Hikigaya Hachiman's Path to Reformation
"I'm Not Looking Back"
Ufff…
What the…
There's something on my chest…
I groggily open my eyes and see my room consumed by darkness. Very little light passes through the curtains that cover my windows, and even less in the tiny space between the door. I don't bother raising my head and instead just look from the corner of my eyes. I don't have the energy to do that right now. My attention turns to the most pressing current concern. The blanket on my chest has a strange lump, and ends on my legs. Even though I'm half-awake, I already know who this person sleeping is.
With a small sigh, I take the covers off to reveal my little sister resting her head on my chest. Her breathing is perfectly in sync with my own, as her arms wrapped themselves on my torso. Further below, her legs were also tangled with my own, making any movement from me quite difficult.
In other words, she is literally using me as a human pillow. And, as what she has been usually doing recently, she took a shirt from my closet and just wore it over herself.
I can feel her bare and soft thighs on my own… I bet she's just wearing undergarments under this oversized shirt (which is mine by the way) … She should seriously tone her clinginess down a notch. I hope this goes away when she grows older. If not, then that would really be a hassle to deal with.
I don't want to be a protagonist of an H doujin or Eroge damnit! At least pair me up with a girl I'm NOT related by blood with! Damn you incest fans!
I wonder what time she sneaked into my room. I did sleep rather earlier than usual. To counter my insomnia, I had biked and worked out to deliberately tire myself to be able to sleep more soundly. Some people might say that it is a bad habit, but it is one of the few ways that actually works for me. My legs and arms are even still a bit sore.
From the digital clock sitting on the table, it's thirty minutes before the alarm sounds. Seeing that I am already awake and I had the sufficient sleep, I may as well get up and prepare my things.
Just as I was about to start figuring out how to get out from my little sister's hold, she cutely mumbles something in her sleep and rubs her cheek against my chest. She also unconsciously moves her left leg over mine, effectively trapping me in place. Unfortunately, because I was wearing a simple sleeveless shirt and shorts, I felt everything whenever one of us moves.
I freeze whenever I feel a certain something (clue: It's really soft) against my upper right arm.
I gulp.
The contact makes me instinctively cringe away from her, but she makes a small sound and holds my arm tighter towards it. It's not just THAT, my hand is also in a very dangerous area. A place where, with one wrong move, and all the more worsened because of my sister's habit of being in her underwear and putting my shirts over herself, I will find myself in an even more precarious position.
Seriously.
If there is a Deity out there who created this absolutely ridiculous scenario, I hope you stub your foot on your cosmic table in your private dimensional space of reality where you continue to scheme and sow other similar events. One day, I'll acquire a robot that's the size of the observable universe just like in Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann and beat the shit out of you…!
Slowly but surely, I squirm my legs from her hold and move the rest of my body a few centimeters away from her. Although I was still immobilized because Komachi is hugging my arm, at least I have some breathing room and a small space to move in. My sister huffs out, frowns and cuddles closer to me. And I close my eyes and try to ignore the softness of her chest.
They're not be as developed and large as some other women that I personally know. Like Saki's for instance, from when she and I had a…private…moment right here in my room. We did end up getting touchy with each other. It was consensual of course, that much was clear. She gave me permission, and I responded positively, albeit reluctantly. We almost crossed the line back the-
No.
We already crossed the line.
I was just not making myself too obvious in avoiding her back in the Summer Camp. And I can tell that she was also patiently waiting for me to say something to her about what happened here… Komachi was there, and Saki took it upon herself to keep her eyes on her, while Hayama and I were busy with all the stuff that happened. She acted normally with me as if nothing ever happened between us, at least she has herself under control.
That was proven when Yumiko hit me back then, and also when she revealed how Yukinoshita was treating me. It was honestly a dirty blow, even I had to admit. Now everyone knows the truth. I doubt that the others will see her in the same light as before. They might have been faking and putting on a nice after the shitstorm that occurred. I was also afraid that Saki might join in, but she just hardened her fists and stared hard at the two girls. If she did so, then I think even I would be at a loss on what to do. I am not perfect, and I still don't know the limits of my ability.
Unlike a certain someone who acted without thinking when I was in her apartment… Thank goodness that nothing extreme happened at that time. Sleeping on her bed made me feel nervous because of obvious reasons. It was a miracle that I managed to look calm and collected so as to not make things awkward than it already was. But if she were a bit more aggressive, I doubt that I would have the rational thinking to act accordingly and avoid things from escalating even further. And perhaps I may have even surrendered myself to her and accepted the reality.
"Perhaps"
After all… I am not immune to such thoughts. Thinking about "What ifs?" and all that.
Intense emotions can make you act without thinking. Especially strong actions driven by the heat of the moment. Acts that, can ultimately lead to something more passionate and intimate. For better or for worse, it's something that you can never reverse nor ignore that it happened for the rest of your life. It goes both ways; the one doing the act, and the one receiving it. And back then, I was the latter.
Ah… If I can just go back in time…
…
…
I should shut up. I've already said more than I should have…
I ignore the soft feeling and just untangle her arms from my own. Thankfully, Komachi didn't wake up, and after slowly getting up from my bed and putting the blanket over my sister, I proceed to go out my door.
"Haa-chan, go ahead and check your things while your Father is taking a bath. I'll wash these dishes." My Mother says just as I was about to stand up and help her out. I hesitantly sit back down as she takes the used plates away, except for my own glass of warm milk.
"Okay then…" Shrugging to myself after her command, I decide to take the hair dryer beside me and start to blow it at my hair. Doing it to while at the dinner table is very rude, but since I'm the only one here left, my Mother allowed me to use it. I unconsciously shake my head to get the droplets of water from my hair.
It's also when I realize once more that my bangs are rather short since my Mother accompanied me to her Parlor yesterday. Saying something that I have to look nice and tidy since I am meeting my Father's overseas acquaintances. I had to agree though, having long and messy hair is literally a headache when paired with the Summer heat. It feels really heavy, and I understand why girls would do the same.
She was the one that did my hair, my face and nails too. Komachi and her would do it for me at here at home, but it was the first time that I got it there. As what Yukinoshita once said when I was at her apartment some time ago, it does sound strange for a male such as myself to engage in such activities. But Shiromeguri-senpai and the others in the StuCo say that I look nice. As well as the usual girls in my circle, though Hina is convinced that I'm gay, causing Yaoi ripples to spread around the school… I've already received some curious glances from some girls when I'm talking to Tobe, Hayama and literally any other male. Isshiki on the other hand, wants to come along and do it with me some time.
Of course, as I am very much weak to younger girls, I just nod at her as if I were under some kind of spell. I am quite aware that I am a pushover when it comes to these sorts of things. Yoshiteru once called me a "Simp", and I don't really blame him. I must really look like one from another's perspective.
I stopped spoiling Isshiki too much since it might get the wrong impression from her, after Shiromeguri-senpai telling me herself. There are already some rumors among the First Years, specifically in her class…
Good grief, I swear, the speed on which gossip flows in our school never ceases to amaze me.
*Ahem*
Anyway, I'm helping my Mother and little sister improve their skills too. You know, with the Parlor and stuff. I don't see any downside to partaking in it.
But, it was rather a bit embarrassing, being smothered and spoiled by my Mother while also being witnessed by other mature and pretty ladies in her employ… And she looked like she was having fun seeing my flustered expression too…
If I was a Shota in a doujin, my life would have definitely been in danger… No, even at my current age, the possibility of being Ara Ara'd still exists… My A.T. (Absolute Terror) Field must always be at full power to prevent such a thing from happening!
I lightly touch my glass of milk, lightly wincing and taking my hand away when I find out that it's too hot. It's impossible for me to drink super-hot liquids because of my sensitive tongue.
"Nyaa…" A meow comes from behind me, and I see Kamakura on the sofa. I rub my sleepy eyes and meow back at him after holding out my arm. The feline tilts his head to the side, and then readies his hind legs. He gracefully jumps and lands on top of my shoulder, rubbing his head against my right cheek.
"Nyaa…~~"
"Yeah, nyaa nyaa nyaa right back at you." He starts smelling me, and then proceeds to lick the side of my hair. I was about to shake him off, but I was too exhausted and sleepy to do so. Good grief, now I'm being groomed by my own Cat. Well, a Cat licking its master is a sign of affection and trust.
I close my eyes and put my arms around my chest with a smug-look on my face.
Fuahahahahaha! Of course, this is to be expected! I have been training Kamakura for several months after all! After watching those funny cat videos online, it would only be expected that I'd try and do the same!
When I form a circle with my arms, he hops through it! When I make a gun with my finger and "shoot" him, he falls on the floor, playing dead with his tongue out! When I give him a specific gesture, he jumps on my shoulder! When I circular motion with my finger, he turns several times before lying and exposing his belly!
Truly, I am the animal whisperer!
Sable already adores me. And even the birds at school have grown to trust me after I conditioned them for nearly a year and a half! I even showed it off to Isshiki on the afternoon when we first met. I hope that she still feeds them when her presence is required at the StuCo… Ah, but they are still afraid of her and only approaches with my company.
"Nyaa… Nyaa…" With my other hand, I reach up and scratch under his chin. He starts purring at the contact and licks my finger too. "Nyaa…"
I look at his cat eyes from the corner of my own. "Kamakura, keep the house safe from rats okay? And from evil entities too, since ancient Egyptians believed that cats ward off evil spirits and such."
The cat tilts its head to the side in wonder.
"Nyaa…?"
I was about to smile, but then I realize that it'll expose the mark on my lip.
The one that Yumiko gave me a few days ago.
I subconsciously touch the wound with my tongue, lightly narrowing my eyes since there's still some lingering pain that still hasn't subsided. It was bigger than I thought since I had lost a lot of blood at the Summer Camp.
Truth be told, I saw that slap coming. I don't know why my body refused to move at that crucial moment. Perhaps I thought that taking it is better than avoiding it…? I don't really know.
The wound closed and reopened several times over the past few days, refusing to heal properly and knit the soft torn flesh back together. Another side-effect of anemia I guess. I can still taste the metallic flavor of it. My blood is very precious because of my anemia and all that. The swelling has subsided a bit, but it's still quite obvious that something happened to my lip if you take a really close look at it. Since that day, all that I've been eating are foods that aren't salty nor sour since the pain that it causes makes me seethe and my legs to cramp.
I was just enduring all of it when I went on a date with Yui, I didn't want her to worry about me since I was trying to make her enjoy herself as much as possible. I even applied special ointment on it so reduce the swelling, and it worked. Yui didn't even mention it once on the entire duration, which I'm really glad.
Even drinking something like water stings like a cunt. I heard from my Father that the kind of food that Airlines serve on board is salty, which already makes my lip throb in pain just by thinking about it. Until the pain goes away, I am currently forced to drink all liquids, and sometimes solids, through a straw so it won't contact the wound. Why, what I ate just now was rice porridge that my Mother cooked for me.
When Haruno picked me up that morning, we had to stop at a nearby Lawson's where she bought me a face mask to cover my swollen lip. It was only after that when we went out to do some obligations that I owed her.
And I have to admit, Yumiko really knows how to slap. It wasn't really a slap anymore, more of an open-hand palm thrust with a lot of force behind it. I don't really hate her though, she spoke the truth and I understand why she would be upset at me so much. It was easy to interpret that I was taking Yukinoshita's side when, in fact, I was strictly neutral. I didn't favour anyone over the other, even though I am secretly partial to Yumiko.
If I did take a side, then it would cause another misunderstanding. And that's something I really don't need right now.
But…
If forced to choose between the two of them…
Ah, well, I don't really have to say anything else, do I? The answer is already a given.
I move my jaw and tongue a bit. From another's perspective, I must look like I'm chewing. The pain is still there. This won't go away for around another week and a half I wager. Well, that's just words coated with false optimism anyway.
My actions didn't come unnoticed by my Mother when she turned to my direction. The frown she sends me comes is out of place on her youthful face since she rarely does so.
"Haa-chan! I said stop doing that or you'll reopen it again! If you keep that up, you'll develop a weird mannerism!" She chides while doing the dishes. Kamakura hops on my lap and stays there, still purring while I scratch his head.
"Yeah, sorry…" I say while yawning.
"You should be careful next time and watch your step, Haa-chan. It's a good thing that your teeth weren't hit or something…" She says with the frown still on her face.
I look down to Kamakura, an act to avoid my Mother's gaze. "Yeah. That would have been really bad."
My parents don't know the truth. I made a white lie and just told them that I slipped on the path and fell, accidentally biting and piercing my lip in the process. Komachi already swore to an oath of secrecy, so that ties up some loose ends.
My Mother doesn't make a follow up remark. The only thing that we hear are Kamakura's silent purrs, dishes being washed and the faint sounds from the bathroom which is occupied by my Father. I touch my mug again, glad that it's at a tolerable temperature and raise it high enough for me to reach the straw. Its warm and rich milky flavour is rather pleasant, and I am once again thankful that I am not lactose intolerant, unlike other poor sods out there. After sipping some more, I put the mug down back on the table.
I hope Dutch food isn't naturally sour or salty. My trip there will be VERY shitty if I can't at least enjoy their cuisine. Hmm, come to think of it, I don't know much about their food…
What are they even famous for anyway? Was it cheese or milk…? Cows…?
No, that must be either Switzerland or New Zealand… I'd love to pet a Cow, they seem to be rather docile animals.
Eh, guess I'll find out for myself when we arrive there. As what Tobe once said: "You'll see the view once you reach the top! Telling you beforehand will spoil the fun and surprise!"
I bet he got that quote from some anime or manga or other weebish outlet online.
All I've been learning for the past month is the Dutch language. If I'm going around with my Father, I might as well try and impress his partners with my mastery over their Mother tongue. When I talked to those two Dutch women in the convention, and looking back at our short conversation, my accent was obviously understandably funny-sounding, but at least my grammar was correct. They were hitting on me, or at least wanted me to show them around…
If I was Riajuu-mode Hachiman that time, the persona that I copied and perfected from Hayama, Tobe and Yumiko, I could have tried it out on those girls. I have never gone full Riajuu-mode when I'm by myself, I only do it when I'm with the others to play along with their antics.
I yawn once more and stretch my sleepy joints, with some of them making popping sounds. Doing this in front of the dinner table is extremely rude, but Mother is looking away and can't chew me out. My watch lights up from the movement since its been on power-saving mode. It shows the date and time, as well as my heart rate and beats per minute, blood oxygen level, time of sunrise and other technical stuff that you'd expect from a watch of this caliber.
Huh, I'm still not used to this. It's very light compared to my Rolex watch that my parents bought me. I even had a mini heart attack when I thought that it was missing back in the Summer Camp
Uwaah… My sunglasses… They were a nice pair too…
I give out a heavy sigh. Which didn't come unnoticed to Kamakura who is still licking my hair. "Nyaa…" As if sensing my inner feelings, my cat gently puts his paw on my cheek, before rubbing his face against it. I rub the area under his chin.
"Yeah, you're right. It's just sunglasses. I can just buy another one to replace it."
I wonder if Yui figured out all of its features, the watch I mean. I bet she only swiped here and there. I won't mind helping her out, we did win the same model after all.
As for the trip to Kyoto…
I honestly wasn't expecting to win anything… I mean the chances were really low. I haven't even told my parents yet, but I have a feeling that they already know somehow and are waiting for me to open up the subject. I did see some photos of the convention in the local newspapers. And my Father's firm being one of the sponsors, no doubt they might have asked him about me since we share the same surname and look alike too. They asked me about my watch and I told them that I won it in a lottery, which is the truth.
I don't know how to go about it though. Telling them that Yui and I will be in Kyoto alone for several days by ourselves, booked at a prestigious hotel just in time for the Summer festival there… The most pressing matter to address is that we're male and female. It would have been fine if I went there with a group of boys or at least with a fellow male.
There are some things that goes through a parent's mind if their child were in the same position as myself… More so when they're of the opposite sex with the person that they're going with… Even with the large amount of freedom that my parents grant me, I doubt that they'd immediately agree to something as extravagant as this. I can even see my Mother coming along just so there's an adult around to keep us in line.
And as a (somewhat) healthy young male, certain kinds of thoughts do linger in the back of my mind, no matter how much I deny it. I'm not some idiot that stammers and gets flustered at the thought.
Doing so will just make me look like a fool. And making myself appear as one isn't exactly an appealing thought.
I'm sure the thought has crossed Yui's mind as well. In her case, I can imagine her blushing madly at whatever she's thinking about. It's perfectly natural since we're at our current ages after all. Well I'd like to avoid bringing up that topic with her if possible. Things are sure to get extremely awkward, with the air becoming heavy. Especially because it's something you can't just talk about with the opposite sex…
I can get embarrassed too you know.
I guess if we do get to go, I'll just have to be extra careful with how I act.
If Yui were my girlfriend, it would either help or hinder us in getting the approval from our parents. But she really wanted to go, and looked so happy when we won. I even made a playful bet at the start, which resulted in us both winning and losing. Her joy was contagious as she went on about it in the train, albeit we had to whisper to each other's ear as to not disturb the other passengers. The least I could do is argue on her behalf and hope that all goes well on her side.
I always give back debts that I have to other people. And in her case, I am very indebted to her.
It's my way of repaying her for all that she's done for me. I don't really mind going with her there, not using my prize is a complete and utter waste.
And I always wanted to go to Kyoto and visit the Old Imperial Capital, being alone or with someone is fine either way. Yui is a nice and great companion, almost like an older version and more outgoing version of Komachi. There's never a bored moment when she's around.
I really have grown rather fond of her over the past few months. The others aren't an exemption. She was a bit annoying when we first met, but I decided that meeting different kinds of people will really help me grow as a person.
She has yet to meet my parents properly yet anyway. That's a big blow to our chances. Perhaps if I instead went with Haruno or Saki, I can get a solid permission from them. Those two already know my parents personally to the point where they trust them. Shiromeguri-senpai has already met and is friends with Mother. She herself says that she sometimes goes to my Mother's place with her friends or the other members of the StuCo. I can't say for sure that approval from my Parent's is secured, but it's something I guess.
Or, if I play my cards right and really stepped up my persuasion game, I can instead bring Haruno's little sister with me. Ah, but the idea itself is quite laughable. I have no desire to be with her anyway.
Slowly, I space out and stare blankly in front of me. The background sounds filter out, and the weight on my shoulder from Kamakura's body disappears.
I didn't mind the people that watched Yui and I go up the stage. A small part of me reveled and basked at the attention, even.
But when the cameras started flashing and capturing our images…
I was terrified and frozen in place.
I was so taken aback as the memories from back then came rushing back like a flood. Memories that I'd rather forget from my Middle-School. All of them unpleasant and humiliating my dignity. I don't want them to find and do the same thing they did to me back then. I felt sick in my stomach, it's a miracle that I managed to look normal on the outside from sheer willpower alone.
It was only thanks to Yui's gentle and comforting hand on my own that I didn't do it. She made no comment when she took my shaky and uneasy hands. Her fingers felt small and delicate, and it calmed me down. Even as we went from the venue and onto the train where I walked her home. From just holding my hand, she gradually made it so our fingers were interlocked in the end.
She never asked about it, which I am very thankful for.
She didn't let go, and only did so when she skipped ahead to the nearby playground where we had a short talk.
My watch makes beeping sounds, startling me and Kamakura as well who literally jumped and landed on the floor. I look at the thing, and it warned me that my heart rate was escalating to dangerous levels.
True, in only a matter of seconds, cold sweat had started to form on my forehead and all over my body. I suddenly feel cold as my hands start to perspire on their own. I subconsciously gulp and touch the base of my neck and chest, as if I have trouble breathing. I know that it's just a reflex and the feeling is in fact nonexistent, yet I couldn't help doing it anyway. My breathing becomes shallow and labored as each intake of air takes tremendous effort.
Mother still has her back to me.
I can't let her see me like this.
I must never let anyone see me in this state. It would be the pinnacle of humiliation and disgrace.
I finish my milk in one go, and then stand up.
"I-I'm going upstairs to check my…stuff..."
"Okay Haa-chan, double check everything just in case you might leave something that you wanted to bring along with you~!" My Mother replies without turning to me.
Kamakura is at my heels, occasionally going ahead and looking up at me. "Nyaa… Nyaa…" He makes low purrs as we go up the stairs together. I don't bother turning on the lights since I can see quite fine in the dark.
I suddenly feel lightheaded just as I enter the shadowed stairway and instinctively hold the wall to my side for support. Slowly, without making a sound, I sit down on the stairs to catch my breath and get a hold of myself while Kamakura follows me and tilts his head to the side, confused at my strange behavior. My hands start going cold and numb as the slight jitters start coming back. The corners of my vision start to blur and my watch beeps again in response to the rapid beating of my heart.
I purse my lips and bite the inside of my cheek in self-frustration, which causes the familiar metallic taste of my blood from my wound to flow by a small amount.
Ah… I should really find a way to stop these kinds of things happening to me… Just thinking about it is enough to turn me into this pitiful and shaky mess.
Tch…
Honestly…
How ugly.
I finally calmed down when I went back to my room where I lied down on the floor, emptying my mind and doing breathing exercises. Once I had my wits back to me, I did what Mother told me and checked all my stuff. Shortly after that, my Father was done in the bathroom and quickly went to get dressed. I'm already good to go since I had taken my luggage downstairs, only coming back here to my room to take one last look at it.
My eyes wander around my room, sometimes stopping at my bookshelves which held things from books, video game tapes to my special corner that proudly displayed my prized Gunpla collection. Right under them in a paper bag were the 2nd-hand books that I bought for Shiromeguri-senpai and Hiratsuka-sensei when I went to the convention with Yui. I forgot to mention that Kamakura is right beside my head, the way he followed my gaze is really amusing.
I walk and sit down on my bed, with Kamakura becoming a ball of fur at my feet since he knows that he's not allowed to go on it. I take out my old wallet, its leather was cracked with some torn parts here and there. Its really old since this was my Father's before he gave it to me some years back. No matter how much you take good care of something, it will always yield to the passing of time.
I open the wallet, immediately seeing a photo of myself with a white background. An exact copy of the one that I submitted to the Student Council last year when Shiromeguri-senpai offered the position to me. My hair was longer, and I looked rather skinny and weak with a thin line that replaced my lips. The background made my pale skin more prominent, making me look ghastly, unhealthy and slightly creepy.
Or maybe I'm just overreacting and my self-depreciating tendencies have resurfaced once more.
Yeah, that's definitely it.
My family said that I look fine here, same with what Hiratsuka-sensei and Shiromeguri-senpai said. Well, Yukinoshita instantly roasted me when she first laid her eyes on the photo a year ago, but that's just to be expected from someone like her.
I only take the necessary things from my wallet like Identification, Debit and Credit Cards and leave the rest inside the drawer of my study table. My wallet is without any paper money since everything is through electronic transactions these days. I only bring a single copy of my portrait photo with me. Next, I take out my old phone, it lags for a split second before unlocking. I press the gallery icon.
Since I don't have an official social media account, I have very few photos that are not taken using the phone's camera. The occasional funny cat picture and cool wallpapers here and there are all that occupies it. I swipe the other options away and to the phone's actual photos.
The first ones that I saw were those from when Yui and I went on a date a few days ago. I have some interesting photos. The different exhibits that she and I went to; I especially enjoyed the Kimono and Yukata, International Food and Bonsai Exhibits. It was a lot of fun going there with someone instead of being alone. To Yui's insistence, I have a lot of photos of us trying out different Yukata and Kimono. I even secretly reserved several outfits since I really liked the quality and embroidery that it had. She was very beautiful and pretty, everything that she wore outshone the previous one. It's hard to pick out which one suits her best when they all look nice on her. Then some closeup photos of the snacks that we tried and Bonsai plants, as well as the animals that we held together in the Reptile section.
A few minutes later, I arrive to the photos from the Summer Camp. Just the scenery of the clear blue sky, the stream, some trees and the large rock that Hina and I sat on that night. Then, solo and group photos of the others when they wanted me to take their picture. But they were few and far in-between since their phones were better and newer than mine. I shake my head and smile when I come across an image of Tobe and I with his arm over my neck sporting his usual Tobe-like grin. Then, I see a little girl with black hair, her small hands formed into the V-gesture. She sported an awkward yet cute smile on her face as she sat on my lap while I did a similar pose. The next photo is basically the same, except I was hugging her from behind, my chin resting on her shoulder with her face bright red and blushing profusely from the contact.
If I zoom on the photo, her pupils were mere scribbles as steam went out comically from her ears.
…
Damnit Yumiko and Hina… Why'd they have to force Rumi-chan and I to make this embarrassing pose… Together with Rumi-chan's flustered expression and the gesture itself, it looks too suggestive if cropped out and taken out of context! Not to mention Hina whispering to me her lewd comments and doujin-like ideas! I had a cringing expression because of the awkwardness of it! More so because her body was so small, soft and warm compared to my own.
Ugh, just looking at this photo is enough to make me squirm and writhe from the cringe…!
Thanks to this, Hina bestowed upon me an extremely shameful nickname in the groupchat!
Ugh! Shit, someone end me already! With my family's ceremonial sword, Takemizukashi Hachishiki, please! Make it a clean slice if you will! Make a mess, and I'll crawl from the afterlife and return as a vengeful divine spirit and rule all of Chiba!
I blush a bit and shake my head, forcing unnecessary and Chunni-like thoughts away.
The next few photos were mostly taken at random times when I got dragged along with the others at the mall. I swipe past a bunch of photos, until I arrive at that time when Yukinoshita and I took a walk in the park together. There are only five in my phone, the rest were in hers. She was very…expressive, that time too. Her demeanor slightly disturbed me, to be honest. It was a stark and complete contrast to how she treated me before.
I shrug, not really giving the memory much thought, and then move on to the next one.
Yui's birthday was quite a new thing for me, going to a karaoke and all that. It was the first time in my life where I was invited to such a thing. Back in my Middle-School days, whenever the entire class was busy planning something like that, or one of my classmates were giving out invitations, I was always taken out of the equation. It's an unspoken rule and I basically didn't exist. I quickly learned not to expect something like that ever again. Putting the illusion of unrealistic expectations over your eyes is just plain idiocy.
The notion itself is absolute and complete idiocy.
You are hurting no one but yourself.
The Service Club was there as a separate celebration, as well as Saika and Yoshiteru since they would sometimes drop by the club. I again went with Hayama and the usual clique to Yui's insistence, since me not being there would feel "lacking", in her actual words.
I reached that time when I bumped into Haruno at the mall when I was buying Yui's birthday gift. Which turned into an unexpected and unplanned date with the older girl. Surprisingly, I have more photos with her than I remember. Most of the first ones were me being awkward since she was holding my arm and all that, but the later ones were I finally became more relaxed and genuinely enjoying our time together. I couldn't really fight back against her whims since she snatched my phone and kept it in her pocket.
Though a bit exhausting, I don't really regret all that happened since we both enjoyed it. Especially when we were at the arcade where I used my VIP card. Only she and Shiromeguri-senpai know of my special pass and unlimited point currency.
Plus, it was a rather stressful time for me. And I needed a breather and a day to just relax and enjoy whatever I was doing like a regular teenager. Haruno's presence was a blessing, and I found myself opening up and learning more about her as a person. I discovered that she is more or less feeling the same way as I: Shouldering many burdens on your own is mentally and emotionally exhausting. Sometimes, I just want to stay at home and not leave my bed. Being tutored by her at my Mother's place every other weekend isn't really a 'day off' for us.
Not to mention that my overly endearing Mother always has her eyes on her Son and her Son's female friend at the corner or behind the counter…
The only difference between she and I is that I am given much more freedom than her in her life choices. We talked about it once: Saying that perhaps one day, I'll end up the same as her. I honestly hope it doesn't come to that. Though I do accept the fact that anything can happen in the future. All I can do is prepare and quickly adapt to it.
A few weeks past that, and I see some photos of Shiromeguri-senpai when she and I first tried out the VIP arcade cards that I received from my Father. Looking back at it, she's the first person that I hung out with outside of school ever since I enrolled in Sobu a year ago. At the StuCo Room, during the weekends and School Break between my First and Second year, as well as the Summer and Winter Breaks whenever I had to go to school because of my duties, she's no doubt the person that I've spent the most time with so far. We'd have lunch in the staff room with the Boss and our other coworkers, and we'd go out together and walk around a bit before separating at the train station.
She was the first friend that I made in Sobu after all, and I would sometimes follow her around at school in my free time since I had no one else to talk to. And also, because I wanted to help out in the StuCo as much as I can. I didn't want to act like an upstart just because I immediately joined the StuCo, I genuinely desired to pull my own weight as well. I was sort of like what Isshiki is doing right now. Call me a bit clingy if you like, but I'll never be ashamed of it!
Why would I be ashamed in spending a lot of time with Shiromeguri-senpai?!
Shiromeguri Meguri-senpai is truly the greatest Senpai in Za Warudo…! Nothing is more grand and powerful than her fluffy and bubbly aura…! Just being in her AOE (Area of Effect) is enough to energize and fill my morale meter to the max!
Okay maybe not that much. I do still sip on the occasional energy drink from time to time…Yui, Yumiko, Hina and even Shiromeguri-senpai themselves have noticed my constant drinking. I do my best to allay their worries since I don't want them to get a headache because of me.
It didn't take long for me to arrive to the school event that was held in another camp site here in Chiba. It was the school competition where my group won, and I see several images of me holding Tania-chan. She's so fat, plump and chubby, like a warm and heavy marshmallow. I remember how she squeals and giggles whenever I would blow on her tummy to make funny farting sounds. There was one photo where she was pulling on my hair while I winced from the pain, and another where it looked like she was attempting to eat my cheek. Not to mention random videos where I would baby-talk with her while poking her cheek and tummy, and then tickling her.
This cuteness is insane…! I feel like I'm about to go into a coma from sugar overdose! Uwaaaaaah, I want to carry her again. She's so soft and warm, like a heavy marshmallow…
Wait, I've said that twice already.
I wish I have a baby sister or brother. I wouldn't mind having another Hikigaya around so I can spoil them rotten. Or maybe twins, or even triplets… My Parents are still rather young. Perhaps if I drop some hints here and there, that'll be enough for them to at least think about it. I hope all my monologues about the subject will somehow trigger a flag!
Aside from the photos of Ino and Hiro-sensei's infant daughter, I didn't have much during the entire duration of the event. I can always ask the Photography and Documentation Committee to give me some copies. It's within my powers and authority as Head of the Events Committee anyway. I did take the reins after Chisako Mai-senpai stepped down and officially named me as her successor after all. Though I really feel like I got outsmarted and got the short end of the stick hmm…
The months after that and ultimately leading to my first day in Sobu were more or less calm since the StuCo really started acting out the planned events at the 2nd half of the school year. Random pictures of birds at the benches near the trees where I would stay often, Tania-chan when she's in school after getting picked up by her Mother, the occasional stray cat, my Bento, and other nonsensical photos that I took on a whim.
I sigh and lie on the bed, and after several moments, Kamakura meows and rubs his head against my feet on the floor.
"Nyaa… Nyaa…" My cat cries out. I feel him poke my feet with his small and furry paws, as if telling me to get up and go back downstairs. With me being reminded that my Father is waiting for me downstairs, I get up with my phone still in my hand.
I look at it for a second more, turning it off and opening my drawer. And then placing it under my old notebooks and school materials together with my old wallet.
I sigh, not knowing that I've been holding back my breath for some time now. Kamakura walks past me and out to the door. Even though my room was dark, my eyes had already adjusted themselves to the darkness earlier. I open my cabinet and reach inside, feeling for the thing that was delivered this morning. My hands soon find it, and I take the new phone that I ordered online.
I couldn't go with Hina to buy this because of the lack of time, so I opted to order and have it shipped here, courtesy to my Father's company of course.
This was upon Yoshiteru, Hina and Saika's suggestion. And if I'm being completely honest, it's pretty good, if a little bit expensive. But money isn't a problem. Modesty and humility aside, I have more funds than I know what to do with.
If I'm going on a vacation, I don't want to bring along something that reminds me of anything stressful.
Especially things that I'd rather not think about. That would ultimately destroy the reason why I accepted my Father's request in the first place. What I'm doing might be look petty, or even very trivial, but I just have to do it.
I want to get away from everything, if only for a few weeks.
I arrive at our doorway where my Mother was reminding my Father about our things. She removed her apron and wore a robe over her sleepwear. Beside them were our bags, ready to be taken to the car waiting outside. On the sofa was my little sister wearing my shirt several sizes larger than her. This time, she finally had the decency to wear some shorts. Komachi went down earlier sometime after me, and then proceeded to sleep on the sofa. She was nodding every few seconds with her eyes barely able to keep themselves open for more than a moment.
"Onii-chaa- *yaaaawn*" Komachi sleepily raises her hand to return my greeting as I walk towards my parents.
"Hachiman, ready to go?" My Father asks as he looks at me with his eyes, an exact copy to my own.
I nod in reply. "Yes, I just took one last look in my room. That's all." A small and warm feeling presses against my foot, and I see Kamakura looking up at me expectantly. I kneel down and pat his head, as well as scratching behind his ear. Kamakura makes a low purring sound, and licks my hand in response.
"I'm going to miss you too buddy."
"Oooh… Kamakura is going to miss Onii-chan too huh…" Komachi says as I straighten back up. Instead of moving away, Kamakura prefers to go around and around my legs, and coiling his tail upwards.
"Haa-chan, you haven't forgotten anything have you? Your wallet, phone and handkerchief… I've already given your medication to your Father. Dear?" Mother adds as she gestures at my Father for emphasis. He nods and pats his bag. My sister stands beside me and rests her head on my shoulder tiredly while holding my arm for support.
"Thanks. By the way, I've decided to leave my old wallet. I'll buy something nice when we arrive in Amsterdam." I say and slightly open my jacket to reveal the inner pockets inside. "My cards are secure here, no need to worry."
My Mother was about to say something, but my Father manages to speak first. "I see. Well if that's what you want then I won't stop you."
"Well Dear, we're going on ahead." He says and looks to my Mother, before receiving a hug and kiss on the cheek from her. It might be hard to believe, but Hikigaya Joshirou gets embarrassed quite easily. Especially from the slightest gesture of affection from my Mother.
I can't really blame him. It's only very recently that Hikigaya Hitomi started getting affectionate with us. She, along with my Father, barely had any time to spend with Komachi and I less than a year and a half ago. We used to arrive home with our parents still at work. They'll arrive sometime in the middle of the night, and then be gone by the next morning. Sometimes, weeks go by before we can even see them in our own home. With the only evidence of their existence being money that they leave on the table and the occasional breakfast.
My Mother had quit her job and started her own business. The new time that she has on her hands, she uses to stay at home and actually be like a Mother to us for once: Cooking our favorite meals, spending time with us and doing the usual house chores.
I'm sure that my Mother's sudden change in demeanor is her way of making up all the time she lost when she was at work for years, instead of taking care of her two children. I don't really mind the fact that she's a bit touchy and endearing now, if it makes her feel better. After I was old enough to do the bare minimum to feed and cook for myself, she immediately went back to work. And when Komachi was born, I was mostly the one who took care of her as she got older. Our parents never had time to spoil and shower us with love and affection when we were younger after all.
Better late than never, I say.
Komachi gives my Father a hug and asks for lots of presents and souvenirs upon our return. In response to that, he nods and reassures her that he will definitely pick the best and nicest stuff for her. When it came to my turn, she wraps her arms around my waist and with her face against my jacket. Rubbing herself on it like a cat seeking attention from its Master.
"Hehehehe~!" She giggles as I sigh and pat her head. After several moments, Komachi let's go and looks up at me with her bright eyes and a grin. Even though her eyes were trying their best in keeping her wide awake, the drowsiness is still there.
"Have fun, Onii-chan! Stick to Dad and don't wander off on your own!" She says, which earns an amused smile from our parents.
"Good grief, what am I, a child? Cheeky little brat…" I pull on her cheeks with both of my hands while she just stays still with a smug-look. I feel a soft hand on my head and turn to see my Mother pouting at me.
"Ara ara~. Haa-chan," She says, "as long as you're still living with us, you will always be a child in our eyes. Stop trying to look manly or too grown up. Acting too mature for your age is silly, it's okay to be young and free. Hehehehe~!" My Mother starts giggling and Komachi vigorously nods at her words. Her hand goes down and starts pinching and pulling at both of my cheeks. I bet the three of us look very comical, that's for sure.
I shrug. "I see, well I'll keep that in mind." My reply fails to satisfy Komachi and my Mother. And they both sigh in exasperation with their hands on their hips.
"Uwaah, Onii-chan is super lame…"
"Uwaah, my firstborn son is too serious for his own good…" The older of the two says, before her eyes light up and she snaps her finger. "Ah! That reminds me…!" The three of us look at the Woman of the House in bewilderment as she starts getting giddy all of a sudden.
"Haa-chan~! If you ever meet a nice girl in The Netherlands, don't be shy to bring her back home and introduce her to me~! I bet your Father's acquaintances have daughters of their own~!" My Mother starts blushing and squirming in delight at her own thoughts. She will occasionally make a high-pitched "Ehehehe~!" or "Kyaaaaaah~!" and then get even more redder with steam going out from her ears.
I don't even want to know what she's thinking about…
Ah… My Mother should think about her age instead of acting like a giddy high school girl… Well, she's still young and looks very youthful anyway so I guess it's fine.
Komachi on the other hand, closes her eyes with a hand under her chin, her facial expression frowning and full of concentration. "Hmm… Onii-chan with a Western girl? I don't know… I don't approve! What if she'll take advantage and sink her filthy talons in him and fly away to the other side of the World where we can't reach her!?" She exclaims and suddenly hugs me tightly with my arms stuck to the rest of my body.
The thought is so unrealistic that I just had to interrupt her delusions. What am I, the main character of a series with many possible heroines that I can end up with? That's a shitty and oversaturated plat line, not gonna lie.
"Dear sister, don't be ridiculo-" Before I could finish, I got interrupted by our Mother.
"Now now Komachi-chan. Don't be so hasty. Being overprotective is nice and all, but your Brocon tendencies are showing~! Hehehehe~!" She teases, which instantly makes the other girl let go of me in surprise. She steps back and points an accusing hand at our Mother, red-faced with quivering lips.
"Wha-?!" She stutters out, leaving our Mother even more amused as she starts giggling at her reaction. "H-Hey Mama-! S-Stop laughing!" Komachi holds both of our Mother's arms, lightly shaking her with a pouting face while the older woman continues teasing her with the right words.
"Eeeeeeehhh~! Komachi-chan you're so cute~! I remember like it was just yesterday when you said that you'll grow up and marry Haa-chan~!" She teases in a sing-a-song tone, giggling at Komachi's embarrassed and flustered face. My Father and I laugh awkwardly at her words since we know what she's talking about. She was pertaining to an old video when Komachi was still small, saying that she wants to become my bride.
Seriously, why are all little siblings like that. I've heard from my other female Senpai that their little brothers used to say something similar when they were younger. Is it embedded in the psyche of all human beings…? I wonder…?
Before I could go on into another of my philosophical monologues, a shrill embarrassed scream comes from my little sister. With how close she is right now, I can't help but wince from the volume of her voice. Ah, I hope we haven't disturbed the neighbors…
"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH! MAMA STOP IT!" Komachi tries to reach up and cover our Mother's mouth to prevent her from speaking any further, but she unfortunately misses. My Mother sticks out her tongue at Komachi and hides behind me, using me as a shield between her and her flustered daughter. I don't really mind, being the center of it all. My Mother would say something to goad and tease Komachi, while the one on the receiving end flails her arms around in frustration. It's honestly amusing since we rarely get to see this kind of exchange between parent and child in our household.
From the corner of my eye, my Father starts fidgeting and sends me a knowing-look. I know that expression all too well. I frequently saw him make that face during the school break some months ago when I accompanied him at work. With my Mother resting her chin on my left shoulder, I give my Father a nod and gently step away from the two.
"Well we really need to go now, even though it's still dark out. It doesn't hurt to go to the airport early." They make a disappointed pout at my words, but both nod in understanding.
As I predicted, my Mother leans in and gives me the usual hug and kiss on the cheek, to which I returned. She lingered a bit, softly patting the back of my head. Her touch has a calming effect on me. Even though I wasn't currently tense or on guard, I found myself closing my eyes in a relaxed manner.
"Hachiman, enjoy your time there, okay? It's perfectly fine, you don't need to be uptight all the time…" She whispers against my ear in a voice so low that only the two of us can hear. "You can just drop the strong act for once…"
I just nod, not quite understanding her words, and she shortly pulls away with a small smile. I saw some facial traits that I inherited from my Mother: namely, her smile and cheekbones. And the smoothness of her hair, which I am very proud of by the way.
But.
There was something in my Mother's eyes.
Specifically, something behind the light. I have never seen that before. My gut feeling says that it almost looks similar to...
…
I disregard my suspicions.
A flustered Komachi follows after our Mother, although the kiss and hug were quicker and the contact was extremely brief. Her cheek was also a tad bit warmer than usual as I returned the gesture. Not to mention it darkened by several shades when I separated from her.
I may have already grown used to my Mother's acts of affection: the kisses and hugs and all that. I don't really mind it. In contrast, it feels kind of nice being spoiled like this. Komachi still gets embarrassed and flustered when I'M the one doing to her. It's understandable since this is around the 3rd time that this happened. I'm only doing it since I won't be seeing her for the next few weeks, and also because it's only fitting after our Mother doing the same act.
Komachi takes a deep breath to calm herself down. Although the pinkness on her face is still very prominent, at least it isn't as intense as earlier.
"Take care, Onii-chan!"
I return a small smile and ruffle her hair. She giggles, and I know that I'm going to miss hearing such a pleasant sound from her. This is going to be the first time that I leave home for such a long time. Heck, I'm flying beyond the borders of my home country to a place literally on the other side of the planet. My Mother beams at the sight and puts her hands together, before turning to my Father and giving him a nod.
I take my luggage, two travelling and a sling bag over my shoulders, and go to my Father's side.
"Well then, we're going on ahead. See you, Mama, Komachi." They both nod and give us one last smile.
My Father opens the door, and we step outside the house to a still dark sky.
I watch the airport's workers run around and under the plane that we're in. Their helmets and reflective material on their chests sometimes capture the sunlight and reflect it right back at me. Far away in the distance, I see other planes that have just landed, as well as those that are being led to their respective passenger unloading areas by smaller and specialized four-wheeled transports. I hear a loud sound, a mixture of a shrill and a low rumbling announcing the arrival of yet another plane. It's loud here, even more so on the outside. I wonder if the workers here gain hearing damage or something.
I sigh and slightly get up, adjusting my seat and bag below me. My Father is to my left, casually reading a newspaper while occasionally texting on his phone. He is quick to notice my gaze and turns to me questioningly.
"Hachiman? What's wrong?" He asks and momentarily puts the newspaper down.
I shake my head. "Just adjusting my seat. I'm not quite comfortable yet." I say and cross my legs, and twist my body to face the window.
"Careful with the armrests, you might accidentally press a button."
"Yeah." Taking off my thin jacket and putting it back in my bag after neatly folding it, I sigh with relief at the weight gone from my shoulders. We were in the business class or first class I don't know. They both sound the same anyway. It's the class where you get larger and more comfortable seats, as well as fancier too. The area where it's situated is literally where you enter the plane, near its cockpit.
Hehehehe… Cock-pit… I'm sure Hina would be hollering with laughter at the mere mention of it.
My Father only brought with him two of his people from the firm, and that makes four of us in total. The rest of them were in the other class. They are good people, although they are quite too respectful to me… Seriously, they don't need to bow so low. I'm just the Son of the owner, no one special really.
It's a bit embarrassing, but I can't just tell them to stop since they might get offended. Too much humility is pride, and too much pride is arrogance.
"Your house was nice." I say out loud, more to myself than to my Father right next to me. I've been thinking about that house ever since this morning. I never thought that we'd go there, to say that it surprised me was an understatement. Aside from that, I've also been reflecting over the many things that he told me in the confines of that large living room.
Before this morning, he had never mentioned his Parent's names. Maybe he had several years ago, but I must have forgotten since he absolutely never speaks of them. And I in turn lost interest. I can only wonder why he had to wait so many years before telling me.
I guess even my own Father hides something from us.
He hums a reply without turning, and flips the newspaper that he's reading to the next page.
"It's ourancestral home you know. No need to act too bashful and meek about it. Someday, it'll be yours too. If you want, you can even move in there during college." He stops shortly, frowning at his own words before continuing, "Ah, it's too far from any nearby Colleges and Universities. The commute will take quite a while even by car."
"Is that so…"
He adjusts his glasses and fixes his hair which have partially obstructed his view. "Yup. It's one of the reasons why I had to move out and go to Chiba." After several moments of silence, I conclude that the conversation has ended and then proceed to take out my phone. I still haven't gotten used to it, as to be expected. It's bigger and heavier than my previous phone, and the protective glass covering the screen is still flawless and in perfect condition.
We hear a pinging sound, and the plane's speakers announce that the refueling has just finished. Slowly, we go in reverse as the pilots prepare to wait for further instructions. I see that I had missed a call from my Mother a few minutes ago. My phone lights up and vibrates, indicating an incoming call. I quickly press the answer button and put the phone to my left ear.
"Haa-chan~! Where are you and your Father right now?" She asks, and I hear the T.V in the background playing. She's mostly likely watching the morning news.
"We're already in the plane." I say and watch as our aircraft slowly moves forward through the front and back cameras on the monitor right in front of me.
"Oh? I thought that you're already on your way right now…?"
"There's a bit of an air traffic in the airport. The pilot announced that we'll be half an hour behind schedule."
"Oh, I see~! Mama really wanted to go too, but she has other obligations to take care of! Not to mention that your little sister would be alone by herself."
A stranger overhearing us would suggest that she let Komachi stay at our relative's house, but that isn't really a choice in our family. As such, we have only each other to depend on.
Although, it was only Komachi and I who really did that, due to our parent's being nearly non-existent in our early lives from work…
Before dark and gloomy thoughts cloud my mind once more, I decided to lighten up the mood by teasing my Mother a bit.
"Ha? Isn't that an excuse that you used because you're terrified of flying…?" I raise my brow questioningly at her words. From the corner of my eye, my Father sports a small smirk on his face. He has flown beyond our country's borders several times in the past, but he's never brought her with him. Aside from the fact that they used to work at different companies, it should also be considered that he must have raised the topic with her once or twice before.
I can already imagine my Mother's look of slight surprise, before sticking out her tongue and poking her cheek with her finger.
"Tehee~!"
"…"
I squirm uncomfortably from the cringe. And yet, my Mother goes on, quite unaware that I want to die right now. With the new free time that she has, I can only wonder what kinds of shows that she watches that made her adopt all of her recent mannerisms… I honestly think that she and Isshiki will really get along if they ever meet. I had already introduced my super epic Shiromeguri-senpai to my Mother a few months ago, and they both quickly warmed up to each other.
Just comes to show that Shiromeguri-senpai is truly the greatest Senpai in the world…!
"Mou, Haa-chan." She continues, and makes a rather cute tone while at it. "I don't remember raising you to be such a bully~."
I roll my eyes at her words and absentmindedly tap my knee with my finger.
"The Head of The Disciplinary Committee doing the bullying would be very ironic, don't you think?" If that were to happen, then it would make for a rather interesting tale.
A story about the main character falling from grace after facing numerous challenges along the way, and becoming the very embodiment of the thing he swore to never become… In the end, he turns into someone completely unrecognizable and foreign to the person he once was before.
I would like to read a story with that premise in mind. You don't see those kinds of novels every day. Well, from the bookstores that I frequent anyway.
Or maybe I should write a book about that…
My Mother giggles at my reply on the other side of the line. "Oh come on, it was a joke. I was just referencing a show that I watched before!"
"Alright. Why the sudden call though? I mean, I don't mind you calling but- Wait. Did we leave anything behind…?" I ask and start recalling all of my things.
My new phone, necklace, passport, tickets, ID and my other watch are in my bag… I haven't bought a new wallet yet though. None of the shops here in Narita have caught my eye.
The rest of our luggage were already taken to the cargo bay, but we still had our hand-carry. My Father and I look at each other. He puts down the newspaper and starts lightly rummaging through his sling bag. I see him push aside his tablet, the same one that I gave him for Christmas, and some of his documents, looking for anything missing. He frowns and starts patting at the pockets on his black slacks. If we did leave anything behind, then it's too late to go back and get it. But at least we'll save some time knowing that fact here instead of wasting time looking for it several hours from now.
"No, you brought everything with you. I just wanted to tell you something…" The teasing tone in my Mother's voice disappears, and is replaced by her usual casual one. I wait for her to continue, but decide to speak up after several seconds of silence.
"And that would be…?"
"…"
Whatever she is thinking about must be really serious if she's taking her sweet time. Or maybe she forgot about it in the first place. She has a habit of this kind of stuff. Where my Father is direct and straight to the point, my Mother prefers to go around and around, with each cycle getting closer to the center. I don't mean to sound harsh but I can recall many instances where we wasted a lot of time because of her habit.
Finally, she clears her throat, and I unconsciously gulp and prepare myself for whatever she is going to say.
"Never mind, Haa-chan. You'll see for yourself in a few days~!" My Mother adopts a cheery and sly tone, which eerily reminds me of Haruno.
I release my breath which I didn't realize I was holding in.
"All that suspense in the air for nothing…" I shake my head while massaging my brows with my fingers.
My Mother and I do some small talk for some time, until the aircraft's speakers go on again, this time saying that it's time for us to fasten our seatbelts as the cabin crew goes to their designated takeoff positions. All around us, we hear the sounds of seatbelts being fastened and locked and shuffling of seats. My Father nudges my shoulder and signals that it's time for me to end the call.
"Ah. So it's time huh…" She says with a hint of forlorn in her voice.
I make a small smile and look out the window. "Yeah. We're about to go now. The sky is so blue and clear, it's a perfect day for flying."
"I see. Well, I'll be praying for your safe journey, Haa-chan. Be good with your Father, okay? Don't stray too far from him. Keep your things secure and watch out for pickpockets! Your medication is with your Father, don't forget to take it every day! And eat properly and drink plenty of water or else you'll get dehydrated! Stay away from shady people, especially from WOMEN, who entice you with sweet talk!" My Mother says and rushes things, to the point where she almost sounded like she is speaking gibberish. I chuckle, yet I understood everything that she said.
"Yeah. I won't forget."
Several heartbeats go by before my Mother speaks again. Even though it's my first time in a plane, I know that we're literally moments away from taking off from the runway.
"Take care Hachiman. Mama loves you very much. Always remember that."
My mind flashes back to Yui and our conversation that night. She said that I don't need to make an entire speech with big and complicated words to express how I feel.
I believe what she means is that, if two people trust and understand each other, they can convey their true feelings and emotions with minimal effort. A single moment where their eyes meet, a simple touch on their hand, the slightest facial gesture, or even just by their posture alone. Tiny things that almost look superficial on face-value. But from the eyes of someone who know you very well, they tell an entirely different story altogether. You don't have to worry about your image, your looks, your reputation, and how other people perceive you to be. You can drop all formalities and just be…you.
Words carry weight, regardless of who it is from. A single spoken word can express so much emotion and feeling.
Especially when that person is someone you love…
Or something like that, I think.
With that, I reply what any child would say back to their parent.
"Thanks. I love you too Mom."
Yeah I know this took quite a while to finish with exams and trainings going one after another. My laptop also broke down, and it was almost three whole weeks before I got it fixed. And I couldn't really force myself to write if I don't feel like it. The result is always shitty, lacks quality, feels lacking and isn't just the same compared to when my writing switch is turned on. I mentioned this several chapters back, I'm sure the old fans already know about it.
This chapter was supposed to give light on the relationship between Hachiman and his parents, HachiPapa and HachiMama. But since we haven't seen things from his POV for a while, I decided to hold off that idea for now. The Father and Son duo will have plenty of time to catch up to each other while in Amsterdam. HachiMama will have to wait her turn until they come back.
As for what the REAL Hachiman is thinking about and his true feeling on some things, I dropped some hints here and there but not enough to spoil the fun.
Does he hate xxxxxxxx, or maybe he just can't bring himself to forget everything after all that's been happening lately? Did he really mean to manipulate xxxxxxxx's feelings like that, just to test her? Is he just being a good boy for xxxxxxxx's sake and to keep up appearances? Will xxxxxxxx be able to decide what she really wants, and confront the nagging feeling in her heart? Between being friends and possibly taking a step with him, is it worth taking the risk on xxxxxxxx's part? With so many threats and rivals around, will xxxxxxxx finally take the initiative and take him for herself?
Will Hachiman say "Fuck this!" and take Rumi-chan as his fiancée to fully go for the lolicon route?
Will I be able to finally finish building my four Mobile Suits?
In other news, I am honestly surprised how this Fic still has an average of 300 readers per day. I mean, it's been three whole months since my last update. 0_0 I thought that it'd drop to like…ten readers a day or something. Not gonna lie I feel a bit embarrassed for blue-balling you lot for so long xdd
It's also good to see that our community is still alive, with different Authors posting their stories with different premises here and there. If you have a solid idea for a FanFic, you should try and post one yourself! Don't be afraid, we all start somewhere! I remember when this FanFic still had like 15 Favourites!
Anyway, I think this has gone too long, and it's time for me to end AN's. If you have any questions write it down on the review or just PM me and I'll reply to it on the next chapter!
I'll see you lot next time!