Chapter 1- And I wonder... who's... loving you...
Hachiman POV
The last time I ever worked this hard was in my high school entrance exams. However the reason was extremely childish now that I look back at it. My desire to get my hands onto that literature degree wasn't childish at all. However the amount of effort I put into both of these circumstances were very much similar. With my hands on a degree as such, I can now go on to write my ass off without having anyone nag me saying things like "Get up and do some real work!" To work is to lose...
As much as I resisted the thought of having to work as a complete peasant in life, I was reluctant to drive taxis as a part-time job. I agree, going to a university means you must also contribute to your family's finances. However what I had in mind were along the lines of shop assistant or receptionist. Not a bloody taxi driver. Despite me on the verge of having a driving license, I was determined to avoid taxi driving at all costs. It is downright boring and time-consuming. As soon as my dad found out that taxi driving would bring more money compared to other part-time jobs available to me, he had made his decision. As a grown adult, I tried everything in my power to change that decision. However my dad was having none of it. He played the trump card that I wished he wouldn't play.
"Listen Hachiman... if you don't agree to this job then I guess I'll..."
The method of blackmail has always been something I feared someone might use on me. As annoyed I was at dad's statement, I wanted THAT THING more than anything at that point. Besides, considering that this blackmail was the only 'mail' I received from a person in the last 4 years of my life, I graciously accepted it.
And now, on my last day of taxi driving, here I am. A pleasant Saturday dawn. At the airport, just where I was supposed to be. Sitting inside the taxi, waiting for a client. With no incoming clients, I bring out my phone to listen to some radio.
"Good morning and thank you to everyone for joining us on Radio Japan! It's time for the 5 AM news catchup! Over to you, Natsu-san!"
"That's right it is time for the 5 news at 5 AM. [1] News item number 1: Steve Harvey apologises on social media after last night's events as he announced the wrong winner of Miss Universe. He announced the winner of the competition to be Colombia, only to later reveal that the winner was actually Philippines. News item number 2: Vladimir Putin has described Donald Trump to be an "absolute front-runner" for next year's USA presidential elections. News item number 3: Astronaut Tim Peake becomes the first British to enter the ISS. He made his journey along with Russian Yuri Malenchencko and American Tim Kopra on board.News item number 4: Japan soccer team look upbeat even after the loss suffered at the hands of Italy. The team suffered a 4-1 loss to the Europeans after taking the lead with a great free-kick goal by Hayama Hayato. News item number 5: Japan's got talent comes to Chiba where our reporter Kakashi-san shall describe the scenes. Over to you!" [2]
"Thank you very much. Now, here outside the audition center we already have a massive crowd filled with numerous talented individuals here to express their talent to the judges who haven't been too impressed so far with the other cities let's be honest. The noise as you can hear, is deafening over here even at 5 AM! The auditions start at 8:30 so make sure you tune in for all the latest highlights and reactions on their website. As of now, back to you Natsu-san!"
"Thanks for that Kakashi-san and a big thank you to YOU for tuning in for 5 news at 5 AM. For more updates, you can check out our website..." My eyes started to feel heavy and slowly... and slowly... and slowly...
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
The sound of a knock on my window intercepted of what was going to be a deep sleep. I quickly sat up, rolled my eyes, and exited the car to greet a person who might have been a customer. To me, it looked like a young woman in her 20s. She was wearing a large white trench coat which helped her long jet black hair to cover majority of her face up. Besides, we didn't make eye contact as she was constantly staring at her luggage and her watch.
"I'm sorry if I caused any inconvenience." I apologised in attempt to make amends for my laziness. A fake apology of course. How dare she interrupt my slumber?!
"I didn't knock for too long so I guess I can forgive you." I want to kill this bitch right now...
"May I?" I asked whilst extending a hand towards her luggage.
"Sure." she replied... with a voice that seemed slightly familiar to my ears. I proceeded to pick up her luggage and place it in the boot of the taxi whilst she took her seat inside the taxi. A certain sticker on one of her luggage caught my eye. Pan-san? What the hell is wrong with her?! How old is she?!
I locked the boot and headed towards my seat. It had been quite a while since she knocked and we hadn't even seen each other's faces yet.
Anyways I started the car and drove it slowly out of the airport and asked "Where to?" to which she gave me a certain address which seemed to be in a very rich area. There was no conversation for majority of the ride. To my surprise, she was the one to eventually break the silence.
"Will you be able to pick me up again at... lets say 2 PM?"
"From...?"
"From where you're dropping me off now."
"Where to?"
"The audition centre for Japan's got talent. My friend is participating in it."
"2 PM... I guess that's fine." my shift ends at 3 PM so you're in luck...
"Thank you so much."
There wasn't a single noise in the car since.
Eventually we reached our destination at approximately 7:30 AM. It wasn't just a large house. It was a complete mansion. It is every man's dream to live in such a place therefore I couldn't help but space out for a moment. I looked around until a certain sign captured my sight. The sign with a writing big and bold and in gold saying 'YUKINOSHITA'. I turned around to open the passenger door. As soon as I did so, the woman's gaze looked up at me and the expression on it changed from tired to surprised. And frankly, so did mine...
Because this wasn't any woman...
"Yu-kino-shita?"
"Hi-ki-gaya-kun?"
"Yu-ki-noshita Yuki-no?"
"Hiki-gaya Hachi-man?"
The awkwardness of the situation was getting to my nerves. It reminded me of a certain moment in the school infirmary about 7 years ago. If my memory serves right, it was on the day of the marathon.
The moment also allowed me to see the change in Yukinoshita's appearance over the last 6 years. She has grown slightly taller. Her hair looks longer than it was 6 years ago. And *cough* *cough* seems to have grown too. She's dressed elegantly and with wealthy clothing. Overall, she has gone from being a pretty girl into a beautiful woman.
Thankfully, some whispers in the background ruined the moment and abolished the awkwardness. From what I could make out, the first voice seemed to belong to some security guard or servant.
"Umm... Yukino-sama." However it also seemed like he wasn't allowed to say any further because of the other voice...
"Shuuush! Don't interrupt! Yukino-chan and Hikigaya-kun are having a moment here..." I don't think there's any point in me trying to guess who that was.
Myself and Yukinoshita turned around to the source of these voices, which thankfully broke the annoyingly long stare.
"Yahallo, Hikigaya-kun! Long time no see." exclaimed Yukinoshita Haruno.
"Yo"
"Taxi driver, eh?"
"Part-time."
"Come in. I'll get the papers ready."
"Papers?"
"For the marriage of course."
"Who's marriage?"
"Your's and Yukino-chan's obviously!"
"HAH!?" screamed myself and Yukinoshita in unison.
"Just kidding! It's funny to see both of you blushing so much." Who said I'm blushing? No no no... I'm definitely... not blushing!
"Yukino-sama, your luggage..." said the servant. I proceeded to open the boot of the car for the servant to collect the luggage and take it inside the mansion.
And then there was the painful bit. Getting paid by Yukinoshita. I was having none of it.
"There's really no need. After all you're an old acquaintance so I'm willing to do this much for free."
"Hikigaya-kun, your boss will not be pleased to hear it if he or she finds out that you refused your HEFTY payment." Hefty? Bitch, please...
"I really have no time to waste. I'll take your money after I drop you off at the audition centre." No I'm not...
"I guess that's fine." replied Yukinoshita which allowed me to turn around and make my way towards the car. Suddenly my mind went on a rewind to the conversation that took place between me and Yukinoshita when we were in the car.
"Will you be able to pick me up again at... lets say 2 PM?"
"From...?"
"From where you're dropping me off now."
"Where to?"
"The audition centre for Japan's got talent. My friend is participating in it."
Again.
"Where to?"
"The audition centre for Japan's got talent. My friend is participating in it."
And again.
"My friend is participating in it."
One more time... in slow motion.
"My FFFRRRIIIEEENNNDDD is participating in it." Yukinoshita's friend... it can only be...
I quickly turned around towards Yukinoshita and began.
"Just wondering. The friend that's participating in the show, is it-"
"That's right." she intervened. I stood in silence, already aware of the answer. "It's Yuigahama-san."
2 PM. Outside the mansion. The excitement of seeing Yukinoshita again after 6 years had barely settled in and now, we were going to see Yuigahama as well. I can't help but wonder... what talent does she have?
"Ara, nice and early I see..." said Yukinoshita, walking towards the car.
"Oi... you seem quite dull."
"It's a thing called jet lag."
"Stop treating me like Yuigahama."
"It really can't be helped... now lets get going shall we?"
I opened the back door for her to step in after which I took my own seat, fastened the seat belt, and started the engine. This time I didn't expect the conversation to be all so boring. Because I... yes I... shall start it.
"Umm... Yukinoshita. Why take a taxi when you could've easily been driven by your drivers?"
"The driver's not well today. He took the day off."
"I see..."
"And besides, as much as I will hate myself for admitting it, your driving is better."
"I don't know if it is better but I can assure you that I won't be in a situation where my driving will put the life of a dog and a human in danger..."
"Wow you still remember that?" what?! she doesn't?!
"Anyways we should get going... my shift ends at 3."
"Why are you telling me? I'm not driving the car am I? Stop asking such stupid questions."
"Do you want to be driven or not?"
"Apologies. I take my words back."
"That's what I thought." and so we kept conversing for the rest of the journey. We talked about the last 6 years of our lives, our academic achievements... though Yukinoshita had way more of those than myself. And eventually...
"Okay we're here."
"Thank you for the ride. Here's your-"
"Not taking it. After I drop the two of you off to wherever you'll be going..."
"But doesn't you shift end at 3?"
"But that doesn't mean I don't have my own car." That's right. The blackmail that my dad used against me. "Listen Hachiman... if you don't agree to this job then I guess I'll just not pay for your car."
"Oh my! You've exceeded all expectations Hikigaya-kun." said Yukinoshita with a smile. What were your expectations?
"Anyways, what time shall I be here?"
"About 5 PM would be fine."
"OK"
"Goodbye, Hikigaya-kun."
"See you later." did I just... have a friendly conversation...
I drove off and made my way towards the taxi station where I handed the taxi over to the next driver. There was a mini-farewell for everyone who had their last day of work. It most certainly didn't offend me when it took them ages to find out that it was my last day as well. I'm being serious here... it didn't offend me...
Anyways, I took a train back home where my car was waiting for me. It was nothing special. It was an Audi A3. A new one costs around 2.5 million yen however my dad expertly bought this second-hand one for 800,000. I've driven it for about two months and it still works fine. Stats are not the best but I don't really need anything too extravagant. It does 0-60 in about 11 seconds. Top speed of about 116 mph. I'll even admit it. I love this car. The only thing that can get annoying is when I have to drive Komachi to her date in this car. Outrageous!
I went inside the house, greeted my parents and Komachi, and then set off. It didn't take me too long before I reached the audition centre. In fact, I was way too early to reach the audition centre. It was still 4! With an hour in hand, I parked my car and went inside a cafeteria. I ordered the usual MAX COFFEE and some snacks. There was a large TV inside which was showing the auditions live.
The performance that was taking place were these three girls singing. Luckily, Yuigahama wasn't one of them as the performance was downright atrocious. There were three judges. The first one was rather kind.
"I'm sorry girls but that wasn't good enough. You can tell by the reaction of the audience that your performance just wasn't what we're looking for." This guy's being way too nice. That performance was complete bullshit and all you say is 'not good enough'? I'm sorry but your judging skills are not genuine enough...
The next one was even kinder.
"Hi girls! All of you are looking gorgeous!" Oh shut the duck up! "However the singing was... rubbish to be honest with you... I'm sorry..." The word 'rubbish' is a good start but what's with all the apologising... the singing was shit! Deal with it!
And then there was the third judge.
"Right... do you want me to be honest with you?" [3]
"Yes" the 3 girls replied... however with a worried expression. Why say 'yes' if you're scared as shit?!
"One day... I sat down on three cats by mistake. What they sounded like at that moment is what you three sound like when you sing." Brutal. The whole arena and myself seemed to approve his statement however I'm not quite so sure that a certain member of the audience by the name Yukinoshita Yukino would approve sitting down on cats. On the other hand, the judge wasn't done.
"I mean... seriously? What made you audition for this competition?"
"We've always wanted to sing as a job. It's our dream..."
"Okay here's the thing. After your performance, I actually WANT you to have singing as a job... as long as it's in a pet hospital where you'd sing to make sure all the cats fall asleep." Triple kill! Sit down! Get lost!
The last comment was greeted with a roar of laughter in the arena as the girls leave the stage with tears running down their faces. Meanwhile, the next performer walks in. Is that...
"Hi! How are you?" the 2nd judge asks.
"I'm good thank you."
"What's your name?"
"Yuigahama Yui" HAH?! That's... Yuigahama...
I moved in closer to the TV to see how her appearance had changed over the years. She had also grown slightly taller. Her hair looked very much the same to me with her trademark Chinese bun at the top. She looked more grown up. Instead of just being cute and bubbly, she looked cute and beautiful at the same time. And obviously the *cough* *cough* were- stop it Hachiman! Grow up!
Eventually my thoughts were interrupted with the voice of Yuigahama's singing. Once she started singing... I forgot where I was, I forgot who I was, I forgot why I was here but most importantly, I even forgot I had a can of MAX COFFEE to finish. All I could do is listen to her sing.
"Somebody said you got a new friend... [4]
And does she love you better than I can...
There's a big black sky over my town...
I know where you're at, I bet she's around..."
Yuigahama looked very focused and determined in her performance. On top of that, her singing was brilliant.
"I'm in the corner, watching you kiss her, ohh...
I'm right over here, why can't you see me, ohh...
I'm giving it my all, but I'm not the girl you're taking home, ooo...
I keep dancing on my own."
Somewhere deep within, my inner Hikki sheds a noble tear at her performance. [5]
"So far away, but still so near...
The lights go on, the music dies...
But you don't see me, standing here...
I just came, to say goodbye..."
Okay there's no way she's not going through to the main competition.
Eventually her performance ends. The whole arena seemed to have stood up in ovation. Even the judges. And thankfully, even the third one. Once everyone settled down, the first judge spoke up.
"What a performance that was! I mean seriously your voice is brilliant, everything about that was brilliant. This is exactly what we're looking for in this show." obsessed with the requirements of the show...
"Thank you so much." replied Yuigahama.
Then the second judge voiced her opinion.
"I totally agree. The performance was truly mind-blowing. And it helps that you're good looking too. I'm being serious here... you can become the next superstar of Japan." obsessed with appearance...
"Thank you so much."
And then the third judge...
"They've already said what needs to be said. Your performance was utterly special. You sang it in such a manner that gave me the impression that this wasn't just a girl singing in an audition. I got the impression that you're singing what you're feeling. I got the impression that instead of it being just a song, you're conveying the lyrics. What I mean is that it seems like you're the girl who loves a guy, but no matter how hard you try, you keep losing to some other girl, and so you keep 'dancing on your own' if you get what I mean."
"Thank you... so much." says Yuigahama whilst breaking down into tears. Come on his comment wasn't THAT emotional...
"Now we're gonna vote." states the first judge. "It's a yes from me."
"Without a doubt, a 100% yes from me." states the second judge.
"Yuigahama Yui..." starts the third judge. "You've got 3 yesses and you're COMING TO TOKYO!"
The whole crowd roar in applause as Yuigahama exits the stage.
Meanwhile, I sat back down on my seat to finish what remained of my snacks. As the clock hit 5, I left and made my way towards my car.
Realising that there's no way that Yukinoshita will be able to recognise my car, I instead took a detour and walked towards the exit gate where Yukinoshita stood waiting for Yuigahama. I approached her to inform her about my car.
"Oi..."
"HAAH?!"
"Calm down it's just me."
"Oh... Hikigaya-kun... it seems like I need to get used to those creepy eyes again." shut the duck up...
"Anyways... you see that white Audi A3... that's mine. I'm gonna wait inside so take Yuigahama and come there."
"Ara... nice car... how much?"
"800,000"
"Interesting... well my Mercedes Benz E-class cost about-"
"Shut up I never asked."
Yukinoshita stood there having a giggle. So rude...
Anyways, I decided to wait no further and made my way towards the car. And so the wait began...
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
I looked back to see the pair standing outside the back door of the car. Yukinoshita looked in to make sure she got the right car whereas Yuigahama kept talking to Yukinoshita hence there was no eye-contact made. They entered the car once I opened the door with my electronically super-power remote exclusive to my car- who am I kidding...
"Yukinon, you've gone like super pretty I wonder how you do it..."
"Well thank you Yuigahama-san. Although I must say that your appearance is very much worthy of compliments too."
"THANK YOU YUKINON..." said Yuigahama as she embraced Yukinoshita in a tight hug. I don't like where this is going...
"Yuigahama-san... that's enough."
"I was wondering... isn't your car supposed to be a like a Merkedes or something? Take no offence but this car isn't that good." Excuse me...
"Yuigahama-san... I think you mean to say Mercedes."
"OOOH yes that's what I meant..." and here I thought that she changed...
"Anyways, Yukinon, have you seen Hikki recently? Wouldn't it be great if we were to reunite?" wow she actually remembers me... I feel kinda relieved...
"I wonder if Hikki is still Hikki... I mean... I wonder if he still has that gross laugh..." heh?!
"I wonder if Hikki still has that rotten look..." wait a minute...
"I wonder..." okay she stopped...
"You wonder?" asked Yukinoshita.
"You know Yukinon... I've missed the two of you a lot... ever since you moved to France and Hikki moved to a place closer to his university."
"It's fine Yuigahama-san... I've also... missed you a lot." never knew Yukinoshita had the word 'consoling' in her dictionary...
"I wonder if Hikki still remembers us." okay now seems like a good time to interrupt...
"And I wonder... who's... lo-" [6]
"Excuse me who are we talking about here?"
"HIKKI!"
"Yo... Yuigahama"
Author's note: Here it is... my second fanfiction. Some of you might already know that I'm also the author of the story Whatever happened after. What I've learned from that fic is that I must have a good start so I tried to make the first chapter of this fic as interesting and entertaining as possible for you guys. Hopefully you liked it and if you did, please check out my other fic as well. I know the start of that isn't great but I hope the other chapters and future chapters make up for it as much as possible. As for this one, I hope you can forgive me if it seems a bit OOC as this is 7 years later after all. I originally planned on making this story a tragedy however I don't think a tragic end would suit this kind of start so this is going to be a calm and hopefully entertaining story. As for the tragic end, I plan on making a separate fic for that but not anytime soon as I already have 2 fics to work on.
References:
[1] Just wanted to put it out there that I don't know if radio Japan exists and if it does... I don't know if it has the '5 news at 5 AM' thing so apologies if that seemed too inaccurate.
[2] The first 3 news items are actually true events that happened in the real world. News 4 is complete bullshit whereas news 5... I don't know too much about when auditions start and if people start queuing at 5 AM and all that so again... forgive me if it seems too inaccurate.
[3] Reference to the judging methods of the famous/infamous Simon Cowell... I'm sure most of you know who he is...
[4] The song 'Dancing on my own' by Robyn. If you want to listen to it, I recommend listening to the Calum Scott version.
[5] Reference to a review by a guest on the chapter 1 of Whatever happened after.
[6] Along with the title... reference to the song 'Who's loving you' by Jackson 5. In this case, it would probably be something like 'who's loving him' but that's not the name of the song so yeah...
Anyways...
Thank you for reading :)