Chapter 4: Two loners
I have been apprehended, incarcerated and confined in a cell. I see nothing except the darkness that blankets over the room. They fed me with only scraps of bread. I do not know how long it's been but I do know that all hope is lost.
In reality, I was just in my room, thinking of various ways to approach those two outside who graciously invited themselves onto my kotatsu. But thinking without a cat in in your lap to pat was extremely hard as Kamakura Jr. betrayed me and scurried towards his original master. I knew I shouldn't have trusted that cat.
Speaking of those two…
Yukinoshita's reaction had rather been…lukewarm to say the least. Her facial expression changed ever so slightly the moment she laid eyes on Yuigahama, whom she recognized almost instantly. Yuigahama, on the other hand, was more expressive; jumping into Yukinoshita's arms for a huge hug.
It was like a scene straight out of a teen soap opera except instead of long lost love, it was long lost friendship.
Maybe even something else…
I took the chance to sneak back into my room while the two were occupied with each other. When I heard footsteps and cheerful laughs, I got curious and took a look.
Those two were having snacks and chatting without a care in the world! With that traitorous cat, no less! On my kotatsu!
Did I leveled up Stealth Hikki that much?!
But I knew I couldn't attack head on with the enemies having conquered my land. It was straight suicide or in my case, a glare and an awkward stare followed by ignorance of my presence.
In other case, I could just walk up there and maybe, they would say with a smile on their face 'What took you so long?' and then we could have a Service club reunion where Yukinoshita makes tea and Yuigahama rambles on about nonsensical stuffs.
And maybe, someone might even burst through my door to make a request.
I silently snickered to myself. Since when have I become so unrealistic? I have always considered myself a pragmatic person but these last few months had almost changed how I see myself.
Almost.
Even though I am content with staying inside the room, I felt that putting off our inevitable meeting would make it even more awkward and in some sense, unbearable.
So I slapped my cheeks twice, pumped myself up in the only way a loner could and open my door with a lot of hesitation. Even though my brain screamed for my hand to close the door, it wasn't fast enough as I was already outside.
I willed myself to walk down the hall. But to my surprise, the kotatsu had no one using it. The only marks that indicated its earlier uses were opened packages of sweets, some of which weren't even finished.
Instead, my two guests were at the front door saying their goodbyes to each other. Yuigahama gave one last hug to Yukinoshita who returned it awkwardly before bouncing away to her own apartment. Yukinoshita smiled ever so slightly as Yuigahama entered her own establishment.
She soon turned around and walked past me without any word. I followed her to the kitchen where she was bringing out some veggies that she had generously bought.
"So…did sh-Yuigahama ask you anything?" I sat down on a nearby chair and shifted around awkwardly as I asked her.
"She only asked why I was staying with you," She replied, not taking her eyes of the groceries.
"And what did you say?"
"I merely told her that you were in a debt and therefore, staying with me would be the best option for you."
"Are you serious?"
"Is there any problem?" Yukinoshita immediately brandished a knife, holding it in a way that only a murderer would, and turned towards me with an apathetic look on her face.
This isn't fair! You got a knife!
"U-Uh…"
But soon after, she focused her attention on the meat that she brought out.
"Of course, I was joking."
"Oh…" The way she said it wasn't convincing but even if Yukinoshita told Yuigahama that, the latter wouldn't be stupid enough to buy it, right? Right?!
"Then what did you tell her?" I continued as I took a seat.
"'I am visiting Chiba so I decided to visit Hikigaya-kun first. I also decide to take care of him for a while' is what I said."
"She seriously bought it?"
"Seems like it."
Pasu had now run into the kitchen, his tail wagging with glee at the prospect of having an early lunch. Yukinoshita shooed it away gently and the cat decided to take refuge between my legs. Staring at it for a few seconds, I picked it up and placed it on my laps.
Damn you for being so cute.
"Did she ask you…anything else?" I asked Yukinoshita once more, hoping that Yuigahama might be able to pry Yukinoshita from her shell and make the latter shed some light on her supposed disappearance.
"No, she took my earlier answer at face value and we discussed other things."
Strange.
If I had known that someone ran away and I coincidentally met them, I would obviously ask them questions about their reasons. I know Yuigahama is a klutz and all but even she wouldn't forget such an important question.
Well, that's basically what I asked when Yukinoshita first arrived here.
But I would leave it as Yuigahama being an air-headed klutz. It made no sense for her to not ask it but it is in the realm of possibility that she merely forgot it.
There was also the possibility of Yukinoshita withholding that particular information. Even though it made no sense, considering that I am one of her close acquaintances after all. Maybe, she was uncomfortable. Maybe she didn't trust me. I wouldn't know.
I observed her silently, hoping to catch any moment of weakness or an opportunity to inquire her about that particular topic.
"Oh, and I also took the liberty to invite Yuigahama-san for lunch with us," Yukinoshita stated nonchalantly, "She was really adamant about having the three of us conversing together again."
W-What?! Here I was; trying to think up of every possible way to avoid an awkward 'reunion' of the Service club but Yukinoshita just straight up invited Yuigahama to lunch. I know I let you live here but I'm still the owner, you know.
"You're kidding, right?" I tried to keep my voice from cracking.
"Is there any problem?" She brought out her knife once more. Its surface glinted dangerously as its owner held it in a compromising position.
Is this a running gag now?!
I shook my head nervously, causing Yukinoshita to use her knife elsewhere.
"But…" My ears immediately perked up at her hesitant tone. It was extremely similar to when she told me she was joking. One could only help that that was the case.
I could feel a slight upward pull of my mouth.
If I could see myself in the mirror right now, I would undoubtedly back away from my own face. A smiling Hachiman is not the best Hachiman after all.
But I didn't care at that moment. A moment of bliss was all it took to wash away the aversion of a smiling Hachiman.
I could even feel my eyes changed somewhat. They felt lighter…more lively.
Yukinoshita turned around, her little apron spinning with her motion.
"Do you think she would like Karaage?"
My mouth was immediately pulled back into its original position as my eyes also suffered the same fate. I stared at her blankly though I wasn't sure what emotion I wanted to convey.
Frustration? Nah.
Anger? Not even close.
Disappointment? Exasperation?
I didn't try to even put any emotions behind these dead-fish eyes of mine because it wouldn't make the outcome any less different.
Hope really is cruel. Just when you thought you got out of a pitfall, you find out that that pitfall is in another pitfall.
Or that you've finally made it out of that insufferable cave, only to have your douchebag rival force a challenge on you.
Really, hope is the true meaning of despair.
Yukinoshita stared at me with confusion and turned her head behind her, thinking that I was staring at something else. I thought you were more perceptive than that, Yukinoshita.
"What?" She raised an eyebrow at me.
I continued to stare into her eyes without actually trying to tell her anything before dragging my feet back to my room.
"Never mind. Just…" I looked back at Yukinoshita, who was still observing me in return, "Do whatever you want. I'm too tired."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible."
"Why is that?" I was halfway through the door when I heard her proclamation. I leant against the door as I replied back to her. She had that grin on her face again.
"You're going to help me with the meals."
"Hold on a sec. You were the one that insisted on having Yuigahama for lunch. It's not my fault if you don't have enough manpower to cook everything."
Instead of a sarcastic retort, Yukinoshita uttered a familiar phrase, often used by my mother.
"Those who do not work shall not eat."
I felt as if a hammer struck down on my head.
Then again…
"Oi, you're crashing in my house, aren't you? Aren't you supposed to repay your debt or something?"
"Good point. However…" She trailed off ever so slightly before continuing, "I've noticed that you always leave for your job at this time of the day."
My job? That's right. I have a part-time job in a convenience store with barely tolerable colleagues. A job that requires me to go at this time of the day…
Shit.
I quickly found myself dashing to my room and began to frantically scan the room from my uniform. It's at times like this that I curse myself on my inability to clean up my room. I am usually a tidy person but why clean when the apartment's only inhabitant is me?
Thus began a chain of self-loathing and excuses.
I dug into piles upon piles of clothes that my mom and Komachi bought for me to find that cheaply made t-shirt but to no avail. I could just wear a similar color scheme and try to play it off but I doubt anything gets past the manager's eyes.
"Do you need help?" Yukinoshita asked softly.
"Not right now, Yukinoshita," I said frustratingly.
"What a shame…I had half a mind to tell you where your precious uniform is."
My head turned automatically right into sneering face of Yukinoshita. That smile was definitely on her face. It was the same smile that she wore every time she believed that she had complete and total control of the situation.
It was sickening.
"…Where is it?"
"Oh, my apologies. I couldn't quite catch that," She squatted to get to an even eye level with me, "Would you mind repeating?"
"Where is my shirt?"
She responded with a blank look which infuriated me even more. The more I stared at her in anger, the more innocent her own stare became. She never told me she went to acting class!
I almost attempted to break down a wall of faux-pride that I'd built myself to ask her in the most disgustingly nice way possible but I decided against it. Even a human of my caliber have some self-esteem, you know.
But even so, the prospect of a paycheck and not pissed off boss sounded way more promising than my pride.
And so, I begrudgingly requested for her help.
"…Could you help me find my clothes?" I averted my gaze from her eyes, trying to salvage as much or as little pride as I could. Her silence provoked me to refocus my attention onto her.
She still had that same grin plastered on to her face.
"…Please."
"That's better," Yukinoshita immediately stood up afterward, brushing off non-existent dust off her own shirt.
I stood up after her and followed her as she walked outside.
She pointed towards the washing machine that was situated awkwardly in the bathroom. On it was a neatly folded red and yellow shirt. She quickly muttered something condescending but I didn't have enough focus to concentrate on her words though I'm sure it was something like 'Ha-ha-ha. I'm Yukinoshita Yukino and I got two degrees in two years so I'm sooo better than you'.
Instead, my focus went towards how my uniform came to be on the washing machine in the first place.
This washing machine came with the apartment itself but even so, I rarely used it since quite frankly, I didn't have the time to. So the only possible conclusion was that Yukinoshita washed my clothes for me…
Tch, damn woman and her meddling ways. I clearly didn't need any assistance yet when she had already done the deed then how could I refuse?
I quietly took the clothes from its place and retreated back into my room where I changed. On my way out, I took a peek at the kitchen and sure enough, Yukinoshita was still preparing the meat, vegetables and other ingredients.
Slipping away before she noticed, I thought maybe I could help Yukinoshita when I get back but then again, she would start having lunch with Yuigahama way before I get back anyway so there wouldn't be any point in trying to help her.
Another thought that crossed my mind was how I was going to get into the shop unnoticed by the manager…
Oh well, I'll crossed that bridge when I get there.
Once again, I was captured and detained in the cruelest way possible. Well, it seemed cruel to other people but it was actually a blessing in disguise for me. For you see, in an attempt to dissuade me from coming in late any further, the disgustingly kind manager sent me to the storage room to do some inventory.
I tried my best to hold in my glee as she berated me and told me to spend the rest of my working hours in the back. It couldn't be helped. A day in the back meant that I didn't have to deal with her until she checks up on me again nor do I have to deal with incompetent fool such as Tobe number two.
So I was about as happy as a kid in a candy store…or as a loner in a storage room. Either way, all was fine and dandy.
"Hikiman, the manager told me to switch with ya," The lone voice of Tobe number two resonated through the small storage room.
"Why?" I asked, surprised at the lift of my punishment (blessing). To be frank, I wasn't going to let go of this haven.
"I don't know," He crossed his arms with a contemplating look on his face, "Something about my less than satisfactory customer service. I totally thought I was doing great and all!"
I guess in his mind, flirting with female customers and cracking dirty jokes with male customers certified as great service. It's a mystery to how he worked here longer than me with his antics.
Seriously, why isn't he fired yet?
I stood up gingerly and did a couple of light stretches to ease out my joints before handing him the clipboard of what he needed to do-most of which I did.
He took it without a second thought and ushered me out of the storage room and right back into the counter. I sighed deeply. Maybe the manager thought it through and realized her mistake in sending me to do inventory alone.
Well played, Ms. Manager.
However, despite my earlier impression of forcing reluctant smiles for customers being grim, the reality wasn't that bad. Sure, there was a bunch of couples buying some…couple stuffs, a few shoplifting kids who didn't know any better and a nice gramps who praised the youth of today for being so hardworking. I felt so bad for being the complete antithesis to what he thought youth was.
Then again, most youth of today don't exactly fit his ideals either so...guilt averted.
But even so, there wasn't any manager nagging for me to restock the neither shelves nor idiotic colleagues talking about their deprived love life. In fact, I might even come to like manning the counter. In fact, I liked it already.
There weren't many customers left in the shop despite it nearing lunchtime which reminded me. My shift was going to end soon and I was going to be free. Free to drink MAX coffee, free to eat curry and free to pat that cat!
I propped my chin up with an elbow as I watched busy passerby commuting either back to their home or rushing to their workplace. Aah, I sincerely hope that my future won't end up like that. Being an energy conservationist really is a tough title to maintain in a world like this.
The sudden influx of sound from the outside alerted me that someone had opened the door. It was a girl wearing an ensemble of clothes barely suitable for the cold weather. Even if today wasn't winter, it was still cold as Antarctica.
Glari-I mean, observing her slowly as she walked around the shop, I found myself increasingly bothered by her action. She looked as if she was just wandering around frantically without little to no purpose and that short skirt of hers didn't help either when she literally jogged around the store.
Luckily, it wasn't that short.
Eventually and surprisingly, I did found her to be quite amusing. Well, as amusing as a headless chicken running around anyway. Since she and I were the only one in the shop at the time, only I got to experience the spectacle.
But even the most amusing things tend to get boring after a while and her running around was no exception. I wished that she would just realize that she won't get what she wants by…doing whatever she was doing.
Due to my inattentiveness, I failed to notice the looming figure and the footsteps that accompanied it. It was only until said figure spoke up that I managed to snap out of my little stupor.
"Excuse me…" A soft voice passed through my ears. My eyes were immediately drawn to the person uttering those very words with only one thought passing through my mind.
Are you kidding me?
It was that weird girl in the aisles from before. She moved her head from side to side, trying to find whatever she was trying to find at the counter. But that wasn't what bothered me.
"I'm looking for a panda plush toy but-,"
Silence loomed between us as her eyes met mine. I didn't say anything, hoping that maybe, just maybe, my presence would be unnoticeable enough that she would ignore me. Unfortunately, once seen, Stealth Hikki has no real effects.
It was safe to say that I hate this day.
"Hikki?! You work here?!"
As always, her voice was unnecessarily loud. So much so that it would garner the attention of everyone in the store, had it not been for the lack of other people in store aside from us two.
I sighed. If I fulfill her request then she would go away. Probably.
Knowing Yuigahama, it isn't a stretch to say that she is the kind of person who would mess with her friends…even while they are working.
"What do you need?" I tried to put on as much professionalism in my voice so that even if the manager catches me, she won't think I'm slacking off. I even straightened my back. Heh, she might even raise my pay for my extraordinary professionalism.
….Ah, pipe dreams…
Yuigahama made a confused face before giggling. Damn it, Yuigahama. I was trying to be professional.
"Why are y-you talking that way, Hikki?" She asked, obviously amused by my intent on being a good clerk. "It's totes weird, y'know."
Screw professionalism.
"Well, what do you want?" I immediately returned to a slouching position, arm poised to hold my chin up.
"Oh, so you do work here…"
"What does that supposed to mean?" A twinge of irritation accompanied my voice. Of course, I work here. You think a customer wears the store uniform and sit at the register for the whole day?
"Anyway, what are you looking for?" I returned to my original question.
"Oh yeah, I was gonna get Yukinon something for…well…" Her eyes shifted around uncomfortably. "I was gonna get you one too but I can't find one for Yukinon so…"
"It's not even her birthday, you know."
"I know that!" She shouted, her face suddenly flustered, "I just wanna get a small present like a plushie for…an apology, I guess…"
"Apology for what?"
"Yukinon invited me for lunch but…"
Lunch?
I started leaning closer, intent on catch out any juicy details. Well, not really. It was more like a confirmation bias on my part. Confirmation on the cancellation of this supposed 'lunch'. No, I wasn't going to cancel my own lunch; that would be preposterous.
It was their lunch; and to a certain extent, my lunch, that I was interested in.
This morning, I made a fool of myself for getting optimistic with the prospect of Yukinoshita cancelling the inevitable reunion of the Service Club but I guess I should have seen that coming since she wasn't very busy.
Yuigahama, on the other hand, is a voice actor. (At least, according to her)
Hopefully, she was like one of those celebrity with agents left, right and center; constantly nagging her that it was time for work. She might even have one of those contracts where it forbids any contact with any of her friends because it would interfere with her star-studded life.
A man can dream, can't he?
"Ah, Yukinoshita must be sad that you can't come but don't worry, I'm sure she'll be fine even without a gift." I chirped in cheerfully.
"Huh, what are you talking about, Hikki?"
"You're getting a gift to apologize to Yukinoshita for not coming, right?" I said matter-of-factly, "Don't worry. Yukinoshita's not that much of a crybaby."
"Hikki…" Yuigahama gave me an incredulous look, "Of course, I'm having lunch with Yukinon."
"I see," Came with calm reply.
But inside my mind, it was anything but calm. It was a tempest, nuclear fallout, the Armageddon and rattlesnakes breaking through glass, combined into one. My brain should turn into mush and I should be lying dead on the cold, hard floor right now but the cruel gods wouldn't even let me have that salvation.
I'm not sure how dead my eyes can get but I safely assumed that it reached the point of decomposing.
"Hallo? Hikki, you there?"
"Of course, I am. Where do you think I am?"
"Woah, Hikki. You need to, like, chill out. Your voice's kinda scary, y'know."
"Well-,"
"Yo, Hikiman. I'm done with the back and all so-Woah!"
Whatshisname exclaimed loudly as he laid eyes upon Yuigahama. No, it wasn't as pure as love at first sight; it was more…primal and perverse. I would be the same if I had less than ten functioning neurons in my brain but I am Hachiman, after all.
"W-Welcome to our humble and luxurious store, ma'am!" He made a quick bow at Yuigahama. At least get the juxtaposition of the words correct, you moron. "W-What might you be looking for?"
"A-Ah…" Yuigahama was visibly uncomfortable by whatshisname's advances but as the social saint she is, she made sure that almost no traces of that discomfort slip through her wall.
"I was just talking to Hikki and uh-,"
"Excuse us for a moment," He interrupted Yuigahama almost instantly.
At that moment, I felt a tug so strong that it pulled me off my chair. It wasn't that endearing yet forceful tug that Komachi or Isshiki used to do; it was more like a pull filled with malice and jealousy.
"Hikiman, my man," Whatshisname draped his arm over my shoulder as we turned away from Yuigahama, "I'm just asking here but is there anything between you and her?"
I gave him that look, specialized for shooing away annoying Isshikis but alas, this guy was more unreasonable than that former student council president.
"She's just an acquaintance."
"Riiiight, she had a nickname for you and she is just an acquaintance."
"Believe whatever you want," I said as I promptly stood up but he pulled me down before I got a chance to completely stand up.
"Fine but listen. You think I have a shot?"
"At?"
"Y'know, datin' her and all." He began having that weird look on his face, "I mean she's hot and all but I'm sure she's also a nice gal, ain't I right?"
"Whatever floats your boat, Tobe."
"Who's Tobe?"
"A-Ah, I mean…"
I always assumed that his name was Tobe due to their similar physical appearance and mental capacity. But that reminded me, what was his real name?"
"Hikiman…" He gave me a disappointed look, "You don't remember my name?"
Luckily, we had one of those stupid nametags that the manager had us wear so that we could be closer to the customers or whatever the hell that means.
Naturally, I seized the chance to learn the name of my dear colleague.
"Of course, I do…" I glanced at his nametag, "…Takanaka…"
"Are you serious?"
"What?"
"You think I didn't notice you readin' straight off my nametag?"
I turned away sheepishly, concocting any possible lie that may deter him from his sappy 'I'm hurt' crap but unfortunately, I got none.
"Hikiman, we've been together for, like, six months and…" He shook his head in a manner like that of a teacher berating his delinquent student. "I thought we had a bond, man…"
"Well…"
Before I could tell him my well thought out lie that would surely stop his preaching (Yes, I did think up of one), the voice of our third companion interrupted me.
"Umm…excuse me."
"A-AH! Welcome to our humble and luxurious shop," Takanaka spouted out nonsensically.
"You already said that, dumbass," I whispered to him.
"R-Right, what do you need, Miss?"
"She just needs some plush toys."
Without missing a beat, Takanaka rushed off to whatever corners he could find to actually get Yuigahama a plush. That should distract him for a while as being the idiot that he is, he wouldn't know that the store doesn't sell any plush toy whatsoever.
"You guys seem like good friends," Yuigahama stated offhandedly.
"We sure are," I replied with a hint of sarcasm.
I was averting my gaze away from her but even so, I could still feel her eyes on me. Those eyes made me feel really uncomfortable as if she was right behind me, breathing down my neck. It didn't help that the atmosphere made it seem as if she was brimming with the desire to talk or worse, question me.
"Listen, Hikki," I didn't turn my head towards her but she knew that I was listening nonetheless. At least, I hoped so. "I have some work that I need to do so I kinda need to go now."
"Fine by me."
"Oh…" She paused for a second before continuing, "Well, sorry for troubling you and…your friend."
From the corners of my eyes, I saw Yuigahama bowing ever so slightly before walking to the door.
"Hikki!"
She turned around, her skirt fluttering around in an oddly satisfying manner and called out to me. I was immediately attracted to her voice and mannerism. It's as if she's from some kind of cliché moe anime.
"If you're late to our lunch, then I'll wait for you, 'kay?"
Being dumbstruck, I could only mutter out a single, hesitant 'Sure' before the sight of a waving Yuigahama walked through the door and out of my sight.
"Aah and I was going to tell her that we don't currently have any plushy…" A person, presumably Takanaka, said nonchalantly. But it was just passing through one ear and out the other as another thought passed through my mind.
Two years have passed.
High school was over.
We are finally getting on with our lives as adults.
And Yuigahama is still a nice girl.
I got out of work at approximately half past noon. The influx of customers coming in to buy boxed lunches as I got out was a clear indication of that. The sidewalk was full of people, presumably returning to their own home for lunch or rushing to buy boxed lunch like all the other corporate slaves but I won't judge.
Aah, lunch. Maybe I could get some boxed lunch like all the other corporate slaves too. I wonder if Yuigahama did wait for me with Yukinoshita.
Pff, knowing her, she is probably having a second serving as of now. Well, instant noodle and MAX coffee aren't that bad for lunch. A bit off balanced in the nutritional side of things but nonetheless, it should serve its purpose of satisfying my stomach.
I also have another assignment to worry about beside lunch. Such is the fate of a university student.
The day had gotten progressively warmer and it just filled me with a sense of glee. Mostly due to the sudden warmth helping with my freezing body because I had forgotten to bring along a jacket.
Idiot, nincompoop, Hachiman indeed.
As I got closer to my apartment, the number of people died out. It was expected. The neighborhood that I was currently living in might as well be a ghost town, with the only sliver of bustling activities present in the morning as students and workers alike commute to their respective destination.
The wind picked up and I shivered. Now, I was more motivated than ever to get into the house and relax in front of the heater or even sleep inside the kotatsu. Maybe I'll get the cat to sit on my laps or sleep near me.
Oh and a cup of instant noodle with MAX coffee is a must in the relaxation of a Hachiman as well.
I could feel myself drooling just thinking about how warm it will all be. The door came into my sight and I considered knocking, lest I'll disturb the Ice Queen and her ruthless right-hand cat.
Wait, this is my apartment.
And so, while it may seemed rude to others watching, I barged into the house as its rightful owner. Almost immediately as I did so, the overpowering fragrance of various dishes whose names eluded me filled my nose and flooded my sense.
Was I in a gourmet heaven at the moment?
Nonetheless, I made my way to the source. After all, I have every right to. Food in my house is my food after all. The clanking of dishes and utensils being used alerted me of the room's liveliness. In the middle of the dining room, a table stood and on it, scrumptious dishes that would otherwise affect the minds of weaker mortals.
My attention was so focused on the meals that I didn't notice the two (three, if you count a certain feline) figures sitting beside each other with their plates filled with simple yet mouth-watering dishes. It wasn't until that certain feline scratched my pants and a cough was sounded that I was able to fully take in the scene in front of me.
Two eyes stared at me as I stared back. One owner of those eyes was bringing the spoon halfway to her mouth, her eyes clearly showing surprise and embarrassment.
"Hikki, sorry!" shouted Yuigahama as she stood up rapidly, almost knocking her knees into the table. "I really got hungry so I couldn't wait."
Wow, she even bowed to show how sorry she was. If only she stuck to what she promised and wait for a few more minutes. I take it all back. Yuigahama isn't as nice as she was before.
That said, it wasn't a problem that she didn't remember what her promise was. I wasn't that hungry for extravagant food anyway. I was looking to enjoy myself with a couple cups of instant ramen and MAX coffees.
"I was going to my room anyway," I trudged slowly past the table, "Enjoy your meal."
To be honest, that Karaage really looked appetizing but its taste was probably oily or something along those lines. Those crispy looking skins must be just for show. There was absolutely no way that Karaage that crispy looking could be delicious. None at all!
I was expecting some show of resistance to my negligence of lunch. There was a voice that stopped me but that voice didn't belong to the ever bubbly Yuigahama. It didn't belong to the cat either. That would be preposterous.
Then again, the fact that voice came from a certain person was also preposterous.
Said person was Yukinoshita.
"Hikigaya-kun," Yukinoshita stopped me in my tracks, "As much as I would like to leave you starved in some dark corner of your room, I would rather have you finish this meal that I cooked for you."
"Well, how nice of you," I responded bitterly, "But seriously, I'm not hungry."
I could feel a little rumble in my stomach but hopefully, those two didn't hear it. The cat licked and scratched my pants a second time as if begging me to stay with it. Tch, your cuteness won't work on me this time!
"Hikigaya-kun, I'm sure that as nutritional as your instant ramen and coffee are; it would be problematic if someone in your family finds you malnourished while there are good foods a few meters away."
"Isn't it more problematic that they find you in my apartment?" I retorted.
"My, what are you saying? I am merely visiting after all."
She glared at me hard as if I made a mistake…Wait, I did. A foolish one at that. In my attempt to counter her verbal assault, I forgot the other human in this room. Such a mistake could cause a huge misunderstanding for that other human as well so..
Thank you, Yukinoshita.
Or so I would say if you weren't such a stuck up person. Oh well, no one is perfect.
"Hikki," said Yuigahama, "Yukinon's right, y'know. We're at an age where we totally need those calories."
I can see you're channeling all that calories to a useful place. A verrrrry useful place…
"Plus, we're not even halfway through the meal yet so you didn't miss much!" She continued.
Testing the waters, I slowly stepped towards the table. Very slowly.
"Well, I guess it can't be helped," I pulled out a chair, "Can't let food go to waste."
Immediately taking my plate, which was already filled with various dishes, I took a bite of the delicacy that Yukinoshita cooked up.
"Good enough, I suppose."
"Good enough?"
I looked over to Yukinoshita. It wasn't very easy to tell what she was thinking as all her facial expressions are as blank as a canvas. When she's happy, her face looks apathetic. When she's displeased, she would have a very slight change to her apathetic expression.
"Yeah, good enough," I reaffirmed at statement.
"I see," She replied firmly.
All was silence afterward, the only sound being the clawing and scraping of the resident feline. I could also feel an intense desire, maybe even panic, from Yuigahama.
"Umm, Yukinon!" Yuigahama ever bubbly voice reverberated throughout the room, "So about what I was talking about earlier. I have a few mystery animes that I think you'll totally enjoy!"
"You don't have to force yourself to like it, Yuigahama-san," Yukinoshita said with a soft smile on her face.
"I-I'm not forcing myself! I like those mystery anime! For real!"
And I like loli vampires and molesting a lost ghost.
I chuckled at the absurdity of both my thought and her statement. Mostly her statement. It didn't seem to bother those two though as they continued talking about what they're going to do after lunch. The topic soon changed to one of jobs and later, of sweets.
It's like girls have ADHD or something.
I ate my meal in silence, not wanting to bother the two of them. They finished their meals earlier than I did, as expected, and gave me a brief farewell as they headed towards Yuigahama's apartment. Well, Yuigahama did anyway. Yukinoshita didn't bother to say as much as a word, the only brief contact that we had was when our eyes met.
Apparently, Yuigahama had a meeting with some producers or whatever this afternoon so they might as well get their 'girls' time' out of the way first.
When the door shut, I felt like I was in my element again. Like before Yukinoshita crashed here. Except, this time I had the cat.
Muttering an empty 'Thank you' as I finished my meal, I plopped the plate into the sink. I could just wash it later. If I got lucky, Yukinoshita'll do it for me.
Ah, peace and quiet.
There was a lecture this afternoon too but it was at least two hour until then. Afterward, there was the evening shift in the convenience store. I got lazy just thinking about all the things I have yet to do.
I decided to do a bit of revision and get a bit of rest before embarking on my journey. In the kotatsu, of course.
Soon, the dreamscape was laid out in front of me.
For once, the professor's lecture didn't sound like an old broken record. It wasn't too passionate either. I hate passionate. But instead, it was calm, soothing and peaceful.
The students in the room must've picked up on this vibe too as the class was eerily silent but I wouldn't have it any other way. This time, I didn't have to focus solely on the professor's voice and forsake my own notes.
Benevolent forces that are doing this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My shift at the store wasn't too bad either. Takanaka had to call in sick as he caught a cold and his load was on my shoulder. Not that I particularly mind though.
Takanaka is one of those guys that don't want to owe anything. So in accordance with that, there was absolutely no way that he would leave his debts unattended.
I finished my shift with little to no hassle and the manager even praised me due to my multitasking skills. Heh, managerial position; here I come.
Wait, I don't want to end up with a dead end job like her!
By the time I arrived home, it was already too late but being the ever kind person that she is, Yukinoshita left me some dinner. I quickly heated the meal up in the microwave, ate it and went to my bedroom.
I could feel another presence the moment I stepped into the room. It was obviously Yukinoshita and her breathing just made it more obvious.
I changed into my sleepwear and quickly found my futon. As I laid my head on the soft fabric, I thought about what happened with Yuigahama and all the other things that transpired today.
Argh, whatever.
Finding my sweet spot, I quickly drifted off to sleep with the only sound accompanying me being the soft and quite frankly, soothing breathing of my roommate.
My throat was dry.
I was dehydrated.
With every gulp of saliva, pain shot through my throat. I coughed every few second and I literally thought of nothing else except…
I needed water.
With as much as will as I could muster, which admittedly wasn't that much, I woke up reluctantly. I stretched my tired body in every way possible, trying to get rid of my drowsiness.
But even I knew that waking up in the middle of the night cause your drowsiness to multiply tenfold-no, hundredfold! Even so, I woke up anyway.
Trudging blindly to the kitchen with the moonlight peeking through the curtain being my only guide, I was genuinely surprised that I didn't step into anything. Usually, I would step on Kamakura when I needed to go on a late night excursion and honestly, I missed that. Then again, nostalgia is the mind killer.
The kitchen has a slightly larger window than the one in my bedroom therefore I could easily navigate my way to the tap and not step on any feline that might be in my line of travel.
Of course, with the extra moonlight piercing through the window, I was also able to spot a ball-like shape on one of the chairs. I carefully stepped closer but the thing noticed me anyway. It quickly turned its head my way and with that action, the moonlight was able to fully show its face.
By it, I meant her.
By her, I meant Yukinoshita.
I expected a clever quip from her about how I was perfect with my stalking but none came. Instead, she slowly turned her head back towards the window. Her gaze was longing yet at the same time, it seemed deprived of any emotion.
Since she didn't mind me, I quickly got myself a glass of water and gulped it down greedily. Thinking that she must be thirsty, I brought out one more glass and filled both glasses with water. My steps were light even though she knew that I was here already.
"Here," I placed the glass near her face.
She reacted gingerly before taking the glass in both hands and gulping down as greedily as I did. Honestly, if she was this thirsty then why didn't she just get her own glass? It's literally 2 meters away.
Yukinoshita handed me back the glass before assuming her fetal position again. I put both of the glasses on the table before pulling out a chair for myself.
"So…what's with the sitting in the kitchen all by yourself?"
"I was looking at the stars."
I raised my eyebrow. Yukinoshita didn't seem like the type who's interested in astronomy. Today I learned.
"Chiba's a heavily industrialized area," I began talking, "I don't think any stars are visible."
She didn't reply for a few tense seconds but ultimately did so anyway.
"There are two."
"Two?"
A nod was her reply. I got curious so I went to the window and peered at the sky. Sure enough, there were two stars; barely visible in the pure black sky.
"Hikigaya-kun, did you know that the stars we're seeing might not even exist?"
"Huh?"
"The light from the stars take time to reach us, no matter how fast it can travel," She paused before continuing, "The stars we're seeing right now might not even be there anymore."
"Is that so…"
A light chuckled escape from her mouth before she began talking again.
"I'm scared," Yukinoshita simply stated.
"Of what?"
"Everything."
"Everything's a lot of things, you know," I leaned against the window frame, "Well, what is it?"
"I'm scared of the future."
"That's…not uncommon."
She hugged her legs even more. "I want to make a mark on the entire world. I want to leave something valuable behind so that everyone knows that Yukinoshi-no, Yukino exists."
"That's a strange thing to hear from you."
"I guess it is…"
Her face held a small smile but it seemed sad. Really not befitting for a Yukinoshita. In fact, I think this Yukinoshita might be broken. Ah, if only insurance covers a broken Yukinoshita.
"But…" I trailed off a bit, "I guess it's a good aspiration."
I turned my head towards the window as I said so but when I turned my face to Yukinoshita; she had a surprised look on her face, completed with an unclosed mouth.
"What?" I sounded a bit grumpy but then again, I've always sounded grumpy.
"I-It's just…" She regained her composure, "I never thought you would say anything positive."
"Hey, I can be positive when I want to."
Instead of a snarky response or even a normal one, she simply smiled. It was…breathtakingly beautiful…for her standard anyway. It must be the moonlight amplifying her face. That's right, it was the moonlight.
"I'm also scared of my family…"
"You did run away after all. You have every right to be scared," I replied.
"I thought you were going to say something uplifting," She said with a surprised tone.
I stared at the ceiling, "I've already used all my positivity for the day. Don't push your luck."
We stayed silent. The occasional sound came from the collision of the autumn wind against the window.
"But like I said," I caught her attention, "If push comes to shove, I'll be at your side."
"Probably…" I added.
There was no sound, just like before. Suddenly…
Yukinoshita chuckled loudly.
It was out of character for her to do so but it sounded like a wind chime that I didn't say anything. If anything, it was soothing. A perfect remedy to the conversation that we just had.
"Thank you, Hikigaya-kun," Yukinoshita simply said out of the blue.
"Don't mention it and I do mean that literally," I rubbed my head awkwardly, "It's weird."
"Sorry…"
"Like I sai-,"
"I'm sorry for being a huge pain in the neck," She said, her voice almost cracking. I immediately turned to her. Even in this dark room, I could see a few droplets of tears adorning her moonlit face.
I was speechless.
"I'm sorry for insulting you all this time even though you've done so much for me…"
"I'm sorry for not repaying my debts to you all these years..." She continued softly.
Yukinoshita was like a lost cat. I desperately wanted to just hold that cat in my arms until it calmed down. Of course, it wasn't possible. Yukinoshita isn't a cat at all.
She's a human being. Susceptible to feeling, prone to breaking just like every standard human.
"That's why…" I could hear her take a deep breath, "Thank you…and I'm sorry for everything."
I didn't say anything as she clutched her knees while looking down and apologizing to me. It was extremely cruel. A desire for a simple glass of water turned into…this.
Eventually, I did manage to string a few words into coherent sentences.
"Like I said…you don't have to apologize…"
"You're going to make me feel really guilty about all of this," I continued, "Plus, I'll start thinking you're not actually Yukinoshita Yukino."
Yukinoshita stopped clutching her knees and lifted up her face. It was apparently still wet from her tears but her face was still quite pretty. Again, I blamed the moonlight.
I chuckled at my own joke. She did too. Chuckles soon turned into a hearty laugh and we were both victims.
"If you keep saying that...I'll start to think the same too."
"Well excuse me for trying to being logical in this illogical world."
"That's the Hikigaya Hachiman that I know."
"I could say the same, Miss Yukinoshita Yukino," I replied jokingly.
Once again, we laughed. I felt like I spent my entire laughing energy that night but I didn't mind, it got me the sight of a laughing Yukinoshita as well so it was a fair trade.
"Hikigaya-kun," She turned to me, a smile still plastered on her face, "Thank you for everything."
"If you want to worship me, I won't decline, you know."
Yukinoshita gave a brief chuckle. There were no extra words exchanged between us after. We didn't need to exchange any.
Because under this pale moonlight, two loners reconciled.
End note: Originally, the ending for this chapter was different but the original ending didn't fit after the emotional scene so hurray ? As always, feedbacks are appreciated and do point out mistakes if I made any so I can do some ninja edits.