Life is full of mysteries.
There are times when people wonder how some things come about. Like for example, how the Stone Hedge was erected considering its heavy materials? How spending a year in marriage made one wonder if they chose the correct partner. Or how in the world did life come to this planet?
It tickles the human mind, both in the good and bad ways.
The unknown have always terrified humans. It made them fear, it made them reject. It made them utterly helpless.
But in some cases, mysteries made life much bearable.
Like for me.
I have two girlfriends.
Mysterious isn't it?
/
It was a hot day.
A drop of sweat fell from my forehead as I made my way towards school. In times like this I wish for nothing but a refreshing drink - to stop at an air conditioned store and drink a cold bottle of water. No, sorry MAX Coffee, but you'd make me even more parched.
Unfortunately I was in a hurry. The first period should have ended by now. I don't want to miss more classes, especially when the exams are coming just the week after. Just missing a single day is gonna be disastrous for me.
Just thinking of it made more sweat appear.
It was already late last night when I fell asleep. The reason being the routine brown out in our area due to some maintenance. I tossed and turned but the hot air during the night made me unable to enter slumber.
Because of that, I woke up late today.
Damn you global warming! I miss the cold nights of December!
I parked my bicycle and rushed to my classroom. The hallways were already empty and reminded me of my tardiness. I blame society and their carbon dioxide contributions. Seriously, it's your fault.
I silently opened the door of class 2-F, as expected, my classmates were already in their seat and the Math teacher was writing some problems on the board.
That moment I felt all eyes focused on me.
If I were someone I would have uttered an excuse or joke to lighten up the situation. Unfortunately, I didn't care for my class' entertainment. So, like a certain delinquent, I walked silently to my seat.
By now, my classmates grew bored of staring at me and focused on their own business. Even so, I felt a pair of eyes watching me. Jeez, it's certainly that person again.
I quietly took my place and stared at the writings on the board. I didn't get them at all. I guess I'll need to get some help later. I closed my eyes instead to rest them for a few minutes. I'm still thirsty by the way.
/
In the end, the thirst distracted me.
The lesson continued for another half an hour. No knowledge was absorbed in my brain because of the distraction. I should have stopped at that store if I had known that this would happen.
I sighed as the teacher left.
The sound of classroom chatter filled the room.
First I wake up late, then I had to pedal under the hot sun, now I didn't get to review materials from the first two subjects, and now I'm still thirsty. What a great day I'm having.
Just as the thought of blaming society and global warming circled my thoughts, someone made their way next to me.
Ah, is it her?
"You sure are late today. Any problems?"
It was Miura Yumiko.
You must be thinking why on earth would this girl talk to me in such a public face when she'd usually hang out with her clique. Well, the reason is simple; she's my girlfriend.
Mysterious, huh?
"It's fine. I just overslept."
Talking with dry throat is irritating, I better get rehydrated soon. Just as the thought crossed my mind, a bottle of green tea was deposited in my desk, Its content was already reduced to three fourths but retained some of its original coolness.
"Drink up, you must be thirsty. Don't worry it's mine."
My girlfriend said. Normally, I'd refuse and spout some excuses. But this time, I gratefully accepted her goodwill and opened the bottle of tea.
Ah, that hits the spot.
"You're still sweating... here."
Suddenly, the scent of apples assaulted my nose as something soft touched my forehead. The color of pink and disfigured cat design greeted my eyes. Then the fact that Yumiko was wiping my sweat with her handkerchief registered in my mind.
Why must she do it with a motherly expression like that?
"Jeez, you don't have to do that."
I complained with a sigh. Despite that, Yumiko did not stop. The edge of her lips seem to curve upwards,
"Well, it's because you don't take care of yourself."
Is it me or did she look like she was slightly delighted when she said that? She has this aura around like a caring mother. Haah, Yumiko really was the best.
The classroom chatter had completely toned down.
Ah crap, we're still in the classroom! Even if I didn't look around, I can feel their attention solely focused on the two of us.
"...I have heard some rumors and doubted it, but it seems to be true." "So Miura-san is really in a relationship with that guy." "And here I thought she was really into Hayato-kun." "Oi oi, I heard rumors that he's dating that person." "?!" "Two-timing?" "...and it shall be named, Chunchunmaru."
The whispers reached my ears, but Yumiko didn't seem to mind them so I ignored them as well. Hey, what was the last one about? It sounded rather interesting, Somehow, whenever she and I were in the school population's view. whispers always followed.
I made a sigh and discreetly glanced around. The people with nothing better to do with their life was staring at both of us with interest. Yumiko's clique were straing with curious expressions - their leader trying to calm down the rumors escaping his minions' mouth with a super fake smile. Yuigahama was... sigh, so she's still like that. Guh, even though Yumiko had talked to her, I guess it was expected that a single conversation would not solve everything.
"So Hikio, should we eat at the usual spot?"
Yumiko pocketed the piece of cloth and asked nonchalantly. I made a wry smile at that.
"So it's back to Hikio now?"
I was really surprised when she called my name the first time. I really thought that she didn't know and bothered to remember it. Turns out she has a diary with pages containing my full name.
In response she scoffed.
"Well it is your nickname... not to mention it also annoys that other person."
That other person... there's only one I could think of that Yumiko would want to annoy. After being outclassed is some ways, she wanted nothing but to get back on that certain person.
"...I see. Well, about lunch. I'm fine but what about her?"
Of course, the 'her' that I was hinting at was the person Yumiko was trying to annoy.
"I've sent her a text. She's alright with it."
Huh?
Since when did the two of them had contact numbers of each other? I thought that they would rather use Yuigahama as contact - oh right, she's kinda depressed right now. But still! These two are texting without my knowledge! That's really scary you know?
As if reading my thought, Yumiko made an arrogant smirk.
/
As the school bell rang, I remained in my seat instead of discreetly leaving the room like I used to do.
The main reason for this drastic change was that I'm pretty sure that Yumiko would complain about me leaving her. It was fine the first few times, but someone had told me that if I keep repeating it without concern, Yumiko would be annoyed and it may end up with her kicking random objects. Doesn't sound scary? Have I mentioned that Yumiko once kicked a table when she becamed pissed at me?
No the table didn't bend from the force of her kick, it wasn't damaged in any way. Yumiko's foot on the other hand wasn't that resistant. It ended with her crying and blaming me for her impulsive action. Completely unreasonable, I know. But I learned my lesson from that.
Not to mention she might kick me this time.
"...eh? Yumiko is not eating with us again?"
Tobe's voice reached my ears. Yumiko was currently talking to her clique. I already have a rough idea of the topic.
"Yeah, I'm gonna eat lunch with Hikio this time."
"Hikitani? This means you two are dating right? It totaaaally clicks!"
"Yeah, totally!"
Tobe's brothers you're both damn annoying.
"If that's the case, how about having Hikitani-kun have lunch with us instead?"
As usual, Hayama was trying his best to not let the sudden change affect his world. Damn you, you already know I'm a lo- bad with people and yet you want me to join your peanut gallery? I can imagine his super annoying smile directed at the back of my head.
"I don't-"
"Come on you guys, Yumiko wants to spend time with Hikigaya-kun. Let her do what she wants alright?"
Yumiko was about to speak but Ebina-san came to her rescue. She even said my name correctly. As expected of this rotten girl, she can read the situation accurately unlike the first three...
Strangely, Yuigahama remained silent.
Yumiko soon approached and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Sorry for the wait. We better hurry up before she rushes here and nag us to death."
I really wish that they would just get along.
/
Back when I spend my lunch break alone, I would always pick a spot secluded. I'm the type of person that doesn't want to eat when in the presence of people that I didn't even know - unless in certain circumstances.
I reminisced about my peaceful times.
Now though, I am required to eat with Yumiko now that we're in a relationship. At first, she would finish her lunch early and leave her clique to visit me. Soon she got tired and would just leave them and stick with me, criticizing my choice of food and stealing them when I'm not looking.
This new schedule of ours started only this Monday.
Someone started complaining how unfair it was for me to spend lunch with Yumiko. In defence, Yumiko complained how I spend afterschool with that someone and miss the chance to walk her home.
Thus, the two of them made a compromise.
The three of us eating lunch together.
By the way, I kept referring that person as 'her' and 'someone' in my head, maybe it's time I change that. It is certainly weird to address her with her first name, but she is one of the two girls that decided that they love me enough to confront Yuigahama and declare that I was their boyfriend-
You know, it's really complicated so let's not go to that.
After all, me dating Miura Yumiko was already unexpected.
Dating Yukinoshita Yukino at the same time was truly, unbelievable.
And so we arrived at the Service Club.
/
"Both of you are late."
That was the first word the Ice Queen said when we entered the club. Yukinos- Yukino was already seated on her spot, a pot of tea and three cups already prepared on the table.
How should I say this... are you perhaps excited?
"It's Y-"
"It's Hikio's fault."
Before I could point to her, Yumiko immediately directed the blame at me! Hey, isn't that completely despicable? I didn't do anything wrong at all! What's with this complete injustice? Seeing my expression, Yumiko grinned.
"I see. As usual, the despicable, rotten-eyed man is responsible. Please reflect on your actions Hachi-kun."
And Yukino easily believed Yumiko! How annoying. Why do these two only cooperate at times like these...
"Hey, just so you know I'm not at fault, dumping responsibility on me is definitely unfair." I pointed at Yumiko before facing Yukino, "Believing someone without evidence is clearly bias on your part - wait, Hachi-kun?"
I noticed the strange name that was slipped. I looked at Yukinoshi- Yukino who averted her eyes the moment I stared, her cheeks reddening. The girl beside me huffed and crossed her arms.
"So, Hachi-kun huh? Had a change of heart, Yukinoshita?"
Yumiko smirked as she taunted her. Oh, please don't let this devolve in another argument. Last time, it took almost thirty minutes to defuse them. We don't have that kind of time here.
"Well, it is completely normal for me to call him whatever I want. He, despite looking mighty suspicious, is my boyfriend."
Oi, did you really need to add suspicious there, Yukinoshita-san?
"What a coincidence, he is my boyfriend too."
"Indeed, it seems like this shameless man is dating the two of us at the same time."
"I know, what a scum right? Two-timing is punishable by death."
"It is like that Hachi-kun, do try not to commit more crimes."
Hey, hey wait a minute there! The two of you are teaming up on me? Also, you just said that two-timing right? The two of you declared your feelings for me and it somehow ended up like this. You're both consensual! Two timing is the act of seeing another person behind their partners! Although it is despicable, I'm pretty sure it's not punishable by death!
"...oi, the teasing is going overboard isn't it?"
The two seem to accept that.
"Well, maybe it's time to stop ."
"My apologies. I will serve the tea now."
The two girls apologized and set to do their business. Yumiko took out the snacks from her bag while Yukino poured the tea for the three of us. Meanwhile, I sat awkwardly while watching them. Am I supposed to do something?
As usual, my chair was placed in the middle while Yumiko was seat to my left and Yukino on the right. I really feel cornered like this... Before taking her seat, Yukino took out two black bento boxes and gave one to me.
"Seeing that you would most likely eat bread along with that favorite beverage of yours, I took the liberty of sharing some lunch with you."
Yukino opened the box and what greeted me was the delicious looking food that she prepared. No matter what the ingredients, Yukino sure could make it look appetizing! Look's like I'm in for a treat.
"What's this, you made him a boxed lunch? Where's mine?"
Yumiko asked after looking at the contents of my lunch.
"My, I didn't think of that. I thought that Miura-san would just eat Hachi-kun's food as usual."
Yukino made a slight smile, teasing Yumiko who frowned.
"Isn't the treatment here completely different?"
Yukino who sat on my right continued nonchalantly while Yumiko on my left leaned to glare down at her. Hey, I'm feeling completely flustered here!
"This person is my boyfriend while the other one is a woman that keeps interfering with our relationship. Why would the treatment be different?"
Is that sarcasm I hear? Yumiko gritted her teeth.
"Tch! So that's how you wanna play?"
The next thing I know, Yumiko hugged my arm and made a pout. My heart pounded geavily at that. Oi, just some time ago I was a loner who believed that I wouldn't be in a relationship with a woman! That kind of attack is completely effective!
"Hey Hikio, let's share food. While on it, why don't we feed each other as well?"
The tea cup on my right slammed on the wooden table.
Next time I'll just buy a disposable boxed lunch...
/
The cool air of the AC reached my sweating body.
Having to commute under the hot sun it was impossible not to release fluids. Once again this was the fault of society creating global warming. If society hadn't come to existence we would all be lone bears minding our own business in a cool and society-less world.
Man what the heck am I thinking. The heat is making me a bit weird.
I made my way to our meeting spot.
As the exams finished, the three of us planned to relax in a mall. This is our fisrt excursion.
The two of them were already there. Standing near the fountain were two model-like girls wearing stylish clothes that complimented their looks. There were some people who were just standing there and looking at them.
Guh, this is awkward. I'm supposed to greet them in front of these many people? Won't I get mobbed or something?
Speaking of which, isn't it 30 minutes before the meeting time? Why did these two arrive earlier than me?
Well no use, standing here like a creep admiring them. I move froward, evading those who were loitering around while secretly glancing at them. As I approached closer, I can here the people behind me whispering but I ignored them.
Yukino was the first that noticed my presence. She slightly raised her half opened hand, waving it slightly as a greeting. Noticing the movement beside her, Yumiko stopped fiddling with her phone and looked at my direction. She held the hem of Yukino's sleeve and the two of them walked forward to meet me.
"Yo."
I greeted them. The two girls sighed at me. Hmm, what did I do?
"Really Hikio, would it kill you to make a decent greeting?"
"Indeed, repeating the same nonsense greeting. Please stop that."
Somehow I got berated just because I greeted them. But seeing them look like that made me think. I grinned at them.
"Okay. Next time I'll say Yahallo."
Both of them winced. Too much?
"Never mind. Just say 'hey' or 'what's up'!"
"No, a simple hello would suffice."
The two of them voice their opinions. I made a wry smile. I guess greeting them like a normal person wouldn't be so sad in occasions.
"Anyway, why are you two here so early?"
We agreed to meet up at 12 o'clock, but there was still half an hour before the agreed time. Since I'm the male, I headed out early so that I don't get ganged up by the two of them and never hear it end.
"Hah? Who cares if I'm early? It's not like I was excited."
"When I arrived here half an hour ago, Miura-san was already here."
Ah... Is that the case? Yumiko glared at Yukino who made a teasing smile. Hey, isn't this Yukino acting like a certain person?!
"Well, since you've been here for a while, where should we head?"
The two girls stared at each other before nodding. Just as I was staring in bafflement, they held each of my hands in their own and dragged me away. As we leave the meeting area, I could feel the incredulous gazes of those who were watching us.
Heh, look at me in amazement you normalfags!
"Hachi-kun, there's new releases of Pan-san merchandise."
"Hikio, I wanna look for a new blouse."
On another note, maybe this would not end well. For me that is.
/
The next hours went like this.
I sat awkwardly in a cushioned chair as I waited for Yumiko and Yukino to finish dressing. Somehow, Yumiko managed to convince Yukino to try some clothes from this apparel shop. Now I was left here enduring the painful gazes from the other people.
The door from the changing room opened.
Yumiko was wearing a white open cap, her hair tied in a pony tail. She wore a flowery patterned top that showed her shoulders while the white shorts revealed her slender legs. She had this sporty feeling around her. She winked as she approached me.
"Hey Yukinoshita, come out now!"
Calling to the dressing room, another figure slowly exits. She seem a bit shy to show herself. Yukino was wearing a white sun dress with a brown sunflower hat, the sunglasses on her face made the feeling that she was having an afternoon tea in a flowery garden.
"T-this... is really embarrassing"
She approached me and stood besides Yumiko and looked at me with a fretful expression.
"So, how do we look, Hikio?"
Yumiko grinned as she asked me. H-how should I say this, asking me this king of question is kinda nerve-wracking. Should I compliment the refreshing feeling coming from them? Normally when Komachi models I just give her Hachiman points.
"H-Hachiman?"
Kuh! Yukino called my name... what's with that worried expression? Don't worry you're completely pretty!
"...good job."
The two released a sigh at me but showed content expressions.
"Well, let's go take a picture!"
Yumiko took my phone from my pocket, easily entering the pin number and opening the camera app. She made a wide smile as she took pictures of the three of us... then just the two of us.
"H-hey, isn't this kinda against the rules?"
"Hmm? Don't worry, we'll purchase them. Of course, you're gonna carry."
/
There's also this.
I adjusted the black tie from my collar and stared at the mirror. I was currently wearing a blue button up shirt and it somehow made the image that I was a working citizen of society. A chill ran up my spine at the thought.
After making their purchase of clothes, the two had this idea of bringing me here to try out some new apparel. The first was casual, then summer, and now a professional look. It's not like I'm going to buy them y'know?
I sighed and left the changing room. A part of my rotten brain thought that when I leave this small room, I would be greeted with no one. That the two of them would leave and it would turn out to be a cruel joke.
Jeez. I guess I can't just stop thinking cynically. It's part of who I am, after all.
Fortunately, when I left the changing room, the two girls were still waiting patiently. The moment they noticed me, the two inspected me up and down with narrowed eyes. Hey, I'm feeling really nervous here!
"... I thought that he would look like a Yakuza, but it turned out fine."
"...True, the rotten eyes give the feeling like he is an hard working individual."
The two of them started to whisper. I have no idea what they were saying. Rather, can I get out of this outfit? The tie is really killing me.
/
Then, there was this.
I was sitting in front of a fighting simulation game, holding the toys that the two girls won from themselves in the crane game. One was a panda with scary eyes, while the other was a princess cat with equally scary eyes.
As the combatants from Mekken fought for their life, the two girls controlling them shifted and voiced muffled curses and encouragements.
Sitting in the middle of a two person seats, it was understandable that it was quite cramped. Along with the two ladies moving their bodies in synch of their characters, it was really a flustering experience for me.
"Tch! That all you got ice queen? Take this!"
The princess like woman with blonde hair made a spinning kick.
"Hmph! Naive!"
The priestess girl ducked and made a counter.
How should I say this, these two really are amazing. Not because of their control over their characters, but because they can focus on the game with so many stares directed at them.
Of course, this being an arcade it was obviously full of guys.
Guys that were staring at me with envy.
Damn it, I wanna go hoooome!
/
After a grueling three hours of being dragged by them, I could feel my body withering away.
Accompanying them was fine, but the constant arguments required a third party to break them up. Favoring one would mean hostility from another. I did my best to keep them both satisfied. I somehow managed to keep them satisfied and remain alive.
Now, the three of us were in a small restaurant chain.
I idly finished my iced tea and made a sigh of content. The past hours had been hectic and it made me crave for some rice and meat. In front of me was Yukino, leaning on the chair as she rested her body, she seem to be more tired than me. Beside her was Yumiko who was acting like a concerned mother. Heh.
How should I say it, this was really a new experience for me...
Hanging out with them was very tiring, but this new feeling was not that bad.
"Hey, is that Hikigaya there?"
There goes that feeling.
My eyes stared at the direction of the unfamiliar voice. Somehow, it grates on my nerves. Lemme check that people I want to kill list when I get back home. From another table near us, there were a group of normies, one of them was waving at me.
The guy with a super annoying face was wearing a stylish jacket despite the weather being hot outside.
Looking at his smile made me annoyed. Just who is this?
He approached us and grabbed a chair, sitting in our table like he was a welcomed guest. Oi oi, I'm tired, can you annoy me some other time?
"Remember me? I'm Gary, Gary Satu, we attended the same middle school!"
No, I don't remember you at all. What kind of parent would give their child a name like that?
"Hahaha! I still remember you Hikigaya, you were so popular when you were rejected by Orimoto-chan!"
Did you just come here to make fun of me in front of your friends? Now that I think about it, are you one of the culprits that spread rumors about me back in middle school? Shit, I wanna punch his face.
"So, me and my friends are going to the karaoke, why don't you guys join us huh? Speaking of which, what are you doing with these two ladies? Hahaha, are you carrying their bags or something?"
Definitely want to punch you.
"So girls, why is Hikigaya with you?"
He looked at my girlfriends with what he must have thought to be a charming smile.
" "Because Hachiman's our boyfriend." "
Both of them replied at the same time. Hearing my name said by them made me almost tremble, how scary. Now that I look at them, Yumiko's expression was stiff while Yukino's was cold. Unlike me, these two would really show no mercy.
Gary Satu, pfft, blinked at those words as if he couldn't believe what they said.
"Oya, you're interfering with our date. Can you, like, never show your face again?"
"To sit here uninvited and throw casual insults to someone, just how thick skinned are you?"
Merciless right from the start. Hehe, whatd'ya say now? Were you expecting them to just smile and act politely? Just because you have normies on your back doesn't mean anything to these two. They'll rip whatever confidence you have and throw you to the wolves.
To lessen his humiliation, I looked at him and made a hesitant smile.
"How should I say this... I really don't think I remember you."
K.O
/
After that, the three of us boarded the train.
From the looks of it, Yukino was too tired so Yumiko canceled our final trip. The incident in the restaurant was completely forgotten as if it didn't happen. Now I was sitting in the middle while the two rested their heads on my shoulder.
"Hmm."
The one on my left hummed.
"Something wrong, Y-Yukino?"
As expected, I stuttered in saying her name. Yukino smiled and looked at me.
"To think you would only stutter instead of calling my last name... I'm impressed."
Another teasing smile. Seriously, you're turning out like a certain someone.
"Just what do you think I am? I can call my girlfriend by her name y'know?"
I also practiced in my room to pronounce her name without it turning into her last name instead. I will omit that part.
"Hey Hikio, I'm your girlfriend too!"
Somehow the girl of my right snapped out of her sleepy trance and complained.
"Of course you are, Y-Yumiko."
Damn it! Why can't I say it clearly?!
"Hehe, my boyfriend's such a loser."
"Hachi-kun, please grow a spine."
You two... please don't look so happy while saying that.
"So, what were you thinking about, Yukino?"
Ha! Success, I manage to say her name without any interruptions! Good job, ore! Yukino scratched her cheek with a troubles expression.
"Hachi-kun, does Komachi-san know of your... relationships?"
Yumiko stared at me.
"Komachi is Hikio's little sister, right?"
I nodded at Yumiko's question. The truth is that Komachi has no knowledge of this situation of mine. I'm really feeling awkward whenever she teases me about a girlfriend. I have a feeling that Komachi suspects something though.
"Well then, it's decided. Do you agree, Miura-san?"
"Of course, we should have done it sooner, Yukinoshita."
Somehow, I have a bad feeling about this. The battle is not over yet
/
Later in the Hikigaya household.
Komachi dropped the box of chinese takeout I brought her.
"EH? KOMACHI HAS TWO ONEE-SANS?!"
... Life sure is mysterious.
Hachiman, go explode you f***ing riajuu1!1!
I've made this totally amateur story to inspire some ideas. I don't love writing, not at all. What I love is reading another person's writing. Especially those fresh ones not yet explored. With this, I hope that people won't stick to the norm of the Oregairu stories in this site. There's a lot of possible scenarios. Even if the characters are not close to canon it should be fine. Because it is your story. It is the idea born in your head. An event that won't happen anywhere else. Post it here, show the world the contents of your mind.
Take this from me who is burying his confidence with what little of the English language I know. (Don't stone me)