I do not own Oregairu or its characters. Everything is owned by the rightful owners.
Beep beep screeched alarm clock chan, and my eyes drearily opened. "Wwwwhy Alarm clock chan?" I moaned as I buried my head beneath my pillow.
If alarm clock chan was blaring that could mean only one thing, class then work was on the schedule today. I slowly pulled myself up and yawned as I stretched, my back popping. I ran a hand down my face and patted my bed. "I'm sorry my love, but I must leave you once more. Wait for me tonight," I whispered to the cacoon of warmth that was my bed.
I went about my usual routine of washing up, getting dressed, packing my bag for class then work right after. I grabbed myself a Maxx from the fridge, and I was out the door before I could second guess going and instead staying home to enjoy the solitude of my apartment. Enjoying life, or suffering and making an income. That was the way of the world sadly.
The walk to Chiba U was always a chore and forgetful at the best of times. You would see the bushy-eyed first years arriving early, the second-year students arriving late, and the third and fourth years were too tired to care about when they showed up. I was among those that didn't care. But my attendance was perfect, so no one can say I didn't try!
The class was always the same, Mr what's his name would show up, then drabble on for about an hour before dismissing us. It was rather redundant. However this week he told us that our final grade of this year would rely heavily on a story each student had to write for the entirety of the year. I heard excited gasps and murmurs, well others groaned. Me? I was a mix of the two.
This would finally be the first step to writing something that might be worthwhile instead of, in the words of my former sensei, work that was "Total trash," Sensei cut deep, but she was fair. On the other hand, this would be a lot of work. I hate work. Everyone knows my motto, to work is to lose. But since I work, I guess I lost eh.
Class ended, and I was left to make the long trek all the way to the mall. Off to work...yay. I better get a Maxx if I'm gonna make it through this.
The mall was somewhere my old loner persona wouldn't be dared to get dragged to. I would have argued and dug my heels into the dirt to stop myself from ending up in the palace of normies. The number of people was enough to send a loner of my calibre into a panic, and I would have looked like someone who had escaped a mental institute. It was the equivalent of taking an animal from its natural habitat and putting it on display. Me being the animal in that case.
Today things were different.
The fact of reality is that my old wish of becoming a househusband required time and patience. So well, I have not given up on the said dream; I would have to work to make do until I had a wife who would spoil me! That is how I found myself at work in the palace of normies.
Days here consisted of daydreaming and trying my damndest to avoid the customers. It was simple enough, actually! I just appeared to be busy with work, like putting some new books up on a shelf or changing the books based on what order the store wished of it for the month. Then people would be hesitant to interrupt me during my busy work! No one would dare to bother a hard-working citizen after all.
The only one who might dare bother me was manager sama or a true fiend of a customer. The same type of customer that would come and interrupt someone's work just because it was the quickest or most effective option for themselves. What about my effectiveness they are interrupting!?
But those types of customers didn't come around often when I worked. I was scheduled for the closing shifts from Monday to Thursday, with the weekend off as compensation for catching up on my studies. So all the loudmouths generally showed up on the weekend. Lady luck has struck me with a favourable work schedule.
"Yo what's up Hikigaya!"
Work here was always relatively calm usually. Some days it would be busy, and I'd have to be on the move a lot, but it usually was quiet. After putting away the new stock, I would go and do some rounds around the store and make sure that no one made a mess with any of the books. By the end of my check, it was about closing time. The perfect ratio.
"Hey, Hikigaya!"
I never had any trouble with any of the customers. You would assume that working in a rather public setting would have more confrontation, but I guess the calmness of the books set a mood no one wanted to break. That sounds poetic, doesn't it!?
"Hachiman Hikigaya, you better not be ignoring me!"
There was never a customer who would come in and try and get an inside scoop on new manga or light novels. Nope, none. Definitely no old sensei of mine who desperately needed a man.
"Hikigaya! If you don't acknowledge me right now, I swear to Kami, I will destroy you!" A voice pierced around the store.
"Alright, alright! I am listening!" I exclaimed as I finally turned to face my former sensei with a step back. "Do you always have to shout my name? We are in public; do you have no tact?" I asked the very casually dressed Hiratsuka sensei. She wore a light grey cardigan with a black shirt beneath it, and jeans adorned her long legs. All matched up with a pair of black boots to go together.
Hiratsuka sensei huffed and put a hand to her hip, "Well, good day to you to Hikigaya," she waved a hand towards the cart of books I was emptying, "Taking work rather seriously, I see. Sure is a stretch from the complete low life of a person I volunteered into the Service club all those years ago."
"Forced into the service club is more appropriate," I muttered with a glare as I put another book in its new spot on the shelf. I could hear muttering coming from the older woman, and I smirked as I said, "You know Hiratsuka Sensei, the more you mutter, the worse people will assume your age is."
Her eyes narrowed, and I could feel the air around me grow tense, "Hikigaya."
"I mean, I don't associate muttering with the growing of age. Some people, however, might assume your muttering is a sign of the processing power of your mind already slowing down."
"Hikigaya..."
"Next, your attention span begins to slip. You will begin to notice you won't remember a conversation you are currently having, or worse, you won't pay attention to the latest episode of your newest binge."
"Hikigaya, I mean it-"
"Once the processing power and attention span slow down, then comes the memory issues. First, you won't remember the finer details like what you had for lunch, then before you know it, you won't remember what year it is or the names of your children!"
"Hachiman..."
"But don't you worry, sensei, I still think you have a couple of years left before then!"
The air between us was tense and fizzy. I could practically feel the anger and power building up behind me like sensei was going even further beyond. (1)
I didn't pay any attention to her as I slowly put the books away. Maybe she would leave if she got the hint I was busy and didn't want to talk. 'Spare me, sensei!'
I could feel the intensity of her eyes as they drilled into my back. I frowned and let out a sigh. It seemed she was extra pushy today.
"Listen, sensei, I didn't- Oof!" The power behind her punch was enough to lift me clean off my feet, and I fell to my knees as I clutched my gut. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from crying out in pain, but the tears threatening to spill were a testament to this woman's true power! "I-I'm sorry, Hiratsuka c-chan," I murmured and bowed my head at her feet, purposely using chan to make her feel younger. Please, someone, marry her!
The air returned to normal, and I heard a sniffle come from the older woman, "It's fine, Hikigaya," she muttered and looked away as if browsing for a book.
I didn't mean to come off as cross or mean with her. I was just trying to tease her a little. I had a lot to owe her for everything she has done for me so far. She gave me the push needed for a better life in high school and the confidence to seek better answers than what I perceived as usual. I owed her everything from the second year of Sobu to now.
"H-hey, sensei?" I asked cautiously as I slowly came to a stand, just in case she launched another surprise attack, "Have I ever thanked you...you know, for everything?"
Hiratsuka turned to face me with a quirked eyebrow, "For helping you move in? That was the least I could do, Hikigaya. I gave you the reference for the place after all."
I facepalmed. Now I understood why all those cliche anime characters who are too naive are hated. "No, I meant for like... everything. You really helped me back in school, a-and I guess I just wanted to know if I ever thanked you?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka was a beautiful woman. When she smiled, it seemed to light up a room better than any lightbulb could. So when I was met with her smile, I couldn't help the rush of blood to my cheeks. Her words didn't help either.
"You really don't remember? It was after prom; I finally got my dance with you. You thanked me back then in that weird way of yours."
"H-hey, I was young and dumb! Don't go calling it weird. It was all-cause of your damn advice!"
Sensei reached out and grasped a hand over my shoulder, "And I am proud that you trusted me enough to actually listen to me, Hachiman. You were a difficult student, but it was all worth it."
My cheeks felt like they were on fire at this point, and I could practically feel the steam blowing from my ears. Sensei spared me from any further embarrassment and turned to look over the new manga I was displaying. I took a moment to collect myself before picking up one of the manga and holding it out to her.
"Here, you always ask for insider secrets whenever you stop by. So I'm giving you one. Read this. It is terrific."
Sensei held the manga before her and seemed to read the title before smiling gently, "Thanks, Hikigaya. I'll give it a shot."
Silence fell before us after our little exchange. It would look like a customer and employee awkwardly standing together to my fellow employees and the store's customers. Yet, no one would guess the weird relationship the two of us really had. Former marriage-less sensei and still learning deadbeat student.
Hiratsuka sensei stood silently, watching as I finished putting the rest of the books away. I figured she might have wanted to find another book to make with her purchase, but she stopped me when I tried to leave with my cart.
"Hey, Hikigaya, have you ever heard of the difference between sisters?"
"Yeah-no, but I imagine it is pretty simple. No one is the same; not even siblings could be the exact same even if they were twins. Our personalities are too different from being at all the same. So everyone is different, yada yada, correct?" I asked with a raised brow and a wave of my hand as if trying to figure out why she asked.
Sensei rolled her eyes with a laugh, "That was a terrible explanation, but you are correct scientifically and realistically."
I tilted my head at her, "So what do you mean? What am I missing? Is this from some new anime or something?"
Sensei only shrugged and plucked one more manga from the display shelf before turning with a bellow of her jacket, "I can't say, but think on my words alright!" she exclaimed with a wave of her hand as she walked to the till to pay.
I was left more confused than amazed by her stylish exit.
The end of the workday was my favourite time of working. Everyone would be drained, and all be equally excited to head home to begin the same journey all over again tomorrow. Poor manager sama looked the worse for wear out of all of us. His slouch as he locked the doors to his own eternal prison was like the equivalent of being set free from a century-long sentence, only to return in less than twenty-four hours for another century. Poor manager sama.
I, however, would not be returning for at least three days! Thank god for weekends!
Sure, I'd have to study up for the review at the end of the month, but I wasn't really concerned about that. I had the perfect technique to help me study! It was the newest rendition of my 108 loner skills. Or would it be 109 now? I will have to consult this with myself later tonight in bed.
Speaking of bed, I couldn't wait to fall into the velvety feel of my blankets as they wrapped me in a hug!
Bzz bzz. My phone buzzed in my pocket. 'Way to kill the mood phone chan.' I thought with a sigh as I slipped the phone out of my pocket as I exited the mall. 'A text message, eh?' I slid my thumb over the notification.
Sender: Yukinoshita Haruno
"Hey Hikigaya, do you jog?"
What the hell?
Reply: Hikigaya Hachiman
"Does it look like I jog? Who wants to get up that early to run?"
I slipped my phone back into my pocket and shuddered at the mere thought of exercising. Especially when I could be fast asleep in my comfy bed! What kind of question was that? The answer is plainly evident. Yukinoshita should know that.
The walk home to my apartment wasn't as close as it was with the University, but it wasn't a bad walk. In fact, I would say it was a perfect walking distance. You could unwind your muscles from a long day at work, but it wasn't too far that if you were tired, you would fear collapsing from exhaustion on the way home. But the best part of the walk was Chiba itself.
Chiba was a criminally underappreciated prefecture, in my opinion.
Being so close to Tokyo, it was easy to be overshadowed by the behemoth of Japan's capital city. The average foreigner would be hard-pressed to have any reason to leave the confines of Tokyo, let alone visit the prefecture right across the bay. That is their problem. They will miss out on the breathtaking mountains, the lively forests and towns within the region, as well as the gorgeous view the city of Chiba has overlooking Tokyo across the bay at night.
It was like looking into a different world.
But as I said before, that isn't my problem. I can enjoy the scenery of my walk uninterrupted. Bzz bzz.
'Woah, another message, am I popular all of a sudden?'
Sender: Sensei (Please, someone marry her)
"Oi! This manga... is lewder than I expected. I didn't expect you to be into such... grotesque stuff. I'm not judging. I can see the appeal."
What? What manga did she get? I read the new manga I recommended to her on my break, and I don't remember any lewd scenes. Trust me, I'd remember! Especially if anything was disturbing!
Before I could reply to sensei, my phone buzzed once again as another message came from Haruno.
Sender: Yukinoshita Haruno.
"Hey, are you free Friday?"
My feet stopped as I digested her message. Sensei's message completely wiped from my memory as I tried to think about this. Friday was tomorrow; I didn't have time to think of something clever!
Why would Haruno wanna know? It was only just the other day we had lunch! Could she finally be plotting something? I don't know, she was acting off during lunch... maybe she is gonna assassinate me?
Bzz bzz. Oh god, another message!
I visibly sighed in relief as I saw it wasn't Haruno sending another message so soon.
Sender: Komachi.
"Brooooooo! ;'''0 Why have you been ignoring my calls, brooo?! That is seriously low in points!"
I sent a reply that I was busy and would call soon before pocketing my phone and tossed my head back with a sigh. It wasn't a total lie. I was busy working in the evenings, so the perfect time to call never presented itself. And I didn't wanna phone any later than that, that would be rude to call so late! It wasn't because Kaa-san and father would be home by then.
Bzz bzz.
Okay, seriously, what the heck? Has my information been leaked, and now people are pranking me? Who the heck could it be now?
Sender: Yuigahama Yui
"Hikkiiiiii! I am so sorry I missed your birthday! :((( I will make it up to you! I was busy with school, and I met a boy, and you probably don't know him; he doesn't go to Chiba. He goes to Tokyo, but that is probably obvious, haha, but I'm still sorry, so what can I get you to make up for it!?"
Reply: Hikigaya Hachiman
"Money."
Sender: Yuigahama Yui
"That was instant!"
A chuckle escaped me before I could help it, and I pocketed my phone once again as I restarted my journey home. Yuigahama hadn't seemed to change at all in the three years since the end of the service club. In fact, I think she has gotten worse. Her cooking skills have taken a turn for the worse, from what I've been told! How she went from a zero skill in cooking to a negative one was a mystery, but not one I wanted to question.
I guess I should mention she is in school in Tokyo. Yep, and no, I am not joking! She actually somehow got in. I still think she bimbo'ed her way into the school, but that will remain between us. Shh!
But I was proud of Yuigahama; she was actually pursuing a career in becoming a counsellor. Hopefully, she is a lot better than Hiratsuka sensei. No offence, sensei, but punching students isn't good for brownie points!
The rest of the walk home was uneventful. The cool evening air was refreshing compared to the heat that encased Japan lately. I took my time, and by the time I entered the solitude of my apartment, it was well past nine PM.
I threw my bag down on the small table I got from sensei and then myself in the chair beside it. I relished in the solitude that was welcoming me. The air was cool in here, and it seemed to pierce me right to the core. I wasn't melting anymore.
My eyes were growing heavy from fatigue, but I couldn't sleep yet. I needed to wash and eat first. Otherwise, that wouldn't be very healthy of me, would it? I wasn't a Claymore, after all. I needed daily sustenance. (2)
After washing up and basking in my pair of nightclothes, I went to the kitchen to scour for some food for supper. I pushed my fridge open and winced at the lack of anything but Maxx coffee. I abandoned that and went to the cupboards instead.
Let's see here...ramen, ramen, ramen, oh some ramen. So much selection is available! After much deliberation, I decided I will have ramen. Instant ramen was the food of champions for university students on a budget, and on a budget, I was on. Ninety percent of my pay went to rent and utilities for this place! Granted, I wasn't making a fortune, but that was so much! That left me with just enough to buy the bare minimum of groceries and Max coffee.
The life of a corporate slave wasn't easy, and I wasn't even there yet!
I ate silently at my small kitchen table. I could have turned on the TV I bought with the bit of money I saved up, but I didn't have anything to watch but the movies and anime I owned on disk. Service providers were out of the budget after all. So I chose to eat in silence before turning in for the night.
After rinsing my dish and leaving it in the sink, I practically skipped to bed. As expected, my bed was just as happy to see me as I was delighted to be back in its company. Once my head hit the pillow, I was slipping away into my own state of sleep, but a stray thought stuck out.
'Am I forgetting something?'
Sender: Yukinoshita Haruno.
23 unopened messages.
Jeez, isn't it a bit early to be pulling a Hiratsuka sensei on me, Haruno? Maybe this is why sensei doesn't have a man.
The clock on my bedside gave me the time of 7:57 AM.
I pulled the pillow over my head and cried out. My day plan of sleeping in was shot! What the blooming hell did the woman want anyway!? I grabbed my phone again with more force than necessary as I slid the messages open.
The first couple of messages were question marks, and I was flabbergasted. That is until I remembered the message she sent last night. A pile of bile rose to my throat as I nervously scrolled through the other messages.
Sender: Yukinoshita Haruno
"Hikigaya, it is rude to ignore a lady."
Sender: Yukinoshita Haruno
"I know you are ignoring these."
Sender: Yukinoshita Haruno
"I'm going to bed, but you better have responded by the time I am up for a morning jog."
Haruno jogged? Huh, that was new information. Makes sense; she seemed pretty fit.
Sender: Yukinoshita Haruno
"I am up Hikigaya and I don't see any response!"
Sender: Yukinoshita Haruno
"I am going on my jog, so you better have responded by the time I get back or else..."
Or else what? Or else what!? You can't expect a response this early in the morning! No normal human being would be up at this hour, let alone someone of my calibre of person!
Sender: Yukinoshita Haruno
"You have left me no choice Hikigaya, I am coming to your house to demand answers. It is not polite to leave a lady hanging."
Please, Kami, if anyone is listening, please tell me that was an empty threat, and she didn't go to my house. Anything but that!
Sender: Yukinoshita Haruno
"Congrats, Hikigaya. I didn't know you moved out! That might have been a fun lunch conversation!"
Oh no. No, no, no, no! Okay, okay, don't panic! She doesn't know where I live now, so it can't get any worse! Think Hachiman think; she has no way of getting your address, so chill out.
Sender: Yukinoshita Haruno
"Shizu chan has been so kind as to have given me the location of your place ;) I will be over in twenty minutes!"
No...No, sensei, you didn't! I quickly scrolled to sensei's messages and saw one new message.
Sender: Sensei (Please, someone marry her)
"I gave Haruno your address. This is for selling me porn! Good luck, she looked pissed ;)"
I didn't even sell you porn! You picked the porn yourself and must have got confused about which one you chose, and I suggested, you old witch! It even sounded like you were into whatever weird crap you picked out! This is why men are scared of you!
Shit, I have to prepare. Haruno is gonna murder me! How long do I have?
Twenty minutes she claimed, and that was sent...sixteen minutes ago!
I quickly flung myself out of bed and sprinted to the bathroom to freshen up. I never brushed my teeth and shaved as fast as I did at this particular moment. Each second was like a moment closer to the end of the world. Scorched Earth level of ending! I finished with two minutes to spare.
I quickly dove back into the bedroom and quickly began to change clothes. I got caught up with putting socks on when a knock at the door echoed throughout the apartment. Time was up.
I slowly patted my way to the door and unlocked the locks before peeking through the peephole. It was blurry, but I could make out a feminine figure, and from the looks of it, whoever it was looked displeased. I began to twist the handle opening the door with an audible gulp.
Haruno Yukinoshita stood on the other side of the door, but if she had any expression of displeasure before, it wasn't there now.
"Well, good morning Hikigaya, nice morning, isn't it?" She greeted with a lopsided smile.
Maybe I had a reason to fear for my life.
Hey everyone! I am sorry this chapter is shorter than the one before it. I will always try to have a chapter close to 5k words, so this one is just an exception.
The reviews from you all have been so sweet and have made me wanna pump out content quickly. I won't promise any dates for when chapters will be released as I also don't know. It depends on when I can get time to edit and such.
I want to thank everyone who has already favourited and is following the story thus far. This story is far from being over, and I have some twists lined up to keep you all on your feet. But this is still Oregairu, so prepare for long monologues and references to things that won't make much sense!
Reference list
(1) A reference to the series Dragon Ball, where Goku has gone further beyond to push his limits.
(2) A reference to the series Claymore. A Claymore doesn't have to eat a lot of food often.