CHAPTER XVI

…

"Hikigaya-san is nothing more than a stubborn social climber with connections."

Haruno Yukinoshita judiciously remarked when Miura Miyako asked what she thought of the young man in question. It was not in prejudice nor contempt that Haruno formulated her opinion however, and it did hold true to some extent - at least she was convinced so. Given what she understood so far about Hachiman, it was not out of the question that he could be simply driven by an inherent ego and greed as with most upstart aficionados.

Miura Miyako however discerned something more than what meets the eye. "That may be," Miyako-sama quietly remarked. "That may be. But do you know the thing with social climbers? They are ambitious. And ambition is the passion of a great character; those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles that direct them," she said.

Haruno meditated on it. "He is someone to watch out for then," she said. "A threat."

"I wouldn't say that," Miyako-sama said. "However… he is quite the potential rival, considering what he's shown of himself."

Inwardly, Haruno was disturbed when it occurred to her how little she actually knew about the quiet college student, whom she teased for dressing shabbily once and now began to dislike for lurking in the sidelines, observing everyone around him like some jaded cop. Hikigaya Hachiman was from an impoverished middle-class family. When she pursued inquiries about what he worked in the city, people said all sorts of things: he was a gambler; he had business inside construction sites; that he was the manager of the RePublic - already a very good place in Fujimi. They kept calling him the 'boss', probably because he commandeered a petty reputation relevant only to plebs, like some kind of gangster.

But this didn't answer her questions and satisfy her suspicions. Hachiman seemed well established in his own world, but if that's the case how and why does he repeatedly keep appearing in higher places? He wasn't wealthy, and if he was he certainly doesn't show it. He didn't seem to have a large social circle, in the sense that he had connections with big people - Hachiman hardly had friends at school in the first place. And Hanzo Ieyori, the apparent son of a wanted racket chief, and who also happens to be his friend, obviously was even more of interest than Hachiman. Haruno decided that Hachiman was either a fraud, or had been successfully deceiving everyone all this time by hiding his real nature. Because there was indeed a reason why folks spoke highly of him. They approached him to ask for guidance, protection and favours. His presence brought with it a certain order, and Hachiman always delivered.

With Hanzo Ieyori acting as the front boss and the figurehead of the Chiba Outfit, most of the publicity and adulation were directed at him, and at the other more prominent underbosses in the mob. This allowed Hachiman to retain a curtain of ambiguity and paint himself in a gray, inconspicuous light - perfect circumstances for him to exercise power and control while at the same time being near immune to persecution. He had created an impenetrable shell around him and insulated himself from direct attack. Though this meant putting his allies to catch the bullets for him, for Hachiman it was only a sound and logical strategy. This was what Haruno had yet to understand, and what Hanzo would soon realize was a taxing responsibility.

The process of relinquishing full command of the Outfit to Hachiman was underway, and the tedious business of acquainting himself with his connections was particularly tricky. Hachiman charged his closest companions in the mob - Kenji Isshiki, Narita Rengou, Donato Ichijou - independent control of their own crews, so as to lift some of the burden off himself. Hanzo was essentially second-in-command and handled their businesses and internal politics. But the critical decision making and dealing with their allies and rivals vis-a-vis was on Hachiman. Time will tell if they will be able to work together as a combined force.

Hachiman and Hanzo both found themselves in for another meeting, this time with the board of directors of the construction unions. The discussion was being hosted by the Funabori Corporation, which was of course governed predominantly by the Miuras - by a sole matriarch, to be exact. Hachiman immediately noticed Miyako-sama and approached with respect. Hanzo followed right behind him.

"Miura-sama, good afternoon, ma'am."

Miyako-sama was delighted. "Ah, it's you again, young man." she welcomed Hachiman, then turned to the second person to him. "And Ieyori-san, it's also a pleasure to have you here." Miyako-sama smoothly transitioned from the formalities. She said, "I have heard plenty of things about you two. It is as if you two are actually brothers."

Hanzo laughed amicably. "It's kind of like that."

Miyako-sama asked, "are you two associates in the union committee?"

"Well I myself am not a board member, ma'am, but Hikio-kun here has just been nominated as the new union boss on the block."

Hachiman interjected, begging to differ. "That's a grotesque overstatement, Hanzo," he chuckled sheepishly. "It's just a junior union delegate position, nothing more," he said, trying to water the truth down.

"But you're the youngest person to become a board member of a labor union, don't you know that Hikigaya-san?" Miyako-sama said. "And that is commendable. It means people recognize you. It's not everyday we receive people like you, who have the capability to rise up quickly."

Hachiman was humbled. "I do what I can. I'm just putting meat on the table for the family, that's what I do."

"No truer words have been said," she nodded approvingly. "But I am curious. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is a gesture of similar interests, isn't it?"

Hachiman understood, and gave a curt smile. "I suppose we're on the same page, ma'am."

And now, Miura Miyako began musing at the irony, thinking of it curiously. She observed as Hachiman was acknowledged by the other members of the union committee, who walked up to meet him. Of course they were all his seniors, but they all wanted to be nice to the young man. And when the new president of the labor union Sagawa Kino shook Hachiman's hand in a manner of equal regard, it was obvious to Miyako-sama how eminent Hachiman really is.

On one hand she was the mentor to the heir of the powerful Yukinoshita family, and on the other she had just begun to acquaint herself in business with a promising and ambitious person, drawn from the common masses.

The meeting proceeded, and the board discussed the matters concerning their labor unions in the prefecture and their stance towards the firms that seek to exploit them. The fact is that once the Yukinoshita family successfully acquires the remaining independent construction companies in Chiba, they would gain a complete monopoly and inevitably force the labor unions to concede. Combined with an upcoming intermarriage with the Hayamas and the Horikita families, the Yukinoshitas would become more powerful. The only opposition that can challenge them now was the Funabori Corporation.

Every member of the board gave their motions, and the results were unanimous. The board of directors arrived at the consensus to accept the tender from the Funabori Corporation and sign a partnership. In doing so, they have essentially aligned themselves on the side of the Miura family. Miyako-sama knew it was either Hikigaya Hachiman or Hanzo Ieyori, or both of them who were the masterminds of this result. It was obvious that the board of directors were all puppets, and who is the skilled puppeteer? But what were his interests behind allying with the Miuras in this affair were yet to be revealed.

The irony of the situation, Miyako-sama mused, was that she was both the opposition and the ally at the same time to two people: Haruno and Hachiman. This was a profoundly interesting power struggle. Putting the line of thought briefly aside, she fondly imagined what more could've been if she had trained her granddaughter and installed her into this kind of high-stakes world. If she had decided on Miura Yumiko to succeed her, it would've been an ode to perfection. Their family would rise up to its former prestige. Sadly, it was not the case - not yet at least.

Of course, because she is a Miura, at the end she is aligned to only one side of this affair: their own.

…

It had been three days since he stopped seeing her. Yumiko wanted to meet up in Shinchiba again. This time, Hachiman relented. He came straight from a long day and met her in the evening. Since she crossed paths with the person she was in love with before, Hachiman attempted to distance himself from Yumiko, not out of ill will or contempt but because he did not want to spoil any notion of her rekindling a relationship with the guy. At the moment, Hachiman believed he was simply being a distraction to her.

Yumiko was not overjoyed upon seeing him, but was inwardly glad. "What's the matter with you lately?" she asked.

Hachiman was impassive. "What do you mean?"

"You don't come out when I ask you to, and you're not really answering your phone. It's like you're mad or something. Are you avoiding me?"

"I've been busy and had a lot of things to deal with."

"You're not telling me the truth."

Hachiman sighed, looking down. He shoved his hands into his pockets. "Tsk… take it however you want. What're you up to now?" he said.

It wasn't long before they were joined by a newcomer. It was all unexpected to Hachiman, who was taken aback when another guy who seemed to be closely acquainted with Yumiko arrived. For a moment he simply stood back and watched as the guy talked to Yumiko and brought a delighted smile to her face. However, she had yet to introduce him and Hachiman wasn't about to step in on his own. "Um… Shimada-kun, this is my friend, Hikigaya-kun," Yumiko began.

Hachiman didn't really listen after that. It didn't matter who the guy was to him. The fact of the matter is, Hachiman was just a 'friend' to Yumiko. The word began to carve painfully into his heart. It brought back memories he didn't need right now. But he interpreted it merely as a disturbance and swallowed it down.

The guy was taller than Hachiman and certainly more good-looking. Light-coloured hair, blue eyes and reminded him of another particular riajuu. Shimada-kun looked like a nice person and was dressed well. He had style, class, confidence and a charming smile - things that Hachiman could only pretend to have. And judging from the sporty red corvette that he got out of, it was clear as day that he was also more refined and wealthier than Hachiman. He was the kind of guy who's really popular with the girls, and was the ideal son-in-law, to say the least.

Shimada-kun was very different from Hachiman, who constantly had a sarcastic attitude, was plain-looking and obnoxiously stingy with his money. While the other guy smelled fresh with cologne and was sporting an Armani jacket, Hachiman was sure he stank of smoke and looked haggard. He wore his drab blue overcoat, which was powdery after it was soaked in rain and left out in the sun for too long, and the old-fashioned white fedora over his head - this isn't exactly how you dress when you're going on a date with a girl. This is how you dress when you're waiting outside the school gates for that bell to ring. But to be fair, Hachiman thought, he didn't just arrive from a birthday party after all.

The three of them went to an izakaya for a very quiet drink. Already Hachiman expected a dilemma when they had to pick a table. They chose a booth by the window, but as the table was rectangular two of them would have to sit side by side while one sat by himself. Hachiman, too engrossed in his thoughts, went ahead and took a seat, expecting the two to sit together in front of him. To his surprise, Yumiko asked Hachiman to move over and she sat beside him. Shimada-kun was visibly surprised as well, and muttered about the arrangement being inconvenient. He must've anticipated her to take his side.

Hachiman settled for a coffee. The guy just also got what Yumiko had: a bottle of coke. Hachiman thought it peculiar when she ordered a coke - he didn't think that it was a coincidence that when Yumiko was upset about something, it was what she also drank. But the guy, who'd probably spent more time with her in the past, and who loved her once, didn't seem to know of this about her. The guy was smiling, and Hachiman knew this to be insincere. It was even more ironic since Yumiko did not like pretentious people, and - courtesy of Hachiman - she'd learned how to tell if someone is being pretentious.

Yumiko was at the same table with Shimada-kun who was her boyfriend, and Hachiman, who she'd been seeing but was anything but that. Anyone would be uncomfortable in such a situation, but Yumiko had her reasons for arranging the meeting. Hachiman was inwardly confused and increasingly irritated by it all. She tried to stir up a conversation and while she and the guy chatted, Hachiman drank his coffee, and vice versa. Hachiman hardly spoke at all, and it was an uncomfortable meeting - he didn't need this nonsense, and it began to get on his nerves.

As soon as Yumiko got up and excused herself to the restroom, Hachiman let out a heavy sigh. His expression became impassive and unamused, and he finally looked the guy straight in the face. Hachiman could've told the guy to watch himself and warn him not to break his friend's heart - and it was what a good friend would normally do - but he didn't say anything.

All he thought was that if this situation he was dealing with right now was with his sister Komachi, he would've acted very differently. Firstly, he would've dragged Komachi away and chastised her for allowing herself to be humiliated by a man. Second he would not allow her to give the bastard a second chance. He'd go so far as to threaten the guy if he dared set his eyes upon his sister again. They say life is too short to be holding hard feelings. Hachiman thought otherwise; life is too short to be giving second chances and letting people get away with being motherfuckers.

But because Yumiko wasn't his sister, and she wasn't quite family to him, and because Hachiman wasn't good at being a good friend at all, he didn't protest.

All he wanted now was for Yumiko to come to a decision that she wouldn't regret. Again this wasn't some melodramatic choice between Shimada-kun and Hachiman - it was what to do about her and Shimada-kun. And in a way, it was also what to do with her and Hachiman. He already assumed she'd made her decision, and with Yumiko out of the way began to stand up. The guy didn't stop him, but asked where he was going, to which he answered with a bitter smile. He took out something from his coat.

Before leaving, he ripped out a page from his pocketbook and handed it to the guy. "Consider this my 'good luck' to you," he said.

The page contained some of the notes that Hachiman wrote down about her. He was really fond of Yumiko, but because he never really was accustomed to the idea of dating and romance, he had a habit of writing notes the same way he wrote down gambling numbers. On it was written: Never tell her to 'calm down'; in an argument with her, don't even try to win; Do NOT call her a 'crazy bitch' even if she loses her mind; She likes strawberries; prevent her from over-drinking; while in restaurants, just let her take what you have; When she hits you pretend it hurts when it doesn't, and vice versa; She is sensitive, but still, be honest with her…

Although Hachiman did not like this at all, he still cared.

By the time Yumiko had returned, Hachiman had vanished. Shimada-kun was still at the table, this time musing over a piece of paper. He showed it to Yumiko and remarked on how much Hachiman really knew about her, if the note was to be accurate. It then occurred to her what Hachiman thought of her all along. Yumiko was both annoyed and flattered, and she hurriedly ran out of the izakaya to catch Hachiman before it was too late.

Yumiko spotted him walking away. She followed and yelled, "hey! Where are you going?"

Hachiman glanced back at her with a frown. "Yumiko, don't follow me, okay? Just go back inside," he said. "I'm really tired, so I'm just going to leave. Take care when you go home, I'll see you next time."

"But we're not done yet! Don't be stupid, get back here," she insisted.

Hachiman stopped and turned towards her. "Yumiko, I get it. You could've just told me something like this over the phone." he popped a cigarette in his mouth and struck a match, ignoring her.

Yumiko was annoyed. "What are you talking about?" she stepped up to him.

Hachiman snapped. "I've had enough of this bullshit, Miura! I'm tired! What do you think you're doing?!" Hachiman said in an icy voice. He tore his arm away from her and glared. "This is unbelievable. Why did you drag me here with your boyfriend? You think this is a joke?"

"What is it exactly that you're trying to do?" Hachiman took a step closer to Yumiko, making her hesitate in turn. Her face was drawn with fear. "If you wanted to tell me this… you could've just called. It's stupid to bring me to a situation like this. I already know that you love him, okay? And that's nice, but don't shove it in my face. I've had enough of taking this crap from people. I'm tired of your nonsense, Miura."

Yumiko was speechless. Her lips quivered and her cheeks flushed up into a deep crimson color. Hachiman stared at her, noticing how her clenched hands were trembling likely because she was stifling herself from crying. If he didn't leave now he was certain his conscience would make him feel miserable. He began to turn around and walk away. "I-If you want to go… then go. But… but I…" she stuttered in a fragile voice.

"Forget about it," he muttered, not looking back. "The biggest mistake I've made in my life is believing that you'll show me the same love I've shown you."

For a moment Hachiman forgot why he was even mad in the first place. He wondered why he was getting worked up on this triviality. Only Yumiko could make him lose his patience several times in a row, and he didn't like it. All he ever wanted was to support her and encourage her decision. Alas, his emotions got the better of him. No, he wasn't jealous or being possessive of Yumiko - at least he didn't think so. He swore that he would never allow this kind of thing to happen to his own sister - let Yumiko do as she pleases. But he didn't feel good about letting her go back with the same guy who broke her. He just didn't like it.

His thoughts were rudely interrupted by a hand pulling him around. SMACK! He gasped, spitting out his cigarette. Something had jarred him, and Hachiman found himself staggering and landing on his bottom. Yumiko had smacked him hard right on top of his head. He was incensed; she could've given him a severe concussion with a bit more force. But Hachiman was amazed at how much clearer he could think. He immediately cringed upon realizing what he'd been going off on.

Then he heard her shrieking. She, in a kind of squeaky voice heard from someone nervous, said to him, "s-shut up! I-I don't understand what you're talking about! Ha… H-Hachi…" Yumiko was unable to pronounce his name. Her face was flushed red with embarrassment.

Hachiman stood up and brushed himself down, adjusting his hat begrudgingly. His temper had vanished and he was left simply disconcerted. He furrowed his eyebrows and glanced at Yumiko. She couldn't look back straight at him. Finally, she said in a low voice, "if you were going to leave me back in the pub… you could've at least waited for me. What were you thinking?"

Realization slowly dawned on Hachiman, and he could hardly hide his surprise. "Wait… what, you broke up with him?"

Yumiko scoffed. "Are you being serious right now? I thought I told you that a long time ago," she said bashfully.

"Then what was that all about?"

"I just wanted to clear things up with him and… show off, I guess."

Hachiman was incredulous. "You wanted to show me off to him? That's ridiculous."

"Well… y'know, you gotta show people that you're not clingy. I wanted to rub it on him that I moved on," she said.

"You're wicked!" Hachiman exclaimed. "And you just had to rope me in!" he glared at her, indignant.

Yumiko giggled sheepishly, provoking Hachiman to chuckle. Soon they both burst out laughing, doubling over at the hilarity of the misunderstanding. All she intended to accomplish was a proper conclusion of her past relationship and to show that she has healed from her wounds. Besides, she did miss him during those past few days he'd made himself scarce.

But when Hachiman tried to put his arms around her for an embrace, Yumiko was alarmed. She squealed and began punching and flailing her arms to repel him. Hachiman stopped, wide-eyed. She was red in the face again and crossing her arms shakily as if to ward off the devil.

Hachiman accompanied her home. Later on the train to Yotsukaido, they talked quietly. "Hachiman," she softly said, "even though he is more handsome… you're really not bad-looking yourself." Hachiman looked at her contemptuously. Yumiko continued, much to his chagrin. "And even though he has a car, he's got a good job, and he's from a wealthy family… I still like riding the subways with you and your cheap-ass attitude," she giggled, giving him a nudge.

Hachiman was vexed, unable to look her in the eyes. He felt like humiliation would kill him first before anything else. She must enjoy seeing him in such a pitiful state. "Hey, I have a job too you know! And I'm not a 'cheap-ass'!" Hachiman protested. "And why'd you beat me up back at the subway? What was that all about?"

Now it was Yumiko's turn to be embarrassed. She blushed furiously. "Isn't it obvious?! Baka! Who gave you permission to hug me like that?" Then, after a good moment of silence she said, "Hachiman, what you just said back there… can you say that again?"

"Say what?" he glanced at her, confused. "That I've had enough of people?"

"No… the one after that."

"That I'm tired of your nonsense?"

"No!" She laughed. "As if. The next line after that." Hachiman remembered, and refused to talk. She kept on insisting. "Don't lie, I know what you said. What were you saying, something about the love you've shown me?" She poked, a smug look on her face.

"Forget about it!"

"Oh no, I'll never forget that! Gosh, that's like, so dramatic of you," she giggled. "And hey… was that a confession of your feelings for me?"

"You're getting too ahead of yourself," he shook his head, waving a finger. "Dream on, Yumiko."

"Mou, it was a confession. Just admit it, you love me. You said it yourself."

"No, you're taking it the wrong way," Hachiman retorted. They went back and forth with that silly exchange for a while, until they both just laughed at everything they've been through.

Yumiko suddenly fell silent. "Hachi, were you actually jealous back there?" she asked, staring at him.

"What? No way," he said. "Now you're just assuming."

"Oh, you are," she mused. "You're jealous of seeing me with another guy."

"No, I'm pissed off seeing you with another guy," he corrected. "There's a difference. I didn't think you were stupid enough to go back to the same person who broke you."

"Um… that's exactly what being jealous means."

"Forget about it," Hachiman sighed. "Look here, you're like kin to me already - like family," he decidedly admitted. "That's why I don't want you making a fool out of yourself and getting taken advantage of by guys. Besides, it's also going to embarrass me if people discover I'm close friends with a loose woman. They'll hang a name on you," he warned.

Yumiko gave a disgusted look. Angrily, she said, "sometimes, I don't know if you're trying to complement me or insult me. And what do you mean 'loose woman'? Don't say that!" She started elbowing him again. "Hey, someone's going to marry me…" she murmured.

"Uh, are you asking me or are you telling me?"

"I'm telling you!"

"Okay. What the fuck does that mean for me?" Hachiman raised a questioning eyebrow, making her frown.

"Someone's definitely going to want to marry me… right?" She asked, anxious.

"Look, I'm not a fortune teller. In any case, don't worry about it."

"I'm sorry if I've been a bitch."

Hachiman hummed to himself and simply crossed his arms. "Oh, you were," he smirked. Yumiko grumbled at this before leaning her head on his shoulder sleepily. They would arrive at Yotsukaido late. As closed his eyes, he entertained the thought of Yumiko offering him to spend the night at her dorm - of course, he'd have to be snuck in - but he chuckled. It would be falling for her traps again. Yumiko mumbled softly about something.

"Hey… y'know that I love being with you, Hachiman."