Epl 1.0 : My first international conference went haywire as expected - Part I
Author's Note:
While I started writing fourth chapter, I noticed that the pace of the story is very messy and the plot is all over the place. I mean 'University Hachiman with borderline AU and OOC premise suddenly jumping into the past' isn't exactly a best plot device.
And the prologues are nowhere related to the description. Nope, not even one percent!
So, I've decided to include Hachiman's High school life in a fresh story, which in turn will be the main story. I'll use the old description for the main story and I'll rewrite the description for this fic.
These prologues...err...epilogues...well, you can consider them as a sneak peak into Hachiman's future. So updates will be sporadic for this fic. With that said, let's get into the story!
Oh, wait. I forgot to mention this, but I do not own the profile image, it is originally made by 'pEuAsTsSy' in reddit in a post on normal eyed 8man.
John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
19 Oct 2016, 09:55 AM
Looks like the air bus landed exactly on time. The passengers who stood up their seats already, despite the constant protests of navy blue uniformed air hostess, were ready to pounce towards exit at any moment, just waiting for the stereotyped "Thank you for travelling in Japan Airlines, we wish you a very good luck in your further endeavours, our captain…"
That was the signal for all the hell to break loose.
Passengers pushed past one another, grabbing their dishevelled baggages, grappling, dashing each other. It seems like everyone wanted to get the hell out of this darned plane. The entire situation is like when a chaos mine is suddenly dropped amidst a battalion of Knightmares [1].
I can't help but be annoyed at the antics of these thrice damned riajuus. They could relax on comfy seats with a book/smart phone in hand and exit the plane in a dignified and composed manner like me. It's more energy efficient than rushing like crazed wolves towards an unsuspecting prey, which in this case is air hostess.
Nah, that's too cliche. Let's be original. Hmm…How about tentacles towards an unsuspecting prey?
Uwah... that comparison was too disgusting, even for me. I think it's better to go with the former. As they say: Laziness is the mother of human progress! [2]
Wait, that reference somehow didn't come out right!
After the twenty minutes of hell ended, I nonchalantly walked through the exit like Gouenji Shuuya [3]. The navy blue clad air hostess, who had assumed that everyone exited the plane, sighed deeply and gently took off her cap; her voluminous silky midnight black hair cascaded over her back, tumbled onto her shoulders.
I stood awestruck at the picturesque moment that was unveiled before me.
Her effervescent champagne-brown eyes, encompassed by the raven-black arched eyebrows, her daintily sculpted nose and her thin yet succulent lips are placed in a perfect symmetry, which reminded me of golden ratio. The slight flush on her beautiful face, which might be due to exhaustion, her slight pink flush, as pink as petals of rosa gallica…..
I then realised that I hadn't lost my ability to orchestrate details. The author in me gained wings, burst through the bounds…
...
...
...
Snap out of it Hachiman!
Phew! That was close. Else she would have certainly sued me for ogling her!
If it were middle school Hachiman, he'd have been a stuttering and blubbering mess before such a sensual beauty. However, logical Hachiman v4.0 is different. With a cool demeanour and crisp logic he analyses the situation first before injecting wrong ideas into his head. He is free from all those nasty hormonal delusions. He is unaffected by the façades donned by the people to hide their dirty linen from the society. Years of solitude and seclusion made his already rock solid defense, nigh impenetrable.
With all those redundant thoughts flooding my head, I climbed down the stairs, only to find that, the beautiful woman didn't even notice my presence. I chuckled myself uneasily at that. Stealth Hikki is still super effective!
The stairs are connected directly to the departure gate, via a vestibule. It's rather convenient, instead of being transferred by an apron bus, which has very few or no seats in it to sit. After a few twists and turns, which probably laid to handle the large influx of passengers, I finally arrived at the waiting lounge.
Uh…Did I somehow miss the way?
Because, no matter how you may look at it, this seems more like a gigantic shopping arena, rather than a waiting lounge. Endless queue of stalls ranging from bars to the deserted book stores on one end and clusters of round table seats, four seated ones to be exact, on the other; this airport is a riajuu haven!
And with those countless billboards hanging from the trapezoidal glass gambrel, the whole terminal-I can be pictured as a website that is spammed with advertisements. Too bad, we don't have adblock plus for airports! [4]
"Of course they won't, Hachiman!" a mirthful feminine voice interrupted my thought process, "Else this airport will go bankrupt!"
What? No one, I mean no one dares to interrupt my monologuing. Witch. Give me back! Give me back my thoughts!
"That was rude Hachiman. You shouldn't badmouth your pretty onee-san you knowww~"
Did she read my mind? Even her too?!
Oh God of love comedies, why do you always equip the girls I know with the counter-skills? You're seriously making them OP. As OP as dog soldiers surrounded by tepees! [5] Oh Lord, I beseech thee to nerf their skills!
And why are you dragging the syllable? You sound like that annoying kouhai of mine [6].
"You shouldn't blame god for your shortcomings, Hachiman" She chided. "Besides, you were thinking out loud."
Curse you pops and your genes!
"As I said, don't blame your parents for your shortcomings!" She asserted. "While I was searching for you in this ocean of people, I could hear some weirdo in the front mumbling to himself. I was curious, so I increased by pace and it turns out to be you!" She exclaimed. "Talk about a consequent coincidence. So, did you go to baggage counter?"
"No, I just came here and was admiring the scenery."
"Admiring, huh. If this is called admiring, then I could only imagine how your criticising will be." she quipped. "So, I'll make quick work of baggage counter and you call Haruno-san, in the meanwhile. Inform her that we are waiting at the terminal-I."
Huh? 'Make quick work of baggage counter?' Use your words properly missy. You aren't some arsonist. Why don't you use simple expressions like 'make it quick'? And calling Haruno-san? I'd rather summon Lucifer than calling this she-devil.
I sighed. What a pain in the arse!
I have no choice. I'm completely new to New York, and so is Rakshata Chawla-san, my accomplice in research. Or, is it vice versa?
Whatever! To conclude, I have to sell my soul to that she-devil.
I rummaged through the contacts for her number. Found it! Looks like the contacts of mine are steadily increasing day by day!
I swiped her contact icon left and the call started connecting…it connected. I could hear the flamboyant tune of "Gonna get you... like a space boy!" [7].
Who knew that Haruno-san listens to Euro Beats?! That was quite unexpected. It didn't mitigate my anxiety, however.
Why anxious, you ask? About six months passed, since she had left for America. But not even once I had called her, until now.
"Hello…" her plastic tone greeted as usual, which morphed into an obnoxiously loud sing song voice, "...Oh Hachiman, how rare of you to call me!" that blared through the speakers of my phone, for which I was met with causticising looks.
Just what is with these people and their repugnant stares, like I was some sort of grotesque slimy alien that teleported here. I just accidentally put my phone in loud speaker mode. I'll turn it off! So stop staring at me and mind your own business, god damn it!
Wait, more importantly, this is my new phone number. Isn't it? Then, how come she'd know that it is I, who called?
The answer struck me like a kamaitachi. It is that accursed true caller!
I won't touch such apps, not even with a ten foot pole. But my dearest imouto, being the only riajuu of Hikigaya household, will obviously have that app installed. She also possesses the number of that Lucifer, which unfortunately spelt the ultimate doom for me.
I sighed tiredly. These things always happens to me. It is nothing to be surprised at.
"Haruno-san, we've just arrived and are at terminal-I." I uttered tiredly. I got straight to the point, without beating around the bush with pointless small talks.
"So, what of it, Hachiman?" she asked nonchalantly, as if she was asking about today's weather.
Grr…this irksome woman, playing 'clueless' card now of all times! I sighed exasperatedly. I Guess I'll have to rephrase the sentence.
"Err….Haruno-san, since you live near Manhattan, which is near to the conference venue, I hope you can provide accommodation to us for these three days."
"Ara ara! How scandalous! Asking a lady to stay in her home, so you can do this and that things? How bold~"
"Haruno-san, Chawla-san is also coming with me. So I can't do aforementioned this and that things." I dead panned, "Besides, I would steer clear from your home if I had a chance, which I unfortunately don't."
"Still as rude as ever. You never change, do you, Hachiman?" she uttered softly, which surprised me. She regained her cheery tone however, "Well, you're going to attend such important conference. So, worry not! This onee-san will take good care of you!"
I shivered involuntarily at the way she stressed those words. I have to divert the conversation before this furthers into an uncomfortable tangent, the domain at which she has absolute mastery on.
But how? What should I start with, to change the flow? The shift must be so sudden, that she won't have chance to regain the flow, but it must be subtle enough, that she won't be able to detect that I'm trying to divert the topic. Like an appeal or something.
Appeal? Sounds plausible. Let's try it.
"Ano…I've a request" I began, "Chawla-san doesn't eat beef or pork, so please keep in mind of that fact. Chicken or eggs are okay though. Ah, we're at terminal-I. So, can you mail me your address?"
"Don't be a stranger, Hachiman! One of my favourite persons (translation: playthings) is at New York. The least thing I could do is come and pick you up! Stay Glued. I'll be there in a jiffy!"
"Wait!" I stopped her before she cut the call. "Haruno-san, you don't need to trouble yourself to travel all the way from there. Besides parking in the airports are outrageous". I don't want to over extend her courtesy. "So money and time, both are saved, which is a double kill if you ask me!".
...
...
...
I could hear her sigh.
"You're incorrigible Hachiman!" She exclaimed. "John. F. Kennedy airport is quite large you knowww~ It is about 5 mile distance between outside of airport to terminal one. I wanted to buy exclusive anklets there anyway, so just shut up and stay there and I'll pick you both up."
...and there she cuts off the phone, even before I could say anything about AirTrain.
Still, Haruno-san did change a lot. I mean, she is never the type to wear emotions on her sleeve. Even with her closest persons, she seldom confides her innermost thoughts and feelings.
Or, did her facade improve that much, that even I'm no longer able to get a read on her?
"Hachiman!" A raspy feminine voice brought me out of my musings. I turned towards the source to find Chawla-san, pushing the cart which contains both of our luggage. "So, what did Haruno-san say?" she asked, panting.
"She told me to shut up and stay here and she'll pick up both of us"
"That smiling monster really said that?!" Chawla-san seems to be surprised. Who wouldn't be? No one would expect those words from such an 'amiable' person.
Still...smiling Monster, huh. That's quite a fitting moniker for her.
"Ney Hachiman", she then narrowed her eyes at me, "By any chance did you spout something stupid like 'saving the parking fees' to annoy her?"
How the hell did she know about that?!
"Oi, are you eaves dropping on us?!" I demanded.
"Ah, I forgot that there's a book store, three shops ahead of the baggage counter. The prices are quite reasonable too and I've heard that there's also a mini-library inside it. I'm going there to pass the time. Wanna come along?"
She completely dodged my question!
Ah, well, since it takes at least half an hour for Haruno-san to reach airport and another half an hour for all those formalities, I have no choice but to wait idly, which I absolutely loathe to, considering the fact that my iPhone is almost out of battery. So I quietly followed her. Besides, the chairs near charging portals are metallic. So, no thanks, I don't want to freeze my arse.
At least people here use same type of sockets. Type-A, if I remember correctly. Type-B, for the plugs with earth pin, probably. It is quite difficult to remember each and every world standard.
...
...
...
What the bloody hell!
Big is an understatement to describe the size of this book store! It is more like a huge public library, than a book store. Chawla-san, tell me just what part of it is a 'mini-library'?
Books were meticulously arranged in numerous shelves, category by category, genre by genre. The greyish white words Detective Fiction on a dark background, gave mysterious aura to the name board, which attracted my attention. Before I knew it, my feet automatically carried me there and I was already rummaging through numerous books.
'The murders in the Rue Morgue' nah! I have already read that, three weeks ago. 'And there were none' isn't that Agatha Christie's? I put that aside to buy, as I don't have a good hard copy of it. The price is also quite reasonable, as she said, even though it is airport.
'A study in the scarlet', 'Scandal in Bohemia'... wait, aren't they part of 'The complete Sherlock Holmes'? Then, why are they selling them separately? To appease Sherlock Holmes' fans? I shrugged and put them back in their racks, lest the store personnel complain.
'The Maltese Falcon'? Hmm...Let's see…Dashiell Hammett? Who on earth is he? I've never even heard of him.
However, just because I'm not familiar about the author doesn't mean that the book is bad. I'm not that vain to judge a book without actually reading it. So I added this to to read collection. Besides, they have also provided tables to sit and read.
Sitting on a comfy cushioned chair, reading a classic literature in a warm air conditioned room...Ah, this is called heaven! If only there was a hot MAX coffee wending machine, I'd have settled here for life!
Hudson Book Stall, John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
19 Oct 2016, 12:25 PM
I was honestly surprised. How could a literature-otaku like me missed this one? I bookmarked the page up to which I've read and googled for the reviews of this book. On the sixth row, I've found a review by the guardian . com. It ran:
[review starts here]
What exactly is Hammett's appeal? The hard-boiled detective is not really his invention, but he made him a character that readers could identify with: the beady-eyed loner who coolly puts himself in harm's way out of a fierce determination to redress wrong and achieve justice. Although this seems quite cliché at a first glance, as you keep on reading, you'll soon understand that this theme itself is a winning insight into the character of the protagonist here.
Spade's involvement in the world is passionate, and yet his successes are always shadowed by hints of loss and failure. This unique characterization immensely attracts readers like moths to the light or bats to the darkness.
[review ends here]
As perfect as the review makes this book out to be, there are some of the things in it that are cringe inducing. For instance, 'O`Shaughnessy's attempt to manipulate Spade's libido helps to illuminate Gutman, Cairo, and Wilmer's attraction to Spade's phallic principle.'...
Ugh...Did I just internally say that, without puking being the after effect?
This might excite a certain bespectacled fujoshi that I've been acquainted with, during my high school days, however, it makes a sane person like me puke.
I closed the browser and checked the time. It's already past two hours, where the hell is she?
"Haro haro, Hachiman!" a blithely cheerful voice cut through the silence of this library like a knife through hot butter. A thick strawberry scent engulfed the entire room.
Well, speak of the devil!
I turned to see a well-endowed woman with glossy jet black hair, that cascaded up to her waist, ends that are dyed purple...
Just wait, Haruno-san has waist length hair? Since when?!
If it weren't for those ce soir violet eyes, purple dyed ends and that obnoxiously 'cheerful' tone, she'd be a carbon copy of Yukinoshita, the younger one.
Ah, I forgot that the younger one isn't as 'blessed'.
Before I knew it, she already closed the distance and leaned her chin on to my shoulder. Her long velvety hair bristled my nose, which made me catch a whiff of her scent.
My breath hitched for a moment.
That sweet alluring scent emanating from her completely short circuited my senses. God! I've never smelt anything like that before. Just what is with that scent? Is that her perfume? Shampoo? Lotion?
Or, is it just her natural scent?!
Her soft palms gently cupped my cheeks. I could now feel her unbelievably delicate fingers that enticingly traced my jawline, which sent pleasant shivers down my spine.
I exhaled sharply.
But she, in response coiled her arms around my torso, tightening her embrace onto me. My head was enveloped by the soft, fluffy sensation of her chest.
Close... you are too close woman! However, I can't let her know that her touch alone left me this incoherent!
Inching her sumptuous lips closer and closer, she cooed, "What are you reading Hachiman?"
Her tantalising breaths through my sensitive ears left me paralysed.
"Hmm…The Maltese Falcon?" her suede soft lips grazed my helix. Something stiff poked my shoulders. Her nipples? That means she's not wearing a bra? I instantly flushed red in embarrassment.
How are you even comfortable with this, woman?! I shook to get myself in a better and comfortable position, physically giving her a hint to offer me some personal space.
But, she further tightened her hold onto me. Her firm, high, round breasts pressed tightly onto my shoulder and their stiff standing nipples poking my shoulder blades. Caressing my cheeks with her soft, delicate ones, she cupped my chin and slowly tilted my face towards her.
Vibrant ce soir eyes met dull indigo grey.
Her luscious lips inched closer and closer as if she were about to kiss me. I gulped slowly as I attempted to turn away from her, but to my shock I couldn't.
My breath was stuck in my stomach, my limbs benumbed and my senses catapulted into a no-go area where terror meets exhilaration. Her lips are now dangerously close to mine, a few more centimeters, we'd be engaging a direct kiss. My entire body was paralysed at this fact. A truth, a horrible truth that looked so beautiful through the rose coloured glasses of others, who doesn't know/are vain enough to ignore the dire consequences that follow.
Her strawberry lips are so close now, that they almost grazed mine. At the very last moment she slightly tilted her face and placed her sultry lips on my oral commissure.
Something snapped in me.
The chains of rationality that have been restraining the wanton lust, which I had shoved in the deepest parts of my mind, were set ablaze. Her alluring scent, firm embrace are clouding my senses and is chipping away my sanity.
A sensual nibble on my ears was the last straw that broke the camel's back.
It's only a few fraction of seconds that I'd toss her on the desk and do things to her that would make her scream my name in pleasure. Things which I might regret in the future.
Regret…
That pummelled me back to my senses.
Phew, that was really close! Both literally and figuratively.
However, why do you have to torture me in such an excruciatingly sensual way, woman? Put me in a prison. Have me starve in a deserted island. Steal all the MAX coffee wending machines in Japan.
All of these combined, I could endure.
But this…
This is the purest form of torture, any hot blooded man is subjected to! Even the heart of a hardened loner has its limits and you completely broke them. It was really a stroke of miracle that I regained my rational self at the very last moment.
"Ahem!" A disapproving cough interrupted us. It might be an interruption to her sadistically sensual fun, but it was a saving call for me, albeit it arrived a tad bit late. But whatever part of my mind that was in the euphoria, is completely awake now, ready to take on anything that this rotten society dumps on me.
I could see a flash in her eyes, a flash of resentment, loathing and displeasure. But it disappeared instantaneously, giving way to the sulky pout that formed on her face, while she playfully crossed her arms with a "Hmph!", which further emphasised her...ahem...womanly parts.
My goodness, that's so not you! And please refrain from crossing your arms.
"Don't hmph me Haruno-san!" Chawla-san bellowed. "Please do whatever you're doing behind four walls, not here. This is a library for the gods sake, not Rajeev Gandhi park! [8]"
"Huh?" I couldn't get her. What on earth is 'Ra-something- park'? And please keep your voice down lest you attract some unwanted attention. Though, it's already too late for it, as the entire library were staring at us, hiding their amusement at our antics.
She sighed. "I tried just one reference and both of you couldn't even get it! This is not at all fair! Oh References Sensei! Prithee bid me thy secret!" she fake sobbed dramatically in a broken Shakespearean accent.
Please use the references that we Japanese can understand, Chawla-san. This is the secret of art of references. Anyhow, you did a good job in redirecting that she-devil's attention. Arigato, Chawla-san!
"Well, let's go to the parking slot." Haruno uttered resignedly. Apparently she was bummed that her 'fun' was interrupted. But with your fun, I'm done for!
"Don't worry, it's only few meters walk!" she added.
We passed through various shops and food stalls, which screamed 'high class!'. What's with these haute cuisines and their outrageous prices?
So, despite our rumbling stomachs, we had to hold in our hunger. Come to think of it, didn't Haruno-san say that she has to buy some sort of exclusive anklets? She must have forgotten then. Or she might have already bought them, before she met us. But, I don't see any shopping bags...
Wait, why does it matter to me in the first place? Why should I look a gift horse in the mouth?
We reached parking slot. True to her word, it was a few meters walk. But…
How in the blue hell are we going to find our car in this plethora of cars? This area is so huge, that even a signal from transmitter in the remote (of remote-lock system) wouldn't reach the car (usually the range is 5-20 meters). We'd need a damn scooter to get to our car!
"Wait here, the car is in H block, which is far inside. I'll bring the car here."
We waited for about three minutes, when the slow purring sound reached our ears. We turned toward the source of that sound, only to be surprised by its colouring.
Cerulean blue with sliver stripes?
That's not the normal colouring that the cars of affluent families usually have! Usually it would be ebony black (evidently the same ebony black car that hit me on the first day of my high school). As car approached closer, I could see her symmetric twin front grills, carbon fitted front spoilers, four slotted racing hood, and it suddenly struck me what she exactly is. My eyes widened at the revelation.
...It's BMW M3 GTR!
Had it been painted navy blue with white stripes, anyone would have recognised it instantly, because it is the same car as in NFS Most Wanted!
No, the more important thing is, where on earth did she buy it?! I thought that they were discontinued abruptly.
"I didn't buy it. It's more like I got the BMW 4.0L V8 engine installed and got the body remodelled completely." she answered to my unasked question.
Remodelled? Wait, when did she come out of the car? I didn't even notice her. Does she possess Stealth-Haruno?
"I came out when you're busy ogling my car" she cheekily replied. "Get in" she added.
I instantly jumped into the back seat, as I don't want to be in the vicinity of that she-devil for a while. My Hachiman senses are already overloaded with her previous 'assault' on me. I laid myself in sleeping position, which is an indication to not disturb me. Chawla-san can squeeze in the front for all I care.
Wow, the seats are quite comfy, though they are bit congested in the leg space. I was about to slip into beautiful slumber, when suddenly, the seats went down slope and I fell down.
"Ouch!" I muttered, nursing my head. Only this she-devil does these things. Even now she finds way to torture me, somehow or other. I glared at her in annoyance.
She easily ignored my glare, however. "You were being rude Hachiman, blatantly sleeping in a sports car like that." she said simply. I couldn't help but sigh exasperatedly.
So, I have to sit in such a congested leg space now. I searched for the lever to push the driver's seat a little bit front, so that I'd have a bit more space for legs. But I couldn't find it, no matter how keenly I searched for it.
Then it hit me. This car is completely electronic controlled! From the control of seat angles to the shutters of windows, everything were present on front panel below the steering wheel.
I should have known that I never stood a chance against her. She wanted me in the front seat for some reason. So she meticulously planned everything, five steps ahead of me, even for this seemingly simple reason.
This woman, whatever she wants, she gets it! Every action of her fulfils a particular role in her plans, including those 'rash' obscene acts with me. I don't know what she is plotting this time, but the great wall of Hachiman is going to stand strong, as always.
Still, I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed. I thought that Haruno trusts me at least a little bit to show her real self; considering all the things that had happened over all these years.
But my expectations were off the mark as expected. While I've grown leaps and bounds from when I was in high school, on the other hand, I think I have become soft in some areas.
I shall always remember this for life: If you expect nothing from somebody you are never disappointed. [9]
I cleared my thoughts that were going at a slightly darker tangent. No use crying over the spilled milk. But I couldn't help but observe one irony.
The closer you're with a person, the harder it is to decipher their underlying motives.
I tilted slightly to see the side windows, that were tinted light green, which is good combination over the cerulean blue body. The front wind shield is a standard one, of which top six inches is covered by a sun film. I shifted back my posture to look at the front panel.
Woah, it looks so sophisticated! Vivid buttons with their functions unknown were intricately fabricated over the panel. While the more recent cars like Tesla Model S focused on auto pilot and complete touch screen, this one stuck to the orthodox interior, yet it looked futuristic. No wonder this is a BMW!
I stooped to reach for the button which I presume, is for the seat adjustment control. I touched it and the upper part of the seat drooped slightly.
Oh, it is actually a track ball, not a simple push button. Apparently, I've to move the trackball slightly up/down for the fore/aft movement of the seat. I slid it down and finally, I leaned on the comfy seat, ready to enter the realm of dreams….only to suddenly fall on my face, metaphorically and literally.
Fuck…it hurts!
"What the fuck! Just what the hell is wrong with you bitch?!" I bellowed angrily.
Tch! I lost my temper quite easily there.
"Sorry." I immediately apologized.
"No, it is actually my fault", she admitted, with an uneasy expression on her face which I'd see usually on Hayama than on her. Then, her upper lip curled in disdain, "Sorry Hachiman. You see, some idiot suddenly appeared before me and I had to slam the brakes hard...
...Besides, I thought you have already put your seat belt on. So it's partly your fault too!" her scowl subsequently turned into a cute pout.
I couldn't argue with that. I sighed in resignation and was about to lean back onto my seat, when a hand on my shoulder stopped me.
"What now, woman?" I grumbled.
I was surprised by the forlorn expression on her. But it was only for an instant, after which she replied "It's nothing", with a default smile on her face and unhanded me.
The entire phenomena was bizarre.
Haruno-san is devious, shrewd, opportunistic et cetera, but forlorn is certainly not the word that I'd associate with her.
Or is that really the case?
Au contraire, Hachiman! You had misread the situation, several times in the past, so it might be the same now. The deeper you try to read her, the more you will understand that her wall of facade is thicker and higher than it initially seems.
I pride myself in my ability to read people and to decipher their ulterior motives, quite easily, if I might add. But I have always failed to read the persons that are admittedly close to me.
No. I can read them, that's it. That's all there is to it. I can't understand their feelings like Yuigahama, nor I can assuage them like Reika-nee can. I don't know whether god exists or not, but whoever or whatsoever force, that was responsible for the creation of us, made sure that this humanity is balanced.
If a person is OP in one aspect then he is nerfed in others.
For instance, I'm good at reading people like books, but I have zero interpersonal skills, which actually is essential in this world, despite how much I despise it. Yuigahama is extremely adept in reading the mood, understanding emotions, which is quite superior to my ability. Honestly, she is like a glue that holds all of us together. But she's a dunce in almost everything else. Ah, how could I forget that she's an expert in cooking poison?
Yukinoshita is good at everything she does, but her fragile as a glass stamina nerfs this OP ability. Despite her constant attempts to improve her stamina, the truth is, it just isn't enough. And even if she improves her stamina, there is no guarantee that her OP ability, viz. to be good at everything you do remains same.
For instance, improving your muscles greatly increases your arm strength. On the other hand, unnecessary muscles greatly hinder the free motion of your arm. Fundamentally, bulky muscles means high arm strength at the cost of agility. That is the reason why tennis players are not heavy body builders.
Haruno-san is also seeminglygood at everything, however, her weaknesses are extremely guarded secrets, constantly protected by her AT field, 24x7. However, it is an undeniable truth that she too has some weak moments. It is quite easy to forget, but she is as human as we are.
Wait, actually there's quite an obvious one. She's an insufferable sis-con.
Heh, like I'd talk about others when I'm actually the same!
There's no such thing as being perfect. Every person has some 'gaps/holes', no matter how good they might seem to be. Since they have those 'gaps', they try to work or improve themselves to 'fill' them. Then, after when those 'gaps' are 'filled', once they think that they are perfect, a 'new gap' will appear. Then they will try to improve themselves again, to 'fill' that 'gap' as well.
This infinite cycle of improving-new gaps-improving again is called growth. Once you begin to think that you're ultimate, you cease to grow. You're stagnated. Stagnated are mercilessly cut off from the society. No matter how much one denies it, this is the harsh truth.
But wait! If improving/changing yourself causes new gaps to appear, what's the point of improving yourselvesin the first place? On the contrary, you do not change, and after a while, you will have a complete picture on all your weaknesses and strengths. You'll become a perfect being! So, to conclude, change is the root cause of all suffering!
Well, my old high school self would have blindly adhered to this sophistry, but now I know that it is plain BS and nothing more. One of the truths of life that I had learnt the hard way is, no matter how much you resist the change, you will eventually undergo it, somehow or other. You can cover it with euphemisms like 'self-improvement', but how can you improve yourselves without 'filling gaps'? If this isn't called changing, then what exactly is changing?
I used to passionately say in my monologues that others should not influence your personality, should not influence you to change, but actually they do, no matter how much minuscule it might be.
Yes, it is certainly true that you shouldn't keep conforming/pandering to the other's wishes. There is no need to pressure yourself to conform to the socially accepted conventions that doesn't actually make sense, just to blend in with the sheep of society.
However, interactions with other characters, whether fictional or real, direct or indirect, will cause your personality to evolve, which again is a change. On the other hand, the core of your character, like a seasoned timber, will remain more or less constant.
Our personality, our character tend to reach towards an equilibrium, as the years pass by. But when and how they reach that equilibrium and at what point of equilibrium is certainly dependent on the atmosphere we grew up, the society we live in. As much as I hate to admit it, it is the truth and truth is always bitter.
In a bottom line, you'll keep on changing every time (even though the core personality remains constant), it doesn't matter whether you hate it or like it.
And that equilibrium is not necessarily static.
No. In most cases it is dynamic. For instance, the supply from the type-A sockets is 120 Volts ac of 60 Hz frequency. That means the voltage varies sinusoidally at a rate of 60 cycles per second. This at the first glance seems not to be in steady state, but actually it is. This type of dynamic equilibrium is ubiquitous. (If you observe properly)
I'll quote a real example, which is quite sensible, despite how nerdy it might seem. Once Chawla-san prepared dual layered silicon rubber-cross linked poly ethylene (XLPE) samples and conducted few breakdown tests on it. The breakdown voltage was, say x (I'll not quote actual values owing to research privacy). She wanted to take leave for fifteen days. Before she left, she sealed all the samples carefully and kept in the hot air oven. After fifteen days, she continued her experiments. Now the breakdown voltage was found to be around 0.9 x! If non living beings like samples change that much (about 10 percent) in 15 days, that too in a carefully sealed environment, then humans not changing…its probability is better left unspoken.
Phew, that was a quite hefty analysis. I gazed through the window. Even though it was already past morning, the skies are still cloudy, like my mind. Looking at the pale green clouds…
Wait, when are clouds pale green?
Ah, I conveniently forgot that the glasses were tinted light green. We always have a distorted view of the world through our own glasses, no matter how much broad minded we assume we are.
"Go! Go! Go!Go!Go!" a flamboyant yet soft sound interrupted my quasi-philosophical musings. How could a flamboyant tone sound soft, you ask? Obviously, when it is in low volume, like in a car. After a cacophony of various, probably drum and bass sequences, which scraped the very limits of the speakers...
no…not that much, as the volume is still low,
"Gonna get you
Like a space boy
Gonna get you
Like a space boy
I'm ready babe"
Again followed by the cacophony of drum and bass, and screams. It sounded like slightly slowed down version of Hi-NRG music, which is known as Euro-beats in Japan. All of these are insignificant facts.
The more interesting or ironic thing here is, a conductor of an orchestra like Yukinoshita Haruno listens to dance-pop of all things!
Ugh…I sounded like those media that are hungry for TRP ratings. Didn't I?
But you cannot deny the fact that most of the persons who are involved in classical music have 'holier than thou' personalities. Classical music has a reputation for snobbery and being a hobby of the elite. Source: Me. They look at Euro pop, like a Tarzan looking at an uppity ape in the jungle [10].
Being a scion of elitist family like Yukinoshitas has responsibilities too, along with privileges. Those 'responsibilities' include being forced to learn Aikido, Polo et cetera, all those 'elite' skills. Unfortunately, classical music is in that category too.
I bet that her obtaining Bachelors in sciences in Chiba University is also forced by her family. It is pretty obvious if you look at the choices of her subjects. Most of them are inclined towards architecture and management, which will be quite useful when she inherits her father's construction firm.
Besides, with her intellect, she could easily ace the Tokyo University entrance exam. Still, she was restricted to Chiba University, just to sate her father's political motives and aspirations.
Professors complain that she's noisy during classes, doesn't wear her uniform properly et cetera. And that she is always loafing around, participating in festivals, showingthat she has lots of 'friends'.
Those idiots! They are completely fooled by her facade. Her chirpy aura conceals her scholarly, sagacious self pretty well. (If I had to hazard a guess, she might be actually interested in classical Japanese literature, based on the number of messages about Heian, Muromachi literature that flood my inbox, daily. Seriously woman, just how bored are you?) I could literally count on my fingers, who actually knew her.
Her complete life, starting from her birth to her education is pre-determined by her family. I bet she'll be arranged to a random guy that she doesn't know just to secure some 'alliances'. She doesn't even have freedom to listen to the music that she actually likes! (That volunteer drum band during her school days might be just a one time thing.)
I really pity her. Since childhood, I was jeered at, laughed upon, bulled and so many things that are better left unspoken, by peers. But, I always had the support of Reika-nee, mom, Komachi and my old man (though I refuse to admit it).
Sakaki-sensei who taught me piano, was unlike other elitist classical musicians. He was more of an earnest mad scientist type. Once he tried to combine the tunes of an eagle bone whistle (which I believe is used by Aztecs to awaken spirits) and Beethoven's 5th symphony.
Ugh, those high frequency shrills and 'dit-dit-dit-dah'…let's just say that they eclipsed his worst failures.
Anyway, despite the shit I've faced, the truth is, I've had a comparably free life, devoid of shackles called expectations, unlike her. As expected, life of a loner certainly is the best!
A painful surge struck my thigh, interrupting my musings.
Ouch, it hurts! Who the hell pinched me?! I glared at the perpetrator, who has nonchalant expression on her face. But chawla-san on the other hand...
"Hachiman! What is with you and your monologuing?!" She exclaimed angrily. "We've arrived. I called you thrice, but it looked like you were busy in your own world!" She took a deep breath to calm herself and continued.
"Anyway, where did you put that poster?"
"Poster? What poster?" I asked her, my head barely out of the clouds.
"It is for poster presentation, you idiot!" she barked. Ah, that fold-able poster, I remember it know.
"Open the middle zip of my black bag. It is between the two books." I replied, getting myself out of the car.
She got the poster and unfolded it to check for any deformations, which fortunately did not happen. It looked as prim and pristine as ever. We both sighed in relief.
Somewhere at Manhattan, New York
19 Oct 2016, 01:10 PM
I looked around after bringing our luggage out, which were quite few. To my surprise instead of "tall buildings… reach up in vain…Tinseltown is in the rain [11]"
…Stop! Stop! Where did that come from? Anyway, instead of glossy tall complexes that touch the sky, I was surrounded by late 1880s to early 1890s brownstone architectures.
In front of me was a house…no it's way too wide to be called a house…it is a bit of second empire styled mansion (made of Italianate brownstone) with tall stoops, long windows and majestic entries flanked by enormous acanthus leaf brackets (which face the street). The faded brownstone blocks(they must be quite old, like 1850's or 60's) invoke this serene atmosphere — especially when paired with old trees, overflowing flower boxes, and heavy cast iron railings of intricate designs.
Whenever you think of Manhattan, the first thing that comes to mind is transient people, who are corporate slaves for big affluent Multi National Companies that are 'super busy', have many 'important' engagements, but splurge more than half of their income to go out and party all nights of the week, eventually shifting elsewhere after they burn out.
The second thing is "tall buildings…reach up in vain…."
…seriously, I need to stop.
Does this place look affluent/extravagant? Yes. But unlike the 'busy' corporate slave atmosphere, this place evokes a feeling of serenity in our minds. I have to admit it, Haruno-san's choice is excellent.
One last question? Are we really in Manhattan?
"Of course, we are Hachiman!" the she-devil replied as if she had read my mind, which is creepy as always, but, honestly I'm used to it now. "Ever heard of St. Nicholas Historic District in Harlem?"
Harlem? What's that? Sounds a lot like harem. Does she have a reverse-harem?
...
...
...
...
Okay, that was a stretch. I'll stop at it.
No, stretch is an understatement. It was a cringe inducing wordplay. As cringey as the puns of Itagaki family or the quizzes of Agasa Hakase, which again are lamest puns of the highest order. [12]
Of course, I've read somewhere about Harlem, like it was named after some grouchy business man from Dutch, who settled here and developed this into a colony in 17th century and later in early 20th century it was leased by some African-American Business man, which lead to mass migration of Africans to here...trivia like that. But, how come it has Italian influence in its architecture? Who knows?
"Well, this is my home. Get in!" she said sweetly.
Holy $hit! You mean you completely own this frigging mansion? Well…it is no surprise…they are freaking Yukin…..
"Of course not! Hachiman. That is impossible, even for us. We own only a portion in it." she interrupted me even before I finished my monologue.
It is too expensive for Yukinoshitas? Just how high is the value of this building? I gulped uneasily at that.
"$75 Billion." Chawla-san whispered.
Huh? What?
"What?"
"This mansion's worth. It's about $75 Billion."
Holy hell! That's almost 10% of apple's total shares! This old building has that much value? My knees quivered at the thought of staying for just three days in such an expensive place. Even my monthly scholarship probably isn't sufficient to rent a room here for a single day!
We both followed Haruno-san in stunned silence at that revelation. She pressed the doorbell button (I actually expected an intercom). After a few seconds, the door opened to reveal a tall, dark, clean shaved butler (probably an Afro-American), clad in a red button up suit of golden linings, and a reddish cap with golden edges, which to be honest, looked quite ridiculous, but I didn't dare to voice it out loud, lest I be kicked out from this mansion.
「Miss Yukinoshita Haruno」, he bowed deeply in respect, 「These are your guests, I presume」.
「I believe they are, Mr. Jonathan.」 she answered in a surprisingly fluent English, not even looking at him. "Come Hachiman! Chawla-san! I'll show your rooms." she ushered us.
「Ah, Mr. Jonathan, the lunch is ready, I hope?」 she added, by which she actually meant 'Prepare the lunch you idiot, instead of staring at us!'
「Right away, madame.」 he replied, a bit unnerved and vanished immediately.
I understand your plight sir. You're another victim of Haruno-san's tyranny. My sincere condolences to you.
Now that the butler is gone I took a good look at the interior.
…It was like, I had been time shifted to Renaissance era!
The ceiling higher than normal, was slightly vaulted at the edges. The entire ceiling despite layered with pale gold coloured stucco, is quite plain and devoid of any murals, which quite opposes the principle of renaissance interior design, except for a rosette in the middle, onto which a four lamp chandelier is hung. Luxurious navy blue curtains embroidered with floral patterns adorned the oak windows, that were furnished dark black. The vaulted edges of the ceiling were decorated with geometrical patterns. Every bit of furniture here is carved, gilded and painted to perfection. But unlike other lobbies, this isn't overloaded with furniture.
Renaissance is about space and freedom, enriched by abundant décor of few furniture pieces, as well as the walls and ceiling.
I actually wanted to take photos of every nook and cranny of this mansion to show off to Komachi (I'll never get another chance like this in my entire life) but it'll look awkward in this tight-fisted atmosphere. So, with no other choice, I followed the duo, having one last glance at the fresco (expulsion of the merchants from the temple? [13]…nah…it's probably a replica) near the huge oak door.
Being on third floor, with no elevator(?), reaching our flat was a bit tiresome. Add jet lag to that. No sooner did she direct us to our rooms, than I plopped down on the bed.
It is after a good hour and half, Chawla-san called me shouting that the lunch is ready. My stomach grumbled in response. I freshened up myself in a record time and arrived at the dining table. There's nothing that beats free food, after all!
On the table, were the assortment of silvered dishes, probably brought in by that erratic butler. Haruno-san opened each of the smaller dishes to reveal three plates of Egg-Benedict. The two larger dishes contained rice and egg curry.
So that erratic butler knows how to make curry, huh. Colour me surprised!
"Gomen Hachiman! I couldn't prepare anything special as I had to start early to pick you up. But, don't worry! I'll make Harunon's special curry omelette for you in the evening."
"Um..it's alright..but what do you..." she cut me off.
"What's special in a curry omelette you ask? Well, it is packed with Harunon's love. Kyaaa! That was so high in Haruno points!" she squealed, successfully imitating Komachi's tone (I'll give her 7 out of 10 in Komachi metric scale).
Strangely, I found no urge to resist. So I didn't.
Chawla-san let out an awkward cough at that. She repeatedly switched her glances at her and me. On the other hand, I'm already used to the antics of this woman. So I calmly replied.
"It's alright Haruno-san. I wanted something simple anyway, considering Jet-lag and all. Besides this egg-benedict is quite delicious."
"So you prefer this butler-san's cooking over mine! That's so low in Haruno points!" she exclaimed as she puffed her cheeks and pouted.
Funny, I resisted my urge to poke her dimples. Eventually, she gave up her pout and started giggling.
The rest of the lunch went on quietly, sans some awkward jokes fired by Haruno-san, which we uneasily laughed at, masking our apprehension.
I, for once, was glad when the meal was over and were able to retire into our allotted rooms.
To be Continued…..
References:
[1] A Code Geass Reference. The Chaos Mine is like a grenade, which is deadly versus Knightmares. Only Blaze Luminous can stop it.
[2] Nejimaki Seirei Senki Reference. Ikta Solork's Quote.
[3] Awesome Forward in Inazuma Eleven. He's so cool!
[4] Adblock plus is an addon which removes ads completely in browsers, so you can have clutter free browsing.
[5] Age of Empires 3 Warchiefs Reference. Sioux Civilisation. With 'friendly territory' card, tepees stack attack and hit points of the units. So when your dog soldiers are surrounded by 15 tepees, each of them will have 180+ attack, which is too OP, if you use them correctly.
[6] Isshiki Iroha.
[7] 'Space boy' by Dave Rodgers, Eurobeats, also adopted in Initial-D anime.
[8] Rajeev Gandhi Park. At the darkest hour of midnight, in Rajeev Gandhi Park (which is somewhere in Andhra Pradesh, India), if you peek through the bushes, you'll see several 'live performances', which make X-rated films look like church.
[9] Quote taken from 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath.
[10] A line from the poem 'Bankers are just like every body else except richer' by Ogden Nash. I strongly recommend to read that poem. It is really that hilarious!
[11] 'Tinsel Town in the rain' by The Blue Nile in the album 'A walk across the roof tops'. Re released by Andrea Corr in her album 'lifelines'.
[12] 'Itagakimasu (itadakimasu)', 'mana-buuu(Manabu)' et cetera.
Ever heard of these? These are just samples of the horrendous puns used by Itagaki family in Hajime no Ippo.
Agasa Hakase (Prof. Agasa) in Detective Conan. Who doesn't know him and his lame quizzes?
[13] It is a fresco (a type of painting) of 'cleansing of the Temple' narrative, in which Jesus expels merchants and money chargers from the temple. Painted by Giotto di Bondone, a 13th century Italian painter and architect.
Author's Note:
Well, how was it? My first fanfic. This is a glimpse of Future Hikigaya's Character. I mean when he's at second year in Tokyo university (which is a major spoiler). The second chapter will be about his conference.
I know that I'll receive tonnes of complaints that the characters are OOC. But they are bound to change. Five years(3 years of high school+ 2 years university) is quite a long period.
Yes, 8man and Haruno will be close in the future. That's why they are on first name basis in this chapter.
No. They are not in a relationship. As you have observed, this story emphasises on soliloquy rather than romance.
There are few OC's in this story who have minimal role. Mostly for portraying (translation: boosting) 8man's awesomeness even more. You'll understand as the story proceeds. And Indians usually don't call each other by last names. That's why Rakshata Chawla refers 8man by his first name.
Corrections Implemented based on reviews:
1) BMW P60B40 V8 is a naturally aspirated engine. I thought it was just a 4.0 L V8 engine. That was an embarrassing mistake. Thanks to the guest reviewer 'Nobody' for pointing it out. I completely changed that paragraph.
2) I hate...no loathe to admit it. But 'Fanfic Critic' was correct. To some extent. I have done several corrections and eliminated some cringe worthy words and sentences. I suggest a re-read.
3) I apologise, if I had sounded racist to you, guest reviewer-san. Honestly, I was shocked at your review. I mean, I have never even imagined that my sentence could be perceived like that. I'm an Indian (भारत गणराज्य) with a brown skin tone, for the gods sake! We don't even have this 'racism by skin tone' concept!
Well, that might actually be the reason for my ignorant and careless statement.
About the butler, well, Afro-Americans (An ethnic group of Americans whose ancestors are originally from Africa and migrated to America for various reasons and settled there, according to wiki) are a majority in Harlem, so I used them for realism. That red suit with gold linings though, I've seen it in some old movie whose name escapes me.
Anyway, I have deleted that sentence. I'll be careful next time. Sorry again and thanks for notifying this to me.
Disclaimer: English is not my mother tongue, so how I perceive some words might be different from the native speakers. Also, I do not own Oregairu and any of its corresponding characters (despite how much I wish to).
Japanese words used and their meanings:
1) Riajuu = Who has successful social life aka a normie.
2) Onee-san = Older Sister. In some cases, slightly older woman.
3) Kouhai = Junior(in this case).
4) Kamaitachi = Razor wind (in this case). Actually they some sort of yokai(demons) who cut people in a flash, with their sickle like nails.
5) Otaku = Addict (in this case).
6) Fujoshi = A bespectacled girl who likes BL novels. Literally translated to 'rotten'.
7) Arigato = Thank you very much.
8) Sensei = Teacher/Trainer.
9) Hakase = Professor.
10) Gomen = Sorry.