AN: Am I alive? Yes. Am I busy? Yes. Am I still writing? Kind of.

I'm 5 months away from finishing my degree. Between exams, assignments and conducting my final year report, there's just no decent time to focus on writing all day which I love to do. Please don't ask me when I'll update Push Back in the review section of this story. You can harp on in the review section over on that side instead. It's sad to say for those eagerly waiting, but I have a life. And life takes priority over hobbies.

But that doesn't mean I can't write what I want to write when I have the time. So here you go, a little present from me for the holidays. Enjoy, everyone.

Chapter 3: My Senpai, My Hero

Hikigaya Hachiman.

Where do I even start with this guy?

First impressions? Creepy. Especially the eyes. Something about how strained they always looked made him out to be a bit weird in my book.

He was also deceptively observant. He saw through my cutesy act the moment we met. It was kind of disheartening. Average guys would have fallen head over heels the moment a cute girl even glances their way.

Of course, as I got to actually know him; about the man hidden away from all the bright-eyed boys I'm used to grabbing my attention; the words creepy and unnerving just wouldn't stick.

Helpful.

Responsible.

Smart.

… Kind of attractive… Ok, he's actually pretty good looking as a whole, but don't tell Senpai I said that!

The only reason I ended up interacting with him was due to a troublesome problem I got caught in. I wanted him and the service club to find a way to pull me out of being StuCo President.

His solution? To convince me to take up the position.

Yeah, pretty stupid… but I ended up going through with it in the end. What? He made a good argument! Senpai says I'm sly and manipulative, but honestly, he's even worse than me!

Of course, just like he said to me on that day in the library, there were plenty of advantages to the position. One of them being, a good excuse to play the helpless kouhai for help. I'd use this to grab a certain handsome senpai's attention… but I went and used it on him instead.

Love works in mysterious ways I guess.

"Thank you for coming to the community center today. I'm sure it was hard to organize a meeting on such short notice, Isshiki-san. I'm still quite new to this and Tamanawa-senpai was insistent I do this even when he's sick, so I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

The person that was currently addressing me was the new student council vice-president of Kaihin-Sougou. Like the rest of Kaihin's council, he was quite a looker. He also was less troublesome to deal with than Tamanawa so that's a plus in my book. In fact, anything is better than dealing with Tamanawa.

"No, no, please I don't mind, Kanzaki-san. Ever since last year, Kaihin and Soubu have been keeping close contact with one another. Meeting the new president of our sister school is important in keeping that relationship going. Plus, I understand perfectly how tough it is adjusting to the title and the responsibilities that come with it. It wasn't that long since I took up the position as well. With time and a bit of help I'm sure you'll get used to it in no time."

Was I laying on the helpful fellow president card a bit thick? Yeah, pretty much. But hey, it might make things easier down the road.

"Isshiki-san… thank you. I appreciate your words. Actually, if you don't mind…"

Uh oh.

Hold up, dude. I recognize those words. Please don't ask-

"Are you free right now? I'd like talk with you a bit more. About council matters and such."

-me out…

Oh boy. Better nip this one in the bud.

"Sorry, it's already kind of late."

"Then how about another day? Sometime tomorrow perhaps?"

Okay, he's insistent. Maybe something less subtle.

"I'm sorry. I'm not free. Semester exams are just around the corner so-"

"Yes, that's understandable. Then how about after our exams? We can discuss things without worry if it's like that."

… I take back what I said about Tamanawa being less annoying. Somebody help me already!

"Oi, Isshiki, what's taking so long?"

There, standing at the doorway with all his disgruntled glory, was my hero.

"You told me to wait outside once I booked the rooms for you since you said it was just going to take a moment. Come on, it's getting late."

"Right! Sorry for making you wait, Senpai. Kanzaki-san, looks like we have to end things here. See you another time." Hopefully in a long while.

"Wait, Isshiki-san! I-Is he your…"

My boyfriend? My lover?

Eheheh, if all goes as planned, both.

But for now, my answer was just a simple mischievous smile.

After leaving the community center, the two of us were now waiting at the station for our train ride back home to arrive.

"So he was trying to ask you out… I see."

"Senpai, why do you sound so disinterested? Aren't you the least bit worried over what almost happened to your sweet kouhai?"

He snorted lightly at my words, "Yeah, right. I'm sure it was your fault you got into that mess in the first place."

"It was so not my fault."

"Let me guess. You came into the meeting, all sly and foxy as always, put up a nice little friendly act, probably along the lines of helping a fellow president out, and he stupidly ended up falling for it. Did I get anything wrong?"

That's too specific! Were you actually there the whole time?!

"… Has anyone ever told you how annoying your perceptiveness is?"

"Actually, yes."

"Girls don't like overly perceptive guys, Senpai."

"She said the same thing too."

"… Excuse me, she?"

"The train's arriving."

Don't change the subject!

Even if I wanted an answer I probably wouldn't get it. He can be pretty tight-lipped if he wants to, especially if it's about any of the girls in his life. Yeah, girls. That includes me of course. Despite his attitude, he's actually quite the player. Or maybe it's because of his attitude that he was? Not like he ever notices.

When the train arrived I just noticed the large amount of people waiting to get on.

"It's pretty crowded now."

"It's already half past five. For some people, work hours just finished and the majority want to get home fast. Come on, if we don't hurry we might not be able to get on."

"Wait, Senpai!"

We rushed to the doors as soon as those coming out of the train were through. I managed to squeeze in but eventually got pushed around due to the still increasing amount of people.

"Ow! Wait! There's no need to push!"

I let out a squeak when I felt a hand brush against my rear.

"Hey!"

I couldn't tell who did it, and even if I did I wouldn't know if it was intentional or by accident. And all this shoving isn't making things any easier!

I felt my heart jump when someone suddenly grabbed my hand. Before I could say anything I was pulled along until I found myself standing in the corner with much needed breathing room.

"Oi, you ok?"

By the sound of that voice, I instantly knew who it was. Turning to my savior, I had to strain my neck to look him in the eye since we were literally standing less than a foot apart. Jeez, Senpai, why'd you have to keep growing? I'm already so short; don't make it harder for me to reach you!

When I finally caught his eyes I couldn't help but blush at the look of concern in them. Yui-senpai was right. His eyes have gotten nicer to look at.

"T-Thank you, S-Senpai."

I'm stuttering because I'm out of breath, not because of the fact we're literally inches apart!

Senpai suddenly grunted and moved ever closer to me. His chest was now barely centimeters away and the only thing stopping me from bumping head first into him was his arms that were braced against the wall behind me.

T-This is… K-K-Kabedon!

"Damn idiots and their shoving. Sorry, Isshiki. Just bear with this for the moment."

Oh sure. No problem. Just let me check if my heart stopped beating… Oh, it's fine. Just going a mile a minute is all. No biggie.

He was now literally a human wall that separated me from the crowd. The act was so sweet and considerate that it made me warm all over. I leaned back against the wall to get enough distance to calm my beating heart. At the angle I was looking at him, I could see how much he's changed from the time I met him.

His hair has gotten longer. It was also slightly messier from before. I usually like it if boys keep their hair short with a bit of style, but his current look gave him somewhat of a bad-boy feel. He was also taller, shoulders broader. Probably from all the time he spends exercising with Totsuka-senpai nowadays. Boys really don't stop growing, huh?

Mama says men are like wine. The longer you wait, the better they become. But don't wait too long or someone else will snatch that bottle from the shelf before you.

Words to live by, especially with the current competition.

"What's up?"

It seems I got caught checking-observing him.

"Senpai, do boys usually change this much so quickly?"

"Huh? I… guess? Not like I notice these things. Just chalk it up to maturity. We're all growing up every day at our own pace. Why'd you ask?"

"It's just… Senpai seems to be maturing so quickly these days. It kind of feels like you're… moving further ahead?"

"Well, I'm already in my 3rd year. College and university are not that far away from me anymore. Guess I'm slowly becoming an adult in the eyes of the world."

You're already a good man in my eyes, "But it feels kind of lonely actually… I guess I need to mature a bit too. Haven't exactly changed much myself."

"What are you talking about? You've grown plenty since I met you."

"Huh?"

"You're not the same bratty kid who couldn't handle a serious job on her own anymore. You used to call on me to help you on the more serious occasions almost all the time before. Nowadays you handle all these things yourself. It's been months since you've relied on me to bust you out of a problem. Not that I'm complaining."

I stared up at him, stunned at his words. He was right. When was the last time I relied on him to solve my problems? These days I only ever call out to him to carry stuff around, and that's just an excuse to spend more time with him.

Heh, guess I have matured a bit.

"You're still as sly as ever though. Work on that and you'll be just fine."

"Mou, Senpai, if only you kept your mouth shut then the moment would be perfect. You still have so much more improvement on the delicacy part of being a man. I don't know how Komachi could stand living with you and your sarcasm."

"Live with someone long enough and you'll eventually grow fond of them whether you like it or not. And those are Komachi's words, not mine."

"You siblings are a lost cause."

A sudden wobbly turn caused the crowd to shift slightly from the inertia. Senpai grunted as he strained against the bodies of strangers that pushed unintentionally against his back.

"S-Senpai, you don't have to keep doing this."

"Would you rather be squished between sweaty old men that aren't afraid to cop a feel?"

I instantly pinched the front of his shirt and glared up at him, "Don't you dare move from your spot. I'll never forgive you if you do, Senpai."

"… Geez, I was only joking."

"It's not funny. Before you pulled me here, I felt something brush against me just a moment ago."

"What?"

I closed my eyes and sighed in exasperation. He can be pretty unfocused at the weirdest of times.

"I said-"

I felt my breath hitch when I looked up and noticed the look in his eyes. Something I've never seen on his face. I don't think even the others have ever seen such an expression.

He was angry.

Like, really angry.

Those pools of grey were smoldering, and the tight frown he now sported felt so wrong on his usually taciturn image.

"S-Senpai?"

"… Did you get a look at who did it?"

No. And if I did I'm too afraid what you'd do if I pointed the person out.

He narrowed his eyes even further when I didn't immediately answer. He turned away from me and began to scout the crowded train for anyone that looked like a potential sleazebag. The people around us began to notice the currently pissed off teenager that looked ready to murder with his eyes alone.

I couldn't stand how he was acting and tugged at his shirt to get his attention back to me. I hurriedly whisper shouted at him to turn my way.

"Senpai! Senpai! … Hachiman!"

It seemed using his given name did the trick as he quickly turned back to me.

"What?"

"Just-Just calm down will you?! You're scaring me here…"

His eyes widened in surprise at my words. Slowly, he began to calm down and a complicated look took over.

"Sorry, Isshiki. I… umm… ugh…"

It was the first time I've ever seen him so exasperated before. He was even out of words at the moment.

"It's… It's ok, Senpai. Everything's fine."

He still didn't look convinced. That sullen look of his made my heart squeeze. I impulsively reached up to place a comforting hand on his cheek.

"It's fine, Senpai. You already pulled me here before anything serious can happen. I'm safe and sound right here. So it's fine…"

"… Alright. As long as you're ok."

Stay by my side and I'll be ok forever.

I slowly and reluctantly pulled my hand away. His stoic gaze had returned, but there was a hint of something in them that warmed my chest.

Protectiveness?

Affection?

I can't seem to put a word on it. But it's fine. As long as that gaze was for me, I'm more than ok.

The next stop had arrived, but it seemed more people came in than out. I noticed his arms were already getting tired from the strain.

"Senpai, it's ok. You don't have to go this far anymore."

"You're gonna end up squeezed against the wall if I don't. Not much breathing room for the both of us if I stop."

… You know what? That doesn't sound so bad.

"Senpai, I have a solution."

I reached up to his arms and pulled them down to reposition one hand behind my head and the other around my back. The new position forced him to move closer to the point where we were now leaning against each other. Actually, to others, it would look like he was embracing me.

"O-Oi, Isshiki-"

"Isn't this more comfortable, Senpai?"

"I-It is but that's not the-"

"Then it's fine."

I leaned my head back against his hand that served as a warm cushion against the train wall.

Yes. This was definitely more comfortable.

I looked up at him and sure enough, he was as red as the tomatoes he hates. I'm sure my face was just as bad. Still, it was an adorable look to him. I couldn't help the cheeky smile that graced my lips.

"What's wrong, Senpai? Got something cynical or sarcastic to say?"

"… Haaah… Yup, still as sly as ever."

I don't mind. After all, you're the only one I can show this side to. The foxy and sly Isshiki Iroha that only you can see.

The genuine me.

Only for you, Senpai.

AN: And that's a wrap. This was fun to write. To tell you the truth, Iroha is one of my favourites in the show. There's something about her that just does it for me. It also helps that her relationship with 8man is the least toxic among the girls. Plus whenever her VA dips her voice to that sweet husky undertone as she whispers into 8man's ear... man, what a lucky guy. Bloody lowkey Riajuu. GO EXPLODE DAMN IT!

Anyway, since I'm done with the main three, I guess this leaves the side girls next.

Saki, Shizuka, Haruno, Yumiko, Hina, Totsuka, Kaori.

Did I miss anyone? Well, this is how it's going to go. Out of all of them, the next likely one I'll write would be between these three:

Saki

Hina

Kaori

So pick who you want to see next chapter guys. And do leave a decent review about how you felt about this chapter as well. With that said, I'll see you guys next time. Happy Holidays!