Hello, guys. How you doing? I'm terribly sorry for making you wait so long. So much happened in my life for the last few months I didn't have time for anything, especially writing.

Anyway, please enjoy the next chapter of my story.

Chapter III

Rest of the day was pretty nice, I had curry, lazed around on the sofa and Komachi teased me about Orimoto's cookies although they were delicious so I didn't mind. They really were, to be frank they were on the same level of deliciousness as Yukinoshita's cookies. It's quite an achievement considering that Yukinoshita's bakery is one of the best I have ever tasted. Even Komachi has said that Orimoto's cookies are yummy but not as much as her of course and mumbled something about updating her potential sister-in-law list.

Despite having some yummy sweets I couldn't sleep that night, breaking news about Orimoto joining Service Club made me feel anxious about the future of the club. I mean Yuigahama seems pretty friendly with Orimoto although Yukinoshita may be a little too harsh and I don't want to see Orimoto cry every day due to harassment. In that case I'm glad that Yukinoshita and Miura somehow managed to get along otherwise there would be certain riots in the clubroom. Imagine Miura, Orimoto and Yukinoshita in the same room arguing over Hayama or other trivial subject, and knowing Yukinoshita, two of three girls would certainly weep all the time.

Next morning I took different, longer way to school, which made me stand up earlier and pedal more but it was necessary precaution, so no regrets. I had to avoid Orimoto for all cost or there would be more gossips about me and her. Picture the two of us walking together into classroom, it would be extremely awkward and might even damage my loner reputation I worked so hard to achieve.

Guess what, of course things never happens like you planned. Yes, I met person I tried to avoid so badly just before entering school… That's my luck guys. Orimoto walked into bicycle parking while I was locking up my bike. She didn't notice me at the first so I activated my Stealth Hikki skill and hopped for the best but every loner experienced it at least once in his lifetime, you see some random classmate or an old acquaintance you have got out of touch in the bus or train and pray that he doesn't notice you or realize that this creepy guy standing uncomfortably is actually you. Although world is a cruel place and they usually do notice you.

"Hey, Hikigaya wait!" Orimoto apparently saw me and called.

Sigh. I guess now is too late to ignore her and run away.

"Oh… Orimoto, sorry I haven't seen you." Actually I've seen you and I tried to avoid you but I failed. It seems Komachi dreams coming true or I've became a disgrace to all loners in the world. Either way I'm concerned my skill are no longer effective, damn you Hiratsuka it's all your fault.

I started walking again, this time I matched my pace to hers. Orimoto at my side neatened her bag and said.

"It's okay Hikigaya." As I looked at her, Orimoto gave me a genuine smile. I gasped and went silent, that little smiles really suits her better after all. Sigh. Remember Hachiman she's nice girl, she's like that to everyone. It's not like she's super cute… Damn, she is…

Orimoto realized I won't answer and spoke first.

"So Hikigaya, today's our first day together in the same club. Hilarious, guys from middle school would never believe it."

"Yeah I know. It would creep them out." I smiled wryly.

My life in middle school was pathetic and become even more pathetic after my confession to Orimoto. Comparing to my past nowadays seems pretty good, I have my peaceful club, people I can call acquaintances and I'm not particularly bullied or abused which is nice I guess. That's why I don't want to meet any of them, except of Orimoto of course but in her case I was more like forced to, furthermore I think most of my former classmates won't even remember me but I don't care, Orimoto though probably still keep in touch with some of them that's why she's concerned about them.

"I think they would be surprised you're actually a normal guy."

Huh? Excuse me but I have always been a normal guy. Society isn't normal that's right but loners are normal deal with it.

"In fact I can't tell you're praising or insulting me."

"But I can tell that you're changing Hikigaya. Service Club is definitely changing you for the better." Orimoto stopped and said without hesitation.

I don't think she's lying, so maybe it's true. Maybe I'm really changing, maybe one day I'd be a proper society member or rather a proper corporate slave. Sigh… I guess a lot happened in my life.

I looked at Orimoto and smirked.

"What if don't want to change?" I paused for a moment and added "Anyway, let's go. Hiratsuka-sensei going to kill me if I be late once again." I started walking towards the building entrance.

"Okay." Orimoto caught me in no time, cheerfully laughed and pated my back like some damn riajuu.

Feeling her hand on my back seemed a little awkward but at the same time normal. It felt like there was no hard feelings between us anymore. Like we had a fresh start and now we can get to know each other better. Not that I want to but still it seems nice.

Although Orimoto and I came to class together there weren't any ruckus about it. Only Yuigahama and Kawa-something-san gave us an odd look, but my sweet angel Totsuka smiled and waved when he noticed me so I forgot about them immediately. He's literally light and hope in this grim school life of mine.

Classes were boring as always, Hiratsuka-sensei besides her liking of violence is one of the best teachers in Chiba but even she can't compensate poor curriculum. I was bored and when you're bored there's one ultimate solution to your problems. Take a nap. I think it's really good for health to take a short nap once a day so I slept almost whole classes. I needed some snooze after sleepless night so even constant blabbering from my classmates didn't wake me up.

Apparently my 108 loner skills works perfectly because even teachers ignored me, however Orimoto spotted me earlier in the morning. It's weird I should investigate it more, maybe she's next-gen Sentinel sent by dwarf scientist to hunt down mutants. Wait, does it mean that being loner is an effect of some mutation in human genome? I hope that creepy bald guy won't come to my house and tries to get me into some lame spandex suit. [1]

When classes came to an end the three of us, I mean Yuigahama, Orimoto and I went to the clubroom. Girls were going ahead of me chatting and laughing. That's riajuu skills guys, they acting like best friends forever after only one day of acquaintance.

I don't mind it actually, because Orimoto become my shield against Yuigahama verbal harassment. Of course Yuigahama isn't some delinquent but her constant babbling may be tiresome for a loner like me. That's why thank you from the bottom of my heart Orimoto-san, it means a lot to me and I won't forget your kindness.

As we were approaching clubroom I noted that Orimoto started to walk a little bit slower, more hesitant, she even started to laugh nervously. Is she afraid of Yukinoshita? I mean Yukinoshita may be scary but present Yukinoshita isn't even half as frightening as she used to be. I guess Yuigahama also noticed Orimoto's unsureness because she hugged her and said something I didn't hear, but it definitely worked because laughed cheerfully and hugged Yuigahama back.

Yuigahama-san I'm sorry I mentally black mouthed you just a second ago. You're definitely know how to ease the tension. People like you are probably very important in society so just stay the way you are, okay?

Finally we arrived at the clubroom. Girls stopped and looked at me, probably waiting for some signal. Why are you waiting I'm definitely not a MC, just go ahead. I tilted my head in question so girls looked between self and pointed at the door.

"Seriously?" I muttered. In answer there were only continuous nodding from each girl.

I bet the whole scene looked comical, the three of teenagers standing at the door. Waiting for God only knows what, making some weird gestures. It seems there's no other way, I'm going first. Hey but why am I nervous? There's nothing to be afraid of, right?

To encourage myself I looked at Yuigahama, she fist pumped in similar way like before marathon some time ago. I gave her a thumb up and looked at Orimoto on my other side. For a split second she shyly averted her gaze, which in Orimoto's case it's weird, but a moment later she beamed in her usual Haruhi way. It's hard to admit but I really like her smile it's strangely reassuring, like there's something heartwarming in it. I think it's the same feeling I get when Yukinoshita smiles. The warm and cozy sensation deep inside me spreading through my body.

It seems I was looking at Orimoto for too long, because Yuigahama coughed to grab my attention. When I looked at her, she pouted and pointed at the door. Right Yuigahama, it's time.

Damn, I feel like some jRPG hero just before boss fight. Finally after a second I opened door to the clubroom and walked in. Near the table in her usual spot sat Yukinoshita, as always she was reading book, probably some English novel, in front of her there was her fancy teacup. She looked at me from her book and said.

"Good afternoon, Hikigaya-kun."

"Yo." I answered with my typical greeting. There's nothing better than yo. Every other type of welcome quickly and surly become out of date but yo is timeless. It's like beacon of hope for loners, it's universal so outsiders don't have to wonder about proper greeting. It's definitely one of the best mankind has to offer for people like me.

"Are you alone, Hikigaya-kun?" Yukinoshita asked me and stood up, probably to brew some tea. Ah I get it, she wants to know how much tea she need to prepare. As I were to answer her Yuigahama barged into room dragging Orimoto along.

"Yahallo, Yukinon!"

Hearing Yuigahama's voice Yukinoshita gracefully turned to face her best friend but when she noticed Orimoto, her appearance immediately changed from harmless Ice Princess to full Ice Queen one. Yukinoshita-san it's obvious that you not fine with Orimoto presence.

"Good afternoon, Yuigahama-san, Orimoto-san."

"Good afternoon, Yukinoshita-san." Orimoto slightly bowed. Oh, I see you two are still on formal base. I get it, but please try to not kill each other, okay? I want to stay sane until Isshiki madness ends.

Awkward silence emerged and the fourth of us stayed motionless. Yuigahama was looking between Orimoto and Yukinoshita while playing with her hands. Other girls stared at each other in total silence, it was perfect staring contest. Neither Orimoto nor Yukinoshita wanted to look away so both of them tried their best. Meanwhile I decided to sit and have a read, it's much more thrilling to read even the poorest light novel than to cheer at staring contest. So I read almost twenty seconds before both girls simultaneously looked away and made "hmpf" sound. Thank you Isshiki-san, it's going to be very tiresome month.

While Yukinoshita returned to brewing excellent as always tea, Orimoto got herself a chair and sat between mine's and Yuigahama's sits. Speaking of Yuigahama she was still nervous while she tried to help Yukinoshita, but was immediately dismissed. So I, Orimoto and now Yuigahama sat in silence and waited for Yukinoshita.

If I recall, today Isshiki's going to fill us in about her great project called 'How to make Hikigaya Hachiman's life even more traumatic.', it's pretty good codename by the way.

Finally Yukinoshita brought tray with teapot, Yuigahama's and mine's mugs, her fancy teacup and apparently Orimoto's paper cup. Beside visible hostility towards Orimoto, Yukinoshita is still well-mannered host. Everybody in unison sipped from their respectful cups and made a blissful sigh. It was probably the best tea Yukinoshita ever made. I looked at Yukinoshita from above my cup and saw her observing Orimoto diligently. When Orimoto exhaled in delight, Yukinoshita immediately giggled under her breath, so you just wanted to show off, sigh girls and their hierarchy.

"Yukinoshita-san. Tea's really delicious. Could you tell me what brand it is? I would like to try it at home." Orimoto asked out of blue but it's really good question because only Yukinoshita know what we are drinking every day. I bet it's some imported, luxurious and very expensive brand picked by the fair maidens on the sunlit hills of Ceylon.

"It's local Chiba brand from konbini, I choose it because it has the best price to quality ratio."

"Such a housewife…" I muttered under my breath slightly jealous of her housewife skills.

"What did you say Hikigaya-kun?" Yukinoshita gave me a stern look.

"Orimoto's right. Tea's delightful."

"I'm glad you like it." Yukinoshita smiled and sipped her tea. Yukinoshita-san is getting easier to defuse this days, it's almost as easy as to trick Yuigahama.

"I wish I made as good tea as you, Yukinoshita-san." Orimoto said while looking distant after a long pause between the four of us.

It piqued my curiosity since Orimoto I knew in middle school would never admit to be inferior to someone, after all her confidence was one of reasons my old self was attracted to her in the first place. But my present self lately learned that no one's perfect and Orimoto isn't exception. I guess that's how life works, everybody's different and lacking.

Speaking of tea, if someone told me two years ago I will have tea with three beautiful girls and they won't be my sister, mother and grandma I wouldn't believe them... Wait is there really three pretty girls in one room with ME? I looked around carefully to confirm and I reached fascinating conclusion.

Lazy but genius MC. Checked.

Nice and friendly girl from the same class. Checked.

At a glance strong and distant but in fact vulnerable and kind ojou-sama. Checked.

Past love interest or childhood friend. Checked.

And there's even more…

Sly kouhai. Checked.

Delinquent but actually stay-at-home type. Checked.

Caring tsundere. Checked.

Fujoshi. Checked.

Beautiful, older onee-san type. Checked.

Young attractive sensei. Checked.

Feminine looking trap. Checked.

Ladies and gentlemen I'm a one hundred percent harem king. Thank you Gods of Rom-Coms. It's probably the happiest day in my life, I finally realized there's still hope for a happy ending.

Wait a minute, actually there's something common between all heroines, all of them are somehow connected to Hayama… Sh*t, as excepted I'm only supporting character in Hayama harem story. Shattered dreams, missed chances, crushed hopes… Curse you Gods of Rom-Coms…

While I was absorbed in my delusions and mentally cried, girls walked over clubroom's small kitchenette, Yukinoshita like some mentor were instructing Yuigahama and Orimoto how to properly brew a tea. Yukinoshita's apprentices listened carefully and focused on theirs master every motion like in some Shaolin temple. Oi, Yuigahama if you only pay as much attention to your studies…

We didn't make a proper arrangement with Isshiki so I let the girls have fun and had some read. It's amazing how girls are doing well, apparently Yukinoshita's mellowing faster than I excepted because so far Orimoto didn't cry even once.

Finally Isshiki and Student Council arrived so we started to discuss her proposal. Actually with the experience from the last few events Service Club helped to organize, everything went smoothly. Tasks were given, some general ideas were discussed, your typical afternoon in Service Club also I as usual were called peon although this time I wasn't the only wretch. Both guys from Student Council were designated to become slaves likewise, so please call Japan once again a patriarchal nation and I'll laugh at your face.

Sometime later the meeting was finally over and Executive Director Isshiki dismissed us. Apparently she wanted to talk more with her Grey Eminency Yukinoshita and Court Jester Yuigahama so Orimoto, I and rest of the Student Council were shooed away, I didn't mind though. Less is more, especially when it comes to duties and work also I'm going home earlier, which is nice. Coming home so early means I will have more time for my hobbies, there's still Bravely Second I haven't played yet.

So with a small talk Orimoto and I started pedaling home, obviously we're living in the same neighborhood so I guess she will become my new coming-home-buddy for the next month or more. Not that I mind, it's even useful. I mean strangely people stopped to look at me suspiciously, do I really look like bike-thief? Come on, it's been mine for 4 years already…

Plan was simple – go home, and everything went according to it until Orimoto and I pass by newly opened shopping mall. Suddenly, mid-sentence, Orimoto stopped her bike. After a few seconds I realized something was off and stopped as well, when I looked at her she was glancing quietly at the mall, apparently considering something. I stayed quiet and in the meanwhile examined her backlighted silhouette. In the sunlight she was really eye-catching, her brown hairs lightened and slim figure clearly visible.

Then I observed something interesting to every healthy young man. Orimoto's has a very nice-looking breasts, I mean she isn't flat chested like Yukinoshita neither she has big boobs like Yuigahama, she's somewhere in between the two. Ahem, I'm not looking at her bosom like a pervert, its j-ust… just… eh, whatever.

Few more seconds elapsed before she finally spoke.

"Hey, Hikigaya. Let's go to the mall." [2]

"What for?"

"It's still early and I wanna have fun." Orimoto glanced at me and said playfully.

"I'm sorry, there's no fun with me." Riajuu's and their urge to have fun… Obviously I can have fun but only alone not with someone else. Oh right, Totsuka. Yes, with him I would have a lot of fun, but only with him. For the rest of my life.

"Hilarious, Hikigaya. Let's go." She laughed and got off her bike.

"I don't want to." I responded truthfully, after all genuine gentleman shouldn't deceive ladies.

"I wanna hang out with you." She moved dangerously close to me. Damn, she's fast.

"I don't want to hang out." I want to read novels all night long.

"Hikigaya, please just once." Orimoto begged me with her big brown eyes looking at me pleadingly. I tried to resist her, seriously I even looked away from her, but it seems I really have a soft spot for girls. I would instantly refuse to Zaimokuza or that damn Hayama. But when it comes to my angel Totsuka or girls, especially younger ones, I just can't let them down. Probably it's my onii-chan skills side effect. It seem like I need to live with curse of the pushover for the rest of my life…

*Sigh * "Fine…" I had a hunch the resistance is futile. [3]

I hope I won't regret it…

Orimoto face changed into more cheerful in split-second, her sparkling eyes and grin made her look really cocky.

"Hikigaya, you won't regret it!" Are you mind reading me?

Orimoto grabbed my arm and dragged me towards the mall. I didn't have chance to respond neither to resist since she's surprisingly strong. Mental note, don't make Orimoto hit you.

"Orimoto wait! Bikes! You've forgotten bikes!" I desperately tried not to abandon my faithful steed.

"Oh. Right bikes." Orimoto immediately released my arm and got back for her bike. Why is she in such a hurry? It's not like I'll run away. Run away… I definitely should try it.

And I didn't run away…

After a two hours long shopping-spree we have finally rested in small trendy looking bistro full of young, successful and wealthy people. It's not bad, though. The two of us, sat at the background near the windows. Chairs are simple but cozy and the whole interior looks nice and what most important for me food we ordered was really, really good. I'm sorry Komachi but onii-chan was very hungry, I had to eat something or I would starve to death. I've ordered chicken tortilla with double cheese, no tomatoes and iced coffee, Orimoto's ordered Mexican risotto and lemonade. In the meantime Orimoto took an enormous amount of photos. Firstly before we ate she photographed her dish and drink, next mine's plate and drink, next bistro décor, window view, her shopping bags and even me, by the way I worry to who all of those photos were sent…

Finally we finished our meals and relaxed, we had great view of my beloved Chiba so I was looking at the scenery while Orimoto browsed her purchases. She bought almost entire mall, there were cute socks, sandals, summer-dresses, skirts, blouses, hats, purses, accessories, etc.

Curious from where she had so much money I asked her casually.

"Oi Orimoto. You've bought a lot. Are you one of those rich kids?" One rich girl among my acquaintances is enough for middle-class guy like me.

"Nope, I'm a part-timer at that café near your home." She didn't even looked away from her shopping-bags. It's rude you know.

"Ah. I've never been there." Actually I'm rarely being anywhere besides home, school and Saizeriya.

"You should definitely drop by. I'll give you some discount." Orimoto grinned at me and gave me a thumb-up.

"You've convinced me. I'll definite come by." I smiled at the thought of a discount and nodded vigorously. I'll treat Komachi to some cake and hot chocolate, she deserves some pampering from her big brother. It's a win-win situation, I'll get some discount, discount hunting is some of the most important househusband traits so I need to train my skills, and Komachi will be pleased.

"But you need to show this special coupon." Orimoto took out from her schoolbag two photo-booth pictures and waved them at my face. At a sight of it my expression changed from genuine happiness to sorrow. God, why I agreed to this madness?

Actually I was forcefully dragged to the one of the infamous purikura's.[4] I didn't know what to do so I stood still, while Orimoto skillfully operated the machine. *flash* I stood petrified. *flash* again I stood still. *flash* I wanted to die. Suddenly Orimoto found out I didn't pose so she hit me in the guts, making me cringe. Due to it, our faces got close together thus Orimoto took advantage and got the final photo. In that photo there were my winced face next to Orimoto's cheerful one. She added some cute stamps and printed out the picture. At the photos Orimoto looked like she had fun so in the end I didn't mind although I didn't want to show them to anyone, especially my clubmates.

"Here you are." Orimoto handed me my copy of the purikura picture.

"Please destroy it." I tried to cover up my humiliation.

"No way. I'm keeping it."

*Sigh*

When I glanced once again at the picture Orimoto looked really happy, especially at the last one. Where our faces were close and my hand impulsively covered my stomach with her hand in between. Replace grimace on my face with a smile and here you are, the perfect couple photo.

I looked at Orimoto, she was inspecting the printout and chuckling. I took my copy of picture and carefully placed it in my wallet.

I guess hanging out with Orimoto isn't so bad.

"So you're keeping it." Orimoto said with sincere smile.

Busted.

"Y-yeah, I used my allowance to paid for it so it's natural I won't throw it away so easily." I scratched my head in embarrassment.

"I've told you Hikigaya you will have fun."

"I didn't have fun although next time I'll show you what the real fun is." I said and puffed out.

"Hilarious Hikigaya, so you already planning the next time? It definitely means you had fun."

"Fine, I had a little fun." I finally admitted and I felt my cheeks reddened.

It's true I had fun with her. Despite being dragged from one store to another, despite being forced to carry all her shopping bags, we laughed together, we played together I simply enjoyed time we spent together. Orimoto's even livelier than Yuigahama so there wasn't time for boredom, with her certainly time flies…

"Me too, let's hang out again. Okay?" Orimoto smiled cutely and looked at me with honest anticipation. Those big brown eyes, she's definitely pretty.

"Sure, I don't have anything better to do anyway." I looked away and pretended not to be affected by her stare.

Orimoto nodded a few times and started browsing internet. After a while she found the right website and started reading. Unfortunately I've only noticed part of the website's headline Top 10 spots for the first….

"Let's go to the Destinyland. I've never been there." She said suddenly and pointed at me with her index finger almost knocking over her glass.

"Just the two of us?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yep."

"Like only us?"

"Yes, Hikigaya." Orimoto pouted in impatience.

Even loner like me knows it's the perfect dating place. Last time I've been there, I've seen 99% of all Chiba couples, they were literally everywhere, on the rides, near the food stands, in the souvenir store, on the parade. Everywhere.

It's not like I don't want to go, I just don't want to cause a misunderstanding or get any delusions. I'm experienced loner and I have a strong will but Orimoto's really nice girl so I might confuse her actions again… But she said we're friends, right? There's nothing going between us, so I assume it's harmless to go?

Fine, I'll go. I just need to do my best. Everything going to be alright, you're cool and perfectly prepared. So yeah, just agree.

"Well, I guess I'm okay?"

"Hilarious, Hikigaya just say you wanna go." Orimoto leaned and showed her cleavage to me.

Woman, you took off your tie before you started your shopping spree, I can see almost everything and by the way I really like the way lace and white fabric match.

I looked my eyes away in embarrassment and muttered.

"I've been there recently. I'd prefer going somewhere else."

"Have you?" Orimoto backed away and went silent.

Her face visibly changed, from the cheerful to the gloomy in no time. She were smiling gloomy with her down casted eyes looked at her twiddling fingers. Orimoto's sad face may be called cute but when looking at her I felt only guilt. Basically I don't like seeing ladies crying or being sad, whenever I see one I have an urge to help her. Probably it's one of the main reasons I've accepted so many requests in my Service Club career.

"Yes, I have. As a part of Service Club request though. So I guess I'd like to go off-duty and properly enjoy the theme park." I said, as I nervously scratched my head.

Just like a moment ago, her face changed instantly. Orimoto's eyes sparkled and she beamed like her usual self. She looked right into my eyes, trying to find out if I'm serious, then she gave me a thumb up and shouted.

"Preach it!"

Yep, she's definitely energetic. Energetic in that damn riajuu way but strangely I don't mind. Perhaps that's the way she is. I just shrugged my shoulders and looked out of the windows with the small smile on my face.

Sunset colored sky and the city skyline in deep orange, it's time for evening rush. Men were flying home after a bunch of worthless labor in corporation, students were getting back home from cram school and even some of belated housewives were returning from the last-minute shopping. We should be going home too, I bet Komachi's worried. Maybe I should text her, I mean her big brother isn't the hanging out type, so it makes sense to reassure her.

I typed a long and very emotional message to my little sister, in which I comforted her and pledged my safe return. That should get me a lot of Komachi points but instead all I got was harsh and heartless reply.

OK. Buy some ice-cream on your way home.

Suddenly Orimoto's voice bring me back from cold void.

"Hikigaya, hand me your phone for a second."

What do you need my phone for? It's just a popular high-end mobile I use to kill some time and get SPAM from Hiratsuka-sensei.

"Why?"

"Just hand it." Orimoto reached out her hand and smiled innocently.

"Fine." It seems I'm really a pushover.

I gave Orimoto my phone and her fingers started to move on the FTL speed. I didn't have any time to react when she returned phone to me and said.

"Here, text me when you get home."

So she added her contact info? She even named herself Kaori! but why's there exclamation mark?

"You've never replied to my e-mails in the middle school." I said with the straight face.

Orimoto titled her head and wondered about my words. Finally she seriously said.

"I don't remember giving you my e-mail address."

"Right."

Truthfully I indirectly received it from one of Orimoto's friends and as excepted she probably blocked or ignored emails from the unknown address.

Orimoto broke the awkward silence and spoke while pointing at me.

"Anyway. Just text me okay?"

"What's the point?"

"I need to send you details about Destinyland."

It seems logical so there's no point in avoiding it.

"I'll do my best." I said and put my phone into my trousers' pocket.

"Hilarious!" Orimoto said and burst into the laughter.

After Orimoto calmed down we paid the bill and left the bistro. While we were going to take our bikes we met the worst possible person. That person was wearing a stylish brown leather boots, skinny fit jeans and beige poncho. Purple eyes and the short black hair, she's definitely person you easily point out from the crowd.

Unfortunately, she easily points me out from the crowd too…

"Hikigaya-kun, yahallo!"

[1] Multiple X-men references.

[2] HIMYM – Robin Sparkles reference.

[3] Star Trek reference. When I was a kid Borg used to freak me out.

[4] Photo sticker booth in Japan. Apparently very popular among Japanese teenagers.

Once again I'm really sorry for the long wait. I'll try to update the next chapter sooner but it may be difficult because of my job. Also I'm aware because of working my ass off as a corporate slave my writing worsened, dialogue are more forced and action actually doesn't exist. I guess there's too much I'm trying to put into each chapter therefore I'd appreciate some advice so don't forget to review.

I'm worried my interaction between Orimoto and 8man are too much OOC, I don't have a proper glimpse how to write them together. I think it should be a little more harsh at the Hachiman end.

I can't wait for the upcoming Oregairu OVA, it's probably the best solace we could get before the LN Vol. 12 release.