Hello everyone and I'm back with another chapter.
I think I figured a problem that I have with Hachiman in canon story, he is way too passive.
So I'll try to make Hachiman in this story not too passive, he's more defensive with the people that gives him crap. Due to the effects from the things he went through (kind of like pent up anger) and what he'll be facing in the future.
Thank you everyone who are enjoying this story.
Please review and enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 10: Sobu High's White Knight
On any other day, Hachiman would be away from the classroom, having a yakisoba bread outside to enjoy the breeze. However, on a rainy day Hachiman would be forced to remain in the classroom.
It would not be good for him drenching his school uniform, but had he be in his 'other uniform' he would not have an issue.
At his seat Hachiman was having his lunch which consisted of yakisoba bread and coffee packet. Taking a sip of coffee, Hachiman was thinking back on his third outing. "The trade was exposed and the police are digging further in now. Those men and that Daizo guy got caught already. Now the police will be handling everything now. I guess the case is closed for me, the only thing is that I'm not Batman. I don't know why those guys think that I am." Hachiman inside was a little pleased he can rest easy now. However there was something that still lingered in his mind.
"Getting shot at, all those gun fire. Shit." Being in Japan, the closest any citizen would get in seeing a gun is from a police officer, and the next thing would be an air gun. Seeing guns twice in his life, and being at the receiving end of it was an impactful experience. His face slowly formed a scowl of seriousness.
To be encountering a gun in such a horrible way, to be shot at by criminals who would not hesitate. He started to wonder what it would be like to actually shoot a gun. And what would happen if he gets shot at again and the bullet did not miss?
"Body armour? Where the heck am I going to get that? And what kind are we talking about? I don't think bullet proof vests are sold here. Ah I don't know. Stuff like this would cost a bomb, and it's obviously too suspicious in getting one. And I'm betting it's going to be heavy as hell." Hachiman continued eating his bread. "I mean it's not like any Japanese here will have a gun, but it would be nice to have a bit of some protection in a fight I guess. Maybe some guards on the joints, like elbow, knees and shoulders-"
"Come on Hayato." His thoughts were abruptly halted when he heard a feminine voice and his attention was brought to the other end of the class room. The 'Popular Group' were conversing loudly and lively as always, with Miura Yumiko and Hayama Hayato being in the centre of it all. In addition, Yuigahama Yui was standing at their side.
"I can't today. I got to go to my club." Hayato said with his charming tone.
"Come on, it's just one day." Yumiko said to him with her pompous tone. "41 got a deal on double scoops. I want one with chocolate and chocolat!"
"That's like two scoops of chocolate." Hayato had his bright smile.
"No way. They're like totally different. I'm like totally hungry." Yumiko ran a hand through her hair. "Can't you just go there yourself?" Hachiman was eyeballing them without their notice.
"Sorry, but I have to pass today. And you are going to regret it I you eat too much Yumiko." Hayato said to her. "I don't gain anything no matter how much I eat." Yumiko said with her proud manner again.
And Yui came in to add the supposed praising. "Yeah Yumiko. You're like, totally beautiful." Yumiko seemed pleased to be showered with praising comments. "And your legs are like so pretty. But anyway I need to-"
"But don't you think Yukinoshita-san or whatever is also pretty too?" Yumiko interrupted her. "Why bring her up out of nowhere?" Hachiman thought overhearing the crowd.
Yui said, "Well yeah I guess Yukinon's pretty-"
"Yukinon?" The blonde girl turned to the pink haired girl. Hachiman saw the slip up.
"But you're like, totally more gorgeous." Yui tried to cover her previous statement, but Yumiko gave her a questioning look.
"Well, I guess its fine, I can go if it's after I'm done with the club." Hayato then said. "Okay Hayato, text me kay?" Yumiko responded.
Hachiman continuing to observe them, saw Yui had a bag of food behind her back which he assumed was her homemade cookies. "She's going to have lunch with Yukinoshita eh?"
Yui then said to them. "I need to go somewhere for lunch, so…"
"Oh really? Could you get me lemon tea? I forgot to bring a drink today." Yumiko said to her.
"B-But I won't be back until the fifth period, so…uh… I'll be gone all lunch, I-I'm not sure if I got the time." Yui stammered. Yumiko started to eye her with a certain suspicion. "You've not been hanging out with us lately."
Yui said with her timid tone. "It's just that I got something I need to do, sorry."
Yumiko cut in, a finger tapping on the table, "I don't get it. Spit it out already. We're friends right?"
"Sorry."
"I'm not asking for a sorry here. You got something to say right?" Yumiko was having a demanding tone already. Observing this Hachiman looked around the classroom, seeing everyone was noticing Yui being in a pinch, and they're not doing anything about it. Apathy.
Hachiman was not one whose stomach would get twisted when he sees a girl that was going to cry. However, there was something in him that made him irritated by this and wanted to help Yui. A Hero's Instinct perhaps, or perhaps it's an effect from something else inside him.
Plus, she gave him the information on the Fauna Foster Store. If it wasn't for her, he would not be able to stop those criminals from Gotham in Chiba.
He owed her that much at least.
"Listen Yui, I'm saying this for your sake but people who cannot say things straight ticks me off." Yumiko said, Yui lowered her head with her fringe shading her eyes.
Hachiman then stood up from his seat. "Hey that's-"
"Shut up!" Hachiman was interrupted by Yumiko, sending him a glare, resembling like a snake with venom rich in the stare.
It would send any other student away. But for Hachiman, someone who had seen so much worse, a high school girl's glare did not frightened him at all. Not. One. Bit.
But that did not mean it didn't piss him off at all.
Taking a page when he saw the Batman's glare up close, Hachiman's face formed into a scowl, his eyes narrowed, eyebrows close together, his fringe shading his forehead and eyes, and his frown increased. He made slow and strong steps, his heels striking the floor hard with every step he took, making anyone near feel the impact his feet were making. He made his way towards them, his glare was fixed on Miura Yumiko, and she was losing her grip on her mean face.
Her supposed social superior glare like a snake could not hold up to Hachiman's glare of The Bat, one that was built on raw anger.
"Enough." Hachiman's voice was low and intimidating.
Miura's mean look was starting to break and everyone was starting to get the chills. Yui, seeing Hachiman's eyes was in awe, but also slight trepidation.
"Yuigahama-san" Everyone's attention turned to the door, Hachiman still had his cold look on him. Yukinoshita Yukino was standing at the door, and she didn't seem to be paying attention to Hachiman's look.
"Yuigahama-san, you invited me but then you never came. I believe it's only polite to inform me if you're going to be late." Yukino said to Yui.
Yui went up to her. "Sorry, but I don't know your number."
"Oh? Then I can't say it's your fault. I'll make the exception." Yukino said.
"Hey! We're still talking here!" Yumiko raised her voice, standing up from her seat. Perhaps she wanted to use her 'authority' on someone else if Hachiman was out of the question.
"Talking? Was that what you call a conversation?" Yukino said. "It looked more like forcing your own opinion on someone else."
"Huh?!" Yumiko was taken aback. Hachiman's face did not change among this.
"Sorry I didn't realize it sooner." Yukino was giving off her Ice Queen aura with her arrogant face. "I'm not familiar with how your species are like in the wild, thought you were a troglodyte making threats."
Yukino continued, "Playing High Queen and feigning superiority is well and good, but do it in your scent marked territory. The act comes off just as quick as your make up." She flipped strands of hair over her shoulder.
"Playing High Queen and feigning superiority. You off all people saying that, sure." Hachiman thought with his cynical mind, standing in a position almost in the middle between the two, but they weren't paying attention to him.
"Huh?! What are you talking about? That like totally make no sense." Yumiko retorted at Yukino.
"Now, now." Hayama Hayato stepped in now. "Yukinoshita-san, I think that's enough." He said to the Ice Queen, his charming smile intact as always. Yukino made a hmpf turning her head away and did not say anymore.
"You also ok? Yumiko." He smiled at the Fire Queen as well. "Hmpf." She sat back down biting her nail. Yukinoshita said to Yui, "I'll be waiting for you." And she took her leave.
Hayato then turned his head to Hachiman, giving off his charming smile once more to him. "You too Hikigaya-kun."
However, his smile did not work on him. Thus Hikigaya Hachiman's scowl did not disappear.
"Oh yeah. Hayama Hayato, such a good guy. Everyone's White Knight. Coming in to save the day. The hero of hour right?" Hachiman said, his narrowed eyes fixed on Hayato, and he was slightly taken aback. Hearing Hachiman, Yukinoshita outside the classroom had a slightly surprised expression.
Hachiman stepped forward, staring right at the blonde boy. "Spare me the heroics. If you really wanted me to be convinced that you cared, you wouldn't have stood by while one of your supposed friend talk down on another. So why step in now huh? Because everyone is watching now? What are you playing at here then?"
The class soon started to empty, other students made up excuses that they had to get a drink or go to the bathroom, the soft whispers of 'scary' could be heard. Leaving Hachiman, Yui and the 'in crowd' to remain in the classroom. Hachiman's gaze on Hayama did not change.
Hayama then said. "I-Eh You're right I should have helped earlier. I sh-"
"Save it. I don't give a shit about your false hero act. You can go stay as the eye candy on the side for all I care." Hachiman turned around and walked away, having the last say and preventing any retort from popular group from occurring, especially Yumiko whose face was fuming.
Walking past Yui, he heard her whispering. "Thanks Hikki, for standing up for me."
"Uhuh." He gave a monotone response, leaving the classroom. Turning to his right, Yukinoshita was waiting outside the classroom. He moved past Yukino moving slightly further away from the classroom.
"So why are you still here?" Hachiman asked, turning his head around over his shoulder to face her.
"You were in the classroom. I do believe I have made the reason clear. Or is it that you are completely incapable of hearing details and the signals in your brain are all twisted up?" Yukinoshita said to him.
"I'm asking why you're not waiting in the clubroom, seems like it's your lunchroom now along with hers." Hachiman responded, hiding his irritation.
Yukino did not answer, her eyes were on the classroom door.
Hachiman started to hear the voices in the classroom, particularly Yui's and Yumiko's.
"Sorry. I've got this thing where, like I have to run with the pack. Doing what everyone wants me to, I've always been kind of like that. Whenever I played house I wanted to be the mother, but then other girls want to as well so I'll play the dog."
"Whatever you are saying, I don't get it at all." Yumiko said while she was on her phone.
"Yeah I know right? I don't really what I'm saying either. But after meeting Hikki and Yukinon…They say what they really mean, they do not force themselves to do what other people want. It sort of worked for me."
Outside the classroom, Yukinon was listening in on what Yui was saying. Hachiman did not really care that much standing a little further down, but the curiosity was tempting. He heard Yui's voice once more. "I mean Hikki is totally Hikki right? Like, he may look scary a lot of times. But that's Hikki, he's actually a nice guy."
"So even you have that scary face of yours in class, I thought you'd keep it in the clubroom." Yukinoshita said to Hachiman. The male student talked back. "And even you feign your superiority outside of the clubroom, 'High Queen'." The frowning Yukino was about to crush that remark until she heard Yui.
"So…uh…It's not like I don't like you Yumiko-san, so I hope we can still be friends?"
"Oh, really? Well, whatever then." He heard Yumiko's response. Hachiman noticed Yukinoshita being satisfied at the result. "See? You can stand up for yourself."
Hachiman stopped looking over his shoulder and was eyeing the corridor's exit stairwell. Hachiman said as he made his silent footsteps. "Really? I wonder though, why did you let Hayama silence you earlier then?"
Cold aura emitted around Yukino. "I do not think you are in any position to-" As she turned to face him, he was gone. "How did he-"
The sliding door opened, and out came Yui, only to see Yukino standing right outside the classroom. "Eh? Eh?! Yukinon! You're right outside?! Did you hear all that?!"
Yukinon with reddened cheeks tried to answer. "N-No I didn't-"
"You spied on me?! Why?! Why would you do that?! I thought you were going to wait in the clubroom!" Yui whined.
Through the embarrassment, for some reason Yukino was thinking of all sorts of ways of killing Hachiman in her mind.
Reaching the ground floor, Hachiman with hands in his pockets was walking down the hallway. Lunch break was about to end soon but the heat in the classroom was still there. He was really not in a good mood at the moment. Miura telling him to shut up right out of nowhere ticked him off, but then again looking so scary in the class. "Dammit, why the hell did you do that? Hayato will become out the White Knight and you stay the scary one. Yeah, what else is new?"
Suddenly he heard the sound of footsteps behind him. And they sounded big, but it didn't sound forcefully hard, more like it had a natural weight to it. Hachiman quickly turned with a defensive position to face who was coming up to him.
"Ah! Ha, ha ha! It seems that you have a superb sense of detection as well, as expected Hikigaya Hachiman!" A cubby male student whose hair was in a ponytail and wearing a brown coat. His hands were on his hips and he laughed in an unnatural way. "I have found you, my comrade in the battlefield!" His brown coat fluttered, he posed with an imaginary katana in his hands.
Seeing who it was, Hachiman got off his defensive posture. He knew who this was, his gym partner or rather his gym burden.
Zaimokuza Yoshiteru.
"What is it Zaimokuza?" Hachiman with a monotone voice. "Ah Ha Ha Ha! Straight to the point as always Hikigaya Hachiman, my comrade." Yoshiteru said, giving more of his theatrics.
Hachiman knew that Yoshiteru was not someone he should get aggressive with, but he really wanted to be alone now after his ordeal in the classroom.
As politely as he could, Hachiman said, "Zaimokuza, what do you need? Class is going to be starting really soon."
"Ah right. I would have asked the Service Club after school. But as I have found you already." Zaimokuza reached into his bag and pulled out a thick stack of papers, held together by an office clip. He handed it to Hachiman and he flipped through the pages.
"Holy Sword School Series? Nightmare Nightmare? A script for a novel?" Hachiman asked
"Indeed. It's a manuscript for a light novel. I'm planning to enter a contest for new authors. But then I got no friends to have opinions on my work. Please read this." Yoshiteru said.
"There are websites where you put this up and get reviews, can't you just do that?" Hachiman raised an eyebrow.
"I can't do that. They have no mercy. If they condemn it, I may die."
"What makes you think I have mercy or that I won't condemn it? If I see something that I think it's garbage, I'm not going to call it art. Besides, 'they' are people that you don't really know, why are you so weak to this?"
"Be that as it may, please read it. I would like to know someone else's opinion."
Hachiman sighed, "Ok, ok I'll take a look at it."
Yoshiteru nodded, "Thank you." He turned around and his brown coat fluttered once more. "Farewell."
Back at the classroom, the tension had subsided. Hachiman back in his seat was listening to the lesson while flipping through the pages and quickly browsing through the script.
"Second year student. Blah, blah and blah. The chosen one to wield the holy sword. Blah, blah, blah. Must defeat the empire from hell? Not just the chosen one. Blah, blah, blah. One of you must do this….Huh? What the hell is this?" Hachiman went straight for the final page seeing the ending. "Ohhh, this guy's copying from those movies, merging it and putting it in a high school setting." He quickly dismissed the script and got back to listening the lesson.
Out of school, Hachiman was at the shopping centre. At the sports department, Hachiman was taking a look at the knee guards available, particularly the ones in black. Holding a pair in his hand, he was testing the weight and the hardness. And then he saw the price. "Hmm, it's not as expensive as I thought, but still. I wonder if I can attach it to the pants. And add a bit of red on it."
Deciding to buy one pair of guards for now, he made his way to the counter. As he got into the line, he wondered.
"Those guys with guns, in a way they have their own projectiles. Hmm, so should I have my own? But what?" Remembering his encounter with the Batman, he had a projectile of his own of some sort. "That thing he threw, like a boomerang and like a bat….Batarang? Hah, then what is my throwing weapon? Hachirang? 8rang...stupid."
"Ne, Hayato." Hachiman turned his head to see Muira Yumiko and Hayama Hayato entering the sports department. "That ice cream from 41 was so good right Hayato?" She said having a dreamy expression while leaning on Hayato's side as they walked. Hayama simply let out his trademark chuckle and smile.
Hoping they wouldn't notice him, Hachiman kept his eyes on them while moving up the line, they were making their way towards him.
"Hayato, the tennis rackets should be-"Yumiko stopped when she finally saw the male student in the line. "Huh?! Why is Hikio doing here?" She looked surprised and also having a slight sour face.
"Who the hell is Hikio?" Hachiman thought but remained composed. "What? I cannot be here?" He asked.
"Huh? Gross." She crossed her arms.
His eyes narrowed at that, but decided letting it go and focused on the que, seeing how their conversation was attracting the other shoppers' attention.
"Hey, now, now no need to get confrontational." Hayato doused the flames the Fire Queen was giving. "Hikigaya-kun, you are getting knee pads?" He saw the items in Hikigaya's hands. Deciding to just go along with the conversation, Hachiman said. "Yeah, it's for uh when I'm cycling."
"I see. Well Yumiko wants to check out the tennis rackets." Hayato pointed at the tennis section. "Ne, Hayato lets go already." Yumiko said, pulling his sleeve.
"Well, we'll take our leave. Goodbye Hikigaya-kun." Hayato said with a smile, Hachiman gave the courtesy farewell too.
Yumiko however, did not even wish him goodbye and carried on to the tennis section, not that it bothered Hachiman.
Out of the sports department, Hachiman placed the black knee pads into his bags, which contained his school work, and also half of his 'other uniform', particularly his mask, gloves and long coat. His other apparels were too big to fit everything inside. Just in case there was a need for it, for whatever occasion requiring the 'other guy'. He quickly zipped up his bag before any passer-by could catch a glimpse of what was inside. "Well I guess that's another piece of the suit now."
To those that feel that I have completely skipped out on Zaimokuza's part, apologies. I just feel that specific part of the canon story just did not really add anything to the plot. Just one very minor side character asking for the Service Club's opinion on his story and get destroyed by Yukino.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, hope to see you in the next.