Chapter 2 – Miura Yumiko Wants to Move On
"Hi- Hikigaya-kun, do you want to stay for the night?"
"…uh, Yukinoshita?"
I awoke to the sound of my phone currently acting as my alarm clock, its alarm tone seemingly having no intent of stopping unless I do what it wants, which is: get out of bed and prepare for the day.
I should know. I'm the one who set it. It's not like my phone has just become sentient all of the sudden you know. Those kinds of things only happen in fiction. Needless to say, my life isn't fiction. So is My Teen Romantic Comedy, which, by the way, is wrong as one would expect it to be for a loner like me.
…
Heh.
Anyway, you must be wondering "Doesn't your loveliest most cutest bestest little sister of all little sisters usually wake you up? Wasn't she your personal alarm clock?" now huh? While it is true that Komachi has been practically my morning alarm ever since God knows when, the moment she entered her first year in Sobu, that's no longer the case.
Onii-chan must not always rely on Komachi to wake Onii-chan up. Komachi cannot be with Onii-chan forever you know? was what she said.
Komachi is very waifu material. There is no doubt that Komachi will become the light of a household [1] in the certain future! was what she said.
Although, if Onii-chan is into incest, well, the world has become a more accepting place. If Onii-chan really wants it, I suppose Onii-chan and Komachi can marry each other. Kyah! That one earned me a ton of points! was what she said!
…
Why does my cute little sister torment me so?!
BuuuuUUuut…
My cute little sister did have a point.
There will come a point in time where we will be separated from each other, each living our own lives. We could both be married people (and by that, I did not mean to be married to each other… geez, can you all please stop with this sis-con thing?). We could be living in different countries. Or, we could be separated by various circumstances.
While I would want to prevent such separation from happening, the point is, the possibility is there. Recent happenings have taught me that I should always accept that the existence of such possibility is very there. It would be better for me to not resist it. It would be better for me to accept it.
…
It's kind of funny actually. I never really thought that I would be thinking like this. Before, I really didn't give a shit whether I'd lose something. I didn't care whether I'd be breaking bonds, losing contact with people. Heck, I didn't even give a thought of my relationship with Komachi. I guess I had taken it for granted.
Pretty much like what I did with I had with Yukinoshita… if there was really anything between us to begin with.
Heh.
…
I could blame it on society. I could blame it on my nature as a loner. I could blame it on anyone.
But it won't change anything. Blaming won't undo what has happened. And it's not like I had the power to change things anyway.
They were right when they've said that most of the time, one would only see the true value of something when one has already lost it. And yes, while it presumptuous of me to say that we had something considering that we were not even friends to begin with (she constantly reminded me of that), having practically lost her had affected me more than I thought it would be.
I thought that I wouldn't care.
But well, we both know that that wasn't case.
After having finished washing myself up, I went out of my room, aiming for our dining area so that I could have my breakfast (hopefully with my cutest bestest most adorablest little sister). As I walk down the stairs nearing my destination, I begin to pick up the scent of what's in store for breakfast.
…
Bacon and eggs. American huh? That must mean…
Having thought of that, I opened the door. What greeted me was the scene that I expected.
…
"Good morning Onii-chan!" greeted my sister.
"Yo. Morning Komachi." I greeted back.
"Good morning Senpai!"
…
"Good morning Senpai!~"
"Ah Komachi, what's for breakfast?" I asked my sister.
"Oi Senpai, I'm totally here you know?! You can totally see me right? I'm here right? Komachi, can you please tell your onii-chan that his lovely kohai is here to spend breakfast together with him?"
…
"Whoa. Eggs and bacon for breakfast. You sure are generous today Komachi! What's the occasion?"
"Uh Senpai, I was the one who made them for-"
"Nevermind, nevermind. Afterall, spending breakfast with Komachi is already a special event on its own! Kyah! That sure earned me tons of points neh Komachi?" I declared to my sister, all the while mocking whatever Komachi does whenever she does this.
"…disgusting Onii-chan." Yep. I agree with you Komachi. Remind me not to do that ever again.
"…"
…
Wait. Is that the sound of someone sobbing that I hear?
"Wah Senpai! You're so mean!"
…
And there she goes. That went quicker than expected. To think that such a usually strong foe could be defeated in such an easy manner! Was I overestimating her all this time? Hmm. Maybe. She could be sly, foxy, devilish even, but I keep forgetting that underneath the rotten exterior of hers is a maiden who only seeks to be accepted (lol).
…
But then, I guess I overdid it huh?
"Uh-huh, there she goes. Look, I know what you were trying to do Onii-chan, but was it really necessary?"
That sealed it. I really overdid it. There's no room for doubt now.
"Sorry. I just couldn't resist. That kind of opportunity doesn't present itself too often." I shamelessly declared, trying to cover up for the probable wrong that I have done.
Komachi sighed in response. Guess she's not buying my act huh. That's Komachi for you!
"Just when I was about to think that you'd finally get it, here you go making me lose my hope on you again. What a trashy Onii-chan."
Guh! That really hurts you know? Is that what you truly think of you Onii-chan Komachi?
"But well, that's what makes Onii-chan, Onii-chan you know? Even if I'm given the chance to change your stats, I wouldn't have it any other way. Kya! That surely earned me a ton of points!"
Aww, I knew that my Komachi didn't really mean it when she calls me- wait… This feels familiar.
Oi, did Isshki teach her this trick too? If so, then I have no qualms with whatsoever with I just did! It is entirely justified! But wait again… what if it the other way around? What if it was really Komachi who taught Isshiki this trick? Then that would mean that my annoyance at the fox was totally unjustified the entire time wouldn't it?
…
Gah! This if frustrating! Why must the gods torment me so?
But when one would look at it, all my woes were probably self-inflicted huh?
…
Sigh.
"I'll just go get Isshiki. You can start with breakfast if you want though."
"Yes yes Onii-chan. I'd prefer a nephew, but since we can't control this kind of things, just having a baby is fine."
Oi oi. What dangerous things are those coming from your mouth!? That's it. Isshiki definitely is the one doing the influencing here! That's definitely the definite! From now on, you are banned from making contact with her ever again until I say otherwise… is what I would probably have said, but eh. Who am I kidding? The two are inseparable now. Sometimes, I even question who really are the siblings here, me and Komachi –or- Komachi and Isshiki?
…
Let's just go get Isshiki. I would want to eat my breakfast now. Going to school on an empty stomach is not good afterall. Even moreso now that I am in my senior year. I have to pay more attention to my lessons. That definitely requires more energy.
This isn't the first time that Isshiki has spent her breakfast here at the Hikigaya residence. It isn't even the second time. Not even the third. Isshiki has done this a lot of times by now to the point where it would be surprising if she stopped doing so. And spending breakfast is not the only things she does here. She sometimes sleeps over. It is as if our house has become a second home of sorts for her.
The reason for why she's doing so? I'm not totally sure. Must be because Komachi insists her to do it? Must be because of convenience? Because she just wants to? Take your pick. I don't really bother to know. It hasn't done any harm so far anyway… well, except for probably poisoning my cute little sister's mind, but I don't have conclusive evidence to prove that. Besides, while I complain and all about Komachi becoming more bratty than ever, ultimately, that's all I can do. Complain. Komachi has her own life to live, and she has every right to live it the way she wants to. Of course, it's a different story if she lives it in an unsavoury way, but I have in faith in her not going down that path.
Now back to Isshiki.
Am I bothered by Isshiki doing all of this? Honestly, I was at first. I mean, having a female acquaintance at your house? Even moreso that certain acquaintance being known for teasing your poor heart for who knows how many times? Of course I was bothered. Even with my skewed perception of society, I am still a normal teenage boy goddammit! My poor heart can only take so much!
But now, not anymore. I've been pretty much immune to her 'charms' and whatshit (not really but she doesn't need to know that... no one needs to know that). And she does the teasing lesser nowadays. Must be because she's no longer getting the ideal reaction from me anymore (the result of me hardening my will as much as I can). Furthermore, even if she spends a lot of her time here at my home, my usual life here in the household hasn't been affected. Must have to do with the fact that I mostly spend it cooped up in my room thus having less opportunities of her affecting my private life, but hey, she could have just rudely intruded my room anytime she wanted (it's not far from her to do just that)… but she didn't. She hasn't entered my private haven without my expressed permission.
…
Which is why I am reasonably upset right now considering the situation.
Have you already figured it out or do I have to spell it out for you?
…
"What are you doing in my room Isshiki?" I asked the intruder.
The fox in response to my question slowly rotated her head in order to face me. She had a blank on her face which, I admit, was pretty creepy. Adding to that was the fact the she's been silent for about a minute or two.
"…"
"…"
Until she uttered a sound that I should have expected of her, but being expected doesn't mean that I wouldn't be annoyed by it.
"…tee-hee?"
Tee-hee? What was that? Was she trying to be cute or something so she could get away with the crime that she committed? Because if that was the case, it didn't work.
"You. Out. Now." I said in a commanding tone knowing that it won't really faze her, but I still had to try nonetheless. I am infuriated for chrissake! I want to let her know that. And I know that she knows that I don't get worked-up that easily!
"OhhhHh I'm so scared of this raging Senpai! Whatever should I do?"
And she dared mocked me! The nerve of this girl! Not only does she not apologize for the crime that she has committed, she even dared mock me!
"You know Senpai, you deserve this much for doing to me what you've done to me earlier."
…
What is with that convenient logic of hers? It doesn't make any sense! Just because you've been done wrong by someone doesn't mean that should do wrong to them too! It is not a matter of equivalent exchange! If that were the case, then the world would have been in perpetual chaos! What you're supposed to do is to demand an apology from them.
"And it's not like you have anything to hide here right? I've searched and searched but found nothing of the like that I expected to be in a boy's room. Honestly, I'm disappointed."
I massaged my forehead in frustration at that. She just doesn't get it.
"Look, it's not about whether you've found something hidden in my room or not, or whether. It's about my room being my personal haven. A sanctuary of some sorts. Of course I'd mind if anyone would just enter it without my permission. If I would do the same to you, you'd probably feel the same."
"But I'm fine though if Senpai ever wants to enter my room. In fact, please do so whenever you please."
That's not how it works Isshiki. Can you please just stop with this stupid logic of yours and go back to being sensible?... was what I would've wanted to say to her, but I know that it won't work so I won't bother anymore. Instead, I just deeply sighed. It's what I usually resort to whenever I deal with this fox's antics. When nothing else works, just… give up.
For some reason, it works.
"Fine. Fine."
Just like now.
Thank the gods! I can finally have my breakfast. My precious breakfast with my precious Komachi.
"Just let me put this back."
Or so I thought.
Here I thought everything's already dandy. To think that I was even ready to forgive her then and there. But touching things that doesn't belong to her on top of entering someone else's room without the permission of said someone? This girl may have just gone too far! Too far even for her! I am so gonna give her a lecture. Nevermind not being able to enjoy my breakfast. Nevermind not being able to get to my first class on time. Nevermind not being to spend precious time with my precious little sister. This takes top priority above all else that I ought to do! It's time to straighten up the crooked personality of this girl in front of me.
And I was about to do so until I noticed what it is that she was putting back on.
…
So it was that huh?
"It's a good photo." commented Isshiki, obviously referring to the object that was in her hands just now.
"…yeah."
I'd have to agree with her. It's a good photo. I won't be displaying it on my desk if it wasn't. But really, that's not the reason why it's there. It's something more than that superficial reasoning. But to be honest, while I considered it a precious thing, I forgot that it was even there. Must be because it was so long ago since it had been there. That's enough of a time for me to be accustomed to it being just there right? Just imagine having put something important on your desk. Some time has passed to the point you won't even notice if it's gone missing unless you're specifically looking for it. You know that kind of feeling? That's the feeling I have for that particular article.
But anyways, back to the topic at hand.
It was a photo of the Service Club. Not an official club photo. Just… a photo of me, Yuigahama, and Yukinoshita. Taken in what once was our clubroom. With me in the middle (not my idea), and the girls on each of my side (also not my idea). It was the photo taken by the girl who was just holding it a while ago. [2]
…
"Too bad I wasn't in it though." Well of course you wouldn't be. You're the one who took it doofus.
"Well, you were the one who insisted that you should be the one taking it. Even though I've repeated several times that I'm fine not being on the photo."
"But then, it wouldn't make sense. It would no longer be a photo of the Service Club. It would just be a photo of three attractive young women, which really won't make sense… unless…"
Isshiki went quite for a brief second before turning to me, a familiar grin plastered on her face. Familiar as it is, it's not something that I really want to see, even moreso this early in the morning. That look on her face. It means nothing but trouble.
"Senpai, was that why you were so insistent on being the one to take the photo? Was that what you really were after? To have a photo of us three beauties so that you can act on your fantasies whenever you want to? I can understand that you are still a growing male teenager, you have your needs, but to go to such lengths just to get such article, that's just too sly of you! You should be more direct about it! I can't say the same for the two, but I'm sure I won't mind. In fact, why not just ask me now? And while you're at it, ask my hand for marriage too!"
…
"Yeah. Yeah. Let's just go eat breakfast. Komachi must have gotten really lonely by now, what with me not being there with her."
"Uh, Senpai? Could you please be clearer with your reply? Did you say 'Yeah' as to mean that you take my offer? Or was it your usual 'yeah' when you mean you can't be bothered? Hey Senpai, are we a thing now? Hey Senpai, answer me! Hey Senpai, get back here! Oh c'mon! Geez! Fine!"
In comparison to the eventful breakfast that I had, the rest of my morning was bland. The classes just went on, and then *poof!*, the lunch period came. That doesn't mean that I haven't been attentive to my classes. It's the opposite. My grades are proof of that. In fact, ever since I've entered my senior year in Sobu High, I've been constantly on top of the class, even of the entire senior populace, and had never gone down from it. But of course, with how the system works here in Sobu, nobody really knows that except for a certain few (hint: one of those is that Christmas-cake who just wouldn't get off of my back). So yeah, you just have to trust my words on this one. I really have no reason to lie to you now right?
Anyway, lunch. Where am I right now? Well, I am where one would expect a Hikigaya Hachiman would be during lunch period on non-rainy days. Still by his lonesome as usual. I wouldn't say 'as always' because that's no longer the case. Over the time I've spent my lunches here at Sobu, there have been occasions where I've been accompanied by others here at what I call my secret spot. Which isn't really secret. More like not-that-well-known. Shame for this spot is certainly a treat to be at. But hey, not my loss. I can understand though why it isn't popular since the classrooms and the cafeteria do just fine as places where one can spend his/her lunches. That and the fact that 99% of Sobu's populace are normalfags (lol). I guess I could chalk that one up as a win for us loners! Ha!
…
Haa. Loner.
Say, can I still be considered a loner?
I've been considerably more sociable now than before. I have people who I consider friends now, which is something since I've been so insistent on not labeling anyone that word. I'm in the tennis club, which includes other people, which I think would count as socializing... hm? I even spend some of my weekends with other people. Willingly at that (but not by my initiative). Are those enough to denounce myself as a loner? Have I already become one of them normalfags (lol)!? Such horror!
..
To one who doesn't dig deeper, it might be.
If one were to ask me that, if those are the only facts given, I'd say that YES, they're enough. But I know that those facts are just barely scratching the surface. I should know since I'm talking about myself.
While yes, I've been more sociable than ever, I still prefer the times when I'm just by myself. When given the choice, I'd spend time with just myself rather than with other people. While I certainly treasure some memories that I share with others, the ones that are closest to my heart are those of just me. And I think that's enough to cement my status as a loner. Take that you normalfags (lol) who wanted to take me away from my prestigious loner life! Ha!
Who says a loner can't have friends anyway right? People's definition of loners is probably outdated anyway. I am living proof of that.
And as to display my loner prowess, here I am spending lunch by my lonesome, which you already should have known since I've already told you that.
"There you are. I knew I'd find you here."
…
Welp, so much for being alone.
"Oh. Yo."
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome the latest intruder of my secret haven, the one and only Fire Queen of Sobu, Miura Yumiko.
"Huh? What are you talking about? And who are you talking to?"
Oh? Was I actually talking out loud? Whoops. O the woes of being a loner with a very active imagination.
"It's nothing. Just me and my non-sense mumblings."
The fire queen raised an eyebrow at that, as if pondering whether I've finally lost it. I'll have you know Miura-san, my mother had me checked and the doctor said that I'm sane.
"Whatever." finally voiced the queen. She then went closer to me, which in turn made me scoot over as to give her space to sit on. Ah, such is the authority that only a queen can have. Miura Yumiko is truly a queen and no one can convince me otherwise.
This is not the first time she's been here. Remember when I said that I've spent some lunches here accompanied by other people? Yeah, she's one of those other people.
Still, she's not a regular here since, as far as my knowledge goes, I'm the only regular here. I'm curious as to her sudden appearance. Which is why I asked,
"So, what brings you here? Don't you usually have your lunch with Yuigahama and Ebina-san?"
"I just felt like spending it today with you." Instant reply! That seems suspicious! It is as if she's practicing that line on her way here! What is her real purpose?!
As if sensing my questioning gaze at her, Miura turned her head to look (more like glare) at me."What? Do you have a problem with that?"
…
Do I have a problem with her having her lunch here?
"…as long it's not somewhere anyone can see us together, then that's fine with me." came my innocent reply.
…
Such reply elicited an expression of hurt from my current companion.
Come to think, my reply may have come off as being insensitive. That should explain the hurt in her eyes. Oh why can't I be as socially adept as Yuigahama? It's not fun being unintentionally hurtful to others!
"Is being seen with me really that bad for you?"
Oh c'mon Miura. Please don't give me that.
"If you're doing it because you're afraid that you may taint my reputation, then screw that! I don't care what the rest of the school think of me! And it's not like you're the once most hated individual in the school anymore. You've already made a name for yourself when you went to that tournament. Hikio, you're not as bad as you think! Stop being selfless and be selfish for once!"
…
Oh. She got me. Miura's more perceptive that I thought.
But I can't let her know that. I must think of an out for this.
"It's not that Miura. Just… just look at it from my perspective. See, it is undeniable that you are an attractive woman." I spouted in an effort to buy myself more time to come up with a solution. I could have just gone silent, but that would probably have made things worse.
Miura blinked rapidly at my comment as if disbelieving what she had heard.
"Uhhh Hikio? I uh-"
"Oh no, don't go shy on me now. You're attractive and you know it." I said to reiterate my point, which caused her face to become redder than usual. Huh. I didn't expect this kind of reaction from her considering that she has been probably been called that by a lot of people now already. She should have been used to it. What harm could it be if it came from me right? But hey, a flustered Miura? This might just work.
"Whereas for me, while I'm nowhere near ugly, I can't say that I'm that attractive either. I'm pretty much average and I accept that."
Miura tried to protest but I showed her the palm of my hand, stopping her attempt at retorting, and me telling her that she'd have to hear what I have to say first before she can speak.
"So, what do you think would happen if an unattractive guy like me spends his time with an attractive woman like you under the scrutiny of the Sobu populace?"
…
The woman beside thought about it for a short while before giving her answer, "I don't think much would happen. It's not entirely abnormal for a boy and girl to have a working friendship right? Besides, hell do I care about them minding who I spend my time with. I am my own woman! I can spend my-"
"No no. I said look at it from my perspective. See, I already mentioned the fact that you're attractive. And do you know what being attractive entails you? A lot of guys would be looking at you the entire time. They probably do it when they think you're not watching. They probably do it when you are."
I gave a little pause to have it sink in. Or atleast, that's what I wanted Miura to believe.
"How would those guys react when they see you with me?"
And again, I gave pause. This time, a little longer. This is so that I can give her enough time to think about it. Miura is not a dumb girl. I know that she'd figure it out soon enough.
After a couple of minutes or so, she made a face of realisation. She then looked at me and gave me her answer, which was as correct as it goes.
"It's not like I don't understand them. In fact, I often have those thoughts when you persistently tried to vie for the affection a certain blonde someone. So yeah, I understand them."
That elicited a giggle from the blonde beside me. For what particular reason, I don't know why.
"So there, I'm doing it wholly for my sake. I just don't want the unnecessary attention. I don't care if they think badly of me. I don't care if they backstab me. Just don't let them give me unwanted attention. A loner can't handle that."
There was silent for a while. I silently prayed that she'd buy my excuse. I don't want her to think that I'm shunning away her friendship. I've already mentioned that I genuinely enjoy her company haven't I?
After what seemed like a minute or so, the queen finally gave in.
"…fine."
…
The way she said it didn't sound as though she was entirely convinced and that she would probably pursue this matter later, but hey, if it means that I'm off the hook for now, then I'm fine with it. It's not everyday that this particular queen gives me leeway you know? Ever since she joined the Tennis Club, she made it her personal mission to take care of my growth. As a tennis player of course. And boy was she strict. Must be because of her rekindled passion for the sport.
…
Speaking of taking care of my growth.
"Anyways, have you already started on your lunch?" It was an innocent question. But I know better than to believe that.
…
Sigh. And here I thought that I was already off the hook. Miura Yumiko can be so heartless sometimes.
"HI-KI-O?" y-yeah. I should probably answer.
"Uh Yeah. Kind of."
"What are you having for lunch?" she asked in a sickeningly sweet tone. Oh I know where this is going. I already know where this is going, and I don't like where this is going. But why is it that everytime this happens, I cannot do anything about it?!
"Uhmmm… The usual...?"
"Hikio…" Oh boy. There she goes.
"Y-yes Miura?"
"Haven't I already told you that having just Yakisoba Bread for lunch doesn't constitute lunch?!"
"B-but Miura, I'm having Maxx Coffee with it. And it's cheap and has enough nut-"
"Cut that bullshit! God this is why I'm always doubtful to have you spend your lunch just on your own!"
"H-hey! I've been spending lunch like this since like forever and I haven't seen you complain about it so why now? And why do you care anyway? It's not like I'm your boyfriend or anything!" I tried to reason, hoping that I can still weasel out of this difficult situation.
"Hikio, if you don't remember, you're a member of Sobu's Tennis Varsity now. Your old diet just won't do. You have to take more care of your health and body now more than ever." And yada-yada I should be more careful with what I eat now. I should eat healthy food. I should strive to have a balanced diet. I should- are you even listening to me Hikio? And the list goes on and on, my brain just instinctively tuned her out at one point. Heh. Good job brain.
After what seemed like an eternity, the lecturing woman finally stopped.
"Which reminds me. Here." She said while she showed me a lunch box. Hmmm.
"What's this?"
"Isn't it obvious? It's lunchtime. I gave you a lunch box. You're smart. You figure out the rest."
"Okay? I get that this is a bento but that doesn't answer wh-"
"Just because I knew that you were probably not having a proper lunch, and that I just wanted to make you one! Can't you just accept it and be happy while eating it? You can just be so difficult sometimes!"
Ok ok! Yes mother! I know now! I will eat proper meals from now on! Geez!
…
"Sorry. And uh- thanks."
"No problem. Just be sure to finish it."
"Yes mom."
"Hmph!"
"Say Miura, I've already accepted the fact that we're friends and all. But me being a novice in this whole friendship thing, I don't really know my boundaries yet. So if any of what I'm about to say to or ask of you oversteps them, feel free to interrupt me okay?"
…
"This isn't the first time you've made lunch for me. And while I'm grateful for the free meal, I still can't prevent this shaky feeling. I still question your intentions on why you do so. On whether this friendship between us. Whether it is real or not."
It may seem random, what with me questioning her like this, when I seemed to have already accepted her friendship. But she knows that this was coming. I know that she knows of it. She knows I've been meaning to ask her this question ever since she started offering her friendship to me.
…
"Miura, it's not that I mind really, but are you using me as a substitute for-"
"Don't you ever dare finish that question."
…
It's not like I have to though really. I know she only said that because she already knows what I was about to ask her.
"Yes ma'am. Sorry about that." still, that's not an excuse for to not give her an apology.
"You… you don't have to apologize Hikio. I may have been a bit too rash."
…
Now I wonder whether she'll grant me her answer now. Or will I have to wait a little bit longer? I really don't mind which option she chooses, but I'll be damned if I didn't say that I prefer the former than the latter. It may be selfish of me, but her admitting it now would help her too. I just know it.
...
A pregnant silence has descended upon us, and I conceded that I will have to wait a little longer. It's not what I preferred, but hey, we can't win them all right?
I was ready to drop the subject, but then…
"I understand why you still question the legitimacy of my relationship with you considering that we really weren't in the best of terms just months ago. Add to that the fact that I probably only noticed you because of… Hayato."
Oh. There it is. The gods may have decided to be generous with me now considering the amount of shit that they've given me so far. Well then, I'll take your offer gods!
"Maybe that was the case. Maybe I only tried to get closer to you because you know something about him that I don't and I wanted to pry that something from you. But as I got to know you better, my intentions changed. Hikio, you can rest assured that my wanting of forming a friendship with you is genuine."
…
"Besides, I haven't made lunches for Hayato. Well, not after the first one I gave him."
Oh? That's pretty unexpected.
"Hmm? Why is that?"
"Well, I asked him of his opinion of it. And he only gave me a vague response. An artificial one. And I figured that he'd only give me that the next time I make him lunch so why bother right?"
Huh. So she already noticed cracks of the blonde bastard's mask even before huh? Yet she still pursued her 'love' for him. She probably thought that she can make him discard the mask. She probably thought that she'll be the one to assure him that she'll accept whatever he was. She probably thought that she can make him 'hers'.
…
Poor girl.
…
"Don't worry Miura. I will delightfully accept the responsibility of becoming your guinea pig for your future concoctions!"
"What- what are you saying? I don't understand you. Concocktio- Hey! Are you saying that the lunch I just gave you isn't good? If it's so, just say it straight to my face!"
"On contrair mademoiselle , I find your latest concoction to be much superior than the ones of your past! Splendid I say!"
"Now you're just being sophisticated. It's like you're making fun of me. Hmph! But oh well, as long as you like it."
Then and there, I saw a smile that I thought the girl beside me couldn't wear. It reminded me that I've always only been scratching the surface.
...
I really need to fix that stupid habit of mine.
Miura Yumiko Wants to Move On -End
A/N Yo. Been a while hasn't it. Remember when I wrote that don't expect hasty updates from me? I delivered! Yay! Not that it's a thing of praise though really, but yeah, at least I didn't lie.
Anyways, I just want to say this now… THIS IS NOT A SHIPPING FIC. Like, seriously, does every Oregairu fanfic have to be a shipping fic? Yeah? Of course.
It does not mean that there will be no romance elements, but if there ever will be, I will make them as subtle as possible. Pretty much like how Hyouka [3] delivered (not that I can accurately replicate it, but I'm trying).
…
But anyways, as I've said, this is not a shipping fic, although that probably will change over the course of the fic, but for now, no. This is a Hachiman fanfic and that's it. For now.
Honestly, I find it disrespectful that most people only focus on who's going to end up with who and then disregard all the other elements that the fic has to offer. An Oregairu fanfic doesn't need to be a shipping fic in order for it to be good/enjoyable (not that I'm saying that this particular fic of mine is good, but I'm tyring).
But hey, if you want to treat this as Shipping Fic, then be my guest. Just don't blame me if you get disappointed. No one's forcing anyone to read this fic of mine anyway. Or any of my fic for that matter.
...
...
...
Ok, with that out of the way, let me just say that thank you for reading. As before, please don't expect hasty updates for now.
[1] A traditional Filipino saying. Basically describes the role of a mother (in a traditional sense of course)
[2] Oregairu Zuko OVA
[3] Hyouka is a novel series written by Honobu Yonezawa; It has an anime adaption which covers 4 of the 6 novels released as of date.