Edit: fix 8man's game machine into Vita-chan


Chapter 7: White 100%

Sunday. Dust. Hikki's room..

I'm done for!

Sitting on my table hugging my head with both my hands, I can feel my thoughts swirling around like mad. What has been done has already been done. From Isshiki to Komachi, this "date" couldn't have gone in any worse way. However, this is no time to be grieving; what I need now, is a proper plan.

Now then, let's access the situation. There are three major red flags: Isshiki, Komachi, and Miura. For Komachi, I will most likely deal with her today; and will I need to deal with Isshiki as soon as possible. I know that she hasn't made it a big deal yet, and only revealed the secret to me; which means there is a high chance that she is not too hasty on busting us. I can deal with her tomorrow. Finally, about Miyu…

This is getting out of hand, even though I did get a bit of a consolation price, wait this is not the time. I have been merrily going along with her scheme for far too long now, but now it's strike back time. But how? After this incident, I found myself in a much deeper hole than I used to be. Somehow, maybe I can find a way to utilise this very hole.

Speaking of digging oneself too deep, it seems like Miyu is also in the same situation as me. I'm 98% sure that the other middle schooler next to Komachi is her little sister. All the pieces fit together perfectly, the that fact both of our sisters went out today, the location, and her reaction, all of them.

Heh.. Why in god's name that my sister and Miura's sister are friends? The rom-com god is surely twisted.

The sound of door opening happens so suddenly that it makes the hair on my back spikes. Komachi?! No, relax Hachiman, maybe it's just a burglar.

"ONII-CHAN!"

God's heaven no!

The rumbling sound of footsteps slips into my ears as I'm slowing waiting for my inevitable doom. My heart is thumping like it's about to burst out of my chest; my mind is scrambled with thoughts, excuses to use on my sister.

*BANG!*

My room door bursts open like a gunshot, reveals a panting middle schooler with eyes full of determination; wait, maybe that's not the right word.

I stay silent.

"Oi, Onii-chan! I saw something really amusing on the street today." She says those words in a mocking tone.

"W-what is it?"

"I saw someone who kinda looks like you today, but only better dressed, has better hair, and has his arms around a totally hot blonde!"

"Oh- is that so?"

"But it couldn't be you right?" She draws a cheerful smile on your face. "There is no way my Onii-chan can be that much of a stud right?"

"Ha, you are probably right. Look-alikes do happen more often than you think." Even though I know that it is hopeless, maybe there is a chance that she actually believes it.

"Eh.. I guess it's true now that I actually saw it!" Her fake smile is as friendly as ever.

"Yeah"

"I see I see!"

"Yeah."

"..."

"..."

"DON'T JOKE WITH ME!"

Komachi lunges at me at top speed and almost climbs on my chair.

"There is no way that it isn't you! I recognise your rotten dead fish eyes everywhere!"

"No, it's not it.." I give a weak response.

"What was that?! Some sort of secret identity?! What kind of superhero are you?! Playboy-man?!"

"Just listen to me!"

I explain to her that she is just another customer at the Service club. What happened today was just us offering our assistance; nothing more, nothing less.

"Then why were Yukinon-san and Yui-san not there?"

"They were busy today."

"Then why did you have your arms around her?! You totally look like a couple."

"You just appeared at the wrong time. I was just trying to keep her away from those guys that were bothering her."

"Hmmmm…" She doesn't seem very convinced.

"It's the truth."

"Ok, onii-chan, as you little sis, I'm going to… Ah! Wait! What about those clothes and that hairstyle?! You dressed up and even changed your hair style! Why did you even go such length if you were just helping her out! That was definitely a date!"

"No, that was completely unrelated!"

"Unrelated?!" She screeches the word back at me like it's some sort of joke.

"Yes, it is completely unrelated."

"Onii-chan!"

"Komachi." I grab her shoulders. "I know this may sound unreasonable, but you have to trust me this time around. There is nothing, and I repeat, absolutely nothing between me and her. Actually, even if I want it, it's still impossible. That girl, she completely despises me. We only came together this one time out of a temporary truce."

Komachi is glaring at me, I can tell that she is looking for any sign of wavering. I know that, that's why I have to be completely focused.

"Really?"

"Absolutely."

"Haizz…" She sighs. "Onii-chan is really disappointing…!"

"Hmm?"

"I mean, I guess I'm kinda loud and intimidating because it is such a big shock for me. But in the end, as long as you find a girlfriend, I'm happy."

"Once again you put too much hope on your Onii-chan."

"Still, I prefer Yukinon-san or Yui-san more; at least I know them."

"Well, that girl is your friend's sister so you may get to know her eventually."

"My friend's sister? Who?"

"The one you went out with today."

"Kotomi?"

"Yeah, whatever her name is. Oh, what's her family name?"

"Miura."

"Yeah, she is her sister alright."

"Heh..! Maybe she is a nice person after all!" What's with the sudden switch?

"Did you not see her when you came to her house?"

"Not really. I just went there to pick up some stuff; I didn't stay there long enough to see her."

"Ah."

...

Night time.

Komachi, check.

My mental capacity has already reached a low point after dealing with Komachi, but I know that I cannot stop here. The first red flag has been cleared, but I still have two more. Thus, I pick up my phone and search for the name of a certain foxy junior.

[Isshiki]

Isshiki: [Good evening, senpai~]

[Are you free after school? I'd like to talk to you for a bit] I feel that this issue cannot be fully explained by phone alone.

Isshiki: [*gasp* r u trying to ask me out on a date? I'm sorry senpai but I'm not interested in dead-fish-eyed, both-hand-catching playboy!]

[It's just a misunderstanding. Meet me in front of the public library after school and I will tell you everything]

Isshiki: [Everything?]

[Everything] Not really.

Isshiki: [Fine then]

[Until that time, please don't spread any false rumor]

Isshiki: [Mah what kind of girl do u think I am?]

[Yeah yeah]

Isshiki: [Looking forward to tomorrow! See u there, senpai~]

[Thanks]

Putting down the phone, I let out another tiring sigh. Isshiki Iroha, half check. It's so exhausting, having to wait like this, having to deal with all this, all because of her.

Speaking of which, I wonder how is Miyu doing right now? Even though she only has her sister, she doesn't have a lot of excuses to justify the scene. Maybe I should check up on her for a bit.

[Hey there]

Miura: [Hikimo!]

[Are you still angry?]

Miura: [Of course I am! U r the one that caused all this!]

[How's thing with your sister?]

Miura: [So you know, huh?]

[I can figure that much]

Miura: [Omg she is so annoying! She didn't believe me at all. But anw at least I managed to get her to pipe down a little bit]

[That's good to hear]

Miura: [Good grief such a bad time to get caught like that]

[If it makes you feel better, I also got caught]

Miura: [You did? Who]

[Remember there is another middle schooler walking with your sister? Turns out my sister and yours hung out together]

Miura: [Seriously?]

[Yeah]

Miura: [That's so strange]

[I know right?]

Miura: [I guess we are closer than I thought]

What the hell does that even mean?

Miura: [Btw, now that u saw my sister don't u dare even think about her. I'll kill you!]

How long are we going to continue running this joke? Give it a break already.

Monday. Midday. Classroom

Even after a somewhat disastrous "date" with Miyu, I can't help but feel a little bit more attached to her; although, in the classroom, everything seems to return to zero. I am me and Miura is still Miura; we are a different world apart. Not that it matters in any way; this relationship only happens simply because of our agreement, a covenant that no one else should know. Most likely, nothing will change when this is over, be it my relationship with Miura or my relationship with Yukinoshita. As for Hayama and Miura, I couldn't care less about them. Miura, I admire your determination, but no matter how you see it, I cannot conform to your request. I'm not the one who can do such a thing. I'm sorry, but your plan is already futile in begin with.

And thus lunch break comes, and as a loner that I am, usually I would just go out and finish my lunch at my favourite spot; but recently I have been alternating between that and observing Miura's clique. I guess today I will stay here then.

A well-endowed figure appears in front of my table; it's no other than the one person that I'm familiar with.

"Yahallo Hikki." She greets me with a cheerful smile.

"Hello." I speak calmly.

"You're almost late today. What gives?"

"I was a little bit tired yesterday, so I tried to stretch my sleeping time for a bit." With limited success thanks to a certain annoying little sister.

"Wow, what did you do yesterday?"

"Uh.. I.. went to the bookstore to check out some books, ran some errands for my parents and Komachi. A lot of insignificant little things, honest at this point I can barely remember them."

"Did you also go to a barber?" Yuigahama smiles.

"Ah.. right, you notice it?"

"Of course, I always notice. Ah, I mean, like, it's kinda in your face you know, haha."

"Not that I care but what do you think?"

"Eh? It.. looks good, I guess.." Yuigahama scratches her chin.

I have had this suspicion for a while. This is not to diminish Miura's ability, but the hairstyle she gave me requires proper styling before it can grow out and looks good naturally. And thus I'm stuck with this underwhelming hairstyle for a least a couples of days. Without thinking, my mind is suddenly bombarded with several violent flashbacks.

"I mean, a lot of hairstyles are meant to look best when it grows out, you know! I'm sure yours will look even better afterward haha.." Yuigahama tries to salvage the situation.

"I see."

Suddenly, I hear a familiar cry:

"Yui.. Hurry up."

"Coming!" Yuigama cries back.

Very briefly, I have a feeling that those glossy green eyes are pointing at me.

"Talk to you later, Hikki!" With a final wave, Yuigahama strives back to her usual clique.

Bzzz…

Miura: [Hikki-hikimo!]

[What now?]

Miura: [Don't get too friendly with Yui either. Good grief what does she even see in u?]

[Don't tell that me you are jealous?]

Miura: [Do u want to die?! So gross!]

[So it's not jealousy?]

Miura: [Of course not! Idiot!]

[Are you sure?]

Miura: [Just shut up! Awn r u free after class?]

I take a glance at Miyu; she is wholly aggravated, it's funny.

[Sorry I'm not]

Miura: [Seriously? I thought ur the type of guy who just goes home after class because they have no friend]

That is none of your Business, Miura-san!

[Unfortunately I do have plan so I can't go with you today] All because of you, Miyu.

Miura: [What about tomorrow?]

[I'm ok]

Miura: [Then it's tomorrow then. Meet me in front of the shopping mall like always remember]

[Sure]

Miura: [Ok see you there]

After school. Library's gate.

I stand there waiting for a certain junior with vixen hair color, can't help myself but feel nervous of the anticipation. I recite my thoughts again, secretly rehearse the lines that I'm going to deliver. Soon after, my mind starts wondering about the vastness of the universe. What have I been thinking again?

"Senpai."

I turn my head and realise that Isshiki is already right next to me, carrying a small grocery bag. Almost out of instinct, I raise my hand toward her; naturally, she transfers the bag to me.

"Hehe, this feels like back before the festival." Isshiki lets out a smile.

"Let's go."

"Where to?"

"We need to find a place to sit down so that we can talk."

"Ah, ok."

Truth be told, I still haven't had a clue about our final destination, so right now I'm really just wandering around. However, the image of my destination is clear: secluded and unheard of. I absolutely do not want another incident like last time.

"Senpai, did you have a haircut?"

"Uh, yes."

"I knew it. But I think you're not doing it right."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean it's not supposed to be loose like that. Didn't the barber tell you how to style it?"

"Well, no, actually I kind of glossed over it."

"Here, I think it goes like it."

Isshiki runs in front of me and without a warning, grazes my forehead with her fingers. Is girl's skin always that soft, I wonder? I can feel my hair running between her fingers as she casually plays with it; the sensation of her makes heart accelerate and my body grow tense.

"There you go! Looks so much better now!" Isshiki gleams while holding my hair in place. "Although it kinda makes you look like a delinquent."

"Ah, come on. Get off." I turn my head to effectively get rid of her grasp.

"Ah, senpai."

"Don't do this kind of thing in the middle of the streets, you know." The incident the other day has left me a bit paranoid, but what is this heat I'm feeling on my face?

"Teehee!"

Soon after, we arrive at a random café deep into an alley. This time around I specifically pick a non-window seat.

"Uwah this place is pretty dark. Looks kinda like one of those places where some undercover spies trade information with each other, don't you think senpai." Exactly, Isshiki; this place is perfect.

"Now then, the full story." Resting her chin on both of her hands, Isshiki gleams at me with glittering eyes.

"Are you actually curious about this?"

"I'm curious!" Nice reference Isshiki.

I let out a short sigh. "Alright…"

I tell her the convenient truth like I did with Komachi; that Miura is just another customer of the Service Club, and she is asking me to help her conquer Hayama Hayato. What she saw the other day was just a strategic meeting between me and her; no more and no less.

"But I didn't hear anything about Miura-senpai from Yukinon-senpai and Yui-senpai." Isshiki has made a habit of hanging out at the Service Club every so often. If there is any new case, she must know; plus she might even talk to both them outside of club time.

"That's right, both Yukinoshita and Yuigahama don't know about this, because Miura is afraid that things may get awkward if it involves Yukinoshita, and because Yuigahama is close to Yukinoshita, she mustn't know as well."

"But she did ask Yukinoshita-senpai to help her with Hayama-senpai before."

"That is different, plus that is before she learned how complicated Yukinoshita and Hayama relationship is."

"How complicated is it?"

"I know just as much as you so don't ask me."

"I don't know. It doesn't feel right to me." What is that, woman intuition?

"Like I said, before, she just asked what Hayama's college choice was, and how to make chocolate; all fairly reasonable requests. This time, her request is much more direct and personal, that's why she doesn't want to involve Yukinoshita."

"So what is her request?"

"I'm afraid that I can't tell you that."

"Senpai you said that you're gonna tell me everything!" Isshiki pouts.

"I'm telling you everything that I'm allowed to. It's a clause in our agreement that I'll keep this a secret. This is the maximum that I can tell you. You have to understand, this is not me keeping from you, this is Miura keeping from you."

"So it's just you helping Miura-senpai to, like, get closer to Hayama-senpai."

"Yes yes, exactly."

"But senpai! I thought you are supposed to be on my side!"

"I don't remember agreeing to help you with Hayama or anything. If you want my help, make a request, although I would probably not accept it."

"But you accept Miura-senpai request."

"It's.. because of circumstances."

"Hmm.. something just doesn't feel right. Ah, I know! Why would you have a strategic meeting at such a fancy café restaurant? And the way you dressed, too; that's the nicest I have ever seen you dressed."

"Ah.. that is.. well.. I just kind of felt a bit fancy that day that is all." I try to squeeze out the words, knowing full well that this answer will not satisfy her.

"Senpai! It feels like you are still trying to hide something." Suddenly, Isshiki hammers her fist onto her other palm. "Oh..!"

Then she leers at me with a bone-chilling smile.

"Senpai~, don't tell me that you are trying to make a pass at Miura-senpai?"

"Pfft!" I choke on my drink.

"It's the perfect chance, right!? First, you have a mutual secret that only you guys know, and then you can use this as an excuse to spend time together, slowly build affection with Miura-senpai. Then afterward, you will make her realize that that spending time with you is much better than with Hayama-senpai and she will be head over heels for you. Isn't it right?

This girl is way too foxy for her own good; someday you are going to get stabbed in the back I tell you what.

"That definitely was not my intention."

"Then explain the fancy clothes and café! And don't give me the previous crap! Come to think of it, you changed your hair style, too. No matter how you look at it, you are definitely trying here!" Isshiki pouts. For some reasons, she looks rather annoyed.

I'm slowly being driven into a corner. What should I do? Come clean, or go with the flow. No there is no reason to tell her the original plan, because it will be fruitless after all.

"I- well…" I lower my head and look at the table.

"So it's true?"

"They are useless efforts anyway."

"So.. you like Miura-senpai."

"Mah.. I guess.. in a way…" I put on a bashful smile.

Silence takes over the scene for a while. At one point, Isshiki releases a sigh.

"Mah, this is actually quite a shock for me; to think that of all the people the one you have a crush on is Miura-senpai." Isshiki reveals a reluctant smile; I can't help but feel that she is somewhat disappointed.

"If you worry about Hayama, don't worry. It's never going to work in the first place." I say.

"Because you will steal Miura-senpai away from Hayama-senpai?"

"Not in a million years. Like I said before, she hates me; so no matter what I try, it's useless in the end."

"Then why are you even trying?"

"Well, I guess.. you miss 100% the shot you don't take." I can't believe I'm using this phrase.

"Heh.. I never thought that you have that much resolve."

"I'm full of surprises."

"You must really like Miura-senpai, huh?" Isshiki averts her gaze, her reluctant smile is still lingering. Somehow, it makes me feel uneasy.

"Anyway, like I said before, I might as well not tell you anything, because nothing will change, be it my relationship with Miura, or Miura relationship with Hayama. Nothing at all."

"Heh.. I wonder about that."

"Trust me, it's going to be like that in the end. Whatever scheme you have with Hayama, go ahead and knock yourself out."

"You seem awfully confident that nothing will happen."

"Of course, have I ever failed you before?"

"I, guess not."

"Told you."

"But senpai, you shouldn't get too carried away; this type of personal request, boys-meet-girls situation is ripped with opportunities to advance a relationship." She sounds almost like she is scolding me.

"Huh…"

"Not to mention… you a_-_-dy _-_ceed-d o_-e y_- _now." Isshiki hides her eyes and lowers her tone in a way that I cannot make out her last sentence.

"What did you say?"

"Any-way!" She raises her tone. "Although you said you might as well not tell me, but I find this information to be quite useful."

"Is that so?"

"At least now I know who actually is the one I should watch out for."

What are you talking about? You and Miura have always been the front runners.

"So no matter what you do senpai, I won't give up!" Her smile is brimmed with energy now,

"Go for it." Seeing that, I can't help but crack a smile as well.

Her energetic smile suddenly changes into a smile full of allure, inadvertently makes my heart skip a beat.

"Therefore, wait for me, senpai."

"Ho.. okay." What a fox this girl is.

"See you later, senpai~"

With an abrupt goodbye so sweet that it might give me diabetes, she stands up and quickly leaves the café. Is she in a hurry or something?

Speaking of hurry, I also take a look at my clock; looks like there is still a bit of time before work.

Late night. Hikki's room.

I open the door to my room longing for a moment of solitude bliss, only to be let down by a sore sight. On the bed, my sister nonchalantly leans against the wall, playing on my my Vita-chan.

"Ah, okaeri Onii-chan." She greets me haft-heartedly; her eyes stay still on the screen.

"What do you want now?"

"I got bored so I thought I borrowed you game machine for a while."

"Well you got it now, just bring it to your room."

"Eh.. no way, I'm just playing for a while. It's such a hassle to bring it to my room then return it back to you. Plus, I will need your help in case I get stuck."

"Meh, whatever, just be quiet. I'm gonna be on my computer." I'm just glad that she is not here to interrogate me about Miyu.

We spend our time quietly like that while I indulge myself in the entertainment world of the internet.

"Onii-chan what you do think I should choose?" She hands me my Vita-chan

As I look at the screen, I realise she is playing one of my old gal games. It appears that she just arrives at a dialogue choice. The choices are (1) Confess to her, (2) Comfort her and (3) is the joke option. It's clear that the joke option is out of the window, it is so obvious; so the only possible choices are (1) and (2).

"It's number two." I say without hesitation while handing her back my Vita-chan.

"Eh..? I think that he should just confess to her."

"Don't be stupid. You still haven't had enough affection points, confessing now will only manage to scare her."

"No way, I still haven't had enough? This game is much more difficult than I expected."

The real question is why are you even playing this game? Do you realise that you are a completely wrong demographic for it? On top of that, why even the little sister route?

"Other games you have are too all over the place or too complicated; this one is easy to play. It's like reading a book but with pictures and sounds and music and voice acting, plus I get to make choices!"

"If you look at it that way."

"Ah, she seems happy. Thanks, Onii-chan!"

"Yeah yeah."

I get back to my laptop and enjoy some little leisure I have left.

"Ne Onii-chan…"

"What?" I give her a lazy response.

"What is your type?"

"That is such a random questions to ask."

"I'm just trying to be a supportive sister. Like, I need to know your preferences so that I know who to support."

"You don't have to go that far. Besides, I don't think I'm in a position to even have preferences."

"Hypothetically speaking, what if you are in that position?"

"Well…"

"It's fine. You can share it with your cute little sis, don't bottle it up."

"I guess… someone who is straightforward.. someone who is perceptive, and uh.." It feels like I'm wringing my brain for answers.

"Appearance-wise."

"Well.. I guess.. obviously a cute face and.. long hair?"

"Curly, wavy or straight?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Black hair or blonde hair?"

"I'm fine with both." Where are you even going with this?

"Do you like younger girls or older girls, or same age?"

"Eto.. younger girl, I guess?"

Komachi lets out a sigh.

"That girl doesn't exist."

"Obviously, those are just preferences. You can never find a perfect girl for you. That's just movie stuff."

"Oh come on. You need to be a little bit more positive."

"Heh, positive." I sneer at the word. "Listen to me, dear sister, expectation only leads to disappointment. Those who expect nothing, lose nothing."

"That's the Gomi-chan I know." The little sister reveals a light smile. "But you know, if you keep thinking that way, you may miss the chances that you never think you have."

"Hm. Such big words for a middle schooler." I crack a half-hearted smile.

"What can I say, I'm Onii-chan's little sis."

I pat her head, while she curls up with her eyes closeed like a little kitten.

"Don't miss your chances, Onii-chan." Her smile is so brilliant, like an old wizard passing his wisdom to his disciples.

"Yeah yeah."

"Well then, enough talk, back to game."

Don't miss my chances, huh? Let's see how it goes.

...

But that is as far as my thought can go at this point. After all, I'm already so mentally tired from dealing with Isshiki today that right now I just want some mindless fun. Before long, I realise that it's already past one o'clock.

"Komachi, it's late already so you should go back."

As I turn my eyes toward the bed, I can only see a frail, silent, steadily breathing body. My Vita-chan lies next to her now loosened hand, its screen is still brightly lit.

"Good grief." I pick up my Vita-chan, turn it off and put it on my desk. I look at the bed again, luckily she actually spares me some space.

I lie on the empty space and put the blanket on both of us. The comfortable warmth of the blanket and Komachi soon drags me into the world of dreams.


Sorry for the long wait. I decided to take a break for the first act and look for new inspiration, at least what I think is the first act. I will be back to schedule with 4 to 5 days per chapter again, so no worries on that part. Enjoy your new chapter, there's not much Miyu in this, but too much Miyu can get a bit boring.

Anyway I decided that writing some IsshikixSenpai as well, so now we have the Miura-Hachiman-Isshiki triangle instead of the regular Yukinoshita-Hachiman-Yuigahama triangle.

Edit: Just want to remind that this is still a Miura fic, so I assure you that there will be a lot more Miura action from now on so don't worry.

Also, new OC character, Miura Kotomi, there is not much to reveal about her at this point but oh boy you guys are in for a treat.