Le wild update appears!

'Why is she here? I should've just gone to Saize dammit! Atleast there aren't any obnoxious rich people to spoil your meals there!'

"Now there's a face you don't see so often," she spoke, waving at me.

I wanted to run away, but I had food in my tray which I had already paid for and so my options were very limited.

'Maybe she isn't talking to me, just activate stealth Hikki and move quietly to the corner…'

"Where are you running off to Hikigaya-kun?"

"Good evening," I replied in a resigned tone. I turned around and faced her.

She gestured me to sit at her table and I had to, much against my wishes, take the seat. I tried to focus on my food, hopefully she would be done soon and leave.

"Ne Hikigaya-kun," she spoke, "Tell me something interesting."

'The interesting fact is that of the 6 outlets in this street, 15 outlets in this area and the hundreds in Chiba, both you and I chose this one. My bad luck is probably the most interesting fact here.'

"…there is enough human DNA in our body to stretch from the sun to pluto and back 17 times," the words left my mouth before I could think. Where the hell did that come from!?

Maybe it is a signal that there has been enough biology reading for today.

"Pff-hahahaha," Haruno let out an exaggerated fit of laughter at my words, "What in the world was that Hikigaya-kun!?"

"…an interesting scientific fact," I spoke. I was a bit too preoccupied with looking at my shoes to look her in the eyes. Come to think of it I need to buy a new pair soon…

"My my," Haruno continued to pester me, "I didn't know you could make jokes like that Hikigaya-kun. Are you learning how to flirt? Should I be worried about becoming an aunt?"

'Is there a deity that I can pray to so that the troublesome people in my life never go to the same café as me?'

"Anyways," she spoke, "How is Yukino-chan doing?"

"The same as always," I replied. I took out my revisional notes and put them on the table to skim through. I needed a distraction.

"Glad to hear it," she spoke, stretching in a way that amplified her 'assets,' "And have there been any developments? There was a field trip right?"

"Nothing worthy of note," I spoke. Responding too much would mean elongating the conversation. Perhaps if she found me boring she'd just leave. Afterall her food tray had been empty for some time now, so logically she really should be going and let other paying customers take the benefit of her seat.

"I see," she spoke, "There aren't any big events now before the exams right? Won't you be bored?"

"Not really," I replied, "I'm more than happy with the monotony of routine."

"…come to think of it, it's time for the StuCo elections right? I wonder if Meguri asked Yukino-chan to be the President after she retires?"

'Just what is with you? I'm trying my best to scuttle this conversation with short answers and silence, but she keeps on going with random topics.'

"No, she didn't," I was beyond exasperated now, since ending conversations didn't work…now I'd try replying and entertaining her a little. Hopefully she'd get bored of it soon and leave me be.

"So Yukino-chan won't be the StuCo president huh?"

'No, but I probably will.'

No way in hell I'm telling her that!

"Is that a problem?" I asked.

"No, it's just that I was never the StuCo president either," she spoke, she leaned into the table a little as her eyes got a somewhat lifeless look, "How boring."

'Is this the real Haruno?'

"Huh…is that Hikigaya?" A third voice called out. I turned immediately to see the familiar face of Orimoto Kaori wearing the uniform of some school I didn't recognise looking over at us.

'Just my luck! What next? Am I going to meet the group of boys that created the Hikigerma-tag? Is this some kind of godly punishment? I haven't even sinned yet!'

"It is Hikigaya! I totally must have pulled a super-rare card or something," Orimoto spoke, "I almost didn't recognize you with the glasses and all."

"Good evening Orimoto," I spoke.

I am never coming back to this shop for the remainder of my life.

"Ah, that uniform," Orimoto continued, "Hikigaya, you go to Sobu High?"

"Yes," I replied.

I want to run away…Someone help!

"That's a smart guy, I never knew," she spoke, "Afterall Hikigaya, you never talked to anyone at all."

'And I would prefer if that trend continued. So having freed you from the social obligation of greeting me since we are old classmates, I'd prefer if you could move to your table and leave me be. On that note take Haruno with you too.'

That was the exact moment Orimoto looked at Haruno.

"Your girlfriend?"

'Like hell I would date someone like her!'

"No," I sighed. I took a gulp of coffee to nourish myself from all the damage this social interaction had wrought upon me.

"Yeah, knew it," Orimoto kept up her smile, "She's way outta your league!"

'What's with the casual insults?'

"Perhaps is she your friend Hikigaya-kun?" Haruno asked.

'More like you're asking – Whoa! Hikigaya-kun has friends!?'

"She was in my class in middle school," I spoke.

"I'm Orimoto Kaori," Orimoto introduced herself.

"Ah, I'm Yukinoshita Haruno," Haruto spoke, "I'm Hikigaya-kun's…Ne Hikigaya-kun, what exactly am I to you?"

'Don't ask me that!'

"Calling us friends would be weird, maybe an older sister…" suddenly Haruno grinned, "Why don't we take the middle road and say I'm your girlfriend!?"

'That's it! I'm firing back!'

"I'm flattered by the offer Yukinoshita-senpai," I finally found a proper title to address her, "But you are a bit too complicated for my tastes."

"That was cold Hikigaya-kun!" she squealed, "You can't reject a girl on the face like that, it's rude!"

Orimoto looked at the exchange curiously.

"…so Hikigaya-kun likes simple girls huh," Haruno looked off into space, "I wonder how Yukino-chan will react to that."

'What does that have to do with anything?'

Orimoto in the meanwhile was looking at our exchange with an incredulous look on her face.

"Since when did you start making jokes likes this Hikigaya? Hilarious!" she spoke, smiling for good effect.

"Ah yes," Haruno returned to the conversation, "You're from the same middle school as Hikigaya-kun right? Do you have any interesting stories? I like love stories the most! Tell me about Hikigaya-kun's love life!"

Geh! Weren't you deep in thought just a few moments ago!?

"Ah," Orimoto adopted a thoughtful expression, "Actually Hikigaya asked me out once."

"No way!" the girl behind her exclaimed.

"That makes me even more curious," Haruno continued to dig in.

"He never talked to me before," Orimoto spoke, "So it was a total shock."

'I talked to you, e-mailed you too,' I stared at my now empty coffee-cup, 'I don't know whether you gave me your e-mail ID out of pity or sympathy, but it was a big event for me. I found the silliest reasons to e-mail you and bounced between ecstasy and depression depending on whether you replied or not. But then again, I guess you wouldn't remember…'

…and neither should she. I had since some time concluded that whatever happened was not Orimoto's fault. I had misinterpreted her kindness to be something else and made a fool out of myself by confessing to her. Orimoto was a nice girl and acted as per her personality, she probably talked to dozens of kids and had no special reason to remember me. I was pushing my expectations - my worldview onto her and never thought about it from any other angle.

But in the end, it was something in the past. I had more or less made my peace with the entire debacle.

"Eh," Haruno looked at me, "So Hikigaya-kun asked a girl out?"

"Yes," I gestured to the staff for a refill of my coffee, "But it is in the past now."

"Yeah, it was like totally ages ago so it doesn't matter now," Orimoto spoke, "Oh, by the way Hikigaya, if you go to Sobu then do you know someone named Hayama Hayato?"

I nearly choked on my coffee.

"No, not really-"

"-Ah yes!" Haruno jumped in, "Hikigaya-kun and Hayato are like best buds! I know I'll even show you something interesting!"

Nononononononono! Please NO!

I hung my head depressingly as Haruno fished out her phone and played the Youtube video of our class play.

Someone please kill me now!

"Woah, is that really you Hikigaya?" Orimoto looked at the video in fascination, "Never really knew you were into acting and stuff. Hilarious!"

…and now the video will be shared again. Just my rotten luck.

"You know what," Haruno took back her phone, "Since I'm in a good mood I'll introduce you to Hayato too!"

What the hell is going on!? Haven't you had your share of fun with me you damned gods of romcoms!? Find another high-schooler to amuse yourselves!

…

(Sometime later)

One really awkward interaction later Orimoto and her friend, who was introduced as Nakamichi Chika, were leaving with Hayama's contact information. I had tried to slink away by trying to use the distraction his entrance had caused, but Haruno was too sharp to be tricked like that.

"Bye Hayama-kun!"

"We'll mail you!"

"Why did you do this?" Hayama asked Haruno, his blank expression barely hiding the underlying emotions.

'Could it be…?'

I'll need to confirm that theory, and given the circumstances I think I will get the chance to do it sooner or later.

"Well," Haruno smiled, "It seemed interesting."

"Not that again," Hayama spoke in a resigned tone and looked at me, "And why is he here? He doesn't have anything to do with this."

'I am an unfortunate victim of circumstance.'

"That isn't true," Haruno looked at me, "That girl with the perm was someone Hikigaya-kun used to like!"

'Great, why don't you grab a howler and announce it at the town square?'

"Well, that was great for killing time," Haruno got up, "I'm gonna take off now," she suddenly leaned close to me, "Thanks for keeping me company Hikigaya-kun, I'll see you later!"

With her gone I finally allowed myself to relax. I didn't really like Hayama, but over the company I had been in for the last hour or so I'd gladly pick dealing with him any time of the day.

"Haruno-san seems to like you," Hayama spoke.

'By any chance, could you tell me how to undo that?'

"If this is what she does to those she likes," I spoke, "I fear for those that she doesn't."

"She either kills people she likes with too much attention," Hayama replied, "Or thoroughly crushes those she doesn't."

'That is one messed up woman.'

"I'll be taking my leave now," I spoke, I was too tired to even think right now, "Goodbye."

I picked up my bag and left. I sincerely prayed that I did not have to deal with Haruno, Hayama or Orimoto for the foreseeable future.

My 8man-sense is tingling.

…

(Next Day: Club)

I sipped my cup of tea, dutifully prepared by Yukinoshita, as I read a Light Novel for a change of pace today. The interaction with Haruno had gone to show that reading too much science was bad for my brain, so sparing an hour to get refreshed wouldn't hurt. I'll study a little at night to compensate for it.

'Honestly, these writers are milking the whole Isekai genre a bit too much.'

Still, the book was interesting enough that I didn't give up on it outrightly. The hero wasn't really overpowered or that smart, but he still made things work somehow. The author had still gone with the Harem route, but it was still believable with how the story was woven and that the guy didn't have half a dozen women dangling off his arms within the first 10 pages.

I think I'll buy the next edition too.

"Ne Yukinon, we should totally go to the mall this Saturday!" And ofcourse, my reading was interrupted again. Why did this woman have to be so loud?

"Yuigahama-san," Yukinoshita spoke, "Though Saturday is indeed a non-teaching day, we still have club activities to take care of."

"Then let's all go!" Yuigahama spoke, "We can make it a club get-together outside. Hiratsuka-sensei will totally agree."

"Yuigahama-san-"

"-we can even see the new Pan-san movie! I hear that the theatre in the mall has it in 4-D!"

"…I suppose there is no harm in a club outing once in a while." Yukinoshita completely turned around at the mention of the movie.

Just how obsessed is this girl with Pan-san?

"Then Hikki," Yuigahama turned to me, "Let's go this Saturday!"

"I can't," I sighed. It seems I still haven't recovered from yesterday, the meeting with Haruno has left me extremely tired.

Almost like she has the quirk of energy vampirism(1).

"Hikigaya-kun," Yukinoshita spoke, "I believe that joining your fellow club members on an outing would serve you better than lazing around in your house and burdening Komachi-san with your chores. If not of yourself, then think of it as a favor to Komachi-san for not having to endure your presence for an entire day."

I sighed again, I really wanted to laze around the house all weekend.

But circumstances did not permit it.

"Like I said," I closed my novel, "I can't. The new Student Council gets sworn in this Saturday."

Saturdays are generally non-teaching days, with the only exemption being for those who are forced into remedial classes. The other students generally only turn up for extracurricular or club-related activities – something I had the privilege of not being a part of until a few months ago.

I blame a single, middle-aged, brutish and violent woman for losing that privilege. May the instant ramen you relied on to suffice for your dinner turn into a soggy mess.

…

(Hiratsuka Shizuka PoV)

'Achoo!'

The papers I had been grading were scattered all over the desk and the floor…for some reason I felt like punching Hikigaya in the face this time.

…

(Back to 8man)

But now I'm going to be forced to come in for something I have, for some godforsaken reason, actually volunteered to be a part of. Since no one else had been nominated for the post of StuCo President, my nomination was already confirmed and I would be declared the winner right away. The counting of votes for the other positions would be over by Friday and I would assume the office on the very next day.

"Ah!" Yuigahama spoke, "That's right! It is Hikki's big day!"

'It's not really my birthday Yuigahama.'

"We should go to the ceremony then Yukinon," Yuigahama continued, "We have to support Hikki!"

"I-I suppose so," Yukinoshita didn't look too thrilled at missing the proposed outing for the Pan-san movie, but obliged anyway.

That's the power of a nice girl, way to go Yurigahama.

"Then we'll all go out on Sunday to celebrate!" Yuigahama proclaimed.

I wanted to protest. I did not want my only free day in this entire week to be sucked away by more social interactions, but one look at the Ice Queen established that trying to upset her plan to see her beloved Pan-san would not end well for my health.

So naturally, without any fear of the raven-haired girl sitting at the opposite end of the table weighing on my head, I nodded.

I miss being a loner…

…

(Next Day: After Classes)

"Got a minute?" Hayama suddenly walked up to me.

"What?" I asked.

"I was wondering if I could buy you a drink?" Hayama spoke.

'I don't really want to be anywhere near this guy', I thought, 'But Free Maxx is Free Maxx.'

We walked to the vending machines, and naturally I collected the drink before he opened his mouth.

"Hikigaya," he asked, "By any chance, are you still interested in Orimoto-san?"

Where is this coming from?

Out of everything, I had not counted on Hayama to ask this question in particular. It actually sent me into a tizzy and I considered his question seriously.

Was I still interested in Orimoto? I had erected a wall of denials, half-truths and pessimism after the debacle of my failed confession to ward off even the thought of her. I had conjured a profile of her in my head - 'the nice girl' in an attempt to rebuff my initial attraction to her and tell me that whatever I felt was just fleeting. Recently I had started to deconstruct this warped perception of reality and put the entire thing truly behind me.

But was I still interested?

The answer would be a no.

It wasn't a denial borne out of what happened in middle school, but more of an understanding of what actually constituted it. For one, we had not talked at all for years now, and I had come to the realization that I barely knew anything except her name and the fact that she had a pretty face. I realized that the attraction was shallow, and as I had never really nurtured that…it never became what I actually sought.

"Not by a long shot," I answered his question honestly, "What brought this on?"

"…nothing much," Hayama sighed, "I suppose that you would not be interested in meeting her again?"

"The answer remains the same," I spoke, "If that is all, I'll be leaving. Thanks for the drink."

What is he trying to do?

…

(Clubroom)

"Ne Hikki," Yuigahama spoke, "What were you and Hayato-kun talking about after class?"

'Why does everyone around me have to be so damn nosey?'

Yukinoshita was looking at me with barely concealed interest, I couldn't just worm my way out of this without giving an answer.

"We were trying to think of a way to get a video off Youtube," I spoke, eyeing her for good measure, "You know - the one of our class play. The both of us seem to be gathering attention of the wrong kind these days, and it is getting damn annoying."

"I-I see…" Yuigahama suddenly became very interested in something outside the window.

Don't try to slink away from this you bimbo! I know you had a role in posting that abomination online.

But Skill #42 – Deflect Topic was working quite well. None of the girls poked a question about me and Hayama talking thereafter.

…and Miss Club President, you are doing a really bad job at hiding your amusement.

I can still hear your giggling you flat-chested sadist.

…

(Saturday: Gym Auditorium)

"Best of luck Hikigaya-kun!"

Ah, the fluffy aura of Shiromeguri-senpai offset any last minute doubts I was having about the entire thing. I was seated with the newly elected members of the Student Council. Some of them had been a part of it last year, and others had worked with the Festival Committee – so it wasn't like I was dealing with total strangers.

"So," Shiromeguri-senpai spoke, "As per the schedule, Watanabe-sensei will be swearing you in first Hikigaya-kun, and then you'll swear in the rest of the council alright?"

I settled for a nod. From the stage I could see the assembled strength of the school assembly – more than 60% of the school populace was present despite attendance today not being mandatory. Just what possessed these people to come to school when they could take a day off and sit at home instead? Were club activities really that important?

I surveyed the auditorium, and sure enough both Yuigahama and Yukinoshita were present.

"…and now, we shall start the ceremony for swearing in the new Student Council," Watanabe-sensei addressed the morning assembly, "First off we have the new Student Council President – Hikigaya Hachiman-san."

On cue I got up. The ceremony was short and pleasant, we didn't have to recite an unnecessarily long pledge that would bore the students and soon enough we were done. Watanabe-sensei and Shiromeguri-senpai thereafter took us to the Council office and briefed us about our duties after we had done a round of personal introductions.

In the end, I concluded that I was in a good place. Everyone in the StuCo seemed to be quite competent and reasonably serious about their duties, so I was not dealing with any difficult subordinates right off the bat. The Vice-President and Secretary were a bit more friendly than the others, having worked with me before I the Festival Committee. We all ended up creating a group chat to keep in touch with each-other.

"So you're part of the Service Club Pres?" The newly appointed Secretary, Kazeki Shiori asked, "Can't say I have heard about it before. What do you guys do?"

"It is a small club," I spoke, "So you reasonably wouldn't have. As for the club, we take requests from the student body and try to help them with their problems."

"Eh?" The Vice-President spoke up, "Come to think of it, isn't Yukinoshita-san in that club too?"

"Yeah," I spoke, "She's the Club President."

"Kinda like a role reversal from the Festival Committee, isn't it Pres?" the Treasurer spoke, "Though I'd be a bit scared if Yukinoshita-san was the #1, she didn't really hold back during committee meetings back then."

I winced a little as memories from the Festival Committee came flooding back. Yukinoshita was always brutally honest with everyone – and I had to step in quite a few times to keep her from raining down righteous indignation on the other committee members when they messed up. What she used to say was never really false…but tearing down people verbally was not something that increased their efficiency or solved the problems at hand.

"Be grateful," I spoke, "I had to take those shots for the team multiple times, it was not easy to endure."

The other members simply giggled.

"Now Pres," Kazeki put the record book before me, "You need to make appointments for the two nominated posts."

The StuCo structure of Sobu was rather simplistic. There were 4 positions – President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary which formed the Core of the Council and were elected by the students. Other than that, we had 2 positions – The Head of the Disciplinary Committee and The PR manager that were nominated by the faculty. However, since Watanabe-sensei was too lazy to bother with any recommendations, he had passed on that responsibility to me with the view of 'reducing any friction between Council members.'

"I don't have anyone in mind to nominate as of now," I looked around the table, "Kazeki, would you mind taking charge of PR for the time being?"

She was the PR and Advertising head in the Festival afterall, I'm sure she'll do fine.

"Ofcourse Pres," she finished it with a mock salute.

"Alright," I made a noting in the official records, "Now then, anyone interested in taking charge of the Disciplinary Committee?"

Everyone looked interested in anything but answering that question. One guy even started pretending that he was getting an urgent call and excused himself, I knew that he wasn't coming back in until the decision was made and he wasn't chosen for it.

'Well, that is to be expected,' I sighed, 'The person that holds this position is going to earn the scorn of the larger part of the Student Body afterall. No one wants to be the snitch, leave alone a part of the law enforcement when members of your own cliques could very much be involved in more than a few misdemeanors as per the Student Handbook.'

A lot of things, though common in the school, were not allowed in the strict sense of the governing rules. Skirt lengths being too short was an obvious one right alongside dyed hair, phone usage in the school campus, carrying manga on school grounds and using headphones. It was the kind of thing that was largely ignored until someone from the teaching staff got sufficiently mad and asked the council to take action – the responsibility for execution generally falling on the Disciplinary Committee.

…wait a sec, why did I think of skirts before anything else?

I shook my head to get any weird thoughts out.

"…fine," I sighed, "I'll keep the charge of the Disciplinary Committee for the time being."

I just hope that Watanabe-sensei continues being his usual lazy self, I don't want to go around with the Class Reps confiscating manga when the owners wouldn't even have finished the latest chapter of their favorite series. I know that kind of pain, and would not wish it upon my worst enemy.

On that note, we all signed in the record book and the first meeting of the Student Council was officially over. I went by the clubroom for a bit before school shut down, and then headed straight home.

God forbid, I had to go out tomorrow again!

…

(Late Evening: In a restaurant in Downtown Chiba)

"Congratulations onii-chan!"

"Many congratulations Hat-chan!"

"Good going Hachiman!"

I had apparently underestimated just how excited my family was going to be with this whole StuCo President thing. I had spent a little over one hour relaxing at home before mom popped in early from work and asked me and Komachi to get dressed. Dad came in shortly thereafter and drove us to one of the fancier restaurants I could never afford with my current allowance.

"Thanks mom, dad, Komachi," I managed to squeeze out. This was a bit embarrassing.

"Cheer up onii-chan!" Komachi patted my back, "Your Secretary is super-cute by the way!"

"…I told you, Kazeki is the Secretary of the Student Council, not mine," I sighed. This brat was mocking me deliberately.

"Komachi-chan is right Hat-chan," Mom chimed in, "You should enjoy this night."

Enjoy what exactly though? Come Monday and I've got all the joy of tending to the dozens of files Watanabe-sensei dumped on the desk before we left, is that kind of thing supposed to make me happy?

Still, this is something I've chosen for myself - so I'll make it work somehow.

"Thanks mom," I spoke, "I'll try."

For now though I won't think of anything. For all their faults, my family is really pleasant company…and going by the aroma wafting from the kitchen the food should be good enough to match the prices.

Is this what it means to be happy?

…

(Sunday)

"…make sure that you eat up onii-chan!" Komachi smiled, "Don't go pigging out before Yui-san or Yukino-san, it is considered bad-manners on a date."

Please, I shouldn't even be awake right now!

8: 45 AM

"It is not a date," I looked at the clock and sighed, "It is strictly a club outing, one that could have been avoided easily had Yuigahama not proposed it in the first place."

"Don't go saying stuff like that," Komachi pouted, "Idiot gomii-chan. If you keep saying things like that then you'll never get a girl to go out with you."

"Anyways," I tried to change the topic, "Thanks for breakfast. The omelet is really good."

"Ah, I told you not to worry about it onii-chan," Komachi waved her chopsticks, "Plus I have to take care of you, especially after all the exercise you're doing you knowww~"

'Tch.'

Cheeky brat. She put a damned alarm clock in my room last night, so I woke up much before I was supposed to. Since there was nothing much to do for me on a Sunday morning, I had come down to fetch a cup of coffee to cheer up myself when I discovered her note that threatened me to go on my tri-weekly run.

So naturally, I was up at this ungodly time on a Sunday shoveling food in my mouth with my legs feeling sore as hell under the table.

If Komachi wasn't so cute, she wouldn't have been forgiven.

"So," Komachi looked at me with sparkling eyes, "Are you all prepared for today?"

"What is there to prepare?" I was genuinely confused now, "I've still got more than an hour before I leave. I'll shower, get dressed and reach the place at the agreed time."

"Onii-chan," Komachi sighed, "As the guy you need to take a little initiative. Plan a bit about where you guys should go, think about a nice place for lunch – things like that."

It seems as though she's seriously thinking of this as a date. I bit back my initial reaction before contemplating my words.

"I know you're trying to look out for your brother Komachi," I leaned over the table and ruffled her hair, "But really, there is nothing like what you think. It is just an outing as a club."

"I-if you say so onii-chan," Komachi replied, "But can you atleast try? Just a little?"

"…fine," I sighed, "How about you help me pick out my clothes?"

Komachi brightened up considerably.

…

(10: 30 AM – At the Mall)

So, as a result of several experiments on Komachi's part I am now walking towards the mall gate. This would be the time I generally woke up on a holiday, but now I find myself here at the place I hate the most – the outside.

Unsurprisingly, Yukinoshita is already standing at the gate.

"Yo," I walk up to her, "You're here early."

"P-please consider your actions before assaulting people in such a manner Hikigaya-kun," She looked a bit shaken up, was it real or was she doing it just to get her barbs in I wonder? "Additionally, please change your greeting to that of a normal person."

I didn't really feel like starting anything so early in the morning, so I just sighed and leaned against the pole. I pulled out my phone and started scrolling through the news feed. I wanted to watch some morning anime before I came here, but all the time had instead been invested in choosing my clothes for today. It wasn't anything special, a checked shirt with jeans and one of my dad's old blazers from when he was still in shape.

Komachi had seemingly worked hard in choosing this combination. I had to act as a dress-up doll for quite some time until she gave this outfit a thumbs-up.

Looking over I saw that Yukinoshita was looking at me, so I looked back but she averted her eyes. She was wearing a simple light blue-dress that ended under her knees, I didn't pry much further as I didn't want to be branded a pervert. The awkward silence between us remained until the third member of the Service Club came to our rescue.

"Yahallo! Yukinon! Hikki!" Yuigahama jogged towards us, "I'm sorry, did you guys wait much?"

"We did not, Yuigahama-san," Yukinoshita spoke.

"Yo, not really," I spoke as I walked up to her. She was wearing a cream top and a modest skirt.

"Be sure to compliment Yui-san and Yukino-san when you meet them onii-chan!"

"You look good Yuigahama," I spoke, reflexively acting upon Komachi's directions. She had repeatedly told me that this was not flirting and was considered to be part of basic courtesy whenever a girl made an effort in her appearance.

"Ah…uh," Yuigahama fidgeted, did I go wrong somewhere?

"T-thanks Hikki," she spoke smiling a moment letter. Looks like I didn't mess up afterall-

"-If you are done leering at Yuigahama-san then perhaps we can walk towards the theatre Hikishameless-kun?"

Yikes! What's with that tone?

"Sheesh, it was just a basic compliment," I decided to fight back, "And could you that tone in check for a little bit? We aren't in the clubroom and people can hear you."

Yukinoshita just stomped and walked ahead.

"Ne Hikki," Yuigahama whispered to me, "Did something happen between you and Yukinon before I came?"

'Well, if I think about it then I didn't respond to her taunt in the morning. Additionally her barbs threw me off way too much to even consider complimenting her, god knows what verbal assault awaits me if I actually did it.

"…not really," I kept my tone low as well, "I think she must've awoken on the wrong side of the bed."

"Hmmm," Yuigahama didn't press the issue any further.

With that we moved towards the theatre to catch the morning show of the movie.

…

(After the movie)

We came out of the cinema hall, and Yukinoshita's mood had taken a turn for the better. Her cheeks were tinged red from the excitement of the movie and Yuigahama seemed to be happily chatting with her.

…to be honest the movie was actually good and I didn't have a bad time either.

"…I know let's go have lunch Yukinon!" Yuigahama spoke, "I know a good place nearby, they have cat-shaped riceballs too!"

Just like that, all of Yukinoshita's protests crumbled in the name of her other obsession – cats.

'Pan-san and cats - come to think of it, isn't it actually pretty easy to manipulate Yukinoshita?'

I went with the flow and didn't protest as Yuigahama chose an obviously riajuu place for our lunch. It was crowded, but we managed to secure seats within a reasonable amount of time. Yukinoshita obviously ordered for the cat-shaped riceballs, Yuigahama called for chicken rolls and I opted for the standard curry-rice.

'I feel like going for ramen sometime soon as well,' I thought, 'Maybe I'll take up Hiratsuka-sensei's offer for a celebratory dinner for making it to the Student Council. She certainly knows her way around the best places for that.'

…

(Hiratsuka Residence)

(Hiratsuka Shizuka PoV)

'Achoo!'

I rubbed my nose, I really hope I was not coming down with something.

Idly my thoughts went to Hikigaya, the brat looked like he was growing a bit too fast these days. It was like she would take her eyes off him for a bit and he had already accomplished something she wouldn't have expected of him for months to come.

'Well, he's doing much better than I did at his age,' I thought, 'But I guess there's hope for everyone.'

Maybe I should put in a message or two to the guy I met too, maybe it could work?

…

(With Komachi)

'Achoo!'

I shivered a little and my mind suddenly went to onii-chan. Despite the fact that he said that today wasn't a date, he atleast agreed to put in a little effort – so it made me happy.

But what was this cold feeling in my chest?

I don't mind if he doesn't go for Yui-san or Yukino-san…or that he seemingly likes older women.

But onii-chan won't break the 3-year rule…right?

…

(Back to 8man)

The curry-rice was good, well maybe not as good as the one I used to whip up for Komachi from time to time, but still good enough.

"Waah Yukinon your riceballs are so cute~" Yuigahama leaned over, stealing her food, "Delicious too."

"Yuigahama-san," Yukinoshita protested as her beloved item was stolen from right under her nose, "…that was mine."

What a weak protest.

"Ah, Yukinon you can have my chicken roll," Yuigahama shoved a big piece onto her plate.

"…wasn't the movie great?" Yuigahama kept up the conversation, "I was totally surprised by the Bamboo power-up at the end!"

"Pan-san is powered up by bamboos Yuigahama-san," Yukinoshita spoke, "Different forms of bamboo give different power-ups. The latest form of red-bamboo was something that was revealed in this movie for the first time."

'No wonder,' I thought, 'They would want to keep something exclusive to the movie. But do red bamboos exist in reality?'

I picked out my phone and tried googling about it.

"Wow," I spoke, "Red bamboos exist in reality too."

"Eh, really?" Yuigahama spoke, "That's so cool!"

"Bamboos do come in different colors Yuigahama-san," Yukinoshita spoke, "The Tokyo Zoological park has a separate bamboo section as well."

"We should totally go see it then!" Yuigahama declared, "Lets go there next weekend, we can see pandas too!"

Yukinoshita remained silent.

"We have mid-terms soon Miss Yuigahama," I butted in, obviously the mention of real-life pandas had defanged Yukinoshita, and I did not want another weekend to be swallowed up by social commitments, "We need to study for them, especially you."

'The way your grades are, you should be more concerned about moving to the next year.'

"W-what does that mean?" Yuigahama was taken aback, "Hikki! Meanie!"

"As unpleasant as it may be," Yukinoshita spoke, "I am inclined to agree with Hikigaya-kun on this Yuigahama-san. We need to prepare for the exams."

"…fine," Yuigahama deflated in her seat.

With that, lunch came to an end.

…

(Post Lunch)

"Should we go shopping next?" Yuigahama asked nonchalantly, "There's this cute dress I saw in the shop when I last came here."

That was a big red flag right there! Shopping with women is one of the most dangerous situations every man must strive to avoid.

"Uh, sure," I spoke, "I'll just wait around here, give me a call when you're done."

"Mou Hikki, you need to come too!"

Why? I mean you have your precious 'Yukinon' with you already.

"Yuigahama-san," Yukinoshita interjected, "It would inconvenience the other female customers should they feel Hikigaya-kun's lecherous gaze upon them. I believe we should strive to contain him unless someone informs the authorities of his actions."

You know what, not responding to her barbs seems to work most effectively – so I'm gonna do just that.

"I'm not exactly in the mood to shop Yuigahama," I said, ignoring Yukinoshita's words, "I'll just hang around here until you're done, maybe play a game or two at the arcade while I'm at it."

I'd rather just go home and relax, but that would be contrary to Komachi's instructions for the day. Though I doubt she's gonna be happy with me splitting up with them either.

"…the arcade?" Yuigahama asked, and soon enough there was a change of plans.

…

(The Arcade)

"-what the!?" Yuikinoshita shouted, "Hikigaya you germ, just take what you deserve and – No!"

It doesn't really matter how good you are Yukinoshita, you can't just beat me in my homeground like that. I've been playing Mortal Kombat since the first year of middle school. My character just kicked hers into oblivion as 'Player 2 Loses' flashed on the screen for the third time in a row.

"You aren't half-bad for a button masher," I grinned, "Atleast you are more of a challenge than Yuigahama though. She sucks."

"Don't say that Hikki! Meanie!"

"One more round," Yukinoshita spoke, her competitive side taking over as she fiddled with her purse, "I will get the extra tokens from the counter."

"Hey, there are other machines around here too," I waved her off. Knowing her she's not gonna stop playing until she beats me; and considering my experience with this machine we'll be stuck here for weeks, "Let's play something that allows three players."

"Most of the machines here seem to be designed for 2 players though," Yukinoshita spoke.

"We have Mario Kart," I spoke, pointing at a big machine with seats and pedals, "The guys using it now seem to be finishing up, so let's get in the line before anyone else does."

It was a new machine here, and was quite swarmed with people. It allowed 10 players simultaneously, and thankfully we managed to merge with another group of six people and got our shot.

"Do not get an ego over the last wins Hikigaya-kun," Yukinoshita spoke as she took the seat next to mine, "I shall show you your fate as a lower life form."

'…and I'll show you the power of the blue shell that destroys friendships.'

I chose Luigi with his standard cart. The game started soon and I managed to get the exact powerup I was looking for. A princess Peach cart zoomed past me, and I instantly released the shell.

"What the-! Who did that!?" A girl from the other group whined as some of those with her giggled. I had kind of expected it to be Yuigahama.

Mayhem ensued shortly thereafter, and I was probably the one that got in the most cheap shots. Yuigahama and Yukinoshita both gave me the stink-eye as I placed second, just behind someone whose name I don't remember. We got off the machine and stretched a little.

"Ne Hikki," Yuigahama spoke, "What's upstairs?"

"It's games in which you can win prizes," I spoke, "They have basketball, Foosball, air hockey – stuff like that. You can win coupons if you get a good score and exchange the coupons for gifts at the counter."

"Let's go up then!" she beamed.

'Just where does she get all that energy from?'

Did her Yuigahama's Gahamas have some sort of power generation plant inside them? That would explain a lot.

Anyways, we went up and ended up playing a few more games. Yukinoshita's competitive side and her high specs combined with my inexperience with multiplayer games ended up with me having multiple losses on the board as we played Air Hockey and Foosball. However by the time we got to the Basketball Hoops her pitiful stamina gave out and I managed to eke out a win over her powerless throws. We still lingered around a little after that, sipping coffee until it was time to split-up and leave for home.

All in all, this wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be.

So, this has been sitting in my PC for some time now. I finally decided to upload it after editing.

PS

Please leave a review if you liked this, or even if you didn't.

Stay Safe.

Until next time!