Fiou, this chapter was long to write ! I'm happy that you all find this story to be unique, full of possible plot twist and not predictable ! It means a lot and motivates me to dig deeper and deeper into it !
Also. I have a HachiSaki Fiction on my mind and I'll write an introduction chapter soon. Following an advice and since a lot of people are reading my stories I'll take some willing Beta readers for this story that I'll write. Pm me to let me know if you want to be beta readers.
Also². I'm french like I already said in another story or here. So I don't write the same way english natives would. Meaning my punctuation is not written the same way as it should and my writing tool (OpenOffice Writer) is set on french and I'm too lazy to tweak it. I already edit the quotes to be like in the US or EN. Too lazy to edit punctuation to remove the space that shouldn't be there in english haha.
Have a good read (Sorry if it's not fluffy enough for you, I'm bad when it comes to love, hurt/comfort is my speciality)!
EDIT: I'm not dropping my first fic, but since this one is way more popular, I'm putting the first one on pause.
Hachiman woke up on this peaceful Saturday, everything was perfect, he was engulfed in his cover, warm and comfy he just didn't want to move an inch until he opened his eyes and looked at his alarm clock. 9.25a.m. Strangely a cold chill was running along his spine. A sense of dread invaded him.
"Why do I feel like missing something there ? Saturday... 9.25a.m... Having something to do..."
Suddenly his mind became clear as day. Now he knew what the word 'fear' really meant.
"Oh crap. I must meet Miura's at 10 at PALCO !" Yelled Hachiman storming out of his bed and getting dressed like a tornado.
It had been years since Hikigaya Hachiman moved his body so fast, it was almost a feat of strength for someone as energy saving as him. But the fear instigated by the wrath of the Fire Queen was something not to be trifled with. It was powerful enough to make even a snail sprint for its life.
Climbing down the stairs, Hikigaya reached the hall and put on some shoes. Komachi noticed him and was puzzled by his attitude.
"Onii-chan what are you doing so early in the morning ? Why are you so panicked ? You don't have school today you know."
"I don't have time Komachi I must go or I'll be la-." Hachiman shut his mouth with his right hand.
"Ooooooooooooooh. Well well well. To what thing are you getting late Onii-chan ? Maybe some private date with a girl or maybe a boy ?"
"I'm not attracted to guys and I don't know what you are talking about . It's er... I need to meet Zaimokuza to plan my campaign ! Right."
"Don't lie to me Gomie-chan. There's no way you would work yourself on a week-end. To make you like that on a Saturday morning it must be a girl. And one that can make you fear for your life. So it's not Yui-chan and Yukino-chan is out of the question. So who is it ? Saki-chan ? Or maybe Miura-san ?!"
"Oï stop that, it's nothing like that. Miura's helping me with my campaign and that's all. I asked her to help me become a bit more popular. And you're still going with Yukinoshita with the 'chan' ?"
"Oh my, I can't wait to see how this girl is gonna handle you. Looks like she can already make you do what she wants. And to answer you it's one of the secret thing between girls. As long as I don't have a proof of a talk with her I'll believe she has a reason for what she did ! I'm sure of it."
"Whatever, I'm out, take care. And most of all, if I'm not making it back, the money I saved up from having non-expensive meals at school is hidden in my mattress."
"Bye bye ! Come back soon Onii-chan !»
Little sister are the bests.
"I wonder what I will buy with this money though..." Wondered Komachi.
I take back my words ! That was so low in Komachi points !
Finally heading out of the house after putting on his shoes. Hachiman took his bicycle and tode it like his life was at stake. He hoped to arrive on time.
Hachiman arrived at the place and locked his bike. He quickly looked at the time on his phone screen. 10.01a.m.
I made it !
Catching his breath, He put his hands in his pocket and walked toward the gates of the mall in his usual slow pace and slouched figure. He was looking around, trying to see the blonde girl somewhere. Looked like she was nowhere to be found much to Hachiman's mental health.
"Thank you I avoided the wrath of Miura."
"Avoid what Hikio ?"
"Ugh ! I got only one minute late ! Don't kill me !"
"Huh ? What are you saying ? It's not like I'll kill you if you're only one or five minutes late. It's irritating to see how bad you think of me. I'm not that much of a monster. I just arrived too. That makes me the late one."
"… Well. Sorry I guess ?"
"Hmpff. Come on, let's go Hikio, we have a lot to do today !" Said Miura raising her right fist in the air.
Following Yumiko, Hachiman sighed one last time, looking back at his decision. He could have been able to sleep all day and do nothing but now his day was wasted. Nothing he could do against that though.
They were walking in the big place together. Together in the way Hachiman would describe it, meaning him walking three meters behind her. It was seriously getting on her nerves.
"Hikio !"
"What ? Did I already do something wrong ?"
"Walk beside me, it's seriously creepy to have you walk behind me like that !"
"But if I do so people might get the wrong idea. What would you do if we run into acquaintances ?"
"Then we'll just explain to them the situation. Geez you're really difficult you know ? You won't get popular if you're not even able to walk beside me. Show some confidence Hikio. You may have some leadership skills but your image is seriously lacking." Miura scolded him.
She started to walk to him with angry eyes. Hachiman didn't move and gulped his saliva. She stop right in front of him and then started to roam around his person. Looking at him at every possible angle and thinking. She finally hit the palm of her left hand with her right fist.
"There ! Straighten yourself like this, then do your hair like this... And unbutton your jacket like that... Done. Now let me have a look at you from afar."
This girl has no shame touching my back like this and moving her hand in my hair so casually.
She stared at him for a good minute. Her face was unreadable.
"So" Asked Hachiman.
"You're not so bad actually. But your hair needs a haircut and we need to buy you new cloth. Those are seriously not highlighting your figure. Your pants are too loose and the same for your shirt. And I don't know if I can do something with your eyes, maybe they are hopeless."
"Oï, my clothes are comfy and warm, they are perfect for this kind of weather. Why would I go through the trouble of wearing something else ?"
"Didn't I say that you weren't able to argue?"
"Yeah bu-"
"No but. You asked for my help and I said that I would help you, there's nothing you can do to step back now. Being popular is not an easy feat. It requires work and the first step is to dress yourself in nice clothing. You need to attract the eye in a positive way."
"But we have uniforms at school..."
"Yes but you will meet people outside of school and when you do so you must be looking cool and good. Not necessarily like you're going to a prom but good enough to be a balance of comfy and good looking."
"Seems like a real drag to do so. What do you suggest. I'm not that rich. I have money yes but not that much."
"Hmm... Don't worry about it, I know the perfect place for that, not expensive and nice. But we'll do the shopping later. I don't want you to carry the bags all day. You would die of exhaustion."
"Thank you for your concern. So what shall we do right now ?"
"Follow me !"
Being unusually motivated, Yumiko led the march, she took Hachiman right wrist in her left hand and dragged him with her so that he wouldn't act like the creep he was right now. This however made him uncomfortable and flustered him. He was not accustomed to a girl's touch.
Her hand is soft and smooth. That's what a girl's touch feels like huh ? Not bad. But seriously. WHAT THE HELL MIURA ?!
They reach a shop, it was the same one where he encountered her during his double date. This shop was selling shoes, sneakers, boots, dresses and other kind of clothing.
"I remember this place, but why are you bringing me here ? It's for girls, not guys."
"Lesson one : when you hang out with a girl in a shop, you must help her in her quest for the perfect outfit or shoes ! And for that, give your opinion, compliments or critics and help her to carry her things ! That way you'll look like a decent reliable guy !"
"Can't you just admit that you want to do some shopping before we do something for me ?"
"Tss, always the mood killer Hikio. Lesson two : don't point obvious things out !"
"Aye aye."
And thus, the poor man that is Hikigaya Hachiman was plagued by the same disease affecting every man who was accompanying a girl in malls. Following her in every shop possible while giving his opinion. Waiting for hours while she tried everything she picked up on her way and worst of all, carrying the bags.
Miura Yumiko was this kind of girl, one who loved shopping but this simple activity showed Hachiman a new side of her, she was smiling and having fun, she was not trying to put on a mask there. She was like a real girl having a good time. She was smiling.
"Hey Hikio, I'm done picking up the things I found interesting. Wait for me while I change. Be ready, I'll ask for your opinion, don't even think to give me a half-assed one."
"Your wishes are orders my lady."
Sitting on a couch for this occasion, Hachiman relaxed himself and his sore feet. Finally he could get a quick break. Following her was a challenge. Waiting for Yumiko to change, Hikigaya was looking around mindlessly, not really giving a damn about what he saw. It was just to kill some time. Finally the curtain opened itself to a breathtaking view. Yumiko was standing there, left hand on her hip, a horizontal stripped black and white top leaving her shoulders and neck line bare. Long enough to reach her waist where a dark green short skirt was cover the top of her thighs. Hachiman's eyes kept glancing at her from top to bottom. She was also wearing brown leather boots with medium high heels reaching under her knees in height. He stared at her legs for a long time unconsciously too.
"C-come on, w-what do you think ? And stop staring at me like this, it's c-creepy..." said a blushing Miura averting her eyes with her hands behind her back.
"O-oh, sorry. Y-you look a-amazing I guess" Said a Hachiman who also blushed when he found himself staring for too long at her.
"A-also... I thought those boots looked nice on you when I ran into you back then."
Miura widened her eyes at his words, she looked at him with a tinge of pink on her cheeks.
"Y-you do remember a detail like that ?"
"Well I'm pretty good at observing stuff." He said scratching his head, looking back at her.
"It's gross, seriously gross Hikio but... Thank you for the compliment, I guess you're good at this." She said looking at her feet to hide her embarrassment.
Oï don't do that, it's too cute Miura.
"Let's do another exercise. I want to know if you at least have some taste before helping you with your outfit. You may like useful, warm and comfy clothing but I want to see how you manage to make my outfit better with a choice of yours."
"Seriously ? I can pick anything ? You'll wear it ?"
"Yes. Don't make me repeat myself."
Hikigaya got up and went through the clothes, he already had an idea of what to make her wear. He had already see it since the beginning of her journey. He thought it might look very good on her. Finding what he wanted he came back to Yumiko.
"Here."
"Seriously ? A wool sweater ?"
"Believe me it will look nice on you. At least in my opinion."
"If you say so."
Once again she went to the cabin and change herself. She came out quickly after, wearing a long white wool sweater covering her neck and her arms and ending like a skirt. Only a portion of the dark green skirt was visible. It was a full contrast to earlier. She looked more grown-up but still attractive. Yumiko was not really sure about that look but Hachiman was in a daze and nodded affirmatively.
"I'm not so sure about that Hikio... Maybe with another haircut it could do the trick."
"Believe me, like that you look like a real normal girl. It has even softened your figure. You look kind in that. Your motherly side is highlighted like this."
"S-stop saying things like that aloud !"
"Aye aye, sorry, but you asked for my honest opinion so I'm obeying. Anyway, what's next ?"
"Geez, seriously... Well it's almost noon. Let's go get something to eat. I'm hungry."
"Now you got my attention. While you change back I'll go to the toilet."
Hachiman went out of the shop with the bags to empty himself while Yumiko change herself with her starting outfit. She glanced at he sweater for a moment and the boots. She smiled warmly, she was happy. She felt free with him around. Nobody would be judging her, she could be as harsh or kind as she likes and he would let her be because he liked real people. For once in a long time she had a lot of fun shopping. No need to wear a mask with him. She went to the cashier and bought the sweater and the boots. She hid them quickly in a bag. Soon after Hachiman came back and held one hand toward her.
"What ?"
"Give me the bag, I'll carry it for you."
"Oh, you know the basics when it comes to be a gentleman."
"I'll let you know that my sister trained me to be the perfect gentleman. Of course my basics are perfect."
"And down you go with this ego of yours."
"Tss."
She gave him the bag and both walked side by side to the first floor and searched for a coffee shop. They both decided to go to a regular Starbucks. They sat at a table facing each other on opposite seats. They both ordered a sweet coffee with a tuna sandwich for Yumiko and a ham one for Hachiman.
"I'm surprised you're eating something like that. You're the kind of girl who's strict about her diet."
"Oh. Well, I guess one little excess won't do any harm."
They both ate in an awkward silence. Yumiko was uncomfortable with that but Hachiman did not give a damn.
"Hey, why not play a little game, so that we'll learn a bit more about each other."
"I don't like the idea of saying everything about me."
"Come on, then how about this. I ask one question and if you answer, you can ask me one."
"Hmm. Do I really have a choice ?"
"Nope."
"Fine then, go ahead. Not like I have better things to do."
"What really happened between you and this Orimoto girl."
Hachiman choked on his coffee and found it hard to get back his composure. He did not like this question.
"I don't really want to talk about it. It's personal."
"Come on, you looked so uncomfortable when I met her. And something happened between you two. You can tell me, I won't spread the word you know."
"You only need to know that I confessed to her and she rejected me that's all there is to it."
Guess I won't get much about him right now about that.
"Fine I won't pry. Your turn."
"Why did you want to do your shopping with me ?"
"Why do you mean ? I said I would help you no ?"
"No no no. We haven't even started to really work on my request to you right now. What I mean is : Why did you want only me to do your shopping those last two hours ? Having Yuigahama or Ebina with you would have been way better for you to pick some nice outfits you know."
"… Is that what you really think. I guess it's fair for you to think that..."
"So ?"
"I just wanted to be able to be myself without having to restrain myself. For once I wanted to act freely without being judged."
"So basically you're telling me that you don't feel free around your 'friends' ?"
"Yes."
"Your turn then." He said taking a sip of his coffee.
"Why are you always rejecting Yui's attempts to ask you out ?"
"..."
"Hikio, I'm waiting, answer me. It has bugged me for far too long. At first I did not understand why she would find you so interesting but little by little I finally understood why but even so you are always so distant when she tries to convey her feelings to you. Why can't you answer her a simple 'yes' or 'no'?"
"It's not like that... I just. I'm not somehow that can make her happy and deep down I don't have those feelings for her. Even if she was really infatuated in me I wouldn't accept it. I can't accept it. She just idolize me because I saved her dog in an act of selflessness. She may say that it's not because of this that she wants to hang with me but I know for a fact that she would not have noticed me otherwise. We are from two whole different worlds. Like you and me or Yukinoshita and me."
"Still you could be honest and open with her and just answer her feelings or not."
"I don't want to her hurt."
"You're hurting her even more by doing so. Keeping the status quo like our group is doing."
"I'll take my turn. Then why are you still accepting the dynamic in your clique ? You say taht you want to act without being judged, that you're not feeling free with your 'friends' and still you're letting things go on indefinitely."
Both of them stared at their cup for a long moment in a sad silence. This little question game really killed the mood. Both of them were right yet they were wrong.
"We can't make everyone happy Hikio."
"..."
"My my if it isn't Hikigaya-kun ! Yahallo !"
Hachiman felt all his muscles tensing. The temperature dropped significantly. This wasn't the same tone Yukinoshita Haruno would use normally, even with her mask on. She was angry. He could feel it. Even Yumiko tensed up.
"Y-Yukinoshita-san..."
"Hikigaya-kun... I've learned some really interesting rumors you know ? I heard that you left the service club. I also heard that you left Yukino-chan by herself and the funniest one was that you were running for presidency against her. What do you think of those rumors."
"Well. It's all true. I'll beat her and show her that I'm better than her."
Yukinoshita Haruno learned from Shiromeguri, Yukino attitude and Shizuka everything that happened since the double date. She was not happy with the result. She had been following Hachiman to learn the true truth.
"Did you really believed her when she said indirectly that she used you ? I thought you were better than that Hikigaya Hachiman. And you have some nerves to go on a date with another girl while Yukino-chan's suffering."
"I-it's not a d-date !" Retorted Yumiko.
"Quiet, I'm not talking to you. It's an affair between us." Said coldly the true Haruno.
Scary. They both thought.
"Yukinoshita-san, it's not a date as Miura said, she's helping me with my campaign and if you're only here to speak bad to her then you can leave. I don't know what you want or try to say to me but I won't go back to the service club or help Yukinoshita ever again. I'm following my own path now."
Both girls stared at him in silence, the flames in his eyes were back, the confidence was overflowing. Hachiman started to talk like a leader once more. Haruno found it interesting. She understood with one look why her sister did what she did and the consequences it had on Hachiman. Yet, she couldn't help but feel sad and disappointed about how things were going for Yukino. Yumiko had a tinge of pink on her cheek and averted her eyes to the table after being defended by Hikigaya.
"So Yukino-chan won't be chosen again huh..." Said Haruno to no one, leaving the two student to themselves. Disappearing in the distance.
"I won't let things end like this. I'm sorry Hikigaya but Yukino's future is at stake here. I won't let any other girl get in the way of her happiness."
Haruno took her phone and dialed a number.
"Hayato. I have a mission for you. You can't say no. It's about Yukino-chan and Hikigaya. You have to do something for me..."
"Thanks for defending me." Said Yumiko with a slight smile.
"I did not do anything. I just don't like people being genuinely bad to others. You're welcome though."
"It's the first time I hear you accepting gratitude."
Both of them finished their meal and drinks and got up and brought back their trays.
"Now we will work on your look Hikio ! Follow me."
"Aye aye commander."
Miura led Hachiman in the floor with the men shops. She was walking as fast as the wind to get things she liked in the shops. She was effective. The clothes were cheap, nice and still comfy. They went from shop to shops trying to find one where they both would come to an agreement on the outfits. Finally they finished with the last shop of the floor.
"Come on Hikio ! At least try this one."
"Ah fine... If I comply will you leave me alone with the try out ?"
"Yes !"
"Ok then, give me those."
Hachiman took the clothes and went inside the cabin to change himself. Two minutes later he came out wearing khaki chino pants with a pair of leather shoes to give him a more mature look. A v-neck grey t-shirt with a dark blue pattern highlighted his torso, showing that he was lean but still built. Above the t-shirt he was wearing a navy blue jacket. Yumiko was admiring her work. She was delighted, a bit too much for Hikigaya who blushed and looked away.
He really does look nice when he dresses nice. Too bad his eyes are like this... Oh ! That gives me an idea !
"With this every girl will look at you differently, guys and adults too. You will give a confidence vibe looking nice like this. But still there's something missing. The v-neck t-shirts are nice on you but it's missing something. I know ! A necklace !"
Yumiko ran to the little accessories stand. She quickly came back with two matching one. One was wearing a sun as a pendant and the other one a crescent moon.
"This one's for you !" She said going behind him and putting the necklace around his neck like it was a normal thing to do.
"M-Miura ?! What are you doing ?!" Said the flustered loner.
"What ? I'm just helping you to put it..."
Yumiko quickly finished what she was doing and took a step back looking away. She realized that she got a bit too much comfortable and touchy. She was embarrassed.
"A-Anyway. I don't have the budget for this anymore. And why do you have one too ?"
"D-Don't worry about it, it's a gift, take it as a thanks for all the help you gave us. And this one will be a matching one with you. I like to have a matching thing with the people I consider to be real friends."
"O-Oh... Thank you then."
It was awkward, Hachiman scratched his hair while Miura scratched her right cheek. They quickly regained their composure after this little moment between them.
"Now let's go to barbershop to get you a haircut."
"But I like my hair as they are right now..."
"Don't worry I won't make you change it. You'll just do some little change here and there to balance the thing."
"Fine."
After they paid for their things, Hachiman and Yumiko walked to the second floor. They went to the barber and Yumiko paid for the cut. His hair will only be shorten a bit while keeping a bit more hair on top and less under. A gradient. While he was getting his haircut, Yumiko went to some other store and paid for a little accessory, the last piece of her hard work. When she came back to Hikigaya, he was waiting for her with his and her bags.
"So ? Are we done there ?" He asked.
"Hm hm. We are finished for the re-looking. It was hard but I managed a feat ! There's just one last thing."
"And what is it ?"
Yumiko showed him the little box she had in her hands and opened it to unveil a pair of thin rectangular glasses with a black bezel frame.
"A last gift for you, those are only accessories or to read. It will soften your eyes. People will be less scared of your eyes at first sight. It will be easier for you to make others at ease with you."
"T-Thanks but it's too much. I don't think I deserve so much from you. The necklace was already too much."
"Nope. It's my way of saying thank you for the great fun I had today and your help since the first year. I insist you take it. I hope you'll wear them at school."
Hachiman smiled a bit, it was a warm feeling that invaded his chest and his mind. He took the box and put the glasses on. He look at the proud Fire Queen admiring her masterpiece. It was now 15.00p.m. They decided they were done and went out of the mall.
"Well thanks a lot for your hard work Miura. I swear I'll repay you for that one day."
"Likewise for your patience to bear with the crowd. See you on Monday."
"I'll accompany you, those bags will be heavy for a long walk."
"No you don't need to. My mother will soon pick me up."
"Ok then. See you."
Hachiman gave her her bags and unlocked his bike. He then left the place to return home. The path was quite calm. Hikigaya was smiling, he could lie and say it destroyed his peaceful Saturday but he was happy that Miura Yumiko had fun with him despite his usual behavior.
"Today wasn't so bad I guess."
