Hey guys! Another chapter from yours truly. I'm so glad that a lot of people are reading this right now. Thank you everyone for reading this fanfic and I will do my best to write more. Now here are the reviews from the last chapter:
adisit: Yes, His harem members from Darkbetrayer's fanfic will appear in this story.
Giuseppe: Huh, interesting scaling there. Thank you for liking the chapter.
Sans: Don't worry, expect to see that later on.
RICK: Thanks for reading, although I gotta admit when I read that sex scene, it felt kinda weird.
SkyKicker: Thank you! I'll continue this story until I see a perfect ending.
Lol: I'm glad you liked the reference. I'll try my best to put more in future chapters.
MortiesMorty: I'll try my best even if I get a little tired.
Memer: Thank you for reading.
Troller: Look forward to more chapters!
Ramos: The force is with me so I'll write more.
RaidenKing: I'll make Sagami appear more in this story
Wicked.A: Yeah, I guess after some criticism in chapter 3, I kept emphasizing 8man/Accelerator's OOCness. I apologize and I won't do it again. Also, I know that the sex scene was awkward because that was my first time writing that kind of scene. I'll practice more to get it right.
ThatGuyYouMet: Thank you. I'll try my best to write better sex scenes.
TheRebel and James: Thanks for suggesting to me that fanfic. It will help me make better sex scenes and help me release some stress if you know what I mean ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
issei: I don't know if I should make this a Hachiman x Harem. I said the last chapter that he WILL have a harem but that doesn't mean he will be pairing up with many female characters.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Toaru series and Oregairu. Some of the elements of the story are inspired by Darkbetrayer's popular fanfic, A Certain Infinite Possibility.
Rated M for strong language and sexual content.
OOC Alert
Chapter 6: A Certain End of the King of Loners Part 1
3 days have passed and it's now Saturday. Komachi and I are standing outside of the mall, staring at the bulletin boards that have maps and advertisements. Today is a 'family gathering', meaning I'll be seeing Last Order and Worst for the first time in a few months and Komachi will meet them for the very first time. Bayloupe called me last night and asked me if I want to meet the two brats which I responded with a simple yes and told her that Komachi will come as well. It's now 10 am which is the meeting time and we're waiting for them to arrive. Komachi won't stop talking to me about Last Order and got excited so much that she can't even sit still on the bench. A minute later I saw Bayloupe and the brat with her signature ahoge, and also the troublemaking pain in the ass. Last Order is wearing a denim jacket over her black dress with white flower designs while Worst is wearing a black checkered scarf, green tight shirt with long sleeves that almost covered her hands and a pair of jeans. As for Bayloupe, she's wearing a white cardigan over her light-blue casual dress that went a little over her knees and she still has those signature horn-like accessories on her head. I sense some motherly vibes from her and I don't know why. Is it because she's holding Last Order's hand or is it her clothing? Either way, she looks great.
"Ooooohh! She looks like a mother! Don't you think, Onii-chan?" She asked while elbowing my arm.
"Yeah..." That's all I could say.
"And you look like a father. Aaahh, Onii-chan grew up so fast!"
"Shut up. Does this shitty appearance look like a father to you?" I don't know if I look like a father or what. I'm wearing black pants with a V-neck light blue t-shirt and a greyish blazer over top. Komachi is wearing an orange, long sleeve frilly shirt with bluish-grey scarf around her neck, white pants, and black knee-high boots. I asked this brat to help me find good attire for our 'gathering' and she gleed for about one hour until she got me these clothes. It looks nice I have to admit. I look back at the three girls and I saw Last Order staring at me. She forms a big smile and then her eyes are starting to tear up.
"Eeaaaaaaahhh!" She let go of Bayloupe's hand and ran towards me with her arms open while crying. I crouched just in time to catch her as she jumped at me.
"M-Misaka missed you so much! says...Misaka as.." She couldn't finish her sentence as she kept crying harder.
"Yeah. I'm sorry about that. It's nice to see you again." I hugged her while looking at the others. Komachi is smiling while having her eyes watering, Bayloupe just smiled warmly at me, and Worst is just silent. Strange. I stood up while carrying Last Order who's still hugging me and I smiled at everyone. I felt a tug on my right sleeve and looked at Worst. I can't see her face clearly since she's looking down that her bangs covered her eyes. Although I do notice a tinge of red.
"D-don't get the wrong idea. The network is flooded with the administrator's emotions so..." She stuttered as she looked away. This brat is starting to sound like third-rate and it's making me vomit.
"You're starting to sound like third-rate. Quit with that disturbing shit." I said indifferently.
"S-shut up! Misaka is not acting like Nee-chan!"
"'Nee-chan'? Since when the fuck did you start calling her that?" I asked in surprise.
"Oh, that. Well, while you were gone Misaka-san saw Worst looking like she was about to cry so-" Bayloupe tried to explain until she was interrupted by Worst stomping my foot.
"AW! You fucking brat!" I violently grabbed Worst's shirt with my right hand while carrying Last Order with my other arm. Worst retaliated by pinching my cheeks while twisting my stomped foot. We went at it for a few minutes until someone came. it's a girl wearing a red bomber jacket over her black t-shirt, brown skirt and brown scarf. She doesn't have her dragon wings on her back.
"Sorry I'm late, Bayloupe. I just need to get my magic gear ready-" Forest walked towards us and she stopped talking after staring at us in shock for a few seconds.
"What are they doing here!?"
"Sorry, Floris. I lied about what I said last night."
Oh, I get the gist of it. Bayloupe lied to this Blondie that there was a sort of magic situation which in reality she was just invited into this family gathering. I'm guessing Fork Lift used that Loki powder to make her dragon wings invisible.
"So why is she here?" I asked Bayloupe.
"She's like a little sister to me along with Lessar and Lancis. I want to call them too but I know they're busy in Academy City."
"By busy, you mean getting the damn hero's dick."
"With Lessar, yes. Lancis? I don't know she might probably get pulled into Lessar's schemes." She said as she puts her finger on her chin while looking up.
"Well then, welcome to the family Floor List."
"GET MY NAME RIGHT ALREADY!"
"Yeah, Onii-chan. Her name is Forte." Komachi lifted her chest.
"THAT'S NOT IT EITHER!"
"'Can you get Misaka down?' Asked Misaka as Misaka lightly pats you." I did what she asked and she walked towards Komachi with a bow.
"'It's nice to meet you. Misaka's name is Last Order. Thank you for taking care of Accelerator.' Says Misaka as Misaka gives a bow of appreciation."
"You don't need to do that Last Order. I'm Hikigaya Komachi, Onii-chan's little sister." Komachi bowed back and then suddenly lifted Last Order.
"You're so cute! I thought you're Onii-chan's daughter since he talked about you like a dad but you look nothing like him!"
"Ahahaha!" Last Order seemed to enjoy being lifted.
"Alright, come on. We'll have our chat while walking in the mall." I ordered them with a weary tone.
"Let's go then." Bayloupe grabbed my right arm and walking beside me and everyone else followed except for Blondie
"Do I have to go along with this?"
"Stop being so goddamn irritating. You're part of my family now so get over here."
"P-part of...your f-family?"
"Did I fucking stutter? Hurry up."
"Okay..." She answered shyly with red cheeks and quickly followed. Once we entered the mall, all the things you expected it are here; loads of crowd doing whatever shit they can do here, workers working their asses, food chains, a bunch of clothing stores, bookstores, electronic stores, and a fuckload of stores. Also a restroom. The first thing we do is trying out new clothes because I don't fucking know women. They already have a lot of clothes and now they want to buy more? Just who the hell invented this stupid tradition? Because this is a total waste of money. Although there is a silver lining, I get to see Bayloupe wearing different kinds of clothes. Oh yeah, and there are also the others. All of the girls are now changing in the curtains while I'm their supposed judge. I thought this is a 'family gathering' not a girls' hang out. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a curtain open.
"Does it look good on me?" Bayloupe asked as she did a spin and puts a hand on her hip.
"...What's the theme again?"
"Summer outfits. So, what's the verdict?"
"How the fuck is that a summer outfit?"
"Don't sweat the details. Now, come on what do you think?"
What do I think? I think that skimpy outfit is just to give people some fanservice. It's like it's for women who don't give a shit about people's stares and just wear it to get the guys in the mood. She is just wearing a purple sleeveless, open back, sweater dress. It barely covered her thighs and I could see the side view of her breasts. I noticed a lot of guys are staring at her and I scared them off with my glare.
"Yeah, it's great, awesome, pretty, erotic, now change into something else," I said that quickly as I marched towards her and closed the curtain.
"Hahaha. I'll buy this one then." She said seductively. I heard another curtain open and see Worst coming out wearing a frilly tank top and tight denim shorts. I just have a deadpanned face as my reaction.
"What do you think, Tou-san?" she winked.
"Are you trying to be a slut or something?"
"Are you saying that I look hot?"
"I'm saying you look like the only thing you can do in life is sucking dicks. Now change into something else."
"Tch" She clicked her tongue and close the curtain, and then I heard another opened. Komachi and Last Order came out of there wearing their choice of attire. Komachi is now wearing a strapless shirt and a floral midi skirt while Last Order is wearing a black blouse with a yellow tiered skirt while also wearing a straw hat.
"'What do you think?' asked Misaka as Misaka is trying to make a cute pose."
"I look more mature, right?" Komachi asked.
"What the fuck made you think that outfit would look 'mature' on you?"
"It's called 'Woman's Sense of Fashion', Onii-chan! But I look good right?"
"Yeah, you both look cute."
"Hihihi. Yes, we are. However, I'm the cutest right, Onii-chan? Wahahahaha." Komachi laughed until she stopped. I didn't answer her question and just averted my eyes. My Loner Persona sees her as the cutest in the world that makes it sound like he was a siscon. Right now though, I do think she's cute but...
"O-Onii-chan? I-It can't be...Someone surpassed me?! Who!?" I didn't answer that one either and my eyes unconsciously went to Last Order, but they noticed that. Last Order lifted her chest while Komachi's eyes popped out while staring at her.
"'WAHAHAHAHA! You stood no chance against Misaka!' says Misaka as Misaka stands triumphant in front of the defeated!"
"I-I've been beaten...by a brat." She said with a shocked tone but I can hear something menacing in there.
"Are you seriously feeling jealous of a little kid?"
"Because this IS a serious matter! M-my dignity as the little sister is at stake. Kuuuh!" She said while fake crying and Last Order is still standing triumph. *SIGH* the things I do for love.
"Don't be such a dumbass. You're still the cutest little sister in the world."
"*SNIFF* You mean it?" she asked and I give her a head pat.
"Of course. I can't think of a better imouto than you."
"' Then, what about Misaka?!' asks Misaka as Misaka becomes angry at this display of siblinghood!" Last Order is jumping frantically while swinging her little arms around. I do see her as a little sister back then but now that I've met Komachi, she's now more of...
"You're the cutest daughter," I answered.
"'D-daughter?! Misaka doesn't want to be treated like a child!' shouts Misaka as Misaka forms an angry pouting face while averting eyes away from you."
"Hahahaha! Then does Tou-san think of Misaka as a daughter too?" Worst said and I turned around to look at her now back to her normal clothes and a big grin is on her face.
"Yeah, you're my illegitimate daughter that I never asked for one."
"Heh. A daughter is a daughter. Hahaha"
"Quit elbowing me, you fucking brat."
I heard another curtain opened and saw Forest wearing a denim jacket with grey sleeves, a white t-shirt under it and black, ripped pants. She's also wearing sunglasses.
"W-what do you think?" she stuttered and I can see a blush on her cheeks.
"Not bad."
"That's it? Is there really nothing else you're gonna say?"
"Maybe try a different jacket? It doesn't suit the set in my opinion but you still look great."
"Is that so. hehehe! Then I'll follow your suggestion." She said with a bright smile and closes the curtain. Well, that was kinda cute but that won't charm me one bit. I've been getting more girls like that hero. Does that so-called 'Kami-yan disease' make men around him become babe magnets? Not very likely since those two fucking degenerates didn't get a single girl. Oh, I almost forgot that brat with the Offense Armor. It was already obvious from the very beginning at that England afterparty that she had a crush on me, and I don't know if she still does.
"Hachiman, what do you think of these? I know it's off the theme but I want to try it out as my household clothes." I turned around and stared at Bayloupe with my jaw dropped ad so does most of the people in this area. She's only wearing a beige, long-sleeved sweater and a long red skirt. It's another attire that shows off a motherly vibe, and I'm entranced by her looks. How?! Those clothes are just simple yet I can't help myself but be captivated by her.
"Holy shit..."
"How old is she? Is she single?"
"I don't see a ring on her finger so..."
"What's with the horns? Is she a cosplayer?"
I heard some whispers from some jackasses who want their eyes gouged out. The one thing I don't like is her showing off and get the pieces of shit's attention. I was about to give them another glare until I heard a shout.
"HEY!"
I witnessed girls pinching the guys and scolding them for staring at another girl. So those guys already have their own girlfriends and they have the fucking balls to try and hit on Bayloupe? They must be desperate for me to kill them.
"Why're you staring at her?!"
"You pervert!"
"Can't you see she already has her own boy...friend."
And now those girls are staring at me. I can tell what type of stare is that. It's the stare when they saw something they want to get a taste at. It sounds weird, I know but that's definitely what those stares mean. There's probably a 'love at first sight' in there but overall, they're just hungry.
"Oh...wow."
" That silver-haired is lucky."
"Maybe they're not dating and just friends..."
"Those red eyes..."
My girlfriend is gonna shoot me dead, and my vector ability can't reflect all of them. So this is what the damn hero has been through. I give you my full respect for treating this as a normal occurrence for you. The cold aura completely filled the room and everyone is now dead silent and can't lift a single finger to move. Komachi tried to slowly approach Bayloupe but it's like the closer she gets, the more she's about to be killed by just the aura. Fuck! This is nothing like Yukinoshita's icy powers! It's like I'm walking on Antarctica!
"Hachiman..." She quietly called out to me. I put on my bored face as much as I can but I think it's about to break.
"Yeah?..."
"When I'm done changing back, come with me for a second, okay?"
"Sure..." She went back into the changing room and closed the curtain. Everyone got to finally breathe after that.
"'Did she used magic?' asks Misaka as Misaka is still trembling from that."
"That's just one of the natural abilities of a lover, Last Order-chan."
"So there is actually someone more terrifying than Tou-san, huh?"
"She's not our leader for nothing..."
We went to different stores after all of that. Komachi and Last Order are now rivals though Komachi is just enjoying their games while Last Order is taking much more seriously. Worst is trying to sneak away from us to prank some innocent bystanders but we kept stopping her for God knows how many times already. Floor List joined in with Komachi and Last Order, though she would glance at me a few times. As for me and Bayloupe, after a secret intense make-out session in the men's restroom, she finally went back to normal and we're just talking about mundane things. I honestly thought that she was going to suck all the air in my body because she didn't let up for an hour! Is she trying to copy Tira's critical finish? (1) Luckily I stopped her before we get any further than kissing.
The next store we went to is an eyewear store.
"Look Hachiman, these glasses will look good on you." She pointed at a black rectangular framed glasses.
"Over my dead body. I'm not gonna wear any of these."
"Oh come on. At least wear them when using a computer or something."
"Which I don't use a computer that often. No."
"Then if I also wear these glasses, will you wear one too?"
"No."
"That's a quick answer. Well, I'll at least buy two matching pairs in case you're in the mood for it."
"Do whatever you want."
Someone suddenly elbowed me in the sides. I looked at the source angrily and it was none other than my bratty sister.
"Onii-chan! Can't you see she's trying to buy you a gift as your girlfriend?" She angrily whispered.
"Yeah, and I said what felt about it. I don't want her to waste her money." I said deadpanned.
"It's the thought that counts! You idiot! Nincompoop! Hachiman!"
"Since when is my name a fucking insult word?" I said it in a low tone and pinched her cheeks.
"Hnnnn! Ick Huwts!" She tried to say some words but can't since I pulled her cheeks even further.
"It's best to give up trying to make him a gentleman, Komachi-chan. That's one of his ways to flirt at me and it's quite charming." Bayloupe said as she approached us with a small paper bag that has the eyeglasses.
"Plus, it's fun to break his supposed 'cold demeanor' just for me to eat his adorable side." she licked her lips as she said that.
"Then I guess we're the same. I like strong women because I find more joy in seeing their weak side and dominating them." I said while smirking at her.
"Well, you certainly did that job decent when you did it with me." She leaned closer with a seductive face while I still maintained my smirk until my foot got stomped.
"Gah! What the fuck!?"
"Administrator's emotions...are taking over the network...Misaka must punish Tou-san!" I pulled Worst's hair to fight back and she pulled mine while twisting her foot that's still stepping on me.
"'He did something dirty to Bayloupe while Misaka wasn't looking! Shameless! Lewd! Pervert!' shouts Misaka as Misaka cries in jealousy." Last Order cried and Fauna tried to comfort her by rubbing her back.
"Geez, hold back on the PDA, you two. There's plenty of time for having some romantic moments." She said with a jealous tone that I might be the only one who picked up on that.
"Don't worry, Floris. You can have a chance with him, even if it's just impossible but you can have a turn if he's willing to."
"Which I'm not. I'd rather lock you and myself in a room blocked by everyone instead of having something as stupid as a harem."
"W-what the fuck are you saying? I'm not gonna flirt with this bastard!" And now we're in some sort of rom-com where everyone is noisy as shit. The staff came and tried to tell us off but we didn't hear them and continued these antics. One hell of a family here, right?
Eventually, we stopped and ate some lunch at the food court. While everyone else is eating, I went to the restroom to take a piss. As I was out of there, I heard the voice of that she-devil calling out to me.
"Heeehh, if it isn't Hikigaya kun~!"
"...fuck."
"I heard that! Mou~ since when did you get such a dirty mouth? It'll ruin your gentlemanly image!"
"Did Golden Boy told you that I'm here?"
"Golden Boy? Ahahahaha, who are you talking about?~" She said as she invaded my personal space and start poking me on the cheek. Of all people, why does it have to be her? Yukinoshita Haruno, the older sister of the Ice Queen. Smart, beautiful, and very sociable. That's what all of the people see in her but too bad they didn't know her devilish side. She's manipulative, always mess with people until she's bored of them. All of that cheerful attitude she's acting right now is just a mask. Once she took it off, she is at her most sinister side. I bet she can switch masks faster than Joker himself when the situation calls for it. (2) She's wearing a black knitted cardigan and white blouse along with a long skirt.
"Just what the fuck are you doing here?"
"Again with that dirty mouth. Fine, I'm here to do some shopping while doing my family's errand in business." She said as she pouts. I can't see any hints of lies on that statement. Either she was telling the truth or she's this good at wearing that mask.
"Okay well, see ya later. I got my own shopping to deal with." I said as I tried to walk away on a direction far from Bayloupe and the others but she pulled my arm close to her, feeling her breast.
"Liiiiieess~ You're with someone, aren't you? There isn't any reason why you would be in a place like a mall other than that. So! who is it? Is it your sister? It can't be Yukino-chan since she was in her apartment. You better not cheat on her~."
"Firstly, get off me. Second, none of your fucking business." I struggled to get out of her grasp until I was free. The she-devil then took off her mask, showing her cold side.
"I love how you're playing hard to get but it might get annoying if you keep up with that."
"Sorry to disappoint you, Ms. She-Devil. This is just who I really am so fuck off already." I give her a menacing glare and she only twitched in response. Heh, As I've said before, I like strong women just so I could dominate them. Even though she still has her composure, it'll be ten times more fun to break.
"You really have changed. Not so much as becoming an entirely new person, but changed regardless. That new look does give me chills."
"Are you saying you got scared of me? Then leave me alone unless this look will be on your nightmares." I said as I still have my glare on her.
"Actually, I'm referring to a different kind of chills." She said seductively and licked her lips.
"Tch, I ain't falling for you even if you spread your legs for me."
"You don't have to. Just show me a good time, will you?"
"Over my dead body." I scowled. I have no time for this, and they might start finding me if I'm gone for too long. If Bayloupe or anyone that is not Komachi meets her, this bitch might spread rumors throughout the school and shit could get messy. It's only been about a week since my 'sudden change'. They're not ready yet, they need more time.
"Ahahaha, I'm only kidding~. But I really do want to hang out with this new Hikigaya-kun."
"Go fuck yourself."
"Only if you watch me." She invades my personal space again and hugged my arm. I suddenly felt bloodlust coming from a certain silver-haired girlfriend whom I don't want this she-devil to meet. Do magicians have this thing called 'Spiritual Pressure'? Cause I think that everything is shaking from her emitting some sort of pressure. (3)
"Hachiman!" Bayloupe shouted angrily and suddenly pulled me off of the she-devil.
"I know you said that you like dominating strong women but I never thought you would use this method to break me down." And now it's her turn hugging my arm and feeling her breasts. I look down at her and formed a confused expression.
"What the hell are you blabbering about? I ain't the type to use dirty tricks to get you."
"Is that so? Then who is she?" She pointed at the she-devil who's been staring at us with eyes widened.
"Just someone I'd rather not let you meet with. Come on, let's go-" I was about to drag Bayloupe away until the bitch interrupted.
"Hold on a minute! Who is she?!" She asked in a surprised manner.
"I'm Bayloupe Newlight. I'm Hachima's friend and new classmate in his school. Nice to meet you." Bayloupe bowed to her while the she-devil looked back at me.
"So you ARE cheating on Yukino-chan. *SIGH* Even if it's you, you're still a guy in the end, huh." She shook her head and I got annoyed by that line. This girl wants me to hook up with Ice Queen because she thinks it's a way to help her little sister. She didn't tell me that but I know a caring older sister when I see one. Unfortunately for her, I only have one heart and someone else took it as if she's from an elite family of assassins who ripped it out in such a way, Johness would rather die in that method (4). I will help Ice Queen with whatever family problems she has but not by your methods Yukinoshita Haruno.
"Didn't you hear what she said? She's just a close friend of mine."
"You? Actually have real friends?"
"Yeah, yeah I know, it's really surprising. We're just trying to catch up on each other since we haven't talked in months." I said indifferently.
"Just the two of you?"
"Yeah."
"Isn't that what you call a date?" She asked, looking skeptical.
"No, we're just hanging out and we don't have much time since I got something important to do with helping out Komachi and her school assignments," I said as I dragged Bayloupe away before the she-devil could respond. After a few minutes of walking, we sat down on a bench with her on my left side. That she-devil will surely tell someone about this and it'll reach the school's fucking eardrums. We aren't gonna be bothered by rumors but it'll be annoying if they attack us with a shitload of questions. My thoughts are interrupted by my girlfriend patting me in the shoulder and when I turned around I got poked on my cheek.
"So? Who was that?"
"Yukinoshita Haruno, my clubmate's older sister," I said while closing my eyes.
"Hmmm...I haven't asked but what is your club?"
"The Service Club."
"What kind of club is that? Is that even allowed?"
"I have no idea. Anyway, it's a club that deals with helping people's request."
"Like a guidance counselor?"
"You could put it that way but there's a lot more to it. We help by doing things like teaching someone how to cook, or train someone in tennis, or even solve their problems with their friends." I explained.
"Well, that's interesting. Can I come by just to say hello?"
"You can. Just try not to do anything stupid." I said as I stood up and reached a hand.
"Come on. The others are waiting and I don't want those brats to piss me off with their whining."
"Ahahaha, alright then. Next, we're going to my apartment and then to your house." She said and now we're walking while holding hands.
"Hah? Why?"
"Well, we want to pack our luggage soon and unload them there so that I can prepare magical barriers around the house and school."
"...are you saying you're all gonna live in my house?!"
"Yes. What's the problem with that? We already lived together in your apartment in Academy City so what's the difference now?"
"*SIGH* You got a point. Teach me that magic barrier so I can help you."
It's 5:30 pm and Bayloupe and I are cooking dinner for everyone. We already unloaded their luggage when we got home. When we got to their apartment, I thought that they were just kidding but sadly they're not. I didn't want to believe that was their apartment. Why?
.
.
.
Because they live in the same apartment as Yukinoshita Yukino. The moment I realized the direction we were heading, the only thing I felt was dread but I didn't show it on my face until another bombshell hit me. Their room is right next to her! What kind of coincidental bullshit was that! We were lucky Ice Queen didn't go out of her room before we left nor saw us at all. Worst and Forte laughed at me for looking paler than ever and I responded by smacking their fucking heads off. Even now they still have those glowing red bumps on top of their heads. Komachi and Last Order are playing video games in the living room while Worst and Forest are sitting at the dining table talking.
"Does this taste good?" I asked as I reached a small plate of soup to her and she sipped a portion.
"Hmm... really good. That's fine as it is." She nodded.
"If you say so," I said that and a sudden thought just crossed my mind. Aren't we look like a newlywed couple right now? This is a weird thought but I keep imagining it when we started cooking together. We've only dated for a week and now I'm thinking something so far as marriage?
"So what? Do we have to follow something as stupid as norms? Again, we've known each other for about a year and the times we spent together aren't normal."
That's right. We already fell in love with each other during her early days of spending time with me in Academy City. I didn't want to admit it back then but after the first fight with Cain, I knew that she understands me the most, and I want to understand too. I want to be the one who understands her the most, the one who'll give her a happy life even if it'll kill me. Is it safe for me to think that we can get married? At this age? Teenage marriages are said to be very risky and would most likely end in an early divorce. We're different from normal couples but is that the only factor that can ensure our future together?
"Hachiman..." I turn to look at Bayloupe and she suddenly kissed me. I heard some screams and I moved my eyes to notice that everyone is watching us. I felt something warm going inside my mouth and then I realized it was her tongue swirling around inside. She pulled away and smiled until I grabbed behind her head while still holding the wooden spoon in the pot and kissed her back. Our tongues are more like they're competing with each other for dominance rather than dancing with each other. I heard the screams even louder.
"EEEEEEHHHH?!"
I didn't pay attention to them and went at it with Bayloupe until I pulled back. Her cheeks are all red, her eyes widened, and her mouth is wide open. I couldn't help myself from having a big smirk on my face.
"So, what was that for?" I asked and Bayloupe smiled back.
"Well, you have that serious look on your face and I can't resist." She licked her lips. I turned around and saw everyone is all red even Worst though she is grinning.
"Onii-chan is a true man!" Komachi pulled a thumbs up.
"You two are just too much." Fauna looked away with embarrassment and a little jealousy on her face.
"Hahahahahaha! Nice job, Tou-san and Okaa-san." Worst is laughing on the floor.
"'EEEAAAAAHAAAAAA! Bayloupe took Accelerator from me!' shouts Misaka as Misaka cries in agony from this revelation!"
"By the way, you didn't tell Last Order that we're dating?" I asked Bayloupe with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't want her to hate me on the first day here in Chiba and she might cry for days." She said as she scratched her cheek.
"Gah! Not...again. Must punish Tou-sa-"
*CLANG*
As Worst was about to run towards me to enact my 'punishment', I hit her on the face with a frying pan and knocked her out. Komachi tries to wake Worst while Forest comforts Last Order to stop crying. My thoughts wandered on Bayloupe's sudden act. She must've noticed my worries so she cheered me up by kissing. It didn't make those thoughts go away but it reassured me that we'll be together for a very long time.
"Just wake that brat up already because we're about to have dinner," I said in a weary tone and we set up the plates on the table.
A few hours ago
I still couldn't get over how Hikigaya-kun changed into some kind of delinquent. Well, he's still cynical, quite lazy to put an effort as seen when we did Kunimi's request, and our routine didn't change much as we still have our bantering but there's this different atmosphere that he's emitting. It's not the usual pessimistic, creepy, and self-deprecating loner that I felt when I look at him. He exudes confidence, indifference like nothing in the world interests him, and strength as if he's the strongest yet doesn't show any arrogance. His way of talking is also strange but it's not so much of an issue for me. His red eyes are...enchanting to say the least. I never saw red eye color in real life so it is quite surprising, and I thought he looked quite handsome. He told us that it was a genetic heritage so that issue is solved except for his behavior. And then there's that transfer student, Bayloupe Newlight. I never talked to her but I did catch a glimpse of her during one of the times she went home with Hikigaya-kun. A foreigner from England, and very beautiful. She could compete against Nee-san in terms of looks. Is she the reason why Hikigaya-kun changed? No, Yuigahama-san said that he changed before Bayloupe appeared, and he wasn't aware that she would be transferring in our school based on his reaction.
"AHAHAHA! Tou-san looks so dead right now!"
"I...never...hahaha.. thought you can get even paler than...Hahahahahaha!"
*BAM*
I heard a burst of loud laughter from two girls next door and also a loud banging sound like something hit their heads. Huh, so their father is also there. I assumed he got mad at his children and now he's disciplining them. I haven't met the new neighbors because I don't go outside that much, and I heard that the resident comes home unusually late. And then I heard they're moving out already. I didn't know those neighbors at all but one thing I know now based on the noise is that they're a family. Even if they're sort of fighting right now, they're still together. I envy those girls. I live alone here in this apartment because I'm not on good terms with mother. I study hard just so she would be proud of me, but the more time passed the more impatient I become. It's so lonely here and the only thing that keeps me strong is my determination to fulfill my goal of being acknowledged by her. I'm used to being alone since elementary school but being away from your own family is quite painful. The only thing I have left is my goal...
...until Hikigaya-kun and Yuigahama-san came.
They became my genuine friends though I rejected Hikigaya-kun's offer twice. The first one is because I considered him as a rival and he was only offering his friendship from pity. The second one...I don't know why I rejected his offer at that time. I made up some excuse about not knowing him that well. But was that really the reason? What if I want to be something more to him. More than friends. I feel something weird every time I'm with Hikigaya-kun. It was during one of the Cultural Festival meetings when Hikigaya-kun berated Sagami-san for her incompetence. I knew what he was trying to do. That was his way of helping Sagami-san to 'grow'. But there is something about his tone that was strange. It has anger but not because of his complaints about working alone and not receiving help from the committee members.
No, it was more like he was enraged that she hurt someone.
He was angry at her because I got sick. The thought of that made me feel weird. It was so strange for him to make that stunt just for that and then he escalated it towards the end of the festival. He became the Most Hated Man of Sobu High and it made me angry yet happy at the same time. I'm angry because none of those fools don't understand Hikigaya-kun as much as I do, and I'm also happy because I can approach him anytime I want without worries. Even if there would be rumors about me and him, we won't be bothered by something so trivial. That made me sound like I want him for myself. Huh, so that's it.
"I'm in love with him..." I mumbled. So that was the feeling I had. That's why I felt jealous when I saw him with that transfer student. I want our banter to be longer. I want Yuigahama-san to just go away for once and let just be me and him in the clubroom. I want to know more about him. And now, I want to know what happened to him. What made him changed? If it's not because of Bayloupe Newlight then it could be something that happened last weekend. Or is it really because that is his true hidden self? Let's assume that it's the latter, then what is the reason for hiding it along with the fact that he has friends? Was it something that caused him to become the loner we know in the present or maybe something else?
"London..."
Yuigahama told me what Bayloupe said on her first day in school. According to Bayloupe, she met Hikigaya-kun last year in London. They first argued then became close friends. She said that Hikigaya-kun went there due to one of his friends winning tickets on some contest on a game. Is it a gaming event? Or is it just a game between friends? I grabbed my laptop and put it on my lap and began typing.
"Game...contests...with tickets to London...Last year." I typed the words and searched it on the internet. The top result caught my eyes.
"Ultimate Paradise World G? Kami, The Harem King? It's worth a shot."
I opened a link on a new tab and read the article. Apparently, this game is a dating simulator where you make decisions in the game in order to 'date' the female characters. The contest was that the first person who could date all female characters in one playthrough would get a free week-long vacation to anywhere for themselves and their friends. Kami, The Harem King won the contest in just a few days after its release. Kami? He's the 8th level 5 esper in Academy City. Could it be that Hikigaya-kun knew him? No, that is ridiculous to think about that without any sort of claim or evidence. I look back at the search results and it seems that this was the only game that featured that kind of prize. I look again at the article. Kami said in an interview that he wanted to go to England...
This is too farfetched. I should think about this topic for tomorrow, although I am quite interested in the level 5s. I wanted to be an esper when I was a child but mother rejected that because the family business is more important and we can't rely on something as ridiculous as esper abilities and should rely more on our natural capabilities. I was sad at that time and I never bothered to look on about Academy City until now. The official Academy City website doesn't show any information on all espers but during spring, they did put the level 5s here probably to promote their city even though they've gained enough from events like the Daihaseisai and that Grand Ability Dual tournament. However, some believed that it was the request of the government to reveal their "weapons of mass destruction" due to past events like a weird gigantic explosion that occurred in the city, and rumors like witnesses saw level 5s were roaming around in different countries or a giant angel figure flying around Japan.
"Level 5, the highest esper level to be accomplished in Academy City and there's only eight of them, huh?" I read the list of level 5s.
Number 8 Kami, The Harem King. Ugh, he sounds like a perverted degenerate. His ability allows him to negate any esper abilities. How he does this is currently unknown. He is identified as a level 5 due to his fight against the number 3 in a tournament. They don't have his real name and his face is covered by a mask. Hmph, "The Harem King"? I should probably stay away from that individual. He looks more perverted than Hikigaya-kun. No, probably worse than Zaimokusa-kun.
Number 7, Sogiita Gunha. He is the strongest Gemstone esper. He is ranked seventh not because of his capabilities but his power remains a mystery among everyone. His profile picture...Oh, I do recognize him doing the opening speech on last year's Daihaseisai.
Number 6, Aihana Etsu. Literally no information about him or her other than the name and the fact that he/she exists.
Number 5, Shokuhou Misaki aka Mental Out. The most powerful psychic as her esper ability involves brainwashing, telepathy, mind-reading and many more. A student at Tokiwadai Middle School. As for her profile picture...W-what is with those breasts? She's a middle schooler and her breasts are that big? I-impossible. *SIGH* Next...
Number 4, Mugino Shizuri aka Meltdowner. Her ability involves controlling electrons to create a particle waveform high-speed cannon which is a destructive beam of high-speed electrons that could pierce anything. That sounds very powerful, I must say. There's no profile picture of her nor there's anything about her background. Strange, They know her name and power but didn't even have a picture of her face?
Number 3, Misaka Mikoto aka Railgun. She is the most powerful electromaster which pretty much explains her esper ability just by that. I did watch her on TV during the Daihaseisai last year and this year and she was amazing at every event. A student at Tokiwadai Middle School. Her profile picture...Huh, she resembles her father a little bit. I've met her father at one of those parties that my family hosted. Misaka Tabigake, he looked rich but he's actually not. he was just there due to an invitation from his friend. He was very nice to me and has that adventurous spirit. Even though he isn't rich, he seemed to have connections with important people.
Number 2, Kakine Teitoku aka Dark Matter. He has the ability to create unknown matter. Hmm... they didn't give any more details other than that. Dark Matter? Does this mean he can control one of the components of the universe? However, it does say "unknown matter" so maybe something else entirely? There's also no profile picture nor any personal information about him. It's the same as both the number 4 and 6. This is very mysterious. The power to create unknown matter is definitely interesting. A power like that yet he's ranked 2nd among level 5s?
Last but not the least, Number 1, Accelerator. Just the nickname, huh? No personal information either. Despite being the strongest esper, he doesn't show himself on events like the Daihaseisai. He might be well-known in Academy City but for us, he's more of a nobody. During the early days of the released information about the level 5s, the most popular searches were Misaka Mikoto as she acts as the mascot of Academy City, Shokuhou Misaki, due to her appearance on Daihaseisai opening speech, she gained a lot of attention mostly from males, and Sogiita Gunha due to his power remaining a mystery, everyone wanted to try to make theories on what his power could be. And even now, they are still the most popular on the media. The other level 5s were also noticed but only for a short moment due to their lack of presence. Anyways, back to Accelerator. His ability is to control the vectors of anything he touches. As far as I know, a vector is the quantity that has magnitude and direction. That doesn't sound very interesting nor powerful for the Number 1 esper. Then again, they didn't specify any details of what he can and cannot touch or something along the lines. Wouldn't that mean he can control everything? Let's see, profile picture; White hair, pale skin, he looks pretty skinny and has red eyes? He looks like...
.
.
.
"HIKIGAYA-KUN!?"
No, it can't be! But there's no denying after seeing his face. Why did no one notice this?! Sure, he's not popular in public but there should at least be someone out there who recognized him. I type on the keyboard faster.
"Accelerator...in Chiba."
I pressed enter and then it showed one or two links of rumors about an esper of Academy City walking around Chiba. They said there were videos and photos of him but they were immediately taken down before even one of them could get the media's attention so the rumor is dead. Hikigaya-kun is Accelerator? Why would he be here? Is it some secret mission or something that Academy City is hiding? There's no personal information which includes his family background, is Komachi really his little sister? Could it be that the reason he came here was to meet her?
There are too many questions forming inside of my mind. I closed the laptop and laid down on the sofa with my back while grabbing my head with my hands. This is too ridiculous. This is too unbelievable. He can't be an esper. But then again, it would make sense if Kami is one of his friends as fellow level 5s and went to London for a vacation. London...Bayloupe Newlight...Did she know this? Is she aware that her close friend is the strongest esper in Academy City?
"Hikigaya-kun...why?"
5 days later, Sobu High School
Almost two weeks have passed since Bayloupe's transfer in my school. She already became popular due to her looks and nationality. They now call her the "Snow White of Sobu High" or "The Silver Flower" or even "Queen of Moonlight". I don't know who the fuck made up those stupid nicknames. "Silver Flower"? I understand because of her hair, but "Snow White" and "Queen of Moonlight"? Isn't Yukinoshita more suited for those two? She got perfect white skin and all that. Although Bayloupe also has perfect white skin all over her body. I'm very sure of that since I saw her naked after all.
As for me, it's a mixed reaction. Some still see me as the shitty scumbag who hurt a girl's feelings, some still see me as a creepy stalker or whatever, and now there are people who suddenly admire me. Those people would call me a "secret genius" since I only showed my high-level intellect last week. I am smart during my times as the Loner but not that much since I sucked shit at math and science. Then there are girls who started to look at me like I'm some sort of celebrity like I'm almost on the same level as Golden Boy or Totsuka. Rumors started popping up such as me and Bayloupe are dating which we shut down people who asked us that question, or my secret identity is some rich kid of a prestigious family which I also shut them down, but all of those rumors are still alive and people are still talking about them. They started calling me the "Red-Eyed King of Sobu High" or the "Rebellious Mastermind". Cool nicknames, don't give a shit on both of them. Bayloupe and I aren't bothered by them as long as they don't piss me off with their pestering.
Right now, I'm currently outside at the back of the school surrounded by five male students, most likely second year like me. It's now lunchtime and they suddenly approached me in the classroom and dragged me here. Again, there are still people who hate me, and now there are guys who are jealous of me for being smart or being around someone as pretty as Bayloupe, Yukinoshita, or even Yuigahama. I just have the same bored look on my face as these idiots started talking about their problems with me.
"You're starting to piss me off, Hikitani." Oh yeah, that nickname hasn't died down yet.
"Yeah, and you know why?" Another guy said while leaning closer to me with hands in his pockets. Are they delinquents or some shit? How the fuck did they even get accepted in this school?
"Yeah, I do. Can I go now?" I asked indifferently.
"Fuck you. You think you're so smart that you can just act like you're hot shit. We still haven't forgotten what you did at the Cultural Festival. I bet you blackmailed Newlight-san to get close to you." The main guy said with anger rising up. Ah, the old "blackmail excuse". It's starting to get boring and cliche. They're just making up excuses to beat me up.
"You know, you could just straight-up say you're jealous of me and now you want to beat the shit out of me. I won't judge you TOO much." I said as I stretched my neck with sounds of bones popping.
"Tch, you don't know shit! How about we'll give you our reasons right at your skull." The five guys are approaching me with fists ready. I just stood still and put my hands in my pocket. The guy on the far left tried to kick me but I move to the side to dodge. The main guy was about to punch on the gut and I barely leaned sideways to evade. I sensed the guy behind me was about to attack so I ducked. His kick hit nothing. I didn't bother fighting back since they might use their injuries to convince others that I'm a delinquent so it's just me dodging everything they throw at me. How did I get so good at dodging? I already encountered a lot of magicians that can get passed my reflection field and fighting Cain numerous times so you could say that I developed some sort of precognition from fighting. The fucking hero might also have this skill, the way he dodged and blocked all of my attacks weren't normal. Anyways, this went on until the bell rang. Shit, it was Bayloupe's turn to cook a bento for me and now I missed it thanks to these fucking losers. Speaking of which, they're currently lying on the ground, exhausted at trying to get at least a single hit on me. I feel a little tired but not as much as them since I put less effort into my dodging.
"Well, that was a good exercise. See ya." I walked away.
"W-wait...we're not...finished." The main guy said while panting. Great, my stomach is empty and lunchtime is over. Can't these fucktards pick a better time to harass me? I walked into a corner and saw Sagami leaning back on the wall. Did she saw the whole thing?
"Yo." I give my usual greeting.
"H-hey there, Hikigaya..." She said while being flustered.
"Did you follow me here?"
"I-I was worried about you. Those guys suddenly called you in our classroom and they look mad so I-" I interrupted her by giving her a head pat. This might become a habit every time I see a girl looking shy or close to crying.
"So you followed us to make sure nothing goes wrong. Thanks for worrying but I got it under control as you saw back there." I said while forming a smile and head patting her.
"S-stop it! I thought that head patting was for Yui-chan!" She said while slapping my hand off her. Lately, I've been doing head pats to a lot of girls; Komachi, Last Order, Worst, Floris, (Oh hey, I got the name right) and Yuigahama. Shit, even Yukinoshita whenever she spaced or looking all gloomy. There's something in her mind right now and I don't know what. She would occasionally glance at me or even watch me doing mundane things in school. She's been doing that since Monday and now I'm worried. I'm gonna ask her later. I also did a head pat once on Bayloupe when she begged me to have sex with her on the rooftop and I rejected her. We haven't done it in a while and I rejected her offer. Hmmm... we can't do it at home since those brats are there, and we actually can't do it in school even if I know some secret spots. I guess I'll have to take her to a love hotel...
"Hikigaya! Hey, Hikigaya!" Oh shit, I was lost in thought again.
"Oh, sorry. What were you talking about?"
"I was asking if you have any plans for tomorrow."
"I don't have any yet."
"T-then, will you hang out with me tomorrow? I-I need you to help with s-something." She said while looking away.
"Does it have to be me? What about your friends?"
"..."
"Right. You girls haven't talked things out yet. *SIGH* Alright, I'll help you."
"You sound like you hate this."
"Just a little annoyed."
"Annoyed?! I didn't get close to you that you would be annoyed. Or do you still hate me after the Cultural Festival?" She asked angrily but looked like she's about to cry.
"I don't hate you anymore. What bothers me is that you never talked to me after the Athletics Festival so why now?" I asked while walking with her side by side to the classroom.
"...I was nervous to walk up to you. I kept having thoughts that maybe you would ignore me and I'll be left alone. I can't trust my friends anymore after what happened back then."
"Why do you want to be friends with me?"
"You can't be that dumb. It's because you helped me at both festivals."
...
"SHUT UP!" I screamed and everyone was quiet. I couldn't take it anymore and I think that I want to die right now. I thought Haruka and Yuuko were my friends but I was wrong. I thought that they would support me as the chairman of the Athletic Festival, just like the way they did in the Cultural Festival. They didn't, instead, they were opposing me and the proposed events and they convinced other volunteers to be on their side. They just want to get close to me for popularity, nothing more.
"Everything is always decided by you people. No one ever listened to me. What's up with all your looks of 'I understand everything'?" I'm starting to have a hard time breathing. I think I'm gonna die crying. No, I need to shout at them before that even happens.
"Aren't I trying my best too...?" To be honest, I don't know who I am talking to and I don't care. I just want to let this all out. I can't hold it any longer.
"Aren't I doing my best this time!? Why do you not understand that!? I've already apologized and reflected on my actions…"I lowered my head. Tears are running down my cheeks. Just why couldn't they understand? I did things right, didn't I?
"That's why I said, that I'll do it properly next time, that's why..." I can't form any words in my mouth and just cried for who knows how long. Then, I felt someone gently rubbing my back and I lifted my head to see who it was.
"Hiki...gaya?" I never have seen him with that expression. He looked at me with a sad face, making his eyes looking less of a dead-fish and more like actual human eyes albeit slightly.
"Hikigaya-kun?"
"Hikki?"
"...Sensei, can I take her somewhere for a few minutes?" He asked while lowering his head.
"Hikigaya..." I mumbled while still crying. He's only doing this because he felt guilty, that's just it. But...I'm glad.
"Y-yeah, sure. Take your time." Hiratsuka-sensei accepted his request and now he's helping walk outside this hell that is called "The Athletics Festival Meeting Room". We walked further away until we reached a vending machine. Hikigaya used the vending machine while I sat on a staircase with tears still running down my cheek. I slowly calm myself down and I noticed something at the corner of my eye. It was Hikigaya giving me a can of coffee.
"Here..."
"T-thank you." I grabbed the can and looked at the label.
"Maxx Coffee?"
"When life is too bitter, sometimes it's best to have something sweet." He said as he sat beside me and opened a can of black coffee.
"Then...why are you drinking that?" I asked while wiping the tears in my eyes.
"My punishment."
"For...what?"
"For the things that happened to you recently." He said while drinking the can. He feels responsible for all of this? Sure, he berated me at the Cultural Festival but this time it wasn't his fault. Plus, this is very unusual for him to do this.
"You felt responsible for this? Or are you just taking pity on me?" I said with an angry tone but my voice is still scratchy from all the crying.
"That's not it," He shook his head.
"It's just...When Shiromeguri-senpai requested the Service Club in finding a Chairman for the Athletics Festival committee, Yukinoshita suggested that you should take the position. I rejected that because-"
"Because you thought that I can't do it?"
"Because I thought that you needed time to reflect. It's only been like a week since that incident and now they want you to do this again? Yukinoshita said that this is for your 'growth' and I rebutted that idea. It shouldn't be this. It has to be more simple and away from the problems. Then I said to them that we don't need to get involved with you because it would only hurt you even more. And what do you know, I was right." He explained while staring at his can. I never thought that he would act like this towards anyone. Probably not even Yukinoshita-san and Yui-chan have never seen him like this.
"That still doesn't make sense why you would caress me like that and cheer me up."
"...When we asked you to be chairman, you refused and had that look on you. I saw that look every time I looked in the mirror during middle school. It's the same with that face you were having back there at the meeting. It was the look of someone wanting to die." He fell silent as I looked at him in shock and awe. The thought of him having a painful middle school never crossed my mind until now. I always thought of him as a creepy loser, and I never bothered to think about why he became like that. He spoke again while scratching the back of his head.
"Well, it's not like someone wanting to die but more like...um...like you want to be left alone or like you realized something so terrible, you might die of having too much to think...eh...y'know?"
"...okay?" I said a little confused. He began to explain further.
"*SIGH* what I wanted to say is...I've seen and met loners before like Zaimokusa or Kawasaki or that kid at summer camp. The one thing I've never seen until now is someone who is about to become a loner. When I saw you broke down like that, I thought to myself; 'If someone like me has been through this then wouldn't that mean someone else might've been through worse?'"
"I'm a cynical bastard who never give thought to others and always use methods that could solve things quickly so I can go to bed and jack off or whatever. I thought that I was the only few who saw reality. The keyword 'few' is the one I completely forgot and got in my head that I was the only person instead. It does cross my mind that people would go through this, I just didn't think how it would happen. When I watched as those two raijuus you called 'friends' started to harass you, it reminded me of a lot of my time in middle school. You thought that you would be happy that a classmate texted you for the first time or gave you their numbers, but in the end, we all got stabbed with the truth."
I don't know what to say. Everything he said is right. Just because you talked to people doesn't mean they're already your friends. It takes more than that. I never talked to Hikigaya and when I did, I always assume things without properly looking deeper. I can't think of any words to say to him so the only thing I could do is opened the can he gave me and drink it.
"Bleh! It's too sweet!"
"Hmph. In life, you can't have things too sweet."
"That doesn't mean I can drink something like this! I might get sick!"
"Then have a healthy diet or exercise. That'll make the drink ten times more edible."
"That's not how-. Whatever." I reluctantly drink the can in the end.
"Besides, I hate black coffee so I'm having this worse than you." He spoke.
"You think drinking black coffee is a good enough punishment?" I said as I raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"My taste buds are suffering from this coffee's bitterness. It's enough to get me to a hospital." He responded with a smile of his own. It's not the same sinister smile as the one at that incident, it's a genuinely warm smile. I looked away from him and just took a sip of my drink until I stood up.
"Are you going back in there?" He asked with a worried expression.
"No, not right now. Maybe tomorrow. I still need time to calm myself." I answered while smiling. I finished the can and threw it in the trash bin.
"Okay, well I need to go back so-"
"Can you walk me home?" I interrupted him. What the hell did I say just now!? That's the stupidest thing I've ever asked. I looked at Hikigaya and he's having a surprised and confused expression. Uwaaaahh, I think I really wanna die right now.
"Um... Come again?"
"I-I said can you walk me home?" Why did I ask him twice?! I could've just said 'nothing' or just say goodbye but NO! I just have to repeat myself like a big idiot who's desperate to have a guy to keep me company.
"... I don't see why not." He answered while giving me that warm smile again. I think my face is all red right now and I doubt it's because of the crying.
"E-eh? Are you s-sure? W-what about Yukinoshita-san"
"She'll be fine. She already learned her lesson of not overworking herself." He said indifferently while swinging his hand. Well, he has a point. Plus, this is Yukinoshita-san we're talking about so-
"Besides, This is an even worse punishment than drinking black coffee so I accept."
"W-what do you mean this is punishment!"
"I might get tired from walking which I don't like so this is considered punishment."
"Whatever! Just get our bags in the meeting room." I said angrily and he complied. When he walked a few feet away, I formed a smile.
"Thank you..."
...
"I also realized back at the Cultural Festival, that was your own way of helping me grow and prevent me from being a loser but I mistook it as you just being a scumbag. But not anymore, I'm just thankful that you did all that for me." She said while smiling at me.
I did remember that. My Loner Persona created an identity that he's a normal student who got bullied and ostracized at kindergarten all the way up to middle school. Well, I actually did went through the whole 'ostracized' part, just that he changed it to a more "normal school life" setting. He helped Sagami not because he saw himself in her, he slowly realized that his methods are not the correct solution. His plan to make the volunteers comply for the event didn't calculate that Sagami would break down in tears. It's outside of the logical area and more of an emotional argument. That was why he realized that even if his methods would work, there are still negative effects that could outweigh the supposed conclusions. However, he believed that his way of doing has some benefits for people. Or rather, he believed that was his only way of doing things.
"You don't have to trouble yourself at thanking me. We could've been friends already if you asked much sooner." I said to her while giving her a warm smile.
"I-is that so? hehehe." she giggled and then stopped walking for a moment to look at me.
"But... I kinda wish we're more than that." She smiled back. *SIGH* another one. But I am glad I get to be friends with her. Gladder than when I'm friends with Yuigahama or Totsuka.
"Let's hurry. We're gonna be late for class." I walked while Sagami followed
"Okay. Hey, can I go to your club just to hang out?"
"I don't see why not. Yuigahama will be happy to talk to you while Yukinoshita will just be neutral."
"Alright then!"
Classes have ended and it's time for Service Club.
"So, you're coming with me to the club too?" I asked Bayloupe.
"Yes. I want to see what you do there."
"If you say so."
"Hikki! Wait for me." Orange airhead said while still talking to her friends.
"Hikigaya." Sagami approached me.
"Yeah, let's go." I said that while noticing Bayloupe oddly staring at her until she smiled. I then noticed Orange Airhead looked surprised at Sagami. We walked outside the classroom to go to the Service Club.
"I-I think I need to go now. Bye-bye!". I heard her say goodbye to her friends and I felt something hit me in the back. I turned around to see Orange Airhead pouting while holding her bag.
"I said wait for me, didn't I?"
"It's kinda rude to keep Ice Queen waiting just for you to talk some pointless shit to your friends."
"Talking about the new bakery shop isn't pointless!"
"Whatever, let's just go already." We walked again while Orange Airhead is continuously punching me on my arm. When we entered the room, we saw Ice Queen sitting on a chair giving me a glare. That's not the only thing we found weird. She was in the middle of the table instead of the usual far end of it. Both mine and Yuigahama's chairs were placed on the opposite side of her.
"Good evening, I see that you brought Newlight-san. That's good since I also want to hear her say in this discussion." Ice Queen said while taking out a laptop in her bag.
"Sagami-san? Well, that's fine. You also have the right to hear this. Please take a seat." She said as Yuigahama and I sat on the placed chairs while Bayloupe and Sagami carried each one. Bayloupe sat next me which caused Sagami to look mad but she sat next to Yuigahama. We all looked at Yukinoshita wondering what this is about.
"I won't take this too long, Hikigaya-kun. I want you to answer truthfully and no dodging questions." She said with a cold tone.
"...okay? But first, why me?"
"You'll figure it out once I asked you these questions." She said while typing something on her laptop. Did I do something? Or did she found out who I am?
"First question; Is Hikigaya Hachiman your real name?" She asked. Shit, she knows. She found out about my identity but the question is how?
"Uhh...yeah. Of course, it is." I said pretending to be confused. Sagami and Yuigahama are also confused by that question but just stayed quiet.
"If you say so. Next question; Where is your birthplace?"
"Here, in Chiba." I answered and Yukinoshita stared at me for a few seconds then went back to her laptop. I look at Bayloupe who stared at me with a worried look. She also realized what is about to happen and I only sigh and gave her a shrug, indicating her that I'm ready to tell everything.
"Then next question; is Komachi your-" Yukinoshita was about to ask until I interrupted her.
"Stop beating around the bush. I know where this is going so just say it."
"...Are you the number 1 esper?" Yukinoshita said it hesitantly while showing the laptop screen of me when I'm still skinny and had white hair. There's a website about us? I didn't know that. My guess is that Academy City released some of the information at the request of the government or the UN since the final battle with the Fallen wasn't entirely hidden from the public, especially since Lucifer flew all around Japan just to prepare a gigantic magic circle in which we stopped that from happening. At least they covered up the magic part. When I first came here in Chiba, I used the fourth-rate's special make-up that disguised her prosthetic arm and right eye perfectly so no one would notice me. Every time I go out of the house, I would put that special make-up to disguise my face. Heh, I bet Ethan Hunt would want this make-up for his identity swapping tricks (5). It worked most of the time since I can't hide my choker. People would sometimes ask about the choker and the wires and I just made an excuse that they were accessories or costumes. What I'm surprised is that no one recognized me in my Loner Persona. After I went home from the hospital, I searched on the internet of me being in Chiba. There were only rumors of an esper walking around here and the photos and videos that might prove it were taken down before they even got the media's attention. Although, that would still mean there are few people who recognize me as Accelerator. It's either they don't give a shit or maybe I'm not that well-known. I guess the tournament isn't enough for me to be famous, huh?
"Eh! That's Hikki?! No way!"
"This is a joke, right?" Yuigahama and Sagami turn to look at me with eyes widened. I'm not scared nor felt guilty about all of this and instead, I just looked calm.
"Newlight-san, are you aware of this?" Yukinoshita asked Bayloupe while glaring at her.
"Alright, I'll explain everything so calm down." I said to them while sitting straight.
"The truth is-" I was about to explain but I paused because I noticed that the screams outside are louder than usual and it sounded more like a crowd panicking rather than the soccer team practicing. Everyone seemed to notice this as well and we all stood up to look outside the window.
"What's going on?!"
"There's some weird invisible wall!"
"Are you serious?"
"Something's blocking the entrance."
"What's that up there?!"
We looked up and realized there are runes floating high above the school.
"Those runes...It's our barrier." Bayloupe whispered to me. Someone is using our magic barrier against us? Is it that magic cabal? But why would they go for a frontal assault instead of sneaking inside the school? I looked down again at the crowd and saw two people wearing robes. One has a very small height and the other is taller than the students and has a beard. I also noticed that the tall guy is carrying an unconscious Miura over his shoulder. Shit! Since when did he?...
"Is that Miura-san?!"
"W-who are those guys?!"
"This can't be real..."
The three girls in the clubroom are now scared. I have no choice. I tapped Bayloupe's shoulder for her to look at me and I whispered.
"I'll take care of this. Go and break the barrier."
"But-" Before she could even object, I already turned on the switch on my choker, removing its illusion spell in the process. The sound of the electrode turning on was heard by everyone in the room.
"What kind of choker is that? Are those wires attached to your head?!" Yukinoshita asked but I didn't answer. Instead, I opened the window and jumped out far enough to reach the two robe-wearing bastards. As I was about to land, I swung a kick on the tall guy's face but he quickly dodged that and jumped away. He wasn't fast enough as the moment I landed on the ground, I dashed towards him faster than the human eye can see and successfully punched him right in the face while at the same time, took Miura away from him. I'm holding her by princess carry and noticed her fidgeting. I looked at her face and saw her eyes slowly opening.
"Eh..ouch..what is...Hikio?!"
"Now's not the time." I gently put her down on her feet and stare at the tall guy who's standing up. I quickly realized that the short guy is gone. Before I can move I got knocked in the air by a giant hand of magma and I crashed inside of a window into some classroom.
"Gah!...the heat of that hand got redirected by my reflection field but not the force," I said while coughing lightly and moved all of the chairs in the way. I looked outside of the broken window and saw the short guy in front of Miura. He was holding what appears to be a bow drill with symbols carved on them and there are giant water and fire golem next to each of his sides. They both seemed to be 20 feet tall and have a figure of a woman. The water golem reached out for her and I quickly reacted by hitting both of the golems with two whirlwind blasts. I followed up by dashing straight into the tall guy who was running towards her and tried punching him in the chest, but he sidestepped and tried punching me down but...
*DING*
It bounced back by my reflection field instead and he grunted in pain. I tried punching him over and over again but he kept dodging until one finally connected to his jaw.
*BAM*
He was sent flying and crashed towards the shorty. I then heard shouts from everyone. Some of the voices I recognized while others are just extras.
"Hikitani!?"
"What the hell is going on?!"
"Are they espers?! What are they doing here?!"
There is only one thing I can say in all of this.
"...fuck."
I then noticed the magicians stood up. Shorty leaned down and pierced the drill on the ground and twisting it once with that bow. It produced a spark and then the two golems came out of it. Goddamnit, I haven't analyzed the magic vectors of those things. I have to beat those magicians while not doing too much damage in this area or else Academy City will get in trouble and give me more restrictions. They might force me to go back there and I'll never come back to Chiba. That is the last thing I want so the option is to hold back on my power while protecting the people here.
"They got us cornered..."
References:
1. Soul Caliber
2. Persona 5 (credit to the reviewer 'A Fan' for coming up with that)
3. Bleach
4. Hunter x Hunter
5. Mission Impossible
Thank you for reading the chapter. Please make a review. Your opinions will make this story better.