now shoulders, I walk past her, silently treading away. Some hurried steps catch up to me, which belonged to Yuuki. I briefly glance over my shoulder, noting her stare as the distance grows between us.
"G-goodbye, Kazama-san! I'm sorry we couldn't help you," I hear Yuuki say out loud.
"No probs Yuuki, and I'm sorry, whoever ya are!" She shouted at me, but I feigned having not heard her and proceeded to walk away.
I don't need some careless girl with such monstrous strength making my life miserable… More miserable than it's been throughout the day at least. The fact that she used that bear costume was the clear proof that she was someone to stear clear from.
After a couple of minutes of walking…
"That was interesting…" Came a comment from Yuuki.
I don't bother answering the attempt at small talk. I've never liked something as shallow as that.
Some seconds pass.
"Mmm… now that I think about it, what happened to your hand?"
I glance at him blankly, "I punched a mirror," And replied honestly, though my intention was to sound sarcastic so he would think I wasn't going to give him a straight answer.
"Hachiman, did you get in a fight again?"
Hmm… does that mean that I've gotten in a fight before… multiple times? I never was the type who would get physically violent, and as far as I recall, I've never actually fought anybody. I was only rejected and ignored, but to be hated so much as to earn physical abuse, not really.
"No… although, last time, when was it?"
Yuuki was thoughtful for a brief moment, "Two weeks ago I think? Why ask something you already know? I mean, it was you who told me about that."
I frown at the new information, "I forgot. I've been rather busy lately."
"Ah��" He fixates his book bag across his chest, "I know you're sort of… you…" He sweat drops, forcing a smile. What kind of wishy-washy description of me was that? "But I think you've been acting weird since the morning. Weirder…"
That was insulting, but I'll ignore it, "And?"
"Nothing I guess…" If you're not going to say anything afterwards then why bring it up?
After that, we walked in silence once again. I observed the orange sky, honestly enjoying the silence from Yuuki. Only the sound of our steps and the noise from vehicles filled the environment. Though it would be better if I wasn't being followed by him.
That is until…
"Hey, isn't that Yukinoshita-san?"
I blink. She may not like me right now but I could appreciate a familiar face, so I directed my gaze to the side of the street. Only, it wasn't the Yukinoshita I preferred to see but rather, the one I never felt like seeing at any time of the day.
Yukinoshita Haruno-san.
Now that I think about it, I still don't know why I had a picture of her in my cell phone, but it matters not, her image was replaced by the default cover that came with the phone. It looks better already if I do say so myself.
I wasn't in the mood to deal with her teasing, so I stepped back and took the street at the left. Such evasive maneuvers were pretty much a necessity and they were very compatible with my Stealth Hikki ability. Yuuki called out to me, and if I was to guess, he would follow after me. Doesn't he have someone else to shadow?
As I advanced, he caught up to me, "Oi, Hachiman. Yukinoshita-san was waving at us. Why are you avoiding her?"
"I have my fair share of reasons. I'm leaving."
Yuuki made a sound of disapproval and sighed. I was curious as to how he knew her, but wrote it off. Whatever, I wasn't about to let that distract me.
And as soon as we reached the corner, the aforementioned girl suddenly appeared before us, panting and looking exhausted. Haruno-san supported herself on her knees as she caught her breath. That's… Not something I'd ever expect to see from her. Though, I honestly don't know that much about her. She was 'drunk' yesterday and did have the smell of previous company on her clothes.
She seemed to be the same as always though. The elder of the Yukinoshita sisters wore triangular earrings, blue jeans with a purple shoulderless blouse all stylish and sophisticated. Over her shoulder hung a brown leather purse. Her bobbed hair, which reached her shoulders, was jet black with a purple dye on the lower section. I couldn't see her purple angular eyes due to her head's lowered position.
As she finally stands straight, I can hear the soft jingling of the jewelry hooked in her earlobes. She looks at me with irritation, an expression that didn't suit her and it was the first time I'd seen such a look on her face.
"Hikigaya-kuuuunnnn~ Why did you try to ditch me!? That was so mean~!" She complains, her voice sounding childish. Though for some reason, it didn't seem as fake as the previous times… wait, everything is different today, so maybe she truly means to act like this? "I was so hurt to see you walk off like that, I had to run through this whole street to intercept you."
Oh dear, that sounded too creepy and stalkerish. And coming from her, even more terrifying.
"What do you want?" I ask sharply.
There was something she wanted, always. Every action, every word, there was always an ulterior motive behind it, I could tell that much about her. Whether she sought to meddle in my life or her sister's, I knew she wanted to discover something, using us as her lab rats to uncover what she meant to find. Whatever that is, I could only try to keep her as far from me as possible.
Yukinoshita Haruno-san was never sincere, and used people to achieve her self-centered goals.
I wouldn't be one of her marionettes.
She blinks, seemingly startled before smiling, "Oh, I see…" She glances at Yuuki before gazing back at me, "Yuuki-kun, would you mind if I steal him for a bit?"
"Ah… haha, be my guest, I guess?" He replies with a nervous smile, reddening and scratching his head.
It's easy to see he is being intimidated by her cold gaze, despite that she's smiling. Not to mention that Yuuki seems to be an utter shy idiot with the opposite s.e.x, even more with someone as beautiful and well-endowed as Haruno-san. But seriously, does he have to blush with every female we've run into? Aren't you supposed to like that 'Haruna' girl?
"This guy doesn't have a say in what entails the use of my time," I retort, glaring at them. "And I mind. Shouldn't you be asking me that?"
"T-then I'll be going… Talk to you later," He waves at me despite the fact that it was never decided that he was dismissed.
For the rest go towards the end of 0-8 on FF.net~ Can't post the whole chapter as it's past the word count limit!
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