Chapter 2: Unexpectedly, a Call for Adventure.
No matter the circumstances, living beings can't change their nature. They may deny it, but at the end of the day, they're still the same as before. It can be seen in animals. If you have a pet cat, it will act the same as a stra. The same applies to humans. Loners are still loners even if they have the status of 'transfer student' and no one knows who they really are.
As those inconsequential thoughts took an air of importance in my head, I kept moving my feet. My destination was the teachers' lounge to get a hold of the final details regarding my transfer. Most of the paperwork was already finished, but I suppose my presence is required for this.
I was expecting of Keima Katsuragi, to act as a guide. I should have known better. The guy ditched me halfway after giving me a couple of instructions on how to find the place and went away while playing whatever the fuck he was playing.
Why does this school allow that anyway?
"Hikigaya...Hachiman, was it?" the teacher asked as she read my name off the stack of paperwork. Her name was Nikaido Yuri and she'll be my homeroom and history teacher. From what I heard and from what I've seen, she seems to be a cool and collected person. Hopefully, she is nothing like a certain chain-smoking, alcoholic teacher I know.
"Yes, Nikaido-sensei."
"Well then, most of the information you will need is here."
'Damn, those are some thick documents. I have to read all that?'
"You will be assigned to my class, so don't worry too much about the details. We can sort that over time."
At the very least, it's nice to know that there are reliable people around here. You never know when you will need the help of secondary characters.
"...Thanks."
"Also, I don´t think you will have any problems with grades, especially in Literature and the like."
"..."
"We have a great library here, so feel free to use it."
Great library is an understatement. I saw in the pamphlets the obscene amount of books and the vast number of themes in catalog. I'll be more than pleased if the place is at least a quarter of what it advertises. Hopefully there won't be any perverts there – unlike the library at Sobu.
"..."
A couple of memories from the times I spent there came to my head.
I didn't change nor did I run away from my problem. By all means, it was my victory over the fake concept of 'youth' everyone was so fond of. And yet, why do I feel so defeated then?
In any case, it's not anything important now.
"Is something wrong?"
Yeah. I'm bored, confused, and tired of being forced to stand still.
"No. I was wondering if it's already time for class."
"Oh! You're right! I'm glad to see someone take their studies seriously. Now, if only our top student would learn from you..."
"…?"
I don't think any top student would have anything to learn from me…well maybe to stop being filthy riajuus. After all, the path of the loner is the true path.
"It's nothing. C'mon, it's time to introduce yourself. are Aren't you excited?"
"Not really."
It's not like anything would change. It's better to stop having expectations. That way you won't be hurt no matter the outcome.
As expected, not having any expectations proved itself to be the right choice. Two bastards approached me just to see if I was interested in some of the clubs. Some people dream with private jets, privates beaches, and so on. However, loners with private time to themselves are already winners at life. I'd like to see someone try to prove me wrong. Anyways, they just left me alone and no one else paid any more attention towards me. Bastards. I bet if I were some cute girl you would be all over me. I hope all of you end in jail.
In any case, I wanted to go back and finish unpacking my things. No matter how little the number of my possessions are, just one day is not enough.
Oh, here we go, the game-addicted weirdo I'm gonna be living with is mumbling something to a broom. Just my luck.
"Katsuragi."
"What?"
...How do you ask someone to go home with you in a friendly manner?
"...Are you in a club?"
"No. Why?"
This is not working as I expected.
"Are you going home now?"
... Is he glaring at me? Don't push your luck, punk.
"You don't remember the way?"
I remember. I just don't wanna stay there alone with your mother. That would be awkward.
"I was a little distracted." I replied with a low grunt.
"Well then, you should help me clean the rooftop"
"Why should I?"
"So we can go home early."
Despite how much I loathed extra work, I took the broom from his hands. My mood right now won't allow me to take the risk of him leaving without me. It's not as if I can't go to his home on my own.
"Can you lead the way?"
I remember during middle school there were some people who pushed the workload they didn't want to do onto others, saying things like "I know you can do it" or "We're counting on you" as they go to their parties and dates while making a lone soul take care of the cleaning every single time. Source: … a friend of mine.
In any case, the cleaning was mostly done. Still, I wanted to know why Katsuragi has been in his games. Even the most hardcore chunni I knew had his moments of normality during the day.
"Hey."
Honestly, it wasn't in my nature to squeeze information from others. For some reason, most of the time I try to approach someone they get the impression that I'm someone suspicious.
"What?"
"...Are those games really good?"
Wow Hachiman, really smooth here, next time run in the president elections to protect a sweet-addicted club and seduce your political rival[1]. Not.
"Foolish lamb!"
I'm not foolish, nerd! These eyes of mine can see through the lies of society and youth.
"Huh!?"
Not like I will say it aloud. Have some decency. This is not a shounen manga.
"Of course they are! The heroines in games are perfect, pure and beautiful!"
"…"
Wait...Galge games?
"Hmph! I see you're still unconvinced. But worry not! I will let you taste the greatness of Galge games!"
What? Is this guy a pervert or something? Maybe a devil with an obsession for big-breasts?[2]
"The PFP as some of the best games I have ever played. They will definitely teach you why the world of games is superior to the real world."
…I give up.
"...I see."
"In any case, you can start playing now. I need to get my bag."
"You don't have it here?"
"No. I left it in class when Takahara ran into me"
Literally who? You know what? I don't care.
"I will wait then."
Please, just go away.
...
...
..
.
This guy was playing dating sims the whole time? That's even sadder than being a supporter in the dungeon, at least there is some ship-tease with the protagonist there [3].
Since this PFP is somewhat like to my Vita, I did my best to try to understand how use this (probably Chinese) copy of a PSP. I eventually stumbled upon some shady looking message. Thinking of it as some feature from one of the games, I ended replying... and the PFP shut down.
I thought of the possible consequences of my actions. At worst, it would come down to pay for a repair or to buy a new one. What would be more alarming would be the lecture the owner would probably give me.
"…Well, it can be that bad."
Suddenly, a gust of strong winds and a pillar of light appeared in front of me. When the turmoil passed, a girl in strange clothing was facing me.
I looked at her.
I looked at the Portable Console.
I looked at her.
I looked at the Portable Console.
"…"
And so, it was impossible for me to do something other than stare at her while dumbfounded.
She beamed a smile at me.
How nice.
[1] -KoiChoco
[2] -High school DxD
[3] -Danmachi
…
Hey! Sorry fro the delay, this chapter is a little bigger than the last, while I'm somewhat dissatisfied with the lack of snark in Hachiman dialogues, but it will show up more in the next one.
Thanks to my Beta Reader AlistarBundy for the corrections and insight for the chapter.
Don't forget to leave a review.
