Chapter 4: Muira Yumiko Is As Fierce As Expected
Part 1:
"Hikigaya come here"
I was brought back to reality by one and only single violent teacher, who had just called my name asking for me to come to her table. For everyone's information I don't like to be the centre of attention and if I had to say it I despised it. Alas, this world never works the way you wish it to be. The raijuus work on the principle that the one with highest attention gathering potential for right reasons is the top of the ladder, like Hayama Hayato and the one with the least is the one to be despised and hated and berated and insulted. But when someone from the lower class gets attention, it irks many. So thus when a loner like me is showered with unwanted attention instead of feeling great it makes me feel anxious. And being anxious is something I hate.
"Hikigaya be quick the "
Having being asked another time, I started walking towards her, as I didn't wish to take any more risks with her. As no one knows when I would receive the ultimate fist or the infinite bullet fist. While going to her I was shown the way by all the eyes available to me. I like it how you all are trying to help me, but it's awkward.
"Ah Hikigaya I have something for you to do"
"Yes?" I answered her with a question as I was literally confused.
"Oh nothing much just little bit of noting down names from the lottery and pairing them"
Eh? Isn't this the kind of job the class rep is responsible for? So why is she asking for me to do it?
"Umm Sensei you could have asked Class-Rep or someone elseone-word"
I whispered as I didn't want for others to hear. No one likes to be given any work and so I didn't want them to misunderstand me that I was trying to shirk the work I was being given now. Really I am not.
"Yeah it could be given to others but I wanted you to do it, "
"Eh?" I couldn't understand her reasoning behind something like that.
"I wanted for my favourite student to do something for me for one last time"
"Oh is that so"
I didn't understand her absurd reason for doing something like this. And if being her favourite entitles one to work for her, I would like to pass this title to someone else. Though my face was saying otherwise, as I was red due what she had just said not long before. Stop blushing you dimwit Hachiman.
,
"Ok, Hikigaya let's start."
She said this after handing me 2 sheets one with the names of the student and others with the numbers from 1-15 with boxes adjacent to each number. Maybe these boxes are for writing the names of students with the same number.
"Ok everyone listen. In this jar, there are 30 chits with numbers 1-15. Each number having 2 chits, so as you may have guessed the ones with same numbers will be the pairs for the upcoming assignments and you can't change your partners, "
It was as I had guessed. A simple task that I have been asked to do but the eyes that are boring a hole into me are making me uncomfortable. I would love to get done with this as soon as possible.
"Ok I will call you all by your first names so come and take out a chit and tell the number you get on your chit to himhas"
Simple and easy guidelines to understand were given to the class. Were these really the work of this Anime freak of old ages? I was proved wrong once again that one should not judge someone based on their antics and whims alone.
"I will start now. Akira Toriyama[Pun intented]"
Oh, so this Megane-kun's name was that. I don't know why but I am having an urge to hug him by just knowing his name. It's like a super feel is being created inside me and it will burst open any moment.
"1" He hands me the chit and tells me the number of it which was written in big font. I don't know why but I agree too that this number suits him perfectly.
Just like this, others name were called and now it was my turn. I took a chit which I thought was lucky and will give me a good partner. The number that I drew was 15.
Next person that came after me was none other than Hayama Hayato. As he stood up everyone started to pray that the number he gets matches with theirs. And girls were eyeing with a far look lusting for him. I don't know what's so special about him. He is just rich, a little handsome, good grades, good athlete, like by teachers and is mannered (fake ones though). Oh wait what the hell is wrong with him, how can someone like him even exist? Now my hate towards him upgraded to new heights after adding his near perfect raijuu specs.
"7. Hikigaya-kun thanks."
He read the number on his chit before handling it to me and said thank you. So he says my correct name in teacher's presence too. Not that it matters. And what's with his number 7, he is lucky even here.
Everyone else came and got their chits and gave it to me note them down. Ebina-san got 3 and so did Tobe-the ditzy blonde. When he finds this, he will think this is some kind of destiny crap. And by some chance, he comes to me asking for help he will get a finger.
Yamato the indecisive dimwit got a 5, Ooka, the virgin fence-sitter got a 6, now they need only a 4 and they will have a straight of Raijuus.
Then there was a person named Mashashi Kishimoto with number 2. Seeing him, I felt like that he could walk on water and he seemed to give the same feeling as that megane guy.
But the one person who I wanted to partner with was so close yet so far as he had the number 14. Totsuka Saika cheerfully gave me his number chit and went to the seat. Then there was a blue demon after him with number 10.
We were down to last two names and thus last two chits. It was now Yuigahama's turn and I was intrigued to see if they had gotten a straight or not. She placed her hand in the jar and took one chit out. She opened it slowly and called out the number..
"14" Curses, my precious. You took my precious place and my precious Totsuka from me, Hikki[LOTR]. I will remember this Yuigahama, Hikki.
"Hikki why are you looking like I did something bad to you?"
You did do something. But the place is not right there are too many eyes to do anything here.
"Nothing much you just got lucky with partners"
"Oh is it that. Then it's good."
Not for me though. I don't know why I am so unlucky. But it's good that I am not paired with Tobe or Hayama or Sagami for the matter of fact so it's not that bad.
"Yumiko Muira"
Ah yeah, she is the last person on the list and there is only one chit that is remaining in the lot. As she came she also gathered almost the same amount of attention as did Hayama. But with each step of her, I was feeling some kind of danger dawning on me. It's like that I should stop her from doing what she was about to do. I just don't want her to take the chit. There must be a serious reason for which my Hikki senses are twitching so badly.
"15" Ah 15 it is. Wait a minute did she just say 15? Let me see if by mistake she read it correct or not. Ah yes 15 it is. Oh, she was right, but why? Why must it be her or all the people? Hayama and Tobe were much better than the Queen herself. Why must I get her as my partner? Sweat drips from my face because of the fear of the monster called Fire Queen by her peers that I will have to face soon.
"Hikigaya start forming the pairs by the list and that will be all"
I wanted that it was all just that. But after the list is complete the path for my destruction will be set. Keeping these thoughts in check I formed the list of the pairs and a pair where one partner was soon to be declared a dead corpse was there too. After completing the so-called list of horror my work was finished. I handed the list to her to check for any corrections. I wanted to exchange myself with Yuigahama for a moment there but the fear of other single woman came to my mind and I had retracted my steps.
She ogled the list for sometimes before something caught her interest and she went in deep thinking for a while. I don't know if she has a habit of doing these things or not but she should stop it. If she does these things while checking the menu at her date I would also be repulsed for a moment.
"Ah, this is going to be interesting to see. Nice one Hikigaya"
"?" What does she mean? I was confused by her statement but that confusion ceased as soon as I remembered the one I am paired with. So that was the reason she went blank there. Was she imagining how will Muira torture me? And maybe she needs new weapons and tricks against me for future battles we will come to fight against each other.
"Hikigaya thanks for your work. And I hope you will have a great assignment to submit."
Busybody. She won't stop interfering with me will she? Am I a new breed of "Homo Sapiens" that is too interesting to ignore? Oh, wait if I was that kind of character I would have people flocking to me. Stupid Hachiman. Better get seated before I get someone else interested in me.
"With this the pairs have been decided and I would announce the pairings now."
Everyone pulled their backs straight and waited in anticipation for their partners to be named.
"1. Akira Toriyama and ….."
As the pairs were being announced there were some who were happy and some who were sad as the ones they wanted to be with was snatched away by someone else. And then there was Tobe who was on cloud 9 and he had a smile as wide as Yo mama's ass or maybe not. Hayama also felt relieved as his partner was non-other than the Class Rep and he was saved from pairing with any girls. Hayama would have been wishing for that as well and I think it is for the best as that girl would have broken from the pressure created by Muira if she ever tried to lay any hands on him.
"14. Yuigahama Yui and Totsuka Saika"
When the said pair was announced I winced in pain as my special and precious Totsuka was stolen from me. This is worse than Netore. As we weren't even a couple and she had pulled him away from me before that was even realised.
"And the last one is 15-"
I didn't want to hear it, I would rather have been absent today but I would have heard from my cute little demon to the world's end. I waited for the words that were going to give me some frightful nights.
"- Yumiko Muira and Hikigaya Hachiman"
The class went silent for a few moments before they all started whispering something within them. But what they didn't know was that I had maxed my hearing skills not long before and I could hear what they were talking as clear as crystal. I think it was jade.
"Too bad for Muira-san"
"Yeah I would have cried if it was me in her place"
"Yeah I would have too totally"
For the fact of the matter, I was also crying here internally. As much as you all may despise it, I despise this pairing more than anyone else. If I was given a choice I would do it all by myself. Oh, wait that is a good idea I should ask her if she would allow me to do all of it by myself. But that was a mistake, as I looked towards her I could see her staring me with so much anger and wrath that she would throw me into the fire if she was allowed to do it. Luckily there were laws against it and any kind of violence is not allowed otherwise I would have been sent to the hospital once again. I threw my gaze at her other partner removing my gaze from Muira and I saw that person with eyes which were filled with sympathy for me or were they the ones of wariness? Yuigahama you don't have to worry about Muira rather you should try to keep her in check before I am found to be dead.
"Ok class these all are pairings and once again I will tell you guys that you can't change your partners. In future, you all will have to face these kinds of situations where you will not have your way and you will be forced to and need to work according to the circumstances. So you should start getting accustomed to this now before it's too late. So let's start the class now."
After that there was no discussion about the pairings and soon lunch came. I wanted to run away but Yuigahama came running to me, not literally running. It was just that I couldn't get away before she came to my seat. I didn't want to talk her about what she was thinking.
"Hikki,…., looks like you will have it a little tough for few days, hehe" I know right. And you shouldn't laugh at others misery.
I give a nod and a sigh which I have been holding for all the time.
"I know. I just hope I remain unscathed and mentally fit after everything."
"Hey she is not some kind of animal" For you she isn't but she does treat me like a stray.
"OK will see you later I need some alone time"
"Yeah see you"
With that, I gave her a wave and I went to the canteen to buy some bread and my heavenly drink named Max Coffee. With everything on me, I went to my favourite spot. Due to our school being near to the ocean it is not that cold. I do think it is because of that, as said by our science teacher. Whatever I don't care much about that other than this spot receives a good amount of sunlight during winters which makes it a very comfortable and peaceful place. Just perfect for someone like me a loner.
With everything that went in the class, this moment is the most peaceful of all that I will be enjoying for next few days. From tomorrow on and maybe even today I will have to face the glares of another queen which will make it hard to breadth in her presence as she is always ready to burn everything. Thinking like this makes Yukinoshita even scarier since she is the one who made Muira cry twice. Damn I need to be more careful with her now otherwise her next victim will be me and when I am on it I will give a warning to Yuigahama to be careful handling her in future.
I have never have had a proper conversation with Muira so it's like that we are complete strangers to each other. What I know about her are that she is beautiful and one of the most famous girls in the school, likes Hayama and turns a maiden for him(ugggh), is kind to ones she cares for like Ebina and last but not the least which is that she treats me like some trash, creep and someone not worthy of being near her. Oh, wait I think that every girl thinks like that so her treatment is just much more intense than others. I believe that she doesn't even care what I think about her. I may be as insignificant as a firefly to her and that also because of my association with service club and Yuigahama otherwise she may have never even given me a second of her time.
Though with this situation she may be sadder compared to me as not only she wasn't able to partner with her prince now she have to deal with me. I pity her for that and I disgust myself for feeling that.
Lunch is about to end and so is my Max Coffee. Taking the last sip from it and trashing the waste in the bin I go to the path of my destruction by the hands of Muira. My aim ultimately is that I survive the destruction.
Entering into the class I was gazed by the eyes that were filled with curiosity, not for me but the one who will be facing the wrath of their Queen. Ignoring them I sat at my seat and as I did I felt a killing intent that I had never had felt before in my life and as expected it was from the direction of the one that should not be named at least for few days.
I just gave my head a jerk so as to look like I had got some sprain in the neck and wasn't looking at someone specific, especially one with the golden locks. After doing some head rotating exercises I turned to face forward and went to sleep or pretended as if I was sleeping. At least it was better than facing Muira or being the centre of the class.
Not long before the class started and I had a feeling of ease because of being able to relax once more.
The classes ended at their usual time, but for the first time, I didn't want them to end. I know I like to do nothing but the classes were at least better than to face Muira when she was like this angry. Even when she was normal it was hard to talk so her being like this is even more difficult. I look into her direction to have the talk we should have done long ago and I saw a pink head nodding furiously to the words of Muira which I was not able to hear from my spot. It looked like a master giving commands to her dog.
Yuigahama after showing her thumps up to Muira with a smiling face came towards me. Maybe those orders were for me and not her and she was just a middleman to pass them on to me.
"Hikki Muira is saying that she needs to take care of few things and needs time for that. So she would meet you in an hour at the library. So you should go there to meet her."
As I thought Muira was the master and I was the dog now. I looked at her and she was looking at me to show her superiority and that I had no other choice. So I complied with her request or order and nodded to her. With something like an 'Hmph' she went outside the class to do her work that she had to do. As I looked around I could see everyone talking with their friends about whom they got as a partner and the likes and some were already discussing their topics that they were going to submit. But I had someone who was in front of me cheerfully smiling for no reason and I don't know if she would even be of any help to her partner. Her partner?
Now I know why she is smiling that brightly. Just being able to be the partner of an angel like Totsuka would have made me jump and do something like crazy so for her, this should be given. Maybe I was showing my anger and annoyance at the reality as Yuigahama was looking with a face like that of a scarred puppy.
"Ah sorry. What were you saying" I really was sorry. It was not her mistake so I had no right to treat her like that.
"I was saying let's go to club together."
"Ah, ok let's go" It would be better this way. I can get an upgrade on my defence against insults and glares from Yukinoshita so I will get less damage when I meet with Muira. And I could also ask for the permission to skip the club too for few days. As I started on my way with Yuigahama from my hindsight I could see a girl with blue hairs looking at me but since it couldn't obviously be me so I ignored it.
The walk to the club was not so silent. As I had expected from Yuigahama she has topics that were inexhaustible so she could talk non-stop and carry on a conversation to no end. And today's topics were about Totsuka so I also got interested in it and for the first time I enjoyed the walk to the club.
"Hikki you are too talkative whenever it's about Totsuka"
"Yeah he is just great isn't he?"
"Aa… Yeah he is. "So great that I would exchange places with him"Really"
She mumbled something before finishing her sentence. And since we were at the door of the club we had to stop the talk about Totsuka which I hated but I couldn't do anything about that.
For last few days there have been things I wanted not to end even though I don't like them usually but I couldn't do anything to let them continue. And I can't do anything about that too so better get a seat and upgrade few of my skills from Hachiman skill set of 108.
I open the door and as I see it every day a beautiful girl seating in elegant posture reading a book and giving an air of a lady of some high class society is shown in front of me. But that is something which would be the words of someone who doesn't know the real Yukinoshita. She is scary as hell, Cold as Hell and throws insults at a hellish rate. She can be termed as hell in beauty. And before I get frozen to sub-zero temperatures I should greet her.
"Yo" with my most famous one word greeting I entered the room.
"Yahallo Yukinon" And she goes running to her Yuri ship partner.
"Good afternoon Hikigaya-kun, Yuigahama-san. I shall brew the tea now."
She stood up and started to make the tea. She may be a cold beauty but she is amazing at cooking. Almost perfect to the point that I may confuse it if her cooking is made by chef or not if not she prepares herself in front of me. Even though all I have ever eaten or drunk of Yukinoshita's hand cooking are different types of cookies and tea.
She pours me tea in my pansan cup and shares some of the cookies with me. I take a few and bite at them. Delicious as usual and perfectly baked too. I can't find a single fault in them and even if did I won't have any guts to bring her to notice. I thank her for her courtesy and we all go back to our usual routine.
After 10 minutes a knock is heard at the door. Oh looks like we may have a customer. And thinking about what it maybe about I was reminded of the recent assignment. And I groaned back because of it.
"Come in" Yukinoshita gave the call to enter the dungeon.
"Yahallo Yui-senpai, Yukinoshita-senpai and senpai"
Why do I get only senpai? Is my name so bad that you can't even say it? Or do you feel repulsed by it? I hope not as I would have to find someone and marry her soon so that I could change my name soon. Oh but that will be too hard so I will let it slide.
"Yo" I give a weak response to her silly greeting which is famous for no reason and then go back to my reading.
"Yahallo Iroha-chan"
"Good-afternoon Isshiki-san"
They both also gave their reply. And went back to their work while keeping Isshiki in the loop or they were going to do as per the thinking that Isshiki is now a semi-member of the club. But
"Senpai that was so weak of a response. You sound like a dead fish truly. And with your eyes combined it gives the effect of you being dead 10times more"
"Oi, don't just kill someone like that." She smiled a little at that. But I couldn't understand her.
"Ah got something strong out of you at last. Looks like you were really alive"
This fox. She was just making fun of me.
I was going to give a retort to her but before I could do such a thing there was another knock on the door.
"Come in." Yukinoshita said that line once again. She must like being the authority here and saying that.
"Hello"
What appeared was an animal with blue characteristics and nervous behaviour. This species is a semi-type of a loner cum delinquent and is rare to find. So if you do find it you gotta catch them all.
"Ah come in"
She came in silently and took a seat infront on Yuigahama and Isshiki also shifter her seat from there to between me and Yuiagahama. And now all the eyes were on the veteran for requests who may have yet another request.
"How can we help you?"
Yukinoshita said that with a kind tone and maybe it was to relax the nervous Kawa-? Ah, wait what was it? Kawa-suki? Man why can't I remember her name? Maybe it will come in the conversation and I will catch it there. But what came was something unexpected.
"I want help from him"
wildarms13: Thanks for support and I think Hachiman will become little badass over the period.
Guest: Thanks for reading. And seeing you read to 7th chapter it was enough for me. And sorry that in my story Hikigaya isn't badass and bitchy for no apparent reason, he isn't betrayed for no apparent reason, he isn't being proposed without any context and most of all he doesn't show his true self to everyone without any reason. He is what I think would have been if the story went on from there on.
Killusion: I am waiting for it too.
NPwall: Thanks.
prietar: I haveroute that may lead to Yuigahama, but don't worry it will surely won't be totsuka other than in his delusions.
