Interlude 2: Old friends, new friends, and everything in between

From: Toyomi Fujiwara

To: Kaguya Shinomiya

I'm sorry, to hear about your loss. If there's anything that my family can ever do for you, just let me know,

From: Yu Ishigami

To: Kaguya Shinomiya

This is Ishigami. I know that I've never reached out before, but if there's ever anything you need; consider it done. I know it's selfish to talk about me, but you, Hachiman, and Miyuki really helped me. I will never stop being grateful for you three.

From: Kei Shirogane

To: Kaguya Shinomiya

I heard about what happened. My deepest condolences.

From: Miko Iino

To: Kaguya Shinomiya

I'm sorry for your loss. Ishigami and I will cover your student council work. Take as much time as you need.

The messages kept on rolling in, and honestly, it was a bit overwhelming. But it made me happy, knowing so many people were in my corner.

The sender's list was a who's who of influential citizens of Japan. Everyone wanted to offer me their condolences, from industry leaders to the prime minister.

But two contacts of mine were noticeably silent. The first was Hikigaya, who probably didn't know what to say. He spoke with actions, being there for me and sending Miyuki my way. I smiled fondly while turning down the sheets of my canopy bed. Normally a maid would do it, but now without Hayasaka, it just didn't feel right.

I pushed down the bitter feeling that welled up when I thought of her. She was the other one who hadn't reached out, but what did I expect if someone fires you? You aren't exactly inclined to comfort her. But what was I supposed to do? Keep her on after knowing that she was spying on me. I wasn't particularly mad, at least; that's what I tried to tell myself; she came clean of her own volition. And that meant something.

Before we'd even gotten the chance to really see where we stood, I'd been forced to rush to Kyoto for the succession meeting.

I walked over to my ornately carved wardrobe and pulled out today's clothes. Testing several outfits in a mirror before settling on a simple black dress and blacker overcoat combo.

It was classy and understated, just like the funeral was going to be. My father, I mean Gan'aan, for all his egocentricity in life, seemed to lack the same self-importance in death. He had decreed that he would be cremated and scattered in the forest surrounding our estate.

I enjoyed the suppleness of the dress and the insulation of the overcoat. I know that I was avoiding Miyuki, but I wasn't sure where we stood.

Last night when he'd been there to comfort me instead of Hikigaya. Something had changed between us, and I'd sat with his arms wrapped around me and told him about times with my father. The first board meeting that I'd sat in on.

He had admitted to feeling something for me, and I confessed the same to him. At that moment, there were no thoughts of my father's marriage recommendation nor the funeral tomorrow; there was only us.

I had kissed him on the cheek and promised to talk about it all when this was over. I finished my preparations and tied my hair up, walking to my oak bedroom door and pulling it open. Outside of the threshold stood Miyuki, his hand raised, about to knock.

"Hello, Kaguya." The word seemed awkward in his mouth like he was trying to swallow a pill that was a little bit too big. He stepped back and then fell into pace beside me as we headed towards the dining room.

"Good morning, Miyuki. How are you?" I asked, attempting to make conversation and dispel the awkward tension between the two of us.

"I'm really good." A contented smile lay on his face, and his harsh eyes softened. We walked the rest of the way silently, but it was no longer stifling. Each echo of our slippers upon the waxed bamboo floors no longer seemed like a gunshot.

When we reached the room, and the maids laid our food out, I glanced around, expecting to see Hikigaya. I wanted to thank him, to tell him how much I appreciated what he did for me. To thank him for getting me my childhood dream.

I guess he was already finished; he was always one to get up early. The same maid who'd announced Fujiwara and Miyuki's arrival nervously cleared her throat in front of me.

I tried to put an easier expression on my face to dispel her anxiety. I had been curt with her yesterday, but my stress about the succession and Hayasaka had nothing to do with her. It wasn't her fault.

"Y-your brother, Master Oko, asked me to leave you a message before he left. He said, 'Your deal-making needs work. Double the values of the shares is a serious overkill. How you became, the heir is still a mystery to me." I frowned at her, unsure of what she was referring to. Also, how in character of Oko to need the last word. Now that I had the money, I was just as likely to kick him in the face as I was to hold a polite conversation.

I decided to unpack the statement by starting with the information I wasn't expected to know. "I'm not my father no need to call any of us master anymore." Maybe I could stop another Hayasaka situation from developing. "Oko left. Where to?"

"He went back to his condo in Osaka." Un'yo entered the room quietly.

"I'm going back to my penthouse in Nagoya tomorrow anyways, and Seiryū is leaving tonight for Australia. By the way, Hikigaya works fast. He already emailed me the contract." Un'yo continued.

"What contract?" My eyes narrowed.

"Oh, your future husband didn't tell you. Must've wanted it to be a wedding present." Un'yo joked. Miyuki's hands clenched as my sibling watched with veiled interest. "Oh well, I guess that the cat's out of the bag. He bought my 8 percent and Oko's 24 percent out at double the price of our shares."

My mind raced as I mentally added up the approximate cost. "He's paying you cash?"

"Yep, every dime in USD." Un'yo watched me now with the same interest he had watched Miyuki. Like I was an animal at the zoo that he wanted to see do something interesting.

"I see." Behind my calm facade, all the little Kaguyas in my head were jumping for joy. Hikigaya controlled the other 47%. That meant no dealing with aggravating siblings, just us two leading the Shinomiya Conglomerate into an unparalleled age of success.

Now I needed to talk to him even more. To thank him. This wasn't something you did for a stranger. You only did this for someone you cared for and believed in.

"Interesting, thank you, brother. Have you happened to come across Fujiwara while heading here?"

"Uh, ma'am." The nervous maid interrupted. "Last that I've heard, Ms. Fujiwara is still asleep."

"I suppose she is," I replied. When I had slept over, I was always up before her.

It was time to lead these people. My people forward. Suddenly my phone buzzed.

To: Kaguya Shinomiya

From: Ai Hayasaka

I'm sorry that I'm not there with you for all that has happened; you are still my best friend. I don't expect to be forgiven, but I do want to offer you my support. You can rely on me if you ever need anything big or small. I know that you have no reason to trust me, but if you ever think that you could again, I'd be happy to call myself your friend.

~/~

Yui Yuigahama

The elaborately painted geisha and maiko performed as we ate from a luxurious platter of brightly colored sushi. Yukino reached for a piece of Sashimi, but I was faster. I took it a split second faster than her and popped it into my mouth.

She gave me a reproachful look that I took shamelessly. Despite being underdressed for the classy traditionalism of the tea house. Yukino still managed to look elegant. I watched as a piece of sushi entered her oral cavity. Now that I was forced to learn terms for human anatomy. I mentally applied them as much as I could. It made learning them easier.

I enjoyed the dining and company. Despite enjoying Hachiman's presence. I relished the chance to spend time alone with Yukino. I found that looking at her made me happy, just as talking to her did.

~/~

Hachiman Hikigaya

~ 2 years ago

"Ishigami, what happened? Why are there suddenly rumors about you stalking a girl?"

The boy in question brushed by me. Using his long legs to try and outpace me. I managed to get a hand on his shoulder and hold him in place.

"Leave me alone, Hachiman. You're in high school; what are you even doing here?" He stared at me.

"I heard what happened, and I'm gonna be a character witness for you. I won't let you get expelled." I told him.

"But won't you have to deal with some of the backlash then?" He asked softly, his voice trembling like a shivering bird.

"I don't care. I'm going to help you." I expected thanks or maybe a bro hug. What I didn't expect was for him to start crying. I patted his shoulder soothingly as he sobbed.

I would see his reputation salvaged. Those who bullied him would be eviscerated.

I'd do for him what no one did for me.

…

Scene change

…

Kyoko Ootoma entered the student council chambers slowly. It wasn't an unusual reaction for students to be cautious, especially around me. It was also unusual to receive a summons from the council's elusive Vice President.

The room was empty. It was after our usual operating times had concluded, meaning that there was only her and me inside this room.

I looked up from the polished oak table. "Please take a seat. Can I get you anything? Tea, coffee, or water?"

"Water would be fantastic." She smiled, I had to say. Her resemblance to Orimoto in terms of demeanor was uncanny. I could see why Ishigami wanted to protect her smile. Unfortunately, she was dealing with me, not him. I was a little bit less forgiving. I went into the drink alcove and fetched two bottles along with a file.

"Sparkling or still?" I called as I returned.

"Sparkling, please." I handed the glass bottle over to her. Mindful not to release it until I was sure that she had a secure grasp on it.

I, in turn, sat and sipped on the still bottle I was left with. By all appearances, she was a lovely girl, both in body and spirit. But I knew the truth. "I called you here to talk about Yuu Ishigami." I remained polite, enjoying the way she fell for the bait.

"Oh, that creep. Why haven't you expelled him yet?"

"Why should we expel him?"

This threw her for a loop. "B-b-because he stalked me and beat up my boyfriend."

Now, I adopted a professional but still pleasant tone. "Well, the stalking claim is unsubstantiated, and the fight was just that; a fight. We don't know who threw the first punch, so he could claim self-defense. Let me show you the evidence that I do have."

I tossed the file onto the table, and she opened it. For a moment, they narrowed in concentration as she analyzed the contents, then they went wide. Her face turned white. "How do you have these?"

I smiled, still pleasant and enjoying my bottled water. "Your oh-so-lovely boyfriend sent them to all his friends. I just happened to know the right people. Look deeper; you'll also find several text threads between him and other girls. Each with various degrees of romantic implications. I'm surprised by the cinematography of some of these. Quite well-lit. He probably planned the photos ahead of time. Or maybe you were in on it; well, it hardly matters now."

"What are you going to do with those?" Her hands were trembling.

"I'm going to burn these after you leave. As for the digital copies and the surprising amount of videos with full audio. Well, those will never be released, provided that you follow my demands. By the end of the year, they'll be deleted." I watched her impassively.

She got angry first, looking for a way out. "You can't do this. It's illegal. I'll sue you."

"Good luck with that. It'll never be traceable back to me. Also, the damage will have been done. Your father's the director of ethics at Honda, right? How do you think it'll look to his superiors to see his little princess sucking and fucking? Hell, maybe they'll like it and ask for a run at you. Do you think your daddy would pimp you out to save his job?" I laughed cruelly.

Then Kyoko got desperate. "Please, this was all a big misunderstanding. Don't do this." Tears welled up in her eyes.

I didn't budge an inch. "I won't do this as long as you do what I say. You're going to let everyone know what a cheating scumbag your boyfriend was. How he threatened you into badmouthing Ishigami. How Yuu is actually a hero. After it's all over, you'll transfer, so he doesn't have to see your face. That's what you'll do. Am I understood?"

She didn't reply, just mumbled unintelligible nonsense.

"Am I understood?" I repeated; tone, cadence, and volume slightly lower, slower, and higher, respectively.

This time she nodded. I smiled and waved a hand to dismiss her. "Have a safe trip home, Ms. Ootoma; there are creeps out there who will try to take advantage of you."

When the door closed behind her. I immediately lit the file and let it continue burning until it was a pile of ash.

With that done, I made a call to Kaguya. "Hey, it's me. I need you to transfer this employee to the most remote third-world country that you know. Thanks."

With that done, I stood up. Since I was here, I may as well get a little bit more work done. No rest for the wicked.

~/~

Miko Iino

I don't know why I cheered for Ishigami. Maybe it was because he was coming from behind. Maybe it was because we were friendlier after two and a half years together on the student council.

I don't know why I cheered, but I did. I also don't understand why I approached him after and congratulated him.

"That was a good run, Ishigami. You're quite fast." I praised.

He smiled. "Thanks; I've been practicing recently; I've gotten back into training."

"Well, the work that you've put in is beginning to pay off. Congratulations." I made to slip away, but another guy in a cheer headband blocked our way.

"Oh, Yuu, is this your friend? We're having a celebratory meal at a little diner nearby. You should come along. You too." He gestured to me before moving swiftly away.

I wanted to go. I really did. This was my first chance to be a part of a youthful high school experience. But I didn't want to be the only one there who didn't know anyone. So instead, I turned to Ishigami.

"We're definitely going."

"What!"

~/~

Miyuki Shirogane

I was sleep deprived. That was something that I knew for a fact. The recommended amount of sleep per night recommended for boys my age by the American Board of Pediatrics was nine to ten hours a night. I got about half of that and made up for the rest on caffeine.

Between the two part-time jobs, studying to stay the prefecture's top student, and the occasional odd job to bring in just a little bit more money, sleep was low on my list of priorities. I sometimes wished that my mother could see me now. Would she think that I wasn't smart enough now that I was a top student; or even a better alternative to Kei when I got into Shuuchin?

All of this to say was that I was sleep deprived on a regular basis, but things got weird when I became even more sleep-deprived. I would lose track of periods of time, randomly twitch, and sometimes hallucinate. When I researched it, I discovered that it was completely normal and nothing to worry about; the second part was my prognosis.

The hallucinations never talked to me; they were wisps at the edge of my vision that vanished when I focused on them. The hallucinations had also never extended beyond vision. They never incorporated my other senses.

That's why I was sure that the boy in front of me, with beady eyes and seaweed hair in color and texture, was not a hallucination. I stared at him for about five seconds, but he hadn't disappeared. I could smell the steaming bag of food that he had sitting on the table and felt my stomach growl at the smell of burgers and fries.

"Hello, what's your name?" He offered while sitting at my kitchen table. It was the statement that a CEO made to a minimum wage subordinate or a principal to a student; the kind of command was phrased as a suggestion. The expectation was that their word was to be followed like it was law.

Judging by the loosely tailored Shuuchin Middle School Uniform, that expectation had been formed by years of submission from those less privileged than him. I might've followed suit, lured by the prospect of saying both my hunger and curiosity, but the way that he was sitting pissed me off.

His stance was expansive and comfortable, like this was his house. He looked around, and his gaze, while not judgemental, was bored and analytical. I squared my shoulders and stood tall, "No way, who even are you?"

He smiled, but all that I could think of was a beast in the jungle exposing its fangs. "I'm Hachiman Hikigaya, here to interview your sister. I guess good looks run in the family." Hikigaya was confident. It oozed from him. At least confident with me.

"What do you mean interview, my sister?" My eyes narrowed, despite whatever differences we had between the two of us. I would never let her be taken advantage of.

"Oh man, sorry if that sounded ominous. I'm a friend of hers, and I recommended Kei for the student council. I'm just here to conduct a surprise at-home interview. To get a sense of the home environment and see how she reacts." He laughed. "Well, I'm also here to interview you."

I blinked, my fatigued mind struggling to catch up. "Is there a family interview that we need to do?" I wanted a chance to coach my dad and make sure he didn't say anything that would harm her chances or mine.

"No, but she constantly talks about your talents and academic prowess. She says that you're trying to get into Shuuchin through the Academic Excellence Opportunity Scholarship. But the truth is that that's never going to work." He pulled out a wrapped burger from the bag and offered it to me, which I reluctantly accepted whilst still remaining irritated with him.

He wasn't the first person to call my dreams unrealistic. My principal had said that my teachers had said it, and my peers said it. But I refused to listen.

"Thanks for the input." I tried to turn away, but he continued talking.

"The system is literally rigged against you. No one has ever gotten in that way." He warned. "But I can help you."

"I'll suspend my disbelief for a moment on your ability to help if only to discover your motive for doing so." I watched for any signs of what he was thinking.

"Would you believe me if I said that I thought it would be funny?" I didn't react to his cover so he waved it off.

"The honest reason is that if you are half as good as you say you are. Being owed a favor by you could be worth a lot in a couple of years." He continued. "As for the how two senior partners at the law firm I'm currently working with are alumni, and so is a partner at an old one."

I carefully considered the new information. "So you're a lawyer. Did my little sister hire you to help me?" I didn't like the idea of my little sister owing money to this guy in exchange for my admission.

He laughed for a moment and then stopped. "First of all, I'm a legal consultant, not a lawyer. Secondly, I'll consider this my pro bono case of the year. My rates are too expensive for most people."

I wasn't even mad at the statement; it was probably true. "So what's next, Hikigaya?"

"Well …"

~ Fin ~

A/N: A little bit of Chekhov's gun from the last chapter to this one; I wonder if anybody caught it. Also, for all the comments about relationships. I do feel that fanfiction tends to overemphasize self-realization in relation to romantic connections. In my time as a dating coach, I tried to communicate to my clients that no relationship you could enter would fix you. Before Hikigaya enters any relationship, he must grow and address some of his issues.

Also, for the shares math, it was like this. Kaguya had 8% and inherited 60%. Of the 60% that she inherited, she paid ¼ of it or 15%, out to Hikigaya. Hikigaya then bought out the other 32%. He now controls 47%, and she controls 53%.

Ishigami knows that Hikigaya helped him, but he doesn't actually know what happened. Younger Hachiman is closer to how some readers thought him to be in the early chapters. He's much more callous towards those that he considers his enemies and also has far less restraint.

Narender-reader & Guest (trea): I wouldn't say that Miyuki and Kaguya belong together. They were compatible, that's it. My biggest criticism of romantic stories set in high school is that the characters aren't done developing and changing. They may be together now, but that doesn't guarantee anything. Nobody belongs with anybody; there's just a list of people who they're compatible with.

Jiraphie: thanks for the note, added him to the text chain. It's not a ton of Ishigami, but I hope it was at least interesting to see.

EiNyx: Honestly, I haven't decided. Hachiman x Yukino isn't my be-all end-all of ships, but I don't hate it either.