~The Second Service~

After the sudden visit of one of the kouhai of Yoshiteru. We left off last time with that kouhai with a request to the Service Club. What is the request and who will solve it?

"What do you need our assistance for?" Shizuka asked the kouhai.

"The first years need help for tennis practice, since the third years are about to graduate, most of the training exercises are now led by the second years. But recently, Hayato-senpai's group has been using our tennis court during lunch time which cuts down our training time throughout the day," the kouhai said.

"Hayama's group…" Hachiman said.

"Alright, we'll assist you." Shizuka said.

"Thank you so much, Shizuka-senpai!" the kouhai said.

"It's fine, it's what we do in the Service Club, plus I have a competition with a certain club member of mine." Shizuka said.

"Is it with Hikigaya-senpai?" the kouhai said.

"Eh… How did you know?" Shizuka asked.

"It's because Yoshiteru-senpai talks about the Service Club during our after class training." the kouhai answered.

"Nonono, how did you know it's with this dead-fish looking eyed guy?" Shizuka asked the kouhai again.

"Ah, sometimes I see Yoshiteru-senpai walking with Hikigaya-senpai, that's how I know, Hikigaya-senpai," the kouhai replied.

"Well, you hear that, Hikigaya? She noticed you." Shizuka said.

"She probably noticed me because I was walking with Yoshiteru, if it was me walking around by myself, she wouldn't notice me," Hachiman explained.

"I've seen you even without Yoshiteru-senpai, Hikigaya-senpai," the kouhai said.

"Eh…" Hachiman couldn't believe it. Hachiman asked another question to the kouhai.

"How do you know me?" Hachiman asked.

"How? Well, I've always wondered how you and Yoshiteru-senpai became close friends, everytime I tried approaching you and tried talking to you, you were entering the Service Club. I didn't have any reason to come here," the kouhai answered.

"Well, we met during first year during gym activities, teachers often paired us because both us were outcasts in class. When, second year came around, he suddenly became athletic. From then on after that, he continued to hangout with me," Hachiman explained.

"That's why…" the kouhai stopped for a second and said…

"Hachiman-senpai, you're pretty cool!" the kouhai said.

"EHHH!" Shizuka screamed...

"Hikigaya-kun, this kouhai is weird, she just complimented you…" Shizuka said to Hachiman.

"I know, also that hurts." Hachiman said.

"Anyway, that's it for me. And also, Shizuka-senpai. I'll go to your classroom tomorrow" the kouhai said.

"Alright, that's it for today's club meeting. Hachiman, I'll go to your class tomorrow with- Wait, what's your name?" Shizuka asked.

"My name is Akari, Akari Akarihara. I am from Class 1-C. Nice to meet you!" Akari said.

"Nice to meet you, Akari-chan," Shizuka said.

"Nice to meet you too, Akarihara." Hachiman said.

"Nice to meet you, Shizuka-san, Hachiman-senpai!" Akari said.

"Sorry for not introducing myself earlier," Akari apologized.

"It's fine," Shizuka said.

"Also Hachiman-senpai, you can call me Akari. I've taken a liking of you" Akari said,

"Akari-san, what's with you- what are you spouting out of your cute face?" Hachiman said.

"Nothing really, Hachiman-senpai, It's just that you're a pretty cool guy and I wanna be friends with you. Is there anything wrong with that? Plus there's someone who's malfunctioning" Akari said.

"Like-like-like... " Shizuka malfunctioned after what Akari said to Hachiman.

"Shizuka-senpai, don't worry. I won't steal Hachiman-senpai from you." Akari said.

"What's with you people about stealing Hachiman! I don't care if you want him! I don't like him!" Shizuka screamed.

"Sorry, sorry. Shizuka-senpai. I know this is the first time we met but it seems you two get along so I just wanted to tease you two." Akari said.

"We aren't the only members here, Yoshiteru and Yuigahama are also members of the Service Club" Shizuka said.

"Akari-san-" Hachiman said.

"Hachiman-senpai! I told you, you can call me Akari!" Akari said.

"Akari- as for what you said earlier, there's nothing wrong with that," Hachiman said.

"Really!?" Akari was surprised.

"Yeah, you can," Hachiman said.

"Yay! I have a fellow loner friend, hehe!" Akari said.

"Wait what?" Shizuka and Hachiman questioned.

"I'll tell you at some point, Hachiman-senpai." Akari said.

"Anyway, I have to go home now, I'll meet you two again tomorrow!"

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow, Akari-chan. Bye-bye!" Shizuka said.

"See you tomorrow, Akari," Hachiman said.

After Akari left the Service Club's room, Shizuka and Hachiman stayed for a bit to talk about Akari…

"Hikigaya, what do you think about Akari-chan?" Shizuka asked.

"I don't know, I don't really give a damn about what they think about me, but I was surprised when she said fellow loner. It could have been an ulterior motive and honestly, I couldn't care less if it was, because I would always avoid them, but her feelings seemed genuine."

"She felt like that one girl that was willing to help anyone, in order to make friends. She felt that they were friends already, but when she tried asking help from those "friends", they threw her like some trash and left her. Now, she's here again, helping her senpai, in order to make friends." Hachiman stated his opinion about Akari.

"I didn't really expect that from Akari-chan. She seems like a joyful girl." Shizuka also stated her opinion.

"Everyone has a hidden personality behind them, something they don't want to show to others. That's why they don't show their true personality." Hachiman explained his point.

"I see…" Shizuka said.

"Anyway, keep your opinions to Akari to yourself now tomorrow, we're assisting her tomorrow." Shizuka said.

"Alright, where will we meet?" Hachiman asked.

"I'll be picking you up, with Akari-chan and Yui." Shizuka said.

"No, just tell me where to meet up with you, guys." Hachiman asked again.

"Tennis Court, after lunch" Shizuka said.

"Alright sure, I'll bring Yoshiteru with me." Hachiman said.

"Alright, I'll see you both tomorrow in the tennis court," Shizuka said.

"Yeah sure, see you tomorrow." Hachiman said.

"See you!" Shizuka said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~the next day~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*lunch bell rings*

"Hey Hachiman, let's go to the cafeteria." Yoshiteru said.

"No, we won't be in the cafeteria for today, we have to settle something with Hayama's group" Hachiman said.

"What is it?" Yoshiteru asked.

After that, Hachiman explained the current situation of the Service Club with Yoshiteru…

"Alright, I got it. Let's go to the court and beat their ass." Yoshiteru said.

After that, Hachiman and Yoshiteru walked down the stairs and went to the tennis court and there they saw, Shizuka, Akari and Yuigahama… and Hayato Hayama's clique…

"Yahoo! Shi-zu-ka-channnn!" Miura said.

"Yumiko, what do you want with the Tennis Club?" Shizuka asked.

"Nothing really, I just wanted to play Tennis during lunch," Yumiko said.

"You're disturbing the Tennis Club's training time during lunch time, so play something else." Shizuka said.

"Huh?" Yumiko said.

"Did you really think that the Tennis Club is authorized to play Tennis during lunch time?" Yumiko said.

"Yeah, I did think that. But did you see the first year members playing?" Shizuka asked.

"Of course, I saw them, I asked them to move and let us play tennis." Yumiko said.

"Even though you don't have authorization as well-" Shizuka said, but was cut-off by Yumiko...

"Who cares? Fine, have the tennis court for yourself, we'll just use it-"

"Wait- here's a suggestion." Hayama started to speak.

"Hayama?" Yumiko said.

"Shizuka-san, let's have a tennis match. If you win, the first years can use the tennis court without us butting in, If you lose, we can use it despite the first year being here. Is that fine with you?" Hayama suggested a match.

"Yeah sure. You better keep your word, Hayama" Shizuka said.

"Yes, yes. We will keep our word." Hayama said.

After that, the bell rang...

"Oh, it's already time, we'll have our match later after school." Hayama said.

"Sure." Shizuka said.

After that, Akari, Shizuka and Yui returned back to their rooms. Meanwhile, Hachiman and Yoshiteru talked about a plan for the tennis match while walking back to their class…

"What are we going to do, Hachiman?" Yoshiteru asked.

"Of course, beat them," Hachiman answered.

"Ehhh, we don't have a chance, we're fighting against Hayama and Yumiko," Yoshiteru said.

"Miura was a winner in the Junior High Championship, how are we supposed to beat her in the field?"

"Of course, you know who," Hachiman said.

After Hachiman established a plan to beat Miura and Hayama, he told Yoshiteru the plan…

"You want me to challenge them alongside you?" Yoshiteru said.

"Yeah, seems crazy but I have my reasons." Hachiman said.

"I am fine with it, but are you sure, Hiratsuka-san would allow it?" Yoshiteru asked.

"Who knows, after all, we're the only ones here making a plan," Hachiman said.

After their short talk about their plan. All of the members, including Akari, were all focused and finished their last batch of classes for the day. Then, the bell rang…

Shizuka and Yuigahama are waiting outside for them…

"So Hikki, do you have a plan?" Yuigahama asked.

"Yeah, I already talked about it with Yoshiteru," Hachiman answered.

"What's the plan?" Yuigahama asked again.

"Plain and simple, beat Yumiko and Hayama's ass in tennis, in order for the first years to continue training" Hachiman answered really, really direct.

"EHHHHH- THAT'S NOT EVEN A PLAN!" Yuigahama shouted.

"Shizu-chan, why aren't you talking?!" Yuigahama then asked Shizuka.

"Well, it's because I know Hachiman can do it. After all, he spent most of his first year playing alone with a wall, so I am pretty confident in his abilities." Shizuka answered both jokingly and seriously.

"Ehhhh, even you? What are we supposed to do when it's just you, Hikki?" Yuigahama asked.

"Yuigahama-san, I'll be assisting Hachiman. After all, he did put me in the plan." Yoshiteru said.

"That's great news. Now we stand a chance against Yumiko and Hayama!" Yuigahama said in a passionate tone, until we arrive at the court…

"EHHHH-, WHY ARE THERE SO MANY STUDENTS AROUND HERE!?" Yuigahama once again shouted.

"Probably because of Yumiko, they want us to feel pressured by the amount of people." Shizuka said.

Then a familiar voice was heard among the massive crowd…

"HIRATSUKA-SANNNN, HIKIGAYA-SENPAI, OVER HERE!" Akari screamed due to the massive crowd.

"Ah, it's Akari-chan, let's go over there," Shizuka said.

They walked to the area where Akari was standing…

"Hi, Yuigahama-san. My name is Akari Akarihara, you can call me whatever!" Akari introduced herself to Yuigahama.

"Oh hi, Akari-chan! My name is Yui Yuigahama. I am a member of the Service Club." Yuigahama also introduced herself to Akari.

"I heard about you from Yoshiteru-senpai. He talks about many things about-"

"Ehem-" Yoshiteru cutted off Akari and Akari tooked notice…

"So anyway, Akari-chan. Are you ready? Hikigaya-kun and Yoshiteru-kun will be the ones playing." Shizuka said.

"Yes, I am ready. I believe that Yoshiteru-senpai can beat Yumiko-senpai and Hayama-senpai." Akari said.

"Not sure about Hikigaya-senpai though." Akari further added.

"Didn't you say that you liked me?" Hachiman asked.

"I do, I do. It's just motivation for you to do better, Hikigaya-senpai!" Akari explained why she said that.

After that, Yumiko and Hayama, alongside their group, arrived…

"Hello everyone. Thank you for all coming here to this match!" Yumiko said to the crowd.

Everybody in the crowd cheered for Yumiko and Hayama, and not a single one cheered for the other two…

After Yumiko and Hayama arrived. Hachiman and Yoshiteru entered the court and prepared for their match...

"Let's have a fun match. You two" Hayama said.

"Sure." Said both Hachiman and Yoshiteru.

After their short and quick responses. The game started. The first round was difficult for Hachiman and Yoshiteru, as Hachiman was not reacting fast enough for Yumiko's top-spin, in the end, they lost.

Second round of the game, it was a different story. It was now Yumiko and Hayama that were struggling. The excellent coordination between Hachiman and Yoshiteru was great, which in return, let them win the second round of the game.

Third round of the game. Again, it was Hachiman and Yoshiteru that were leading in points. Until a slight slip from Yoshiteru, which gave way for Hayama to score a point.

It was their last chance to win, if they score one last time, they would win. So then the last match, everybody was playing their hardest, until Yumiko saw a chance to hit a smash, and she did, but Hachiman was able to hit it back, but it was going straight to Yumiko until…

"Miura, watch out!" Hayama shouted and pushed Yumiko out of the way.

Thankfully no one got hit or injured, but this action by Hayama, made the crowd go wild chanting "Hayama, Hayama!" like he was the winner, but in reality. It was Yoshiteru and Hachiman that really won...

"Did we win, Hachiman?" Yoshiteru asked.

"Yeah, we're the winners, but we're also the losers. Hayama and Miura know that they lost but at the end of the day, they're the winners for the crowd." Hachiman answered and explained.

"Reality really is unfair isn't it, Hachiman?" Yoshiteru said.

"It was always been unfair, that's how life works." Hachiman said.

"Good news, is that we won and we have the court back for the first years to train again!" Yoshiteru said.

"Yeah, that was the reason why we are here in the first place." Hachiman said.

After the crowd settled and left, Hayama and Miura congratulated Hachiman and Yoshiteru, and kept their promise, and left the court without saying anything else.

"Yoshiteru-senpai, Hachiman-senpai! Thank you so much!" Akari shouted to both of them after the amazing match.

"You played really well, Yoshiteru-senpai. As expected from the vice-captain of the Tennis Club" Akari said.

"Even you played really well, Hachiman-senpai. Who knew a loner could play that well." Akari said while insulting Hachiman.

"I played with a wall and with your vice-captain in tennis during my first year in high school." Hachiman explained how he was able to do a decent performance earlier.

"Good job out there, Hikigaya-kun," Shizuka congratulated Hachiman with a slightly irritated face.

"Are you really serious? Because your face says otherwise-" Hachiman said until-

"Yes, I am! It's just I can't believe that you manage to win this one." Shizuka pouted for a really childish reason.

"This is for me to win the bet after all, so expect me to do this every now and then," Hachiman said.

"You may have won this time, but I'll win next time!" Shizuka being a sore loser.

"Yeah sure." Hachiman said.

After that short trash-talk between the two. Everybody had a laugh with Shizuka and Hachiman's argument, and then suddenly, Akari started to talk…

"Thank you again for giving us back the courtyard, Hachiman-senpai!" Akari thanked Hachiman again.

"No need for thank you's. It was a request to the Service Club." Hachiman said.

"Ah, Tomorrow, Hachiman-senpai, meet me in the cafeteria. I'll treat you to lunch and as for Yoshiteru-senpai, I'll stay and help you return the training equipment as thanks!" Akari said.

"That'll be a huge help, Akari-san. Thank you!" Yoshiteru said.

"If you said so, thanks." Hachiman said.

"No problem, Hachiman-senpai, Yoshiteru-senpai!" Akari said.

After that, everybody cleaned up the court and all of them walked back to the teacher's office to return the court gate key.

"Good work everyone, thanks for helping out for today, See you all tomorrow!" Shizuka said.

"Bye!" said everyone.

After that, everybody had gone their separate ways, aside from Yoshiteru who was walking back with Hachiman…

"Hachiman, what do you think of Akari-san?" Yoshiteru said.

"Hiratsuka already asked me that yesterday, you asked the same thing," Hachiman said.

"No, no. It's fine if you don't tell me" Yoshiteru said.

"It's fine, I had a bad impression on her when I first saw her, and I still do, but it might change tomorrow." Hachiman said.

Yoshiteru kept quiet and just walked alongside Hachiman, until both of them had to go their separate ways and said goodbye to one another…

Hachiman arrived at his house, and saw that her sister, Komachi, was home…

"Hey, did anything good happen?" Komachi said.

"Depends on how you interpret good," Hachiman said.

"I see, anyway. There's dinner in the fridge. I'll be going on ahead and sleeping. Your sister is tired, Goodnight, Hachiman" Komachi said.

"Yeah, 'night," Hachiman said.

After that short check-up on Hachiman, Komachi thought that Hachiman did experience something good but decided not to speak about it.

Tomorrow, we'll see Hachiman and a new girl named Akari Akarihara being together for the first time at lunch time. There are many strange things that Hachiman wonder about Akari. Find out on the next chapter about some history about Akari Akarihara and the score between Shizuka and Hachiman are tied.