As Expected He Was More Warped Than Most
Hachiman sat in front of the only person in all of Sobu that he socialized with intentionally. He wasn't sure why Zaimokuza Yoshiteru called him to the Library but he was more than likely about to find out. The other boy was reading what appeared to be a Light Novel. Hachiman payed little attention to the title because if Zaimokuza found it interesting enough he would lend it to Hachiman later. The library was quiet, the librarian reading a book of his own in his desk near the entrance. A lone girl at the front of the room placing some books in the shelf in front of her. Hachiman and Zaimokuza were sitting at the back. One eating lunch while the other reading a book. A bag next to Zaimokuza containing a couple of manga and Light Novels, and even one of Zaimokuzas' own 'original' work. Hachiman finished reading those and was returning them. Zaimokuza always asks him of his opinion on those 'original' works. Yet he had yet to do that this time.
"So partner. How's it going lately?" Zaimokuza asks him. He swallowed the chewed food then drank a little bit of water to help it digest quicker.
"Same as usual." he answered the unusual question coming from the fat boy. "You?"
"Same as usual." Zaimokuza answers without looking up from his Light Novel.
This was how their conversation usually went when no one was around or listening. Despite how Zaimokuza behaved with others his chuuni antics were rather tamed when the two were by themselves. Hachiman never asks why that was. If anything, it only reminded Hachiman that everyone has a different mask for certain individuals. While he does understand why some people do this, unfortunately he never managed to fully grasp that 'why'. Wouldn't conflicts be brought to light and be resolved quicker if people were honest with themselves?
"Kotomine-san."
His musing stops, he looks at Zaimokuza who rarely address' Hachiman with that name. It was always either ''Partner'' or ''Hachiman''. One time even ''The God of War numbed from witnessing countless tragedies''. Zaimokuza was properly admonished for that last one.
"I had done something cruel recently." now Hachiman was a little intrigued. "However I do not regret it. Does that make me a bad person?" Hachiman was definitely intrigued now.
"...It is not my place to judge. Be it good or bad, every action taken has a consequence of its own. If you question yourself for your actions then it is undoubtedly a part the consequence of said action." Hachiman puts down the Yakisoba Bread he had on the table. It was a simple question with a not so obvious answer "But if you were to not second guess, then I can only assume you believe your deeds to be justified maybe even necessary. So no, I do not believe you are irregardless of what others may believe."
"I see..." Zaimokuza places the book down slowly and gave Hachiman a stare that resembled his own. So that's why people are unnerved by him sometimes. They had known each other since first year and they still learned more of each other on these rare occasions. Zaimokuzas' eyes closed and his head lowered slightly, giving Hachiman a light bow. "Thank you for your answer."
'Even if it's morally wrong.'
Hachiman nodded in response and they returned to what they were doing. The tense air surrounding them seemed to fade rapidly and by the time it was gone Zaimokuza asked Hachiman about the novel he wrote. Hachiman only said one thing.
"I can name both the works and their writers that you ripped off."
"GRRK!"
A few minutes later Hachiman was done with his lunch and stood up, bidding Zaimokuza farewell he turned to make his way towards the exit. He perked up and instinct or not, something made him rush forward a little with his arms raised.
*CRASH*
The sound of metal and plastic falling on the floor resonates throughout the quiet room. The librarian hastily stands to inspect the cause of the noise and Zaimokuza rushes out from where he was to do the same. The librarian was unsure of what to do and Zaimokuza falls on all fours, mumbling about betrayal and sobbing comically. Hachiman looks at the girl in his arms. Two braids of slightly brownish hair on each side and a surprisingly thin frame, her soft features scrunched up tight to brace for impact with the cold hard floor beneath them. He recognized this girl, she is the current Student Council President of Sobu, Shiromeguri Meguri. Looking at her up close he felt like she reminded him of someone. He could not fathom who it was.
"Are you unhurt?" a common question to ask someone that almost got hurt, it felt as redundant as it sounds. The girl in his arms opens her eyes, as if just realizing she didn't receive a nasty fall. He puts her down on her feet next to the fallen chair she was previously using to reach the higher shelves. She stands straight but doesn't answer him right away. Looks like she is still a little dazed by the rapid change of events that felt straight out of a shoujo manga or his eyes had scared her into silence. Her innocent eyes had been locked onto his for several seconds.
"A-ah! Yes I am! Thank you." she stammers when she realized she stared at him too long. Slightly embarrassed. He gives her a nod and makes his leave. Not noticing the girls gaze linger his way a little longer before pulling the chair up.
Class started not long after, he sees Yuigahama come in about a minute after the teacher entered the room. She had been having lunch with Yukinoshita lately. It seemed despite Yukinishitas' attitude problem she managed to make a friend. The nicest in the school manages to make a friend out of the otherwise rudest person in school. As if that happens everyday. Sometimes Hachiman wondered why real life had so many similarities to anime and manga. He didn't hear from Hiratsuka after that day. A part of him was glad, he'd rather avoid that can of worms. Even though at this point, its only a matter of time till she tries to 'help' him by contacting his 'family' and finds out that he has nothing of the sort. He knew she only wanted to help, but for now that help would only do more harm than good.
'Rather not end up in another orphanage.' the chances of that happening was slim but still there. He would likely lose his job and according to his false birth certificate he would be 18 in a few more months. So he would get kicked out of the orphanage soon after joining as well. Truly a difficult circumstance. And this time, that man won't be there to help.
He looked to his right where Totsuka was sitting. He(?) seemed focused on what the teacher was saying. For good reasons too. First term exams were only a month away. Any student in their right mind would focus on their studies unless more pressing matters were at hand. A quick glance behind him showed that not everyone had the same thought process though. Hayamas' clique was messing around in secret. Hayama himself looked like he was paying attention. When the chain mails stopped yesterday the blonde was ecstatic. If the speech about ;friendship and standing by his friends no matter what the false rumors said; had indicated anything it was that Hayama truly cared for his 'friends'. Admirable and it seemed to land the final blow to the chain mail perpetrator as the mails stopped then and there.
He suddenly remembers what Zaimokuza said earlier. He couldn't help but wonder what someone like Zaimokuza would do that he would consider cruel. The bell rings, classes were over. He puts his books back in his bag. A hand goes up behind his head and almost instantly after he felt Yuigahamas' bag hit it. The blow was absorbed and the dull ache from that hand was quick to disappear.
'To think I would make such a stupid mistake... This is a disaster.' Hachiman eyes the empty pen in his palm. Halfway while doing his homework the ink had run out. He should have noticed it sooner, he had been using this pen for quite some time now. Yukinoshita was reading her book and Yuigahama was fiddling on her phone. He didn't want to ask either of them. Especially in front of the one girl that would more than likely not let him live it down for a while. And she was annoying enough as is. He kept staring at the pen, almost as if the pen would magically produce ink if he did.
From afar Yuigahama glanced at Hachiman. Noticing him giving the pen his version of the stink eye and the half written kanji on the paper in front of him she guessed what was wrong. Giving a side glance towards Yukinoshita who seemed to be in her own world Yuigahama wondered if she should offer her own pen to him. Recalling a time in the past when they first met she strengthen her resolve to lend him her pen. It was not a bad memory, if anything it was a slightly embarrassing one. 'Come to think of it, I never did properly thank him for that.'
A rhythmic beeping caught all of their attention. Hachiman stood up, excusing himself and exiting while pulling out his phone. The two girls stared at him, astonished. They couldn't fathom someone actually contacting Hachiman with their phone. Seconds pass, they could see Hachimans' silhouette walking away from the door. Probably to avoid being overheard by them. Who could the caller have been for the normally uncaring Kotomine Hachiman to not want being overheard?
The sliding door opens but it was not their male club mate entering it was the opposite. It was a girl.
"Shiromeguri-senpai." Yukinoshita addressed the girl. Standing up with a slightly distressed expression. "What brings you the Service Club? Is there a problem?"
Her concern was not for whatever request Shiromeguri may have brought to the club but for the Service Club itself. True, she had notified the Student Council that the Service Club had obtained the agreed amount of members along with the paperwork. But trouble comes without warning after all.
"Yukinoshita-san. I've heard of The Service Club changing certain aspects of it and is now accepting a larger variety of requests." Shiromeguri cuts to the chase. "I was wondering if your club would be able to help me with a task."
"Of course Senpai. That is why we are here. Have a seat." Yukinoshita waited for the older girl to sit down on the chair meant for clients then sat down herself. "What would this task be?"
"Oh nothing important. Just some grunt work. I need someone to help us carry some equipment. There is a lot of them so having an extra pair of hands to help." Shiromeguri explains.
"Ah." Yukinoshita smirked. "I have the perfect person." Just as she said that the door slid open and Hachiman entered. He paused midway when he noticed the extra person in the room. "Kotomine-san. Your help is req-."
She stopped midway when she noticed Kotomine walking up and standing next to one confused Shiromeguri Meguri.
"My help is?" he asked Yukinoshita, maintaining his position next to the older girl.
"U-uh yes, Your help is required. Shiromeguri-senpai here needs assistance with some equipment that needs relocating." Yukinoshita finishes. Hachiman nods then turned to Shiromeguri, pushing a single hand forward towards her to grab onto. His action seems to have caught all the girls in the room off guard. Yuigahamas' phone fell from her hand and Yukinoshita watched with her lips slightly ajar. Shiromeguri blushed at him in embarrassment. Butterflies were gliding in her stomach. However-
"You might fall down again." he said. And at that moment Shiromeguris' embarrassed blush turns into an angry flush. But of course considering her physical appearance she only came off as cute at best. That pout was not helping either.
"That only happened once." Shiromeguri grumbles, looking down in shame then sighs. Without realizing it he placed a hand on her head, giving her a light headpat. Her embarrassed blush returns. She stands up, making his hand slide of from her head and walked out with Hachiman following her. Leaving the two stunned girls behind.
"Yu-Yukinon?"
"Yes Yuigahama-san?"
"What just happened?"
"I... do not know."
What to do. What to do.
The call from earlier was from Takeshi. That happens sometimes when Takeshi needed to let his workers know something. He always had this thing about letting them know as personally as the situation would allow so by the time every worker had been alerted at least two hours had passed. As it turned out something came up and they would be closed today meaning he had an extra day off from work. So here he is, standing outside of the school gates for the last ten minutes trying to figure out what to do. Hachiman doesn't usually get any free time and he still had energy to spare for the rest of the day.
"Maybe I should go into the city for a bit." that was an option. He pulls out his wallet to count the money he had on his person. This is definitely not enough for a day out in the city. Reaching inside his shirt for the hidden pocket Hachiman nodded to himself.
Objective Added: Find an ATM booth
Objective Updated: Find something to waste at least four to ten hours on.
He got on his bike and started pedaling. A quick realization hit him when he looked at his arms for a breif second.
Objective Added: Change out of School Uniform.
It would be very suspicious if a student wearing school uniform entered an ATM booth.
The minutes go by as Hachiman lazily pedaled through the empty streets. Typically no one passes a glance at him. About half an hour later he completed half of his objectives. With his wallet now containing twenty eight thousand Yen he looked around to find something to do. He couldn't do much about his uniform so for now he just put away his blazer in his school bag and untucked his t-shirt to make himself more comfortable.
'What now..' Hachiman wondered, looking around him. Nothing of interest caught his attention. With the amount of money he had on him he would be able to do quite a lot by himself. But he was not frivolous with money. He looked around till a Saize restaurant nearby caught his attention.
"Saize serves good food on affordable prices. Most of the food we got here is from Saize."
Satoshi was the one to tell him that a few months ago. During the new years party Takeshis' company hosted. A night he would remember for a long time to come, some of it he could do without though. Being unable to judge for himself due to... reasons, he took the older mans word for it. Not to mention he went to Saize only once as far as he could remember. Hachiman slowly caressed his stomach, suddenly feeling hungry. Might as well get something to eat then. Finding a place to park his bike took a little time.
He placed his order and slowly marched to seek an empty booth. While doing so he noticed something, more specifically someone. It was Totsuka Saika. He was with Yuigahama and Yukinoshita. Sitting with them were three younger kids. Two of whom looked like middle school students and the other a child. He kept walking though, deeming it not being something he needed to be involved in. Besides, they would have invited him if he was needed... Probably.
"Ah! Hachiman!"
He stopped and turned to Totsuka. Totsuka waved at him from where they were and motioned him to come over. He did so with slight hesitation. Yuigahama noticed what Saika did and looked at Hachiman then flinched. One of the younger girls with them looked more shocked than he would have guessed while the other two kids gave him a curious look. Yukinoshita seemed a little troubled because of his presence.
"This is Kotomine Hachiman." Totsuka introduces him to the others. One of the younger girls, the one with the black hair looked disappointed for some reason. "He's also in the same class as Kawasaki-san."
Hachiman raised an eyebrow, why was Kawasaki Saki of all people mentioned. He glanced once at the youngest girl with them right now. She seemed to share some traits with his silver haired classmate. He bowed at them slightly upon introduction. The boy seemed surprised by his gesture and stumbled with his words. He quickly stood up and bowed back.
"M-My name is Kawasaki Taishi! And this is my little sister-" the boy exclaimed, intimidated by Hachiman. But why? Hachiman was sure he didn't do anything- oh wait.
Hachiman realized his posture was straightened. Some people tended to get overwhelmed by him when he did that and his dead fish eyes only amplified how threatening he looked. Unfortunately it was a habit he developed while working so that his coworkers did not second guess his age.
"I'm Keika! Nice to meet chu Ha-chan!" the little girl was the next to introduce herself. At first Hachiman was about to admonish her for it but let it slide. Children were never able to understand it. However, he noticed that she didn't seem bothered by his straight posture and dead fish eye combo.
The other girl broke out of her daze and introduced herself. "I'm Hikigaya Komachi." she gave him a look, waiting for a response. He gave none out of the ordinary. She looked disappointed again.
"Why did you call me here?" Hachiman asks Totsuka.
"Taishi-kun here has a request for the service club. Since you're a member of the Service Club I thought you should hear it too." Totsuka explains, a sound reason. However school hours were over and Hachiman didn't-
"That is unnecessary Totsuka-san." Yukinoshita interrupts his thoughts. "I-I mean this is outside of school hours. His help is not mandatory."
'Oh? So the ice queen doesn't want me here. Why would that be?' Never mind Hachiman wanted to join after all. "Our new request requirements is anything that helps Sobu Highs students right? Then I should be here as well." That slightly annoyed looked she gave him at that moment made coming here worth it. Even if his meal would be enjoyed less than it already was going to be.
Keika who was sitting at the end of the curved chair moved over. "You can sit here Ha-chan!" he accepted her offer and sat down next to her. Taishi seemed bothered by it but did not voice his discomfort. Komachi was also a little surprised but did not say anything.
"Kotomine-kun!" Yuigahama who had yet to say anything spoke up. "W-We were just here to study till Komachi-chan came in with Taishi-kun and asked us if we knew his sister. We weren't here for a request at first I swear!" she stopped talking when she realized she revealed that they were doing group study and she did not intentionally invite Hachiman.
"If you say so." was his reply. She flinched thinking she may have hurt his feelings. 'Not the first time I have been excluded from a group activity.'
"So Kawasaki-san." Yukinoshita came to Yuigahamas' rescue. "What was it about your sister that ails you."
Taishi opens his mouth to explain his dilemma however the poor boy didn't even manage to utter a word as the waitress arrived with Hachimans' meal. It certainly looked tasty. Too bad its taste is lost to him.
"I'm sorry sir I was unaware your family was here with you. Would you like to order anything else?" she asks Hachiman.
Before he could correct the woman's assumption someone else replied instead.
"Can I have this?" they turned to Keika who was pointing at a desert on the menu. It was a simple chocolate parfait but it was surely bigger than a little girl like her would be able to eat by herself.
"Keika! We can't afford that right now." Taishi tries to reason with his little sister. The younger girl seemed to understand and looked sad. It broke almost everyone's heart to see.
"You heard her. She'll have one of those chocolate parfait." the waitress nodded with a smile, writing down the order..
"Kotomine-san that's really not necessary!" Taishis' attempt to dissuade Hachiman failed.
Keika on her part looked ecstatic, thanking Hachiman and even hugging him from the side. A little taken aback by the sudden physical contact but not deterred Hachiman ignored the stares he was receiving and gently places a hand on the small girls head... Did someone just say 'lolicon'? "Anyone else wants anything?" So much for not being frivolous with money. At least the prices here wouldn't easily dent his wallet. Yukinoshita insisted that she would pay for her own share and he allowed it. The waitress took their order and Hachimans' food to reheat it, figuring he would want to eat together with them. They ordered mostly cheap desserts out of courtesy. Normally he would avoid wasting money on others. An exception was allowed for this time only.
"Always try to look after people younger than you with the best of your ability."
"Just remember to look after yourself as well."
With all the time Takeshi and Satoshi helped him with things, this was merely a way of taking their advice to heart and returning the favor. Even if it was to a complete stranger.
This entire time Komachi, the young girl who had said nothing other than introducing herself kept sending his discreet glances. But with Taishi and Keika sitting between them Hachiman did not notice.
"Ahem." Yukinoshita brought their attention to her. "You were saying?"
"Ye-yea." Taishi began explaining his problem.
Hachiman listened halfheartedly but paid enough attention to remember what was being said. He was paying more attention to his surroundings. The feeling of being watched had been nagging him for a couple of minutes now. Unknown to him the person watching him was right next to him. Their orders arrived. Keika cheered when her ice cream was placed in front of her. Both the little girl and Hachiman dug in.
"And when did this problem start?" Yukinoshita asks Taishi.
"Around the time she entered Sobu." Taishi answered. "She's been coming home really late recently. She used to be a great student before that. Today she was even supposed to pickup Keika from elementary school but asked me to do it instead."
When he said that Hachiman noticed the small girl next to him stopped eating ice cream with a frowned. Hachimans lips thinned without him realizing it.
"I see... So she became a delinquent when she got into high school. A common time period for students to pickup different types of hobbies that they might find cool or fashionable." Yukinoshita started. Hachiman wanted to rub his face in exasperation, there she goes again. Assuming idiotic things without getting all the facts or even trying to fully comprehend the situation.
"How's that a problem? I get homes pretty late sometimes too, most high school students do that." Yuigahama asked.
"By the time she gets home its usually 4 or 5 AM."
'Just because they do it doesn't mean they should.' Hachiman thought. At late hours the more violent type of people tend to roam about. Danger is always present at that time and often out of sight. Something caught his attention. Hachiman did not standby and watch.
Keika tilted her head up a little as the paper napkin in Hachimans possession wiped away the frosting on the edge of her lips. Off in the side Komachi looked a little jealous but thankfully no one noticed it. He put the dirty paper napkin next to his tray of half eaten food.
"Does your parents know about this?" Totsuka asked Taishi. "Maybe they could do something?"
"N-No. Our parents work full time almost everyday and by the time they get home they don't have much time for us." Taishi explained. Keika looked down at her lap instead of the ice cream in front of her now.
"Family circumstances? I see... Every family has them." Yukinoshita ponders for a bit while giving her cake a look. The slight pause from her had certainly given Hachiman something to think about.
Hachiman wondered what the point of saying that was. The face she made implied she had her own family problems. Haruno herself never mentioned much about her family and Hachiman saw no reason to ask. But why was Yukinoshita bringing it up now, near complete strangers no less? A silent plea for help?... Turning his gaze slightly to Yukinoshitas' right he noticed Yuigahama frowning... Or a discreet method to receive sympathy?... From what he learned of the younger Yukinoshita since the day they met she was not the type to ask for such things. At least not outright anyway... So its a subtle manipulation tactic? Whatever the case, Hachiman would not give the younger Yukinoshita what she wanted. At least Haruno was more honest with what she says. Albeit a little cryptic and playful at times much to his chagrin.
"The Service Club will respond to your plea for help." Yukinoshita nods at Taishi. "We will find a way to fix this problem."
-Chapter End-
No Haruno or Shizuka in this chapter. That's unfortunate. Also in case it isn't obvious enough. I'm not a big fan of Yukino. Never have been, I just dislike about 80% of tsundere characters or even the characters that insult or hurt the MC/other characters for the absolutely stupidest of reasons, like if your so god damn annoyed at him(or her) then just ignore him or leave him alone! No reason to hurt the guys self-esteem or jeopardize his health insurance plans. I get that its anime but come on man. Worst part is that so many of them win the MCs heart most of the time that it completely ruins the anime/manga/LN for me. But hey literally everyone seems to love em so I guess it's just me. Maybe I am the odd one.
Quick note: next chapter will start of right after the events of this one.
Recent Past(Title: Saved Again):
The human head is one of the most complex and important part of the human body. However it was also one of the most fragile part of the human body. A single well placed blow to the head with enough force can instantly kill or permanently cripple a person. That's why he used his hands to protect his head as best as he could. The onslaught of kicks landing on his body hurt quite a bit. But he would survive. He always has.
"This'll teach ya not to look at us with those ugly eyes of yours punk!" he heard one of them speak, the rest laughed. His eyes were clenched shut to prevent dust from entering. He had tried reasoning with them. That he meant no harm but tried to apologize anyway. But the four men beating on him were either too drunk to understand or simply did not care. At least few of the kicks were aimed at his back. That was a silver lining.. He grunts as another kick lands on his stomach.
"The hell is going on here!" he heard a voice yell. It did not belong to these four men.
"Who the ^# * are you supposed to be?!" one of the men yelled. What followed next was a series of incorrigible yells and pained howls. Minutes later he opened his eyes when the yelling stopped. It took him a couple of seconds to get his vision back after opening his eyes. The dark alley he was dragged to by the four men made it a little easier for his eyes to adjust. His eyes widened instantly when he noticed the four men from earlier on the ground. Groaning in pain or unconscious. He looked up from his position at his savior. Correction, Saviors. There were two men in front of him, one kneeling and the other standing. Slightly bruised and sweaty but overall fine.
"You alright kid?" One of them asked. The man had slightly tanned skin. Spiky hair with two Z shaped scars on his face.
"You took quite the beating there." the other man said. He had skin much darker shade than the first man. His eyes were squinted. He also looked older than his companion.
He nods at them with hesitation. "Thank you." A familiar feeling rose in his chest. One he had not felt in years.
He was saved again.