Even if I was a multimillionaire, I'd definitely still read and write fanfiction. Imagination brought to life is so fun. The fact we don't get paid to write fanfiction and still do it is proof of that. Much gratitude for all the reviews. I really appreciate the love and critiques. Note, I could possibly use any reasonable reviews for inspiration. Although, I detest when people leave complaints that I find sincerely valid, yet offer no advice to improve in that area.

Because writing this average story is fun but also stresses me the hell out trying to manage everything. So much research in a variety of fields to add immersive detail. My respect for people who have finished stories even if they're not perfect is high because this is hard to do. You have to be sort of hard-headed to not just quit.

Apathetic Super Soldier

Chapter 7: Met Your Match


[Disclaimer: These are works of purely speculative fanfiction. It is not intended to infringe on any rights by any of the companies and/or individuals involved in the production of any series mentioned here]


(Sobu High School)

Revenge. The dogged pursuit of retribution. Often an act demonized in most narratives. While the romanticised counterpart termed forgiveness was customarily exalted. Engaging with missionaries abroad he learned Christianity was a prime example that possessed the widespread influence on western society to forgive.

Case: Matthew 5:38-39: You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Honourable value, but it did not fancy him. Too idealistic. He'd rather dodge the first slap and throttle you in the face. Advice. Try not to look at a child soldier for selfless acts of humanity. Besides this wasn't the west. He was born and raised in Japan, a country that followed the Shinto and Buddhist religions.

Although Hachiman was a part-time agnostic. It all depended on his temperament at the time.

Hence why not a shred of guilt provoked his satisfied smirk. The order was restored. Revenge was glorious. Yukino would be wise to watch herself after he knocked her down a few pegs.

With all that sass and taunting she had it coming. If she was naïve enough to believe he couldn't do worse, she had another thing coming. He hoped she enjoyed his handiwork. Too bad she didn't possess a healing factor like him, because that mark was without a doubt overstaying its welcome.

Let's see if the flawless beauty is still keen on waltzing around like an untouchable queen now.

You know, poking fun at the uptight Yukino was growing to be one of his favourite past times. Not to mention she was very nice to look at. He took great pride in watching the cute expressions of agitated fluster he managed to garner. Luminous lips pursed, azure gaze piercing. Just for it to be ruined by her warm cheeks.

Restraint had never been more difficult for him, the erotic visual of her quivering and moaning beneath him drove him insane beyond reason. Bewitching features carved by debased expressions for his exclusive viewing. Posing a robust feminine body, generous with curves.

Of course, Hachiman was well aware that she was working out. Even if he was unaware the whispers of longing from the male students would inform him from proximity alone. The increased male attention was a by-product of her physical development.

How could he as a hotblooded male not notice? Especially when that naughty minx loved to flaunt herself under his eye.

Ever since he first laid eyes on her he could not deny his attraction to her.

She was the kind of girl that could beguile the attention of a room with her looks alone – before she opened her vindictive mouth. Speaking of her present self though, she has only enhanced her sexual appeal by adding muscle and fat to all the right places. Those legs of hers combined with her snatched waist were dangerous, don't allow him to get started on her ass.

Was she trying to become a miniature Chun-Li? Don't let him stop you. He wouldn't raise any complaints. If she desired his attention; Yukino accomplished her mission. At the cost of Hachiman wanting to claim her innocence. He couldn't help the gnawing feeling to corrupt the noble girl. The temptation to put her flexibility to good use pressed him to imagine bending a naked Yukino over at the waist.

Fingers wrung around ebony locks, yanking her head back with force. Aroused cerulean orbs glowered back at him.

Raking his lustful sight over her jiggling ass as he thrust into her from behind, her wild moans the dirty soundtrack to their sweaty copulation.

'What the fuck, Hachiman?! May the heavens please purify my tainted soul. Even though I called her bluff, Yukino was right about my beastly urges. This isn't child friendly at all.'

A groan of frustration shot out once he realised how many deviant thoughts were pervading his teenage mind as of late. He didn't know whether to be pleased or unhappy with the reminder he was still a regular sixteen-year-old boy progressing through puberty. Meaning despite his extensive world experience he wasn't exempt from distracting hormonal thoughts.

How juvenile.

Overestimation is the greatest defeat.

Intimate interactions with attractive girls were a harder task than anticipated. Yukino and Saki were the driving force behind that factor. They had his sexual temperance on the edge of falling into the insatiable abyss of carnal desires. "Just do it! There's nothing wrong with having consensual sex every now and then with a willing partner. I do it every day and I'm just fine!" Izayoi once proclaimed to him with unwavering ardour, perhaps he wasn't the… healthiest example to deliver that message.

He never disagreed though; he always argued it was about the time and place.

What's meant to be will be. If it came to that point, then so be it. Just please God don't let him become like Izayoi as he loved to share his exploits with him in explicit detail. Regaling him with tales about his wild adventures with two sexy – 'his words not mine' - girls at his school.

A bossy purple-haired girl with amethyst eyes and a mischievous redhead with amber eyes.

'What was it? Miyo-something and uhh, Rin-something…'

He couldn't remember their names. Typical. He tended to zone out on details when he was fed up. Although, you'd think he would remember as Izayoi rarely spoke about his school. If he did, it was about his two female friends among other things Hachiman was reluctant to mention.

Digressing to the main point, Izayoi's adventures all sounded like stress to Hachiman. But perfect for the daredevil blond.

Nonetheless, he needed to allocate more time to his training to help his libido. Despite his augmented physiology being self-sustaining. Two hours a day wasn't enough. Bump it up to three. Also, the frequency in which he and Izayoi sparred had to be at least every other day, as opposed to once a week. This was especially important as he wasn't taking missions at the current moment, so this unspent energy had to be exerted elsewhere.

Lukewarm sun rays bathed the classroom an iridescent amber. Stationed at his desk while leaning his cheek on his fist, Hachiman's bored eye surveyed the area. Different pockets of chattering friends were spread throughout the room. Already six minutes of his lunchtime were eroded by walking the rocky road of his sombre ruminations. The number of occupants inside class 2-J was reduced as most students typically spend their lunch elsewhere.

Playground. Cafeteria. Hallways. Library. Or different classrooms where their friends resided.

Earlier the noisy main attraction called Hayato's group found it necessary to make their exit a spectacle. There was no doubt in his mind that Yumiko loved the sound of her own voice the most. The fiery blonde led the oh-so-virtuous Hayato and his obedient lackeys ahead with Hina grinning at her side.

Trailing behind them with the purpose to acknowledge him was the bubbly Yui.

"Geez! I can't believe you made me worry over nothing, Hikki!" She pouted, innocent ruby orbs appealing for sympathy.

He sighed and decided to humour her airheaded statement.

"What are you talking about, woman?"

"Ehh! You forgot already?" Yui's long lashes blinked like a shocked owl, her fruity fragrance invading his nostrils as she leant closer. His eyes saw her busty bosom jiggle into view under her white, long-sleeved collar shirt. "I'm talking about the super-duper hard question our sensei asked you earlier, duh!" She then sent him a childlike scowl and wagged her finger in his face. "And I have a name y'know! That's not how you talk to a girl!"

He rolled his bored eyes. "That's nice, next time tell someone who cares."

Yui tightened her petite fists and puffed her tan cheeks with a cutesy growl. "Why you always gots' to be a jerk? I'm trying to be nice here! I was just worried about you getting in trouble…"

Hachiman made Yui feel butterflies in her stomach when he shifted his serious gaze to her. "Listen. I didn't ask you to be nice and I never asked you to worry over me. What happened between sensei and I didn't concern you. So next time save your concern for someone who needs it because I can handle myself."

Yui pursed her lips and kicked her foot with annoyance.

"Geez! Sorry for actually worrying about you, I forgot you're Mister Tough Guy. Just forget I said anything, okaay!" She whipped her head away to glower at him from the corner of her eye. "Jerk…" she muttered under her breath. Unaware he heard her clear as day, he decided to have fun with this.

"Fine," Hachiman groaned with frustration and rotated in his chair, resting his forearm on the backrest. "Come here then."

"E-ehh?" Yui's eyebrows leapt to her hairline in confusion as Hachiman beckoned her to come closer with a lazy palm. "Umm… f-for what, H-Hikki?" Her ruby gaze averted his shyly, fiddling with her peach bangs.

"Just come." Hachiman's heavy timbre invoked no patience for hesitation. "I need to tell you something."

"Okay." Yui gulped and leaned closer with her nerves electrified, staring at his relaxed face with great curiosity. Rare are the times Hachiman ever needed to tell her something.

Volts skipped all over her flustered body like diving into a lake with jump starter pliers clipped to her arms. His breath tickled her glowing ear. Fresh timber mixed with a forest-rich scent engulfed her nostrils. The deep bass of his chilled voice made her head fuzzy.

"Listen close because I'm only saying this once."

"Mm-hmm!" Yui nodded with anxious enthusiasm, ashamed to find her traitorous eyes admiring the vascularity of his bronzed neck, chewing on her lips. "I-I'm l-listening…"

"Even though I didn't ask you to; thank you for caring," he murmured while his sight observed the room; their private interaction was missed by the chattering class. "Happy now? Would a jerk tell you that?"

"N-no!" Yui whispered in shock, blushing as she leaned back. Fiddling with her jittery fingers clasped behind her, her joy stretched her lips. "It makes me really happy you said that, Hikki…"

Great. Another monkey off his back. Yui could be a real pain when she was unhappy. Hachiman closed his eyes and shook his head, raising an index finger in the air. "Don't celebrate yet. There is also a caveat."

Yui scratched her hair and tilted her head with confusion painted on her adorable face.

"Caheat? Huh? What does that mean, Hikki?"

Facepalm. How could he forget she was an airhead? He'd cut her some slack and not be condescending for once. He dragged his hand off his face to glare at the puzzled Yui.

"What it means is, if you tell anyone what I told you I'm going to punish you. Understand?"

Punish?! Yui reddened as she felt a chilling shiver run through her spine whilst nodding her head rapidly.

"Oh-oh, I w-won't tell anyone, Hikki! I promise! You can trust m-"

"Yuuuiii! C'mon, we're all waiting for you!"

Yumiko's whining voice barked with impatience at the door of the classroom, hands planted on her hips glaring at Hachiman. Not liking Yui's association with him.

"Sorry, Hikki! We'll talk later, Yumiko wants me to spend more time with her. She thinks I'm spending too much time with-"

"Yui!"

"Whoops! Bye, Hikki! Your secrets safe with me. Okay!" Offering him a cheeky wink and cute smile as they exited the class, to somewhere he didn't care to notice.

Yui's sunny disposition made him want to wear sunglasses just to communicate with her without hazard. That troublesome ball of sunshine was optimism on severe overload. Definition of young and impressionable. Her naivety was worrisome if she was placed around the wrong individuals.

People like him to be exact…

He supposed he should set about fashioning himself some lunch as he had neglected to prepare one this morning. In addition to breakfast, under normal circumstances that duty was usually taken up voluntarily by his nurturing, mischievous, little sister. After completing her morning errands, time never extended the opportunity today. Bless her heart.

Satisfying his huge appetite was a monumental task.

A minimum of six thousand calories a day would do that to you. Hunger a frequent cohort slash nemesis.

Hachiman growled like a caged animal with a sour expression on his face, uncaring of the nervous stares and concerned mutters he drew from his classmates at his abrupt outburst. School life was such a hassle and always made him restless under student boundaries. Time to sneak out of school for lunch again. Outside the confines of school, the options for food weren't as limited.

From the rear entrance, a returning character appeared.

A collage of curious eyes followed celeste tresses upheld by a pink scrunchie, stalking into the classroom like a proud lioness. Head raised high. You're beneath me. Expression aloof. Don't talk to me. An exceptional representation of unapproachable beauty. Whispers of anxious interest hiked around as she encroached on the hazard area without hesitation.

Was this a potential dispute between the most brusque and hostile students for each gender? Rumours of Saki's injuries would begin to circle the wrong individual with misplaced accusations. Hachiman's poor reputation didn't help in that respect.

She plopped a salmon-coloured bento bag on the table. Double the regular size. The unmistakable feeling of heat wafted from the container into the air.

"Follow me to the roof. I need to speak to you. Now."

Despite keeping her collected voice low and tone measured with cold resolve, she was heard by all as the other dwellers remained quiet in their observations. Gasps and hushed gossiping raced between their nosy spectators. Saki momentarily cringed at the unusual attention before steeling herself and thinning her lips. She'd already taken the plunge so she wasn't turning tail now.

Stony amethyst irises met his harsh glare of irritation without flinching. Saki digested and gleaned sweet satisfaction with Hachiman's rare display of open disbelief at her approach.

Confronting him in his domain. Brimful, toned thighs opposed the front of his desk, her good hand holding her own medium-sized bento box. Dripping with attitude, she rose an expectant eyebrow whilst leaning her broad hips to one side, braced right hand resting on her lithe waistline.

This earned a clench of teeth from the boy as he furrowed his brows at her gall.

"What the hell are you doing? We never agreed to this," came his punitive whisper imploring her to stand down and forget whatever troublesome ideas she had swimming in her pretty little head.

"Funny thing is, I don't remember making that agreement. Do you?" Saki fashioned a smug tilt of her lips, undeterred. "You need to learn not to assume people will just agree and go along with what you say. I thought you were smarter than that, Smart Guy," she mocked the speechless boy with a frown twisted on her face.

"Follow me now or…" She ambled over to the door; her wispy steps exuded confidence over her audience. She halted at the entrance, giving Hachiman a condescending glance without facing him. "You can stay here for all I care if you're too afraid to come." She shrugged and left.

Hachiman crossed his tense arms and scowled at the pink sack resting upon his desk as if it was laughing in his face. Just when he thought he clipped one bossy bird's wings another flapped and squawked in his face. The sounds of animated murmuration and feeling their judgemental stares on his form drew bows and launched a hail of arrows into the tower of his pride. Nicking away until the fuse of his temper sizzled to the destructive end.

"…If you're too afraid to come."

Yes. He was so petty that her asinine comment bugged him enough to make him grab her warm bag and rise. Saki was smart. No. Not that she wasn't smart but a more appropriate word to describe her would be devious. She knew her statement was loaded with easy provocation. A blatant taunt before a spectating crowd. She had challenged his pride to publicly prove he held no such fear, while in the same capacity getting him to concede to her demands.

Another wild wicked witch appeared and he wasn't even walking in the tall grass.

He grunted in annoyance as he stalked out of the classroom which erupted into a feverish discussion as soon as he passed the threshold of the door. Just great…

In the active lunchtime hallway, Hachiman scanned through the packs of students to identify his female target. Further ahead, Saki stood waiting with her back to the window, good hand holding her bento. A few passing males stole quick glances at her. Her eyes were closed and her expression was aloof, portraying a calm aura amongst her fellow students.

Except, his keen eye picked up the fingers of her braced hand fiddling with the hem of her plaid skirt.

Ahh. Despite her earlier parade of bravado, she was still nervous. Her fidgeting drifted to a stop at his approach, observing him from the corner of her vision. Doing her best not to exhibit any positive emotion due to her success.

"Lead the way then."

Saki's scowl was instant, disliking his commanding tone.

"You don't have to tell me that," she spat under her breath with attitude. "Hn!" She twisted on her heel and ambled forth with her head held high. Hachiman rolled his eyes and trailed a respectable distance behind her. Some students snuck curious stares at the unlikely duo.

/~/

Curse his wretched name!

Yukino stormed through the hallways with a fierce glare, paying no attention to the looks she drew. Every interaction spilt her rising frustration over the edge. All because of that savage beast who couldn't keep his fangs off her skin. Forced to place a square white plaster over the right side of her neck. She couldn't very well leave such a debased scar on display for all to see. It would only fuel unsavoury assumptions about her reputable name.

However, her problem didn't end there. She stopped one leak only for another to burst free.

"Yukinoshita-san! What happened to your neck? It's unlike you to injure yourself."

"I had a minor… a-accident during PE. I am otherwise unharmed."

Breathe Yukino, she told herself in mind.

"Waah! I didn't think it was true when I heard. What happened?"

"It is no major concern, just a minor accident."

Yukino grit her teeth against her usual customs.

"Good afternoon, Yukinoshi- Ah! You appear to be hurt; are you sure you will be fine for this lesson, Yukinoshita?"

"Thank you for your consideration, sensei. However, my negligible injury will not hinder my ability to partake."

The cautious students around her gave the furious girl a wide berth, once they set sight on her cold eyes scoping out for a tall head of wavy raven locks.

"You have to be more careful, Yukinoshita-san, you should've taken our help."

"I'm afraid I disagree; it wouldn't have made a difference. My accident couldn't be predicted or avoided even with assistance."

Yukino was most certainly not a sociable girl and that reckless delinquent thrust her into an unfavourable predicament.

It drove her insane to have to take repeated steps to explain herself to her artificial classmates and concerned teachers. Once again forced to make another alteration by fashioning her hair into a side ponytail with a spare red hairband in her school bag. A wise decision as this shielded her plaster from view and speculation.

Where was that infernal boy?! He owed her an immediate apology and was due punishment at her discretion. He wasn't in his class nor was Yui for that matter. He was hiding from her. He had to be! If he counted on her giving up, he was going to be sorely disappointed. Like she said before, he can't run or hide from her.

She was working her way to the top floor first to save her the trouble of going up again. She looked left as she reached the highest level. Nothing but dallying pupils. She looked right and smiled. Count her lucky stars. There he was heading towards the roof; she drove herself forward into a brisk walk. Eliminating distance from her prey as she cut the corner of the main hallway to the quiet hall leading to the roof.

"Hachiman-kun!"

He angled his torso to peer behind at the cold, dignified female voice bellowing his name. Yukino frowned when she laid her sights on his amused expression of surprise. Her irritation only worsened once he began chuckling at her plaster and the clear attempt to obscure it with her new hairstyle. Unbelievable! He still had the unmitigated gall to mock her. The humiliated girl's frigid temper was encrusting over every cell of her body.

So, it was no wonder she never noticed a girl scowling at her interruption and her casual use of Hachiman's first name.

"Stop what you are doing and pay attention, Hachiman-kun. You are to come with me right this instant and provide me with an apology for your b-brutish…" Yukino's pale cheeks glowed as she stammered, "b-behaviour and you can also count on receiving a disciplinary from yours truly."

Hachiman gave her a shameless smirk, enjoying the ever more familiar reveal of Yukino's unbound personality he had torn open. Adorable. She still believes her demands have power over him. Wait a minute. He glanced behind then forward. Shit!

"Yukino, w-wait a minute."

"There is no escape. Just come quietly."

Absent hesitation and uncaring of initiating physical contact as opposed to her normal conduct. The dark-haired beauty stalked forward intending to grab Hachiman's wrist and drag him back to their clubroom.

Celeste tresses suddenly filled her vision from her objective. What?! Praise to her self-control Yukino's eyes only enlarged in great shock for an ephemeral moment before they twisted into a fierce glare colder than a tundra biome. That same delinquent she saw in the morning from Hachiman's class stomped out from his tall frame to stand right in front of the shorter girl and block her approach with boldness.

Saki's visage was also twisted in a fierce glare sizzling like a thunderstorm incinerating a tree.

Hachiman overwatched the shorter girls host a western faceoff before him with great curiosity and a bit of caution. Ready to intervene if things became physical. It was definitely a possible outcome as both females shared very strong personality traits, a recipe for violence when threatened. Cold. Blunt. Feisty. Stubborn. Aloof. Isolated. And worse of all for starting violence: extremely prideful.

Yukinoshita Yukino v Kawasaki Saki

Lioness versus lioness.

Ice against lightning.

Unstoppable force meets an immovable object.

Saki always had a distant distaste for Yukino. Finding her to be an overachieving, condescending, out-of-touch rich girl. Just now further exacerbated by the way she made demands of Hachiman - whatever their history may be - infuriated Saki and was not helping erase her preconceived notions of her. To Saki, her fellow loner Hachiman was much kinder than he realised.

After he put his own safety at risk to protect her and made her feel safe at a time she felt extremely vulnerable, she felt indebted to him, that aside she truly liked his company.

She wouldn't allow this pompous girl to boss him around.

"Don't talk to him like that."

"Mmm," Yukino gave a pleasant hum while brandishing a cold smile. "Why hello, stranger, I don't believe we've been introduced. My name is Yukinoshita Yukino and you are?"

Who on earth did this insolent girl think she was to have the audacity to interfere? To even contract the notion Saki could order Yukino on how to speak to her partner – 'c-club partner o-of course' - Hachiman was delusional. Furthermore, why has she associated with him again in the first place? This outsider shouldn't think to voice her irrelevant thoughts on their special relationship.

"Hn." Saki narrowed her brow, pondering for a moment if she should refuse but thought better of it. "…Kawasaki Saki." Blunt and quick. No preamble for pleasantries.

"Well, Kawasaki-san." The rear of Yukino's dainty palm flicked her hair with effortless grace, her visage advertising a condescending article of disinterest. "Allow me to impart some friendly advice not to overstep your position. So, if you could please refrain from interfering as… Hachiman-kun and I have a very private matter to solve."

There it was again.

Saki frowned as Yukino sent her a smug smile, leaving her with an unsettling feeling at the emphasis she placed on his first name. Why were they on a first-name basis? She became extremely worried when she heard Hachiman and Yukino were close enough already to have private matters. Why'd a prissy, posh girl like Yukino associate with him? Did she see Hachiman for what he truly was as well? No, that couldn't be.

Saki's facial features expressed a hint of bitter disappointment as her eyes fell to the floor. Feeling her self-worth plummet along with it. If he was getting attention from a beautiful girl like Yukino, what chance did she have?

A pleased Yukino took her silence as a victory, another girl was put in her place.

"Now if you'll excuse us, we'll be taking our leave." Yukino went to step past her defeated foe and reach for Hachiman's wrist again, as he observed their interaction with deep interest. "Let's go, Hachim-"

"I don't know if you noticed, but we already have business together."

Yukino's glare was burnt with fury when the taller girl re-established her blockade again, this time with a flaming torch of courage spurned behind her violet orbs. Yukino was unaccustomed to direct retaliation, feeling a whisper of hesitation. Saki wasn't yielding.

Saki was proud to gesture to their respective bentos. "So whatever business you have together can wait." Her serious tone was drawn with finality.

Yukino internally chastised herself for not noticing that necessary detail earlier in her haste to acquire his company. She glowered at either bento as if hoping they'd both spontaneously combust. Oh, she'd definitely compensate Hachiman for his loss and alleviate his hunger. Yet it wasn't to be. How disappointing.

Yukino's facial features soured with her lips pursed, drifting her hopeful gaze to meet Hachiman's glower.

"Is this true?" she asked softly. Please say no.

An irked grunt escaped Saki. She did not like the question, as if her word wasn't credible enough to convince her.

"Unfortunately, yes. Oft!" Hachiman grunted irritably when Saki elbowed him in the stomach, removing her stern eye from Yukino to give the cheeky boy a glance of amused exasperation.

"Shut up, you."

"I'm surrounded by headstrong females…" he uttered under his breath, giving his bossy classmate a stink eye.

"You wanna repeat that, Smart Guy?"

"If I do, will you promise not to talk to me?"

"It's hilarious you think you're in a position to get a promise from me. No deal."

"Pfft! And you said you weren't sassy. It's either your way or no way."

"Huh?! That's because I'm not! You just don't like the fact I challenge you."

"Challenge me? Now that's hilarious."

"Grr! You're ridiculous. Do you even hear yourself, Smart Guy?"

"Yeah, my ridiculous talents have that effect on people."

"Wha-! You know what, I'll deal with your braggart attitude later." Saki growled and removed her clashing glare from his.

Meanwhile, Yukino was rendered speechless when she received the confirmation before cringing at the sight of their casual jibing. When in tarnation did they become so… chummy?

She ran a careful eye over the naturally bigger, buxom girl. Insecurity waded through her once she saw how generous her breasts were compared to her decidedly modest chest. Revealing a hint of cleavage, her white shirt stretched over their impressive size, eclipsing even Yui's. Coupled with long, smooth legs loaded with scrumptious curves.

Flaunting a quintessential hourglass figure.

Gorgeous. Fit. Tall. What chance did she have against this celeste-haired beauty?

"Yukinoshita, was it?"

"…Yes." Yukino grouched, fingers curling on the edges of her turquoise V-neck vest. Face set into an icy glare.

"If that is all, we'll be taking our leave." Unfazed, a sly smile stretched Saki's lips as she concluded their dispute with authority. She twirled around and surprised Hachiman when she snatched his wrist. Fast. She pulled him along with her blushing face tilted down. "Let's go, Hachiman!" she blurted out his first name without permission, triggering a sharp intake of breath from Yukino.

Saki was strategic in her movements. She faced away from Hachiman and Yukino to hide her embarrassed expression. While pulling Hachiman along with abrupt urgency so Yukino would believe his shock was from her physical activity and not her verbal one.

It worked.

Yukino watched them disappear with dreaded concern, her temper brewing like a blizzard at Saki's gall. Disturbed by the unflattering urge to punch that sly smile off her face. It was all Saki's fault! The socially rejected diamond in the rough she discovered for herself, a jewel that shined to her darkening heart was being tainted by her! She looked down at her hands clenched on her vest, realizing they were shaking.

She's never felt such rage before. What was wrong with her?

She commanded herself to calm down. Measuring her breath. Face muscles relaxed. She rested her palm on her bandage, closing her eyes. Trying to recall the feel of his teeth, lips and tongue on her neck. Mmm. Hachiman promoted pleasant feelings in her she did not recognise, which compelled a dire need for further exploration.

She would never let him go...

Never.

/~/

(Rooftop)

The midday colossal sphere of fire beamed spring heat down like a dutiful provider. Flocks of seagulls squawked in travel; the salty smell of sea ran across the port city. Indistinct distant chattering from the human ants below swam over.

"S-sorry! I didn't mean to use your first name like that, it's just that girl rubs me the wrong way."

Saki began, breaking the silence. She glared at the floor, her back facing him.

"She's just so conceited, I mean, just look at the way she talks to you." A spontaneous breeze swept her sleek tresses alive as she tore her gaze from the floor to Hachiman. Sincere concern was inscribed on her face. "It ain't right and I don't like it."

Stunned by the mesmeric visual, her illustrious hair stole his eye. Hachiman's sight lingered on the beautiful girl who somehow, someway felt the need to worry over him. Why did she care so much? Voluntarily stepping up to defend him from Yukino. There was immediate tension between them as soon as their eyes met.

What it truly came down to was both girls were startlingly similar. Unbeknownst to them, they disliked their shared characteristics in each other. Stubborn and opinionated.

Stuff them in a room together and you best believe blows would be exchanged after one too many snide comments were traded. Two north pole magnets cross paths only to be repulsed by the other.

Hachiman smiled at the irony. "Don't worry about how Yukino treats me. I can handle the princess just fine; besides, we talk like that to each other all the time."

"All the time, huh?" Saki snarked in a whisper, scowling in the distance. "Must be nice."

Built against the rooftop exit wall, he sat down on the bench and internally sighed. Of course, that's all she decided to hear from his statement. He wasn't going to entertain her lip, but rather open up the bento box Saki provided.

Upon unravelling the goodies, her eyes widened when she remembered the lunch she made him. He swung a glance at the hasty girl zooming to his side on the bench, sweet cherry almond greeting his nose. Saki was anxious as she regarded him with cautious anticipation, her fingers tinkering with the bento box on her lap.

"It's not b-bad, is it?"

Greedy eyes applauded the sweet-smelling, bountiful meal breathing steam before him.

Stir fry glass noodles with bulgogi beef, white rice, gyoza dumpling, spring rolls, salad and miso soup. What the hell?! This was a full-fledged home-cooked meal fit for the man of the house. Aware of Saki's tense expectation, he grasped the chopsticks from the placeholder and plucked some beef as he mixed it with the rice. The sauce from the meat colouring the white grains.

He took a bite and released a delighted sigh. Yeah. This truly was a meal made for the man of the house. The rice was fluffy while the beef was tender to the teeth and rich with seasoning. Meeting his expectations, the rest of the dishes were just as tasty.

Swallowing the food in his mouth, he turned to his eager companion. Approval on his face. "It tastes amazing."

Against typical routine, Saki beamed at him sending him a flushed smile. "Really?! Uh… I mean, t-thank you." Her shoulders sagged in relief. Happy he wasn't disappointed.

"Did you make this yourself?" Hachiman asked with sincere interest. He was a huge fanatic for girls that possessed culinary skills and were happy to cater to him. Case in point: Komachi. In today's world of corporate, modern women let him be the first to tell you men love to eat. A woman capable of cooking is a highly desirable trait to have if you were looking for extra perks to attract a man. "This is really good."

Saki had begun shyly digging into her smaller portion beside him. She blushed and swerved her gaze. "I-it's not really a big deal, anyone could make it. I usually make too much for dinner so there's always leftovers. I…" Saki hesitated before nervously blurting out, "I remember how much you ate at the restaurant so I made sure your portion was big too." His appetite must be huge, he ate even more than her dad. "It's not t-too much is it?"

Hachiman shook his head. "No, not at all. Thank you."

While their underlying issues were not forgotten in the slightest. Companionable silence followed as they ate lunch together. Unbeknownst to Saki, she watched Hachiman eat her homemade cooking at a hearty pace with affection in her eyes, her knees angled in his direction.

After they had finished their food, what happened next threw him for a curveball.

"Wait here!"

The girl beside him suddenly shot to her feet and disappeared out the door like a bat out of hell.

"Okay then…"

He scratched his head; confusion marked his face. Nature calls? If you need to go, you need to go. At least this time he was certain he didn't scare her off. She wouldn't go through this much effort to acquire his company just to run away in the end. It went against her feisty character too. Saki was very similar to Yukino in that respect. They weren't afraid to pick a fight with him.

Flying back onto the scene – not two minutes later - was Saki returning to his side. In this instance with two new additions. What occupied her hands was proof it wasn't nature calling her but nurture. Unbelievable, he didn't even see her take notice of such a small detail.

"Uh… this is for y-you! I… umm, thought you might be thirsty."

She stood in front of him with blossoming cheeks, avoiding his gaze. Her hand extended toward his face, offering a white bottle of fruit juice.

Kirin Salty Lychee.

Why?! Did last night not happen? Was he not the asshole that told her to forget everything? Yet she persisted in going the extra mile to cater to him. For what?! He never asked for or needed her gratitude. He didn't like the disconcerted feeling her generous gestures brought into his chest. He rose above the startled girl and snatched the bottle from her with a glare.

"H-hey!"

"Why the fuck are you doing all of this when you don't have to?! Did I not tell you to forget everything that happened between us last night?"

Pandora's box exploded open in a blast of unrequited rage.

"That w-wasn't your choice to make, you jerk!"

Saki's cracking voice teemed with unbound anger, her hurt expression pushed him into a position that held his feet to the fire. He growled and stalked up to the glaring girl, courage gave her the strength to meet his intimidating eye.

"That's because I made the choice for you. Now fuck off."

"No! You can't scare me or tell me what to do!"

"Then I'll leave."

Water pooled in her gaze as her desperate fingers clung to his blazer, thwarting his motion to leave.

"Stop! Why are you being like this?! Why do you keep pushing me away?!"

Hachiman twisted his head away from her piercing eyes, a frustrated frown scrunched on his face. Fighting the impulse to acknowledge her heartfelt feelings. He sighed at her persistence, dropping his sight to her hand grasping his blazer tighter than pilers. No matter how abrasive he was she never quailed.

"You don't have to do this."

"I'm not doing this because I have to, idiot!" Infuriated over his stupidity, she went against her character and yelled in his face with a scowl. "I'm doing this because I genuinely want to!"

"W-what?!"

Hachiman blinked, shocked by the display of vulnerability. The headstrong girl in front of him began shaking, wrestling against the powerful urge to cry. Even still rivulets of tears cascaded down her red cheeks as she fought to get the words out.

"D-do you have any idea how terrified I was? How pathetic and helpless I felt. I a-always thought I could take care of myself, bu-but when those guys began… t-touching me and I… c-couldn't even stop them, I thought the worst. I thought t-they'd… eventuall-"

"Don't say it," Hachiman demanded in a cold whisper with a haunted expression, grasping her slender shoulders gently. Their position was reminiscent of last night. "Please."

Saki gave him a wet smile, rich with gratitude. "But then you came along. Out of nowhere in the middle of the night to bravely help me against those guys by yourself, putting your own safety at risk just to save me."

"Anyone would've done the same thing." His stare swerved off to the side, her sincerity making him uncomfortable. He went to remove one hand from her shoulder. Only for her smaller hand to hold it in place.

Tendrils of tears ran down as she closed her eyes while shaking her head in amusement, her wet giggles reaching his ear.

"Don't be so modest… and stupid. Not just anyone would've done what you did, Smart Guy."

Hachiman's annoyed grunt was enough proof that she was right.

"Look at me." Saki grasped his hand tighter when he tried to move it, he acquiesced to her demand and looked into her eyes. She never wavered under his attention and furrowed her brows at him. "I want an apology for what you said to me last night. You had no right to make that decision alone."

He gritted his teeth. "It was for your own good."

"Why though?" Saki frowned; irritated confusion etched on her face. "Isn't that up for me to decide?"

Raven hair swayed as he shook his head. "You shouldn't associate with a bad person like me. My reputati-"

"I don't care what other people think! Besides, you're not as bad as you think you are otherwise you wouldn't have helped me."

"Do you even know what you're asking for? You'll be eliminating potential-"

"I don't care."

"You didn't let me-"

"You didn't need to." She shrugged, boredom marking her face with a thin veil of amusement.

"If you do this then you'll be alon-"

"I won't be alone, I'll have you."

"I'm not the kind of guy you want to be alo-"

"I disagree."

"Argh!" Hachiman growled in frustration; his hands jumped from her shoulders to his hair. "Fine then!"

Saki nodded, halfway satisfied. Placing a hand on her slanted hip, she quirked a brow. "Well?"

"Well, what?" he grouched, frowning at the sassy girl.

A glare slowly morphed upon her pretty features as she waited for an extensive moment in silence. Under her visual pressure, he eventually muttered something inaudible, presenting a disgruntled frown. Enjoying his rare display of discomfort, Saki cupped her ear as she leaned forward sporting a mocking smirk.

"I can't hear you."

"I'm sorry," he repeated louder than before, but not enough.

"A little louder."

"I said I'm sorry!" he barked out, a grumpy frown layering his face. The verbal admission earned Saki's satisfaction as her lips curved upwards. Gifting him an honest smile.

"Thank you," Saki said in between light giggles, her fingers hiding her teasing grin. "Was that really so hard?" She already knew the answer as the boy was never short of pride. She greatly appreciated it, because getting an apology from him was like ordering a dragon to apologise for breathing fire. But he did. For her.

"Yes. It was." Hachiman gave the suddenly girlish female a dirty look. "Are we good now?"

"Hmm. If we are good…" Saki's smile was coy as she returned to the bench, in between her knees she began running her thumbs over the cap of her bottle of lychee fruit juice. Staring straight down at his white school sneakers, mulling over her next words fretfully. "I don't mind doing it with you again."

"Oh really?" Hachiman smirked and arched a surprised brow. Did he hear that correctly? Allow him to apologise because he didn't remember their first lay in the hay.

Showered by embarrassment, Saki blushed once she realised the implication of her words. "I-I didn't mean it like that… pervert!"

Hachiman chuckled as he sat down beside her, drawing a sip from his drink. "How disappointing."

Her verbal blunder led the anxious girl to duck her head, stealing shy glances at the boy next to her. "I meant I don't mind having lunch with y-you again. It's not really a big deal for me to bring you lunch if… you want me to."

"Nah, it's cool." Although, Hachiman wouldn't usually turn down tasty free food, even from stubborn company. He felt uncomfortable with the idea of Saki going out of her way. "You don't have to do all of that for me."

"Are you death? Did you not hear what I said before?" Saki frowned before a shake of her head showed her frustration. "I already said I'm doing this because I want to. Why do you always think like that?" She sighed and massaged her forehead at his unwillingness to accept her kindness. So darn cynical.

Hachiman frowned back, defensive of his paranoid nature. "I think like that because most people are only nice at face value and always have underlying motives."

"And you think I'm like that?" She narrowed her fiery gaze at him, tone energized with aggression. Depending on his answer she was on the dangerous precipice of being offended.

"No, I don't think you're like that, now that I think about it." Unfazed by her glare, Hachiman hummed in realisation. From his observation, Saki was blunt to a fault. Infamously known for saying what's on her mind, regardless of how you felt.

"Hn! That's what I thought." She nodded with icy approval, almost preening her smug expression. "So you can stop being stubborn and accept my offer, Smart Guy."

"Fine, if you want to make me lunch, I won't refuse. Just stop calling me that, it's annoying." His growl signified his patience ended as he finally addressed her facetious nickname for him.

"Why?" Saki's lips procured a tiny grin. "Don't you like it… Smart Guy?"

The glare that greeted her showcased his answer to her jibing moniker. It seemed another lass liked playing with fire too. Now he has two pyromaniacs to deal with. What did he even do to qualify for that annoying nickname?

"No. I don't like it, so stop. Why do you even call me that anyway?"

"Wow. Didn't think I'd need to connect the dots for you, Smart Guy?" Using her fingers, Saki withheld a giggle that threatened to erupt at Hachiman's growling. "Sorry. If you really wanna know it's because you always seem to have an answer for everything, like, back in the classroom when our sensei tried to… uh embarrass you with a difficult question for sleeping, but you seem to know your history very well."

Hachiman let a shady smirk cross his face before taking another long swig from his nigh-depleted drink, recalling the man's defeated expression of failure. "Yeah, I do. In that case, I suppose the nickname is… appropriate, despite how annoying it is. It goes without saying he was an idiot for even trying…"

Mocking violet eyes twinkled at him from the side. "Or maybe you shouldn't have been sleeping in class."

"What difference does it make if I already know what he's teaching?" He shrugged his broad shoulders sporting a cocky grin. "It's a waste of damn time."

Saki could only roll her eyes at his egotism. "Geez. Are you sure you're not the real troublemaker?"

"Real troublemaker?" Confusion employed his frown.

"Last night you said…" she narrowed her sight on him. "The blond guy was the one that always starts trouble, but you start enough on your own with that bad attitude of yours."

"That's easy for you to say because you don't know him," he scoffed, placing his empty bottle beside his thigh.

Saki's curiosity overcame her as she grew interested in his enigmatic life, hesitant nails drummed over her bottle. Chewing her lip, she crawled her gaze to his. "Um, is this guy your… f-friend or something?" Her confidence to venture the topic dipped when he hardened his expression. "Y-yesterday I noticed y-you were uh… pretty close," she trailed off lamely.

"You could say that." Was his clipped, unhelpful answer. Instead, he pointed a finger at the sealed bottle resting between her thighs. "Aren't you going to drink that?"

Despite her frustration at his blatant attempt to shift the subject. She did not force the issue. There will be a next time; believe that. She sighed with a sulking frown, giving him a critical look.

"Yeah, I am." Saki twisted the cap and took a sip, the sweet flavour massaging her buds as her thirst was sated. She tackled a different topic that was thawing at her side. She confused Hachiman when she glared at him out of the blue as if he did something to hurt her feelings. "I don't get you."

"What?" he asked with exasperation. Nothing good could come from that face.

"You say you wanna be alone yet, you and Yukinoshita were so close, I mean, you use each other's first names and even play basketball together. It doesn't make sense." Saki's lips pursed together as he received a sizzling beam of judgement on his supposed hypocrisy.

"That's only because we're in the same club and I hate constant formalities in casual conversation."

"Eh?!" Saki baulked, brows jumping high as she sprang to her feet. "W-wait! You're in a club with her too? W-what do you guys even do? Why did you of all people join a club?" Her luminescent violet eyes demanded answers from the startled boy.

"Relax, woman. One question at a time." Hachiman raised his hands in a defensive gesture at the fiery girl above him. "Let's get one thing straight, joining the club was not a voluntary decision. Hiratsuka-sensei forced me to join as punishment. As for what we do; we take requests and provide a service to help people overcome their problems."

"Hn." Saki released a brooding hum with an unimpressed frown, her silent stare off to the side.

Unaware of her position, she left her bountiful mammaries level with Hachiman's vision, much to his delight. Delectable cleavage front and centre. Close enough that if he leant his head forward, he would be submerged between her wonderful bosom. Meanwhile, her irate thoughts were stuck on the new revelation. She looked down and was stunned to realise her fists were clenched, the plastic bottle crackling in her grasp.

No wonder that arrogant, spoiled girl was so smug. She was in a club with him this whole time. Therefore, she was most likely spending time with him after school as well, which also explains their suspicious familiarity. Tendrils of jealousy pinched her skin. Before a wily idea popped into her brain, which, with his attention now off her chest, made Hachiman concerned as her lips randomly stretched into a devious smirk.

"Do ya' take personal requests?"

He scratched his head, surprised by the question as she watched him in hopeful anticipation.

There weren't any rules that said he couldn't or rather Yukino hadn't explicitly expressed that restriction. However, knowing how his pedant president operates, she wouldn't be overjoyed to discover he had been taking private requests without her authorization. Especially if she knew the client was her supposed 'adversary.'

The safe course of action would be to notify Yukino first.

Then again, what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her. More importantly, imagine a man of his pride seeking the permission of his club president to do what he wanted. In her deluded mind, she believed her cute little title gave her the ability to pull rank on him. Laughable! Nonetheless, he wouldn't make a habit out of private requests; Saki was fortunate to gain this allowance.

"Not normally, however, for you, I'll make an exception." Stern faced. Hachiman crossed his arms, his next words simmering her excitement and embarrassed smile due to his partiality to her. "Depending on what it is."

"Um…" Saki averted her eyes downward, fidgeting with the bottle in her hands. "I… wanna r-request…" The idea was easier in thought than practice.

Once her cheeks flushed, he began to question what the nature of her request was if it was going to make her hesitant to this degree. Let's keep it child friendly now. His mind didn't need more gutter thoughts.

"I-if we can use each other's f-first names since we'll be having casual conversation too… when we have lunch t-together." She finished with anxious jittering; gaze rooted to the floor. Praying, hoping, she wouldn't end up looking like a fool in her daring pursuit of companionship.

"Sure." Hachiman shrugged, endeared by her vulnerability. His smirk was ironic at her surprising innocence and nervous anticipation of something he believed trivial. Just great. This is why he warned her to stay away from his crooked self. Her virtue was making his blood boil with need.

"H-huh?!" she stammered, heart doing hurdles in her ribcage. Her eyes wider than saucers snapped to his in a violet ray of shocked relief as she planted herself beside him. "Really? You don't have a problem with it? You don't think it's too soon?" She was still doubtful of her worth.

"Saki, we've already been on a date together, so why not?"

"Eh?! D-date? B-but, we n-never!-"

There was no holding back. Looking at her crimson gobsmacked face was too much. Laughter emerged from his mouth, shoulders shaking in his mirth. Saki looked at him in shock at the uncommon sight before an embarrassed glare swam over to paint her warm face once she realised his mockery. Humiliated. She swung her uninjured left fist into his arm with what she considered a lot of force.

Only to baulk and then pout when it garnered no visible reaction.

"Hitting me wasn't part of the request." He smirked; his prior laughter marked his wry tone.

Saki scowled her head away like a stroppy child. "Shut up," she muttered, "it wasn't even funny."

"What's this? Do my eyes deceive me?" He leaned over to see her face while she tried in vain to avoid his. "Is the mighty Saki actually sulking?" he taunted.

"I'm not sulking!" she sulked, whipping her glare to the grinning boy who made her flustered at his teasing and casual use of her first name. His provocation gained the response he wanted with ease as he leaned back to his original position, her nervous reactions beguiled him.

"Are you sure about that? Because you sure sound like you are."

"Hachiman…" she growled out in warning, but it was more of a helpless plea for him to stop. This was too much for a shy girl like her to take. She was unused to being teased by someone she couldn't intimidate or hurt. "Stop picking on m-me."

"Why?" he egged on. "You gonna poison my lunch if I don't?"

Saki lightly bumped her shoulder against his with an icy smile. "Don't give me any ideas."

He surprised her when she heard his easy-going chuckle. "Scary."

"Hey…" she was cautious in her line of questioning; however, his nonchalant attitude gave her confidence. "How am I supposed to let you know if you like what I'm making?"

"Long-range telepathy." Hachiman shrugged, displaying a wry quirk of lips. It was hard to not avoid the fun of being purposely obtuse from her indirect enquiring.

Annoyed, she flicked him on the ear with a scowl. "Be serious." She was beginning to realise her apathetic companion was quite the jester when he wanted to be, unfortunately at her expense.

"Fine-fine." He smirked, rubbing his ear as he began digging in his pocket. "Call your number off my phone." Casual as can be, he plopped his iPhone into her surprised hands. Saki was hesitant to accept it while she handled his device - way pricier than her own flip phone - with extra care. Once more her rebellious mind ventured off to more suspicious thoughts, wondering how a high school delinquent could afford such expensive items.

For the first time ever, the red-faced girl input her name and number into a boy's phone with great embarrassment. She wavered for a second and took an anxious breath. This would cement it, her first exchange of numbers with a boy. At last, she pressed down and called her mobile device. Feeling the vibrating sensation of her phone made her luminous lips arc in a way that gave Hachiman déjà vu.

After observing the whole byplay Hachiman was forced to roll his eyes. So dramatic. Such behaviour made him speculate if Saki and Yukino were sane to have these weird emotive reactions. It was just a damn number. Not a marriage proposal. Were they truly that innocent or was this just a female thing? Or both? Ugh!

"I'll make sure to text you tonight, okay?" she assures him without removing her happy eyes off her green flip phone as she was tinkering away.

"Hm." He lazily hummed his acknowledgement. It seemed even the recluse Saki wasn't immune to initiating conversations over the phone like a typical girl.

Snapping her phone shut, she rose to her feet and finished the dregs of her drink. Next, she threw their empty bottles in a nearby bin and then took both bentos she would wash at home in her arm as he watched on. Saki sent him a tiny smile as he muttered his thanks. Unaware Hachiman was admiring her well-kept manners like he did the night before. "We should go. Lunch is almost over."

"I don't see the need to rush." Despite his comment, he still climbed to his feet to follow behind her. Slotting his hands in his pockets as they walked to the exit.

Saki aimed a disapproving look over her shoulder. "And that's why you're always late to class. You ain't punctual."

"As if you're a shining example of punctual conduct." He snorted; he didn't have to think far to remember a time she arrived late to school for some vague reason.

"T-that's different," she stuttered with a defensive frown. "I'm only late for homeroom but you're still late even when you're already at school."

"How, when they're both still subject to punishment?" he asked out of curiosity, already aware of how it would be viewed as different but wanted to hear her response. His steps halted as the girl in front of him swirled around to glare up at him.

"Because my lateness is susceptible to outside interferences like family, travel time and traffic, whilst you barely have any at school. You got less excuses. So, it's different."

He nodded his agreement, almost impressed. "True, however, both still share the same consequences."

"I agree with that." Saki wetted her lips, furrowing her brow. "I just feel like it looks bad and lazy when you're already at school and you're still late for class. While I gotta help my little sister in the morning, so I don't come late for the fun of it."

She surprised herself when she revealed a small part of her private life. As she was used to being guarded. Yet, with Hachiman - the person who protected her - she felt no need to be so withdrawn.

"Great argument. Hiratsuka-sensei will still be on your neck for it though." Once she mentioned her little sister. She had won. Because in his younger years he knew first hand a younger sibling was not a conducive responsibility if you wanted to arrive at school on time.

Saki scowled at the reminder of being ragged on by their tenacious homeroom teacher. Her heart was in the right place and she couldn't even say she didn't need to learn to be more punctual. Sometimes it was just… annoying. "I know. She's the first one to bite my head off. Every single time."

"Good, the more she rags on you the less she's on my back giving me a headache."

"Because you're just perfect, right?" she mocked, giving him a look of incredulity.

"I'm close enough. I don't need her help."

She did not like the smug smirk that drew over his face. Like he was a perfect student and was only being pestered for the hell of it. She always had her predetermined perceptions of him. And they weren't flattering. However, after last night's fiasco – ignoring his chivalrous actions toward her – he led a whole other mysterious life that was seemingly rife with something dangerous. He broke the damn law without blinking.

Who knows what other mischief he was up to?

"I think Hiratsuka-sensei is right for ragging on you. You're the most trouble." Saki was unafraid to state, concern carving her frown. "I'm not even gonna mention the other stuff you supposedly do…" she trailed off in a tense whisper. Their clashing eyes spoke her piece for her. As Saki expected he gave no response. Just stoicism. A brick wall that refused to budge.

Still, she sighed in disappointment and turned to leave the roof. Another time then.

She did not see but heard his following footsteps behind. She would never announce this to anyone. But it felt nice to feel his comforting presence. Especially if you consider the fragility of her psyche after last night's horror. To others, he was only intimidating and rude, yet she knew from experience that was a lie. There was a weird feeling of security he provided for her when she knew deep down if push came to shove. He was capable of handling it.

Saki smiled as she reached for the door and pulled the handle. It partially opened only for it to slam shut in a loud bang that smacked her eardrums. Her startled gaze snapped to the forceful palm pressed against the door, then trailed to the arm over her shoulder. Heart pacing like a racehorse, she spun around, back against the door to confront the glaring Hachiman who loomed over her like a predator over prey.

Reminding her of the unfavourable size difference between them.

She struggled not to gulp but remained strong.

"Pay attention, Saki. Because, this will be the last time I tell but your first warning," he began, his voice deep, yet purposeful, "you should think long and hard before ever confronting me like that in public again." He would not tolerate it and she would face consequences if it was done again. His pride demanded it.

Though her body was on fire as shivers ran through her spine under his indomitable confidence, burning the butterflies in her stomach. She dug deep and mustered enough courage to deliver a sly smile up at him. Despite her nervousness, she found their confrontation… exciting in ways she didn't understand as a seventeen-year-old girl.

"Is this supposed to scare me, Hachiman?" she mocked, giving weight to his opinion of her sassiness.

Instead of him being offended as she expected, she was left unsettled. He simply chuckled as if she was already caught in his web and was humouring her attitude. Without saying a word, he stepped forward and shadowed her like a tower. Like a graceful snake, Hachiman ghosted the back of his palm over her fading facial scar from last night. Before his fingers played with the silky bangs of her tresses, his sight was momentarily captivated by the hair in his grasp.

"Beautiful."

Face aglow and mind abuzz, Saki shuddered as she swallowed the lump lodged in her throat at his gentle caress. Her lungs worked overtime under his undivided admiration.

Her glazed eyes froze at his stoic stare, nibbling on her lips. She found her feet glued to the floor, enchanted by his mysterious aura and intensity. Experiencing a foreign feeling in her body that was intoxicating. It felt… good in a manner she couldn't comprehend.

Finally, Hachiman smirked at her docile reaction, his gaze shifted back to hers as he released her hair. She looked like a ball of nerves. He allowed her to breathe once he stepped back. "Not at all. Just a reminder."

"Hn! Your… w-warning doesn't s-scare me, i-idiot." The attempted rebuttal crash-landed before it could take off. Ruined by the fact Saki struggled to even meet his eye and her head was down in a meek posture while stuttering. The glower twisted on her face came off more adorable than threatening.

"Heh." Hachiman snorted, presenting an amused smirk. "Thank you for the lunch, Saki-chan."

She blushed and socked him in the arm again with her good hand. It was useless as he only chuckled at her again like she was a small child throwing a tantrum.

"You, i-idiot!" An inadvertent pout shaped her lips.


Please Review; sorry for the late update. I was moving house.