Princes of Sobu High

by Ausko

AU. Hayama and Hikigaya have befriended one another before arriving to Sobu; where different tropes are assigned to various characters and relations are swapped. Slight crack? Second Revision is now complete! Please refer to chapter 1's A/N for an update. Thank you for continuing to read my story!

1. The Meeting of Princes

Update 10/8/20: Sorry once again, it seems like this story will be forever changing, eh? Anyways, if you couldn't already tell I have done a second revision; if you were here for the first one, hey, its been a few years, hasn't it? Full update down below, if you care that much.

Just know chapters 1-3 have been deleted and rewritten into this single compressed chapter, hope it allows first-time readers to get into the story more as I think it picks up more in later chapters, and its biggest detriment was it's initial impression.

Thank you for all the tremendous support over the years, as well as patience, and I deeply apologize for retconning so many things; though with this, there are no more original chapters. Every single original chapter of this story has been deleted, edited, re-written, or compressed. Hope it's to your guys' liking.

Disclaimer: The following passage is fan-made, non-profit work of fiction. All rights and ownership belong to Wataru Watari, Ponkan8, Gagaga Bunko, Brain Base, and Studio Feel. Please support the official release.

*Secondary Disclaimer: Oh, also all A/N's past this chapter are OUTDATED, anything said in A/N's past this chapter may not be true. What comes to mind is the timeline one.

---

"Oi, Aneki, get up."

The covers of her bed slightly shift, before they are wrapped even tighter around her body. Hey, hey, hey don't be going back to sleep! If I have to suffer through the entrance ceremony, so do you!

"Stop being stubborn, get up already, we're going to be late."

This time, I actually start to tug on her covers. However before I can successfully pull off her blankets, she started physically resisting by pulling the covers back up and wrapping herself even further into them. Was that even physically possible? Any more and she'll end up becoming the damn blanket herself.

Growing tired of this little triad, I instead grab the whole damn thing, my sister included and respectively drop her on the floor, though not from too high of a height. I didn't want to hurt her or anything.

"Geeh!" She lets out a pitiful squeak after that, hmph serves her right. It's always a damn pain to wake up this child, when the hell will she actually act her age? Whatever, at this point I just need her to get up and start her morning routine, 'cause damn does she take ten years to get ready.

…

…

Any day now.

…

…

…

Oh shit, did I knock her out?

"Oi! Haru-nee, you okay? Did I actually drop you from that high? There's no way I did, did I?!"

At this point my mind was racing, what if she's suffocating in that tightly wrapped cocoon of blankets?! Oh shit. What do I do? Okay, relax Hachiman, there's a completely logical conclusion to all this, right? Right. All I have to do is stop and think.

…

Yeah, stop and think she's dead, are you a dumbass?

Hey that's kind of mean, me.

Fuck you, what if she is dead?

What if she isn't? Now that's the real question.

That literally does not even make sense, what is wrong with you?

No, no what is wrong with this world, your anger is misguided

? ? ?

"Uwaah~"

Suddenly my sister bursts from the mound of pillows and blankets, yawning loudly, her hair in disarray, well more disarray than usual, and that's saying something.

"...?"

After a while she just stands there making noises with her mouth as she opens and closes it, rubbing her eyes slowly in the process. She looks over to me, seemingly skimming over my presence before letting out another yawn and begins to strip off her clothes. Wait… WHAT?

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Finally regaining my composure from my internal dilemma I'm shaken out of my stupor only to be greeted by my sister trying take off her shirt, she stops midway and glances at me sideways with an annoyed look.

"Why are you screaming so early in the morning?" She drawls out slowly, "I'm hot and getting sticky - I wanna take a shower, hence, me taking off my shirt." She finishes in the same bored tone, completing her task once she finishes speaking.

…

No really, how oblivious can this girl get?

"Ehh!? What the hell are you doing in my room Hachiman! Ew! Gross! Trying to peep on your sister while she's sleeping?" She quickly recovers, covering herself up with her hands in the process.

"What? Oh no, don't try playing the victim here you damn vixen! I came to wake you up cause we're gonna be late, y'know? Like I always do?!" She has to be doing this on purpose right? There's no way she's not!

Her face slowly morphs into one of questioning, as does mine. Huh, that's odd, I feel like I said something very important… but I can't really place my finger on it… weird.

"Just one quick question my dear Hachiman, what time is it?" She asks in a blank tone.

"Hmm? Oh it's," I check my phone quickly, "almost 8."

She nods, once, twice, "hmm, I see, I see."

We share a glance.

"Fuck'sake"

"Balls."

Both of us share a similar sentiment in the same fashion; guess it ran in the blood, huh?

"This always happens, Aneki; why can't you ever just wake up on time?" I sigh out in frustration.

"Oh so now it's my fault that you wanted a quick peep, huh? Couldn't resist your naked sister, you naugty boy~."

What?

Ignoring her remark I just walk out the door, "look, I'm just going to start the car, we're late as it is, just hurry up will you?"

"Aww, no time for a quickie then?" She pouts.

"Wha-? Just take your damn shower!" I shout from the living room

This damn girl, why the hell was I cursed with the bad luck of having someone like her as a sister? She can't even act her own age, a literal failure of a human being. She can't cook, has no idea how to work the washing or drying machine. I mean you literally just press buttons, yet somehow she screws even that up! Last time she tried, she ended up putting too much detergent and the whole machine started foaming and leaking, not to mention she put both bleach and detergent in at the same time; like isn't that just common sense not to?!

Even though she sets alarms, she still needs someone to wake her up, this girl is utterly hopeless, a complete waste of air; but, a sister is still a sister, right?

Finally getting fully undressed she comes out of her room in only a towel wrapped around in a very risque fashion, walking past me towards the bathroom.

"Sheesh, what's gotten you so riled up? Never knew you were one to be so adamant about school." She purposefully bumps past me, forcing me to look at her in annoyance. However whatever I was going to say gets stuck in my throat once her covered form walks past me.

...

Oi, me, you're gonna be even more late if you don't stop staring.

Yeah, yeah, I got it, I got it, shut up.

Siscon.

---

Finally both my sister and I get in the car and make our way towards school. It wasn't anything exotic, but it was fairly nice. The damn thing wasn't too great on gas but what else are you going to expect from a sportsy(ish) coupe?

The scenery flies by, while I fiddle on my phone out of boredom, there wasn't much to do rather than read some trashy online, user-submitted passages from the internet. It's not like I had friends to text or any type of social media to check or something. I usually only ever use my phone for the rip-off-of-a-game they call mobile games that are locked behind paywalls, or to read, or to contact the few people I have in my phone. Speaking of the few people...

When I asked Mother if I could move out, I was elated when she agreed. I found myself a small two-bedroom apartment in a large apartment complex, I insisted that I would be fine with a place far less expensive, like a studio, but my mother wouldn't have any of it, especially cause my mother decided that my sister would be living with me as well. Once again, of course this girl ruins all the good things that happen to me; but with the amount of how much mother and father work, the thought of leaving Aneki alone not only scared me for her well being, but as well as for the house's. I doubt she'd be able to handle it.

Unlike me, she was not a solitary person, quite the opposite actually. She was a social butterfly, and well liked - from what I've heard from her classmates. Being alone made her anxious, and often would go into a reclusive mood if left alone for a certain amount of time. And, I guess her having a car helps a bit.

Ding!

?

Well that's odd, I'm pretty sure that was my phone going off, and lo and behold a text notification pops up blocking my reading. What a nuisance. I swipe my phone to check the message.

---

[From: Yato

Yo, Hikigaya, where the hell are you? You do know the ceremony already started right? You better hope your homeroom teacher isn't Hiratsuka-sensei, I heard she's a real stickler for tardiness. Text me when you're here, yeah? 8:12 AM]

[To: Yato

Blame my sister, you know how she is. We're actually pulling up now, see you in a bit. 8:13 AM]

---

I hear the engine shut off with a turn of the ignition, "hey look, we're finally here" My sister tones out indifferently. I give a simple nod as my response and follow her out the car.

"Would've been less of a hassle if we were on time, don't you think?"

As we walk in step besides each other she gives me a playful wink, grabbing onto my arm, "oh stop that, are you that embarrassed to be seen with your older sister?"

"I think I'm more embarrassed by the fact that I'm related to you." I answer noncommittally.

It's safe to say that I ended up with quite a large bruise under my eye after that comment.

---

We climb a few steps outside of the main building and follow a few pathways that lead into what seems to be a gymnasium.

"Well this is where we part, Hachiman. I hope you enjoy your stay; don't go around causing a ruckus! You know you're on thin ice, right?" She finally looks to me without any of her antics and puts on a pretty serious face.

"Hai, hai; I understand 'sis." I comment unenthusiastically.

"Seriously, if Dad ever gets-"

I cut her off, "I'll deal with Father when I need to, I understand my situation, alright? I already said I understand, just get going."

She just just nods her head and opens the double doors without pecking me on the cheek first. I was completely caught off guard, and when my senses finally caught up to me, I honestly felt pretty embarrassed at that.

Oi! I'm not a damn kid anymore!

However, before I could say my peace, the doors were already opening, making a loud ruckus that seemed to echo within the gymnasium. It looked like a speech was going on, only to be interrupted by our sudden appearance.

My eyes opened up wide as I was now the center of attention, wait, why the hell was everyone staring at me, no, better yet only me? I quickly look to my left and right, where the hell did that vixen go? Off to the side I see her waving to me discreetly from the 3rd years section. How the hell did she get over there so quickly?! No, no, that's not the problem right now, the problem is what the hell am I supposed to do with all these eyes on me! Suddenly I hear whispers from all the students.

"Who the hell is that guy?"

Alright, first of all, what's with the hostility?

"Trying to make a grand entrance or something? You think he's a chuuni?"

Huh? Me? A chuuni? Wha-? Never, haha...

"Oh, thank god, that speech was making me want to kill myself."

Honestly, I feel you, man.

"Isn't that Hikigaya?"

What? Okay now that was weird, someone knows my name?

"Hey, hey, who's he?"

No surprise there.

"I don't know he's kind of cute though, right?"

?!

"No way, that's your brother, Haruno?!"

Unfortunately, yes.

"He kind of looks like a delinquent…"

Why does everyone say that? It's because of my eyes isn't it? And I suddenly remember the 'mark' that Aneki gave me. I instantly slap a hand over my blackened eye. People probably thought I was some sort of delinquent!

"What year is he from?"

Take a wild guess, you literally have 33% chance of being correct.

I swallow nervously, now noticing all the teachers giving me glares, well some, others kind of look relieved for the brief interruption while others seem amused. Hey, I'm not some kind of circus show here, people!

Finally I notice another discreet, or, not-so-discreet hand wave to me. His damn blonde hair and charming smile stands out like a needle in a haystack. Is that how that saying goes? Whatever, besides the point. Quickly averting all the questioning glances I made my way to the blondie who happened to save me a seat, most of the girls and even some of the guys gave me jealous looks as I took the seat. What? It's not my fault he likes me better than you damn randoms, how about you actually try and make some friends instead of clinging onto others and fighting for scraps?

"It's about time you made it Hikigaya, I was starting to get lonely without you." He says in a disgusting voice.

And of course, even though he whispered it, or maybe it was because he whispered it that it caused an instant reaction. I swear I heard something akin to blood squirting then a loud thump, but it was drowned out by our immediate vicinity rapidly talking amongst themselves spreading rumor after rumor like wildfire.

I heave a sigh, "why the hell do you always have to make things so difficult?"

"I dunno, I was bored this whole time, your fault for coming late." He says nonchalantly.

Some of the more courageous girls actually decided to confront us from various parts of the rowed seats, many students leaning into listen, while others made room for others to express their questions.

"Ne, ne, are you two like going out?" A girl finally asks, while others emphasize her point by nodding their heads and yelling 'sore aru!'

"No of course not!"

"Of course we are."

I instantly look at the damn blondie, what the hell was he thinking?!

"I'm hurt you'd say something like that Hikitani-kun."

"What the hell are you saying, Yato?! And what the hell is up with that name?!" That's not even close to my name, at all! Before you know it, all these kids are probably going to start calling me 'Hikitani-kun' or some other grossly butchered version of my name. It's not even hard to say!

"Kya! They even have pet names for each other!"

"D-date me instead, Hayato-kun!"

"Wow, are they actually dating?"

"See?! If they can be open about their relationship so can we!"

"...Yato-kun? Pfft, AHAHA."

"Do your best Prince! Go for it!"

"Hikitani-kun? Never heard of him before, is he new or something?"

"H-how about we go on a d-date, Hikitani-kun?"

I just look incredulously at all my peers, are all these kids crazy?!

"What the hell is wrong with this school?!" I silently scream out.

---

After the ceremony I found myself in the faculty office, apparently my interruption with the ceremony wasn't going to go unpunished. However, from what I've heard it was a bit of a hassle to dish out a correct punishment. For one, I was new to the school, so it was understandable that I was late, I could easily blame it on me getting lost. Of course, that just painted the image of me being a lazy student as I could've toured the area before. But, I also had the excuse that I've recently moved residence, without my parents to top it off, plus my grades weren't that bad; they ranked rather high apparently, so I guess I had a certain amount of Immunity. Sobu High was a prestigious school after all.

So here I found myself face to face with my homeroom teacher, Hiratsuka-sensei. A relatively attractive looking woman, if I was being honest. She seemed a bit young to be teaching, but with all the cosmetics out there and facial reconstruction it's hard to actually tell someone's age nowadays.

"Hikigaya, Hachiman correct?" Her question snapped me out of my musings.

"Uh, yeah, that's me." Hey, dumbass, you should probably be a bit more respectful?

She gives me a hard look before sighing and rubbing her temples, "Look, I already have a lot on my plate at the moment with the start of the new year, dealing with you falls on a pretty low priority to be honest."

Well, gee, thanks Sensei.

"But the higher ups want to 'keep an image' or whatever, so I'm left in charge of you, and with that, punishment for being late."

I nod, understanding, but not really knowing what to say. There wasn't much to add on.

"So, I've decided; I want you to join the service club." She said with finality, while also giving a smile. Wait, wait wasn't this supposed to be a punishment? Why do you look so happy about it? And is it really okay to force someone into a club? Just the thought of joining a club with these mental ass kids makes me shudder a bit. I could already imagine all the fake smiles and superficial bonds that I'll have to create, not to mention if they're second years I'd have to explain the fiasco that was the entrance ceremony. Damn that blond asshole.

"The… Service club?" What the hell was a service club? Sounds like some perverted club based off of sexual innuendos, or maybe a slave-master kind of thing? Don't tell me I'm going to become an indentured servant! Why me?

"It'll be easier to show you, rather than try and explain it to you." I gave her an uneasy glance, to which she just laughed off, "don't worry, I'm the supervisor to the club, so you have nothing to worry about."

I don't see how that was supposed to make me feel any better, but I followed reluctantly. After a few minutes, I began to suspect for my well being; this enigma of a teacher kept walking and walking, seemingly out of school property, no, no seriously. I'm pretty sure we even entered a building that was pretty run down. Wait, was this place abandoned?! Calm down Hachiman, there has to be a logical explanation to this.

I'm here with my teacher, walking to some abandoned building on school property, with the hopes of joining this so-called 'service club'. Hmm, abandoned building, service club, alone, teacher - no, young teacher...

THIS WOMAN IS A SEX OFFENDER ISN'T SHE? DAMN, I KNEW I SHOULD'VE DONE BACKGROUND CHECKS; WHAT IF SHE-

"We're here Hikigaya-kun, this is - what the hell are you getting all worked up for?" Her voice shakes me out of my thoughts. She gives me a questioning glance with a - is that disgust in her eyes? Hey, hey, aren't you supposed to be a professional?

"I'm sorry?" I finally regain my ability to speak.

She slides open the door and we both walk in. It was literally an empty room sans a lone chair in the middle of the room, while in the back were stacks of chairs and a single table. There was a small table propped up against the window holding what seemed to be a tea set and a few books, a storage closet adjacent to it.

Wait, is this some kind of torture room or something?! Again, I start to grow nervous, looking around for a quick way to escape. This woman must be into some fucked up shi-

"Will you stop that already? You're awfully paranoid for a boy your age."

Well, excu~use me, Sensei. I'm kind of in a foreign environment with little-to-no explanation and to top it all off, alone! With you!

"This is the service club? Why is it empty?"

"Obviously because it's not club hours?" Wait, what's with that sarcastic tone? Aren't you supposed to be professional, Sensei? Belittling students is unbecoming of you, and quite frankly ruining the image of a dependable teacher I had of you, y'know?

"I just wanted to show you how to get here, after school ends make your way here, okay?" She finally answers some of the questions that'd been bottling inside me. "Just remember this is your punishment, so attendance is mandatory."

"Hai, hai." I sigh out.

This makes her chuckle a bit, "it's only for a week, relax. After that, you're free to quit or stay, whichever you choose."

I just nod in response, a week though?

"Anyways, let's head back to class, you've probably missed all the introductions, but after the stunt you pulled, I'm sure you'll have no trouble making friends." She gives me a lighthearted smile.

"Don't remind me, it's all that damn vixen's fault anyways."

She lets out a small laugh, "just how your sister described you'd be."

"...?"

---

We made our way back to class, since she was my homeroom teacher, we arrived at the same destination. Walking into class together made all chatter stop, and again all eyes were on me. Why the hell do I always find myself in these types of situations? Back at Kaihin everyone kind of ignored me, what's with the sudden change of hearts?

"Hello class, sorry for being late," she gave a quick thanks and a bow to the substitute put in her place before said sub exited the room, "I had other matters to attend to."

She began writing on the board, "as some of you may know, I am Shizuka Hiratsuka, your homeroom teacher. I already see a few familiar faces."

With that a few cheers were had among the class, while others looked around confused, I guess she was a bit popular as a teacher? Well, I couldn't really blame them, she was awfully young so probably a bit more easygoing than most teachers. She was attractive so she was good eye-candy for the kids having a hard time focusing in class, not to mention that attitude she has.

"As for him, well you've probably already heard of him, but I'll let him do the honors."

This elicited a few snickers, I gave her a sideways glare after seeing the mirth in her eyes. Those were the same eyes as Aneki! Why the hell do you look like my sister right now? Gross! I take it back, you don't look attractive!

Clearing my throat I look around the room about to start my introduction when I get a glimpse of blonde hair, "oh great, you're in my class now too?"

"That's cold Hikitani-kun."

"It's Hikigaya!"

After hearing laughter and a few whispers I realized that I was still in the front of my class and that I'd said that out loud. Letting out a sigh I threw my initial train of thought out the window and just winged it.

I look off to the side, already tired of this circus they call a school, "My name's Hikigaya Hachiman, I'm relatively new to the area as I've just relocated. I'm transferring from Kaihin Sougou High School." I give a slight bow, "please take care of me."

With introductions now over, Hiratsuka-sensei just told me to take any seat. I made my way through the room, ignoring Hayato's incessant waving to take the seat a few desks behind him and a row over. Instead I took the seat next to the wall opposite the window next to the entrance. I know damn well all these kids are about to swarm once a break hits and I wanted to get out of here before that could happen. After taking a seat I glanced quickly around the room, as soon as I made eye contact with anyone, most turned away acting unnaturally natural. I know you idiots were staring, stop making it so obvious.

I then catch Hayato's eyes and he gives me a disappointed look, I shrug my shoulders to him and then motion towards my phone. I'll text him later, in which he nods.

The rest of class was rather uneventful, I even found it kind of hard to focus for the most part.

---

Shaken out of my daydreams, I heard the bell signaling time for break, well actually I was a bit slow as I finally noticed it after about the second or third tone.

Great.

Being too late to make my great escape, the more courageous of students instantly swarmed my desk, while others simply moved closer to listen in.

The first one was a girl, "Ne, ne, you're Hikitani-kun from the ceremony right?"

No, I'm the other Hikitani from the ceremony - of course it's me. And get my name right, while you're at it!

"Ahah, yeah, that was me, I was just running a bit late and got lost. Though my name is actually 'Hikigaya'."

Another voice, "Woah, du~ude what the hell is up with your eyes, you like a yakuza or somethin'?

Blame my genetics for my eyes, you damn degenerate, you act like I was able to choose the way I look, what about you? What the hell is up with your haircut? At least you can choose how your hair looks. Should I give you a black eye to match mine while we're at it?

"...I'm sorry?"

One slap, two slaps, "don't mind him, he's an idiot."

I nod.

Another voice, "So, Hikigaya-san how do you know Hayato-kun?"

Now this question made everyone quiet down and lean in. What the hell is with the sudden interest? Last time I checked him and I were on the absolute bottom of the social ladder. His blonde hair sticking out like a sore thumb and my eyes always gave us trouble. It was a pain in the ass, really. Hair as flamboyant as his always brought the attention of the neighborhood bullies and he was often made fun of for it. Usually it turned into things physical, but I digress.

"Oh, well, it's kind of a long story, but we met back years ago. We kept in loose contact after going to different schools, though"

The reaction was instant, everyone let out a cry of disbelief, then instantly began whispering among themselves.

"A-ano, if you care to tell us we're willing to listen, break just started anyways."

Well, I guess there's no harm in telling them, it's actually a fond memory of mine.

"Well, I guess there's no harm in telling you guys, it's actually-"

I was about to start, however I saw Yato make his way through the crowd and instantly grabbed my head in a headlock, effectively choking me. What the hell are you doing, you bastard?!

"Let's give him some space guys, yeah? He's new and I'm sure he doesn't appreciate being interrogated so early. Isn't that right Hikigaya?"

"Recrsdack!" I try to yell at him but his hold only tightens and now I was actually struggling to breathe normally!

"You are sure right Hayato-sama." He says in a mock of my voice.

Are you an idiot?! There's no way anyone will believe that! And who the hell do you think you are adding '-sama' to your name?! I'm going to kick your ass after all this!

Some of the students look on nervously, obviously uncomfortable with the sudden change, while others burst out laughing. Eventually the students left our vicinity and he loosened his hold on me, only letting me go after dragging me towards his seat. Once he finally lets me go I instantly begin to shout out at him and lunge across the desk.

"WHAT THE HE-"

Before I could finish my sentence he pops me in the mouth and counters my lunge with an elbow to my head forcing me to smack my face into the desk. My head instantly shoots up from the pain and I cover my nose from the stinging sensation, tears forming in the corner of my eyes from the sudden shock.

"H-Hayato-kun! That's mean, no need to be so rough with Hikigaya-kun!" Finally a third voice joins in, "are you okay, Hikigaya-kun?"

Suddenly I feel a presence get up and start rubbing my back while her other hand holds mine, forcing my hand away from my face, "'c'mon you're not bleeding or anything are you?"

I finally look up to see a very cute and worried face, her hair was obviously dyed, peach, an interesting color to say the least, but it somehow suited her. Wait, we're her eyes the same color?! Is she wearing colored contacts?

"U-uhh, no. I don't think so?"

She backs away and lets go of me, being able to see her fully now, I can't help notice her chest. God damn. Oi, Yato, hit me again so I can be embraced by this angel once again.

"Oh, he's fine see? Just a little rough-housing with an old friend of mine." Fuck you, asshole; I swear I'll get you back for this.

"How come we never rough-house Hayato-kun?" A fourth voice whines. From a guy no less.

What the hell? Dude, that sounded totally creepy, how beta can you get? No, no that sounded really creepy! What kind of friends did you make while I was gone, Hayato?

"Uh, ew? That sounded totally gross Tobeechi." A fifth voice now chimes in, a girl who was busily typing away on her phone.

Oh c'mon, you're not fooling anybody with that tactic. We all know damn well you're not actually doing anything on your phone, but just silently listening in so you can join in whenever you want, or ignore us whenever you want. Putting on headphones would be more believable. I would know!

But I am inclined to agree with you, Little 'Ms. Antisocial'.

Regaining my ability to speak, "So, Hayato, you certainly made a merry band of misfits, huh?" I tone out curiously.

"Oh there not that bad once you get to know them, well maybe except those two, I don't even know their names."

"Guh!" Two boys I didn't see before go into a corner with a depressive aura surrounding their head, drawing circles on the floor with their fingers.

Weirdos.

"I'm Yuigahama, Yui! Nice to meet you." Oh what a beautiful smile this angel has, please marry me?

"Mirua." doesn't seem to talk much either.

"And I'm Kakeru, Tobe! Hayato's number one best friend! Don't forget that, you random!"

Tch. Now, I'm not one to get petty over things like this, but the nerve of this kid, he just reeked of desperation; just asking to get bodied. I've known Yato way longer than you, and the amount of shit that we went through as kids could never be overcome by your superficial bonds.

But whatever helps you sleep at night.

Shortly after, the bell rings toning the end of break, guess it's time for the rest of my classes.

---

The rest of the day was rather uneventful, before I knew it, it was already time for school after-hours. Remembering my punishment I made my way to the so-called 'service club'. You know, that suspicious torture room ways away from the main school building? Literally someone could be stabbed, murdered, whatever and stored there, and I bet no one would even bother checking there! I wouldn't be surprised to find used condoms in the empty classrooms either, this place just begs to be exploited!

Soon enough I find my way to the room I'm supposed to enter, wondering what kind of clubmates I'd have to meet. As I reach out to slide the door I hear a strange noise coming from inside the room. What the hell? Is that a… cat?

Pressing my ears against the door, I'm able to hear the sound more clearly. It most definitely is a cat… or a person making cat noises?

"Nya… Nyya! Nyaaa~."

What the actual fuck is wrong with this school? Now there's someone pretending to be a cat in this club too? Honestly I'm not as surprised as I should be. Heaving another sigh - I've been doing that a lot lately - I shrug my shoulders and casually walk in.

"Pardon the intru-"

As I walk in, I make my presence known from my voice, however before I can finish I'm hit with the most bizarre of sights. In front of me, dead center of the floor is a girl. Well, that's normal if you don't include the fact that she looked absolutely stunning. Even from here I could tell her hair was silky, a light fragrance assaulting my nose due to the window being open. I couldn't really describe it other than just girly; maybe a bit sweet? It left me feeling very relaxed. She had captivating eyes, pure, unadulterated blue, something that is rarely seen in Japan. It was actually quite exotic, and I felt myself staring a bit longer than I should.

However all of that was relatively normal, right? I'd be inclined to concur, however there was one major anomaly.

THIS FUCKING GIRL WAS IN A SCANTILY CLAD CAT COSTUME.

The girl was basically naked except for a furry bra-type thing, leg and arm warmers in the shape of cat paws that covered up to her elbow and knees respectively. Around her waist was a furry skirt-type thing that literally stopped once it hit her thighs. Two belts wrapped around each of her upper thighs and one over her chest. To top it all off, she had cat ears and fluffy tail trailing her, all stark white in color.(A/N Kitty cat Katerina)

She soon sniffs the air, gets on her knees and raises one of her 'paws' in a 'r' shape, tilts her head and simply mewls at me.

Now, I'm not one to be easily flustered but this was beyond fucked in the head, I had to try really hard to force back the dark thoughts forming in my head, there was no way this was normal. Why the hell was I here again? For the service-club? Why the hell was there a naked woman in a cat costume here for a 'service club'?! What the hell is the goal of this club?!

Wait, wait, why is this girl getting flustered too?! Does she know what she's doing? Oh now she's avoiding eye contact, is she going to cry? Fuck, maybe she was just cosplaying or something, oh damn. Did I walk into something I wasn't supposed to see?

"S-sorry! Wrong room!"

IT MOST DEFINITELY WAS THE RIGHT ROOM.

I slam the door shut and prop my back against it, instantly I feel weight from the other side of the door and a small voice squeaks out.

"W-was that not to your liking m-master?"

M-master?! What the hell was wrong with this girl!

Suddenly I feel her slide open the door, wait wait! I'm gonna fall you dumb girl!

"Kya!"

I find myself tumbling backwards into the girl, although I felt a bit bad using a girl as an impromptu cushion, I was surprised by the softness - or lack thereof - when I landed on her. Her chest definitely did not compare to that angel called Yuigahama.

Realizing how much of an ass I must look like, I get up quickly and offer her a hand, only to turn around and see her sprawled out very suggestively, legs spread ever-so slightly, one arm going above her head exposing the left side of her frame, and the other arm going towards her face as she bit her pointer finger.

NO ONE FALLS DOWN AND LOOKS LIKE THAT, STOP TRYING TO SEDUCE ME YOU VIXEN.

"P-please be gentle."

"Okay." I calmly breathe out, "What. The. Hell are you doing?!"

"Why are you yelling? You mean it didn't work?" She laments quietly to herself, almost sadly.

She quietly gets up from her suggestive positioning and gets into a seiza positioning, wait, what are you doing now?

"I'm sorry, I was told this was how to make friends."

"...?"

---

"So you're saying this was all your sister's idea."

She nods.

"And that your goal was to make friends?"

She nods.

"And you knew of my arrival from Hiratsuka-sensei, and proceeded to try it on me?"

She nods.

I sigh, relieved to clear the misunderstanding. And kind of glad that it was me and not some freak that'd probably actually take advantage of her. But there was still a major anomaly present here: what kind of idiotic girl thinks that this was anyway to make friends? Better yet, who'd actually believe this ridiculous idea!

After that whole fiasco, I told her to put on some clothes before she began to explain anything. Back in her school uniform, I could say without a doubt, that she was most definitely cute, and gave off an adorably cute, innocent vibe. Even though she changed out of that ridiculous costume, she refused to take off her cat ears and tail, saying it was part of her outfit.

We spent the better half of ten minutes talking about what she was trying to do, and how it was her sister's idea.

"Well, I guess that could work on some people to become your friend…" There's no way this would ever work on a sane person, but with a look like that, I couldn't really be my blunt self without losing sleep over it; it'd probably make her cry or something

At that statement she instantly brightens up, a hopeful look in her eyes,

"But!" I cut her off immediately, "I don't think that's the kind of friends you'd want."

She gives me a quizzical look, not understanding. I let out another sigh. Woman, how hopeless can you get?

"But a friend is a friend, correct? I wouldn't mind if it meant I could make at least one."

"Wait, you're telling me that you don't have any friends?" That was odd, given her looks, then I remember the whole cat thing and her naive personality. I guess it wasn't too hard to believe but I felt like there was something more to it.

She breaks eye contact with me and gives a small nod, sadness filling her eyes.

I can not comprehend how mental this damn school is, truly, it never ceases to amaze me.

"Well, how about this," she once again looks me in the eye, holy hell how do you keep someone's gaze for so long?

"What if we were to become friends?"

This had an instant reaction, immediately she jumps out of her chair and pounces on me. I hit the floor hard, causing a lot of pain. I was about to yell at the damn girl, but she had tears in her eyes and a smile on her face.

"Oh thank you, thank you!"

She began to rub her cheek against my chest and was… purring? Hey, hey, you're not a damn cat y'know?

After a few minutes she regains her composure and sits up, well, straddling me could probably explain it better.

"My name is Yukinoshita, Yukino. I look forward to our friendship!" She purrs out happily.

Now, usually I would be fed up and annoyed with all the bullshit that's been happening to me lately, but seeing that smile on her face made me falter a bit, there were a few things precious in this world, and her smile was definitely one of them. Instead, I just gave an annoyed sigh and enjoyed the respite I was getting while laying on the floor.

Suddenly I hear the door slide open, "Yo, Hikigaya you here? I know I told you it was mandatory but-"

I instantly roll my eyes towards the top of my head to see who was at the door while laying down, seeing Hiratsuka-sensei and looking back to Yukinoshita who just tilts her head in questioning, YOU'RE NOT A DAMN CAT!

I look back to sensei who just looked at me, then to Yukinoshita, then back to me. A few seconds of silence pass between the three of us.

"Pardon my intrusion, please, continue." And with that she quickly walks out of the room and shuts the door behind her.

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! Teachers aren't supposed to condone these types of things! Where is your professionalism Shizuka?!

"Hiratsuka-sensei come back!"

This school will be the death of me, I swear.

---

"Let me get this straight, the service club is here for the student body? As in, we fulfill any requests they have?" After getting Hiratsuka to come back into the clubroom, I was able to finally ask what the service club actually does for club activities.

"Mm, basically yeah. You guys are free to decline any request you receive however, but don't try to slack off, okay? We still are a club, after all." Well, I mean it's great that we can decline any unsavoury requests we receive, but I still don't really see anything that people would need help with, I mean, maybe something like studying? I'm drawing blanks for anything else.

"And by 'we' you literally mean just the three of us?" I deadpan, after seeing the roster, or lack thereof.

Hiratsuka-sensei just gives a nervous laugh, "well… more like just the two of you, I can't really get too involved, I do have my duties as a teacher after all."

I give her an incredulous look.

"Oh come on, don't give me that look!" She whines, "I'm just the supervisor y'know? Plus Yukinoshita will be here to help."

At the mention of her name, Yukinoshita pipes up and looks around absently, gently nibbling on some cookies or crackers, or, I don't know some kind of pastry. As soon as we make eye contact she gives me a smile before focusing back on her pastries, nibbling away at them like she's some sort of cat. What the hell was up with her and cats anyways?

"Really? Me and her? I doubt we'll be able to do much to help the 'student body' she's… eccentric as ever, and I don't have many redeeming qualities either, I doubt two students will be able to make that much of an impact."

Hiratsuka-sensei just waves me off casually, "oh stop being such a downer, you never know until you try, plus if you really hate it that much you only have to stay for a week remember?"

At this, Yukinoshita pipes up, "a week?"

She instantly locks eyes with me, a sad look donning her features. Hey, hey, what the hell are you giving me that look for? I'm stuck here for the rest of the school year like you, y'know? It's not like I'm going to disappear or anything.

However, before I could say anything Hiratsuka gets another dangerous look to her eyes, akin to what Aneki looks like when she's trying to mess with me.

"Oh don't worry Yukinoshita-san, Hikigaya here will only be here for a week as it's his punishment for being late. He'll be out of your hair soon." She finishes off with a soft and caring tone, but I'm not fooled. She instantly shoots me a look of mirth. What the hell is she planning?

Before much could be done, much less said, Yukinoshita immediately stands up from her chair, knocking it over and rushes to my side. Grabbing onto my arm she looks at me pleadingly, "only a week? I thought we were friends though." she finishes off with a downcast voice.

Hey, hey, what the hell is wrong with you? Just because I won't be in the club doesn't mean we'll stop being friends or whatever. Even though I felt guilty, I couldn't really take her seriously as she chewed on her pastry and talked at the same time. Oi! You're getting crumbs everywhere woman!

"Uhh…?" I was at a loss for words.

I look back to our advisor only for her to be covering her mouth while she laughed quietly at my expense. Wait… did this woman set me up?! She knew how lonely Yukinoshita was and used that against me! What kind of teacher manipulates her students like that?! Are you even a teacher?

Again my arm is tugged again, pulling my attention back to the human cat, "Ne, ne, say it isn't true Hikigaya-kun."

As I'm about to retaliate, I was hit with full force of the saddest looking eyes a girl could possibly muster. When the hell did you become so damn cute?! Ahh, no one can resist eyes like those, damnit!

"N-no of course not, I'll be a full time member."

...

WHAT?!

What the hell are you saying, dumbass? A week! It was only supposed to be a week! Take it back, take it back now!

Yukinoshita instantly beams, a complete one-eighty in her mood. She rubs her face once more against my sleeve before lightly skipping back to her seat, picking up her chair and forcing it next to mine, continuing to munch on her pastries. She takes a bite of one, before thinking and holds it up towards me as an offering. I don't want your scraps woman!

I shake my head as a refusal, preparing to revoke my last statement, before-

"That's great Hikigaya! I'll get the official papers, actually you know what? I'll just put you in the system, no need for all the hassle of paperwork." She casually says, but her eyes are mocking me. I give her a glare, which only results from more laughter.

"Wait, sensei, I actually don't think I'm qualified for this club." This is it, this is my only chance to get out of it.

"Oh, really? Yeah, I guess you have a point. Well, that's a shame, don't you think Yukinoshita-san? I guess we'll just have him as an honorary member for the time being."

Stop bringing that damn cat into this! Getting her attention again, Yukinoshita stuffs the last of her pastries in her mouth before swallowing, slamming both her hands on the table.

"I am the president of this club and I think Hikigaya-kun is most definitely qualified for this club!" She whines out, oi, oi, try not to sound so childish, yeah? No one's going to take you seriously like that.

"Oh? Well, if you say so I guess I don't really have much choice, huh?" You, stop being so easily swayed! I know you're doing this on purpose you sly devil!

Yukinoshita nods her head in victory taking a seat once again.

"Wait wait, hold on." I interrupt, "I have no credentials of helping anyone out, not even volunteer hours or community service! I think me being a temporary member will suit me much better."

There, maybe that'll be enough to appease the damn clingy girl.

"No way, you already completed my request of me trying to make a friend! You definitely have the credentials now." She beams at me once again.

At this point i just let out a sigh, there wasn't any point in arguing any further, we've been talking in circles for the past ten minutes.

"Then it's settled! Hikigaya is officially the newest member of the service club! Please try your best."

"I'll be in your care Hikigaya-kun."

---

Shortly after, club hours were finished. Hiratsuka-sensei left before Yukinoshita and I did, something about attending to her 'teacherly duties'. Whatever the hell that meant.

After locking up the clubroom, we both made our ways towards the front of the school. She was being eccentric as ever, occasionally rubbing her head on the side of her hand, like she was some sort of cat-human hybrid.

"Say, Yukinoshita," at the call of her name her attention turns to me, "what's up with you and cats anyways?"

She instantly flushes at the mention of cats, as do I when flashes of her in the cat costume briefly skim my mind. Quickly shaking my head to get rid of the thoughts.

"It's just…" she starts out timidly, "I've never been able to make friends easily, even when I was a kid. Even though many boys and girls would approach me throughout the years, I always had a feeling they didn't actually want to be friends. Like they were more interested in being able to say that I was their friend rather than actually becoming one."

I didn't quite follow what she was saying, or how it had to deal with cats in general.

"I don't quite follow…?"

She gives out a small laugh, it sounded almost pitiful, I could see some sort of emotion skim through her eyes; and she goes into deep thought for a few seconds before the look completely fades away and she puts on another carefree smile.

Something was definitely off about this girl, but before I could think anymore on it, she began to speak.

"My little sister was one to make friends easily, the way her friends acted around her and each other, was much different than how my 'friends' acted around me and each other. They would spend time with each other outside of school, maybe even call each other from time to time, and go on 'friend dates' as she would call it. But the only times I would see my 'friends' were during class, not even outside of class, let alone outside of school."

Well that certainly didn't sound like friends to me, not that I'd be the best person to ask. However, why would they want to say that they were friends? There obviously had to be a motive.

"You said that they wanted to be friends just for the sake of having the title of being your friend, why is that?"

Yukinoshita gives me a startled look, like she was surprised that I was actually listening. Hey, have some more faith in me, yeah? That kind of hurts.

After a while of contemplation, she gave me a small smile before continuing, "I didn't really know either, I was just a kid. Only until my later middle school years did I find out. The guys obviously wanted to befriend me because of my supposed looks. My younger sister would always complain that I was blessed with the good looks, and that she wasn't, and being doted on constantly by family members kind of reinforced the idea."

Well, I guess I couldn't blame them, she was a very pretty girl; giving off a somewhat princess-like vibe, if you got past the whole cat impersonation thing. Speaking of which, this was the first time I've actually seen her act rather domestic and normal. Was that all just an act?

Sighing, she continued on her triad, "as for the girls, it was a bit more complicated. Most did it for the superficial 'fame' they received being acquainted with, I guess. As to why I was so popular? I don't even know."

She stopped walking and stared off into the sky once we exited the building, "Cats have been the only thing that kept me company throughout all the years, and I just naturally click with them. So instead of hanging out with my friends I devoted most of my time to spending time with my cats at home!" She struck a pose after the last sentence, her arms making an 'r' shape and one of her legs raised behind her, bent at the knee. She playfully swiped at me, while I just looked on confused. "I even volunteered at an animal shelter."

"Eventually," she dropped her pose and continued walking, "I developed an 'unhealthy obsession', as my parents call it and picked up small nuances that cats do. When I got to highschool, most people kept their distance and now know me as 'Nekomata', once they learned about my tendencies. It seems my popularity from middle school didn't quite follow. I spent my whole first year relatively alone." She finished sadly.

Well that was certainly news to me, although I can't honestly say that I'm surprised. A girl who picked up the nuances of a cat? Let alone doing those said nuances in public with a straight face? What the hell was she, an anime character?

She now kept her head bowed, "I-it's true that I don't really have any friends. Sure there are some classmates who'll interact with me, and they treat me kindly; but most, if not all, keep their distance." She looks back up to me, with a bit of sadness in her eyes. "I never really had someone that I'd be able to call a true friend. That was why I made the service club. It's hard being alone, and I want to help others overcome their problems."

I looked at her with a bit of pity, she may of had a few screws loose and her antics were bothersome to say the least, but she seemed like a nice girl.

"Then why were you so open to us becoming friends? Wouldn't it make more sense if I were to become friends with you just based on your looks? I barely even know you."

At first I thought she would take on anyone as a friend, especially with the way she acted back in the clubroom, not to mention pulling off her sister's idea. But it seems she wasn't as naive as I thought.

She looks up at me with a bit of a flustered face. Oi, you're going to make me start blushing too! Why the hell does it look like you're about to confess to me or something?!

"W-well, the fact that you asked that kind of refutes your claim, but I did see your whole little exchange during the ceremony. I saw that you were new, yet all the kids instantly swarmed to your side asking to be your friend, correct? You being new also meant that you didn't know of my reputation. Plus you have Hayama-kun as a friend as well, and even I know how bad he is at making friends."

For one, no, those damn kids were being nosy, not trying to be my friends. Regardless of me being new, I would've come to the conclusion that you were obsessed with cats even without prior knowledge. You dressed up as a damn cat, OR ARE WE JUST GOING TO IGNORE THAT? And two, how the hell do you know Yato?!

"You know Hayato?"

She giggled, "More like know of. We went to the same middle school, he made quite the name for himself. His blonde hair brought a lot of unwanted attention, not to mention his tendency to be a playboy."

For the first time that day, I actually gave a smile. I knew that dumbass would get into trouble as soon as I wasn't there to back him up. It honestly surprised me how well liked he was in Highschool, truly it's like blonde hair was the new fad or something. Then again, it did kind of bother me how he was acting during class, always smiling and laughing at the pitiful jokes thrown his way, he even had the decency to politely decline the few confessions that I was able to witness, not to mention none of the guys trying to start a fight with him. At least he still had quick reflexes.

I had to change schools the last year of middle school, my parents thought it'd be more beneficial to attend a prep school for a year before my high school entrance exams. During the years I spent with Yato, he was always cocky and arrogant, always pissing off the wrong people while finding himself a new 'girlfriend' every other week. Honestly, thinking back on it, I probably should've kicked his ass too.

Eventually Yukinoshita and I arrived at the school gates, before I could say anything however, she'd already beaten me to the punch.

"I know you said you were willing to be my friend just to appease me. If you really don't want to, it's fine, you also don't have to be a full time member of the club; I could talk to Hiratsuka-sensei about it." She gave me a smile, though there was a definite hint of sadness to it.

I heave out another heavy sigh, what's with this shy, domestic attitude all of the sudden? It's actually creeping me out more than your cat antics.

"Look, I don't really see the big deal about being friends or not being friends, and honestly I don't really care." I look her in the eyes, a flash of pain crosses her features very briefly like she's been smacked, before slowly nodding. This woman, I swear.

I heave out another sigh, "But that's because I'm not one to worry about that kind of stuff, you on the other hand have experienced different things than I have, and honestly if I didn't have Yato being my friend all those years, I'd probably be in the same predicament as you, maybe even worse."

Recovering from her initial shock, a look of hope dons her visage, as she leans in expectantly, "I'm not saying I'll become your friend, but I am willing to get to know you, and I'm not one to go back on my word, so I'll keep the club membership. So, - CAN YOU STOP THAT?!"

Throughout the my whole spiel, the damn girl was leaning in further and further with each point I crossed to the point where even I had to take a few paces back. What the hell do you think you're doing woman?! Are you going in for a kiss or something?

As she steps closer, I keep stepping back until eventually my back hits the stone wall connected to the gates of the school. Hey, hey where did all this assertiveness come from? What happened to the domestic persona you just had a few seconds ago, no better yet, what happened to your cute side?!

As her faces inches closer and closer, I crane my neck away from hers, there's definitely something dangerous in her eyes! As I feel her warm breath tingle my face I instantly shut my eyes for the horror that is to come.

*lick*

DID SHE JUST FUCKING LICK MY FACE?! GROSS, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU! YOU'RE NOT A DAMN CAT!

Wiping my cheek furiously, I yell at her, "what the hell do you think you're doing?!"

I mean who, in their right mind, would go around willingly licking people? This girl was mentally ill! Deranged!

She does her typical cat pose and swipes playfully at me, while giving me a wink, "See you in club Hikigaya-kun!"

Wait, was her tail swishing?

I shake my head, "Don't 'see you at club' me! Get your ass back here!"

I finally get my bearings straight and run up to her, grabbing her arm. "You can't just go around licking people's faces, Yukinoshita!"

However, she somehow slips out of my grasp with ease, circles me and pounces on my back, her stomach pushed onto the back of my head, while her chest towers over me, her long flowing over my face, while I'm forced to grab onto her thighs before she fell and hit the pavement.

When I look up, I'm greeted by her face awfully close to mine; she gives me a playful look, something akin to a cheshire cat's smile, "Gotta be quicker than that!" And again, playfully swats at me, just booping my nose, and jumps off of me with her knees as they dig painfully in my back.I let out a cry of pain, quickly trying to retaliate. But she was nowhere near me.

This damn girl! How is she so fast?!

And with that she scampers off into the distance, giggling the whole way, before she disappears from my sight. A feeling of dread soon overcomes me, I probably just made the biggest mistake of my life becoming friendly with a woman with as many screws loose as her.

How did that saying go? You don't stick your dick into crazy?

Sighing, I take out my phone, I was supposed to text the damn blonde asshole, but life just loves to get in the way of things, huh?

---

"So, tell me," I start off blankly, "why the hell, are these goons here too?!"

"Woah, no need to shout Hikitani-kun"

Shut the hell up you damn beta!

"It's Hi-ki-gy-a." I angrily bite out.

"Hiki-gay-a?"

"What?! No!"

"Did someone say gay?!"

After dealing with that cat-demon-of-a-woman, I texted Yato to meet up so we could finally catch up after these few years apart, little did I know, his merry band of misfits decided to tag along too.

We ended up in some random family restaurant, Size? Prize? Seize? Seizure? I don't know, it was some dumb name.

"Oh come on, they're my friends, okay? I just want all my friends to get acquainted with one another." What the hell is up with that sickly-sweet sentimental statement? Gross. "They're not so bad once you get to know them."

Right. The fact that you have to tell me that twice to reassure me that they are, indeed, not 'that bad', further solidifies the fact that they are that bad.

"A friend of Hayato-kun is a friend of mine! Right best friend of mine?"

"Oh?" I give Yato a questioning glance. Best friend, huh?

"T-that's right, ahaha." He nervously chuckles out, loosening his collar. Oh I'm so kicking your ass after all this, I still didn't repay you from the whole stunt you pulled in class!

Oblivious to the hostile air that suddenly grew among the 'friends' Yuigahama, the lovely angel herself, speaks out.

"Ne, ne, what're you guys getting? I think I want a strawberry shortcake, then a blueberry cheesecake! Ooo! Then a chocolate-mint milkshake, maybe a croissant too? Can't go wrong with a Sundae! And then…!" She lists all the options like a rapid-fire cannon, "I'll just get them all! Eheheh."

I just look at her with my mouth agape, I look at her friends who seem to be used to it, however little Ms. Antisocial seemed to have been making a gagging motion discreetly. We lock eyes and share a silent laugh.

"Can you really eat all of that?" I ask out, a bit jokingly.

Suddenly all the noise stops in the restaurant, no, literally, nothing. Then I hear a loud shattering noise, like someone dropped a plate.

...was it something I said?

I look around the table and everyone was giving me frightened looks, while slowly shaking their heads. Suddenly I feel an oppressive aura next to me and - was that scary music playing? What the hell? Uhm, hello? Dear Mr. Restaurant owner, your music selection is really starting to freak me out!

I slowly turn my head to my right, only to see Yuigahama wide-eyed, her eyes becoming hollowed out, stare straight into my face. I had to jerk back, to regain some footing in my personal bubble. A dark and depressing purple aura suddenly surrounded her, vaporizing off of her into wisps.

Were the damn lights flickering?!

Too close, Yuigahama! Way too close! And why the hell do you look like that! Where did my lovely angel go?!

"Are you trying to call me FAT, Hikigaya-kun?" Her voice was barely above a whisper and it seemed to echo into my ears, her eyes still hollow as ever, seemed to be growing bigger and bigger, her face inching closer to mine, ever so slightly. I take it back, you are most definitely not an angel! You are the literal embodiment of Trihexa!

I swallow nervously, "N-no o-o-of course not, Yui-chan…" I quickly appease, swiping my hands in front of me as a sign of peace.

Instantly the dark depressive aura recedes back into her, the music goes back to the light jazzy tune it was playing, as does the random noises of other patrons and the clinking of silverware against serving dishes. Her eyes return to the normal, lively peach. She gives a heartfelt laugh and smacks me on the back, once, twice, three times. With each successive smack I was slammed into the table in front of me. On the third smack, the wind was knocked out of me and I was sent into a coughing fit.

THIS GIRL WAS DEFINITELY NOT HUMAN!

"Oh you silly boy! *smack* You're so funny *smack*, Hikigaya-kun *SMACK*!" She laughs out, before receding into a ball, pointing her pointer fingers together, her face flustered and avoiding eye contact with me.

What the hell is wrong with you now, Trihexa?

She gives a small giggle, lost in her own world, "He called me Yui-chan." She quietly laments to herself. Everyone around the table breathes an audible sigh of relief.

Yato, you have a bunch of fucked up friends.

Before any more could be said, our waiter, or waitress rather, finally came to our table and took our order.

---

"Pwaahh! Im stuffed!"

I look around the table as various plates have been stacked as towers, filling up each open spot. Seeing Yuigahama eat was… interesting to say the least. I don't think it's even physically possible for a girl that small to even eat that much. Even if you give the bullshit excuse of it going to her breasts! If anything this just further proves that this girl was definitely not human!

I look around the table, only to see little Ms. Antisocial, turning a bit sickly pale, and covering her mouth, dry heaving. Huh, she must really not eat much. Honestly, even I lost my appetite after seeing Trihexa devour enough food that could feed three small families.

Great the only two cute girls that I've met so far are:

The literal personification of the Apocalypse

Crazy, bipolar, overly clingy Nekomata

Pick your poison! I guess it's your time to shine little Ms. Antisocial, though knowing my luck, she's probably just as crazy, maybe even more so, than those two!

"So, anyone up for dessert?" Yuigahama pipes up once again oblivious to the atmosphere.

"No!" The whole table shouts. Yuigahama just sulks a bit whilst putting her head down, how the hell are you still hungry?! And you ate all their dessert options regardless!

I pull out my phone to check the time, it was quarter to eight. It's probably time we - oh shit, it's already this late?!

Nervously unlocking my phone, I had a feeling of dread wash over me. I swallow nervously before glancing slowly down to the bottom of the screen. SEVENTY-TWO MESSAGES?! Why the hell was my phone on silent?!

To top it all off, I had five missed calls. Oh man, this was bad, this was really bad! Quickly jolting up from my seat, which startled everyone at the table, I quickly apologize.

"Sorry guys, I have to get going immediately." Yato gives me a look, "It's Aneki." I quickly add. Only to see his face morph into understanding.

I quickly place some bills down on the table to pay my meal, and extra to offset the amount Trihexa ate, before bolting out of the restaurant. While I was running, I quickly open the phone's messenger app.

---

[From: Haru-nee

Hey, Hachiman, what'cha doooin? 4:12 PM]

[From: Haru-nee

My dear little brother, I'm getting bored, where are you? 4:30 PM]

[From: Haru-nee

Hachiman, school ended a while ago, where are you? 5:00 PM]

[From: Haru-nee

Are you ignoring me? 5:15 PM]

[From: Haru-nee

Oh I see how it is, you're too cool to talk to your Onee-san once you hit high school, that's cold bro'. 5:20 PM]

[From: Haru-nee

Seriously Hachiman, it's getting late, where are you? 6:00 PM]

[From: Haru-nee

I know you have your phone on you, Hachiman. 6:00 PM]

[From: Haru-nee

ANSWER YOUR DAMN PHONE HACHIMAN! 6:10 PM]

[From: Haru-nee

Seriously Hachiman, you know I hate being alone at this house. 6:30 PM]

[From: Haru-nee

Hachiman I'm getting lonely, please come home. 6:35 PM]

[From: Haru-nee

I get it, you hate me. 6:37 PM]

---

The rest of messages get progressively worse and self-deprecating. Eventually the messages turned into spam containing just a dot, before they stopped altogether. Damnit! She always gets like this when I leave her alone too long, This girl has abandonment issues, I swear.

I thought that I texted her when I was going out with Yato, but I guess not. Looking at the messages, I noticed that my reply wasn't sent and was saved as just a draft! I didn't press send? Are you an idiot, me?! The last message was… 7:14 PM. It's 8:03 PM, what the hell has she been doing this whole time? Whatever, no time to think on it now. I burst through the front door of our complex, ignoring the annoyed greeter and rush to the elevator, taking me to the upper floors.

I sit and lean back on the railing, trying to catch my breath, it's times like these I wish I had a car, or at least a bike!

Ding!

As the elevator doors open, I bolt out, almost running into a smaller girl with short hair and clipped bangs. I instantly twist my body and rush past her, yelling out an apology.

"Watch it, asshole!"

I quickly pull out my card and slide it into the electronic lock to our apartment, quickly closing it behind me. I look around the apartment, it was really dark. Was she sleeping? Doubtful.

I quickly take off my shoes, "I'm home!"

No response, I walk further into our apartment and head for the 'living room', though it was more just an open area in front of the kitchen with a view of the city below. The TV was on and a lone figure was sitting on the couch, her knees tucked into her chest with a blanket wrapped tightly around her. I walk over to the couch where I find myself standing behind her and the couch, while she faces the TV.

"I'm back Aneki." I call out to her, no response.

I circle the couch to get a better look at her, but she turns her face away. Oi, stop being stubborn. I join her on the couch, yet she still refuses to face me.

"I'm sorry for not answering my phone, I forgot it was on silent from school. A lot of things happened and I lost track of time."

No response.

"Actually I've been forced into a club as punishment for being late to the ceremony, thanks for that by the way," I say jokingly, a smile on my face. I see her give a quick glance, before she resumes staring out the window. So it's gonna be like that, huh?

"Yup, and guess who it was? It was Hiratsuka-sensei no less!" This seemed to have piqued her interest, I could tell she was listening, even if she wasn't facing me. At this point, I moved close enough to where our shoulders were touching. She always responded better when physical contact was involved

I continued to explain what happened throughout my day, trying to be as lively and animated as ever. She slowly started warming up to me again, by the time I got to the part where I was questioning what the service club did with Hiratsuka and Yukinoshita, Aneki finally turned around to face me, attentive as ever. I was going to continue, until I felt the words die in my throat.

Looking at my sister, she seemed back to her usual self, somewhat, and she was intently listening even smiling. However when I saw her eyes, they were all puffy and red. It occurred to me that she was probably crying during the discrepancy of time between the last text and now.

Now, I know that it may come off that I hate my sister; true, I do find her annoying, worthless as an older sister, a complete reject of a human being, and a general pain in my ass. But she still was my sister, a life long companion that I had. Mother and Father have always been working long hours ever since we were kids, it's probably the reason we're able to afford all this stuff; however this led to Aneki and I, inadvertently, raising each other and we probably knew each other better than our own selves. So, no, I don't hate my sister, in fact I love her dearly, more than anything.

"What's wrong, Hachiman? Why'd you stop." She quietly speaks out, a pitiful sound from what is her normal easy-going and carefree voice. It didn't suit her at all, and honestly the thought of her crying that whole time left a bad taste in my mouth.

Hearing her voice snapped me out of my prior musings, looking into her eyes, I acted out on impulse.

I quickly brought her into a soft embrace, resting my chin on her back and leaning my head against hers. She was surprised, but quickly returned the embrace. After a few moments I could feel tears on my shoulder, I knew it, she wasn't fine. I don't what sparked it, but she never liked being alone, hated it in fact.

When I was younger, I would always find it annoying finding her wherever I went, when all I wanted to do was be alone. I mean, didn't she have friends to hang out with? Why not go bother them? Of course, as a kid I didn't really understand the dangers of kids playing outside late at night. One day, I was so fed up with her being clingy that I decided to hide in one of our house's many storage closets. All I wanted to do was play some games on my portable game station. Soon enough I heard her calling for me, I ignored it, being the selfish brat that I was. It became more and more frantic as more time passed by, and of course our parents weren't home. After a few hours I came out of hiding, bored of my game. I went to go look for my sister, but couldn't find her in our usual playing spots. So I checked her room, then mine. I found her in my room curled up on my bed. She was asleep, but I could see tear streaks down her face, and obvious wet spots on my pillow. Even as a kid, it didn't sit too well with me, seeing her like that.

I loosen my grip as I hear her quiet sobs subside a bit, spacing myself from her, before looking her in the eyes.

"I'm sorry." I quietly say.

She laughs softly, wiping at her slightly wet eyes, before flicking my forehead, "idiot, Hachiman. This kind of reminds me of when we were kids, huh?"

At some point, I don't know how it happened, but I found myself sitting with my back against the couch, facing the TV in front of us, while she had climbed onto my lap, her arms wrapped around my neck, and her face pressed into the nape of my neck.

Since I was always bigger than her as kids, I would often find myself in this same position to comfort her when she cried, or carrying her on my back while she slept. Honestly, it always felt like I was the older sibling.

"Oi, we're not kids anymore." I breath out annoyed. Although our sizes were still proportionate to how we were as kids, the obvious difference was the development of both our bodies. I could feel her chest press against mine, and I was forced to hold her lower back lest she fall down.

"It's fine, this is your punishment for leaving me alone this whole time." She talks into my neck, which sends a slight shiver through me. Watch where you talk you damn vixen!

After a few minutes, I was becoming sore from staying in one spot for so long, "Oi, Aneki, get off, I still need to take a shower."

No response.

I stop and listen, then look down. Guess she fell asleep. Sighing, I pick her up gently and go to her room to tuck her in, before I start my nightly routines.

---

After finishing up and changing into something more comfortable I decided to make dinner, knowing my sister, she was probably waiting for me all day. I shake my head at the thought and laugh to myself on how useless she is without me.

Turning off the stove, I finish setting up dinner, placing the necessary dishes on the table before I walk to my sister's room.

I knock on her door, "Dinner's ready."

Instantly, she shoots out of her bed, runs past me, and into the dining area where I hear her already starting to eat. Oi, oi, isn't it common courtesy to wait for others to join before you start eating?!

As I join my sister, I already see her devouring everything on the table at a blinding speed, it reminds me of a certain Apocalyptic being, and soon I don't find myself that hungry anymore. I just silently sip on some tea while nibbling on some cookies that we had left over.

"Slow down before you choke." I chide her.

She stops a bit, her mouth full of food, what the hell are you? A chipmunk? She gives me a short glare before swallowing all the food in her mouth defiantly.

Hey, hey, I know what I said, but you don't have to be so petty about it, you might actually choke!

A visible lump is seen going down her throat, before it stops half way through and I see her face contort into one of discomfort. She immediately tries to force it down, while banging her chest with her hands in the shape of a fist.

I just silently, watch in smug amusement, sipping casually on my tea. I told her didn't I?

"I told you to slow down."

I open one eye, while I raise my cup to take another sip, and I'm met with one of her glares, before she resumes banging her chest. That's taking an awfully long time to get down, and why was her face getting red?

…

…

Oh shit, she's actually choking!

"Oi, drink some water you idiot!"

Immediately I rush over to side with my cup. She gives me a hard glare before swiping it out of my hands, and instantly downs the whole cup. Suddenly she spits back into my face.

HOT-HOT-HOT! WHY?!

Who the hell spits freshly brewed tea into someone's face?! Sweet Mother Mary that shit burned!

Turns out, it was my tea that I gave her and not water. I was about to get angry at her, but now she came to the point where her face was getting really red, and the breathing through her nose was getting haggard. Panicking I quickly make my way towards the kitchen and throw open the fridge.

"Hang on Aneki! I'll get you some water!"

As I search through the fridge, I realize we were out of bottled water. Oh the fucking timing of - WHATEVER!

Quickly, I grab a glass from our cabinet, and run over to the sink and fill it with water. I come back to where my sister was and hand it to my sister, however she just looks incredulously at me, and shakes her head vigorously.

What the hell is your problem now?!

I then realize that she probably saw me fill up the cup from the sink, and is now refusing to drink it. She never did like tap water, and was super picky when it came to her food.

"Are you being serious right now?! I don't think now's the time to be picky about something like this! Just drink the damn water!"

She continues to shake her head, while backing away from me.

Stop being a damn child!

I try to force the cup into her mouth, but she refuses to let the glass get anywhere near her mouth, and she ends up knocking it out of my hand, splashing the water all over me.

Great, just fuckin' peachy.

She gives me a defiant look, before she resumes banging her chest once more, tears welling up on the corners of her eyes, her efforts to get the food down becoming more frantic.

OH, FOR THE LOVE OF-

I quickly go through all of the drawers, ripping them open, slamming all of our cupboards open, and in general making a loud fracas.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, it'll still be about ten minutes before the tea settles down for that damn cat tongue of her's. She starts making noises with her mouth closed, telling me to hurry up.

It's your damn fault for eating too fast, and for being such a picky eater! We have running water for crying out loud!

"What the hell do you want me to do? Go to the store and get you some water?"

She nods frantically.

"You'll probably be dead by the time I make it back, idiot!"

She gives a thoughtful look before nodding. Take this more seriously!

Suddenly I hear knocking from our door. Wait, that meant people, and people meant water! Maybe these people had water!

I quickly bolt to the door and rip the door open, effectively cutting off whatever greeting

"HEY DO YOu, have… any… wa...ter…?"

I just blankly look at the person at my door, her head tilts in questioning, y'know like how a cat would? Huh, that's odd, the only person I know that acts like a cat is…

"Nope."

I instantly shut the door, not even bothering to wait for an answer. I am not dealing with that woman.

"Hey, that's mean, Hikigaya-kun!" She keeps knocking on the door, "open up! Aren't we supposed to be friends?"

"Like hell we are!" I yell through the door.

Suddenly something grabs my leg and jump out in surprise, what the fuck?!

I look down to see Aneki crawling through the floor, her face flushed, eyes watering. Oh shit she's actually going to die!

I quickly open the door, where I see Yukinoshita knocking on nothing for a solid eight seconds before realizing nothing was there.

"I'll let you in if you have bottled water." I quickly negotiate.

She looks at me confused, not really understanding, "You have ten seconds before I close the door!"

Registering my words, she nods her head vigorously as she scampers away to, what I assume was, her suite.

---

"Pwaah~!" Finally getting bottled water, my sister downs the whole damn thing in one go, effectively forcing her dinner down as well.

I let out a tired sigh, this day has just been way too stressful.

The three of us found ourselves surrounding the coffee table in our living area. Aneki and I were seated on the larger sofa, while Yukinoshita sat across from us on a lazyboy. Before this, Aneki had finished eating, while Yukinoshita and I had our fill of tea and cookies.

"So you're telling me you came over only because you heard a loud noise, and thought that someone might've forced their way in?"

She nods.

"Well, I guess it's a good thing you came, or else this idiot here probably would've died."

I receive a smack to my shoulder, "Hey! It's not my fault the food got stuck in my throat!"

Yes. Yes it is.

"Actually it is, you're the one who stuffed her damn face like there was no tomorrow."

"Well if a certain someone didn't come home so late, I wouldn't be starving in the first place!"

She takes on an offensive stance, getting slightly in my face.

"And that's my fault?" I challenge.

"Of course it is!"

"Is not!"

"Is too!"

By this time, we were already butting heads, before I hear a soft sneeze. Looking over I see Yukinoshita rub her nose a bit, before continuing to nibble on the small assortment of cookies. After about twenty seconds, she realizes that we stopped and drops the cookie from her mouth in shock.

"O-oh, don't mind me, please, continue." She resumes nibbling on the cookie that she dropped, only to look back at us expectantly.

"So who is this girl again?" Aneki asks.

I sigh, "remember when I told you about that cat girl? Yeah, this is her."

"Hey!" She tones out indignantly.

"What? It's true." I offer.

"Yeah, but…" She searches for an excuse, "you don't have to introduce me to people like that, how am I supposed to make friends like that?"

You're wearing cat ears and a tail. OR ARE WE JUST GOING TO IGNORE THAT?!

"Ho~h?" My sister looks on with curiosity, "well you certainly made a unique friend, Hachiman."

This catches the attention of Yukinoshita. Oi, did your cat ear just twitch?!

"H-hachiman?"

Wait, wait, why the hell are you saying my name like that; and why are you getting all flustered over it!

"Oh? He didn't speak of me?" My sister starts off, "how cruel, Hachiman. I'm hurt you wouldn't mention your girlfriend to her. Or perhaps you thought of having an affair? You naughty boy.

"G-g-girlfriend?! A-affair?!" Suddenly Yukinoshita's face turns bright red and her ears and tail stand on end.

"Like hell you are!" I shout out.

"Wait, so she isn't your girlfriend?" Yukinoshita asks after recovering from her initial shock, her tail raising off the couch, then slowly dropping back onto it at spastic intervals, like she was nervous.

Oi, aren't those just props? How the hell are you moving your tail? And I'm pretty sure your ears were moving on their own too!

"No, of course not!" Can't you tell we're related?

As soon as that statement leaves my mouth, I feel my sister press up against the side of my arm, her arms wrapping around my lower torso and she rests her head on my shoulder.

"Mouu~, I don't see why you're so incessant with denying my love for you, Hachiman." She presses herself even further into me, what the hell do you think you're doing?! Get the hell away from me you damn vixen!

"Maybe because," I pry her hands off from around me, while at the same time shoving my hand against her face to push her away, "we're related?! Stop giving her the wrong idea!" As I continue to struggle against her grip, I find myself entangled with her. She moved her head enough to the point where my hand was no longer able to push it away and I focus both of my hands onto the arms snaking around me. When the hell did she get so strong?!

Throughout our whole fight I failed to notice Yukinoshita awkwardly typing away on her before getting up and heading for the door, only to return with another girl at her side. By the time I finally got my sister off me, and forced her an arm's length away, I look up to see Yukinoshita come rejoin us with a smaller girl. Why does it feel like I've seen her before?

"Hey you're the asshole who almost ran me over!" Her voice catches my attention, and I look at the owner's voice while both my hands are focusing on keeping my sister a maximum distance away.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Then it dawns on me, smaller frame, shorter hair, clipped bangs, cute face, blue eyes. This was the girl I ran past when I came out bolting out of the elevator.

"Well, no…I think?" she falters.

What the hell do you mean 'you think'?! Why are you getting confused all of the sudden?

"How many girls are you fucking behind my back, Hachiman?!" My sister yells out finally, prying her head away from my hand, before lunging at me and knocking me off the sofa.

"What the hell are you saying?!" I yell out, combating against my sister while she wrestled me to the floor.

---

I find myself once again around the coffee table as I set down a fresh assortment of cookies and freshly brewed tea. Yukinoshita and the smaller girl now took Aneki and my original seat on the larger sofa, while my sister took the la-z-boy and I sat on its armrest.

"This… is my sister." Yukinoshita starts off awkwardly.

Wait you're telling me this girl was the one who thought of that crazy ass cat costume? Not to mention how you specifically acted in said cat costume?!

"My name's Yukinoshita, Komachi! Yukinee-chan talks a lot about you."

At the mention of this, Yukinoshita flushes, the older one, I mean. Damn am I going to have to call her by her first name now?

"K-komachi!"

Ignoring her sister, this 'Komachi', continues, "so how'd you like my little clubroom surprise? Was it to your liking? Did you two do the nasty already? How was it?!" She leans in expectantly.

...what the... hell? I take it back, you are most definitely not cute.

Suddenly I feel a pair of hands wrap around my neck.

"So you are sleeping with girls behind my back!" My sister yells out, while applying pressure around my neck. I tried to refute her claim, but she was actually choking me! Hey, hey, I can't defend myself if I can't speak, woman!

I look over to Yukinoshita pleadingly, say something! You were there too weren't you?!

"Y-yes, it was most enjoyable." She squeaks out embarrassed, face flushed and her tail rapidly whipping back and forth.

"Kyaa~! Give me details, Nee-chan, details!"

Oi! Oi! What're you saying?! Take it back! Take it back now! She'll actually kill me, woman!

I look over to my sister whose head was lowered, her face covered by her bangs, I swallow nervously as I feel her hold around my neck loosen.

Suddenly she look up to me, tears her in her eyes, "Wuaaaah~! You're such a jerk! How can you give attention to all these girls while I sat home all alone! Meanie, nincompoop, Hachiman!"

She starts pounding on my chest with her fists, oi, you're not a damn kid! Act your own age for once! And how many times do I have to tell you? Hachiman isn't an insult!

Suddenly she stops, a thoughtful look on her face, "there's only one way around this!" She nods her head, agreeing with herself.

"I guess, we'll just have to sleep together to make it even!" My sister finally yells out in triumph.

What kind of stupid ass logic is that?! Stop causing misunderstandings you sex-depraved woman!

"O-oi! Stop that, keep your hands to yourself!" I scold her, grabbing both of her hands, stopping their advance.

"Ohoh~? What's this? A lover's quarrel? Did I just instigate some sort of secret affair? You think they'll have some steamy make-up sex?"

"You! Stop complicating things! A girl your age shouldn't even be talking about stuff like that!"

What the hell is wrong with that girl?

"Oh, I like boys who're assertive, raeerr!" She mimicks a cate noise, we're all the Yukinoshitas cat people!?

I look over to Yukinoshita, asking for help with these sex-crazed girls, only to see her absently nibbling on the assortment of cookies, looking onto the whole exchange with silent, morbid curiosity.

"Pay attention to me, Hachiman!"

"Can you cut that out, Aneki! What the hell is wrong with you?"

"This is like one of my ecchi light novels! The main protag gets surrounded by three lovely girls, taking off all their clothes before they all * * * * * * * * * and force him to * * * * * * * * * * their holes* * * * * * * *! And then, they all ******* with their * * * * * * * and * * * *!"

Ding, ding, duong, ding: This a Public Service Announcement, due to the rating of the story, the following passage has been censored. We apologize for any inconvenience.

I just stared wide-eyed at the small girl, as does my sister. Yukinoshita continues eating her cookies, seemingly used to her sister's antics but still had a visible redness to her cheeks.

At the end of her triad, the younger Yukinoshita pants heavily, face flushed.

I am honestly at a loss for words.

---

I plop down on my bed, face first and release a groan as I recollect the events of the day. Today was just full of surprises, mishaps, and overall inane bullshit. Continuing at this rate will surely make me become insane, or at the very least, be the death of me.

Shortly after the younger Yukinoshita's episode, Yukinoshita felt it was getting late, in which I concurred. We eventually exchanged pleasantries with each other sans Yukinoshita's sister who was insistent on getting to know what exactly happened in the clubroom.

I roll over to look at the ceiling, I was exhausted if I were to be completely honest, I didn't get to catch up with Yato that much either, a shame really. I was actually kind of excited to transfer to Sobu High, but after all the events as of late, I'm starting to think that staying at Kaihin would've been a better bet. At least the people there were somewhat normal, keyword there being 'somewhat'. I wasn't that popular at Kaihin, most people just ignored me to be completely honest, which was fine. However, for whatever reason coming to Sobu all of the sudden made me Mr. Popular, although that was probably mostly due to that damn blonde asshole's antics.

Though, I knew better than anyone that that option wasn't a possibility anymore. For one, I was expelled from Kaihin, a feat that wasn't really one I was proud of, nor wanted, but regardless it happened. Furthermore I was placed here strictly due to Father's wishes, he had warned me that this was my final chance: graduate Highschool without causing any trouble and he'd ignore my little transgression. If I somehow fucked even that up, well…

Well, it didn't really matter; it went without saying that I had little choice in the matter.

Thinking back to Kaihin had sparked a bit of melancholy within me, I knew I wasn't what some would call an 'ideal' student, hell, before any of this, my reputation was at an all-time-low, especially during Junior High. Speaking of which, I'm honestly surprised at how popular said blond asshole really was. Sure he did have a reputation when we spent our years together, but it wasn't a very good one just like mine.

I still remember that fateful day we got acquainted with one another.

---

[Around 5 years ago]

As I was walking home from school I couldn't help but notice a little scuffle happening in the park that was close to my neighborhood. Four boys surrounded a younger one, a pretty frail looking boy who was currently on the floor curled up into a ball receiving a few kicks and insults while on the ground. His clothes were becoming dirty due to the sand pit they were in, as his golden hair became matted with sweat, blood, and dirt, turning into a sickly brown color. I stopped and looked on in morbid curiosity, feeling pity for the boy. I was often the victim of bullying as well, but it never had gotten to the point where it became physical, at least, to this extent. Being open and publicly ridiculed by the 'popular' kids, where the rest of the class would join in with their own insults or laughter was more akin to the dish I was served. They were pretty easy to ignore, and I was left alone most of the time anyway; I knew that if I didn't react they would eventually get bored.

"What kind of fagg dyes his hair blonde?" I hear one of the older boys sneer.

"You trying to get more attention from people or sumthin'? Well you certainly got ours!" Another one joins in.

"Hahaha! He probably thinks he's so cool, but look at him, groveling on the floor like some sort of animal. How pathetic!" A third one laughs as well.

I tightly grip the strap of my bag, it wasn't like me to get so worked up over stuff like this. Hell, no one ever came to my aid. The ones who didn't join in usually looked away, feigning ignorance, while others looked on with guilty looks, but still refused to do anything.

Damn cowards, the whole lot of them. They're all a bunch of damn cowards!

"I...i-it's not… dyed." Suddenly the boy on the floor speaks out, through ragged breaths.

All the older boys suddenly stopped their musings and eased up on their assault.

"Huh? You guys hear somethin'?"

"I don't know, sounded to me like a little kid wanting another round of ass kicking."

One of the boys cups his ear and leans down mockingly, "I'm sorry, what was that? I couldn't quite hear you."

I now had a clear view of the boy as the bullies repositioned themselves around him. His looks certainly stood out. He was about my height, maybe a little shorter, I'm guessing around my age too. His blonde hair was certainly a stark contrast to what you usually saw in Japan, not to mention his eyes, a dark steel-grey.

"It's not dyed!" He yells out, "my hair is natural, you stupid fucks! What kind of dumbass dyes his hair anyways?! It's not my fault you assholes are blessed with your shitty genetics. Or are you just too fucking retarded to even tell the difference?!"

I can see a look of defiance in his eyes, and the bullies are shocked by the sudden outburst. As he gains his footing back, slowly rising off the floor, he continues.

"You think I like having blonde hair? You think I enjoy sticking out amongst my peers? You think I wanted this fucking hair?! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU KNOW?!" At this point the boy was going absolutely berserk, a crazed look in his eyes, even getting into one of the bullies faces.

Said bully even took a step back in what seemed like fear, before his companions were shaken out of their stupor.

"T-the hell are you talking about?! Don't get cocky kid!" And with that a haymaker was sent to the blonde boy's face, who was thrown back to the ground.

"Who the hell are you calling stupid, huh?!" And with that all the boys joined in once again in their savage beating, but I saw the look of defiance in his eyes. He had a burning hatred for something greater, it wasn't directed towards the bully, no it was something deeper. Self-loathing?

I chuckle silently to myself, as I slowly walk towards the group of kids. This kid was no coward, no in fact he was quite the opposite. My laughter grows increasingly louder, the more I think about it. The outburst of this blond kid replaying in my head like a record player, if anything he sure had a way of talking.

I was slightly awestruck by the boy. He had a voice of his own, he wasn't afraid to say what was on his mind, not afraid of what would happen next, he made sure his voice was heard. A complete 180 from myself. Compared to him, I was the coward.

Heh, what a funny thought. I always bitched and moaned about people being cowards, yet here I am doing the same thing, just standing by, being an on-looker. Irony sure was a funny thing.

As I step ever closer, the beatings of the older kids lose their vigor as their attention turns towards me, for some reason, I just couldn't stop laughing

"Oi, guys, who the fuck is that kid?"

"Why the hell is he laughing like that?"

"Hey! We're kind of busy, right now, so if you could kindly fuck off, that'd be great!"

And with that, I go into a full blown manic laughter, "AHAHAHA!"

Something had become unhinged within me, I mean, really? What the hell was the point? People are always going to pick on those weaker than them, right? It was just the way of things, I learned that quickly. But seeing this kid vainly struggle against the odds was just… dumb, insane. Illogical!

Yet for some reason he did. Why was that? I had to find out. Did he believe that he could change his situation by himself?

All of the boys, the blondie included, all look on in confusion.

As I settle down, I shake my head and look at the bullies dead in the eye, with a cold and hardening gaze. I've always been told my eyes were rotten to the core, and that they were actually pretty intimidating; maybe it was time to put it to good use for once.

I see all the bullies take a step back briefly, I couldn't tell if it was in fear or shock. Either or, I can use that to my advantage.

I give them a grin, my arms spread out in a sign of peace, "I couldn't help but notice you guys have a certain someone within your hold."

"Y-yeah, what of it?" After a few tense seconds, one of the older kids spoke up, taking a step further. Flanked by the rest of his goons.

"Yeah, you got a problem or somethin'?"

I shake my head, "no, no, not at all. In fact, I was wondering if I could join in."

Now this got the attention of all members present, taking this moment of confusion to my advantage, I continue heading closer whilst still talking.

"You see, I know this kid, and I actually have a score to settle with him. Seeing you guys have all the fun, makes me a bit sad. You wouldn't mind if I join in would you?" I ask, no, more like demand. I give all the older kids another grin.

By the time I finished talking I was already next to the blonde boy, the bullies too busy processing what I said to stop me, or just didn't care.

I forcefully pick up the boy on the floor, who gave me a look of pure, silent rage. His jaw was locked and his fists were clenched, I couldn't help but smile to myself.

He kind of reminded me of myself. No, better yet, he was someone who did something that even I couldn't. He stuck up for himself, regardless of the consequences. He didn't take the easy way out. In his eyes, I must've been the coward. All the anger that I had built up for those who wouldn't help me suddenly came flooding into me, directed towards me. I started to loathe myself, a seemingly shared emotion between the two of us.

I lean into his ear before I whisper to him, "I know you're no coward, if you want, I can help you with your problem. Two to one; doesn't seem like bad odds, right?"

My words roll off like a devil's advocate. I move away from him to look at his face, before his face hardens and he gives me a slight nod, whispering to me, "if we can get the jump on them, even better; I'll follow your lead, don't fuck this up.

I start to chuckle again, "well boys," I start off, releasing the blond from my grip before I turn to the older kids, "looks like you're time is up!"

And with that, I swing my bag filled with books and school supplies to the bully closest to me with all my might, and instantly go for another one with a sloppy punch. The blonde kid wasn't too far behind as he rushes the boy who was going for me with a body check, knocking him to the floor in surprise, before switching to the fourth boy and tackling him to the ground, pounding away at his face.

Needless to say, all hell broke loose.

---

I drape my arm over my eyes as I recall the memory, a smile on my face. That was one of my fondest memories. Of course, both me and Yato ended up getting our asses kicked, it was two against four after all, and they were older than us. But even so, it felt so good letting all that pent up anger out. Before stumbling upon them, I was coming home from another horrific day at school. The bullies at school were getting more and more bold, and needless to say, my day was complete shit. Much like today, once I think about it.

After our scuffle, the bullies left shortly after. A few of them were not used to fighting, nor was I, but it seemed Yato had gotten into a few fights before, and the ferocity of the fight seemed to spook them. As we lay there on the ground of that park, faces bloodied, hands swelling, shit-eating grins on our faces, we shared a look before bursting out into laughter, only to go into a coughing fit and wince from the pain.

---

"My name's Hayato by the way, Hayama, Hayato." He finally speaks after we recover from our fit of coughing.

"Hikigaya, Hachiman." I lazily answer him back.

From the corner of my eye I see him nod, "the god of war and archery, huh? What kind of dumbass name's his kid after a Shinto god?"

Oi, oi, watch your mouth you little shit.

"Oh, don't remind me, blondie."

I see him bristle at that name, before he turns to me, a look of anger on his face, but in his eyes, I see traces of happiness and mirth.

"Oi, you trying to start something, oh mighty god of war?"

I growl at him, before standing up, as does he.

"You know, for a god of war, your strength is severely lacking." He gives me a sardonic smile, "you fight like a chicken without its head, a bumbling idiot."

The nerve of this asshole!

"At least my hair isn't dyed like some sort of wannabe, normalfag." I retaliate, a sardonic smile of my own, "what? Not popular enough to make friends? You have to resort to changing your appearance to get any attention?" I laugh out, "yeah, whatever normie."

I could see a fire light within his eyes, his body tensing, "it's not dyed!"

And with that, for the second time that day, I got into a fight.

---

Beep! Beep! Beep!

I groan as I grab my phone from the side of my bed and slide the alarm to dismiss it. Another day at this circus of a school, huh? What a pain in the ass.

It seemed like I wasn't able to get my mind off of that certain memory, realizing that I had awoken with a good recollection of that fateful day. Even if we'd been apart for some time, I hoped that deep down he was still the same kid I remember from back then. With the newfound knowledge I kind of had my doubts, but it'd be better to talk about with him in person; he was one of my closest friends after all.

Thinking back to said blond asshole, I couldn't help but remember a few things about him; he was always someone with nice features; in all honesty, most guys only picked on him because he was such a damn pretty-boy; the direct opposite of me. I was sort of surprised that a lot of guys at Sobu seemed to look up to him. Whatever the case was, I hope everything going on with his family had smoothed out. A lot of the anger Yato had as a kid mostly stemmed from his Father. And again, in that sense, we had shared a commonality. Seems like father figures were just assholes?

I let out a chuckle at that thought.

As I look at my phone again, I see there's an unread message.

---

[From: Yato

Yo, Hikigaya, let's meet up after school, yeah? I'll try to be alone, don't worry. Oh and bring your sister too. It's been awhile since I've seen her. 6:38 AM]

[To: Yato

Yeah, yeah, sure. Why the hell are you up so early anyways? And you better not try to get with my sister like you always do! I will not hesitate to throw you through a window. 7:21 AM]

[From: Yato

Yeah, whatever, sis-con. But seriously, she have a boyfriend or what? 7:21 AM]

[To: Yato

What the hell did I just say? 7:22 AM]

[From: Yato

Alright, alright sheesh, I can't be curious about my friends? Who the hell pissed in your bowl of cereal this morning? 7:22 AM]

[To: Yato

Eat a dick. 7:22 AM]

---

So, like I've said in previous A/N's I've always wanted to rewrite the intro to the story, as, well, its really fucking bad; like cringe-inducing. I mean, for what it was it worked(a crack fic), but obviously I have grown as a writer while writing this story and just want to let this story be presented in the way it deserves. It's still pretty cringy don't get me wrong, but hey, I've already dug a whole too deep and I'd rather not re-write the whole story. So, to begin, I've deleted chapters 1-3, and compressed them into a singular chapter, this Chapter. The changes are mostly minor, re-writing how Hikigaya talks and thinks was the main thing, he's a bit more muted but still, well, expressive in thought. Then I re-wrote a lot of Hayato's first meeting and added some more exposition to keep interest in him and solidify him as a main character, even if hasn't had much screen time in the fic; if anything, just read the flashback, that's what changed the most.

I also added a few bits of exposition pertaining to why Hikigaya is exactly here, and to throw in a bit about his goals and family. Though its not really important enough to read 18k words for a few lines of extra exposition.

Personally I'm happy with how it turned out, even if only a few things have changed; hopefully it hooks a bit more people into actually giving the fic a shot, I do enjoy writing, and to an extent, reading it. I know I said that I probably wouldn't do another revision, but I think this was needed. I could tell the drastic change in writing styles throughout subsequent chapters which made it really awkward to read, hopefully this streamlines it, and since there is zero original content, I doubt I could do another revision even if I wanted to.

Again, thanks you all for the continued tremendous support, for all my stories really, its really heartwarming to see people still follow some of my older stories and especially all the attention my newest fic has gained.

Newest chapter is in the works, don't know how long it'll take but I hope to finish it within the month, newest chapter for Piece by Piece should probably be completed and uploaded tomorrow, if not, maybe tuesday.

Love you all, until next time.

-Ausko

tl;dr: I love you all.

P.S: There's like 18k words to read through by myself; I'm almost certain there's a ton of stuff I missed, but eh, this has taken a bit too much of energy, sorry in advance.