A/N: The contents of this chapter are not finalised and are subject to changes. Maybe.

One could almost feel a cold wind blow into the room in that long moment of silence. Suzumiya appears to believe that her announcement was sufficient and might have been waiting for a response. On her face was the a smile so bright I could actually see light radiating from her, and increased her beauty tenfold; this was the first time I had ever seen her with an expression beyond a scowl. Who knew she could make such a face?

Nagato was still processing the event, quite evidently more confused than I was. And I'm already at a high level of confusion.

"What?" was all I managed to say. It was quite an involuntary reaction, actually. It just came out without much thought.

"I said, I'm annexing the literature club," she repeated, no less decisively than the first time. "Are you deaf or something?"

Unfortunately that explanation doesn't help at all. I'm just as lost as before. What on earth is she annexing the literature club for?

"I'm going to do what you said; since all the other clubs are boring, I'm going to make my own club!"

When did I ever say anything remotely like that? Why would you think I would have ever tried to encourage you to do that?

I open my mouth to speak up, with perhaps a little more emotion in my voice than usual. "Hold up... you're trying to make a club right? What does that have to do with the literature club?"

Her smile died down and temporarily returned to her usual scowl. "Are you always this slow? I need a clubroom and club members, of course!"

"But what gives you the right to just 'annex' the literature club?"

She looks at me as though I'm asking the obvious, and I would like to take this moment to point out that what is obvious to her is not obvious to the rest of the world. "It's not like anyone is in the literature club anyway, and the room isn't occupied."

What are we to her? Two sacks of air?

By this point Nagato had managed to mostly catch up to our conversation, as she turns to me and asks, "Do you know her?"

I wish I could say 'no' without lying. "Yeah, I know her. She's a classmate of mine. Her name is Suzumiya Haruhi. Maybe you've heard of her. For as far as I know she tends to cause trouble."

"Hey!" Suzumiya protests. "Don't you take over my introduction, Kyon!"

Since when did she start calling me that?

"You let Taniguchi and Kunikida call you that right? So it's fine!" she somehow concludes.

No... that's slightly different.

"Anyway," Suzumiya turned to look at Nagato, once again beaming with her newfound energy, and completely ignoring the fact that I hadn't finished our conversation. "I'm Suzumiya Haruhi. I'll be taking over the literature club now, if that's okay with you."

"Eh...?" Nagato shifted glances between Suzumiya and myself.

"Great! Glad to know we're on the same page!" Suzumiya swiftly took hold of Nagato's hand and shook it rigorously as though they'd come to some sort of agreement. Which I doubt, considering that Nagato still seems to not have quite gotten what Suzumiya was talking about.

You know what? I should just give up. Suzumiya was always living in another world from mine or anybody else's, and she has just taken a great leap even further away from Earth. I wouldn't be surprised if she was an alien herself.

I open up the book Nagato handed me, abandoning my club president to deal with the incomprehensible Suzumiya by herself. I'm certain I'll be more productive by pretending to read about the digestive system than talking to my oddball classmate.

As I try to bury my nose into the otherwise boring science book (which I understand only slightly more than I understand Suzumiya), I hear the literature club president trying to speak up for herself.

"The literature clubroom isn't actually available for taking," she manages to say. "But if you want to rejoin the literature club I could give you another membership form."

Terrible idea. Assuming Suzumiya agrees, I'm certain we will not be able to have any tranquility in this room should she join the club.

"No, the literature club is boring. All you do is read," was her reply. Quite a harsh thing to say to the literature club president, mind you. "Which is why I'm going to use this room to do something much more interesting! And if you join my club I'll even let you stay here and read without disturbance!"

It's amazing that she's offering rights to the literature clubroom to the literature club president.

"I'm not exactly sure that..." Nagato tries looking in my direction again. Evidently, she's having a hard time with the pace of the conversation. Unfortunately, I cannot come to her aid, for I have nothing to say.

Taking my silence and Nagato's pause between structuring sentences, Suzumiya starts looking around the room. "Hmm... it could do with a few additions, but I suppose I'll just think of those later. First things first." She points her finger at me. "Kyon! You sort out the paperwork for making a new club! I'll go off to find two more members!"

Two more members? Is three the minimum required amount of members for a club?

"No, I meant two more apart from us three!" she said, once again looking at me like I'm asking the obvious. "The student council needs a total of five members before a club is formed."

So she truly has already considered us to have agreed to joining her imaginary club.

"Actually..." Nagato still tried to object, but alas, she continues to have difficulty formulating sentences under pressure. While I suppose I really should lend her a hand I somehow felt that Suzumiya would ignore whatever I had to say. Instead I go down the route of 'appeasement', and continue to keep my mouth shut.

The less I speak to Suzumiya the better.

"Well, that's enough progress for today! Good work, me! Club dismissed!" The energetic Suzumiya smiled one more time, satisfied with what she perceived to be the fruits of her 'work', before marching off.

Nagato and I were left alone once again. We sit in silence in the wake of Suzumiya's sudden and dramatic entry and equally swift exit until the literature club girl regains her posture.

"Deserter," she quipped, tilting her head. "In my time of need." There was a noticeable tinge of genuine weariness in her voice, though I suppose it's because she speaks rather quietly.

"I apologise, honourable club president," I responded; probably sounding anything but apologetic. "I did not want to take over your responsibilities in dealing with potential recruits to our great literature clubroom."

Raising her eyebrows and propping up her glasses, the girl shook her head, speaking in a murmur, just enough for me to hear. "Perhaps we should reconsider your position as vice president."

Matching her volume, I responded, "And perhaps I should reconsider my showing up to the literature club."

For a moment she looked up at me with renewed panic before she realised that I was, in fact, half-joking.

I say half-joking, though, in that I was still half-serious. If Suzumiya really does intend to 'take over' the literature club room I'd rather not be here for anything else she has in mind.

I had trouble getting up in the mornings, as usual. It was just a thing. I never liked mornings. Despite setting up an alarm I almost always seem to fall asleep the instant I turn it off with no recollection of it having ever sounded. It didn't help that the thought of climbing the hill to school every morning put me off from going every day.

By the time I had arrived in class Suzumiya wasn't yet in the seat behind me. Not that it mattered to me. I'd just ignore her even if she was there.

Just as I place my bag onto my chair, though, I hear someone call out to me.

"Hey, Kyon," Asakura calls. She suddenly pauses for a moment, as though she had just accidentally knocked over a Ming vase.

I see. So Taniguchi or Kunikida must've told her.

I shrug at her and attempt a smile (which I quickly give up on; smiling isn't my thing). "Did you want something, class rep?"

Quickly returning to her normal friendly expression the long haired girl starts to explain: "I just wanted to ask what you think of Suzumiya-san. You seem to be the only person that she doesn't completely ignore in the class, which is something that everyone else finds quite amazing."

Hearing that I feel some part of me sink for a while. Am I too different? I ask myself. I shake the thought away. "I don't know," I say. "She sits behind me, and she's a bit weird. That's all I know about her."

Asakura gives me a skeptical look. Is what I say unbelievable? I mean, that's what everyone else thinks isn't it?

"Okay then," she says smiling ever so charmingly, putting her hands behind her back in a rather childish manner. "If you don't really mind, could you try and talk to her a bit more? It should be pretty easy for you, since you sit right in front of her. Maybe you could mention her daily changing hairstyle."

And what if I do mind?

Asakura now claps her hands together in a begging motion. "Please? As class rep I'm just worried for everyone. Think of it as a favour to me that you can call me up on in the future."

Not quite waiting for my response, Asakura left. Perhaps it was because at that same instant, Suzumiya came in, and soon took up the chair behind me.

Normally, this is the part where I just put my face down on my desk and ignore the world until class starts. I find it hard to do this now, however, since I can feel Asakura, and in fact, just about the whole class staring at me expectantly. Most likely, they aren't going to stop staring until I talk to Suzumiya. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Fine. Let's think of the quickest way to end this.

I turn halfway to Suzumiya's direction, rolling my eyes around such that she's in view.

"Hey," I say, trying to force my voice to be as casual as possible. Given that my tone doesn't change much, ever, I don't know how much anyone notices my effort.

"What? Did you get the paperwork ready?"

That's the first thing that pops into her mind? I never intended to do that paperwork, you know.

"Pathetic," she crosses her arms. However, she's noticeably less agitated than she usually is in class. Though... compared to her beaming smile yesterday, she's still acting quite hostile. "Well, I suppose I can't expect much from you. Just hurry it up. I've already found who I want as the newest addition to our club."

She's still going on about that. So be it. I just hope that my classmates (who are listening in on just about every word of our conversation) don't judge me from what she's saying.

"Whatever," I say, shifting the conversation topic. Didn't Asakura want me to talk about hairstyle? Let's see... Suzumiya has a ponytail today. It's not too bad. "You know, you could just stick to that hairstyle."

Her expression suddenly switches to a face one would make when they open a box and find a dead rat inside. "Wha...? What the hell does that mean?"

Never mind. I tried my best.

I turn to face the front again, ignoring Suzumiya's attempts of regaining my attention. For now Asakura and the rest of the class seem to be satisfied with our 'conversation', and have all turned to their own conversations.

From the reflection in the window I notice Suzumiya removing the band holding up her pony tail, grumbling and cursing beneath her breath as she does so. So be it. So long as she doesn't keep changing it every day.

That afternoon Suzumiya rushed out the door before I could even pack my bag, shouting something like "You go ahead first" at me as she went, most likely meaning the literature club room. Her saying this had the adverse effect of making a strong argument for not going.

On the other hand, I had already told Taniguchi and Kunikida to walk home without me during lunch break, and I told my mother I wouldn't be home because I joined the literature club. The last thing I want to do is to go back and say "never mind. I dropped out of the club", and see their disappointed faces. And besides, I don't feel like going home now and just lying down on my bed as I wait for my life to seep out of me.

As such, I make my way to the literature clubroom.

Entering the room after knocking, I discover Nagato Yuki already sitting inside. She glances up at me and gave a polite wave at me, and I returned the gesture. As I sat down she returned to reading her book, sitting in perfect posture.

Silence reigns between the two of us, save for Nagato occasionally turning a page. Even though it isn't much different from sitting in silence at home, the atmosphere just felt more pleasant.

"I didn't think you'd show up, honestly."

It took me a split second to notice that the literature girl had spoken. It was otherwise like a breeze had blown by.

Shrugging, I reply with the simplest of explanations. " I didn't join any other clubs, but I don't really feel like going home yet."

In saying that, perhaps I should join another club. I still haven't checked out the sporting clubs.

After processing my response (I'm starting to notice that her lags are actually quite uniform in timing) Nagato turns to look at me. "I see..." was all she said as she propped up her glasses.

I knew the expression she was making. Maybe it was the light reflecting off of the lenses, but I doubt it. In the past month I've seen that expression often enough from everyone around me to recognise it. It was pity; something that I've grown accustomed to. What I wondered, though, was how she knew. Did word travel so quickly around the school? It shouldn't, though, should it?

Before I could make an enquiry, though, the door crashed open, interrupting my thoughts.

"Hey! Sorry I'm late! It took me a while to find this girl, but here she is!"

Suzumiya waved a hand at us, while she tugged at someone's wrist with her other hand - she honestly kidnapped someone, I see. She pulled in a petite girl into view, and locked the door behind her.

I'll admit it here and now; this girl she dragged in was honestly good looking.

"Hmm?" the girl mumbled, in a voice that implies she isn't talking to anyone in particular. "I see... that's how I get here..." she narrated for herself. "Makes sense."

Despite being kidnapped this girl seems to be somehow enjoying herself. Her face is full of smiles as she looks around the room, making amused observations on 'how empty the room still looks'. A comment that, as a (new) literature club member, I felt a small sting from.

"Yeah, it could do with a bit of work," Suzumiya agreed, as she turned around. "Now stand still so I can introduce you!"

The girl complied, letting out an adorable little giggle the way a child would laugh in an improvised play. Suzumiya put her hand on her shoulder, and turned to look at me.

"This is Asahina Mikuru-chan!"

Introduction end.

Suzumiya stood with another look of triumphant satisfaction, and the newly 'introduced' Asahina was simply smiling as though she was fine with the name-only introduction, before she added, "Oh, and I believe I'm a second year, by the way," while checking her watch. "That makes me your senpai."

Once again, we have silence in the room. A more awkward variety.

There is an odd mix of her certainty in her assumption that we're first years and lack of certainty in her statement that she's a second year.

So Suzumiya has managed to make a second year friend. Great for her.

Suzumiya broke the silence, as she does. "Isn't she cute? She'll totally be a great mascot! I mean, look at her! She's got top grade Moe looks, she's airheaded, she's friendly and she does what she's told!" she said in a way that made it sound like she's trying to impress me. "I'll bet that she can attract more guys than Asakura, if she tried!"

The same could be said for you.

I take a second look at Asahina, though, and make a closer analysis. There was a mix of beauty and childishness in her. Her brown (dyed?) hair was curled, hanging below her shoulders, and her smile revealed two rows of perfectly symmetrical ivory teeth, complementing her small face. She certainly doesn't look like she's our senpai. Neither her facial features nor her expression gave me the feeling like she was older than we were; in fact, they both remind me of a curious elementary school student. Her large eyes seemed to take in everything in the room like a vacuum, somehow being interested in everything around her at the same time. Kind of like my sister three years ago.

How about that?

Suzumiya grinned devilishly. "And then there's this!" Tightly, she grabbed Asahina Mikuru from behind with her hands.

"Aha?"

Suzumiya started to clutch at Asahina Mikuru's breast through her uniform.

"Ahahaha! Stop... stop... that feels funny...!"

For her part, Asahina Mikuru is less surprised as she is... enjoying herself. Laughing like she's being tickled, instead of screaming like she's being harassed.

"They're so big!" Suzumiya exclaimed. "You should try this Kyon!"

There are so many things wrong with this entire situation. Nagato keeps glancing at me, evidently hoping that I'll stop Suzumiya, or at least calm things down. In the time of the entire commotion she has already long stood up and is trying to find a way to get between Suzumiya and Asahina, but has made little progress.

As Suzumiya moves her hands to Asahina's skirt I finally stand up, being pushed far past my limit. I pull the two girls away from each other.

"That's enough! What the hell are you doing!?"

"They're really huge though! Why don't you try touching them yourself?"

"No!" I practically shout. I haven't raised my voice like this for a while. "What on earth is wrong with you!? What makes you think it's at all okay to just... sexually harass someone like that!?"

As I take in a breath, readying myself to escalate my anger a notch, I feel a light but firm hand on my shoulder. Looking back at the source of the grip, I am confronted with a worried smile on Asahina's face.

"It's okay," she says in a soothing tone. "It was just friendly banter, after all, and this kind of thing happens all the time, doesn't it?"

Suzumiya took up this chance to shove in a "Yeah, see Kyon? She gets it! Sheesh, why do you have to be so serious all the time?"

Why do I have to be so serious all the time? Well I'm sorry if not everyone in the world wants to join in on your silly games, Suzumiya-san.

I'm surprised, though, that Asahina-senpai of all people is defending her right now, after what seemed to me like obvious violation of personal space. Perhaps I just miscalculated; maybe some people really are fine with Suzumiya's eccentricity. Maybe she even enjoyed it. Thinking about it, Asahina looked like they were having fun, laughing all the while. That makes me the 'bad guy' for killing the moment.

I look to the more stable minded literature club president (who actually owns the room), hoping to garner some sort of support. After her signature pause for thought, though, she gave a small, courteous shrug and smile; something that everyone in the room took as an 'okay' sign.

This is what I get for trying to intervene in other people's lives. So you know what? Forget it. Let these girls do as they please. Just leave me out of it.

I sit on the chair closest to me and tune out.

In the ensuing hour, Suzumiya finally declares her 'club' to be the 'SOS brigade'. I didn't pay enough attention to know what the acronym stood for, nor listen to the debate about why it's a debate instead of an organisation or something. Ultimately, though, Asahina signed up under the literature club, since Suzumiya's club didn't officially exist yet.

Some time after that Suzumiya instructed us to 'be here every day after class', and left the room, leaving Asahina and Nagato to chat amongst themselves.

Why do I bother? What's the point?

This place makes me sick...

I hate you all. Go away.

Give me some alone time, damn it!

Who cares about aliens or time travel or psychic powers? There are things more important than that!

Why can't you just appreciate what you have?

Why didn't I?

"... Kyon! Wake up!"

I jolt in shock. Since when was I sleeping?

"Wow... I know I'm not supposed to call you by that nickname, but it really works," the girl says. What was her name? Asahina, that's right. I learnt it just an hour ago. She continues to pretend lecture me the way my little sister would whenever our mother caught me doing something wrong. "I've called you just about every other name I could think of and you didn't so much as blink."

What names exactly have you been calling me?

And... how exactly does she know not to call me by my nickname? Did Nagato tell her?

"Hmm... you really weren't paying any attention in the entire conversation were you?" she says, more disappointed than surprised. "Though you were sitting zoned out and depressed like that the whole time. It's like you just flicked an 'off' switch in your brain."

It's a surprisingly useful mechanic. I recommend it to everyone. In fact, I'd recommend it to Suzumiya first and foremost. I liked it better when she didn't talk at all.

Asahina laughed a little. "You don't seem to like Suzumiya-san very much yet, do you?"

You seem to imply that I'll like her in future.

"Oh, time will tell, time will tell," she says, though with the same carefree playfulness. "Anyway, most students in clubs have already left. Yuki-chan and I are ready to call it a day too."

I see. I suppose you want me to clear myself of the room then.

I pick up my bag, and with a few basic stretches, I head out the door. Maybe I won't return. Yeah. That might be best. To just get out of this place while I can, and get as far, far away from Suzumiya as possible.

"You'll be back," I hear Asahina call out to me. I'd say she was reading my thoughts, only I didn't really try to hide them much. "I mean... where else would you rather be? Alone at home?"

With her last line I immediately turned back, staring at the brown haired beauty. For her part, she merely smiled at me, as though she had let off a corny children's joke. But despite her precocious actions and charming appearance, there was some sort of... detached, and almost sadistic gleam in her eyes; like a deity watching the daily sufferings of mortals below it.

If anything, that should've increased my resolve to leave. I should not want to be stuck together in a room with both Suzumiya and this... what seems to be a wolf in sheep's clothing, who also somehow knows much more about me than she should.

Yet... I knew she was right. I'd more likely than not end up here every day, even if I complained about it.

A/N: I originally hoped to get this chapter to cover more content, but felt like it would drag on too long. So I've split the original chapter into two chunks.

I still have much to plan, because the minor change I've done could cause major, major changes, and in a time-travel-loop reliant story like the Haruhi series, everything has to be pre-planned before you write it.

Also, I'm not sure when exactly to let out the 'big reveal' yet, because I intend this fanfic to cover approximately the first four books (mostly like the anime series plus the film, though with a lot cut out).

And no, the root change is actually something that goes before the Kunikida-Taniguchi-Kyon talk. Still, nice try, EMU10k.