Many thanks to the 1000 followers, I never thought my idealistic story would reach that high when I started. It's definitely time-consuming to write a story, especially with my amateur skills.

Apathetic Super Soldier

Chapter 8: Pecking Order Among Them


[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)

"I was told to give this to you."

"Who's it from?" Saki demanded with a suspicious frown at the folded note being presented to her by a brunette female. Just about able to recognise the vague face from her year.

"Don't know, don't care. Are you taking it or not?" she snapped while the girl's face screwed up, waving the note impatiently. Not in the mood to deal with her reluctance.

"Fine." She snatched the note off her and the girl was stalking away before she could blink. Weird. She made a concerted effort to remain out of the social hamlet. So why would she be liable to receive a note from an unidentified character? She clicked her tongue in umbrage.

These childish games were stupid and a waste of time.

Saki wasn't cuffed by arrogance by any means but she hedged her bets on it being a love letter. Not because she believed herself a prize to be longed after by the opposite gender. She wasn't that deluded to think her looks merited such attention. It was from her observation of other girls. Eight times out of ten it would always direct them to a confession. Mostly, an undesired confession.

If her deduction was correct, she'd lean the same way. Despite her cemented decision she still opened up the note with curiosity to see pristine handwriting.

Kawasaki Saki

Please meet me in the hallway leading to the tennis courts at 13:05

Sincerely, A Secret Admirer

'Secret a-admirer?!' Scarlet flared across her cheeks as she gawked around the students populating the hallway. In hopes, she'd catch a snickering raven-haired boy pulling her leg. It had to be him. Because no one she could pick in mind had probable cause or reason to court her. Besides, only he would have the guts to tease her in this fashion.

That cocky idiot doesn't know when to stop.

It seemed she needed to give him a tougher reminder that she wasn't going to be the victim of his jibes. She did not like being picked on, and she'd make it known that she wasn't afraid to bite back. Just because he knew his way around in a fistfight and he had a reputation that inspired fear he thought he could just do what he wanted.

Convinced of the perpetrator she began making her way to the specified destination. Head held high, she huffed. Irritated by his childish antics but also, just a little bit, amused. The last thing she expected when she returned her bentos to her locker was to be confronted with a love letter.

Well, it was more of a bogus love letter. Saki peeked at the analogue clock on the hallway wall. 12:56 pm. Luckily the meeting point was a short walk from her class, so she had enough time to put Hachiman's stupid games to bed before class began at 1:10 pm. She sighed in frustration.

Was that braggart trying to make them both late for class now?

/~/

Hachiman yawned with a hand over his mouth as he trudged around a corner. Taking the circuitous route to class like the model student he was. As per usual when at school, boredom lined his gaze, projecting a beam of warning to all incomers. Do not approach. In the hallway, he ignored the occasional looks he received from his peers with practised ease. Treated like a convicted felon. The school life of an abrasive loner was a road less travelled. He was used to it at this point and never attempted to change it. Why in the hell would he?

He wanted nothing to do with the typical high school hysteria. Every time he mused the idea in his head the cost always outweighed the reward.

There was way less drama when you were stuck inside your own world. Until an esoteric being of supreme power sneered at his stress-free solitude and decided he deserved a stroke of bad luck. In the form of two gigantic meteors plummeting downward at terminal velocity past his ozone layer and into his world's atmosphere. One from the west and one from the east. To cause an untold amount of calamity and devastation in his life.

Maybe he was being too dramatic and harsh to judge them in that light. Or was he valid in how he truly felt discomfort with their pilgrimage? These headstrong settlers had no issue with this world's unforgiving terrain and aimed to trench their muddy boots up the tumultuous mountain to plant their flags of acquisition.

This was showcased earlier by Saki's extreme persistence.

Taking blows that would've burst a normal girl into tears. Yet she stood on her values to hunt him of all people down. Challenge his guarded stance. Express her heartfelt gratitude. Demand an apology. And finally, prove herself earnest in her desire for more. He refused to put a name to the feeling she put in his chest when she expressed, she wanted to spend more time with him. Giving no thought to the possibility his infamous reputation could harm her social standing. Well, worse than what it was already. It was hard to view Saki as duplicitous when she was so damn innocent.

She turned freaking red over the most fleeting things like physical contact, making it too easy to tease her. Also, hidden far behind her delinquent guise, on the roof she had catered to him like a dutiful wife, anxiously vying for his happiness and approval. That's why his belly was full right now. It frightened him, the avarice whispers in his head urging him to wrest claim of her virtue. She doesn't even know her own worth before a predator like him.

Meanwhile, from the east side was the other feisty girl.

Posh, prim and opinionated.

Now, this ebony-haired girl loved to instigate arguments with him like a pastime hobby. Using her intelligence and derisive wit to test his fortitude. Of course, it never ended well in her favour as on one occasion he drew her to tears. Despite this, she still pursued his presence and imposed herself in his world. It was too early to call her… clingy but the red flags were there. He frequently wondered if she secretly liked it when he enforced his will upon her and reprimanded her snobbish behaviour. But that would be crazy, right? Who in their right mind would derive joy from punishment?

It sounded like the traits of a masochist. If he wanted further answers on how crazy operated, who else but Izayoi – the crazy man himself - could he go to? He owed him a call to make sense of all this, in addition to proposing more training sessions. In his life violence was a familiar companion, therefore a comforting activity. Otherwise, this undying fire in his core wouldn't quail itself.

"Hachiman-kun?"

He blinked, pausing his next step in the corridor. Only two people in school were allowed to address him by his first name. And only one added an honorific and devotedly said it like a refined lady in a soft-spoken manner. Exiting the supply closet, illustrious ebony hair entered his field of view. Intelligent azure eyes regarded with surprise, but no less pleased by the glimmer in her eye.

"What are you doing in there?" he asked out of curiosity, hoping she could at the least quell his boredom for a time.

"If you must know." In typical Yukino fashion, she sighed as if answering his question was a chore. "I was in the midst of an errand for Hiratsuka-sensei." His eye followed as she motioned to a boxed trio complete with five reams each – one ream equalled to 500 sheets - of A4 copy paper, placed just beside the door frame on the floor. "She had a surplus amount in her office and required space, therefore I insisted I could return them for her as she was busy." She crossed her arms looking rather proud of herself.

Hachiman arched a brow, a wry smile on his face. "Who knew witches could be so considerate?" he said under his breath.

Yukino scowled and took a step toward him, peeling her gaze. "What did you just say?" She never heard him, but the tone in which he said it sounded rude. "I don't believe I heard you correctly."

"Nothing important." He shrugged as he gave her a careless smirk. The deflection made her expression harden. Hushed cerulean eyes followed as he sidestepped the girl when he brought himself over to the boxes resting on the floor. Bending at the knees, he hefted the first box under his arm with the ease a child picks up a toy.

"Hachiman-kun?" Yukino's mouth opened in shock, heart fluttering. "What are you doing?"

Lazy eyes drifted over to her. "Isn't it obvious? I'm giving you a hand." He carried the first box inside the closet with the uncomfortable Yukino clipping at his heels. At this point in their relationship, he expertly ignored the yap spewing from her mouth as she tried to dissuade him from helping her. She was unaware their familiar interaction drew a slew of flummoxed, nosey eyes in the hallway. Traded whispers ran their course.

"Please stop what you're doing, Hachiman-kun! I understand your… b-barbaric strength has its uses, but I am more than capable of completing this task by myself. So please put the boxes down." Feeling helpless, Yukino clenched her fists, anxious teeth bit on her lips as she could do nothing but watch.

Barefoot he was an inch shy of six feet, with shoes he was usually afforded an inch or two more. Combined with a 75-inch wingspan. It made reaching the top shelf a simple task as he extended his arms upwards to the highest row and slid the first box into the designated spot. He moved on the second with Yukino still running her gums.

"T-there is also a stall in the closet so reaching such heights for me wouldn't be an issue. Hiratsuka-sensei trusted me to do this, I couldn't in good faith allow you to do it for me. Excuse me! Hachiman-kun?!"

"…" He groaned internally, his gradual irritation rising at the girl tweeting beside him as he carried the last box in.

She pouted with a glare at being snubbed. "Are you even listening to me?"

With his task complete, he turned and finally faced Yukino. No longer ignoring her presence.

"You have a really hard time accepting help, don't you?"

"Huh?" Yukino looked startled by his statement. "Not in the slightest." She avoided his eye for a moment and threaded a hand through her hair. Seeming uncomfortable with his stern gaze upon her. "Asserting my capability to complete a task independently doesn't mean I find accepting help difficult."

"Sure, call it what you want." Hachiman didn't know it, but he made Yukino feel a fist in her gut when he shook his head in disappointment at her blatant denial. He slotted his hands in his pockets and began to leave the closet. "See ya later."

"Wait!"

Yukino moved to block his path and pulled the door shut behind her back. Privacy secured. Escape prevented. She then crossed her arms with a cold frown, leaving them the sole occupants in a room for a second time today. Further proof she never feared he'd usurp her chastity; it was just a devious lie to her schemes. 'Such lies have ruined men's lives, woman!' It was a lost cause to hope no one saw them enter the supply closet together. The rumours were sure to be delightful.

Hachiman slouched his shoulders. "What is it now?" He sensed another headache on the horizon by the glower on her face

"I trust you've concluded your business with that… girl?" she spat the word out like it tasted vile, earning a raise of his eyebrows. He had to wonder where this level of animosity stemmed from because both females barely spoke to each other for more than a couple of minutes.

"I would hardly call it business, but you trusted right."

"Hmm." Yukino emitted a hum that balanced between pleased and disinterested. "So, it wouldn't be presumptuous of me to assume you won't be associating with her again. Correct?" The smile which shaped her face was harmless yet her azure orbs told a different story.

A partial scowl breached upon his features, Hachiman didn't favour her tone and intrusive line of questioning. "It's presumptuous of you to assume that it's any of your damn business."

Luminous lips were pressed into a flatline, angered by his rebuff, her impetuous tongue snapped to write a cheque her body couldn't cash before she realised. "I ask, Hachiman-kun, as your superior and club president and also the person tasked with supervising your sociability development. I don't want you to have any distractions that will hinder your progress by bracketing with… abrasive girls like her. Therefore, you should watch your mouth and be grateful I'm even helping you."

"Yukino."

Danger!

Yukino froze, swallowing the lump housed in her throat.

"Ahh…!"

The distance between them was eviscerated faster than she could blink. Unable to stop her body's desperate tremble, she risked a nervous glance at the man-sized palm cradling the side of her slender neck. Right over her plaster as if to remind her of her earlier submission. His hand was warm to the touch, and his hold was gentle, tender even, yet she felt and was all too aware of the dismaying presence of his strength.

"At what point have you ever been superior to me?" She shivered as his hollow voice streamed through her ear, blood coursing throughout her cheeks from her erratic heart beating like the wings of a bee. Again, she was rendered mystified as her sporadic emotions were arrested by his masculine scent flooding her senses. Beginning to attach the increasingly familiar fresh timber, forest-rich odour to his charm.

What worried Yukino was this reaction to him was an absence of choice. She held no modicum of control over this aura like an unsupervised child's overindulgence in confectionaries. She was becoming addicted to this strange fire he torched in her core.

She meekly peered upwards to reach his stoic gaze zeroed down on her. Punitive, unflinching confidence resided beneath. The reality of her own arrogance crept in. Was she misguided in her delusion to believe she could ever strongarm him to do what she desired? There must, there has to be something to ascertain her stance…

"B-but, I'm the c-club president?" she stuttered in a tone spoiled by hesitance, her statement punctured to sound more apropos to a doubtful question.

"And this gives you power over me?" he asked softly, his gentle thumb grazing over her delicate jawline. Eliciting a body tingling quiver from the ebony-haired girl as she bunched her glossy bottom lip. Immediately, the prideful side of her sought to voice a definitive yes. However, one look into his cold eyes made Yukino's gut instincts scream at her to not even humour the asinine thought. Innate self-preservation imbued her confession of compliance.

"…N-no," she mumbled as quietly as a mouse.

His grip on her neck tightened. Not nearly enough to hurt but enough to annex her attention as he gingerly tilted her head upward to meet his hard gaze. Captivated azure eyes drowned in their turbulent currents, unable – and disinclined - to fight the flow of his direction.

"No, what?" he demanded, cold and rigid, like a highhanded general grilling down a wayward recruit.

"M-my position…" Yukino swallowed, the fibres of her skin ablaze, "doesn't g-give me power over y-you."

"I'm glad we could reach an understanding."

Yukino steamed crimson as he smiled down at her as if he hadn't just cajoled her in any way shape or form. She was left cold from his warmth and swore to everything she knew she wasn't disappointed in the slightest when he relinquished his hold of her neck.

"How is your neck anyway?" All from his authoritative demeanour, a simple shift in tone changed the colour of the box room. The casual fashion he asked the question erased some of his oppressiveness off her shoulders. It was very difficult to come to terms with the fact Hachiman possessed such… sway over her that she suddenly found it easier to breathe.

"Fine…" she hissed in a fluster, hand whizzing to her neck again in a protective manoeuvre. "No thanks to you… creep."

"Want me to kiss it better?"

"N-no! Stop!" Embarrassed, Yukino's back collided with the door, palms raised, when he stepped closer. "Don't even think about it!"

"Too bad." He shrugged, amused by her reaction.

She became more confident at the return of his easy-going behaviour. Her posture unstiffened, allowing her beatific features to relax into an impish smirk.

"As a matter of fact, I want my apology right now, Hachipervert-kun."

"I don't owe you anything because we're even. You bit me first, remember?"

Yukino exhaled in annoyance, she hated to admit he was right. Denying her position as the first aggressor would only make her look foolish, moreover, she couldn't afford to squander time now. She placed a trio of escaped strands behind her ear and decided to pursue her next agenda. With that delinquent girl in mind; one who wanted to sabotage what Yukino and Hachiman were trying to build. Yukino acknowledged the bitter truth. Saki was a distraction and threatened their time together.

She opted to exercise some deference in her delivery. "Then may I request something else of you, Hachiman-kun?" Her polite smile only elected to make Hachiman a little suspicious.

"Go on," he granted.

"Thank you." The girl's smile only strengthened at his acceptance. "Yesterday afternoon I sent an image of myself to be utilized as my profile picture in your contact file, I was hoping you could be so kind to return the gesture."

Hachiman itched his brow, scrunching his face. He had no issue with her request, it was just nauseating to deal with Yukino's – heck Saki too! – needless desire to glean every bit of personal data from him. "I'll do it now." He beckoned a curious Yukino closer, who was all too eager to sidle up close to his side. "I have a few you can pick from." The pleasant winey aroma of pomegranate reached his nostrils, once her ebony tresses tickled his chin as she positioned herself to get an eyeful of his iPhone screen.

Opposed to the vast majority of his era – more than 70% to be exact in Japan, he was a proud inactive participant in the social media world. He typically only utilised LINE, a messenger app. Allowing him to communicate with: Komachi, Izayoi and his mother (before the new additions). Simple and efficient. Izayoi was the one who engaged in all that malarkey and forced Hachiman to join him in a variety of different photos for his self-proclaimed 'momentous' Instagram profile. Which involuntarily led to Hachiman building quite the collage of photos.

From an otaku's jaded perspective, it reeked of the raijuu vanity. Go ahead judge him!

"This one seems adequate," Yukino remarked with keen interest, her sight fixated on the first image. Much to her unexpected joy, she admired Hachiman's appearance outside of his school uniform. Located in what seemed to be an exotic car, highlighted by the plush leather red seats he reclined in. Adorned in a blue Valentino, camouflage, cashmere sweatshirt that accentuated his stocky physique. His countenance was aloof, his curled left hand by his cheek. Yukino's attention was stolen by the ceramic blue watch adorning his wrist, drawn suspiciously at the clearly expensive timepiece.

It was smart but exuded a casual flare. He looked… handsome. She smiled. Invasive questions sailed and stormed in her brain as she saw one piece of the puzzle of his enigmatic life outside of school. She was eager to see more.

"May I see another?" she asked without removing her eyes from the screen. She ignored his impatient groan and readily waited for him to flick to the next image.

In this photo, located in an old-fashioned diner, Hachiman was standing firm in front of a long rosewood bar with a smidge of a smirk. His left hand holding his right forearm. Styled in a black Paul & Shark t-shirt on top of black, slim-fit ripped jeans. Held aloft by a black leather belt with two gold asymmetrical 'F's' on the buckle. Clean white Air Force 1s protected his feet. On his left wrist, he advertised a prominent-looking yellow-gold watch with a blue dial.

"Hmm, interesting." The ambiguous quality shading her voice earned an arched brow from the boy she slightly leaned against. Yukino was partial to the way his sleeves were filled out by his sculptured arms, she appreciated this photo more than the last. For reasons, she'd rather not expound upon. Moreover, it was evident he was outside the confinements of his home in both photos. Which revealed Hachiman was more adventurous than he tried to portray, compounded by the fact he had a zeal for fashion that blindsided her. An agreeable surprise.

Although, she struggled to ignore her suspicion of his questionable… expenditure. She wasn't an imbecile. She was a clever girl born from luxury; therefore, she knew extravagance when she saw it. Further investigation of the mysterious Hikigaya Hachiman was required. Excitement curled her luminous lips, it was similar to mystery novels she read, but in real life.

"What's so interesting?"

"Oh?" Serene in nature, Yukino veered her vision to him, smiling cheekily. "I'm surprised to see a misanthropic delinquent like yourself actually managing to look presentable in public. Whom shall I give the credit to?"

Hachiman grunted with a scowl etched on his face, annoyed to discover Yukino was correct in her assumption. That credit went directly to Izayoi and Komachi. They were his self-appointed stylists irrespective of his consent. Throughout his years, it was only thanks to them he was able to glean how to dress in a passable manner.

"Just tell me what picture you want between the two." His brusque growl emitted enjoyable vibrations along her body and broke Yukino's face into another smile as his reaction confirmed her presumption correct.

"Ah." Mild frustration crinkled her expression as Yukino crossed one arm and grasped her chin. "Forgive me. I'm struggling to decide between those two options," she lied like an orcas thread through the water. Without a doubt, she preferred the second one, but she wasn't obliged to disclose that. "Perhaps if I saw a few more it would help me reach a definitive decision…" she trailed off seemingly deep in the maze of indecision.

"You can't be…?!"-Hachiman slumped over in dismay and took multiple deep breaths. The line holding his patience was close to snapping. For the love of every living creature on earth please just pick a photo! If he was teleported to Eshima Ohashi Bridge at this very moment he'd jump off with the clothes on his back. Awaiting cerulean orbs observed him with a feigned level of innocence that the PSIA would struggle to discern.

"Hachiman-kun, is everything okay? You're breathing awfully heavy." Genuine concern overcame her as she frowned up at him, her eyes filled with worry.

"I'm alright…" He willed himself to calm down. Patience wasn't his strong suit.

"Are you certain? We can go to the nurse's office if you're-"

"I'm fine, Yukino. Thank you." He doubled down to end the topic, unsettled by her persistent compassion. Yukino remained silent for a moment and gave his entire frame a deliberate once over. She met his eye for an elongated period. Once she was satisfied with her assessment she spoke.

"Alright. If you're sure, we'll continue to browse for an adequate image."

He would not fall victim to the dainty shade painting her voice.

"You can see one more and that's it, okay." And that was final.

"That's fine, I have no disagreements with that." Her quick acceptance took Hachiman amiss, but he did not question his good fortune.

Already, Hachiman saw her locked onto his screen like a newborn vampire seeks blood. Or, again, was he being too dramatic and cynical in describing her rare show of enthusiasm? What a drag. He flicked his thumb to the next image in his gallery. This time he watched Yukino's face from the corner of his eye. At this proximity, he was enthralled by her sheer beauty and alluring scent. Spotless porcelain skin. Smooth-edged features like a shrine maiden. Full lips that he imagined pressing his lips against to truly discover if they were as soft as they looked.

Ignorant of his thoughts, Yukino kept her expression carefully neutral yet her gaze scrutinised the screen.

Beneath that veil, she was eager to view the last picture. Which predictably contained, Hachiman, this time sat on a purple sofa wearing a snug white 'I Love Chiba' t-shirt, sporting the same gold watch from the prior image on his left wrist. Along with black jogging bottoms covering his power sprinter legs. It would be accurate to guess this was Hachiman's living room. Yukino was very happy to note he actually wore a true smile in this one, but what truly made her gush – spurning an infinitesimal squeal from the girl - was the exotic four-legged creature lounging by his side.

"H-Hachiman-kun, is that an F1 generation Savannah Cat?" Yukino said, trying very hard to minimise the level of excitement she was experiencing out of her voice. Still, smidges of childlike joy leaked in, earning a fatigued groan from Hachiman. "You neglected to mention you owned such an exotic feline," Yukino spoke in a manner as if to castigate him for not informing her he owned a cat.

Hachiman rolled his eyes. She was being ridiculous. How was he supposed to be aware she expected obligatory information for something so specific and freaking random? He should've seen this coming a mile away from the cat-themed accessories littering her belongings. He needed to put an end to this.

"You can worry about my cat later. What you need to do is pick a photo or I'm walking out of here right now."

"Be reasonable, surely you can't expect me to rush my decision?" she admonished him softly, showing a hint of stubbornness.

Straight-faced, Hachiman walked to the door without pause.

"W-wait!" Yukino panicked, grasping the back of his blazer in a hasty motion. Relief flooded her system when he didn't exert resistance as she was incapable of stopping if he chose to try. Afraid she almost blew her chance, she remembered to not push her luck with Hachiman because he wasn't in any capacity diffident to her wilfulness. "May I suggest you send me all three and I can decide between them in my own time?"

He sighed and took her hand off his back in a gentle fashion while he turned to face her with a rock-hard stare. Yukino blushed at the temporary contact, at the same time morphing her expression into the most innocent display of sadness. In an attempt to appeal to his conscience. A stalemate ensued for several moments before Hachiman cracked.

"Fine."

Yukino couldn't stop her lips from stretching. "Thank you, Hachiman-kun."

"Then I don't want to hear another word about this. Is that understood?"

"Of course." She nodded her head in happy compliance, watching as he sent all three images to her phone.

Yukino blinked in momentary shock when he shoved his screen in her face. The evidence of three successfully sent images rested right before her eyes. Satisfied with the confirmation, a devious look crossed over her as she began to make her way to the door like she was in a hurry. Whilst one hand grasped the handle, impish cerulean orbs stared over her shoulder at the puzzled boy.

"And with that, our business has concluded. I bid you ado, Hachipredator-kun~"

And she was gone.

"That girl is as beautiful as she is crazy."

/~/

Alone in the quiet corridor leading to the tennis courts, Saki batted her index finger against her elbow in impatience. One foot rested up as she leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, a menacing scowl screwed on her face. Violet tractor beams surveyed left then right in a robotic motion like a CCTV searching for their next target. Wondering what sort of punishment, she could enforce on someone who seemed unshakable.

What could she even do to faze a super delinquent?

"Idiot…" she grumbled, making her wait down here like a fool. Playing these stupid games with her was only going to get him an earful. At the sound of soft footfalls homing in upon her position, Saki perked up and stared in the unknown character's direction. Already armed with a reproachful glare as the footsteps drew closer, awaiting the arrival of an amused Hachiman. Imagining his tall figure strutting towards her wearing that stupid, cocky smirk of his. A terrible combination of lackadaisical and competency. Like life was just so easy for him. Ugh! It drove her absolutely crazy!

She longed for the moment he arrived. If he was trying to provoke a reaction out of her with his antics, he damn sure was gonna get one. Tension flooded her veins in preparation for an argument. Indignation fuelled her, along with a droplet of thrill. The conflict between her and Hachiman brought about unexplainable feelings that she had no problem exploring. In addition to putting her foot down for respect!

Another person joined the lone girl in the corridor. Temporary confusion furrowed her brows as this person was much shorter than the one she expected. The wrong gender too, and they also weren't a member of her class. It was a girl most students of Sobu High would recognise by reputation alone. Sought after by boys ensnared before her beauty and envied by girls for the same thing. Stalking in her direction. Catlike grace moved her white school sneakers onward, the epitome of elegance.

Yukinoshita Yukino.

Saki wasn't fazed or impressed with her status, therefore she spared her not a lick of attention after the initial notice. It didn't do her any favours that their first-ever conversation ended on a sour note. As far as she was concerned, they had no further business together. The snobby girl's presence here was a coincidence and Saki was content to let her continue forth without interaction.

Tense silence cradled over the two females in the corridor, excluding the distant indistinct chatter of the school populace. The lone sound of Yukino's soft footsteps drawing closer was the only audible indicator. Time skidded to a halt once Yukino stopped. Silence strangled the hallway tighter than earlier. Rather than walking right past as Saki had anticipated. She paused less than a metre before her and faced her with folded arms.

Presenting a mocking twitch to her lips.

Saki scowled, already on the defensive.

"What the hell are you looking at?" she growled, body posture stiff, arms crossed.

Yukino's bland smile remained. "Shouldn't you be heading to class soon?"

"I don't need you to tell me the obvious," she rebutted, miffed at the audacity. "So, mind your own business, Girly."

"I meant no offence," her tone was gentle, though underlying a hint of coldness as she waved a calm hand through her hair. The 'Girly' nickname was not appreciated, thankfully, fortune would have her next words bring amusement to her eyes. "I wouldn't want to intrude on you meeting your, what do we say… secret admirer~"

Saki's mouth parted in shock. Infuriated to be bamboozled at the machination of this insensitive snob. A look of rage carved her face while Yukino only seemed to grow smugger at her loss of emotion.

"That was you!" she sneered, stomping her way forth before the shorter girl. "Don't involve me in your stupid games. You got that?" Face to face. From Violet to cerulean they sized each other up.

"Believe me, I am far from playing games." Yukino tilted her head with innocence. Confusion morphed into Saki's expression as the weird, ebony-haired girl began to circle her out of nowhere. Hands clasped behind her plaid skirt. She examined her shapely figure up and down like a model agent judging a potential client. "In a way, I could be seen as a secret admirer…" Yukino's gracious voice teased as she circled the harassed girl's back to return to her original position. It was true. Despite their differences, Yukino did admire the Kawasaki girl's beauty – albeit begrudgingly.

All the while Saki's guarded gaze remained locked on her like she was a poisonous snake that could strike at any moment. Embarrassed at the implied compliment, Saki became wary due to her indeterminate intentions.

"Just say what you want or go away," she said with a serious undertone.

Yukino smiled like ice. "Stay away from Hachiman-kun."

"W-what?" Saki was left perplexed at the frank abruptness. Questioning if she even heard the snobby girl correctly.

"I'm warning you to stay away from him because Hachiman-kun is far more dangerous than you'll ever know."

That answer made Saki stop short. The gripping memories of Hachiman's last night exploits flashed through her mind, wondering if he chose to share any of his misdoings with Yukino. Why else would she label him as dangerous or was this girl bluffing? From her short-term experience, it would be unlike Hachiman to divulge anything serious like his personal life. It had to be something else Yukino knew.

Whatever the case may be, Saki refused to budge.

"No, I ain't staying away." It was arrogant of her to think she could boss her around like these other idiots. Saki arched a critical brow. "And why should I, especially when you don't stay away yourself? He can't be that dangerous if you're still around him."

Yukino's face morphed into a very convincing image of selflessness, her palm resting upon her chest like that of a worried wife awaiting the safe return of her beloved husband at war. "See, what you fail to realise is I have made it my personal duty to assist and correct Hachiman-kun's virulent conduct and destructive nature, at the very risk of my own safety. That is why I must uphold my hands-on approach with him."

Saki rolled her eyes at the somewhat believable display; it would've certainly persuaded any of their usual naïve peers. If they were in better circumstances she would've been impressed as well as amused. "You'll have to forgive me for being a little sceptical." Still, she had to fight the tiny twitch of her lips. "But I have a hard time believing your intentions are so virtuous."

Yukino released a forlorn sigh, shaking her head with closed eyes. "I guess it can't be helped." At an unhurried, dramatic pace she shifted her head and hair to expose her neck before, like unveiling a fatal wound, removing her plaster. Revealing to Saki's widening eyes, discoloured red skin the size and shape of a man's lips on her neck. The bruise-like mark stood out like a sore thumb on her smooth porcelain skin.

"I was defenceless against his beastly urges," Yukino moaned as if she was emotionally scarred, painting an expression of a distraught woman. Yet her body posture was proud to flaunt the hickey. "It was only the timely intervention of a teacher that saved me from his true carnal desires. Otherwise, who knows how far he could've gone to seize his satisfaction..."

Fists and teeth clenched; Saki eyed the evidence of Hachiman's reign with an envious zeal. The haughty implications Yukino slew her way earned her anger. "Then why didn't you report him if you were so scared, huh?" she asked hotly.

"I was not scared." For a moment, Yukino couldn't resist furrowing her brows at the suggestion before she managed to school her features. Reapplying her plaster and correcting her hair, Yukino then grasped her elbows as she met Saki's glower with a satisfied smile. "Now the school exacting their punishment on him may be a short-term solution for some but what he truly needs is to remain close to his best handler for his long-term development."

"And that's you?" Saki scoffed, crinkling her face up.

Yukino smiled, palming her heart. "Who else but me?" she said in a tone brimming with pride, resulting in a derisive snort from the taller girl. Yukino appeared sympathetic when Saki glared aside. "You must understand I take no joy in enforcing boundaries." Her tenor became kind as she drew closer to the visibly grated classmate of Hachiman. She raised an unseen palm to take grasp of celeste strands, admiring the silky texture between her fingertips. "Beautiful," she intoned, the compliment was one of honesty.

Outside of family, Saki was by and large not a tactile girl, therefore her mind took a few seconds to register the distinct feeling of someone caressing her bangs beside her cheek.

"H-hey!" Hence why Saki's head whipped back to Yukino so fast she penetrated the sound barrier. "W-what are you d-doing?" she squealed whilst her violet eyes flared into an expression of flustered bewilderment at her invasive behaviour. Never did she think that a stuck-up girl like Yukino would initiate physical contact in this tender way plus praise her at the very same time.

The bashful Saki experienced a harmonious sensation vibrating throughout her frame. As, unbeknownst to them, Yukino replicated Hachiman's actions on the roof down to a tee which left Saki in a bizarre déjà vu tizzy.

All the while, Yukino never ceased her caress. Tilting her head like a feline, she never broke her silence observing Saki's loss of composure due to her ministrations. She was unused to earnest, positive reinforcement. Yukino's secreted smile was fit for a predator. "Kawasaki-san." Grace and compassion flavoured her tone, drawing shy violet eyes to hers. Emitting less defiance than before. "We are not enemies. What I am doing is purely for your safety. I truly fear Hachiman-kun may be unable to stop himself from doing the same to you and I would like to avoid you becoming another victim of his urges, for you see, Hachiman-kun is a predator to beautiful girls like us."

Self-conscious and red-faced, Saki stared at her tongue-tied. The hand opposed to the one caressing Saki's hair made an elaborate gesture to both females' physical attributes. A collage of well-toned curves, mellifluous tresses and gorgeous faces.

It was true. Yukino was logical in her assessment. She would not deny the obvious that Saki and she were very attractive and Hachiman would struggle to contain his carnal desires around them, thus, they had to minimise the casualties.

Saki's composure took another tremor as she was struck off guard by the left-side compliment. She never expected her average looks to ever be acknowledged on the same level as someone as beautiful and renowned as Yukinoshita Yukino. Heard exclusively, straight from the horse's mouth and free from the underhanded mockery typically accompanied with phoney schoolgirl compliments.

Upon seeing weakness, Yukino drew closer and brought her lips to Saki's ear to deliver a cold whisper.

"One victim is enough."

Saki shivered at the iciness shading her words, cool breath tickling her ear. The implication of her statement flipped a switch inside of her, spurred on by the look of cold satisfaction upon Yukino's face. The Yukinoshita girl was stunned when a sudden growl escaped Saki's mouth, fire alight in her eyes, and finally batted the hand away from her hair.

"Listen, Girly."

Yukino's satisfied expression was wiped clean from her face.

"I don't care what you say. I ain't runnin' away like you want me to." Growing in confidence, Saki allowed a sly smile to own her lips before in a rare display of feminine grace she twirled her head aside, thereby highlighting her slender neckline. "Even if it means I become a victim of Hachiman too." To add salt to the wound, Saki ran a deliberate, suggestive finger down the clear expanse of smooth skin on her neck. "I don't think I could do anything to stop him either."

Yukino gritted her teeth, hands balled at her skirt. Why did this always happen to her? Why?! Why could she never have anything for herself? There was always an interference. A roadblock, a cage. Just like in the past when they!- 'Calm down!' She reigned in her temper and then sighed in disappointment. "You should listen to my warning." A dark look tainted her eyes.

This time Saki was the one to step closer with the same dark look. "Or else what?" she challenged, as they sized each other up.

Tension sizzled in the corridor originating from the combating females. Once more, it was ice against thunder. Face to face. Cerulean clashing violet.

Before the angered Yukino could respond they were suddenly interrupted by a trio of chattering girls swarming in. With one last trade of cold looks, the girls were quick to separate and maintain a respectable distance. The unspoken agreement to keep their dispute private.

Yukino gave her a fake smile. "Goodbye, Kawasaki-san."

Saki returned the smile, though, mischief gleamed in her eye. "If you need help again don't hesitate to ask, Yukinoshita."

Yukino struggled not to lose it when the passing girls gave very curious stares and animated mutterings at their unexpected interaction. They were astonished to see the Yukinoshita Yukino – the girl who stood second in all subjects throughout the school - asking Kawasaki Saki for help of some sort.

Once the girls departed, Yukino gave a dismissive once over Saki's form, their glaring eyes met for a strangled moment of silence before they both briskly marched away in opposite directions.

"Hn!" They were both too lost in their feelings to notice they grunted in perfect unison.

/~/

This is complete and utter bullshit. Discrimination at its finest. Why was he reprimanded for his earnest preferences? A frustrated sigh fled as Hachiman trudged toward the faculty office through the emptying hallways, hands plopped inside his pockets. He ambled by students heading home or leaving for clubs while some loitered in the halls to chat until he came upon the faculty office.

Blinking lazily, he opened the door to the staff room to view the sparsely populated room. A few teachers spared him an inquisitive glance before shelving his common presence. It was customary for most teachers to know who dealt with him whenever he came here at this point. None of them envied the person who held that burden. He took no offence; he acknowledged the fact he was a pain in the ass to deal with and his infamous reputation preceded him.

Arrogant. Brash. Lazy. Cold.

Even though they'd never admit it, most teachers were just as intimidated by him as his peers. He wouldn't have it any other way, the fewer people wanted to poke the sleeping lion the more he wasn't troubled. Unfortunately, the one teacher who carried no reservations about being a disturbance in his life was more than happy to pester him for his behaviour.

Speaking of the pugnacious woman, she wasn't slumped over her desk with her usual expression of dissatisfaction as she drilled through her paperwork. Chin butted in her palm, ripe red lips pouting. Instead, he was surprised to find her station empty. The surprise lasted for no more than five seconds as he managed to pinpoint her distinctive scent of cigarettes overlapped by Italian bergamot combined with vanilla.

Closing the staff room door behind him, he went deeper into the office and approached the consultation room. Where he heard two well-known female voices in a discussion. His acute hearing made him privy to the details with great clarity.

"It's not as difficult as you make it seem, give yourself some credit."

"I know that. I… just, um, need more time to find the right people…"

"As I said before, I'd be more than happy to ask for you if want me to."

"N-No! I mean, uh, you don't have to do that for me, I can do it. Just give me a little more time."

"Fine. Just remember the clock is ticking and If I see no progress, I'm doing it for you. You got that?"

"Tch! Yes, sensei…"

"Good!"

Unannounced, he opened the door and immediately drew the startled eyes of two females. The consultation section was a quaint room with white walls and brown linoleum floors. Furnished with two, double leather chairs, grey, with black metal armrests. In between the two sofas was a glass table, currently housing his sensei's ashtray and some documents.

"Ah! There you are, Hikigaya!" Hiratsuka cheered with an earnest smile, her bottom resting on the sofa opposite the female student she was consulting. "I thought I'd have to hunt you down." She jibed, taking a drag from her cigarette, painted lips expelled a plume of smoke with practised ease. Across from her, Saki sat with her arms crossed, regarding him with delighted surprise before she sent him a shy smile and a subtle head nod.

He returned her nod, which produced a relieved grin from Hiratsuka. The earlier tension between them was gone therefore it was safe to assume they resolved their issues. Hachiman made no effort to enter the room like he wasn't planning to stay long.

"My bad." He sent them a faux apologetic look with a hand raised and began to ease away from the door. "I can see you're already busy with Saki so I can come back another ti-"

"Don't even think about it, mister! You're not going anywhere!" Shizuka barked as she raised a 'mighty' fist. Old habits die hard. She traded amused smiles with Saki at his shameless attempt to sliver out of this.

"It was worth a shot," he sighed before shutting the door, trudging into the room to stand beside the seated Saki. The seventeen-year-old girl was in his usual spot, therefore he neglected to sit down. The less time dealing with this crap the better. He crossed his arms and stared at his teacher who picked up an application from the table. "Let's just quickly get this over with."

Hiratsuka gave him a heartfelt frown and shook her head in disappointment at his dismissive attitude. "I thought we'd already gone over this, Hikigaya." She took a slow drag from her cigarette before levelling the blithe boy with a condemnatory stare. "You know damn well you were way out of order for submitting that disreputable application. What you did was immature and I expected better of you! I mean househusband?! Seriously?! Hasn't the time you've spent in the Service Club changed you at all?"

"If you're expecting me to change, I wouldn't hold your breath."

Shizuka rumbled whilst her face scrunched up. "I hate men who are too stubborn to understand." Hachiman rolled his eyes; a daily dose of misandry keeps the snivels away.

Saki was startled when their sensei slammed Hachiman's application on the glass table, aiming a glare hot enough to burn the paper to ashes. The momentum skated the paper along the glass until it ran to a stop in front of her. Curious about the contents, she stole a peek and immediately shared Hiratsuka-sensei's disappointment.

With an exasperated expression, she shot the tallboy who stood beside her a look of judgement. "Idiot, you should take this stuff seriously." It's not like he was stupid. Far from it. He was just being lazy and too big-headed to listen to instructions.

Hachiman took his attention off his sensei's glare to direct it towards the violet orbs screwing up at him. He quirked a brow as if amazed by her comment. "Wow! I didn't know you were a guidance counsellor too, Saa-chan. How commendable of you," he deadpanned.

"Don't… call me t-that," she gritted out with a scowl before avoiding his gaze to hide her bright blush. "…Idiot."

He smirked down at her head; it was obvious she found the nickname very embarrassing. He then directed his glare to his teacher, his tone shaded by righteous indignation as sent a pointed stare to his application on the table. "Doesn't this go against the school code of ethics? This is a breach of my confidentiality. Saki's comments have crippled my confidence."

"Oh please! If anything, you're overconfident." Shizuka snorted with an incredulous expression. "You're the last person I want to hear speaking about ethics. Besides…" She smiled at Saki in approval. "Saki is absolutely right about you needing to take this more seriously."

His point about ethics was plausible, but she was right about the fact he didn't truly care in the slightest. Which meant the chances of him putting forth the effort to enforce his case were nil.

The eldest in the room batted the ashes of her cig in her ashtray as she stole another pull. An exhaling Shizuka crossed her shapely legs, looping an arm over the backrest. "Anyway, you're rewriting your workplace visit survey." The bouncing of her intersected leg displayed her irritation, yet they inadvertently allowed Hachiman's eyes to appreciate her scrumptious thighs stretching tightly against her work pants.

Despite the arousing sight, Hachiman groaned, why couldn't they just grant him this one boon? There's no point in touring a place he had no intention of visiting again or at the least near future. "Workplace tours are irrelevant. My stellar grades are more than enough to see me through to the top universities in the world."

Before Shizuka could form her rebuttal, Saki interjected, it was evident in her sour expression she was miffed by his boastful and cavalier attitude.

"That isn't an excuse to slack off, hirers also look for proof of initiative and work ethic too, not just grades."

Hachiman whipped a glare in her direction that told her to shut up and keep her logical arguments to her damn self. She just smiled innocently in return.

Shizuka's red grin was as bright as the stars, pride shining in her silver eyes. "I couldn't have said it any better," she praised the reserved girl. Like the flick of a switch, her sweet tone turned stern. "Hikigaya, as punishment you are to help Saki form a workplace tour group, and with your inclusion, you can assist her to find one more student to complete the group of three."

Saki's eye's widened with alarm. "Sensei! Y-you don't have-"

Her tongue stilled once Hiratsuka's raised her palm. "That's enough, Saki. This is for the best." She faced a surprised and dismayed Hachiman who wasn't aware that the tours were done in groups. "While you'd rather slack off and not put in any effort, Saki here decided to use her own initiative and was able to seek out her own company of choice, not offered by the school. She took a risk in her personal time and was rewarded by being welcomed to tour the popular, Sweet fashion magazine, editorial company." Shizuka's praise and proud smile caused Saki to become shy.

Hachiman blinked in shock, turning to the girl in question. "Is this true?"

"Y-yeah," murmured Saki, peering up at him from under her lashes. "I'm kinda into fashion and s-stuff." She fiddled with her jittery fingers, embarrassed of sharing her interests. She was nervous Hachiman would judge her differently.

What was just revealed was new information to him. Hachiman breathed out his nose with tolerance as he sunk into the chair beside Saki, he swung a lazy arm along with the sofa backrest, scowling at the floor. This involuntarily splattered jam across Saki's face, when his long arm stretched behind her back like they were a couple at the movies.

"Fine." Hachiman massaged a hand on his tired face, reclining in the seat. "I'll acquiesce and help Saki find a final member so we can go to where she wants, plus it sure beats letting people from school come into my house. I would've never made that my choice if I knew it was in groups of three." If he ever needed a lesson to stop zoning out, this was one of them.

Saki gave him a shy smile that showcased her gratitude, unable to contain her excitement. "T-thank you!" Reinvigorated with the hope that she would succeed in her goal, she couldn't wait to get home and revise her knowledge of the fashion industry and meticulously rescript through her design portfolio.

Watching over them, Shizuka grinned, she was happy to see two of her favoured students get along, especially considering their tension in the morning.

"Ahhh!"

Suddenly all eyes shot to the door – which barrelled open - at the girlish yell. Where a peach-haired girl stood, pointing her finger at Hachiman as if she had successfully tracked down a fugitive after days of searching.

"There you are!"

"Hello, Yuigahama." Shizuka smiled at her youthful exuberance. "Can you please not scream in the teacher's office?" she chastised softly. Meanwhile, Hachiman frowned at her arrival. Why didn't she just wait for him in the clubroom? It'd only complicate things here, the girl next to him apparently found his frustration amusing as she procured a tiny grin.

"O-opps!" Yui blushed in embarrassment and slapped a hand over her mouth. "Hi, sensei, sorry for yelling." Once she had overcome her surprise she took in her surroundings and became stumped. Hachiman and the quiet girl from their class, Saki, sat right beside each other, his arm stretched behind her back.

Amid Yui's malfunction, making her grand entrance into the room was Yukino, the sight of her drove a subtle grimace on Saki's face. She waltzed forth with an impassive countenance her movement saved Yui from her momentary mental lapse as she followed in tandem. Despite never talking to each other, Yui was polite enough to send Saki a smile and brief wave, in return the seated girl nodded. Yukino exchanged greetings with Hiratsuka-sensei before she faced Hachiman with her arms folded, internally fuming at Hachiman's current seating arrangement.

Of course, surreptitious looks of annoyance were fired back and forth between Yukino and Saki.

"You were taking your sweet time to come to the clubroom, so we had to go and look for you, or more specifically Yui was." She glanced at an indignant Yui next to her side to illustrate her point. Yet the veil behind her azure eyes aired her own impatience at his tardiness and more importantly his immediacy with this Kawasaki girl.

"You don't need to stress that distinction, Yukino, I know you really missed me. Love the hairstyle by the way," he teased with a suggestive smirk as he rose a brow, blatantly raking his eyes along her neckline.

That was all it took to crack her inexpressive mask. Yukino blushed hard under his leer, whipping her gaze elsewhere. "You're d-disgusting." Saki frowned and crossed her arms as she rose one smooth leg over the other.

"Hey!" Yui butted in with a stroppy expression. "Don't forget about me." She folded her arms and faced away from him with her eyes closed in frustration. "I even went around asking people if they'd seen you." She opened her palms outward. "And nearly everyone got scared and told me to leave them alone!" She balled her fists to her chest and moped in his face with a glower. "It was super embarrassing!"

Hachiman looked at her blankly. "I fail to see how that is my problem."

"You're being mean again!" Yui pouted, stomping her foot on the ground.

"Hikigaya." Shizuka smiled softly. "Please play nice," she pleaded, earning energetic head nods of agreement from Yui as she chimed in a righteous, 'yeah, be nicer, Hikki!' Meanwhile, Saki and Yukino gave Shizuka sharp looks for her weird tone when addressing Hachiman.

Hachiman rolled his eyes. "My bad, Yuigahama." That was all she was getting in terms of an apology.

In response, Yui twirled her back to him to hide her red cheeks. "Well, not like it really matters." Ruby eyes peered behind as she poked her index fingers together nervously. "But, um… give me your number." She exploded around with a serious glare painted on her scarlet face, her finger raised. "I mean, like, it's totally weird to have to run around looking for you and embarrassing too!" Her timid stare rooted to the floor as she rubbed her fists together. "And getting asked what relationship we're in is like…" she trailed off lamely, flashing a sidelong stare at his face. "Totally wrong."

"I concur, Yuigahama-san. I must sympathise with you for being forced to explain your association with Hachicreep-kun," Yukino taunted, amusement dancing in her cerulean eyes. "How tragic." Her sarcasm earned a sigh from Hikigaya. Shizuka snickered; always finding joy in their banter while the quiet Saki sharply observed all the attention – the suddenly popular - Hachiman was getting from the girls.

Hachiman shrugged, bored of the conversation already. "Fine by me," he drawled. Was he hosting the mobile number exchange Olympics? He'd done this dance enough times to know it was annoying. Three girls requested his number in under twenty-four hours, all in the same room at that.

Yui beamed at him, then seemed wary as a bead of sweat lined her forehead. She stared down at the expensive iPhone with hesitation, the device felt large in her small hand. "You want me to enter it?" Uncertainty coloured her voice as she watched Hachiman slouch back on the sofa, eyes shut, with his arms folded behind his head. He looked like he could fall asleep at a moment's notice. "And I'm kinda surprised you'd hand your phone to someone like that."

"I trust you won't do anything malicious."

Her peach hair shadowed her eyes before she allowed a touched smile to morph her lips. True to her social butterfly nature, Yui's glittery pink flip phone whizzed out and she began tinkering away at ludicrous speeds. Outside Yui's field of view, two sets of eyes regarded her with caution.

His eyebrows rose in shock. "You type pretty fast, don't you?" All the other girls in the room agreed, they were all quick in their own right but Yui had them beaten.

"I'm average," she said casually, alternating her eyes between both screens, everyone gave her incredulous stares. "And, like, you sure your fingers aren't just weak because you don't have anyone to text?" Oh? The supposedly nice girl had some bite to her tongue.

"How rude." Even though his expression displayed not even a hint of offence. It was more of a matter-of-fact statement than a rebuke. "I hate texting people anyway. Most of the time, it's a chore." His eyes closed; he tilted his head to the ceiling as the girls listened in curiosity. Saki and Yukino raced along the same train of thought and believed that they'd be the sole eventual exception to that preference. "What I hated the most was when my ex-girlfriend would continuously text me pointless things throughout the whole day." He grimaced recalling the aggravating memory.

"No way…"

Displaced air and an unnerved exhale attacked Hachiman's heightened senses. His vision snapped open and his hand blurred out to snatch his descending iPhone from the air with acute deftness. Thereby, saving his device from colliding against the hard floor. Thank God! No one liked the heartache feel of their precious mobile impacting the unforgiving ground of doom. Punishing it with scratches, cracks and system jitters.

Void of noise, the only sound among the party of five were the birds tweeting outside and the unintelligible chatter of the school populace. Yui, Saki and Yukino have stunned, horrified expressions warped on their faces, they stared at him as if they'd just seen a ghost whilst Shizuka simply displayed astonishment.

Irritated, Hachiman scowled harshly at Yui who in the lengthy silence came to the gradual realisation of what she'd done. "Be more careful, Yuigahama! That's no way to treat someone's belongings." The fierce heat in his deep timbre struck a shiver up the peach-haired girl's spine.

Yui gulped and immediately bowed her head at the waist, eyes clenched shut. "I'm so, so sorry, Hikki! I didn't mean to drop your phone; I was just really surprised! Please forgive me!"

He sighed as the poor girl was very worried, he wouldn't forgive her. She was damn near prostrating herself before him. He raised a placating palm, wielding an impassive expression. "Relax. I forgive you, just please be more careful next time. Understood?"

"Y-yes, won't happen again! Promise!" Yui sighed with relief and a hand on her beating heart.

Nevertheless, tense silence continued to strangle the room. Confused, Hachiman frowned as he itched his cheek as the uncomfortable tension in the room lingered further.

"Umm… Hikki?" Yui probed gently. She spared a careful look to the other girls in the room and an unspoken agreement shipped between them. "Can you, like, tell us how did you end up with a… g-girlfriend?" Although she desperately tried to hide it, her interest in the topic was palpable enough to flood the room.

"Hmm?" His lazy gaze drifted to the ceiling again, reclined back against the leather. "It's not really a story worth tellin-"

"I certainly wouldn't be averse to hearing about Hachiman-kun's past… conquests." Yukino's eye-closed smile emanated a coldness that could freeze over a volcano as her head swivelled in his direction. "Please enlighten us, Hachiman…kun." That without a doubt sounded like an order. Not a request by any measure.

"I mean, it's not really a big deal to tell us a little bit. Right, Hachiman? Better right here, right now, instead of later. Right, Hachiman?" Saki droned on; her emotionless gaze locked on his frame like a Heatseeker missile. The illusion of choice was a scary concept when enforced.

"C'mon, Hikigaya, the girls would love to hear more about your wonderful time in a… relationship. More importantly, this is a good chance for you to open up." With her chin in her hands and elbows on her knees. Something about Shizuka's sweet smile was unnerving as her clouded silver eyes stared him down.

He regarded each of them in turn and saw no sign of indecision. Upon seeing they were extremely adamant about this topic, he groaned as he massaged his eyes again. Denying one could possibly work but all four of them at once would only push him into a world of cattiness and harassment until they got what they wanted.

"Okay-okay, fine. I'll tell you."

Hung on his every word they all leaned forward as one in high-strung anticipation.

Hachiman's broad shoulders sagged as he exhaled heavily. High school sucked.


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