Now that my stories gotten this high up on popularity, despite being an exercise in writing, sometimes I wonder if my initial descriptions baited people into smut. Y'all think things would have gotten this big if I just wrote pure NSFW? Ah, whatever. Must be doing something right, regardless.
Well, this chapter in particular as good as any to see if people like the story based on my writing merits.
P.S. To reiterate, there really was a sports festival arc in the original light novel (Vol 6.5). Feel like if that was ever adapted, Sagami actually would have been far more prominent earlier. Still, I would read it, since it does close out a loose end with one of the major secondary characters of season 1. Plus, it'll help out with the context for this chapter. Which, without further ado…
Sagami: Introspection
Start of every school year, everybody ends up scrambling to find some kind of group to join up on. Some get lucky, and end up hanging out with people that gets them clout, even if they're the weakest link. Others, not so much. Either they're far too late and everyone else has already joined up, or they're only good enough to last a couple words before shirking away to whatever corner they came from.
Whatever. It's harder for some and easier for others. If you want to join up with the big leagues, have something of worth, or don't even bother. Got nothing to show, that's on you. Couldn't care less, honestly. Only so much to care about, in our short little lives.
I got the memo, and so did everyone else here. Within a few weeks, everybody knew their place. The weirdos hung out with the weirdos, geeks with geeks and introverts, well…
Haha, hey, it's what makes them happy, right? Doubt they'll be complaining over the arrangements.
"Apparently, some boy from one of the other classes missed the first few weeks, so he got to skip everything without needing to make up."
"Oh, you're joking! Seriously? Got laid off of school for a couple days cause I came down with some cold, and first minute I come back, I see a big, fat stack of papers on my desk to catch up on! Shit, some folks really do get all the luck!
"Hey, don't shoot the messenger. Apparently, the guy was hospitalized, so it's not like he got off lightly.
"Pffft, between lying in bed all day and having to listen to Mr Amami's yapping, I'll take the front end of a car anyday…"
"Yeesh, do you even listen to yourself right now?"
This sort's not exactly the type of group that's bound to last long, though. Nah, too ragtag, too rough around the edges, and not the type where you'd expect much to happen. Cycled through enough friends lists in middle school to figure that out. Can't be helped. Takes time figuring out the 'somebodies' and the 'nobodies', and they're only here cause their first impressions are half decent.
Well, it ain't so bad. A little giggle takes the air out of the guys' lungs, and all the girls flock to me when it comes to fashion. I got my foot through the door, a little finesse and I think I'll fit nice and snug around here. With only a few weeks into freshman year, though, I guess all the fun stuff's coming later though. Yawn. Really not much worth talking about these past few days.
Also Hayato. Yes, Hayato. Mmmm, yes….
Well, speaking of not talking…
"Oi, Yui, what's up? You're not talking much today."
"Hmmm? Oh, ah, i-it's nothing, Mina."
"That's a first. Nothing. You're normally awfully chatty."
"Ah, w-well…i-it's just…about that crash…"
"That old news? That was like, five minutes ago. What, don't tell me your crying your eyes out over the kid that got hit, did you?"
"…i-it really isn't anything, Mina. Really!"
A small smile graced those rosy lips of hers, but it's easy to read between the lines that something's up. The little time I've known her and she's already proven herself to be a god-awful liar.
Whatever. For all we know, the story of a kid being hit by a car might have actually pulled at her heartstrings, or something like that.
Yui's a nice girl. Really nice, in fact. And just as pretty. Too pretty, if I'm being honest. The type that makes other girls whisper behind their backs because of their jealousy. Some even avoid her because the mere smile on her face pisses time off multiple ways.
Well, jokes on them, for not seeing the opportunity. Girl like hers bound to get attention hardly doing anything, might as well strike the iron while it's hot and hang by her for the extra appeal. Oh, don't get me wrong. Not like I couldn't handle it on my own. But sometimes if there's a way to get something quicker, just snatch it up, right?
Something interesting really needs to start soon, though. Can't exactly snag the spotlight without a stage.
"Jumping in front of a car, eh? Well, at least someone's having fun around here…"
"Sorry, Mina. Really, really, I'm sorry, but…I was with Hikki first, so I wanna stick by him, you know?"
Oho, so the plot thickens, eh? Was wondering where the girl headed off to all this time, but turns out he was here, hanging out with one of the shut-ins. Ahhh, and here I thought she was sick this whole time. No, turns out her bleeding heart's over here, trying to hoist the geeks out from whatever corner they decide to brood in. No really, it's sweet.
Useless in the end. But hey, it's a nice tale to tell to everybody. Even if it happened to be Hikitani, of all people.
"Aw, come on, Yui. It's been a while since we've hung out. There's plenty of boys where we're headed, if that's what you're interested in."
"Yeah, come ooooon, Yui! We've managed to snag a bunch of hunks to hang out with us during the fireworks!"
"Errr, eeeeerm."
Haha, it's almost too easy. And who say's peer pressure's a shitty thing? Heh, that's just an excuse for people who can't read the mood to complain when they've screwed up. Even Hikitani got the memo and sodded off when he got the full picture. A picture that he didn't have any place in. In the end, it all comes to those who calls the shots, and those who follow the shotcaller. Yeah, like how it always i-
"Sorry. But I've already promised to go off with Hikki."
…what?
"Oh, come ooon, Yui! You can't be serious? Him? What, did you lose a bet or something? Or what, does he have some dirty pics of you or something?"
That's probably the first time you've ever gone up against me this directly. And for him of all people? Are you serious?
"N-no, it's nothing like that…"
"Come oooon, Yui, spill the beans! Oh, someone probably put you up to it cause of a dare, right? Bet it's probably one of the boys, or-"
"I-it's nothing like that! He's my friend!"
At that, everyone went quiet real fast. The people around us were busy yapping and chatting up because of the festival, but it didn't change the fact that the mood just went dull. And why wouldn't it?
After all, she just chose her side. And, well, if you're not with us, you're against us.
"Ooooh, a friend, huh?" I spoke out in my most chir Wow, that's soooooo nice, Yui! Didn't think you'd spend so much time with guys like that, but seems like you've been around more than I thought."
"E-eh?"
And like clockwork, the whispers soon followed.
"Oh my god, so she actually hangs out with guys like that?" some of the girls giggled behind closed hands.
A little more of a push ought to do the trick.
"Come to think of it, I've been starting to see you more with Hayato's group in class, right? I understand, must not have time making all these new friends, eh, Yui?"
More chatters behind me. Assuming the worst, like they always do.
"Tch, she thinks she's too good for us or something, huh? Must be nice, up there on her high horse."
"Just because she's pretty, the little-"
Heheh, Yuuko and Haruka were never all that fond of Yui, were they?
That oughta get the rest of the girls all riled up. Sorry Yui, but if you're gonna pick him over us now, you're probably not gonna stand by us in the future. After all, between Miura and the frigid weirdo from that 'Service Club' or whatever, you gotta stick with someone. And if you're not gonna stick with us now, then….
It's also already been a year since we've been together. By this point, the cliques refined to a group of people who fit my taste to a tee, so cutting one of the roses out of the garden hardly matters in the end. It is what it is.
"Well, we'll catch you later, Yui." Heh, not really. This is more of a formal thing than anything else. She's basically out now, given she's on the shit list of every girl in the clique. "You definitely want to catch up with Hikitani right about now, don't ya?"
"Yeah, sure, Mina! I'll catch up to you later!"
…uh?
Taking a second glance at the girl, she was still beaming at us, as if it was one of our usual hangouts. I was concentrated on pulling the mood that I didn't even realize that Yui's expression hardly turned uncomfortable.
Oh my god. Did she actually think that I was being sincere this whole time!?
"See ya, everyone. I'm off to see Hikki now!"
And just like that, with a perky grin, she was off, nearly tripping on her yukata as she blended back into the crowd.
Heh, how typical. Girl's got so much air in her skull, probably didn't realize the public sentencing I was giving her. Tomorrow, she's just going to pop back in, like nothing happened.
Ah well, a little ignoring here and there, pretty sure that'll hammer in the message loud and clear. Then again, subtlety was never her strong point either…
Ah, whatever, it's giving me a headache. Rather not think too much with the festival going on.
"Come on girls, let's get a move on. The boys probably already bought the snacks for us, don't want it getting cold?"
"Ahhhh, almost forgot! Come on, come on, Sagami! We've snagged a bunch of hotties this time, didn't we, teehee!"
Yeah, that's right. Some nice eye-candy I've got for this year. Ahhh, this really is the life. Being with the beautiful and the elite, there's hardly anything better to it. Anyone saying otherwise is only lying to themselves, and it seems like that's what's gotten into Yui's pea-brain.
It's a damn shame though. A girl as stupidly honest as you made for a change of pace. Sure, guys can be hot and the girls actually can hold a conversation, but there's a peculiar itch she scratched.
Like a pet. Haha, yeah that's right. A cute puppy is actually the perfect thing I'm thinking of. Dumb, yet cute.
But if you're planning on being disobedient, wellll….
Heh. Tough luck, Yui. Tough luck.
Still though, for the life of me, I can't really say what was up with that +1 of hers. I mean, she was never one for quality, cause she could just coast off her natural looks, but I figured she'd at least have some standards, after hanging out with us this whole time.
Between that hair, that fashion sense, especially those creepy ass eyes of his. Everything about him screamed out 'third-rate', and that's being nice.
Honestly, the fact that Yui chose him over me ticks me off. Scratch that, it really ticks me off.
"Hey, Mina, you alright? You're biting into your nails."
Huh? Oh, crap, and I had them manicured just today as well…
Tch, never mind, Mina. Never mind. Well beyond that by this point. End of the day, it's just one more girl that's out of the clique. No loss, there's plenty who're already there, and plenty who want in. She jumps ship to Hayato, who really cares?
…hmmm, maybe there's still a way to use Yui after all. After all, she's still got some worth, and now she's friends with Hayato and his clique, might be a good time as any to spend more time with the Prince of Sobu himself. After all, even a guy like him must be tired of that blonde bitch and that loud, headband wearing ape right now, he's probably looking for someone a lot more…exquisite, like moi. Yeah, that's pretty good leverage. Back in with us, in exchange for some quality time with Hayato.
Haha, yay me for thinking this up. All that's left is finding a good opportunity where I'd like to be with him. Hmmm, maybe Kyoto would be perfect. Split him off with Miura and that creeper of a girl she hangs out with.
See? Just like that, I've already thought of a way to work my way up. Guys like Hikitani don't even come close to where I'm standing. Could he ever pull his weight the same way as people like us?
Exactly. We're not even in the same world.
"…that's why you didn't hesitate to get your hands on that chairwoman ribbon. You also wanted an excuse to label people and look down on others just so you could feel better about yourself. That's your definition of, 'growing up to be a better person'."
Th-this…
"Everyone's probably figured it out. It wasn't hard for me, even though I know next to nothing about you.
This piece of-
"We're the same. We belong to the lowest levels of society."
"Think about it. I don't give a damn about you yet I found you first. Meaning that no one was that serious about looking for you. Haven't you figured it out by now? That's all you are worth to-"
Before more trash could come out of his mouth, Hayato had already pinned him into the wall.
Yuuko and Haruka were already at my side, comforting me. Insulting him, cheering me up.
Not a single damn difference whatever they said.
"We're the same."
We're not the same, you bastard. Y-you….you're not even close to…
We're not. The same.
We're not the same.
We're…not…
"You need me for anything else, Sagami-san? I'm prepared to help out whenever I can."
Oh, trust me, sweetcheeks, I can think of plenty that you could help me out with.
"Awww, that's ok, Hayato! You've already helped out with sooooo much! Oh, but, these talks we've been having are quite helpful. Mind talking to little old me again?"
"Haha, sure. I suppose if you're having it rough, I'll be happy to oblige."
Ahhh, that refreshing smile, those dazzling eyes! Oy vey, I must be in heaven!
"Thanks! You're such a sweetie! Ahhh, much better than that Hikitani."
His face twitched quite dramatically for a moment, where I almost dropped my smile because I thought I had said something wrong. To ease my worries, it eventually returned to that bright, dreamy smile of his.
"Well, some people have it harder than others when it comes to that. I'm sure he'll come around eventually."
…I guess he's just trying to avoid the conversation? Well, figures. It is Hikitani, after all.
"Anyways, I'll leave you to it. Sorry for interrupting you guys. I hope you're keeping her in good spirits."
"O-of course, Hayato-kun!" Yuuko nearly screeched out. Sigh, this is why I'm the boss. Temper, temper.
With a final smile, he left me to my group. Substantially larger than the last couple weeks, more and more people have started gathering around during recesses and lunchtimes. After the end of the Culture Festival, quite a lot of Sobu's top characters have paid a visit, wanting to spend time with me.
Ahhh, this is bliss. Aside from Hayato coming in to worry, there's quite a few cuties as well. Some cool senpais, a couple captains of clubs. Mmmm, this really has turned for the better, hasn't it?
After what I had to go through with him, it better be.
"By the way, heard the sport's festival is coming up soon. You planning on going for the chairwoman position again?" one of the new guys (second year ace of…something club, I dunno. He's cute, so that's what matters).
Ah, right. That. I recall Yukino (and Yui, for some reason) bringing it up to me. Guess they're trying to 'put me back on my feet', after what happened. Well, tough luck. I'll admit its a good point they're making, but like hell I'm going through all of that again.
"Haha, not on your life! Worked my ass off last time, I'd rather kiss Hikitani than have to deal with that again!"
"Ewwww, gross!"
A loud laughter echoed throughout the rest of the classroom, one where even I found myself joining in. Haha, best way to get rid of a bad memory is to joke about it. And hey, Hikitani's already a joke of a human being, so it's actually quite easy, isn't it?
"Haha, maybe we'll get you do to it if you end up losing a bet, Mina!" Yuuko giggled.
"Oh, you bitch, don't you dare!" I laughed in return, others also joining in loudly.
"I mean honestly, you wanna know what I really think? Guy like him was probably just being a lazy bastard during the whole festival."
Pffft, that's a new one. Everybody's recently called him every name on the wrong side of the internet, and then there's always some new way of calling him out. Can't say I complain. All the more material to enjoy. Ahh, sometimes it's fun to just crush people, even better when you hardly have to lift a finger for others to do it for you.
"Heh, how do you figure?"
"Well, it's like, I dunno. Read it once in one of my psychology classes. Something about 'projection', as a means to avoid negative emotions."
"…projection, huh?" I asked curiously.
"There were a lot of slackers, from what I heard, before he started yapping about how some people weren't working as hard as others. Thing is, he probably was one of those slackers. Haha, I can see it right now. Just off in the corner, chatting with his friends without a care in the world, avoiding his work and responsibilities and dragging everybody else down with him because of it."
"…yeah."
…a slacker, huh…
"Yeah, he probably had it all planned in his head, thinking that making you the villain, he could have gotten off scot-free. Jokes on him, turns out everyone else on that rooftop knows exactly who was the one being useless the whole festival."
…useless…
"…that's a pretty interesting theory, you got there."
"Heh, not really. It's only stating the obvious. Heard from some insiders during the culture festival that he tried calling you out while you were thinking of a motto. That right, Sagami-chan?"
"…yeah, I guess."
"Well, what exactly was it that he was talking about, again? Ah, yeah, it was something along the lines of 'some people having to make up due to other's incompetence?' Paraphrased, I think, but looked like the guy was just trying to guilt trip others to get out of his workload."
"Ahhh, was that what happened? Wow, what a jerk!" Haruka jeered.
"Y-yeah, getting out of work. Yeah…that's…"
That really is scummy. Isn't it?
Everyone was starting to listen in attentively right now. Some gasped, as if they discovered fire or something, others added in dumb comments that didn't matter. All I know is, they're quite intent on dissecting Hikitani from the head down.
It's Hikitani. It's him we're talking about. That's it.
"He's part of the Service Club, or whatever it's called isn't it? My guess is that he's just trying to coast off that smartass, Yukinoshita, with how much work she did over the whole Culture Festival. Probably wanted to get in somebody's good graces, and probably wanted to do the bare minimum in order to get what he wanted. Turns out, he couldn't even do that, so he just wanted to lash out to everyone in some way. Hence, projection."
…bare minimum…
"Well, that's what you get when you bite off more than you can chew. Try to be something you're not, all so you could get credibility, and it ends with your face on a bathroom floor, just because everybody can tell you've got your foot in your mouth, and you really couldn't amount to anything, even if you tried.
…why. Why does this…
"But hey, don't worry about it, Sagami. There's bound to be plenty of people like him here and there. Trust me, the likes of him aren't gonna be worth anything by the time they leave this place. Losers like him are hardly worth anything."
Losers like him…
People like him…
People like…
"We're the same."
"I-I need to head out for a bit."
"Eh? Wait, Mina, where are you going?"
"Just heading out, ok!? I'll be back."
Bathroom. Bathroom. Need to clear my mind. I'm starting to not think straight.
Sink. Tap. Cold water. A little face wash, ought to do it.
Damnit. Why did they have to say that? Why did they have to say that!?
…shit. No. No, no no. Hikitani's wasn't right about me. He wasn't. He was just…trying to pin the blame on me, that's what he was doing. Just some jerk who wanted to push everything on to me. Just like everybody else. Why didn't they just make Yukino the chairwoman, huh? Why me? It's not like I ever asked for it! Hayato just asked, and I just followed, and-
I'm not.
I'm not.
I…
…
…
…no. I'm not him.
…
"So, Sagami, seems like we're going to put you down for chairwoman again? I know it's a whole lotta busy work, but at least you'll have some experience, right?"
"…right."
This is…my second chance.
"We're the same."
No.
No. We're not.
"Didn't think you'd go for it again. Legit, probably one of the biggest surprises."
"…what the hell are you doing here?"
An empty corridor. Great, the last thing I wanted to deal with. This guy. Alone. Everybody was already starting to prepare for decorations for the sports festival, last thing I needed was do deal with this guy again.
"I don't know what you're talking about. You came by to talk to the service club to make sure you get advice on how to keep your affair in order, right? You've seen those two already, you must have figured you'd see me eventually."
"What I expected, was for the two of us to not give a damn about each other and go our own way." I growled. "I despise you, you do realize that?"
"Figured as much." He sighed, already aware of my hatred towards him. "Don't really feel much for you either, even before the Culture Festival. That being said, I am surprised Yui still decided to pitch in and help you out, though."
…Yui?
"I already know girls can be frustratingly petty at times. But seriously, you saw her ditch you for me once, and that was enough for you and your cronies to give her the cold shoulder? You already know the type of girl Yuigahama is, that's pretty low."
"…none of your business. She picked wrong, that's her fault."
"Well, you're asking for her help now, aren't you? Part of the reason why I'm here is to make sure you or your clique aren't going to give her any issues."
"And you care because?"
"I care. She's…what you would call a teammate?"
"Heh. A guy wouldn't spend time with a girl he hates just for a 'teammate'. What, did sweet little Yui manage to worm her way into your heart? It'd be sweet if the mere thought of you didn't make me want to throw up." I said icily.
"I don't actually hate you."
"…what?"
"It's bothersome, hating on others, so I just don't really try to. Makes things easier to digest, if you think of it like that."
"Bullshit, you don't hate me!" a dry sneer came out of my lips. "Not…not after that!"
"Well, enough about me for now, it's you we're talking about now." he yawned, as if he ignored the previous part. "The main contention is you even being here in the first place. I mean, the end goal is obvious enough, earning back respect after your colossal fuck up last month. But another time doing duty as chairwoman? Didn't think you'd subject yourself to it a second time, no matter how much support you're getting from the peanut gallery."
"Does every word that come out of your mouth have to be like I'm sucking on needles!? You show up, you better be here for an apology, or your expulsion! I don't want to deal with the likes of you."
"It's more curiosity than anything, why I'm here. I just needed to make sure."
"Make sure of what?" I snarled. This jackass really knows how to drag on, doesn't he?
"Whether you're actually intent on redemption, or if the second verse is gonna be the same as the first."
"Tch, it's none of your business. Why do you even care about how I do things?"
"Well, if it turns out things are going to go the same way as last time, I wanted to know if you wanted me to be more sarcastic, or just as direct as before."
…What.
"…what?"
"You know, last time, at the rooftop. In the event that I have to bail you out a second time, I'll at least give you the benefit of picking your poison."
…he's playing with me. He's playing with me.
"D-do you think this is all game!? After that shit you spewed at me!?"
"I only did what I had to do to move everything along. As long as you were up there, fishing for compliments, who knows how long you would have let Hayama and those friends of yours kiss your ass."
"Oh, so it was for my sake, was it!? Making me out to be some kind of loser, like you, that's your idea of helping!?"
I could feel it burning. My face was red, every word coming out of my mouth tasted like fire. This…this worthless…
"Did you not come out with your dignity intact?"
"I….wh-what does that have to do wit-"
"Did you not manage to finish your duties as the chairwoman? Did you not garner sympathy from the present party all because you had a convenient devil to pin the blame on?"
…he…up on the rooftop…does that mean…
…oh god. Was that all just…
"I- I just…you…"
"Well, no harm letting you in on the plan. I mean, if that crap you were spewing in the Festival about 'growing up' actually comes to pass, then all of this is practically harmless information. And in the off-chance you were full of shit when you came up with that generic motto, then hey, I'm just filling you in on the emergency plan, aren't I?"
…he's taunting me. He's egging me on. He's trying to rile me up, that little…
That's it. That's his game, isn't? Well, Hikitani…
"…shut up and watch."
"Huh? What was that?"
"I said, shut up and watch me."
I walked past him, so quickly that he couldn't move out of the way before we bumped shoulders. He hardly resisted, almost like he expected how much he was getting to me. But I swear, I swear.
Almost could have spotted a small smirk on that face of his.
No. No, I see what you're doing.
"You and I. We're not even in the same universe, Hikitani. You'll see."
"H-hey, why do we gotta do all this work, Mina!? What gives?"
"T-that's how things are supposed to run, Yuuko. C-come on, it'll be done quickly.
"You think we can do all this quickly!? Are you for real?"
"…I…I mean….it's part of the plan."
"Yeah, well, this plan is sooo bad! Come on, give us a break, we've been at it for a while already!"
"I-I…we're supposed to alternate breaks. And normal classes are still going on, I-I can't just ignore-"
"Ugh, this is sooo tiring."
"Yeah, Haruka. Let's complain to the council about this. This is too much work."
"B-but…you could just talk to me…"
"Huh? What was that? You want us to just continue slaving away, with this?"
"…n-no, it's nothing."
"Ah? Ok, then."
…
…
…
Nothing's changed? What's going on.
I'm…I'm actually trying to…
This is…it's so hard. W-why am I even doing this again? W-why am…
"Some friends, huh? Willing to comfort you, but the moment shouldering the burden becomes an option, they tend to dip out pretty fast."
That voice…that…voice.
You're the last person I want to talk to right now.
"Hiding out on the rooftop again, huh? Well, things really did end up pretty hectic down there, so I actually won't blame you this time around."
"…what? Ready for another speech, Hikitani?"
"…I don't follow."
I turned around, away from the railing of the roof and towards him. Tears were in my eyes, but what do I care? This son of a bitch probably revels in making girls cry. Well, I'm not giving him the satisfaction this time around."
"Come on! Say whatever you want! I'm ready for it! Well! Well, Hikitani! Want to say you're right! Wanna just point fingers and laugh at me!? Go on, do it! DO IT!"
…
…
…
"Come back to the service club after school, when you have the time. We'll set up a strategy over there."
"…eh?"
W-where is it? Where are the insults, the ridicule?
Where's any of it?
"…nothing to say, huh?"
Scratching his head, with a sigh, he continued.
"Told you already, that was meant to be an escape route. No point saying it now, with nobody to see. No, you need witnesses for it to be even more effective."
"I…I just…what…"
"Yukinoshita's a pain in the ass, but she's good when it comes to planning effectively. And Yuigahama, well…she'll help ants and crickets if she sees they need help with something. Long as you come by, they'll help you out."
Turning around, he was about to leave.
"We're not that far into the festival prep yet. There's still a way to turnaround this. You're going to have to be a whole lot smarter about this though. The club will close up pretty early today, so you better come in the moment you're able to. You clear on this?"
…
…
"Crystal clear."
"Hey, Sagami-san, we're going to need your signatures to get this approved."
"Of course, of course! Here, just give it to me, I'll be quick."
"Haha, nice to see you around the place, Sagami-san! Love to see a hard-worker like you around."
"Awww, thanks Sensei! I always try to do my best!"
"Looking gooood, Mina! Prettiest captain we've had in a while!"
"Heh, always aim to please!"
...
...
"You've gotten calmer, haven't you? Even when they're arguing, you're not at all confused."
"I came to you in the first place to 'grow', right? Are you surprised?"
Yukinoshita spent a few seconds pondering over my response, before a small smile graced her lips.
"No. No, I suppose I shouldn't be.
"Seems like everything is running along smoothly." Oh great, more of this guy.
"Tch, why do you act so shocked?"
"More mild surprise, actually. I did honestly give you the benefit of the doubt, but I'm surprised things ended up running this nicely.
He says it like it was just a change of tires. Tch, does he have any idea how much I had to work my ass off this whole time? Between having Shiomeguri-senpai around for constant advice, and even needing to Miura, of all people, for a favor just to get the job done. Yuuko and Haruka even staged a damn mutiny just because they thought I was making them do too much work as well. Why the hell did they even volunteer again?
What, did they think I'd stay the same?
Ugh, being so polite all the damn time really isn't my cup of tea. I feel like one of those old actors in the 50's, it's so dingy and gross. Am I even going to have much dignity left once this is all over?
Can't exactly be too mad with how everything's worked out, though. All the complaints died once I put my foot forward, and doesn't seem like anyone's giving me glares like last time.
Still, a compliment from this guy…ugh, couldn't it have been Hayato? Why couldn't it have been Hayato?
"That talk before? You call that the benefit of the doubt?"
"Not many people want to be a deemed a failure twice. Once is already enough, especially in the eyes of the public. Some spends plenty of sleepless nights, months, even years to rectify that. So yeah, it was within expectations."
"Tch, how did a guy like you end up in the 'Service Club'? Thought the point was you were supposed to help people?"
"We don't go all smiles and rainbows, this isn't retail. What you get is advice, a couple of hands-on deck, and a conscious attempt to actually improve your position. Niceness hardly has anything to do with it, it's precisely as advertised."
"Sounds like a shit way of advertising yourselves, with guys like you and Ice Queen off the record." I grumbled.
"Well, it caught on anyways, enough to catch Hayama and Totsuka's attention. Sometimes, competence speaks loudest."
"They came probably because of the girls, not cause of you. No, definitely not because of you."
Ugh, why am I even having a conversation with this guy? Seriously, it's Hikitani? Have my standards really gotten this daft?
…then again, Shiomeguri-senpai's wanted me to talk to as many people as possible to help 'improve my boundaries', so it between him and someone from the geek squad.
Ugh, don't even wanna go there.
…well, he did tell me to get help when I was about to quit. Quid pro quo, or whatever…
"…you'd get more people if you at least pretended. That's what everyone else does."
"Well, it's not how we do it. It's like, I dunno…Snape, or something. Colossal tool, yeah, threatening to feed little kid's pets with dodgy potions and ignoring blatant harassment, but sometimes you can hardly argue against the results."
"So what, Hikitani's great, genius plan, is to be a constant asshole to everyone around him? Christ, that explains way too much, honestly…"
That's really how he sees himself? Some kind of tortured soul, who sacrifices himself for the greater good without credit? Heh, gag me with that nonsense. At least those types of characters are actually hot, for one…
…wait. Something about what he just said doesn't add up.
"…Snape never tried to feed potions to pets…"
"You don't read the books, do you?"
"…shut up."
"…hey, Yui?"
"M-mina? Y-yeah, what's up?"
"…ah, nevermind. It's nothing."
"Oh. O-ok."
As she walked off all I could do was sigh. What was I even trying to do? We're not even friends anymore. Even if it was just Yukinoshita, it would have been enough, since it's her job, and she's good at it. But Yui was there. Yui was there, and she went out of her way to help me out.
It's…it's confusing. There's got to be limits to how nice someone can be. She's just asking to get herself hurt in the future, if she keeps that up.
…why am I starting to care about this?
"Hmmm? Guess you really do have a heart, however small it might be."
"…you some kind of stalker or something? And who are you to judge?"
"Well, you see all the fake glitz and glamour you put up most of the time, it really is jarring when there's a real face of remorse?"
"D-don't you have other activities you need to do right about now? Mind getting off my case, you little…"
"Just go back to your work. I'm trying to make sure the festival's actually legit, rather not deal with the whispers of people seeing us together."
"Actually, I've finished them already. In partial thanks to you actually giving a shit this time around, productivity has gone up to an all-time high."
"Ugh, of course you've got to be back-handed about it."
Everything really did turn out for the better though. Hardly any complaints, hardly any issues. And the few that did, Shiomeguri-senpai and the others pitched in to help out.
Yeah. No one's going to say I screwed up this time. Especially not you.
"Heh, you see now, Hikitani? I pulled it off. As if I needed your shitty plan."
"Now, to be fair, I still had to provide assistance since I'm part of the service club. I earn at least a commendation for my efforts."
"Still ever a prick, huh?" I grimaced. "How the hell does Yui even try to spend time with you?"
"Hello, pot. Meet kettle. You're one to talk, with how you and your goons treated her."
"G-grrrrrr…"
Bastard's got a sharp tongue, doesn't he? Anything I say to him probably equates to a ball thrown to a brick wall.
"You're still on that? Jeez, I really must have struck a nerve. I mean, I guess that was the point, but…"
"Well, seems like it's for the best after all, going in that hard?"
"What the hell are you prattling on about!?"
"You. It wasn't just redemption, was it? In the end, you had something you needed to prove, didn't you?"
I…
I just…didn't want to lose to…
"Oi? You still there, Sagami?"
"…I'm heading back to work."
"Eh?"
Before his stupid mouth could utter another word, I had already walked past him.
"We're nearly done with everything. Last thing we need is for someone to screw this over for everyone. Mess up even a single prop, and you'll be sorry."
"…heh, you're the boss."
"Hey, could you move?"
Without a word, he moved to the side, making way for me. Heh, if only he was this obedient most of the time. Well, then again, don't exactly know what goes on in that service club of theirs. For all I know, he could be their damn pet. A surprisingly useful mutt, as much as I want to admit it. Sport's Festival practically went without a hitch, just sucks he had to play enough of a part that I couldn't ignore.
Even managed to snag a good deal out of it, by become the interim sports manager for Sobu. Ugh, it'll be a pain in the ass. But I guess it's another way of getting popular. Knowing all the captains by names, coming to the odd event here and there. Who knows, maybe I'll find myself up to the likes of Hayato.
…heheheh, yeah, probably not. But at least I'll be up there. And I won't have to rely on anyone else, either. Not Miura, not senpai, not the service club. And certainly not him.
No. I guess Idon't want to owe him any favors anymore.
"…wait."
The receding footsteps grinded to a halt. I was bracing myself for any choice words from him. Some snark, perhaps a blunt, 'What is it?'. Anything, really.
…nothing, huh? Well, makes things easier for me, then.
"…just so you know, we're square."
"…excuse me?"
As I turned around, I could see the look in his face. Ugh, like a deer in the headlights, and hardly a cute one as well. What, did I say something weird?
…well, all things given, it can't be helped.
"We're square. You and I don't have to owe each other anything anymore."
"…I mean, there's no real point in me not accepting this, but still. Figured you'd still be pissed at me."
"Oh, trust me. I still don't like you. In fact, I'd be happy for the rest of my life if I never have to see that smug face of yours ever again."
"Then, what is it?"
"It's simple, isn't it? Just thinking of having to associate with you further makes me want to gag, that's all." Besides, there's hardly anything I can do with a guy like you, anyways. Maybe if it was Yukinoshita, or even Hayato…
Ooooh, the things I would do with Hayato…
"No. There's no real point keeping you on a leash. You're not cute, you're hardly obedient. Might as well leave it at that. You don't owe me anything anymore."
"Heheh."
"Oi. What's so funny?"
"Ahhh, it's nothing. It's just that…"
"Well, here I was, going out of my way to act like the biggest prick I could be. In all honestly, never expected to come up on the other side on neutral terms with you."
"…hmph."
He made the first move away, starting to walk off in the other direction. As I was about to do the same…
"Oh, and reconcile with Yuigahama, yeah? I don't know what's up with the two of you, but you must have been friends at one point. If you're going this far with me, no reason to leave her in the dirt."
"…I'll keep that in mind."
And with that, we left that corridor. Probably going back to being strangers after all of this. Sigh, whatever. There's only so much things I could give a crap about right now, having one less problem is fine by me.
Shame it's only halfway through the year, though. That means having to deal with his unfortunate mug for another semester before hopefully, homeroom changes.
Well, that's fine. He doesn't like me, and I don't like him. I'll be at the top where I'm comfortable, and he can be wherever he wants to act emo, or something like that. At least with that, we won't have to be in each other's faces.
"…ok, what the hell is going on?"
"Haha, yeah. Bet you didn't think you'd see me anytime soon, huh?"
"We're in the same class, jackass. That's going to happen no matter what."
"Ah? Right, guess we are. You sit in the back, so I didn't notice."
"Just…what the hell are you even doing here?"
"…well, I'll just get right to the point. Hiratsuka-sensei's asking me to keep tabs on you."
…oh, you have got to be kidding me.
"W-what!? This has got to be some kind of sick joke, right?"
"No, you're right." he drawled, in an unbearably sarcastic tone. "It was just a fib. This was all just to make you flustered, to my amusement."
"Tch, now's not the time to be an ass, Hikitani. You actually think I'm that stupid?"
He looked like he was about to say something, before changing his mind. Oh, you son of a bitch, you were actually about to say yes, weren't you?
"There's not much else to explain, really. She wanted someone from the same cohort to check your progress, and offer assistance when necessary. I don't really get it, since Shiomeguri-senpai's already helping you out, but it is what it is."
"Heh, what, is she trying to make us act all friendly with each other? I already told her that the service club was a big help, I figured she'd get the message from that."
"By that same logic, weren't you the one who kept badmouthing me after the Culture Festival? Seems more like mixed messages to me."
"…you knew?" I whispered weakly.
"Subtlety was never one of your strong points, Sagami."
Tch, another witty remark at my expense. I'm starting to get a better idea as to why not that many people hang out with you, Hikitani.
"Well, if there had to be someone to help you out, makes sense she'd sus out the Service Club, since we're the ones most aware of your situation. As for why she picked me over Yuigahama or Yukinoshita, that's anyone's guess. Maybe she just wants us to 'make peace' or something?"
"Oh, so what? She thinks putting us together in a cluttered club room is going to do that? I-damnit, what will everyone else think?"
"Oh, you don't need to worry about social standings or whatever. This is all strictly confidential. Only other people who know of this are the student faculty, and everyone else you decide to share this with. Though, then again, I think it's more to protect me than you."
A private secret between me and him? Of all the setups that blasted teacher could have thought off, this is just…ugh, gag me already!
"Well, whatever. I already said you don't have to do anything. Things can just go on as usual, and I'll just make up some remarks about how you've been a 'big help', or whatever. That way, we can breeze our way through this without having to get into each other's case."
I was almost expecting him to sigh in relief over the use, since he probably has as much love for me as he does for a good barber. But no, radio silence. Hmmm, no witty reply this time?
"What, that doesn't sound good enough to you? What, you want me to say I gave you a standing ovation, as well?"
"…no, if I'm here, I might as well actually play my part. No use half-assing it."
Oh, you're kidding. I'm actually going to deal with him, yet again? This must be a nightmare. Doomed to an eternal repeating hell, never to end.
"…hey, did you not hear me. I just sai-"
"It was shoddy, how you handled everything."
"W-what?"
The overtly deeper tone took me by surprise, any further comment I had evaporated in my mouth almost instantly. I don't blame myself. The last time I heard him act this stern was…
"You didn't have any initiative at the start, and practically put things on the same path as last time. For all the good-will you got back from the Culture Festival, the usual suspects already know about your prior incompetence. No reassurances, no outline of your new plan, nothing. That's not even going into the whole ultimatum. If the others weren't there to back you up, exactly what did you think would have been at the end of that tunnel?"
"I-it's a learning experience, that's all!" I managed to sputter. I'm already here, aren't I!? It's not like I fucked up anything else after that!"
"Yeah, that whole 'learning from experience' shit's not going to fly from what I've seen." he sighed, scratching his hair like just dealing with me was giving him a migraine. "You're at a crossroads now, don't you understand?"
"Pffft, 'crossroads'? I knew you were some kind of nerd, but I didn't think you'd go full blown chuunibyou. Tch, how lame…"
"Ok, one, blame Zaimokuza for that. Then again, given you screwed us both over during the festival by eliminating us, you probably already are."
"And two, I'm telling it like it is. Yeah, you've recovered, but this is pretty much the crucial moment that might make or break the rest of your high school career."
"…just what the hell are you talking about?"
"Because you actually did something for a change this time round. It's not like last time where the main consensus was you pawned off all the work off to Yukinoshita. Compounded with your breakdown during the closing ceremony, this whole chain of events got you set for a pretty inspiring 'redemption arc' in the face of the whole school body."
…Redemption arc?
"…I'm listening."
"Right. Well, you're not exactly out of the woodworks. Public perspective has a tendency to be based entirely on recency bias. You were the chill overseer of the Culture Festival, then vilified as a lazy, ineffective imbecile, before finally being vindicated because some asshole-that would be me-set things up so that you're simply just a girl over her head. You came dangerously close to shifting the narrative against you. Now, where exactly do you think you are now?"
"…well, I'm on the good side. Right?"
"Not exactly. Neutral would be the better term."
"Neutral?"
"That's what I mean by crossroads. The narrative's shifted for you so many times that there's a lot of people right now that's confused over exactly where you stand. Are you indeed this confident girl with a hidden weak side that needs to nurture and grow in order to bloom into something vibrant? Or are you the vicarious, dime-a-dozen diva that lords herself over others, only to shrink back when the going gets tough?"
Turning back to me, with a wry expression, he finished his point.
"Well? Where exactly do you think you are?"
…stop looking at me like that, especially with those dead eyes of yours. You know the answer already.
"…I'm not going to say it out, you bastard. You already get the idea, I ain't giving you any satisfaction."
"By now, you're probably aware you're not as good as keeping things in control as you'd like to be. It's one thing to lead a clique, but put into a position where you have to delegate tasks and work periods? You'll crumble later on if you don't have a plan. There's not exactly much pleasure to take from this, I can assure you. Like I said, I'm just here to tie up loose ends."
Without even as much of a glance to re-check my reaction, he returned back to his usual pacing.
"Well, you know what you are, and I know what you are. But the ones that actually matter? It's everybody else that's unaware. We leave things like this, and you might end up relapsing. And all that nice, feel good image that's built up? Down the drain. Now, having a plan, making sure that you don't mess up? It'll save you the third trip back to the service club."
As much as I hated it, and I mean really hated it, he had a good point. At the end of the day, my place is still meant to be at the top, and I can't have anything getting in the way of me getting there. Still, for my savior to be him? Again?
"…we honestly could have just been out of each other's skins by now. You could have just told me to say what you wanted Sensei to hear, and that's it."
"She's far sharper than you realize, you know that? Not even your best game face is going to get through the likes of her. As for me, it's basically an obligation to follow things down to the spirit and not just the letter. Otherwise, that'll be a punch in the gut, either literally or verbally."
He looked like he was about to wince in pain. What, was the rumors about Hiratsuka being such a hard-ass true?
"It doesn't even look like you're having any fun doing this, not like Yui. How the hell did a guy like you even find yourself in that clubroom in the first place.
"Nothing much, really. Just a guy navigating through youth, one shitty incident at a time, and hoping to get things over with. Just so happens things like these are a good enough way to pass time. Well, that and with Hiratsuka-sensei, I'm practically held at gunpoint."
…well, at least I now know he's not getting any enjoyment out of this, at least not anymore than I am. Guess I should be happy. If I had to spend time dealing with a condescending prick, I'd practically gouge my eardrums out with a pencil. At any rate…
"…once a week. Meet me once a week, super early before school. I have to come by in the morning to take care of all the paperwork anyways…"
"…and barely anyone in the school will be able to notice. Hey, there might be hope for you yet."
"Will you cut it out? I'm not as stupid as you think I am, god!"
"Fine, I'll digress. But for the record."
"Eh?"
"…it'll have to be twice a week."
"W-what?"
"Monday and Friday. The start of the week, to preemptively think up strategies, and the end to check on progression and see to it that everything's over and done with."
"…tch, fine. If that's how it's gonna be…"
"Oh, and I'll need your phone number as well."
"Ok, you little shit. Do you have a crush on me? Is this it? Are you just a filthy masochist waiting on the girls to call you gross?"
"So if I really need to reach you, what other alternative are you willing to suggest to me, hmmm?" he muttered with a bored expression, as if he was starting to get tired of me (yeah, feeling's mutual, you prick). "Wanna pass on notes, just so Tobe'll read it out loud for the whole class to hear? Or perhaps you'd like to receive your messages via paper airplane, the safest of communication methods?"
"…I can't believe I'm doing it."
Taking out a pen and tearing a small scrap of paper off a blank page, I scribbled down the familiars digits and shoved it into his hands.
"That's for advice, and checking to see if I'm already at school, got it? No small talk, no jokes, nada. I see one flirtatious comment, I'm blocking you. No exceptions."
"Yeah, yeah, I got the memo." He muttered, taking a copy of the planned extracurricular schedule, focusing on it more than me. "Well, that's all I really needed to point out, so I'll just be heading off now."
"Check to see if anyone's outside. With your shitty luck, if someone catches you being here…"
"I got it, I got it. Not like I've got my 108 skill for show, you know?"
"…your what?"
"Ah, it's nothing."
As he started heading out the door, I remembered there was just one more thing on my mind. Something that I was planning on handling on my own, but…
Well, if he really is here to help, might as well abuse my privileges as much as possible.
"…I tried talking to Yui, the other day."
He took his eyes off the paper for a moment, his usual tired expression changed to one of mild interest.
"And? How did that go?"
"She was nervous over the phone. Stuttering all over the place. It was a mess."
"What did you say to her?
"Not much. 'Hey, how are you doing?' Simple things like that."
"…well, not much to work on, is there?"
"…what do you think?"
"Hmmm?"
"W-well, if I'm going to be doing this, I'll need people to actually trust what I'm saying. Having someone like Yui vouch for me'll do the trick, right?"
"I see, I see."
While saying those words, he shook his head back and forth, almost like he didn't buy what I was trying to say. That, or he thought my question was a stupid one. Either way, it ticked me off.
"Just say you want to be friends again. What's the point of jumping through all these hoops when the path of least resistance is so obvious?"
"Tch, for a guy hanging around two girls all afternoon, you clearly don't know a damn thing about girls if you think it's that simple."
"Does that really matter? Girls understand girls, and the way I see it, you're at each other's throats all the time."
"G-glk!"
…shit, he's got me there. Damnit, why'd this guy of all people has to be so damn sharp!?
"…you're overthinking too much. She's a simple, kind girl. She'll be happy."
"…is that right?"
Ugh, so what, am I supposed to just go up to her, and everything will be rainbows and lollipops, huh? For a supposed realist, this jackass can have some pretty stupid takes sometimes, seriously…
"Of course!"
"…wait, what?"
Wait, what?
"Wait. What?"
"Hmmm? Are you ok, Mina-chan?"
"N-no, I'm-er, I'm fine. You're just…a lot more enthusiastic then I figured you'd be?"
"Why wouldn't I? It's been a while since we've gotten to hang out with each other! Like, a little bit before the fireworks festival, right?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
Come to think of it, I didn't get to see much of her ever since the festival. Yeah, we saw each other in class, but she started hanging out with Hayato's side more often. It wasn't strange, people from my group and his mingled all the time, but…
Yeah. I guess it was me distancing myself from her, rather than the other way around.
"To be honest, I really wanted to see if you wanted to hang out sometime, Mina. But…ever since I decided to stay with Hikki, I was afraid you were angry."
I was angry. That's…that's the problem, come to think of it.
"Never mind that. It's all water under the bridge now."
Sigh, what's with this girl? This isn't how things usually go. Normally, you're supposed to be pissed off for a long time, talking shit about me behind my back. And then it goes on for months and months on end, venom piling up higher than the sky, only for us to somehow make up due to Hayato butting in randomly.
…that's oddly specific. And…surprisingly pretty frequent too. Jeez, that boy really does run the whole show, does he?
But here we are, me standing awkwardly with a, her (annoyingly well developed) bosom embracing my arm, all in all basking in the moment.
I'd be lying if I wasn't smiling. Just a little though.
Sometimes, things really are that simple, I guess?
"Oi. Took you long enough, Sagami."
"Miura…? The hell are you doing here? And…you too, Ebina?"
"Pffft, why so formal? We're all in the same class, aren't we?"
"Well…yeah, but-"
"Then hey, seems like we've all got some idea of who you are, and vice versa. Wouldn't you say so too, Yui?"
"Y-yeah! That way, it should be easy for all of us to be friends, right?"
…ok, I knew Yui wasn't exactly the most gifted up there, but I didn't think she'd be this much of a ditz! What, did she not notice Miura and I butting heads all of last year? What, we supposed to just let it all slide under the rug and sit together, holding hands while singin-"
"Anyways, all of us are starving, and Yui insisted it was rude to start without you. You gonna sit your butt down before lunchtime ends?"
…eh?
"Er, come again?"
Miura, who was previously focused on her sandwich (just lettuce and tomatoes? What are you, anorexic?), rolled her eyes, and brought her eyes to mine. All the other times we've stared at each other eye-to-eye, it was like her eyes were on pure fire. Now, it's like she's just about to scold a kid brother or something.
"What, was I too quiet last time? Pull up a chair and come on, already. We're losing daylight right now."
I looked at her face, irritated yet much softer than I was used to, then to Ebina, who looked like she was almost reveling in my confusion, till finally I made eye contact with Yui, who was practically beaming with me, eyes full of hope.
No, no, it's not supposed to be like this, it's too straightforward. This has to be a set-up, right? Am I just supposed to believe they'd let me in this easy? We're in different cliques, for gods sake!
"Mina, are you not hungry?"
Once again, I looked at Yui. She was holding up another roll, one other than hers.
"It's sweet pork. Even on sourdough, just like you used to like it. You, uh, still like it this way, right Mina?
I guess if things are really going to move that smoothly, who am I to complain?
Taking a seat, and reaching a hand out to the offered bun, I could feel the corner of my mouth move upwards once more, ever so slightly.
"Yeah, I do."
Let's be real, it'd be way out of character if Sagami was anything other than a total bitch at the start of her story. Luckily for me, all it takes is a few memories in high school and a cursory glance at some blue checkmarks at twitter, and voila! Grade A material to create a convincing bitch. Personally, I like the challenge. Not too hard to make someone unsympathetic, bit of a struggle to make them a personable shithead, and takes even more to successfully pull a heel-face turn. Plus, it's a chapter with the main focus being an unlikeable character in the eyes of the community, without the usual fun horniness you'd expect. If I can pull off dialogue heavy banter between 8man and Sagami while making it believable, I'll consider it a success.
Course, given the format of my stories, fitting it all on one chapter, combined with the usual affair would probably cramp it up too much. Her entire chapter is actually much longer, hovering in at over 20,000 words. As such, I spent more time to change what I already had and split it up into two chapters, probably giving her the distinction of being the only character to have this. Like I said before, chapters for characters with well-established backgrounds are probably going to be shorter cause there's more to build upon. Inversely, Sagami would have needed more due to having the least development (or at least, development most are aware of). Essentially, one chapter so everything she does actually feels like it makes sense, and one more to connect her to 8man like the rest. I feel like this is probably the right direction to take, it's all a matter of execution to see if I got it right.
As for the second half? Actually, I already completed it. Well, a couple more grammatical corrections, at least, but it's practically done. I'll probably release it in two weeks or so from now to, unless enough people really want it bad. Though, I'd like to leave at least a little bit of time to receive feedback from the reviews, as I actually read them all routinely and repeatedly before I generally make my moves. Would be nice to see how the story still holds up, after all this time. Still, let's see.