A/N :

Apologies for the late upload. Things got a bit hectic the last couple days. Thank you for leaving comments on the previous chapter. I was able to read them all and also have taken some into consideration.

In this chapter, there will be a couple Original Characters I've created (Sachiko and Kage). These OCs are made for the soul purpose of moving the plot. They're by no means going to be part of the overall story while this series continues to be written.

This story is first a Hikio x Yumiko shipping, if you have yet to pick up on the subtle hints. There are some slight deviations with character personalities but I always try to do my best to keep true with how they're originally portrayed, so I hope it doesn't cause too much of a reading issue. It's my job as a writer/creative to bring new light to unfamiliar/unknown situations.

I do apologize for any grammar or punctuation error that I missed. Still doing the best I can. I hope you enjoy this second chapter.

Chapter Two - Challenge

-Yumiko Miura POV-

Me and him? Honestly. After thinking about it last night, was that really Yukinoshita's grand plan in helping me out with Hayato? What I need to be doing right now is focusing on this tennis match. And yet, the thought of it still lingers in my head. Hikio huh… No! There's gotta be a better way! This is so frustrating to think about! Damn it Yukinoshita! What was going through your head when you came up with such a proposal? Today, I completely ignored that self-absorbed idiot. How could I possibly look at him with such a straight face, now that the concept of us dating is lodged into my brain. I swear I AM losing brain cells from thinking about it so much. Maybe if I pry a little harder at Hayato… then maaaybe… he might just…

Hina: "That's forty love Yumiko. Totsuka has you beat. Can we call it a day already. Watcha say?"

Hina referees my after school tennis match, while Saika is supposed to help clear my mind from all this stress thinking. But he's not doing a very good job at all. I would have never lost focus in an actual match if my mind wasn't so flustered. Ugh! So annoying! We've been out here for a little over forty minutes now, but I can't go home just yet. I call out to Hina.

Yumiko: "That was clearly out-of-bounds! Call it right next time!"

Totsuka: "We've been at this for a while now Yumiko. Other students are waiting for their chance to use the court."

Yumiko: "Saika, I reserved this court specifically for today. I can stay here as long as I want. Classes are over now anyways."

Totsuka: "Yeah but even the Boys Tennis Club left already. How long are you planning on practice for?"

Yumiko: "Until I'm satisfied! Come Hina, let's start another match."

Hina: "Ehh… umm… maybe we should call it a day. These students are giving us a very ugly look."

I turn around to gauge out the students waiting. I guess the court is getting rather crowded. Some of them I recognized from the Girls Tennis Club. It's times like these, that I wish I did join a club; so is to have an excuse. But today I have a day off from work and shopping is out of the question.

It's all that Yukinoshita girl's fault for putting such a stupid idea in my head. That being said, it's not like I'm obligated to follow her up on the offer. But then again, no matter how many times the idea ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTS me, she did come up with a strong resolution. It's something that I still need to think over. Seriously thought it would be an overnight kinda decision, guess not. I can only, truly see myself going out with Hayato, whether the situation is real or pretend.

Yumiko: "Saika! Serve another ball! What are you waiting for?"

Totsuka: "Whawhat?! But Yumiko…"

Yumiko: "Come on now, you heard me."

?: "Like seriously?! Get off the court already!"

Who in their right mind said that?! I turn around once again to face the agitated crowd. I petite girl with twin-tails walks right up to me and starts to scowl."

Sachiko: "Look, long legs, I don't know who you think you are, but read the room! Get gone already."

This little…

Yumiko: "I reserved this court for today. So you and everyone waiting should just leave."

Sachiko: "Yeah, no. Me and my freshman team have a tourney coming up and I need all the practice I can get. So move it, blondie. Oh wait, are you a foreigner? Maybe you can't understand me."

This pint-size brat shoves me out the way, while mocking me. She obviously doesn't know who I am. The girls behind her chuckle to their amusement. So these brats are freshman. Were they always this annoying?

Hina: "Yumiko, this isn't really the time to start a fight with an underclassman."

Totsuka: "For real Yumiko, as their seniors, we have to set a good example for them."

Yumiko: "Like I'd ever stoop so low to picking a fight with this freshman wannabe."

Sachiko: "Pa-lease! 'Set a good example'? Ms. Blondie can't even win a 'set' against Saika. The Boy's Tennis Club's weakest player. You'll all be forgotten by the time you graduate anyways. Then it'll be our turn to 'set a good example'."

Hina: "Totsuka, see any resemblance? It's kinda like Yumiko is looking at herself in a mirror. Don'tcha think?"

Totsuka: "Yeah, you're kinda right! Even her come backs are pretty harsh."

Yumiko: "I heard that you two!"

Hina: "SO SORRY YUMIKO!"

Totsuka: "Yeah, sorry Yumiko-chan."

Sachiko: "Ummm, gross. Like she could ever measure up to me."

Yumiko: "Check yourself pint size. What are you 4'8"?"

This Palm-top bitch gnarls at me as her face begins to change colors. Awe, I think I touched a nerve. She gonna cry? Whatevs! I know she's just trying to psych me out. Can't let her get to me.

Sachiko: "It's 5'0" exactly! You think you're hot stuff because you're so tall and blonde and have all the boys fawning over you?! Obvi, you have NO real skill in tennis. I on the other hand, am ranked as the best player in my class! It's embarrassing and rather hard to watch my senpai show a lack of tact on the court! so you should quit while you're ahead. That is, unless you enjoy losing to such a pathetic player like Saika!"

I furiously slam my racket on the ground, clench my fists, and grind my teeth. I invade her personal space, yanked her shirt, and hoisted her up so that her toes are barely touching the court floor. My mind goes blank for a split second as she continues to get under my skin. She's not going to get away with insulting me or my friends like that.

Sachiko: "You wanna go, senpai?"

Hina: "Yumiko! Calm down."

Yumiko: "I will not let some nobody get away with insulting me nor Saika! A week from now! 15:00 hours!"

As fierce of a gaze I exude onto her, she doesn't falter the least. Instead she puts on a smug face. I admit, her tough girl act is pretty good.

Sachiko: "Fine by me. Now can you like, put me down? Jeez! What beastly hands!"

I lower her back down. But not because she told me to! GAH! I so wanna teach this child a lesson right now, but I'm not in the right head space to beat her in a fair match. From behind the crowd, a male student comes up front. He's rather tall and muscular. He a freshman too? I assume he has some relations to this rude underclassman?

Kage: "Sachi-chan, what's going on here? Are you causing another scene? What did we just talk about the other day?"

Sachiko: "This high and mighty bitch doesn't wanna share the court. I didn't start anything. All I did was say what everyone else was thinking."

This giant of a man turns my way. What now, is he gonna tackle me?

Kage: "I'm deeply sorry for my girlfriend's reaction, Ms. Miura."

Girlfriend? The two of them are dating? How ridiculous! I could only imagine her on a step ladder if they ever wanted to share a kiss or something. And what's up with this meat-head? Does he have a thing for lolis or what? Gross.

Sachiko: "Hey! What the hell babe?! Don't apologize like that! Gawd you're so useless. How do you even know her name?"

Kage: "Well, we are in the same grade."

Sachiko: "Right, sometimes I forget that."

At least it seems like my reputation does go as far as other students knowing who I am. Still at the summit.

Yumiko: "Whatever, I've suddenly lost my interest in all this. You should really be more mindful of your elders."

I pick up my racket and join myself with Saika and Hina as we stroll off. But as we were just about to exit the crowded court, that oaf of a girl calls me out.

Sachiko: "You better not stand me up Princess! Remember, 15:00 hours next Tuesday!"

I ignore her. I could care less about that stupid date.

Totsuka: "You're not really gonna fight her are you Yumiko-chan?"

Yumiko: "Huh? Of course not! Where'd you get that idea?! I was thinking more of a tennis match, not a brawl. What am I, uncivilized? It was just in the heat of the moment, that's all. There's too many things going on now that we're seniors, to even consider such trivial things."

Hina: "I knew all along you were just putting up an act! You're so cool! You wouldn't really get into a fight with an underclassman. That's so beneath you."

Yumiko: "Yeah, well. She certainly pissed me off. There won't be any kind of fight or tennis match. I've already put it behind me."

Hina: "I mean, You were kinda being stubborn and hogging the court!"

Yumiko: "Hina, you're one bad phrase from getting the silent treatment."

Hina: "Hehe, sorry. But you gotta admit, she kinda does remind me of you. Even if it's just a little bit."

Yumiko: "Hina! Drop it!"

Even though Hina is one of my closest friends, I can't just speak to anyone about my situation with Hayato. This is something delicate and timely. If I could just get the step up, then maybe he'll forget about it... We're seniors now and things only move forward from here. If he's with me, then we can move forward together. There's no other way. Because of that, I gotta tip the scales in my favor. No matter how dirty I have to play.

Totsuka: "Hina really doesn't know when to stop, huh Yumiko-chan."

Hina: "I'M SO SORRY!"

I'm the same way Saika. I don't know when to stop either. I look over at a distance and catch the Service Club members dispersing for the evening. As they exit the school grounds, the group of three go their separate ways. Looks like Yukinoshita and Yui are walking together. Hikio waves bye at the two female club members as he heads the opposite direction. He's always slouching! Doesn't he know that makes you look pathetic?! Guys lacking a backbone seriously pisses me off.

-Hachiman Hikigaya POV-

Two days go by since the initial request from Fire Queen. But I'm in luck, no contact nor response. I guess I can safely conclude that she chickened out at the idea. And I'm okay with that!

Lunch time arrives as I head out to my usual spot, but not before grabbing the usual Chiba special, a MAXIS canned coffee... but not really. Our school fails in providing me my desired beverage. Maybe next time I should just pack a couple cans in my book bag. It's my addiction, but nowhere in Japanese law prohibits such addictions to minors. Caffeine, my life blood. Yet maybe I should consider lowering my dosage, or maybe it's Ms. Hiratsuka's eagerness to quit smoking, that's rubbing off on me.

I look out to the tennis club as I show some sort of interest in their match. Well, more so interests in Totsuka's elegant swing. We really need to catch up one of these days. It's lunch hour and yet he finds time to squeeze in some tennis practice. True dedication really is a noble and rather attractive trait in finding a partner. Wait, what am I saying right now? Am I actually blushing? Soon as lunch hour started, it also ends abruptly.

The dread from these afternoon classes are so monotonous. When is that final bell going to chime my sweet release of such boredom? If I didn't know any better, this week had been rather discreet; since that day in the clubroom, anyway. Hopefully I'm not wrong in shutting the books on this case with Miura. Going out with that narcissist, even if it is just pretend, will surely take a toll on my mental state. We just aren't compatible no matter how many times you twist the truth to make it look believable. A mere child would be able to pick up on those ques by glancing at us.

Finally, the bell rings as Ms. Hiratsuka dismisses her class. I'm quick to pack my books but as I turn to glance over at Yuigahama, I accidentally make eye contact with those olive green snake-like pupils instead. Crap! I avert my gaze back to packing my belongings and rush out the classroom and made my way to the Service Club. I stand right outside the door before entering; took in a deep sigh, then opened the door. Finally, a stoic yet easier face to ricochet to, Yukinoshita, you don't know how happy I am to see you. Yuigahama soon follows after with her usual 'Yahello' greeting.

Yukino: "I'm surprised you're actually here Hikigaya. I figured you'd have your hands full with Miura. But then again, you were here yesterday too."

Hachiman: "I'm pretty sure she bailed at the idea of us dating. There's no other reason. We hardly made any contact since the beginning of this week. But, I'm not one to complain about such joyous outcomes."

Yui: "Now that you mention it, she hadn't mentioned you nor the whole boyfriend/girlfriend thing at all."

The sounds of it coming out of Yuigahama's mouth, resonates obscurely. It could have come out of anyone's mouth and hearing the words boyfriend/girlfriend relating to me, would sound laughable. Maybe at an early point in my life, I would have been more open to the idea. But now, I'm too content with where I am with myself.

Yui: "Aren't you a bit least concerned, Hikki?"

Hachiman: "Like I said, I'm actually fine by it. I'm overly joyed and ecstatic. I may not exude any kind of energy, but in my head, I could hardly contain my excitement. Besides, the sheer ridiculousness of the idea, probably crossed her mind too."

The two girls look at me as if though I'm an alien from another galaxy. Do they not believe me when I tell them I'm ecstatic with my current situation? I guess a normal person would try to put on a smile for the sake of exhibiting joyous grief. Yet the option to even grin had already been expunged due to disturbing my two club members with my lack of sensibility. Countless times, I'm told I look like a creep when I smile. So in this case, I would choose to be that alien from a distant galaxy.

Yukino: "Interesting. I believed her when she said she'd do anything. I guess it can't be helped. We can mark this as a failure in our books. Sorry Yuigahama. I know she's a good friend of yours. It's too bad we can't really do anything more to help her out."

Yui: "You don't need to apologize Yukinon. You can't please everyone, and it's foolish to think otherwise. Right? It also works out for Hikki. He doesn't have to subject himself with something he never wanted to do in the first place. Besides, I'm sure Yumiko already found another way to get Hayato's attention."

Hachiman: "She's right, you gave it your best solution to an unrealistic proposition. So you have no reason to apologize. It just wasn't meant to go down that route, Yukinoshita. A great idea, but rather unrealistic if you think about it. Hayama would have seen that it was a ploy by Miura and the Service Club from a mile away. He's not your typical idiot."

Yui: "Hikki!"

Hachiman: "What? Just speaking the truth."

Yukino: "Guess you're right, Hikigaya. This is why all the unorthodox situations are in your favor and not mine. Nonetheless, I didn't want you to feel obligated to come to the clubroom if you were on this case. Yuigahama and I would have been fine with just the two of us."

Hachiman: "No it's not fine. I still wouldn't want to feel left out from any club stuff. Plus I'd be seriously behind in points, if I go MIA just from one case."

Yui: "Well seeing that this case is officially over, it's no problem for you to come back, Hikki!"

Hachiman: "Thanks, even though it hadn't felt like I really left to begin with."

The day ends normally for the Service Club; afterward, I head home. Thus, the rest of the week continued on like normal. Although I had already given up on the idea, I couldn't help but wonder why Miura chose to abandon the mission. It was just a thought that crossed my mind, yet like everything relating to that girl, I really didn't care to take much time to figure it out. You could even say, it was a bizarre situation I was placed into; something that would have crossed anyone's mind when put in a similar scenario. That being said, I'm glad she thinks I'm too gross to date, even if it was all make-believe.

Tuesday 14:35, a little over a weeks had passed since that silly request from Queen Chicken Feet. The thought should have left my mind, but I bring it up now because I've received a text message from an unknown number. An unknown number I wished I hadn't known the sender to.

Unknown Caller ID: [Hey. After school, walk towards the track and field area. I'll be waiting. BTW, this is Miura. Add my contact.]

I should be startled, but somewhere in the back of my brain, I knew this thing with her wasn't over with. What's her plan of attack I wonder. Confess to me? That would be a tad bit cliché. Even for a romcom such as my school life. The final school bell rings, and as such, I heeded to the daunting text message; until a soft but abrupt voice calls out my name.

Yui: "Hikki wait up!"

Hachiman: "Oh hey. What's up?"

Yui: "You going to the club room right? Let's walk there together."

Hachiman: "Actually I'm not. I'm going to the school yard to meet up with Miura."

Yui: "Wait what?! No way! She didn't bail?!"

Her abrasive reaction caught me off guard, but it isn't out of the ordinary for normal people when hearing such news.

Hachiman: "I hoped for it. But It's looking that way. Yukinoshita will be waiting for you, update her on the situation for me, will you?"

With a bit of concern and interest in the poor girl's voice, she whines before accepting my solace request.

Yui: "Oh man, I really wanted to tag along to see what's gonna happen. But I guess that also explains why she wasn't in class for the final period."

Hachiman: "Oh yeah? I wouldn't have noticed. I stopped looking back at your little clique a long time ago."

Yui: "I've definitely noticed that! I started missing your weird back and forth glances at us."

Hachiman: "Don't call it weird. All the more reason I needed to stop if I'm just freaking you out."

Yui: "But it doesn't change the fact I still miss your glances. I'll talk with Yukinon for you. So don't worry."

I blush a little after hearing Yuigahama say those words. She blushes in exchange. The truth of the matter is that, I didn't want to jinx my situation and I've been on edge with the whole thing. After the first week, I thought I walked away a free man. Free from obligations I didn't want to fulfill. But I knew I shouldn't have put my trust in such hypothetical superstitions.

Yui: "You're still coming over tomorrow after school right Hikki?"

Hachiman: "I don't see why not. I'll still be there. Count on it."

How many times can I come up with a, 'Yes, I'll be there, Yuigahama' before I have to head over to the track and field? The sweet innocent Yuigahama smiles and runs off to the Service Club. She looks back and waves as she shouts, "Great! I'll see you tomorrow then. Hikki, good luck!"

I wave bye to my colleague, then begin to wonder; how would it be if I had to fake a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship with Yuigahama? She consistently makes my day all the better. I don't ever feel tense or overwhelmed with just the two of us talking. The conversations flow normal and most importantly, I appear like a normal student for once. But now, I gotta muster up a ton of energy to meet up with, none other than, Miura. Here goes nothing... I guess.

I can't help but wonder what's going to happen at the track and field. The only logical outcome I think of, is a confession. But why would there ever need to be a confession? Can't we just skip that part? Maybe she's staging me in front of the entire school, so everyone knows. But that would be a terrible move. If Hayama is part of the people witnessing the confession, then he's sure to know this is all just a ploy.

I approach my destination, as a large body of students fall before me. Okay, this just got uncomfortable real quick. She is staging a confession! Hayama and his gang come into focus as I draw nearer and nearer. This isn't good Miura! What are you thinking? He's gonna know. Speaking of Miura, where is the Fire Queen herself? Hayama calls out to me.

Hayato: "Hey! Hikigaya! What brings you hear?"

Gotta lie. Can't tell him about the text message from Miura.

Hachiman: "Noticed a crowd walking this way. So I wanted to check it out. What's going on here?"

Hayato: "An underclassman has beef with Yumiko. Things went south apparently, but she's making a grave mistake! She shouldn't be picking a fight with anyone, let alone a freshman student!"

So this isn't a confession, but why pick a fight with an underclassman? She never exuded any kind of violence in a fist-to-fist manner before. If anything, she'd challenge her opponent to whatever she's good at. So why a fight? Did she become like some sort of mixed martial artist overnight? Maybe it has something to do with the message I got earlier. Does she want me to maybe stop the brawl? I look to Hayama and wonder why he hadn't done anything to extinguish the situation.

Hachiman: "Should we intervene?"

Hayato: "Trust me, I've been trying. But Miura won't listen to reason. What's going on with her, I wonder? She's never like this, even on personal matters. Normally, she'd consider these kinds of things as trivial and a waste of time. But if she won't listen to me, then this must be really important for her."

I hope you're happy, Fire Queen. You've got Hayama worried about you. But taking a step back at the situation at hand, I think I'm beginning to grasp what's actually going on in her stupid little head. Hayama did answer all of my lingering concerns. It's all a ploy; no doubt. All of this is staged. Why else would she go out of her way to set up a fight for everyone to see? It's just not in her character to do so. Then again, I didn't think she would scheme up something like this. I wonder what could have changed in her?

In any case, Hayama can't stop the fight, because he's not the one assigned to that role. That's my job. Putting me in a heroic position, while Hayama having a center stage view as everything unfolds in front of him. And the proof is in the text message I got. Why else would I have been summoned by her highness's side? The whole thing is rather elaborate. Even for the likes of her, or maybe I misjudged on her abilities. Maybe she was always capable of such serpentine plans; she is a snake after all. Plus, it explains why she's been neglecting her girlfriend duties. Setting all this up was probably a pain. But even so, after figuring out her objective, it still leaves me rather bewildered to how she's going to get what she wants by doing all this. We'll just have to wait and see what unfolds for her.

Hachiman: "Well, I mean, if we're not supposed to do anything, I guess we just sit back and watch."

Hayato: "Seriously? I know you and Yumiko aren't at all friends, but she's a fellow classmate of ours. I didn't think I'd have to tell you that, of all people."

Hachiman: "It's none of my business what these two plan on doing. We aren't friends. Not in the least. You clearly aren't making any sense. If you wanna save the princess, then do it yourself. I'm just a spectator at the end of the day."

Hayato: "If that's how you really feel. I won't ask for your help again."

Whatever Hayama decides to do, Miura had already cut him off of this situation. That's plain obvious. But if Hayama is genuinely concerned for her now, then why won't she heed his help? It would only make sense if you're trying to win the affections from him. Again, it makes me wonder how elaborate is her overall plan. I gotta ask her that when that time comes.

Miura and the underclassman start spouting insults towards one another. Neither of them took too kindly to what the other stuck-up girl said. Hayama tries his hardest to get through the opposition. He's attempting to make them reconsider while secondly, gaining Miura's attention. It's no use, these girls aren't backing down. The crowd grows larger with each passing second; Yukinoshita and Yuigahama even show up.

This is getting completely out of hand. And sooner rather than later, staff members will catch on. But before any of that happens, the underclassman attempts to strike Miura but misses terribly. I guess being short in stature has it's major disadvantages in such situations. You could say this wasn't an even playing field; with the advantage going to Miura. That said, Miura is quick to avoid all her strikes. I shouldn't be this surprised since she's a pro at tennis. A sport that requires the athlete to telegraph their opponents' movements.

The baffling crowd cheer as the fight intensifies, thus drowning the sounds of the Hayama squad from their unsuccessful efforts in stopping this bout. As for me, I guess I just wait patiently. It'll end in Miura's favor. I'm almost certain. After dodging all her opponent's attacks, she takes the upper hand. Her opponent on the ground losing all of her stamina, Miura raises her hand in a striking position; displaying a sense of authority. It's as if she's the leader of some yankee/biker gang. There's clearly no hesitation in her actions. But before she could lay a finger on her, a giant man rushes in to defend the exhausted girl.

This overgrown student grabs Miura by the arms to stop her advances then proceeds to fling her away. Just like that, the tables have been turned. Rather a cheat way to go about it though, but I assume this is where I come in. As the crowd continues to barricade Hayama and his friends due to sheer excitement, I for one was easily making my way towards the front. Very suspicious, but Hayama and his friends are too distracted by the fight to even notice me making my way to Miura. The towering male student moves in front of my target as he casts his shadow over her entire body.

Kage: "It's not in my nature to hit anyone who's weaker than me, let alone girls without combat skills. So I urge you to call it quits, Ms. Miura. Although, if you persist, then I have no choice but to protect my Sachi-chan."

Sachiko: "Tear that obnoxious bitch up! All she did was run around me like some coward! Make her pay for mocking us!"

It's as though this crowd of people understood their role and let me pass without hesitation. I defend this so called 'obnoxious bitch'; which mind you has a nice ring to it, as I put my hands up for reconciliation. Honestly, I don't know what I'm doing. This really isn't my scene plus I'm no fighter. Best I can do is Street Fighting on my portable console. My best option is trying to cool down the situation; what Hayama failed to do. Yukinoshita and Yuigahama peak from behind the crowd as they made it in time to speculate my attempts at resolve. Why didn't they just go home. I turn to the opposite direction and see Hayama with the biggest question mark over his head. He's probably wondering why I decided to help out.

Kage: "Get out of my way!"

Hachiman: "I can't do that."

Kage: "So I take it you're on her side then? I'll pummel you to the ground if you refuse to move!"

For a first year, he definitely has the physique to do so. Quick Hachiman, defuse the situation. That's what Miura wants from me right? To be the knight and shining armor?

Hachiman: "I'm not on anyone's side, but whether she started this fight or not, I can't idly stand by if someone in my class is being harassed. I get it man, I've been harassed by her and many others. So take it from me when I say, I get it."

Kage: "First she rudely calls my girlfriend out on the tennis court, then picks a fight with her, moreover she calls our love fake! Now she dances around my girlfriend as though she has no honor in a real fight. We let it go the first couple times but these past few days, it's been nonstop bullying of my Sachi-chan. I've tried keeping my cool, but I am filled with so much anger towards her right now. So as a loyal boyfriend, I have to defend my love for Sachi-chan. Turning a blind eye is not an option anymore."

Funny, you just mentioned a moment ago that you were willing to let her go because it wasn't in your nature to hit people who are physically weaker than you. The bravado on this guy. A character straight out of a shonen manga for sure!

Hachiman: "You have that option to turn a blind eye. Just forget this whole altercation. The Student Council and teachers should be here any minute. Do you really want this on your official record?"

Kage: "I could give a damn about my reputation. But Sachi-chan doesn't deserve the abuse. She's done nothing wrong."

Right. Great acting by the way. What a chump. Who fed him his lines? It's seriously unbelievable how comical he is.

Yumiko: "She's a whiny little bitch that can't fight for herself! Always needing a man to defend her! She can't even land a clean hit on me."

Kage: "Why you, that's it!"

Seriously?! I turn to Miura in question. Why the hell would she say that stuff for?! She looks at me with a sinister smile as she gives me a wink. What does that even mean?!

Hachiman: "Hey, cool it! Quit pissing them off."

Yumiko: "It'll be fine. I promise. No ones in real danger."

So I was right. They're actors, and probably from the drama club. Nice touch. Aside from the melodrama, they're rather convincing.

Hachiman: "Well, if you're defending your pint-size girlfriend, I guess you could say I won't back down without a fight. So give me your best shot tough guy!"

I'm mentally laughing right now. I take a quick glance at Yukinoshita and Yuigahama. Yukinoshita shakes her head due to the stupidity I just displayed in front of the entire school. Well, it's not like I'm in it for the Oscars or anything. On the other hand, Yuigahama is all tensed up and seems to be buying my act. Anyone in their right minds can tell this isn't how I usually am.

I guess it's a good thing I don't know anyone here except for a handful of people. But what a great opportunity to flex my otaku tendencies. I always wanted to shout out something cool like that in public... without looking completely weird. Hopefully I don't go too overboard with my acting that it blows this whole operation that Miura had set up.

Kage: "'Pint-size Girlfriend?!' You're really askin' for it pal! That's my final warning."

Hachiman: "Do your worst!"

It's not like he's gonna really knock me out. After I catch his fake punch, I'll dodge and give him an uppercut. Hopefully I don't fully connect. Never acted before. But I do have to make this look real. The piqued boyfriend moves in closer to me as Hayama shouts from the back of the crowd.

Hayato: "Hikigaya! Dodge! That's Kage! The Senior Karate Club President!"

Wait what?! Senior? Karate? He's not an overgrown first year drama student?! Swiftly after my realization of Kage, I'm received with a forceful blow to my chest. The impact was so hard that I lose all oxygen circulating through my lungs. This is bad. I'm beginning to pass out from the critical damage this disproportionate student had thrown. My body is too frail for this crap. Why is everything fading to white all of a sudden? I feel my hair being yanked from my head, then shortly after, complete black.

Noises, chattering, shut up! Arguments and disputes lingers through the air while I barely make out who's speaking. It's at least two people. My eyes are barely open, and everything is in a daze still. I'm in the nurses office in one of the beds. I look to my left and see Hayama and Miura arguing. Yukinoshita and Yuigahama are to my right passed out in their seats.

Hayato: "You've gone too far Yumiko. Why'd you pick a fight with that underclassman? It's unlike you!"

Yumiko: "I don't need to explain myself to you. It's not like you even care to ever give me a straight answer for anything anyways."

Hayato: "What are you talking about now?"

Yumiko: "I'm pretty sure you know what, Hayato."

Hayato: "Seriously? That again? I told you, I wasn't sure yet if I wanted to."

Yumiko: "But your face says different. It's as though you're happy about it. So just come out with it already!"

Hayato: "This is clearly not the time to have this discussion. Anyways, because of your actions, Hikigaya is now stuck in here. When he should be home right now."

Yumiko: "Yeah well, it's not like you were there to help me out."

Hayato: "I tried to stop the fight! I pleaded on both sides! Yours and Sachiko's!"

Yumiko: "That's the problem! You're so indecisive! You should have been on MY side 100%! If this fish eyed freak was able to stand by me but you can't, then I just don't know how deep our friendship really is. I get you don't want anything to change, but Hayato... am I just convenient for you?"

Hayato: "Look Yumiko, Of course we're friends, best friends even. But you really shouldn't be putting others in danger like this. Who's going to explain this mess to his sister, I wonder."

Yumiko: "There you go again. Figures, you always stay on the safe side of everything. Whatevs. I can't talk to you right now."

What in the world did I just wake up to? Talk about bad timing. Best not to pry, sounds like it has little to do with me. Plus, I could use a little less of both of them right now.

Hachiman: "Hey, don't worry about me. Miura- - -"

Hayato: "Hey, he's awake! Welcome back man! That was some beating you took."

Yumiko: "What is it Hikio."

Hayato: "Would you be a little nicer to him? He did try to help you out."

Yumiko: "Yeah, he did. Unlike a certain someone. Anyways, what do you want, Hikio. If you're using my name, it's gotta be something important. So out with it."

Hachiman: "You're not hurt are you?"

Miura glows a light tint of red. I guess I caught her off guard; didn't mean to, I was just hoping that I wasn't some useless meat shield. She raises her stern hand and hovers her palm right above my head. She pats my head a couple times in a very forceful and rough manner; messing my already muddled hair. Does this mean that she approves of me helping her out, or is she simply mocking me in my failed state? Nonetheless, I feel agitated by her petting action. I'm not like some domesticated animal.

Yumiko: "Try worrying about yourself! GAH! You're in worse shape than I am!"

Hachiman: "Right. Sorry."

Not even a, "Good job doggy" or a "Thank you so much for your heroism, Hachiman!" How am I supposed to read this situation if she's withholding proper 'headpat conversation'?! She finally stops her obnoxious patting and returns to crossing her hands.

Yumiko: "I'm fine by the way. Just a couple bruises. Nothing that rubbing alcohol and a couple band-aids won't cure. You on the other hand, that's one major black eye."

Hayato: "I am so sorry you had to get involved, Hikigaya. Please forgive us. I know I told you to help out, but I had no idea it'd end up like this. I should have handled things better."

You really should be sorry. What the hell am I doing in the nurses office with a black eye?! But even if I denied you, I was held captive against my will from the beginning. Miura called for my assistance and because I was obliged in helping her with this case, it never mattered what you wanted from me.

In the end, I was always going to end up in this situation. So why am I feeling so sour? Could it be because these two, Hayama and Miura, are slowly ruining my final high school year with their stupid back and forth love quarrel? I can't say any of that to them, the least I can do is pretend I'm okay. The one thing I don't need is added stress. Might as well make a joke out of this circumstance.

Hachiman: "It's not a problem. But tell me this, did the black eye at least fix my creepy fish eyes?"

The bandaged up gal bursts into laughter after my amusing retort. Didn't know she could laugh like that. Doesn't seem fake at all.

Hayato: "Sorry Hikigaya. Miura, this isn't the time to laugh at his expense. Have some humility."

Yumiko: "Sorry, didn't know our residential scumbag had jokes."

There it is, the much needed verbal abuse. At least I somewhat defused the tension between Miura and Hayama. Due to her sudden guffaw, Yuigahama and Yukinoshita wake up from their napping.

Yukino: "Hikigaya, you're awake. How are you feeling?"

Yukinoshita stretches an arm up towards the ceiling and lays a palm over her mouth with the unoccupied hand, she then lets out a cavernous yawn. Her somnolent attitude is the most adorable thing I've seen all day. Reminds me of a house cat. I can get used to seeing her wake up like this. Yui on the other hand awakens in a hectic rant.

Yui: "Hikki! Are you alright? I got scared after Kage punched you in the chest! You were already down yet he persisted to hit you again in the face. Thought you were a goner for sure!"

Hayato: "Yes me too. It was one hell of a beating. Taking a blow from the Karate Club's leader, Kage, looks to be a damaging outcome. But it's a good thing Isshiki, along with her Student Council, and the faculty got involved not long after."

Hachiman: "Wait, so you're telling me I got hit twice?! I blacked out after he blew the wind out of my chest. I don't even remember the second hit."

Yumiko: "How'd you figure you ended up with that black eye?"

Miura's trying to contain her giggling, but I highly doubt she's trying very hard. Can't believe I ended up being her human punching bag. I've hit a new low. From verbal abuse to physical.

Yukino: "Miura, you really need to apologize to Hikigaya. It's your fault he's in here."

Yui: "Yeah Yumiko! Poor Hikki stuck his neck out for you without even knowing the situation and ended up getting badly injured."

Hayato: "Come on Yumiko. Just say you're sorry. Maybe he'll go easy on us."

I look to Miura and judging by her pouting demeanor, she didn't want to owe me any favors let alone throw in an apology. Stuck up as ever. Even though it was her that asked me to come, everything still ended how she wanted… from the looks of it anyways.

Hachiman: "Listen guys, she doesn't have to say anything. I stuck my own neck out. So it's my own fault I'm in here. I even told Hayama I wasn't gonna but in. But I did anyway."

Yukino: "Yeah but if the situation hadn't blown up like it did, this wouldn't have—"

Hachiman: "Enough Yukinoshita. Just let it go. I'm fine with how things are. Tomorrow, everything's going back to normal. And I promise no grudges will be held."

Yukino: "If that's how you really feel then. Alright. It's getting quite late. I'll see you tomorrow, Hikigaya."

Yui: "Get well soon, Hikki. I know you'll have a speedy recovery. I'm gonna see Yukinon home."

Hachiman: "Right. Later."

Hayato: "Well, I'm off too. You coming Yumiko?"

Yumiko: "I can't yet. The nurse said to not strain myself. So I'm going to wait here for a little while longer."

Hayato: "Good. The least you could do is look after Hikigaya for a bit. Oh, Hikigaya, you might wanna thank Isshiki later. She's currently sticking her neck out in your favor. You too Yumiko. If it weren't for her quick thinking, you both might have gotten severely punished for this little stunt. Remember, we're seniors now, so let's try to make better judgments with our underclassmen."

Isshiki is sticking her neck out on our behalf? Well, that's one way to abuse your power responsibly. Way to go prez. I wonder if Kage and his girlfriend, too, got away without any punishment. In any case, she has my undying respect until the school year ends. I raise my thumb in agreement with Hayama.

Yumiko: "Yeah yeah, we get it Hayato."

Hayato: "And with that, I'll take my leave for the evening. Later you two."

I figured Yumiko would at least overextend her wave towards Hayama before he vanished, but instead she hardly made any effort in showing any type of devoted emotions. As everyone dissipates from the nurse's office, I'm left here with only Miura. An opportunity for me to get to the bottom of her recent actions.

An awkward silence filled the room as I lie there looking up at an unfamiliar ceiling. I've never been in patient care like this before. Usually it's for a physical or a minor cold, but now I can scratch 'getting into a fight at school' off my bucket list. The girl speaks.

Yumiko: "So, like, Thanks Hikio."

Hachiman: "Sure. Don't mention it."

A quick and short response, followed by more silence.

Hachiman: "For a moment, I thought you actually reconsidered the whole dating thing. Didn't think I'd ever receive a text message from you. But instead of having me get beaten up, couldn't you have staged a fake confession instead? I don't enjoy getting physically scolded... by the president of the Karate Club, no less."

Yumiko: "An opportunity presented itself and I took advantage over it. That's all. Plus, that pint-size bitch had it coming with how rudely she talked to me and my friends."

Hachiman: "But an actual fight? How'd you figure that?!"

Yumiko: "Honestly, when I first challenged her, I assumed we were on the same page as to having a tennis match. Not an actual fight. Never did I ever wanted to throw hands with another student. It's so beneath me. But I got to thinking on how to provoke her even more, using her anger to fuel genuine feelings out from Hayato. And it worked!"

Hachiman: "Congratulations. You made him a little bit more concerned for you."

Yumiko: "That wasn't the goal, it was to make him feel helpless. That's why I had you step in where he couldn't. To show him that sometimes, things won't always go your way. Gotta thank the drama club for riling up such a convincing crowd."

Hachiman: "I knew it! The drama club was involved some way. I guess I thought Sachiko and Kage were part of that same club. But what does Hayama feeling helpless, do in your favor?"

Yumiko: "I figured the more helpless he feels towards wanting to help me, the more he'd open up his true feelings. Because he'd owe it to me to do so."

Hachiman: "Well, you saw the results."

Yumiko: "You were awake through all that?!"

Hachiman: "You two weren't exactly using your library voices. It sounded like, yes he was concerned for you, as any friend should. But he didn't budge too much when it came to hearing what you wanted."

Yumiko: "We still have a long way to go. That's for sure. Anything just to get closer to Hayato."

Hachiman: "Right, what do you mean by 'we'? I've since retired from being your personal meat shield."

Miura giggles innocently.

Hachiman: "So the laugh earlier. Was that fake?"

Yumiko: "Of course not! You were genuinely funny. I couldn't help but boast in laughter."

Hachiman: "I still can't believe Kage, actually talks like some 90's anime protagonist. His lines were rather cheesy. Couldn't he have gotten pointers from the drama club? Like seriously."

Yumiko: "Right?! Like OMG! I thought I was the only one who thought that! He was like, definitely mocking DZB or something. I thought he was gonna blow my cover with that ridiculous nerd lingo. How he landed a girlfriend, even that's a mystery to me."

Hachiman: "You shouldn't second guess weirdos like Kage and me. We can be surprisingly romantic if girls gave us the chance."

Yumiko: "Right, start by not acting like a weirdo, Hikio."

It's strange, the conversation is flowing fairly well. An experience that only her an I share. Not the ideal or normal experience, but a memorable one still at that. Talking to her like this, I'm able to comprehend what she's saying.

Hachiman: "Tsk. Whatever. Moving along; Miura, if you found a better way to get Hayama's attention, by all means go for it. I'd rather not date you. No offense of course."

Yumiko: "And what's so bad with dating me? Huh? Hikio?"

Hachiman: "Nothing. We're just not compatible. We wanna fool Hayama, right? Do you really think us being together is going to fool him or anyone for that matter? Today, you managed to convince everyone, including Hayama. And at the end of the day, he stayed to talk with you. It's a start, but it was your desired outcome. Although, I will suggest that you scratch the idea of me getting beaten up from any more of your future plans."

Yumiko: "Right. Well, I guess you're not wrong. We're so not compatible. Even a child can see that! And don't worry, this isn't going to be a normal thing. To answer you properly, I haven't figured another way to capture that boy's attention. All I did was use my already messed-up situation to my advantage. I'm just not sure how to go about dating you is all."

Hachiman: "So you go get me beaten up instead. A brilliant deduction on your part."

Miura again let's out another obnoxious laugh. She kinda looks, dare I say, cute when she's being genuine. Too bad her jokes aren't my style of comedy. And yet, I couldn't help but smile, laugh with her. What can I say, sometimes it can be contagious.

End.

*I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO: "My Teen Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected/Oregairu/SNAFU" and its characters. This is a work of fanfiction and shouldn't be judged by its canon criteria. Please support the original content(s)*