Chapter 7

The Problem

"This assignment you've written is good enough, Hikigaya-kun", Sensei said to me. Hamada sensei was sitting right before me on his usual seat. He was turned towards me with his eyes on my assignment. He was still smiling that irritating smile. But I paid no attention to it.

"Yeah.", I replied.

"The pace we are going with is very good, you would soon catch up with your class and then no need for these sessions." He said. Putting my assignment paper on his desk, he turned away and started working on his laptop. What he was writing or doing, I didn't understand. But it didn't bother me in the least. It doesn't matter what he's doing. There were more important things that I need to pay attention to.

"Yeah.", I again replied.

"To be honest, I didn't think you would be this efficient in studies. From your marks in the middle school, I thought you would be an average student but your learning capacity is high. You have a bright future." He finished. Still working on his laptop, he was talking to me. I was still uninterested in his talks.

"Yeah", I replied again with the same indifferent voice.

He heard this and at that instant he stopped working. With a confused expression, he turned towards me.

"What's the matter, Hikigaya-kun? Are you not feeling well?" He asked.

Well, technically yes, but I didn't have any disease. There were a lot of things on my mind. I didn't know how to handle them. I couldn't stop thinking about them. After my visit to the neurosurgeon a week ago, I had this feeling for some time. I did everything she said. But somehow I didn't know what's happening to me.

"Nothing, Sensei. It's okay. I am fine." I said with a sigh. I was not sure if I should open up to him. So far I have known he was a teacher, he couldn't help me.

"Yeah, well. I understand Hikigaya-kun. But it's too late to hide."He said. After a pause he said again,

"Tell me. I might be able to help."

"No, Sensei. Don't bother about it. I am fine." I told him once again and possibly the last time. It's not his place to solve my grievances. I didn't want to cause any trouble for him.

"Alright, if you say so, Hikigaya-kun." He said with a surprise. He didn't expect me to be this stubborn I guess. He started closing his books. The session was over I think. He switched off his computer, picked up his things, packed his bag and stood up. With a smile, he said,

"Today's class is over, Hikigaya-kun. I am happy with your progress. It is better than I expected it to be. I will be taking my leave now." He waved his hand at me and began to leave. Reaching the door, he stopped. He turned towards me and said.

"I forgot. Hikigaya-kun, Hayama-san wanted your assistance on some work, so she asked me to inform you to meet her after class."

I sighed once again. Why couldn't she just leave me alone? She was supposed to guide me but now I know almost everything about the school. I didn't need her help. When would she stop bothering and bossing me around?

"Sensei, I think there is no longer any need of a mentor for me. Won't it be good if you relaxed her of her duty? It's been almost two months I have been in this school." I said in a pleading tone. I wanted to get rid of her as soon as possible.

"I know. And she is no longer responsible for you, Hikigaya-kun. I told her already." After hearing this, I was pissed, like seriously pissed. Her role was over and still she was using me as her slave. I, the man who might be at the top of the laziness chart, was being driven as salve by an ungrateful bitch.

"I see. Then I don't have to listen to her anymore, right?" I asked.

"You don't have to. But it is different if you choose to." He said with that uncomfortable smile again. Seriously, doesn't his cheek hurt by smiling so much? Is his skin made of rubber or what? Even if it is, is the smile its natural position? With annoyance, I said,

"I don't see that happening Sensei. I will go meet her to tell her this. Where did she ask me to meet anyway?"

"Her class." He said and opened the door. He left the room. I, too, proceeded to take my bag and started leaving .She will no longer boss me around now. Her dominance over me has ended. I will gain my freedom once again and send the chains of slavery shattering outside the window. My country will be inde-. Wait a minute. I am not a freedom fighter. What am I even saying?

Soon, I reached her classroom. I was standing beside a wall, near her classroom, precisely to the left turn of the door, far from it though. Now, I am not a stalker and I have least interest in knowing where her classroom was. But I was with her the whole time I have been in this school. She kept dragging me everywhere. So, obviously she told me her classroom, with me having no interest in knowing it. This is the final stage, Hachiman. Stay strong. You have to fight for your free time.

There was still some time before her class was over. I decided to wait at that same spot. Soon, the teacher came out of her classroom. He eyed me and left without saying anything. I was staring at him the whole time. He looked rather young. What is wrong with this school? Is every teacher here this young? I thought more experienced people might be teaching here. Heh,what a waste!

Students were coming out one by one. Chatting, laughing and gossiping about irrelevant things. After a while, I saw Hayama coming out. Damn, even at this time of the day, her form doesn't look a bit less glorifying. She is really a royalty. Her blonde hair was flowing indiscriminately and she had an aura of superiority around her. Her face carried a firm expression. She still looked stunning. I examined her surroundings. Most of the students were staring at her. Some girls were talking with one another in a low voice but having their gazes fixed at her. The boys around were staring at her form with dreamy eyes. I already knew what kind of position she was carrying. She may be a beauty but inside she is more dangerous than a beast. I won't fall for her charms, not in a hundred years.

"Where are you staring at? I am right here." I heard her voice, when I was too busy examining the reactions of her classmates. After she spoke, everyone dissipated and started walking normally. I didn't move my gaze.

"Hey, now. Are you ignoring me? Listen, Hikigaya. Don't try to be smart with me." She said in an unpleasant tone. I sighed. Why did I have to do this again?

"Whatever". As she was speaking, a boy approached us. He was probably in Hayama's class as I saw him a few minutes ago after the class was over. He was looking everywhere but at us. Discomfort visible on his face.

"Hiyori-san." He said as he came and stopped before us. What does he want?

Hayama turned towards him and raised her eyebrows, her face carrying a stern expression.

"It's Hayama-san. What do you want?" Hayama spoke. She seemed already not wanting to give him any attention.

"Sorry, Hayama-san." He said and then eyed me. What the hell do you want? I don't care. Do anything. Just don't bother me. He turned towards her again and said,

"Can we talk somewhere in private?"

"Huh? Why?" She asked.

"I have to tell you something and I can't do it with your, um.. with him here." He said. I began to move. Clearly I don't want to have anything with both of them.

"No. Don't bother about him. His presence is of little significance to me. No one knows him, so you won't have any problem with him too. Now hurry, I have other matters to attend to." Like I said, no mincing of words at all. I was still trying to walk away when I heard her say.

"Where are you going, Hikigaya? Are you planning to escape from here? I don't trust you the least, so shut up and stand here." She turned towards the boy again," And you? Is it over? Or did you forget what were you telling me?" She said to him in an equally angry voice.

"No.. I uh... I... Hiyori-san, I like you a lot. Will you go out with me?" He said and was staring at Hayama after it.

She immediately answered, "Huh? For such pointless thing you wasted my time. No, and don't show your face to me ever again." She said and turned towards me," Let's go, Hikigaya. I will make you do extra work if you delay anymore."

I was looking at him in a shock. She is not even a least considerate about what she said. She took hold of my elbow and started dragging me with her. After a small distance, I immediately jerked my hand and made it free from her grip. God, her grip was strong.

"I can walk by myself", I said. She stopped and turned around facing me.

"Yeah, Last time I checked you were sucking on your shoes. Let's go. The student council president is so incompetent this year. He can't do a single thing himself." She said and started walking.

I, too, followed her. While following her, I tried to start a conversation.

"Then why did you even accept the job in the first place if it tires you so much?"

"Because I served as the president last year. It is my duty as a senior to guide him." She said with an attitude of superiority.

"Wait" I said. She stopped on her tracks. She faced me.

"What happened, Hikigaya?" She asked.

"I wanted to talk about that boy who confessed to you. Why didn't you reply to him courteously? You could have been less harsh."I said.

"Why do you care? It's not like you are his friend or something."

"No. I am just asking out of respect for his feelings."I said.

She sighed and said,

"I didn't know him neither did he, instead of asking me to be friends first he asked me out. He just wanted me as a show off. So that he could display me to school if I accepted." She finished.

"Ok. By the way, Hayama-san-".

"Hiyori-san" She said.

"What?" I asked.

"You can call me Hiyori or Hiyori-san." She said.

I was surprised and confused. But before I could say anything she explained.

"That guy was a stranger to me but you are not and I know you too. So you can call me by my name. It doesn't mean that we are friends okay?" She said giving me a dangerous stare. I gulped.

"Also" She fidgeted a little and said," Calling me by my family name makes me feel uncomfortable but I don't want everyone else to misunderstand, so I don't allow them for calling me by my first name." She said.

Oh, it looks like this is the first time she was open to anyone. She looks damn cute while blushing. It is of least matter to me. Whatever your name is, you can keep it with yourself but let me go. I am not going to get involved with you anymore.

"Yeah, Hayama-san." I said while emphasizing her surname which startled her.

I continued and said, "I talked to Sensei. He said that I no longer need anyone to guide me. So, this is our last meeting. Good bye."

As soon as I had finished saying, her eyes widened in disbelief. She was surprised by my statement but soon she recollected herself. With a calm voice, she started speaking.

"So after all you are an ungrateful animal. You forgot that I wasted so much of time on you and now you are leaving. I expected that much from you. But I never thought you to fall so low. You are pathetic." She said with a smirk.

Did you think you've won? Sorry but this emotional blackmail won't work on me. You don't know me, Hayama-san. I am a guy darker than you have ever met.

"Yeah. I am." I proceeded to leave. She was taken aback by my move. It seems she didn't take this in account. Bye bye. Hope I never see you again. I walked quite a distance when I heard her once again.

"Do you really want to go?" She asked.

"Yeah. I am pretty sure."I replied.

"You know many people saw me with you today. You understand my position, right? Students here respect me very much." She said once again while I was still walking. She turned around and I felt that she was smirking. I sensed she had something else planned.

"Yeah they do." I said. "What are you implying?"

"I know you are not going to tell anyone that you are Komachi's brother, in order to save her reputation in the school. But what about me? I can tell it to anyone I want and they will believe me too." She completed. Her smirk was still visible.

Nice move but no one knows me in this school so it doesn't matter even if they know about it.

"Ohh, do tell them." I said with a grin on my own face. I bet it must be creepy.

"But that's not the only thing I would tell. I will also tell your misdeeds. Like how you didn't return my kindness and some other false things." She said with a smirk.

What false things? Wait if she does that then my reputation will be doomed and then if she tells everyone about Komachi then even her school life will be difficult. No, she can't do that. I have no other way. I grunted and then glared at her.

"The choice is yours. Stick with me as long as I want or see your sister suffering." She is an extortionist. Ma'am I promise you will make a fine kidnapper.

"Wait, why are you dragging Komachi in this mess? This is between you and me." I asked with fear clear in my words.

"I didn't have to and I still don't if you'd just do what I say." She said. Her smirk was not leaving her face. She is pissing me off so much.

"Why me? There are other people who can do your work?"I asked. That is simple. She can find someone else to do her chores. And that guy or girl will be glad to do that too.

"You are the most viable option. You don't socialize so hanging out with friends is an option closed for you. Your study sessions are shorter than other people so you can do my job when I am attending classes. I can count more. Do you want me to continue?" She finished. When you look at it like that, such an ideal slave would be hard to find in this education society.

"Did you make Komachi work too when you were her mentor?" I asked. Did she bully my innocent little sister?

"Idiot. I said your sister was popular and I had to maintain my image too. If I made her work and then some inconvenient rumors spread about me, what would I have done? Obviously I didn't make her work. And at the start of the school, there weren't many events either." She said.

I kept thinking of more plans to escape but none was safe enough for Komachi. For God's sake, someone save me from this tyrant.

"Fine. What do we have to do?" I asked signaling my defeat. I got no other option. I will have to do it for Komachi's sake.

"Ok let's go. You have delayed me so much already. Do remember, you will have to pay for it." She said.

"Can I ask one more question?" I asked her.

"Now what?" She asked.

"You have lot of people here who admire you. You must be having friends too. Why don't you hang out with them or ask them for help?"I inquired.

By this question her reaction changed. I saw her eyes sink into sadness. Her bangs were now covering her eyes. She gritted her teeth and said something in a low voice. I couldn't hear her. So I went closer. I asked her.

"What?"

She soon held her head up and faced towards me. She was angry. Her eyes looked like she was furious. I never saw her more serious than this before. She looked furiously at me and said in an enraged tone.

"That's none of your business" She shouted.

I was startled. I think it was a very sensitive topic for her. Never had I seen anyone this angry before. I don't know what to say now. What should I do?

But luckily my grievances were heard. I saw someone approaching us again. Hayama was still staring at me with the same dangerous look. Hey cut it out. Now I was getting scared. What was wrong with her?

"Hayama-san" We both turned as we heard someone calling. It was a girl with short brown hair. She was of the same height as Hayama. Her looks were somewhat above average. She was coming towards us running and stopped before Hayama while panting at the same time. She caught her breath and started talking. There was a book in her hand which she held towards Hayama in a giving position.

"Here, Hiyori-chan. Your notes were really precise. It was a great help for me. Thank you." She said. Her face showed her cheerful nature. She had a smile on her and by looks I could tell she always kept it on her face. But nobody is perfect. I could see what she really wants.

"Katsumi-san." Hayama said reluctantly.

"Hiyori-chan. I wanted to thank you for your help. Will you please come with me? I will give you a treat at my favorite place." She said.

Hayama didn't say anything but looked away and her face showed hesitation. Was this girl bothering her? Why? What happened?

I noticed Hayama looking down and ignoring her. She was not replying at all. Was this girl her friend? If she was, what happened with them to make her behave so awkwardly? If she wasn't, then it was clear Hayama just wanted to get rid of her. No, but I know. I could see sadness in Hayama's eyes. Is it that or Hayama wants to be friends with her. This is complicated.

But, I think I may have a chance here. This can make Hayama avoid me and not bother me anymore. I just have to destroy these two people's relationship. Now I don't hurt someone without reason but sorry Katsumi-san. You have to be sacrificed for Komachi's sake. And your intentions are not good too but that's secondary.

I don't care about the consequences as long as it eases my work. I wasted enough of my time here. No longer will I suffer because of this girl. If she hates me for this then better for me.

"Katsumi-san, right?" I asked her.

"Yeah. I am sorry but I didn't recognize you." She said in her innocent voice.

"Hayama-san has some work with me, so we would like if you could get lost from here." I said.

Katsumi-san's expressions changed to that of anger.

"Excuse me?" She said to me.

"What? Didn't you hear me? Get lost!" I said again.

"Who are you? Whatever. I don't bother with creeps. I have business here with Hiyori-chan and not you, so shut up." She told me angrily.

"Hikigaya! What are you-?" Hayama-san said but I cut her off. She was looking at me with a confused face.

"It's funny you would use a word like creep being a bitch yourself." I said. This was the final push.

"Now listen here, whoever you are. Don't you dare talk to me like that." She said, completely pissed off.

"Oh, but I do dare. I know exactly what your work is with Hayama-san here. Trust me, that is so much lame." I said.

"And how would you know that? Creep. You are not at a level where you could understand me. With you having no friends at all. I could understand. People must be really disgusted of you. You have my sympathies." She said with a smirk. My turn, miss.

"And yet you are the one begging for the attention of Hayama-san. While I am the guy she trusts and is not afraid to rely on. I know you want to drag Hayama san with you for reasons other than what you really are saying. Hayama-san is the most popular girl in the school. So by acting nice, you intend to gain her attention and increase your social status in this school. Your reasons for giving her a treat make it clear what you really want."

Till this time, Hayama's focus was on me. Katsumi-san was looking at me. Fear was evident on her face.

"What are-" I cut Katsumi off.

"No wonder you are still here because you still want to save your image before Hayama-san. But it's meaningless. Your reluctance to admit these things must come with a justification for your behavior which, I bet, you don't really have."

I saw small tear forming in her eyes. She took a step back.

"Who are you and what are you saying? Don't you act like you know me?" She said. Hayama-san was still staring at me with disbelief.

"So, if you really want to continue your nice girl act before her, please do it some other time. I have to do my work here. I am sure I don't have to reveal more of your disgusting attitude in front of your idol right? So, if you will." I finished and did a hand gesture for her indicating her to go.

By now she was fully in tears. She was rubbing her eyes and sobbing. She was sniffling but before any of us could say anything. She dropped the book and left. Hayama san was still there.

SLAP!

A sudden impact of Hayama's hand woke me up from my dazed state. She was holding my collar. She was more enraged now. I could see in her eyes. She jerked me and I went a little backward. I felt a stinging sensation on my cheek. I was still looking at her with indifferent eyes. I did not get angry. It was futile. It was not me she wanted to hurt. I knew it clearly. She had no reason for slapping me if that girl really was her friend. But by her previous interactions with Hayama-san, I deduced, she was not really her friend.

"Who do you think you are huh? You think you are some kind of hero now that you have done this? Yeah I wanted her to keep away but you had no right to hurt someone like that? She will now hate you. By falling in her eyes and gaining her hatred doesn't mean anything. You are disgusting." She said and then turned.

With the same indifferent and cold expression I said,

"Why do you care? It was not like she was your friend or something!"

Her eyes widened and she realized there was nothing else she could say to counter me. She gritted her teeth and stood at the place as if she was frozen. Unable to retort, she started running in the direction I was facing towards. I was seeing her running while battling a strange emotion she had been trapping inside of which I didn't have any idea.

Being considerate for someone else's feelings? Sorry but that is just not me. I was a loner before this if you don't consider the time gap. I know how people feel and react at certain situations. I can make out the real emotions hidden behind their facade. They are just fakers. Hiding behind a mask and seeing the world. They try to blend in with others but inside they know it. They know it fully well. Who is the real person inside? I am not one of them neither do I intend to become.

Pushing everything to the back of my mind, I took my bag and returned to the classroom. Now it is this late so it would be good to wait for Komachi. Well, at least Hayama won't bother me again.

Suddenly the door slid open and I saw sensei standing at the door.

"Hikigaya-kun.? I presumed you went home." He said.

Yeah, at this time I should have been at home. But things happen.

"I was waiting for Komachi." I told him. He sensed the hesitation in me and asked,

"Again, Hikigaya-kun. You have to talk. No one could help you if you won't allow them to." He said.

Now that I think about it, Sensei can actually help me with this thing. I decided to ask him.

"Sensei, I wanted to ask you. What is wrong with Hayama-san?"

"What do you mean, Hikigaya-kun? Hayama is the most brilliant student in the school. You can say she is the ace of this school and no doubt she will be this year's valedictorian. No one could compete against her." He finished.

"That was not what I meant. What's up with her social life?" I asked.

After hearing this, he calmed himself and again plastered that irritating smile on his face.

"Her social life, huh? That's something complicated you have asked me. Being her friend, do you really want to know?" He said.

Her friend? No. I am far from that. But for now, pretending like that won't hurt. I want to get answers.

"Yeah I do. Do you know something?" I asked.

"I don't know everything but whatever I know, I will tell you." He said.

I nodded. I was staring at him curiously. It was the time I could get answers.

"Well, when I first took her as my student, her parents told me a story of her past. She was talented from her childhood, a gifted genius. So, her skills attracted a lot of admirers which she was confused if she could call them as her friends. But she decided to trust them. Whenever her group was given any task, she would perform outstandingly for which she received praises from her "friends". But sometimes she made mistakes, she was clumsy. That's where the problem started. If she did any mistake and her group suffered due to that, she wasn't blamed. But the blame was shifted to someone else in the group. For a while she thought it was okay if she was not blamed. But everything changed one day."

I was listening to Sensei. What he said till now was okay. It was normal. Just where did the problem start?

"She became friend with a girl in her middle school. They were best of friends. At no time they could be seen separate. That girl didn't see Hayama as someone different. She thought of Hayama as any other girl. Hayama was also happy for having finally gained a friend who could understand her. Naturally, they signed up for the events together so they got selected together. But again when this time, unfortunately Hayama made a blunder for which she wasn't blamed but this time, the object for their target was Hayama's friend. Hayama was unable to say anything in defense of her. She didn't know what to do. That girl then stopped talking or hanging out with her. I don't know what happened with them in detail. I heard after that incident, the whole school treated that girl differently. Teenagers are really cruel right? That's what I know, Hikigaya-kun. After that, Hayama's cheerful and friendly attitude changed to that of cold and demeaning. She didn't care much about the people around or so it seems." Sensei finished

I couldn't believe my ears. Hayama-san hid such a trauma behind her strong exterior. That was why she didn't make me participate in the decision making discussions, she wanted to save me.

"But still Hikigaya-kun, no one wants to be alone. Her dragging you along with her is the proof of that. You don't know anyone here. She thinks of you as an escape route from her loneliness. That is what I think."

So after all, she just wants me to be with her. And what did I do?

A/N: Hello guys. How have you been? I was going through an illness called laziness. It is a strange illness where an unknown force makes you not do the things you have to do. It is a very dangerous situation. Actually, at one point I tried to give up on this story but then I saw the follows. It reached up to 100. That's an excellent development. Thank you for your support. I promise next chapter will be soon. Reviews are appreciated. Both good and bad. Remember to review. Your feedback helps me improve things. Thanks. Silver storm out

So, this is my second time posting this chapter. I hope this is error free because last time it was really bad. Sorry for the inconvenience. I promise a little faster updates from now on and less rushed chapters too. Some of the replies to the reviews.

.zwei.: Thanks for pointing out my stupid grammar mistakes. This realized my mistake of posting the chapters without reading them correctly. I am glad you liked the plot. I made some modifications in the repost. I hope I removed all the errors, though I would like if you can point out some major errors which stand out too much.

Jam99cho: Yeah, actually that part was just to create more drama and nothing else. It isn't going to serve any more purpose. If you want you can assume something else and read this story and if you still don't want to read it, thanks for sticking up with it until now. I am happy that you want to read my other stories which I would write, though I don't know how much time they would take.

Rufess: Wow, I think you were the one most desperately waiting for the update. Thanks for your support. I didn't write reply to your review first because I thought I didn't need to. Well, your reply is good and among some negative review your positive reply motivates me to keep on going, Thanks again.

Guys, please give your feedback for improvisation. I can't improve if I don't know what you think of the story.