Chapter 2
This is bad! I'm running like my life depends on it but there is no way I am going to make it in time. I was not used to waking up alone since my sister would usually wake me up but since they had to move to Tokyo because apparently dad got a job there. If only I was not stubborn I will be there with them but I was the one who decided to stay here in Chiba. If I didn't have a high rank from the graduation I'm sure mom and dad would not believe me that I can live on my own and still get high marks. Finally I am almost there. I did not want to ride a bike to school especially on the first day because I've read it in a light novel once. I don't want save a dog and get hit by a limo at the same time. I use every energy I have to climb up the stairs going to my classroom.
"Sorry I was late." I apologized as I enter the room.
"Hikigaya Hachiman?" Sensei asked.
"Yes that's me."
"Why are you late Hikigaya?" Sensei asked again.
"I woke up late." Some students chuckled while sensei rubs her temples.
"Please take a seat back there." The sensei pointed a chair at the back. Seems alright but with one problem. Orimoto was beside me.
Okay here's the deal. I said I won't runaway but I didn't mean us to be in the same class again! This is going to be a pain in the ass. After I sat on my desk sensei spoke again.
"Alright since you are all here I would like to welcome you all here in Kaihin Sougo high. I am Chisato Hasegawa you can just call me Hasegawa-sensei. Since you guys are here in class 1-1 you are expected to have good grades and maintain them throughout the year. Clubs here are not mandatory however if you would like to join head to the faculty office so the other teachers may help you sign up for the club of your choice."
Hasegawa-sensei then discussed the school rules. Followed by how the grading system works. Class begun after the short introduction followed by lunch. As I was heading out for lunch when a guy with black greyish hair approached me.
"So you're Hikigaya-kun right?"
"Yes. And you are?"
"Tamanawa, I'm just here to warn you."
"Warn me? About what?" I ask.
Tamanawa approached me and whispered something to my ear.
"Most people here have façade and acts differently outside school grounds. Be careful." A shiver made its way to my spine.
"Trust me, you don't want to get in trouble here Hikigaya-kun." Tamanawa continued.
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Good. It's nice to meet you Hikigaya-kun."
The day quickly pass by and not once did I tried to talk to Orimoto. I did not come here to chase after her. I am done with that crap. I am here to prove something to myself. I was walking towards the school gate to get home when I saw Orimoto waiting for someone.
"Yo!"
"What do you want now?"
"Eh. Is that how you talk to a friend Hachiman?"
"Don't call me that. And no we are not friends."
"So Hikigay is fine with you?" Is she really trying to be friendly using that old nickname?
"Whatever you want. I'm done being your lackey."
"Your opinion of me still never change? Hikigaya?"
"What do you think Orimoto?"
"So it's not Orimoto-san anymore?" She teased.
"Don't push it." I replied coldly.
"Okay alright I get it." She looks very intimidated.
"So, what do you want Orimoto?"
"I just want to say I'm sorry-"
'Don't bother Orimoto." I cut her off
"I'm over it."
"Then why are you here instead of Sõbu then?" Orimoto asked
"I want to prove something to myself."
"And what is that Hikigaya?"
"That's none of your business."
"Fine whatever Hikigaya. I'm leaving." Orimoto announce.
I then walk the other direction of the road but not before hearing from Orimoto again.
"So you're not offering to walk home with me?"
"Aren't you worried your friends will see us together?"
"Well no I'm not."
"Are you." Orimoto continues and points her finger at me.
I will not fall for that again I'm done doing favors for you.
"Well I can't be bothered since I live near the school."
"You live near here? Where!?"
"Why should I tell you Orimoto?" Orimoto then tried to think of something. Realizing this conversation is going nowhere I end the conversation.
"Yes I live near here but no I won't tell you where I am staying so I'm leaving." With the end of the conversation I left Orimoto.
…
As I arrived home my phone began to ring. I saw the caller I.D. and it was mom.
"Hello?"
"Yahallo, Onii-chan!"
"Komachi. Why are you calling?"
"Did something happened to you?"
"Onii-chan that's a bad way to start a conversation through the phone."
"Right I apologize."
"So, what's up?"
"Mom and I just want to know how are you doing."
"I'm doing fine."
"What's that mom-." Komachi paused for a moment.
"Okay. Mom is asking if you've been taking care of yourself properly."
"I am doing fine but I'm still not used to waking up by myself."
"Well don't worry Onii-chan you will get used to it."
"Mom also wants to know if you're eating properly."
"I am getting better a little bit."
"Mom did taught me how to cook." I continued.
"That's great! It means you will not just eat random junk."
"Komachi-chan is so proud!" She made a fake sobbing sound.
"Yes please tell her thanks for teaching me to cook."
"Alright. Talk to you soon Onii-chan!"
"You too Komachi."
...
The test period ended without any problem. Without Orimoto bothering me I scored high on the exams. It was never my intension to stand out but I guess when people don't really try something like scoring high in the test will be amazing to those who doesn't even try. Which lead to one of the points I am trying to prove to myself. As I was about to leave a girl approached my desk.
"Hikigaya-kun do have a moment?"
"What is it Kawashima-san?" I asked while fixing my things.
"Do you want to hang out with us?" She ask and looked at her friends. I observed her clique before and this will be bad for me if I get myself involved with them.
They are the type who hangout with people they really don't give a damn about but "befriends" them in order to gain trust and asks for ridiculous amount of favor for them. This something I don't want to be bothered by anymore.
"Sorry Kawashima-san I'm busy right now."
"Come on now its just karaoke. It will be fun!" She exclaimed.
Fun for you that is. I must find a way out of this.
"I have to meet a friend today in the hospital. He got hit by a car and broke his leg."
"Is that so." Kawashima looks uninterested as she fiddles with her hair.
"Yeah. So I am sorry."
"Well whatever Hikigaya." She finally left.
My vision was kinda blurry so I went to the ophthalmologist my mom recommended me. I must admit I have been straining my eyes because I am staying up late all the time. The doctor recommended me to wear glasses much to my dismay. If I were to use this as an excuse to Kawashima she'll tell me to postpone it and do it some other time.
...
The following day was not something I expected to happen. I was lying on the ground. A group of male students gang up on me and beat me up.
"Next time don't lie like that Hikigaya." The supposed leader of the group told me.
"I have no idea what you are saying." I answered trying to get up.
"Kawashima-san saw you yesterday. You lied to her."
"So what does this have to do with me getting beaten up?"
"Know who you're dealing with."
She must be one of the people Tamanawa is telling me about. I must be careful with this one.
"Okay I get the message."
"Good. If you squeal you won't just get minor bruises."
His group then left. The situation is frightening I must be cautious making any move or else I am done for. I walk my way home but I was surprised to see Orimoto.
"Hikigaya! What happened to you?" Why are you suddenly concern about me Orimoto?
"Nothing. I slipped."
"But you have blood in your mouth." I noticed when Orimoto pointed out to me.
"It's nothing I can handle myself." I walk pass Orimoto and went straight home.
When I got home I got some medicine to treat my wounds. The situation I am in right now is not very ideal. I never thought things are going to be worst now than in middle school. I need to be cautious or at least find a way to deal with this problem. Back then students only use verbal insult I never knew they will be physical. I then got a new message.
From: Orimoto [Can we please talk this weekend? It's important.]
To: Orimoto [Fine. This Saturday be at the same place at noon. Don't be late.]
It's now Thursday since I did not have anything better to do I might as well eat dinner outside for once. I am near Saize when I pass by a local pet shop and saw a Sõbu high student looking at the window.
"nya~"
"nya~"
"nya~"
Okay that's definitely weird. I know Sõbu high is for smart people but I didn't know someone like her actually passed the entrance exam. I don't want to do anything with her. I just ignored her and proceeded to Saize to eat. I will have to think of a way to have a proper closure with Orimoto or I will not be able to move on.
The weekend finally arrives and it is time for Orimoto and I talk properly. I sat on an empty table and waits for Orimoto. The door opens shortly and signals her arrival.
Prologue 2 of 3
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A/N: Please leave your review or ideas. So far my outline for this story is going well. Next chapter might have a faster pacing.