Disclaimer: The following is a fanon story. My teen romantic comedy is wrong as I expected is the sole property of Wataru Watari and in no way do I own any of its content.
The educational system of Japan is one of the best ones worldwide. It is recognized beyond our territory and is sought to be replicated in many countries that actually care about the education of their people, whatever reason they might have. However I'd not say it is the best educational system, as it is flawed just like any system society can try to pull off. Competition in Japan is high, which means that students must put their education as their top priority at all times, teenagers however tend to notice this way too late in their lives and end up getting stuck with what little accomplishments the enjoyment of their "youth" left them with.
This of course, only applies to the common folk, as for people naturally smart the weight put on their shoulders can be alleviated because of their learning time is shorter than the rest. Since the system is placed on an average, those who are smart and those who know their tricks have the upper hand. These fellows even if they are borderline the most boring people around will still get attention by those who either envy them or admire them for their smarts… Even now, the reality of people being born unequal hits with all its might and without any kind of reservations. Those who have not set their paths towards a goal which society would accept are already at a disadvantage, although the race began they are still chitchatting in the Start line.
But it's alright, these years should be of self-exploration. The transition from childhood to adulthood is a strange one and discovering who you are is very important, it's alright to spend your time thinking about friends and girls, outings and fairytale dreams. That gives us cultured people an advantage in this race for wealth and self-sustainability! Good luck fulfilling your dreams while you can barely pay the rent of your tatami-sized apartment!
Prologue: Opening Curtain
"I must admit Hikigaya. You got me there for a moment." If the woman sitting in front of me was dressing anything but her tab coat and black pants she was right now, I wouldn't have been able to look straight onto her. Her features and curvy body akin to that of a violin of perhaps a guitar made her fantasy material for any healthy boy of my age. Hmmm, perhaps that's why she dresses like that? Is she conscious that's the line that puts her away from being fetish fuel? "I thought you had written something decent for once."
Well, yeah. Your looks might be good, but your faith is misplaced, Sensei. There's no reason for me to write a decent essay about a boring subject like high school life if it's not that important for the grade itself. I'd like to avoid having to spend energy in pointless work as much as possible.
"I don't mean to brag, but I think it's an improvement from the last one." I mean, this one hasn't almost gotten me hit, right? That's obviously an improvement. To think it could become better with such little effort… Am I perhaps a genius?
"Everything is an improvement of the last one." Sensei retorted while scoffing "Alright, perhaps it's my fault. I didn't consider that when I told you to rewrite it better, truly the standard was too low." Well, if you hate it that much then don't make me rewrite it! Spare both of us the trouble and let it slide "No one sane would write anything like this. They'll talk about their friends, clubs, etc… You might look young Hikigaya, but when I look at your eyes I can see a 50 years old man."
Yeah, whatever. It's not like you're much younger than that…
"…?!" Woah! A murderous aura was being released by Sensei! What?! Did she read my thoughts?! She's even cracking her knuckles! "W-Well, Sensei! I don't really have any friends so I can't really write about it!"
"Hmm? How so? Sometimes there's someone talking to you when I enter the classroom." Hmm? Do I really not look like a loner to her? That's blasphemy, it might be true that sometimes my classmates remember I exist but that's not reason enough to call them my friends!
A second thought, was that perhaps sarcasm?
"Having good redaction skill help when it comes to attracting people seeking to leech on you to present a decent work, Sensei." If I'm honest here, these classmates barely even talk to me outside of asking for the homework or for corrections in theirs. My grades have gone up since the second year began, and although my science and math knowledge is still lacking at best I'm still in a position in which my parents congratulate me for my efforts. I don't get gifts or pamper like Komachi, but it's still a nice spot to be in.
"Relying in one another is part of being friends Hikigaya." That's correct Sensei, and yet…
"I don't benefit from them in the slightest, I wouldn't consider that "friendship" since I gain nothing. Not even their appreciation." Well, I've asked for homework once or twice and gotten it, but the amount of time I needed my classmates was many times less than they needed me. If anything I should be treated as their savior, for allowing their continued keep of their grades.
"Then why do you keep helping him?" Her smug smirk sent chills down my spine, not because of her confidence, but for what she was implying.
"I don't understand what you mean, Sensei."
"Oh please, did you seriously believe I would not notice the similarities in the writing style? You are right: You have good redaction, it's very "you" if I were to put into words." As she spoke she presented me with a sheet of paper with different handwrite than mine. I didn't need to see what was written in there because I am the one who wrote it to begin with, it's only someone else copied it to present it as his own.
I didn't know what to say so I didn't say anything at all.
"Well?" Sensei pushed forward, taking my silence as her opportunity to become even smugger.
"…I don't know what to say, Sensei." In these sort of situations, playing dumb is an effective yet risky strategy, capable of disarming the opponent but with the same percentage of backfiring and putting you in an even worse position "That's clearly not my handwriting."
"But the style is the same. It wouldn't be too strange if it was just copied from something you wrote before."
"That's not the case at all." Shit, a little too soon! This would have been effective had I waited a little bit!
"And what's the case?" Sensei's inquiry allowed me to realize my cornered position. What's going to happen? Am going to be reported? Maybe suspended? No, it's not such a big deal, right?
"I merely helped him correcting his typos and some structure changes. This is his work no matter how you see it."
"Why did you do so if you don't benefit from helping others?" Hmmm? This isn't going to some kind of academic punishment? Good enough, I guess.
"He helped me with math homework, I'm just repaying the favor." Yes, and for others being treated awkwardly is good enough as well. Better than being bullied at least, and if all it takes is to allow them to take a picture of my notes then no matter how you see it, the joke is on them.
Misunderstandings often come up in these kind of situations. People subconsciously think that those who do them favors should at least have a positive impression of them and it's this which leads them to believe that they are friends, when most often than not the other party sees that they are just being used. True, a friendship can be made at the beginning with a favor, but we're talking about high school students, not quite kids but not quite adults either. This age in which the world spins around them and no other people is as important as their own person has a high tendency to destroy bonds simply because teenagers become pushovers because they can't see that they can't just take and give nothing in return.
This is how I came to be in my current position. By giving I automatically prevent my classmates from becoming enemies, no person would badmouth those who recognize as friends, I don't pursue their friendship either because why would I. In fact, it wouldn't be weird if this lack of interest is what keeps them at bay from asking way too much. Of course, there's always the selfish kid who just can't get enough but then again there are way around it.
Humans are simple beings. When you realize certain things have subtle hidden meanings and you become used to spot lies and how people behave in certain situations then suddenly no one is lying to you. There are no hidden secrets and no half-truths can deceive because you understand that at heart they convey the truth one way or another.
When you shed a person from their layers of protection, what remains is nothing more than a beating heart. One that does not lie nor deceive anyone because at heart, we are afraid of being lied to.
"Hikigaya! Are you listening?" See? According to her stony tone and her sharp glare it's clear that if I try to lie here it could get ugly.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." While scratching the back of my head and lean forward a little might see as a sign of submission I'd like to think is a way to diminishing the tension.
"Seriously… What am I going to do with you?" She sighed like a tired mother seeing her child be mischievous for the fourth time in the day knowing full well she'll have to clean that mess… Though her body doesn't seem like she has given birth before… No, bad Hachiman. Concentrate "Well, let's not waste any more time. I'll get to the point, Hikigaya are you part of any club?"
"Yes, of the Go Home Early club." Woah, woah! Hold on Sensei! Is that bloodlust?! Okay, okay! Calm down! I got it! "I-I'mNotInAnyClubPleaseDon'tHitMe!" Jeez! And you don't know why you can't get married?! You could have as well be summoned under Madness Enhancement and there would be no difference! That sort of individuals suck up a lot of energy y'know?!
"That's better." Her tone is still icy, I shouldn't drop my guard so easily "You see, Hikigaya. I'm in charge of a very particular club, and I'd like you to take part of it."
Now, now. That's just completely suspicious.
"What kind of club is that?" What kind of club could you possibly be in charge? Innocent soul torture? I'd have liked to say that but my common sense prevented me from throwing myself down the cliff "I didn't know you were the supervisor of any clubs."
"Well, it's not a club per se." And that's even sketchier. Is the school aware of this? No matter what there's no way the authorities haven't noticed if you hid cameras all over the school! "There's only one member, you see."
Should I ask for help? Run to the police? Dammit I should stop reading shitty novels, I'm getting nervous.
"Then that's not a club then." Using the school rules should be enough to untangle myself from this. I'm sorry Sensei, it's not you. It's me the idiot who felt like trying out shitty web novels.
"Details, Hikigaya. The point is I'd like you to give it a try, you won't be having to do much most of the time, I guarantee it." Wow, was my displeasure of having to do things that obvious? But poker face is one of my 108 skills… Are you telling me it has become weaker? I should spend more EXP points in it then.
"…" Now then. How should I decline? I could be direct and tell her I'm not interested, or I could try making up excuses. Both have the chance of making her mad, which I'd rather avoid but they also have the possibility of succeed. Which one has the best chance of achieving victory? As I see it neither of them are that good. Hmmm… Then which one would inflict the least negative reaction from Sensei? Making up excuses? No, I've seen it with my parents, they just grow irritated since the first moment an excuse comes out of my mouth. Rejecting directly it is then "Sorry Sensei, but if I were looking for a club I'd have joined the literature club or something along those lines already."
"Yes, that might be true." Oi, are you just going to ignore my wishes? I thought partaking in club activities was optional! "But it wouldn't kill you to try it out, right?"
"It's take some of my precious time, Sensei."
"What could you possibly spend your time in? Doing someone else's homework?" Hey! That's not right!
"I didn't do anyone's homework Sensei, as I said…"
"And as I said. You could just try out, right?" Jeez, this woman…
"You haven't even told me what this club is all about…" Rethink your strategy, Sensei. Even my parents tend to fail in making me do things I don't want to do. Well, it might have to do more with their lack of time, but still! If my parents can't, then why could you?
"Why are you so against it? Something you're afraid of Hikigaya?" Taunting me like that won't work Sensei. You should know better than to utilize tactics like that.
"I just don't want to involve myself in anything tedious, that's all." I hope my sigh came out tired enough. Now, don't give me that look like if you were seeing something pitiful! I am tired!
"And that's your problem, Hikigaya." She waved the piece of paper she previously showed me "Here, you have the proof that you need people. I'm honestly proud you've made a friend, but a single person is not nearly enough to maintain social relationships. You need to meet more people, Hikigaya. For your own good make more friends."
"I wouldn't consider that friendship, more like… A strategic comradeship." Not to say a relationship of taking and giving, that sounds weird, even weirder if I say it out loud.
"Well, then make more of these "strategic comrades". If you hate the concept of friendship so much, then that should suffice." Sensei scoffed as if she was dealing with a meddlesome pet or something. I know because that's the expression I make when Kamakura doesn't listen to me. I know, I can feel the same coming from my face even if I can't look at myself.
"And you want me to do this by joining this so called club you're supervising." Right, you said only one person is not nearly enough. If that's the case then don't throw me into a place with a single person! You just want to fill in people so it gets accepted as an official club, huh. What? Will you get more income or something? That's just awful, selling your students for a better paycheck.
Which means, if I were in her situation I'd totally do the same.
"You said I wouldn't be doing much?" If that's the case then perhaps I could use this time? I mean, there's no doubt it'd be better just get back home early but perhaps it could be a good thing? I hope? There's not much room to untangle myself from this situation. If I agree there's no way she'll just let me off the hook with just "trying it out", right?
"Hmmm? Well, yeah. Most of the time that is." Most of the time is good enough… Right?
"Let me think about it, I have to come back to my little sister after all." Sorry Komachi, but I'll have to use you as an excuse to get out of this situation! I'll show my love and dedication to you even if you don't want me to! Please bear with it!
"Huh, I see… Well then. If that's the case then sort that out, yeah." Looks like I convinced her. Great, tomorrow I'll tell her I just can't. Thinking of a reason while going home sounds about right, yup.
"I will, Sensei."
After school.
The usually quiet corridors were lively as the students and teachers went their ways out of school. Some would stay for some more time due to various reasons, some even voluntarily so, but the rest were happily chatting their way out of school while saying their farewells to their friends and acquaintances. With the exception of one or two loners who were quietly retreating from the very populated corridors into quieter places. I'd know, I'm one of them after all.
However, unlike them I was not really going anywhere. While witnessing classrooms empty as fast as the students could run away to the safety of their homes, and groups disband from the floor above them I simply waste some time until the corridors become as quiet as they usually are during classes. A stray student shows up from time to time but they are inconsequential. If groups of two or three saw me it'd be bad, however this place is almost deserted there should be any problem.
"Hey!" A male voice echoed through the now empty corridor I was now walking past. I recognized his voice and the warm way he waved his hand. You finally showed up pretty guy.
"Took you long enough." Of course, I couldn't simply greet him as friendly as he did. Our status are different, while everyone would expect a guy like him to be that way, someone with my social status is not.
Before me, a tall guy was walking with a fresh smile towards my direction. He was wearing the same school uniform as me, but gave a completely different vibe.
"Well, Hiratsuka-sensei called me after the last bell so I kinda lost some time." His modern cut hair was dyed blonde and helped his looks captivate girls as effectively as he does.
"That so? What did she tell you?" Hiratsuka-sensei called me too, but I really doubt it was about the same thing.
"She off-handedly asked if I was bullying you, Hachiman." He chuckled as if it was the silliest thing that could have occurred to our worried Sensei. And of course it is, no matter how popular and high up the social ladder he is this guy is basically as harmful as a baby tortoise.
"Don't call me that, we've talked about this before." The guy before me is a fellow classmate, and one I know personally the best.
"Oh, c'mon. There's no one here, is there?" The prince of basically the whole school and the ace of the soccer team.
Hayama Hayato.
"You promised." Well, yeah. While dealing with this guy falling back to usual social pressure is super effective to the point it's not even fun.
"…That's true." Again he chuckled, awkwardly this time as if to brush it off. I sighed and shook my head in response "So how was it with you?"
"She asked me to join the club she is supervising." Without any kind of signal we began walking through the corridor which he popped out from. He matched my slower peace and held eye contact while I retold what I talked about with Sensei "Seems like it's not an official one, must be trying to get more members to make it official."
"Hmmm." He looked up as he pondered, it's worth noting I only knew this because I've personally seen him do it several times already "I don't remember Hiratsuka-sensei being a club advisor though. Could it be a new one."
"It's not even an official one." Weren't you listening? Concentrate, please.
"I see… Maybe someone knows about it since she's kind of our homeroom teacher." Excellent, you'll ask around using your social network? Then I'll have to do my part as well.
"Tomorrow morning a girl with glasses and pigtails will drop a love letter in your locker." Sorry, did I say I was wasting time? No, no, no. If you know how to find things to do then you can avoid wasting time even if all you're doing is wander around like a lost dog.
"Orimura-san? Oh, my." That was his only reaction, to me the girl's name is irrelevant so I simply did as he was expecting me to and continued.
"Didn't you have an "answer" on hold with another girl?" Honestly speaking, these problems of his are just so first world I can't even fathom how they can be considered problems at all. Oh look at me! I have many girls falling for me and I don't know what to do because I'm an herbivore! Oh, no poor me…!
"Yes, Minase-san from class B." To his credit he managed to reply with a straight face, if he understood where I was going with my question he made no sign of opposing it.
Well, if he doesn't agree to it then he can fend for himself. In the end the only one who wins by listening to me is none other than him.
"Tell her you'll give her an answer tomorrow early in the morning. If you're lucky they'll both focus on each other so you won't have to do anything. Worst case scenario you can turn them both down with the excuse of not wanting to hurt either of them."
"I wouldn't want that." Was that an agreement with me? It sounded as if he wanted to assure himself that "Right, I wouldn't. Thanks Hachiman, I owe you one." Seems like he has found his own resolve.
"Don't talk to me as if we were friends." Seriously, just how stubborn is this guy?
"Oh, but we are friends. Aren't we?" Yeah, yeah. You ask rhetorical questions all you want, you should know already it isn't working on me.
"We talked about this already, Hayama." He must have noticed my annoyance in my voice because he became tame once again.
"Yes, sorry about that Hikigaya-kun." Good boy. Isn't this so much simpler? I'll help you maintain your status as much as you want, I'm not asking for much in return either. You're not losing much, so how about actually giving in my very scarce demands? "I'm really sorry Hikigaya-kun…"
I ignored his regretful tone. In the end he only walked in circles and ended up right where he began. There's no reason for me to tag along in his guilt trip, I don't actually like him that much.
"…Komachi is asking when you'll drop by again."
"Eh? Ah… My parents will be out for a couple of days… Tomorrow, maybe?" Now, that's the Hayama Hayato I'm used to. Being all gloomy just doesn't go with your persona, you know?
"I thought you were going out with your friends." I pointed out as we were finally reaching the entrance towards the front yard. I stopped walking and so did Hayama, but when he noticed where we were he picked up his pace.
"I have an important appointment tomorrow, it'll have to be on another occasion." Oh, if only they knew what important business could possibly have come up…
"See you later, Hikigaya." He smiled and waved his hand as he headed towards his club. What kind of reply he has prepared when his club mates inevitably ask him where he was, I wonder. Well, knowing him it's something convincing, there's people who simply have talent like that.
But don't misunderstand.
Envy is not an emotion that suits me. As a loner it'd be shameful to be jealous of a riajuu like Hayama, in my case it would be really ironic given my active involvement in maintaining his popularity at school. I'm not doing it for his sake either, but at the same time it helps me gain his favor.
As I said before, I don't ask for much in return. His helping hand in curricular activities is certainly welcome, it keeps my parents happy which give me more freedom to do as I please. What kind of parent would make their son's life difficult if he is giving them results in what's essentially the best source of bragging among their corporate slave peers? None I know of, at least.
However as I see him step out of the shade of the building we were in and into the light I couldn't help myself from grinning. Animals often search for the shade in order to protect themselves, a completely logical thing to happen, it provides shelter against the harmful sunrays, protection against keen eyed predators and the comfort required to laze around as much as they'd like.
I'll say it again: I don't ask for much. If high school resembles the animal kingdom then Hayama Hayato is without question the lion king unreachable by predators and prey alike. If this is an ecosystem with animals trying to keep themselves in the safest spot they can get a hand on… How could I refuse resting in the shadow of the uncontested alpha? If keeping him on top of the food chain is all it takes to keep what's basically the most horrible chapter in the story of any human being completely peaceful and simple it's to agree to help him in that regard…
Then who am I to disagree?
A/N
Now, before you mention it in the reviews, I'll do a little Q & A to make this easier for all of us.
Q. Is this a Hayato redemption fic?
A. Of course not. To begin with, I don't find Hayato to be an evil character like some authors in here make him out to be. He's trapped in expectations, just as Yukino is and there's not much difference between them as I see it. I won't bash on any character either, the only one I can say I hate it's Yukimama and to be honest who doesn't.
Q. Why is Hachiman so weird in this chapter?
A. Well, he's friends with Hayato, wouldn't it be weirder if he wasn't OOC even if a little bit?
Q. What pairing will this be?
A. Unless stated explicitly I don't have pairings decided, I'll write what feels natural to me and I don't support a specific ship over the others.
Q. For how long have they know each other in this fic?
A. I'll reveal their past, don't sweat it. Though if I had to be specific then I'll simply say Hayato and Yukino have known each other for a longer time.
Q. Is 8man still yearning for something genuine?
A. I wonder... I'm in for this ride as much as you are. Let's see where this heads together.