The Status Quo Endures, For Now

If there was one thing about my injured leg that I was thankful for, it was keeping me out of PE. It's not that I hated exercise on principle or anything. Even I understood the necessity of it, and it was at least part of why I liked to cycle to school most days. But given the choice of running around chasing a ball for an hour or getting to laze around with a manga, the choice was pretty obvious.

Sadly, it seemed my extra free-time was coming to an end. My cast had been off for a week now, and while the doctors had given strict instructions to avoid 'strenuous physical activity' our PE teacher had apparently had enough of seeing me slack off on the bench.

Oh well, at least it was table tennis. Small mercies.

"Woah, no fair!" Tobe complained from across the table. "You totally had me thinking it was going left!"

"Well, yeah? As if I'd make it obvious for you."

"Eh, are you secretly some ping-pong prodigy or something?" He pondered, bouncing the ball on his side as he prepared to serve. "Maybe next shot- take that!"

Ping

The ball rocketed back, bouncing once and blasting past Tobe before finally bouncing off of Yamato's head at the next table.

"Ah, uh, sorry." I apologised, catching the ball when the taller boy tossed it back. Yamato flashed a thumbs-up and returned to his own game.

Tobe looked at me shocked, but quickly recovered his composure. "That's it! This time I'm going all out!" he declared with a determined glint in his eye.

"Uh, sure thing."

"Rargh!"

If you asked me if I was actually any good at table tennis, I'd tell you no. Like bowling though it was one of the few games that didn't require many players. Between Komachi, our parents, and the odd match in Middle-school and Junior High I'd played my fair share of games. Still, at most I'd describe myself as semi-competent.

So when I say I absolutely crushed Tobe, I'm not trying to big myself up. He just sucked.

"How. Can you. React. That fast?" my hapless opponent panted, collapsing against the table in defeat.

"With how much you wind-up, it's not like you're making it hard... Want to just go for a rally?" I offered. Frankly the poor guy looked done, and I'd be happy to take it easy for a bit.

He grimaced, but after a few moments rose from the table. Surprisingly though, he was grinning again.

"No way! This time I'll get you for sure!" he announced. Honestly, I wasn't sure if his bravado was inspiring or annoying. Maybe a bit of both?

Damn moron won't stop for anything will he?

"Ok, have it your way. My serve, right?"

"Go for it!"

Ping

The second set of games went about the same as the first. To his credit, Tobe did seem to dial back his movements a bit. Even so he was as subtle as a brick, throwing the game with a wild smash that would have been impossible to return, if only the ball had actually hit the table. At least he had the decency to look sorry when as I trudged off to retrieve it.

Returning, I was about to offer to rally again before the PE teacher interrupted.

"Ok everyone, time! Pairs on tables, swap with the ones watching."

My opponent groaned. "Damnit! Would totally have had you that time!"

"Sure thing, Tobe." I smirked despite myself. As we walked back Hayama and Miura began making their way to our vacated table. Hayama simply passed with his usual smile which I did my best to ignore, but I was forced to stop when the blonde girl put herself in front of me.

"Um... everything ok, Miura?"

There was danger in her eyes as she looked me up and down. I cringed back slightly under the pressure, unsure what I'd done to piss her off. After a moment though, she nodded.

"Not bad. Not amazing, but like, not bad."

What does that... oh, the game?

"Oh, thanks..." I mumbled over my shoulder as she stepped past, joining Hayama at the table. My attention was brought back as Tobe clapped a hand over my shoulder with a grin, pushing me onwards.

Reaching the free bench at the edge of the sports-hall, I took a swig from the water bottle I'd left there earlier. Tobe reached a hand out to me.

What does he... oh.

Before I could think properly I'd already passed him the bottle. My expression dropped as he gulped down most of the contents before I could protest. He handed the almost empty bottle back to me without a thought, oblivious to my dismay as he settled back to watch the others play.

And they could certainly play. As I watched Hayama and Miura's blur of a game unfold I couldn't help but feel slightly fortunate that, thieving bastard though he may be, I'd been stuck with Tobe as an opponent. Had I been paired with one of those monsters I'm sure I'd have just embarrassed myself.

"Hey, Hikitani, so what do you play, anyway?"

"Huh?" I asked, not expecting him to break the silence.

"I mean, sports-wise?" he explained. "Which club are you in?"

"None of them. I just go home." I frowned at Tobe's surprised expression "There a rule saying I can't?."

"Woah, like, really? Dude, you totally have to get into one at least!" he nodded sagely. I was hit by a wave of deja vu.

"Got to, huh? Did Yuigahama put you up to this?"

"Huh, Yui-chan? No, I don't think so."

What do you mean, you don't 'think' so? Did she or not?

"But if she already said something, she's totally right!" he exclaimed. "It's like, just something you gotta do, bro. I mean, look at the rest of us. Ooka's in the baseball team. Yamato's got basketball, and me and Hayato are totally kicking ass on the soccer team. So it's like our brand, you get me?"

"Nope. Not at all."

"Come on, man, we gotta complete the set! Hey, Hina!" Tobe called out suddenly to a passing figure. Ebina flinched slightly, seemingly not having noticed us sat earlier. Tobe chuckled and beckoned her over. "You totally got my back on this, right?"

"Sure!" she said, not even hesitating to raise her thumb.

"You don't even know what he's talking about..." I sulked.

Ebina laughed. "Come on, Hikitani, it's Tobe. How bad can it be?"

"I was saying he's totally ruining the look we have going on. Every guy's got to have a sport, right?"

Ebina laughed softly. "Ok, I wouldn't necessarily go that far."

"Thanks, Ebina." I exhaled, but she continued before I could say anything else.

"I mean, I know you guys love that stuff, but there are other hobbies, right? As long as you have something, you know? Still... Tobe has a point, Hikitani. It'd give you guys more in common, right?" She looked like she was about to go on, but finally caught my glower.

"Traitor."

"See, Hina's on my side. Come on, man, even you have to cave eventually!"

I leaned back, shutting my eyes in frustration. "I'm still not hearing a good reason here..." Time for one of my hundred-and-eight skills; deflection. "Plus, aren't you forgetting Guren?"

"Hajime? Oh yeah, didn't you hear? He's trying for the soccer team too."

"Wait, really?" Ebina exclaimed, perking up suddenly. She glanced at me. 'Did you know that?' her eyes seemed to communicate. I shrugged my shoulders.

"Mm, a few of the others quit so there are some empty spots on the first-year team still."

"Wonder what prompted that..."

Tobe shrugged. "Yeah, kind of surprised he's going for it to be honest. I didn't see him during the first round of trials. Figured he wasn't interested..." He poked me in the chest. "Still, at least he gets it! You should totally sign up too! Next try-outs are on Thursday, if you're interested."

"Not at all. I'll leave that running-around crap to you guys. It's not my thing."

"Come on, Hikitani-kun!" Ebina teased. "Guren will be in the same boat, right? And you can hang out more with Hayato and Tobe too. It'll be fun!"

'And it'll give you more opportunities to snoop!' her eyes conveyed. I grimaced.

No way. This is too much. I'm losing too much of my free-time to this as it is. There's got to be a limit, right?

"You just want to watch the four of us sweating together, don't you?"

Her eyes glinted. "Oho! Found me out, have you? It's true, just imagining the two of you struggling and writhing for the ball, taking each-other to the ground..."

"Pretty sure that'd be a foul..." I muttered, but Ebina was too far gone to hear.

"...sliding into one another... You'll tell me all about what Tobe and Hayato get up to in the locker room, right Hikitani?"

Ok, even if I'd invited it, that wasn't a mental image I wanted to keep. Still, if the queasy look on Tobe's face was any indication, my distraction seemed to have paid off.

"Yeah, pass. Sorry Tobe, looks like it'll just be you three."

"Oh, uh... yeah." He looked slightly disappointed still, but shook himself and shot me a rueful smile. "Beeh, I guess we can't force you. Not even tennis? You don't seem half-bad at ping-pong at least?"

Oh come on, you basically beat yourself for me! And take a damn hint...

I shook my head. "Not really. Just played a few games in the past."

"Oh..." Tobe appeared to be deep in thought. I couldn't say it looked natural to him. "I figured since you watching so intently and Yumiko actually acknowledged you, maybe you'd go for that."

Suddenly his eyebrows rose.

"Wait, you don't have the hots for Yumiko-chan, do you?"

"Huh? What on earth would make you think that?"

"But it'd make total sense!"

Ebina suddenly leaned over. Oh great, the teasing look was back. "Huh? No way, Hikitani! And you didn't say a word to me?!"

"Didn't want to ruin your slash delusion." I deadpanned, before turning back to look at Miura and Hayama's match. Oh, looked like she was still winning. "It really wouldn't." I answered Tobe.

"Hmmm..." he hummed to himself, inspecting my face for any sign of dishonesty. "You sure?"

My cheeks flushed. "Yes I'm sure, you idiot!" Coughing into my hand, I continued. "I mean, I can definitely see the appeal. Not saying I'd say no but... wipe those stupid looks off your faces!"

"Hmm?" Tobe's shit-eating grin only grew as Ebina giggled. "Dunno what you mean?"

"Look, it's not even worth mentioning. She's already got Hayama in her sights for one."

"Eh, Yumiko-chan likes Hayato?!" he gasped.

"Oi! Keep it down."

I went to cover his big mouth before he caused a scene, but surprisingly Ebina beat me to it. He his eyes went wide in shock, but when he followed her gaze to the two blondes, thankfully absorbed in their match, he finally calmed down nodded in understanding. With a warning look, Ebina pulled her hand away revealing his flushed expression.

"You, you mean you didn't know?" I asked, honestly shocked. How the hell could he not know? "I've only known her for a couple of weeks and even I could tell Miura was pining after the guy!"

"N-No way. Really?" he stuttered, eyes darting back and forth between me and Ebina. I guess he was still in shock? "Wasn't she just checking you out?"

"You jump to conclusions like that but couldn't see that crush of hers staring you in the face?" Ebina sighed. Silently I agreed. He really was an idiot.

"Look, she was just surprised I wasn't completely useless. I guess I should feel thankful..."

I didn't. Miura was frankly terrifying on a good day, so the less attention she paid me the better. Though then again, looking at her current match I doubted it would be an issue. This was probably the first time I'd seen Hayama have to put any effort into... anything really, and if the blush she was sporting meant anything then I suspected that Miura might not even be focusing on the game so much as her opponent.

"So her and Hayato... I mean, I guess I see it actually. Damn, and Yui-chan's gone already too? At this rate we're gonna get left behind!"

"Mm..." I grunted, not much appreciating the reminder of Yuigahama's predicament or my lack of progress on the matter. Ebina fiddled with her glasses, a troubled look in her eyes.

Tobe snapped his fingers suddenly. "Alright, Hikitani! I've got a plan!"

"Plan? The hell are you on about?" I glanced at him nervously.

"A plan!" he nodded. "We gotta join forces. You, me, Ooka and Yamato. We gotta make a pact!"

"What on earth are you talking about?" I asked, genuinely confused.

"We gotta be each-others wingmen!"

"...I'd like to repeat my question."

Ebina snorted.

"Us guys have got to stick together, right?" Tobe argued. "You see a chick you like, just say the word! I'll have your back. All for one and one for all, that's the saying right?"

"I don't know why you guys don't all just get together yourselves!" Ebina suggested and was promptly ignored.

"There's got to be someone you have your eye on, right?" Tobe asked earnestly, prodding me in the side. "It's not Yumiko, so who is it?"

"Ow, quit poking me! There's no one. As if I'd tell you if there was, anyway!" I complained, wildly fending off the attack.

Anyone who'd trust you to keep your mouth shut is an idiot. The whole school would know by the end of lunch!

"C'mon, don't be like that! Tell me!"

"I said quit it!" Finally I was able to get a grip on the offending hand and hold it at bay.

"Aww, come on Hikitani!" Ebina laughed, launching a surprise attack from behind other side. "I want to know, too! Why so defensive?"

"Damnit woman, I said no!" With considerable effort I was able to get a hold of her wrist as well. Rather than give up though, she smirked dangerously.

"I bet it's Tobe, isn't it!"

"Eh?!" Tobe squeaked, jerking his hand back as I slackened my grip. "Uh-uh, no way Ebina! Sorry, Hikitani, I don't swing that way!"

"Why are you listening to her now, moron?!"

"Pfft, haha!" Ebina couldn't hold back anymore, breaking down into hysterical laughter.

She was still cackling when the bell rang.

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I don't know what I had expected walking into school that day. A continuation of our argument? Dirty looks, maybe? But it was the middle of the day now, and as I glanced at the blonde boy across the table, smiling slightly as Ooka recounted the tale of some disaster that had struck at work after he'd left us the other day, I still couldn't sense any kind of hostility or tension. If Hayama held onto any resentment after our disagreement over the weekend, he was keeping it to himself for the moment.

I suppose I was thankful for that. A part of me wanted to call him out for pretending nothing had happened, but the more sensible part reminded me that I had enough on my plate as it was. If Hayama wanted to keep playing nice to everyone, let him. That could be a problem for future-Hachiman to deal with.

"-and then the boss walks in and blames me for the mess. Like it's my fault my coworker dropped a full tray of orders!" Ooka scowled. "Honestly, I just want a little pocket change. Like I get paid enough to deal with that, y'know?"

"Beeh, you're totally sounding like my old man! Growing up on us?"

"Hah" Ooka deadpanned. "Some of us need to work if we want to go out every weekend, Tobe!" Yamato nodded sagely in agreement.

"Come on, Ooka, I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it." Hayama stepped in with a placating smile. It was something I'd noticed before, but after what he'd said yesterday it really stuck out just how often Hayama acted as the peacemaker.

"That's easy for you to say, Mr Trust Fund!" Ooka retorted, but even I could tell there wasn't much venom behind it. The boy sighed. "Honestly, you can't imagine how much of a pain these guys are. If this is all we have to look forward to in a few years I think I'll pass."

Something about that resonated with me. To work is to lose, right?

I flinched slightly as everyone turned to me in surprise. Crap, I said that out loud?

Ooka snapped his fingers. "Yeah, that's exactly what I mean! See, Hikitani gets it!".

Yamato laughed. "Don't think it's optional, man! I'm just glad I don't have to go begging my dad for cash anymore. I can finally get that kit I had my eye on."

"Mm, I'm with Yamato on this one." Hayama agreed, turning to face me. Miura and Ebina also voiced their agreement. "You must have something you want like that, right Hikitani?"

Ah, so he was back to that name again? Well, if that was my punishment for acting out, I'd been through worse. I thought for a moment, before tapping my bag. "Not really... Got Vita-chan right here already. Besides, I need to be home early for my sister."

Komachi might not agree, but they didn't need to know that. Besides, thirteen was too young to leave alone all day. Who knew what trouble she'd get into if he wasn't around?

"Ah, right." he smiled at me with apparent sincerity. "Well, guess if you're happy, you're happy."

Hey, what's with that patronising smirk. I just have simple tastes! And Komachi would get lonely!

My eye twitched, but any rebuttal was cut off as Ooka smacked me on the shoulder. "Damn right. We don't need any fancy crap to have a good time, do we?"

"So you'll be quitting then, huh?" Yamato asked sarcastically.

The shorter boy paled. "Woah there, let's not be hasty, you know." he protested, drawing laughter from the others. Though I was still rubbing my shoulder in pain, I could feel my lips involuntarily twitch upwards.

Heh, traitor.

Any positivity I felt disappeared though as two figures approached our table.

"Hey guys, mind if we join you?" Guren asked, left hand clasping Yuigahama's as she stood slightly behind him. Ooka glanced at me and we scooted slightly away from one another to make room. Tempting though it was to remain awkwardly in the way, even for me that would be too petty.

"Hajime, I thought you'd never ask! Hey, Yui-chan!" Tobe laughed as the two sat down. Guren smiled back apologetically.

"Sorry, I definitely meant to earlier! Guess I was just a bit nervous, you know?"

Ooka chuckled. "Nervous? Tobe, I told you the hair would scare people off!" he joked. Tobe just ran his hands dramatically through his long, dyed hair with a smirk.

"Ah, it's not that. It's more about the others." Guren nodded over his shoulder to another table."Guess I just didn't want them to feel I was ditching them, you know?"

After a moment I realised that sat around it was the rest of Guren's clique. A couple were chatting about something we couldn't quite hear, but several pairs of eyes were watching us with various expressions. One girl – the girls rep, Sagami, I realised - was watching us with an unreadable expression. Before I could ponder on that though, my breath hitched as I caught sight of the silver-haired girl next to her. Bright blue eyes briefly met mine as she watched Guren join us with obvious concern.

Damn, she's really cute though! How have I not seen her around yet? Is she in our class?

My attention was drawn away from this mysterious angel as Hayama reached around and slung his arm over my shoulder. "There's no problem, Hajime. It's not like they're unwelcome either!"

To anyone looking it probably just looked like a friendly gesture to show I agreed with the statement. To me though, it was clear he was sending a message. 'The leader has spoken. Toe the line.'

Message received. I hid a glare as I shrugged his arm off my shoulder, but didn't say anything. Even if I wanted to object, it wasn't like I had any grounds to do so. Yet. Seeing nothing but smiles from the the others Guren sat, with Yuigahama taking the free chair between me and him.

"Thanks. It'd be nice if we all hung out together, you know?"

I'm pretty sure only I caught the brief look Hayama shot me before he agreed. "Mm, let them know. We can all meet up on the weekend or something again."

With that, the topic naturally turned to what our next excursion would be. Part of me wept as I realised that, for all I was starting to enjoy the company, free weekends would be a rare pleasure in the near-future. I was already worn down after just a few weeks. Maybe things would quieten down towards summer?

Someone flicked me on the temple.

"What was that for?" I asked indignantly. There was laughter in Yuigahama's eyes as I glared slightly in response. I looked at the others for an explanation, but they were still busy chatting amongst themselves.

She flicked me again and snickered. "Your eyes looked even deader than normal."

"If they are, whose fault do you think that is?" I retorted.

"Hey!" she flicked me a third time. I finally raised my arm to ward off any further attack.

Seriously, woman! This isn't funny!

"I just didn't want to leave you stewing like that. Stupid Hikki..." she grumbled.

"I'm fine, thank you very... wait, what did you just call me?"

"Huh? I called you Hikki." Her cheeks flushed as she looked down self-consciously. "You, you don't like it?" she stammered.

Ok, as cute as it was to see her get flustered like this, I needed to nip that in the bud. Anyone else might take that the wrong way. Worse, Guren was right there! Fortunately he and the others were still too involved in their own conversation to notice her slip. The last thing I needed was Yuigahama causing a misunderstanding.

"Absolutely not. The rest of you already butcher my name. Don't encourage it."

"Ah, I guess..." I couldn't miss the slightly dejected expression she wore. I guess I'd upset her. No sooner had I registered it though, her usual happy mask came up. "I guess Hikitani will have to do!"

"Wait, no that's not-"

My protest was cut off as her hand slipped past my defences, exploiting my indignation to land a fourth flick. She pulled away again, her teasing grin reminding me entirely too much of Komachi's.

"Well, unless you can come up with anything better? Tobechi can't be the only guy I have a nickname for, ya know? So make your choice!" She looked back at the others, holding her chin in thought. "Actually, since we're talking about it, what do you think for Hayama? Just Yato, maybe? No, that'd get confusing with Yamato..."

As she went on testing various ideas, I tried to stop my fist from clenching slightly.

It was just as I'd called it. That was just the type of girl Yuigahama was after all. The type who saw nothing wrong reaching out to a stranger on his first day. The type who had lots of close friends. The type who would make up silly names to show just to show how close they'd gotten. Of course she wouldn't do something like that just for me. Never just for me...

I really am pathetic, aren't I?

"Hmm... I guess I can decide on the others later!"

"Mmm" I agreed, happy to let the topic go. "So, uh, where were you guys, then?"

"Oh, right. I was speaking to Maizono-sensei about those singing lessons. Since someone went and told everyone I was going to start." She shot me an unimpressed look.

"Ah...sorry about that."

Yuigahama sighed with exasperation, but didn't hide a small smile. "It's fine. You totally jumped the gun, but I guess I did tell you I was looking into it." She paused briefly, looking at her boyfriend to check he wasn't listening. "And, you kinda saved me from a ton of trouble. I don't think Guren... anyway thanks! For looking out for me again..." she mumbled.

Again?

I wondered for a moment what she meant, but in the end just grunted an acknowledgment, choosing to ignore the red dusting her cheeks. "So when do you actually start?"

"Oh, Thursday! Then every Tuesday and Thursday after if I keep it up."

"You guys talking about Yui's lessons?" Yuigahama jumped as Hayama's voice interrupted. And with the leaders attention came everyone else's.

"Yeah, how'd it go, Yuigahama?" Ooka asked.

"Oh, uh... it went ok? Like it was mostly just an intro today, y'know? But Maizono-sensei already gave me some pointers that were, like, totally helpful! And she gave me some exercises to work on my head-voice at home, since that's what I apparently tend to use more naturally or something and it's better to start there. And was saying how if I wanted to I could apply for-"

"-right, right! We get it!" Miura interrupted when Yuigahama showed no sign of slowing down. "So you're gonna be up for tonight, right?" she smiled.

"Hehe, sorry, guess I'm kind of excited still. But yeah, that sounds great!"

"Woo! That's settles it then!"

Hang on, settles what?

"Uh, what are you guys talking about?" I asked.

"Karaoke after school!" Yuigahama answered, as if she had been a part of their discussion the whole time. "Yumiko wanted to go on weekend, remember? And we're all free today soo..."

Seriously?! That might be fine for you normies, but have some empathy for the introverts here!

"Wait, seriously? But it's a week-" My protest was cut off by a fiery glare from the blonde sat across from me.

"There a problem, Hikitani?"

Gulp

"N-no ma'am. No complaints." I stuttered, cowering from the heat of her gaze. At this proximity, whatever backbone I might've shown last week clearly couldn't withstand her terrifying aura. It pressed down on me like an red-hot anvil, causing a bead of sweat to trickle down my forehead.

"Hmm... right." She nodded, turning to Ebina to hash out the details. Just like that the flame was snuffed out, and I added whiplash to the list of damage types Yumiko Miura could inflict with a single pointed look. I released the breath I'd been holding, willing my heart to stop hammering in my chest as I scrambled to regain my composure. Ooka patted my back softly in silent support.

Well... shit. With everyone else seemingly on board with the plan, or at least unwilling to face Miura's wrath, it seemed there wouldn't be any easy way out of this. Still, it was one thing being dragged along, and quite another to really take part. If Miura or the others wanted me to do more than hide in the corner, they'd be sorely disappointed!