Disclaimer: I do not own anything. All right is reserved Bushiroad and Wataru Watari.

A/N: I prefer to do my long ass A/N's at the end of chapters so just ignore this.

Prologue

Once upon a time, Hikigaya Hachiman would have scoffed at the prospect of people chasing dreams.

And yet here he was, betraying those very words he said himself as he stood at the Chiba station with only a bag being carried and his graduation robes in his hands and a seemingly portable cage. The sight of a young man standing in the station who seemed to be obviously recently graduated was honestly not a new sight, but carrying his own robes would signify he have left the celebration and went straight to the station.

Now that, was bizarre.

He had long since left his, now admittedly, values he once upheld. His time in Sobu taught him things he'd never expect to apply in his life going forward. Though, not all was entirely left. His demeanor remained roughly the same, still being the Hikki that Yukinoshita and Yuigahama loves, though he would probably never figure that out any time soon. The man in question breathed out as he eyed the now night sky, before his ears heard a familiar voice, a singing voice at that.

He peered to the side and saw a small TV hung up on the station walls as he awaited his train. There displayed was a girl he was all too familiar with, singing on a large stage with a guitar in hand and a smile that would captivate others, him included. The girl was someone he was very familiar with, someone he could say he even loved. His little sister singing on a stage where professionals would be singing was a sight he would never get used to. The crowds clapped at her performance as her signature fanged, cute smile was flashed, prompting the crowd to roar even more.

"Man can you believe this?"

"Yeah! Komachi-chan is so cute!"

"I heard she came from a well to do musician family!"

The chatter of nearby fans did not escape Hachiman, him chuckling at the statements and earning some looks. The well to do family bit struck a funny bone in his body, before he noticed the camera on the TV zoomed in on his parents who was watching her performance. He wasn't too surprised when he saw his family absent at his graduation. The date clashed between her performance and his most important day but he paid no heed to it. It was something he saw a long mile coming when his sister said she was going to perform again soon.

Such is the life of a star, he said to himself.

But again, he felt no animosity towards her. It was simply his way in not getting in her way and letting her grow on how she wants to, something he didn't have the chance to do so.

As the station's intercom announced the train's arrival, he took a deep breath. The next time he'll take a step is something he needs to do for himself. Something he had helped with, cultivated and grew in Sobu. Something that his kind and sincere, albeit scary teacher, had instilled inside of him. It was something Yukinoshita and Yuigahama had given to him unaware to them, something he'd cherished them because of this.

It was strength.

Strength to grasp his dreams with his own hands.

And so, the train arrived and the doors open, welcoming Hachiman into his new life.

New life my ass. The cold, empty and dead station of Tokyo greeted me, nothing new. I knew I should've stolen my dad's stash of expensive coffee and brought it with me. Spring settled in and while it was warm, nights are still annoying to deal with. How I wish I could've brought Kamakura with me-

Nya~

...

Oh that's right.

I peered down onto the portable cage on my free hand and saw Kamakura yawning inside.

...

Komachi's going to kill me when she finds out soon.

And I couldn't blame her honestly. I too, would have probably come to her with murderous intent if she ever brought Kamakura to one of her performances. Worry not O' Lazy Lord, I shall not let you be!

Said Lazy Lord opened his eyes and eyed me.

'Shut up!'

...

I made my way and braved the cold night streets of Tokyo, using my phone to navigate through and a paper clutched with Kamakura's portable cage. The paper was my acceptance letter to a University in Tokyo, where I had used a third man to deliver it to me personally. Honestly, I didn't give Zaimokuza enough credit to help me out, him being one of the three people that knows of my departure beforehand but that was a story for another time.

Eventually I found myself standing before a large campus. It looked kind of old, but well taken care off-

"Oi. What the hell are you loitering around for?"

A voice cuts my observation as a man in a security uniform popped out, which to be fair was my fault as I didn't even notice said security station. He scanned me from top to bottom, then raised an eyebrow at my graduation robes before taking out his baton and flashlight.

"What kind of sick man mugs a graduated student?!"

"That's your initial assumption?!"

"If it isn't, that I don't know what it is. There's no way you're a student! Your eyes gives it away!"

"So my eyes is the problem?!"

"Give it up scumbag!"

I presented the papers to the security dude and showed it with full display and light from my phone. "There!" I declared. "Hikigaya Hachiman, my name, and this letter of acceptance!"

"..."

The security took the papers and read it slowly. As he did so, I saw some other campus folks walking about eyeing the scenario with curiosity. Of course, that soon stopped when they made eye contact with me. Hey...isn't that kind of mean? What am I, a plague? Is my eyes capable of steering people away, or even mentally scarring them? if so, why have I not known this? I could have used to this to get cheap food out of fast food restaurant-

"This seems legit."

"You think?!" I fumed and snatched the paper from the security man and gave him the stinky eye, to which he returned one in kindly.

I'm sorry.

The security man stared at me for a bit longer, unaware for my pathetic apology in my head before opening the gates to let me in. I didn't need to be told twice before quickly heading in. Whew, for a second there I thought he'd pull the Hiratsuka Special Bomber and I would be laying on my knees clutching my stomach without even having time to process how could a human being move in such high speed like an anime protagonist.

I'm the protagonist myself right? Where's my super powers damn it!

"Ehm."

The security dude coughed behind me at the sight of me on my knees pounding the ground. Standing up with a straight face, I dusted myself and walked off as if nothing happened to preserve what's left of my non existent dignity. The passerby's nearby eyed me weirdly as I brushed past by them, it's no use explaining nor interacting with them, I didn't need help or even directions.

I had visited the campus a few times over the course of my last months in Sobu, something I had kept a secret from everyone save for a few. I had learned the campus's layouts and whatnot so I needn't rely on the help of others. This act of self dependence is something I really got to thank Yukinoshita for.

"Feed naught the hungry man, teach him how to fish instead."

If she was here hearing me praising her, I can just imagine how high her head will be blasting off into the sky with only her ego to match. I chuckled a bit but the yawning of Kamakura quickly snapped me out of my trance. I ought to get to the student dormitory and just unwind for the day. I made swift ways with shortcuts around the large campus buildings and faculty buildings alike, before taking notice of some rows of buildings just in a distance.

Making my way there, I soon came upon the sight of dorm-like building structures and was about to enter the premise-

"Boy."

"?!"

NANI?!

I took a leap back in shock and clenched by chest at the unknown voice suddenly popping out only for an old lady with a walking stick approaching me. What's this?! the first monster of this level?! I don't even have any weapons equipped-

"Judging from your face, you must be thinking something stupid."

"Uh-"

"I didn't ask for an answer. Shut up and stay still."

"..."

W-What's with this intense aura the old lady have? the menacing text circled around her as she eyed me, before raising an eyebrow.

"You're...the tenant in Room 808..."

"Eh?"

I'm sorry ma'am but this would be the first time we've met, I doubt there's anyone who's as good looking as I am.

"Wait...I was thinking of someone else, there's no way you're as good looking as him."

Ok that's just mean.

"Anyway, I'm Miki, the dorm master. Name?"

"Hikigaya Hachiman."

"...Hikigaya?"

"?"

She eyed me with a confused look, before shaking her head.

"It's nothing. Come with me."

She made her statement firm and walked ahead. I towed behind her but took a deep breath. This would be my new living place for the next coming semesters. I couldn't exactly afford even the cheapest, closest ones to my campus so this was the next best thing, especially it was cheaper and the close location without needing extra cost to take trains or public transport and my budget that I've saved up. Of course, I'd need to get a job to help up with living costs but I'll start that after a good rest.

"First time?" Miki-san spoke out without looking back at me.

"Hm?"

"I said, is this your first time? Doing this I mean."

"What?"

"...It's nothing."

The ambiguous tone she had made me raise an eyebrow at her. I would pursue her question and statement but the sudden weight of my clothes made me let it slide. I think my body was already starting to feel the fatigue of the entire day and prioritizing my health at the moment was the utmost importance.

The old lady can wait.

"Room 808."

"I think a room is an understatement."

I pointed out to Miki and eyed the obviously large 'room'. It was more like an apartment then a singular studio, and the multiple shoes at the doorsteps was already something to take note off. Still, it was much more better then getting scammed off some actual horrible apartments. Just think where would poor Kamakura would have to commit a number 2.

"What? Don't like the place? Well you're free to sleep by the doorstep."

This old bag...

"It's fine."

"You'd best meet with the other tenants soon. You're taking the Music Depart-"

"Actually it's the Education Department."

"...Hah?"

She sounded like she knew what I was taking at first glance, but yes, I am indeed enrolling on the Education Department despite my claims on following my dreams. It was more of a cover to get away from anyone else should they ask, it was far too embarrassing for me to admit I'd be outright in the Musical Department. That and knowing my Parent's legacy, I'd rather not turn any heads this direction. Where and when I'll decide to chase to play once more, I'll handle that somewhere along the line.

Besides, it's not all bad. I may have been influenced by a certain Sensei so it wasn't something I was bad at myself. I guess those lessons she taught me is being applied right now. I really have to get her to meet a man one day, it'd be a shame if she was just left alone.

"...I see."

Miki nodded and then pointed at some bags by the couch.

"Some of your stuff that you've delivered beforehand has already arrived few days back but I requested the other tenants to not rummage it. Ain't my fault if something did happen though."

"Isn't that kind of careless?"

"Hey, I'm just an old lady."

"So if I were to ask this old lady for money-"

"I said old lady. not Senile you brat. Are you seriously trying to extort an old lady?"

"I'm sorry..."

"Good. I'd have ask for rent if you didn't know your place."

So she's just the same as me?!

Miki snorted at me, before walking off.

"Enjoy your time here. Grow, and take heed of the experiences you may come across."

That line sound awfully familiar...

"And don't be afraid to trip. So as long as you learn."

"...I'll keep that in mind."

"And here I thought you'd be too busy trying to figure out your next monologue."

"If you ever trip in an accident, so god help me it ain't me being your life line damn it!"

The old lady chuckled at me, though the face she had was reminiscent of those wise old people. If anything, she reminds me of Hiratsuka-sensei a bit, kind of rough around the edges but her lessons just...simply get through to you. Putting that aside, I turned around and eyed my new living place. As I said before, it was big enough for several people, with the standard assortments like a fridge, kitchen, laundry room etc etc.

I took a sit at the couch and tilted my head back. The silent atmosphere, the exhausted state my body and not a single soul to talk to was not a new predicament, if I could call it one. Back then, I had Komachi to talk to but as of right now, I only have my feline friend to talk to-

"...Is that a guy?"

"I don't know. Grams never said anything about the new tenant being a dude."

"And I don't have ears. What am I, an alien?"

Habit of bantering. I totally improved my social skills.

I lifted my head again and saw two girls peeking out from a nearby corner, though one of them alarmed me heavily with this intense stare she had whilst holding a metallic bat. Oi what the hell, who the hell greets a new tenant with a bat?! isn't that too extreme for the first chapter?!

"Are you?" One of them questioned my statement. What is she, a kid? I mimicked horns with my fingers and made the most deadpan expression I could, which isn't saying much considering my default face was already like one.

"Ooo I'm here to steal your brains..."

"So he is one!"

"Are you actually serious?!"

One of them walked out with a nervous laughter and place a hand on the other girls shoulder. "C'mon..." She said with a wry smile and eyed me. "Are you the new tenant?"

Fortunately, one of them is level headed enough.

"That would be yes," I greeted and showed my acceptance letter. "I presume we'll be in the same classes?"

"Close, but no dice."

The one with the bat took my papers and skimmed through it, before eyeing me with a raised eyebrow. "Education Department? I thought you'd be in Music..."

Why does everyone assume that?

"The dormitory that Miki-san oversees usually takes in Music Department ones...that and a lot of singers actually went through her as well."

I was no stranger to that information truth to be told, but what I didn't know it was this very area. During my time when I was still in Sobu and scouting this place, I had happen to come across information regarding a popular dormitory that had birthed some of the best singers of this current generation, but which specific one, I did not know due to the fact I had taken said information with a grain of salt. It wasn't that I was actually gunning for the area, I just happen to be lucky.

But no one needs to know that.

"Is that so..." I answered and eyed the two. "So you both are...?"

"Yeah..." one of them answered, before bowing a bit at me. "Putting that all aside and a weird start..."

She eyed her friend who shrugged at her.

"Wakana Rie, nice to meet you."

"Satou Masuki..."

The two greeted me, the former sounding more polite and the latter a bit suspicious. Is she seriously still on that alien bit? Though, I was somewhat impressed at Rei's voice. She sounded very deep, one that exudes a regal aura, at least in my opinion and mixing with the fact that she was in the Music Department, she'd most likely be a vocalist of some sort.

"Hikigaya Hachiman."

"Hiki-"

"Yep. That's my name."

It was a natural reflex for me to cut people of in the event they would like to question my name or something similar of the sorts. It wasn't something bad honestly, but the amount of people trying to cheese me up for the sake of wanting to get to my parent's name was something I'd honestly avoid. And with the lack of friends around me throughout my life, I'd say I'm on a roll.

...

"I was just curious if you're the owner of said items."

Masuki held a funny looking suitcase with a certain panda theme around it. Widening my eyes, I quickly leaped to her and snatched it and held it on my chest as if my life depended on it.

"What the hell?"

"Says you, what're you doing rummaging my stuff?!"

"It opened by itself."

I looked at Rei with a straight expression who looked away, scratching her head as she did so.

"...In my defense I tried to stop her."

"And what else did you see inside?"

"Some cases to hold utensils and-"

"..."

"..."

"Hey I tried to stop her..."

So you're just as bad as her?!

"You're lucky that suitcase has a lock in it."

I'm lucky?

"It's just porn magazines."

"Wha-"

Their baffled face and my shrugging certainly caused the weird atmosphere to settle in.

Hikki - 1

Others - 0

Totally a good save, and while I could have said it was private like a normal person, I figured striking hard in an unexpected manner would yield better results-

"Oh cool."

Masuki's statement cuts the weird atmosphere like better as she eyed me with a neutral expression.

"I guess you're pretty honest huh?"

"Aren't you too positive for this case..."

"My old man says an honest person is never bad. Even if they're a pretty weird alien."

So I'm a weird alien after all then.

After that weird fiasco, I decided to retreat to my room which the girls were kindly enough to show which was mine. I don't know if this was straight pulled out of my ass irony, or the big fat slap to the face kind of irony but my room was apparently positioned the most further from the living room, with at least two to three rooms apart. Now if my assumption is right, and it's just the three of us living here for the time being, that would mean I'm literally zoned out from everything.

...

Well I guess the peace is nice. After moving all the boxes to my room with a shove, I slumped down on the bed, the sense of fatigue came crashing down on me. I peered to the side and saw the opened portable cage with Kamakura claiming dominance over the desk nearby already. I didn't have the energy to move him out but instead I took the time to rest up.

Tomorrow would be the opening ceremony for the Campus, and there I would begin my new campus life. While I didn't expect to be living with anyone, I guess it was inevitable anyway considering it was a dormitory.

...

But I guess the real deal was going forward. To take the next step alone was the strength I've culminated for a long, long time. I had think, think, think think, and prepared and prepared and prepared very much to be where I was on now. Yukinoshita and Yuigahama would certainly question my sudden departure, maybe Hiratsuka-sensei too but for the time being, I simply didn't think about them.

And so, Hikigaya Hachiman acted on selfish impulse.

To Be Continued...

And here we are, the start of this (planned) long journey.

Now it's not too long, nor too short for starters. I actually had re-written this well over 13 times, deciding whether I had revealed some stuff too early for my liking, or the plot was advancing too fast. In the end, I settled and decided that slowly revealing stuff was the best way with hints along the way whilst trying to keep it ambigious.

Secondly, I can't express to everyone who've read the one-shot. I honestly didn't expect the amount of PM's and reception I got considering it's just a measly simple one-shot lmao. Any who, I've some things to lay down for those who've read the one-shot (by those I mean, everyone should read it first).

This is NOT a Sayox8man bit, it was just as a means to expend characters. There are NO planned thingy for romance or junk anytime soon. I prefer to have a build up or at least bond before even thinking of placing romance.

Secondly as you've read the one-shot, I have altered the ages of some characters. There's gonna be one more character I'll be altering for character purposes.

Third, this will try not rely on canon info. MEANING, the basis of arcs COULD be based on event's from game/anime BUT I try to make my own wavelength for it and will alter events if it suits for the sake of plot. That said, I'll be overhauling my ass to read everything in game/manga and watching the anime again for the sake of getting inspiration.

Fourth, Music Sequence will happen but I still don't know whether to place English only/Jap but with translation. I could try both but for some reason, FF's formats made things go hadonkersbonkers so there's that.

And lastly, please enjoy this bunny vomit of an idea. I WILL plan this to be a long story.