"Here we are, this is the best Ramen Bar on Chiba." Hiratsuka-sensei spoke as we both got out of her car. The building looked so classical, with inspirations from the Kamakura period. "Usually, people would need to have a reservation to be able to eat here. We don't have to worry though, the owner of this ramen bar is a friend of mine." So that's why Hiratsuka-sensei just waltzed in like she owned the place. The staff even greeted her, like how they greet a regular.

"Looks like everyone here knows you Sensei, how many valentines did you spend here for it to be that way?" When I realized what I was saying, it was too late. My sentence was already ending, so I just expected her to unleash her wrath upon me.

It never came.

*sigh* "I don't even want to waste my energy on you Hikigaya, let's just order up and eat." She said as we sat down. I was at a loss for words with what happened. Maybe she was really tired of dealing with her being single and just wanted to be happy for once. Someone take her already, or I will end up being shackled to her! "So Hikigaya, what are you going to eat?" Hiratsuka-sensei asked. Since I don't know anything about the food they serve here I asked her about the bestseller.

"What's the bestseller here?" I asked. "I don't want to waste more time by thinking of something to eat. You look so hungry Sensei." She pulled up a mirror from a pocket that I didn't know existed, and checked her face.

"I do look hungry… and tired." She muttered. "Their bestseller here is Chashu Ramen." That sounds plain for a high end ramen bar. But I guess it has some gimmick to it for it to be their bestseller. "Then that'll do Sensei." I spoke up. Hiratsuka-sensei then talked to the chef who is cooking in front of us, and stated our orders.

"Two Chashu Ramen, coming right up!" The middle-aged man joyously announced. He then began working on our ramen and needless to say, it was captivating. The handmade noodles were crafted with much skill that he looked like an artist.

"Megishima-san, your skill in making ramen is really captivating." Sensei praised the man. The man laughed before replying. "Shizuka-san, you flatter me so much." The man then hands down our order. "Go ahead and dig in, before it gets cold!"

The ramen looks very aesthetically pleasing, so much so that my mouth watered a bit.

"Hikigaya, you're drooling." Hiratsuka-sensei pointed out. I quickly wiped it with my right arm and started eating the ramen.

Amazing, absolutely amazing.

"Judging by the look on your face, I guess you liked it." I don't even care about the look on my face right now, this ramen is divine. I don't care if you call Naruto crazy for loving ramen, but this one I am eating right now is surely one of the best meals I've had. And this is just the first bite. "How is it?" She asked, looking like a mother that expects her kid to get a high score on exams.

"It's good…" Her face deflated. "is what I wanted to say, but it is more than that, and I can't find any other words to describe it but divine." The speed of her face lighting up from her saddened look was faster than instant transmission.

"Right?!" Her voice sounded so happy. "Megishima-san cooks the best ramen I know, and that's why people need to have a reservation to even eat here." I'm fortunate that Sensei knows this place, for even if I live in Chiba, I would never have known about it.

We continued eating, with Sensei occasionally ordering a beer and downing it in one gulp. My thoughts went back to school, especially the Valentine's event. Are they done yet, or are they still melting and mixing chocolates?

"Are you thinking about the event?" Sensei asked, like she read my mind without much effort. Tell me, are you a psychic? "Your face looks like it is." Am I really that predictable, to be able to be read just from my face alone?

"Well yeah, you dragged me here right in the middle of it." I said after drinking water. "I can imagine Isshiki getting mad at me for not coming back." I answered. It was Sensei this time that became silent as she started thinking. I slurped noodles again, making sure to enjoy it slowly as it would be months or even years before I'll taste something like this again.

"So why did you readily agree when you I asked you to come?" Was the first sentence that she spoke after becoming silent. She was right, I could've said no, but I didn't. Is it because I am scared that she will pummel me to the ground if I said no? or is it just the fact that I couldn't say no when people ask for help?

"I just couldn't say no."

"That's a problem." Hiratsuka-sensei then downed another cup of beer. "You should learn how to say no, because when you reach your adulthood, you'll be thrust into hard places if you don't. Still, thanks for accompanying me even if I dragged your lazy ass out here." Sensei looked thankful. She was right, learning how to say no is one of the things that I need to learn how to do.

But hey, if a cute imouto, a sly kouhai, or a brute yet caring Sensei is asking for help, I really just can't say no to them.

I didn't even notice that my bowl is already empty, and when I did, I just drank water again and turned my attention at my smartphone. Minutes later, Sensei sighed in relief for the nth time of the day, and proceeded to pay for what we ate. I volunteered to pay for mine but she threatened me of bodily harm if I even tried to bring out cash.

The drive back to Sobu was silent, with Sensei occasionally humming anime opening from her favorite shounen and mecha animes.

The sky was orange when we reached the school, and I am pretty sure that the event is already over. But I still went to home economics room to check on it.

"Hikigaya-kun." A piercing voice that I am familiar with. "Where have you been? The event is already over if your rotten eyes couldn't see it." Ah yes, the signature Yukinoshita trait, to always take the flow of the conversation and throw an insult to my eyes. Yuigahama then came up to me and also asked.

"Hikki! Where have you been?!" She sounded like a worried girlfriend, to which I internally cringed as there's no way that would happen because I still hate nice girls. "Here! I made this for you!" Yuigahama handed me a green pouch.

I inspected it with curiosity and then asked a question. "Are you sure this is edible?" To which the pinkette pouted.

"Hikigaya-kun, I made sure it is edible as I personally watched Yuigahama-san." Yukinoshita defended.

"Well, just making sure, the last time you did that, Yuigahama burnt a cookie." The pinkette being reminded of it, she became flustered. Yukinoshita on the other hand, interpreted it differently.

"Are you saying that I am incapable of doing such a thing? Surely, your rotten eyes have reached your brain and contaminated whatever is left there." Ignoring that comment of the ravenette, I explained where I was earlier.

"Hiratsuka-sensei dragged me somewhere, that's why I wasn't able to come back." Omitting the part where I ate godly ramen of course.

"That's very much Hiratsuka-sensei." Yukinoshita spoke. She then pulled out a blue pouch which probably is the chocolate she made earlier. "Here Hikigaya-kun, I made you some to reward your time on the service club." I receive it and immediately said my thanks.

"Didn't think I'd find you here." I spoke when I found them on the rooftop. I turned my attention to Keika as I rubbed her hair. "How's it going Keika?" Saki's little sister smiled as she enjoyed the headpat.

"I'm doing great Ha-chan! I made chocolate for you!" Keika then hands me a pink pouch, where crudely designed hearts are present. "I hope you like it Ha-chan!" She giggles for a bit before speaking again. "I wanted to give it to you after I have done it, but Ha-chan didn't come back! Where did you go Ha-chan?" Keika pouts as she asked. That pout is unfair, it's my one and only weakness.

Other than free food of course.

"Yeah Hachiman, why didn't you come back?" Even Saki wanted to know where I went, so I explained my adventures earlier.

I started to scratch the back of my head as I didn't have the skill to gracefully tell it, and I just grinned awkwardly as I started to speak. "W-well, I was supposed to come back, but on my way back I bumped to Hiratsuka-sensei. She started ranting to me when I asked how's her day going."

"Did Hiratsuka-sensei drag you to her office?"

"Even worse…" I spoke as I recall the frustrated single teacher of ours dragging me to her car. "Hiratsuka-sensei decided to bring me to a Ramen Bar. All under the excuse that it will make her happy." I sighed when I remembered seeing her Sensei's sad visage. Someone please take her already! "Honestly, if it wasn't her treat, I wouldn't even think of eating at that place." I said as I remember the taste of the ramen we ate earlier.

Truly, the food of the gods, as the blond haired kid with whiskers would say.

After I spoke, silence returned. Saki probably digested my words as she was deep in thought. Deciding to start a conversation, I asked her a question. "So, how was the event after I left?"

Saki, being too much focused on thinking, became startled as I asked. She started to cough before she answered. "Well nothing changed, everyone looked for you, but after some harsh remarks from Yukinoshita-san, we continued." She grabbed the purple pouch from the bench. "Here, I made this for you."

This is the most number of chocolates that I have received in my life, my average is either 1 or 0.

"Let's have a taste." I proceeded to then grab a piece. It was a nicely shaped heart compared to Keika's. "Hmm…" I critiqued as I chewed. "That's good. How did you make it crunchy but not brittle?" It has a very nice texture and the perfect balance of crunchiness and softness was there, so I had to ask how have she done it.

"Well, I can't tell ya my secrets now can I?" Saki replied. I laughed, I swear I'll learn your secrets someday, Saki. We laughed for almost a minute, before silence returned.

"Hey Hachiman, do you like me?"

I felt like I got suckered punch when she asked me that. It was a question that came out of nowhere, from the least expected person I think of. I observed her face, she was looking at me intently. The sun rays of the afternoon Chiba were illuminating it, making me see the blush that is getting darker and the darker the longer I look at her.

I like hanging out with Saki to be honest, she's the kind of person that hates pretenses and facades. It was why I was surprised by the sudden question.

"Uhh…" I stuttered. "W-well yeah, I like you, you're a great friend."

"Y-yeah, I appreciate it, T-thanks for telling me that." her voice cracked. Did I say something bad? As I look on her face, tears were welling on her eyes. Is she… no, that can't be right.

"Is something wrong, Saki?"

"N-no, it's nothing!" She waved in dismissal. "It's just too windy that some dirt got in my eye." That line, her face, it was something that I was familiar with. Now it is getting clearer to me that something's wrong. "I gotta go Hachiman, I'll see you tomorrow." Saki said in a hurry, dragging her little sister with her who was confused, leaving me all alone in the rooftop.

That look on her face, it was familiar.

It was the feeling of rejection.

I had a hunch that Saki liked me, but I put it in the back burner because I didn't want to feel like I am leading her on. For god's sake, I don't want to be like Hayama in that regard.

But what could've made her like me? While I look decent if I say myself, my eyes negate all of that merits. My attitude, is rotten as hell, so I doubt that she would like me. Did she misunderstand my intentions of becoming her friend for something else?

Or I am the one who misunderstood?

I could've said yes and then she would confess her feelings, but I still would've rejected her. As beautiful as Saki is, it was not the superficial things that would make me reject her.

It was because it wasn't genuine, or that's what I feel.

I took a bit out of Keika's work. It was a bit bitter, but I kinda like this better. I continued to eat the chocolates as I drowned on my thoughts, watching the setting sun. It was one of the peaceful moments that I have.

"I wished this peace came more often." I whispered to no one.


Well shit, peaceful times didn't happen again. A month after the Valentines, things turned south really quick. Isshiki's plan to have a prom for the third years were proving to be much more difficult, with even the board of trustees of the school being against the idea.

Tension inside the clubroom was thick again, as Yuigahama desired to pursue the genuine thing she wanted. That means confessing to me. I couldn't even answer her as I got scared and ran away, leaving a broken-hearted maiden at my wake.

Back to the prom, one of the people that was strongly against it was Yukinoshita's mother. Even I don't know the reason why she's against it, but seeing the tear stricken face of Isshiki as her efforts will go to waste, was something that I couldn't stand.

"I promise that I would do my best to make sure that the prom would happen, Isshiki."

The exact words I've spoken to her last week rang to my mind. It is currently club hours, but I am at the rooftop, because I couldn't face Yuigahama. It was hard enough when in class, as I feel her staring at me intently, but I am a bit glad that she is respecting my space.

Still, I'm sorry for not giving you an answer Yuigahama, I really am a coward.

Taking a sip of my favorite concoction, Maxx Coffee, my thoughts went towards Saki. More specifically, how she made sure to avoid me since then. It was subtle at first, with her saying that she needed to do something whenever I tried to approach her, but as of late, she was ignoring my presence altogether.

I didn't do something about it, because I know that it was her way of recuperation. But I still blame myself for allowing it to happen.

On another note, Miura is still Miura. Albeit being more annoying than usual. Whenever Miura drags me to the rooftop to eat lunch, I can tell that she, like I do, misses Saki's company. Though she might not look like it, Miura and Saki became good friends themselves.

"Hikio! I've been looking for you!" Speak of the devil and it would appear. I looked at her and she started speaking again. "I've bumped to Yukinoshita and she was looking for you too." Miura then put her hands on her waist and spoke again. "Are you skipping club now?" Why does she care if I skip club or not?

"Well… I don't like to go yet." I answered her. She was intrigued and started speaking once again.

"You have to go, your clubmates need your help. They even miss you as Yui says." I know, but my guilt is strong that I don't think I'll step foot on that room again. Miura starts muttering, which sounded like someone liking someone, I don't really know.

It was a solid minute before Miura decides to drag my arm. "What the hell woman, where are you taking me?" I tried to protest. This girl really like to do as she pleases, annoying people around her especially me. Seeing that we're exiting the school grounds, I asked her once again where we are going. "Miura, where the hell are we going?"

The blonde in front of me turned around. She puts her arms on her waist, then proceeds to speak. "I've had enough of your sulking, we're talking that shit out of your system!" She exclaimed at the end. So even Miura knows what's happening. But still, this woman hadn't answered any of my questions since earlier.

20 minutes have passed before Miura spoke another word. "We're here!" She brought me to Chiba Park. More specifically the part of the park where people play sports. When she stopped dragging me, we were on the front of a tennis court. Miura then hands me a tennis racket before speaking again. "This is the only way I know how to cheer someone up. Try and beat me, Hikio!" We went to opposite sides of court, then she threw the ball.

Miura's serving form is poster worthy, like Michael Jordan's Dunk, Hinata Shoyou's spiking form, and a Lamborghini Countach.

Especially a Lamborghini Countach, that car is sexy as hell.

With a loud *thwap*, the ball rocketed towards the far left side of my court. Prompting me to try and chase for it as I made myself run towards it. However, as I thought, I reacted too late to even properly receive it. It went out of bounds and hit a nearby hedge with a loud thud.

Seriously, that serve is like a fast ball!

"15-love!" Miura shouted with joy. I hurried over the ball and picked it up. I served on the left side of my court. Miura gracefully received my service, and returned it towards the right side of mine. Not wanting to let the rally end, I quickly intercepted it and aimed it towards the right side of Miura's court. When the racket hit the ball, I realized that I've put way too much force, resulting in the ball going out of bounds. "30-love! Come on Hikio, do you want to lose to a girl that badly?" Miura goaded.

Seeing as I don't have anything to lose, I answered her question. "I don't mind that. It would be better if I lost quickly. My Vita-chan is waiting for me." Miura's face contorted to that of disgust. She dribbled the ball before serving. This time, I was anticipating that she will aim at my left side. I quickly staggered to my left as I gently returned the ball to her court. It hit the net, and the unsuspecting Miura failed to return it. "30-15." I spoke audibly, but I know that she knows it too.

"You're going to pay for that." A demonic smile spread on her face to signify that the war is starting. I threw my hands up and spoke about the last play. "I didn't intend for that to happen. But I guess I'll take it."

"Of course you will. It is your point dummy." Miura finished as she threw me the ball. This time, I aimed for Miura's expectant face. 'You won't get this.' I thought coolly as I served the ball with so much force that Miura didn't even move from her place. Her face looked like she got splashed by cold water, and the demonic aura of hers vanished. "Wh-what was that?!" Miura stuttered. I smugly grinned at her. "30-30."

It was Miura's turn to serve, and that she did with grace. I scrambled to my right side to return it, with her anticipating that I plan to send it on the middle of the court. Smiling, she readied her racket as I returned the ball. The blonde then aimed it on the far left of my court.

It hit my racket, but the backspin of the ball sent in careening towards the benches near the court. The demonic smile that was once gone on her face came back tenfold. "45-30. Come on Hikio, you don't want me to win right?" I heard as I grabbed the ball.

"It's better if you do, I'm tired woman." I spoke as I served the ball. I put too much force on it so it went past Miura's court. "Guess that settles this set." Miura then pouted at me. She looked like a duck.

"Then we should get to the next one then! This is a best of three!" Miura's voice chirped as she proceeded to serve. "Let's see you receive this, Hikio!"


"So Hikio, would you like something to drink? I'll grab you one after I change my clothes." Miura said between breaths. It was a hard game, but I am glad that she brought me here because it really did help.

The fact that I won is also great too.

"Max Coffee." I huffed as I answered her. Miura nodded and went to the restroom, skipping her steps like she didn't do anything strenuous.

As I fix myself, it was then I heard a voice. "Hachiman?" As I turned around, I saw a healthy amount of silver hair on my vision.

It was Saki.

"Saki." I managed to huff out. The girl in front of me was tense. "What brings you here?" Is the question that popped off my mouth. To be honest, I haven't prepared myself to talk with Saki. I was just so used to her outright avoiding me that it's like we're strangers again.

"I heard Miura's annoying voice, then I followed it lead me to here." I understand Miura's voice being annoying, but to follow it to here? I guess she either is curious or she really is attached to the blonde. "Then I found you here." The silverette breathed out before speaking again. "So… how are you? I heard that the prom is getting cancelled." Come to think of it, I haven't seen Saki that much for the past month. Perhaps she was one of the people Yukinoshita called upon for help.

"Yukinoshita doesn't want me to help, but there's something inside me that compels me to help her. I guess it's because I just can't not help people in need." I wanted to change my clothes, but with Saki here I wasn't going to be doing that anytime soon I think.

The silverette was miffed when I looked at her. Did I say something that made her upset? "Right. Knowing you, you will find a way to make everything alright. That's what everyone thinks, even Yukinoshita knows it. Maybe that's why she doesn't want you to help, because she fears that she will just lean on you again." Saki spoke.

While it hurts, what she said was true. Maybe that's what Yukinoshita feels. But I really just can't leave her alone like this. At least the last time for me to give her a hand before we go our separate ways. This overwhelming sense of duty that I had…

All because I'm one of the people that understands her the most.

But that's just it, I just understand her. I guess this is what people call camaraderie? Like how Yuigahama feels about Yukinoshita, or how she feels about her friends in general.

"But I know you would find a way…" Saki, who was looking into the sunset, faced me. Making her face glow as the rays of the setting sun hit her pretty face. "You'd find a way to help Yukinoshita without her feeling guilty. Because you're that amazing." She tucked the loose strand of hair to her left ear. "That's the Hachiman I know…"

"It's the Hachiman that I'm in love with."

The difference between an indirect confession and a direct one, is that a direct one has a different feeling. Because you know the intention behind the words, even if somewhat blunt.

The silverette was looking at me with a smile that neither sad or joyous. It was a just that, a smile, it doesn't have any hidden meaning to it.

It felt genuine.

Then it made one thing clear, I wanted to see that again.

After what felt like an hour of silence, I successfully collected myself and spoke to her. "Thanks Saki. I needed something like that." I cleared my throat as I spoke again. "I promise to give you a proper answer. I just need to fix this mess and think of a way to help Yukinoshita."

Saki scoffed at what she heard. "You really wanted to help her huh? I'm just confused because you seem to fight all the time, like you guys have these competitions about who can do things better."

"That was it." I uttered as I thought. What Saki said made sense! I just have to find a way to help her without her stopping me. And I had something mind that would work, all because of a n amazing idea from an amazing girl.

No, woman.

"Thanks for giving me an idea Saki!"

"Well, I'm glad to help." Saki smirked this time.

"Saki? What are you doing here?" Oh, I guess I forgot the blonde fire queen. "I guess you guys made up then?" She inquired, more likely directed towards Saki. The silverette hummed with a positive note before speakin herself. "I guess you could say that."

"Well, let's go! I wanna eat something cold to rehydrate my body!" Miura exclaimed. "How about it HIkio?" She asked.

"Uhh… sure, let me change my clothes first." I replied as I walked towards the restroom, with a mind made up and my spirit reignited. I now had an inkling on how I would help Yukinoshita.

I'll just need a proper plan and people that would help.


A/N: Well that's that! Hello and welcome to the latest chapter of Misunderstood!

I haven't written that much since my prelims and midterms came up! It wasn't even a full month after my prelims ended. I am glad that it was finally over.

Other than that, I guess I'm updating Hachiman Becoming Better next, I used to have a monthly uploading schedule, but that type of schedule puts pressure on me and writer's block can be a bitch.

So, see you on the next one!

Leave a review for your thoughts, follow and fave if you liked it!

-Jasserru vanishes in thin air!