Yo sup guys! Thanks for the positive reviews!
This is a slightly longer chapter, as compensation for the slightly late update. I also want y'all to know I have a big ass family reunion this weekend, which means starting saturday I'll be piss drunk for about 2 to 3 days. After that, I hope to return to regular updates.
(Hachiman POV)
Another day in the service club. It's one of those days where Isshiki has decided to come and bother us. Like so many times Isshiki imposes herself on us, she doesn't actually have a request. She's using our club as a hideout to duck the responsibilities of the student council. It's my fault, in a way. A lot has happened since we first met, but in the end it's because of me that she became the student council president. It's because I couldn't find a way to fulfill her request. Or rather, I could, but the price was far too high. Instead, I convinced her of the merits of taking the position. I manipulated her maiden heart in order to do so, which is despicable in it's own way. Because of this, I can't find it in me to shoo her away when she comes to the club.
Well, a lot has happened since we met. We've helped each other in a lot of ways, so it's a give and take relationship. Though sometimes I feel like one of us is doing more taking than giving. We've helped each other face some issues we previously turned away from, and have grown because of it. In fact, it's because of her request that I was able to reach out to my clubmates and let them know they meant something to me.
I think Isshiki has somehow come to mean something to me too.
Often, she barges in like some pillager and makes herself comfortable in the club before anyone can object. Today, though, she walked in like a normal person, and spoke in a distracted tone. She still didn't knock, though. I'm curious as to the reason for her unusual attitude today, but I know if I ask it'll become a pain later. If it's something serious, she'll ask for my help eventually. And if it's something mundane...
She'll probably still get me to do it. Wait, then how am I supposed to win?
She's blabbing away to Yuigahama as usual, and Yukinoshita is making tea for four. I wonder. If things were different, would she have joined the club as a member? Certainly she has the cunning to solve the types of requests we get, but knowing her rotten personality, the execution of said solutions would definitely fall onto me.
Suddenly, as they are laughing about something, Isshiki quickly sobers up. She looks at me with a contemplative face, and I vaguely wonder if I should be concerned.
"...It might be Senpai, huh?" She mutters. I have no idea what that means. She's looking at me as she says it, but I feel like she's actually talking to herself.
"What?" I ask wearily.
"Huh?" She asks dumbly.
As if realizing she was spacing out, she snaps to attention. "Ah! It's nothing, Senpai. I was just thinking about something." She waves her hands dismissively.
No, you were definitely talking about me. If you've got something to say, Isshiki, say it.
"Seems like that something was me. You were muttering about 'Senpai', after all." I say accusingly.
Isshiki recoils in response. "Ew. I think you're deluded about something, Senpai. I have a lot of senpais, you know. I'm sorry, but I think you have the wrong idea about us, Senpai. It's my fault For giving you too much attention lately, but you have to know it's not like that. I'm sorry Senpai."
Isshiki plays out the same old gag. It's honestly a pretty tired joke by now, but it's true purpose is now something different from what it originally was. It's a reaffirmation. The fact that we can share this lame joke together shows a mutual understanding. A vague sense of trust. One not strong enough to acknowledge, but at least strong enough to take some comfort in.
I don't bother to deny it this time. It's a waste of energy. Rather, I cut to the point. "Fine then. What was bothering you?" I ask dryly.
"Eh? You actually care, Senpai?" She asks in wonder.
Come to think of it..."No, not really. Not unless it's bothering you."
"Ah, that's sweet Senpai, but I'm really sorry. It just-" She's doing this again already?
"Stop. Just, no. Obviously I wasted my concerns."
Isshiki huffs. "You're no fun, Senpai."
"If you're looking for a fun person, you've seriously got the wrong guy."
She grins that rotten grin. "I'm not so sure about that Senpai." She leans in and makes the sparkly expression that I've come to associate with disaster. Too close. Way too close. Get back, foul succubus.
"You're good enough for me, Senpai." She whispers in a husky voice.
As much as I don't want to react, it's simply impossible. My face begins to feel hot, and I can't help but turn away. I try to say something, but my voice hitches in my throat. This is so not fair. Isshiki, seemingly satisfied with my reaction, retreats back to her seat, and begins to laugh in my face. You're truly rotten, Isshiki. For the record I'd never date you.
"Ahahaha! See?" Her laughter fills the otherwise silent room. "You're a whole lot of fun, Senpai. You just have to know how to make fun."
My composure returns, but my patience does not. "Make fun of me, you mean."
"Of course! What else did you think I meant?" She asks, still amused with herself. You're not even going to deny it?
Yuigahama, in contrast, appears to be quite unamused. "You're so lame, Hikki. Learn a little self-control, will you?"
Excuse me? You, the most obnoxious and spontaneous member of this club, is trying to lecture me on self control?
And obviously, Yukinoshita never misses an opportunity. "It's a lost cause, Yuigahama-san. That thing is a physical manifestation of rampant teenage hormones. Which might possibly explain the disgusting appearance, posture, attitude, fashion sense and appearance."
"You said appearance twice." I correct her in an attempt to salvage my dignity.
"I am aware." She doesn't allow me to.
"Hey, come to think of it, why am I the one under scrutiny? She's the one who's behaving inappropriately." I point accusingly at Isshiki, who has at some point stopped laughing but is still clearly amused with the situation.
Isshiki makes an offended face. "Senpai! I was just playing around, it's not my fault you got all excited over nothing, cherry boy. You should know I'm just not into you by now."
I'm a little mad at being toyed with, so my response is somewhat spiteful. "I know. I'd never go out with you anyway." I spat coldly.
...
No response. Isshiki's mirth is all but gone. What? Did I offend her? All I did was return the same sentiment I'm so often exposed to.
Yuigahama sighs. "You're completely hopeless, Hikki."
"Why?" I ask exasperatedly. How am I the bad guy all of a sudden?
"You can't just say stuff like that. A girl's feelings are sensitive, you know." Yuigahama attempts to lecture me.
Are you serious? What about my feelings dammit! Did you even hear the things she was saying earlier? This is a double standard! I won't stand for this!
Still, I kind of already know about this sort of thing. Girls are fickle and fragile when it comes to personal matters. Words can cut deeper for girls, even when they know the words are meaningless or unjustified. They are always pushing down their insecurities, and it's far too easy to bring them to the surface.
"You're right. Sorry, Isshiki." Rather than falling to peer pressure, I instead crumbled under the guilt of my words. Isshiki's love life is not strictly my business, but it's a delicate matter and it's important to Isshiki, whose well-being I can't help but be concerned about. Regardless of who she pines for, I just want her to be happy. Although if I'm being honest, I wish she'd go for anyone except Hayama. If they really started dating I worry she might bring him to the club, and I just don't know if I can handle interacting with him on a regular basis.
"It's fine, Senpai. As long as you know you messed up." She smiles weakly...at first.
Her cute smile turns into a malicious grin. "Watch your words, next time. Okay, Senpai?"
What!? That was all an act? Were you actually just exercising your power? Scary! You're way too sly, Isshiki. I can't believe I felt sorry for you!
It's some time after four o'clock when Yuigahama announces that she's been invited to hang out with her clique. Seems like the invitation was a little while back, but she's been too nervous to bring it up. Most likely, she didn't want to seem like she wanted to ditch club to go hang out with other friends. Hey, we're clubmates, not your jealous lovers, you know? You can see other people if you want to.
They want to go bowling or karaoke or some other riajuu activity. She has the courtesy to invite the three of us to go with her, because her clique said it would be 'fine if your clubmates tag along or whatever'.
Yukinoshita seems to ponder it for a while, but eventually decides to go with. The first thing Isshiki asks is "Will Hayama-senpai be there!?" Of course she'd ask that. Yuigahama checks her phone for a bit, and nods in affirmation. So they're all going, then.
They turn to look at me. Sorry, but there's just no way. I'm not in the mood to act social towards people I don't care about. "Sorry, I think I'll pass." I reply dismissively.
"Hikki, you were the one who said you didn't feel close with us, right? How are we supposed to fix that if you don't hang out with us?" Yuigahama asks provokingly.
She's right. It was my outburst of insecurity that led me to question our relationship, and yet here I am, shrugging off an opportunity to bond with them.
"Yeah, I know. But it's good enough for me to know that you wanted me to come. Thank you."
"Mm. Okay, then. Are we all still on for the weekend?" She changes the topic.
To be honest, I almost forgot. In my mind, weekends are directly associated with my downtime. It's when I go home and unwind, and try to collect enough riajuu-energy to deal with school for the next week. I can't even remember the last time I planned something for the weekend.
"Yeah. Message me, or something."
"Sure thing, Hikki!"
Isshiki looks back and forth between us, as if trying to solve a mystery. She doesn't say anything about it, though, and neither do I. I care about this kid but she doesn't need to know all of my business all the time.
And with that, they all pack their things and prepare to go out together. As for me, I'm not sure what to do next. I know my parents will be home late as usual, because they texted me the night before. Is it weird for parents to text you when they're in the same house two rooms away? Maybe there's some sort of issues we need to resolve as a family. But at a later time, because it sounds like a real pain to deal with any time soon.
I'm the first to leave, and just before I exit, Isshiki grabs my attention with a final question. "Are you sure you don't want to come, Senpai? You were invited, you knoooow?"
And I declined, you knooooow.
"It's fine. I'm not in the mood to socialize anyway."
"Nargh! Fine, Senpai. But one day we're going to tackle this antisocial behavior of yours." She says, almost as if scolding me.
"Whatever. As long as it's not today. Or any time soon."
"Hmph! See you then, Senpai." Isshiki farewells.
"See ya." I return the farewell.
"Byebye Hikki. See you tomorrow." Yuigahama does so too,
"See you tomorrow, Yuigahama."
Yukinoshita, being Yukinoshita, just can't share the same courtesy. "Although we were spared your nauseating presence for this outing, it seems unfortunately we'll have to deal with you again tomor-"
I cut her off. "Whatever! I'll see you tomorrow too, Yukinoshita." I take an offended tone, but I'm grinning as I say it.
She smiles at me. "Yes. I'll see you tomorrow, Hikigaya-kun."
I close the door on the way out.
(Tomoko POV)
Chiba in the afternoons is kind of boring. Or at least, for me it is. Everyone else in town seems to be having a blast with their friends. All the activities available in town are group-related. The only things available for me are eating alone, going to the library alone, and going to the arcade alone.
I sigh at the thought.
I've already eaten, and the public library doesn't have any manga. Or it does, but it's a random assortment of crap manga. It's all boring, obscure manga, and even worse is that there's only one or two volumes of each series. Basically, it's a waste of time even being there. All that's left to do is waste some more time and money in the arcade before going back home, I guess.
As I'm going through one of the main districts, I spot that Kouhai I met this morning, skipping through town with a large group of people and making way too much noise. I knew she was a riajuu. I wonder which of the guys in that group she's fucking. Or maybe she's fucking all of them. I bet she is.
I duck into the crowd, hoping they don't notice me. I know it's creepy, but I can't help myself. I can't stop observing them. There are some stunningly beautiful people in that group of theirs. One of which, I note, is Miura. She seems to be walking pretty close to this blonde guy.
Who is fine as hell, by the way.
I wonder if that's the Hayama guy that I keep hearing about. If he is, it would make sense that he's a local celebrity. Seriously, that fucking face. I envy the bitch who gets to have him to herself. Or actually, maybe no one gets him to themselves. If anyone's gonna turn out to be a playboy, it'd be him. It would make sense, too. Hikigaya, though his disposition is rather fishy, seems to have a decent grip on the social interactions of people around him.
I decide to stop stalking the bunch and head off to the arcade.
It's a short walk from where I was, and I'm there before I know it. I decide to play the same fighting game I played last time. I feel like I'm getting better, and I slowly become more invested in the game as I learn the more intimate mechanics of the game. This is pretty fun. Maybe later I'll look on the internet for some tips on the game.
"Kuroki?"
I stop pressing buttons. Turning around, Hikigaya is standing there looking just as surprised as I think I look. Fancy seeing you here, dude.
"Ah, hey Hikigaya."
Talking to him somehow feels a little more difficult right now. Is it because we're in public?
"What's that you're playing?" He asks.
His words tumble around in my head for a moment, and there's a moment of silence before I'm able to process what he said. "...Ah! This is, uh, just a fighting game I was getting into."
It's definitely because we're in public. I get anxious under the public eye. I kind of didn't want him to see this pitiful side of me, even though I know it was bound to happen eventually.
He doesn't seem to mind, though. "Looks like you weren't that into it." He suggests amusedly. I'm not sure what he means at first, so I look at the object in question.
AAH!
While I was distracted by Hikigaya, I failed to notice I was getting my ass kicked in the game. Look what you've gone and done, asshole! I was on like stage 8! I frantically try to save myself, but it's simply too late. One more hit, and it's over. YOU LOSE. CONTINUE?
"Aagh! I was so far! Thanks for distracting me dipshit." I spit furiously.
He doesn't appear to be even the least bit remorseful. In fact, I'd say he's trying not to laugh at me. Screw you too Hikigaya.
"Not my fault you have a short attention span." He snarks.
The nerve of this guy! How are you going to repay me for this? Ah, but that gives me an idea.
"Whatever. Since you ruined my single player experience, you wanna play with me?" I suggest, trying not to sound too hopeful. I actually really wanted someone to play with on this game. It's a different kind of satisfaction, playing with friends. I can't even remember the last time I played with someone, though.
"Hm, I'm no good at fighters." He answers.
"Fine." I try not to sound disappointed.
"Let me finish. I was gonna say, I'm no good but I'll humor you anyway."
I light up immediately. I give up on trying to hide my joy. "Really!?" I ask with enthusiasm.
He looks mildly intimidated by my response, and I awkwardly recompose myself. "Ahem. I mean uh, okay. I'll humor you too, I guess."
He's not buying it. I can tell he's trying not to show me that shit-eating grin that he has. Don't make fun of me, bastard! Still, I have someone to play with, so I'm satisfied.
We put our coins in, and choose our guys. I pick the same character I always pick, because I secretly want to show off what I've learned.
"Oi, no fair. I know you know how to use that character." Hikigaya protests. Too bad, Hikigaya. You picked the wrong girl to mess with.
"Not my fault you suck at fighters. Pick your guy already."
"No way, that's baloney. I'm gonna pick the same guy, and you have to teach me how to play." He complains immaturely.
"Fine. Just hurry up." I urge him. He moves to the character, and my anticipation builds up. He's messing around with the colors. What the hell? Don't be such a girl, just press the fucking button already!
"Hold on, this color sucks. I'm changing it."
"Who cares just pick your character already!" My anticipation begins to eat at my patience.
"Nah, your one looks way better than mine. My one looks like a clown." He's whining about something stupid.
"They're the same, just start already!" I try not to raise my voice. I look at him. He's grinning. Motherfucker. He knows I'm losing patience, and is toying with my reactions. We'll see how funny it is when I kick your ass.
"Fine, fine. I'll pick the character." He relents, still clearly enjoying teasing me.
"Finally!"
"It's this button to pick characters, right?" He innocently points to a button that does nothing.
"URGH! JUST HURRY UP ALREADY!" I shout impatiently. It gets the attention of nearby arcade-goers. I immediately feel embarrassed at my outburst.
"Okay, okay. Sorry." This son of a...
Finally, we get into the game, and the fight begins. As soon as it starts, he talks again.
"Hold on. How do I play?" He asks helplessly.
No mercy now, punk. Relent your actions as you watch me pummell you.
"Just hammer the buttons and wiggle the sticks." I say, and as I say that, I move in for the kill.
At first he struggles vainly, I'm kicking his ass. Then he does something despicable.
"Oh, hammer the buttons and wiggle the sticks? You mean like this!?" He reaches over, and starts violently fiddling with my buttons. Cheater! Get the hell off me!
"Oi, that's cheating you bastard! Get!" I try to slap his hands away. He takes one hand off to press his own buttons, and as a result, his character is repeatedly doing a basic kick on my guy. It's working, he's starting to win.
"This game was rigged from the start anyway. You already know how to play." He says as he continues to shamelessly cheat his way to victory.
He wins. It's a one round fighting game. Bastard. Scumbag. Nincompoop. You suck forever!
"It's my win." He declares triumphantly.
"My ass it was. That was the most rotten victory in fighting game history." I object.
"A win is a win." He says without shame. "Besides, you were having fun too."
I didn't notice, but he's right. That was the most fun I've had in a long time. I didn't even notice how much fun I was having. I wonder, is this fulfilling feeling that normal people get to enjoy every day? If so, I'm truly jealous.
We decide not to play any further, and it's getting late anyway. We decide to head off. I'm going home, I imagine he is too. We walk out of the arcade and into the street, and it's then that I wonder where he lives. Before I can think any further on the matter, though, Someone calls out to us. Or more specifically, to him.
"Hikigaya-saan! Heeey!"
We both turn towards the source, and what I find strikes me with anxiety and fear. A stunningly beautiful woman. Perhaps a little older than us. Her fashion sense is impeccable. Her figure is beyond perfect. Her face is flawless, too. At first glance, I can't help but think this is the ultimate woman.
When she gets our, or at least his attention, I panic. There is no way I could possibly deal with the likes of her. She doesn't seem to notice me anyway. I immediately start to think of an excuse to leave. I can't think of anything, but I'm so desperate to leave I just stutter and mumble incomprehensible things and attempt to walk off anyway.
As I turn and try to flee, Hikigaya grabs my wrist. I turn to him with a pleading look. When I look at his face, I see a comforting look that implies it will be okay, and that he's going to take care of it.
...Or at least I thought I'd see something like that. In reality, his face is etched with terror.
He opens his mouth to speak. As first, nothing comes out. Is he shaking?
Finally, he says in a ghastly voice. "Please don't leave me alone with this person."
I stop. Alarm bells go off in my head. What does this mean? I turn towards the beautiful woman approaching us. Despite the anxiety of what might possibly be about to happen, I can't help but wonder.
Who is this person?
A WILD RIAJUU APPEARS LEL
Weewah, I was intending to do that, but also I wasn't. I did intend for the two to influence each other, but I didn't mean for it to be so obvious this early in the story. I wanted them to gradually change each other as they spend time together and tackle certain events together. At this point in the story, they don't even really know what each other is really like.
Just a heads up, I will be adding Hayama more to the story in the future. Don't worry, though. I know a lot of fics portray him as a despicable character and all-around antagonist (Especially in HachiYuki fics), but I was going to take more of a light-hearted approach. Basically, I thought of some funny scenarios involving him.
I'm also stewing on whether or not I'll make a big deal of the romance within the club. It's pretty much confirmed by now that both other members have a serious attraction to Hachiman, but I am conflicted whether or not I should make some progress regarding that within this story. Sure it makes for good content sometimes, but it's also a cause for some hardcore dramabombs, and I only want too much of those. That being said, there will be some rather dramatic moments in future chapters.
pls revu my story tho tyvn