"Sorry Hikigaya, but I don't feel the same way as you do. We can be friends though right? I mean, you're really hilarious!" The girl in front of him tried to play it cool by laughing it off.
"It's fine." The boy, named Hikigaya, answered. They continued to clean the classroom in silence.
"Neh HIkigaya, could you please finish cleaning the classroom for me?" The girl asked. The girl then made a cutesy pleading pose to try and get what she wanted.
"You want me to clean all this alone, Orimoto?" The girl, named Orimoto, nodded. "Okay." The girl thanked him by literally leaving him alone, with his thoughts. 'Orimoto… she rejected me. I thought that she liked me too based on the way she interacted with me. She's the only nice one among our classmates, even the whole school towards me. I thought that meant I am special, but that was just a lie.
Orimoto Kaori was nice to me, as she was to others.
That means the world really despises me. Everyone I met, either looked disgusted or wary of me. Is it because of my eyes? It's not like I can do anything about it, other than blame genetics and the gods above for giving me this pair of rotten, dead eyes of a fish. But is that all it is, to judge how you will interact with another based on his appearance and superficial traits?
That means society is a big lie, which makes you focus on what others see, rather than being true to themselves. I don't like this, the feeling of being unable to understand what others think about me. To be left out, to be alone.
But I don't have a choice. It's what the gods have put me through.
I'll prove them wrong.' Hikigaya said with determination as he continued to clean the room.
'I'll be better, but will keep my distance. I, Hikigaya Hachiman, will prove that I can be a good person too.' Was the thought in his mind as he walked towards home.
"Onii-chan, what took you so long?" A girl asked Hachiman as he reached their home. He answered her question. "Cleaning duties. Now if you'll excuse me Komachi, your brother is tired and needs his rest." He excused himself as he went upstairs towards his room. When he reached his room, his thoughts on how to become a better person surfaced again.
If I wanted to be better, what's the best way to achieve it?
As his mind raced, his eyes scanned the room and noticed a book titled: Appearances. 'Right, if I wanted to become a better person, I'll need others to notice me as well. But that isn't what I want right? If I get noticed, won't I become like others? I don't need to have friends, who are just going to be my friends just because of my appearance.
But Isn't it good to take care of your health?' Another part of his mind fought back. 'Right. I don't need to look good for others, but for myself. I need to get my shit together.' Hachiman then went to his computer to look for tips on how to become a better person.
If I want to become better, I need to have better grades. He thought as he read an article that explains how academic performance affects his stature in the society. I guess I'll need to improve my grades across the board. Being good at literature and average at others, while sucking at science and math won't cut it.' With that, Hachiman started to study harder.
The next day, they had an impromptu quiz on science, which Hachiman got full marks. He was grateful that he studied hard.
Hey didn't you hear? Hikifroggya confessed to Kaori yesterday!
For real? Did he think that just because Kaori was nice to him, that he'll have a chance? In his mind, Hachiman said that he already knew that, so he just ignored his two classmates talking and went back to reading.
'According to this book, I will be better if I tried to change my body shape.' He took a look at his lanky arms. 'Should I start exercising? I guess I should.' With that, working out was added to Hachiman's steps to be a better person.
"Congratulations on graduating Onii-chan! Not only that, you're the highest ranked in your year! Watching you give a speech is very odd, since you didn't like the attention, right?" Komachi spoke as she continued eating her pork stew. Even though it was Hachiman's graduation, it was just him and Komachi. Their parents, being the corporate slave they were, were not able to come.
It was fine for Hachiman though, he really didn't mind even if their parents didn't give him attention. 'As long as Komachi isn't neglected, I'm fine being neglected if that means she can grow up not like me.' Was Hachiman's reasoning.
Six months after his rejection, Hachiman focused on studying and exercising. His grades improved drastically, rocketing his rankings to first by the time he graduated. His body also became better. His stamina improved, to the point that he can run for 2 miles without breaking a sweat. His body also became muscular. Hachiman was not buff, but he was lean and ripped, which made him look better. Some girls tried to interact with him, before seeing his eyes and getting scared.
"Don't eat too much, or you'll gain weight Komachi." He berated her sister, causing her to pout. "I know Onii-chan, but I can't help it, food tastes good!" Was his sister's reply. "Then I guess you'll need to join me on my workout session to shave off that calories." With that remark, the bright and bubbly sister he had turned pale.
"No Onii-chan, I don't want to experience your hellish workout routine." Komachi lamented. Once she tried join her brother's workout, she fainted after the second set. "Ah, Onii-chan, how's your entrance exam? Do you think you'll ace the Sobu exam?" She reminded.
"I don't think so, there might be someone better than me." He answered with humility. "Enough with the modesty Onii-chan, I believe you're going the ace the test, you're the smartest person I know!"
"Thanks Komachi."
"By the way Onii-chan, what are you going to do this summer?"
"I'll try to find a part time job." His sister asked why. "So I'll have money to spoil you rotten!" Was his answer. "Mou Nii-chan, your siscon side is showing again."
"Of course, it's normal for brothers to spoil their little sisters." Replied Hachiman. After their lunch at Saize, the siblings went to the mall to watch a movie.
"That was a nice movie isn't it, Komachi?" He asked his little sister. Komachi replied that it was a good movie. "So… should we go home now?"
"Sure Onii-chan." As they did, Hachiman saw an ad about a convenience store looking for part-timers. Hachiman let his sister go home first. 'The pay might not be big, but it's the working experience I'm looking for.' Hachiman thought as he examined the ad. Deciding that it was good enough, he walked towards the said address. Reaching the convenience store, he entered while inspecting the place.
When Hachiman was satisfied, he went towards the staff in register. "Excuse me, I saw the ad that you're looking for part-timers."
"You're interested?" The staff, who was a girl, asked. Hachiman inspected the girl as he continued talking. "That's right, I was thinking about working here." He said to the bluish-silver haired girl. He grabbed a chocolate bar then paid for it.
"Let me talk to the manager." Said the girl after I paid for the chocolate, who then left the register to go back the staff room. 'She looks young, is she a part-timer too? That might explain the grumpy attitude.' Hachiman thought as he took a tour around the store again. Minutes later, the girl with silver-blue hair was back at the register. "The manager wants to meet you. Go and enter the staff room, he said." The girl then went back to fixing the items near the register. I followed her instructions, and was now face to face with the manager.
"Good afternoon, young man." Was the greeting of the manager. Hachiman returned the greeting. The man laughed and said that he didn't need to be formal. "So, I heard you're interested in working here, may I ask why?" The man, who looked to be in thirties, asked. "The salary's not that great, and I think you might have something better to do than sort items and wait for customers." He added.
"To be honest, it wasn't the salary that caught my interest. I wanted to experience a work environment so I'll know what I'll do in the future." Hachiman answered. "That, and that I have nothing to do for the summer besides reading a book and exercising." The manager nodded. "You're thinking ahead huh, I like that. Then, what's your name?" He asked.
"My name is Hikigaya Hachiman, Sir, nice to meet you." I bowed as I introduced myself. The man hummed in agreement and introduced himself. "I'm Toshiro Mamoru, nice meeting you as well."
"Then, Hachiman-kun, you're hired. Tell me your sizes and I'll give you a uniform." Hachiman proceeded to do that. After telling the manager his sizes, Toshiro then said that Hachiman's shift is eight in the morning until three in the afternoon. "Thanks for the opportunity Toshiro-san, I'll be in your care."
"No problem Hachiman-kun. Be early tomorrow so I could show you the ropes." Toshiro said. Hachiman replied that he'll be early. As Hachiman walked out, he was asked by the silver haired girl.
"Were you hired?"
"Yes, I'll be in your care." He bowed before continuing to walk towards home.
"Good morning, Toshiro-san." Hachiman greeted, wearing the uniform. He was very anxious since he didn't know what to do, but since it was his first day, he was eager to learn. "That uniform looks good on you Hachiman-kun." Toshiro complimented. "Come, I'll introduce you to your coworker for today." Hachiman nodded and the two went inside the store.
"Hachiman-kun, meet Saki-chan." Toshiro introduced. "Saki-chan, meet Hachiman-kun. He's our new part-timer."
"I'm Hikigaya Hachiman, nice to meet you." Hachiman bowed. "My name is Kawasaki Saki, pleased to meet you as well." The silver haired named Kawasaki Saki bowed too. "You're the one from yesterday right?" Saki asked, to which Hachiman nodded in agreement.
"So, Saki-chan, why don't you show Hachiman-kun the ropes so he'll be able to help us?" Saki agreed and Toshiro left the two. "Let's go, we have a whole day ahead of us." Saki said, which Hachiman followed. Saki showed Hachiman how to operate the register, how to check the inventories, how to correctly restock the shelves. By the end of the day, Hachiman learned the basics, but still far from being good.
"I'm sorry for mixing the two freezie drinks." Hachiman sincerely apologized. He mixed up the flavors of the drinks since the powder looks the same. "It's fine Hachiman-kun, most of my staff mixes them up too. Just be careful and read the labels next time." Toshiro shrugged it off. "Still, it was fun seeing you get berated by Saki-chan." Hachiman muttered "Don't remind me." Saki just laughed it off, saying that he deserves it.
"You're not as observant as you say, Hikigaya." Saki said. "Yeah yeah, I'll do better next time." Hachiman replied. "Thanks for the hard work today, Hachiman-kun, Saki-chan." Toshiro clapped his hands. "Take care on your way home!"
"So, where do you live, Kawasaki-san?" Hachiman asked. Saki replied that she was near the station, which is surprisingly near Hachiman's house. "How about you, Hikigaya, where do you live?"
"I'm just a ten minute walk west from your home."
"That's quite near us." Silence followed as the two continued to walk. "Why did you apply for this job, Hikgaya?" Saki spoke, breaking the silence. Hachiman hummed before answering the question. "I wanted to experience how to work, to prepare myself for the future." Saki asked another why. "Well, I promised myself that I'll become a better person, and being prepared to work is what I envision a better person is." Hachiman takes a breath. "Don't get me wrong, my reasons might sound like a riajuu's, but the reason I wanted to become better was for myself. How about you, what's the reason you're working on a convenience store?" Hachiman asked the same question.
"Well…" Saki scratched her cheek. "I'm preparing for college, so my parents could focus on my siblings when they start to study." Hachiman understood her reasoning, but wondered why don't she just take a scholarship. "I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but why don't you just apply for scholarship?"
"I don't think I could do that well." Saki answered. "I'm not that smart to apply for scholarship."
"Then why not go to cram school? Cram schools help a lot. Honestly, based on how hardworking you are as I see, I think you could get a scholarship." Saki nodded and said she'll keep it in mind. "Where are you going to study for high school?" Saki questioned. Hachiman, who was drinking a can of coffee, answered. "I'm going to Sobu High." Hearing that, Saki perked up and said "You're going to Sobu High too?"
"Yeah."
"I hope we're classmates, so I have someone to talk to." Saki then stopped walking. "Here's my house, thanks for walking with me, Hikigaya." Saki bowed before going inside her house.
Three weeks after Hikigaya started working, he received a mail from Sobu. Apparently, the higher ups at Sobu High wanted to meet him for a reason that wasn't stated in the mail. Since Hachiman didn't have anything to do, he went and met with the said people.
'Sobu High really looks prestigious.' Hachiman thought. He was asked what he was doing there, but seeing the mail he received, the guards quickly backed off. 'Where am I supposed to go, it wasn't stated in the mail.' Seeing a faculty, Hikigaya walked and asked the woman wearing a lab coat. "Excuse me Ma'am, but I received this mail and it doesn't tell me where should I go." Hachiman explained. As he was saying that, the expression on the woman's face was unreadable. "Oh that, I know where that is, come with me and I'll show you." The woman in lab coat said. Hachiman obliged and the two walked towards the mysterious location.
"Don't be scared, they only do this kind of things to the top rankers of every year." The woman explained. Hachiman got a sigh of relief when he learned that. 'So I am one of the top rankers. I wonder who were the others.' Hachiman then introduced himself. "I'm Hikigaya Hachiman, thanks for accompanying me, Nurse-san." The woman laughed hard at his statement. 'Did I say something funny?' Hachiman thought. After a few more seconds of laughs devolving to whimpers, the woman in white calmed down. "Sorry for laughing, it's the first time I heard that. I am Hiratsuka Shizuka, I am this school's guidance counselor, not it's nurse." The woman, now identified as Hiratsuka, explained. Hachiman, who was busy with his internal monologue, blurted out a sentence. "What a beautiful name." To which Hiratsuka blushed in embarrassment. Not really sure how to respond to it, Hiratsuka replied with a thank you.
'I did say that out loud for her to be like that.' Was Hachiman's conclusion. They reached the board room. After saying his thanks, Hachiman was left alone as he knocked on the door. Hearing a come in, Hachiman entered.
"What brings you here, young man?" The man who most likely is the headmaster of the school, asked. Hachiman then explained that he got a mail. "That's why you were here!" The man laughed. "We usually meet with the highest rankers of every year to inform them about the entrance ceremony, but I'm afraid that's not the case." The man explained. "You see Hikigaya-kun, you got a perfect score across the board, but for some reason, we can't give you the honor to give the speech."
Hachiman though fine with it, asked why.
"You see Hikigaya-kun, you beat a daughter of one of our biggest supporters and that left a bad taste on the family's mouth. So since this family is holds a significant position in the government, they wanted us to make sure their daughter is the one who will be giving the speech." The headmaster finished. 'What a convoluted reasoning. This man is as much of an ass-kisser as most people I know.' Hachiman thought. "Is that all? Is that the only reason I was called here? To say that a pompous family didn't want to lose their appearance because their daughter got beaten by me?" Hachiman spoke. "If they wanted their daughter to be the best, then they should've sent her to Shuchi'in, where most of the rich and influential children go. Though I am confident that if somehow they did, and I went to Shuchi'in myself, I still would've beaten her." Hachiman said with irritation present on his voice. Even though Hachiman was fine with not having to give a speech, since he doesn't like talking in front of a large crowd, he is still irritated that a chance to prove others wrong about him was denied of him. 'I would've been a step closer to my goal of becoming a better person.' Hachiman just sighed and muttered that there's nothing he can do about it now. After the tirade, Hachiman then bowed and said his farewell. Reaching his part-time job, Saki noticed the tension in his face.
"What's the problem Hachiman, you look troubled." Saki asked. As Hachiman continued to work, he and Saki got close enough to be comfortable calling each other's first names. "Nothing much, I got called by the headmaster of Sobu High." Hachiman answered. "Isn't that a good thing? That means you did good right?" Hachiman looked irritated remembering what happened earlier. "Yeah I did good, good enough to perfect the exams and beat someone's daughter." Hachiman took a deep breath, to calm his nerves a bit. "Apparently this daughter's dad is someone who is influential enough since they hold a position of power on the government." Saki could not believe it. "What happened?"
"The headmaster notified me that I wouldn't be the one to give the speech on the ceremony." Saki was surprised that this kind of things really exist in real life, not just in TV shows. "That's just blatant ass-kissing if you ask me." Hachiman just nodded. "Well since I can't do anything about it, I'll just suck it up and see the one I beat on the ceremony." With that, the pair continued to work.
After another week, it was finally the time for the classes to start. Hachiman, who was excited about the first day of school, wanted to go early and biked his way to school.
"Sable, no!" A girl with pink hair shouted. Hachiman noticed that the dog stopped in the middle of the streets and was now a deer caught in headlights as a speeding black limousine was its grim reaper. Hachiman, pedaled faster to try and save the dog.
"Are you alright?" Hachiman was asked by the pink haired girl who looks like the owner of the dog. The dog, seeing it's owner again, joyfully circled its owner. "You were hit pretty hard. Are you sure you're alright?" The girl asked again. The black limousine, went as fast as it came. Hachiman was thankful that he is a bit muscular, which meant he didn't break a bone, only spraining his leg. His clothes weren't as lucky as he is though. His uniform was in tatters, with a big rip on the right sleeve. His bike also became unusable, which is very unfortunate for him.
"Next time, please watch over your dog. You look like you're still sleepy." Hachiman continued his way towards Sobu high, ignoring the pleas of the girl about his name. When he reached the school, the guards were wondering why his uniform was tattered.
"I saved a dog earlier, is it possible to get a new of uniform?" Hachiman asked the guard, who said that it will cost him, but said that he could try going to the office beside library. Hachiman followed and got a new set of uniform, and walked towards the auditorium where the entrance ceremony is going to take place.
"And now, for the welcoming speech, may we please call the representative of first years, Yukinoshita Yukino." The loud applause made Hachiman pay attention to the girl walking towards the stage. Once he saw the face, Hachiman was mesmerized by her beauty, but with anger still in his veins, he quickly snapped out of his trance.
And thus, Hikigaya Hachiman's springtime of youth started.
Author's Notes: Damn, this might be shit, but I really wanted to write about this. I wanted Hachiman to have more spine than he has on the anime, while also becoming a much better person. Still, just because he is a better person doesn't mean he's not going to be a loner.
Pairing? Harem? Nah more like 8-bowl since I wanted to write jealous girls fighting over someone.
Well leave your thoughts by giving a review, I appreciate all of them, even if you told me that I suck, which I probably do.
Much love, Jasserru