Here's part one of "Accidental Fate." If you read "Accidental Fate (II)", you'll notice the very slight connection. Also, there's a surprise in the end.

HYOUKA: Slice of Life

8/7/12

CHAPTER 3: Accidental Fate (I)

Friday. It's between Thursday and Saturday. In North America, Friday is considered the final work day or school day of the week. In that time, students and workers have a pleasant two-day rest, and they start working after Sunday yet again. In Japan, it is different: students have school on Saturday. Only Sunday is their day of rest, and they have to stand right back up the next day. Oreki Hotarou was envious of the people on the other side of the world. He was also grateful at the fact—at least he wasn't a couch potato who doesn't literally do anything at all. He's just someone who just do what has to be done.

He just wanted another day to end, until the precious Sunday awaits him. He planned his perfect Sunday:

First—eat breakfast. Read newspaper.

Second—nap.

Third—eat lunch. Then nap.

Four—eat dinner, then nap. After fifteen minutes of napping, do the homework from Saturday.

Five—Brush teeth, take a shower and sleep for the next day.

Hopefully, he thought. Nothing that involves me will happen today or tommorow.

Finally, after school arrived when the angelic sound of the dismissal bell rang in Oreki's ears. Oreki took his time in walking up the stairs that will eventually lead to the Geography Prep Room, but a sudden light bulb appeared in his head. Since it's Friday, he thought, I should get a book; I finished the one the other day. Hotarou flinched after the thought. Either way, the energy saver continued to the route of the library. Today is Friday, therefore...

...Ibara Mayaka is on duty as a librarian. Hotarou knew his relationship with Ibara, and he doesn't want to mess it up even more. At the moment of arrival, Mayaka stared at the entrance, only to look in disgust. She quietly spoke, "Oreki, why are you here, of all times?"

The man replied, "I finished reading a book, so I want a new one."

The pink-eyed girl sighed. "Well, I'll believe that. It's not like you're going to flirt with me or anything." Hotarou had no comment about Ibara's statement. Why would she think that Oreki would flirt her? Mayaka continued, "So, what kind of book do you want?"

Hotarou shrugged. "I don't know. Recommend me."

I still don't know what genre you want, Mayaka thought. A long book or a short book?

Suddenly, it hit her. The idea hit her more than a light-bulb that struck her head. It was more like a boxer who punched Mayaka so hard that she had a realization. The perfect book to give to Oreki Hotarou.

[x]

A couple of minutes later, Ibara Mayaka returned to the counter and brought a book in hand. She said, "Here," and slides the book across the smooth wooden surface. Hotarou caught the book safely with just his index finger. He read the title. Confused, he asked, "What is it about?"

Mayaka smirked. "Why won't you find out by yourself?" She handed a clipboard with a sign-out sheet on it. She continued, "Here, fill it in."

As the energy saver continues to write on the clipboard, Mayaka remembered something. She remembered how Oreki was back in the past—lazy as a sloth, but always gets the work done. Now in high school, with all the incidents happening, Mayaka considers him as a sloth sleuth (which means he's still lazy).

Once Hotarou was done filling in the sheet, he gave the clipboard to the girl and walked away. As he was walking, Mayaka can faintly hear, "See you in the club room." Right before the energy saver left the doors of the librarian, the girl whispered in a ''yelling'' tone, "Oreki!"

Hotarou stopped and turned around. He asked, "What?"

"Since you're a fast reader, I'll expect you to be finished by Monday. This Monday."

The man resumed walking and unconsciously muttered, "...Whatever."

It seems that the schedule for Sunday needs to be revised.

Extra Story: The Disappearance of Chitanda Eru Part I

It was December 18, a much more colder day than usual. I expend more heat in this season, thus wasting more of my energy. And it was a normal day to school—

—or so it seemed. Everything was normal, until after school. After the usual homeroom, I dress up on my winter clothing and proceed to go the Geography Prep Room. Even up to this point, I sometimes wonder why I always go to the club room every single day. Maybe I do it for boredom and just eat Chitanda's treats, or maybe that I can regain strength so I can go home with left over energy unlike the days where I come home like a corpse. Anyways, I just do it out of habit. And just like Sis said: I probably have nothing else to do anyways.

Now that I think about it, time really did fly by this year. From the Sekitani Jun incident to the Juumonji Incident just a couple of months ago. But we still didn't do anything. And I still don't understand the true meaning of the Classics Literature Club despite the time I've been there. Not that I care.

On the way to the Geography Prep Room, I encountered Satoshi. He waved and exclaimed, "Hey Hotarou! Where are you going?"

I dig my hands deeper into my pockets. I answered, "The club room, obviously. You're not going?"

Satoshi looked confused. "Club room? You joined a club?"

I continued, "Did you hit your head or something? The Classics Club." Actually, I want to take that back. Satoshi can't get amnesia just like that. Is he pulling my leg or something? If so, please stop.

He shrugged. "I never heard of that club before. Also, why would you join that one? As your motto states: 'If I don't have to, I won't. If I have to, I finish it quickly.'"

Satoshi, your database is incorrect; it's "make it quick." And stop it—you're getting on my nerves. "Never mind," I say and ignored him. I went to the teacher's lounge to get the key for the club room. As I continue the journey to the club room, I notice that he isn't coming with me. The guy is too busy for him to relax, with other clubs and all. I remember yesterday that he is frequently going to the Sewing Club for some "secret project." I recall him as a sunflower, and a Saturn-head. What's next, a snowman or a pine tree?

Finally, after reaching the door of the room, I pull out the key and unlocked it.

No one is in there...as expected since I have the key. Good thing that Chitanda or someone will not be there. The locked room somewhere back in spring rushed back in my head as a memory. Well, I'll just have to wait for Ibara and Chitanda to come here.

[v]

I checked my watch.

Thirty minutes.

It has been thirty minutes since I have entered, and no one but me is in the room. Maybe Ibara has work to do as well? But how about Chitanda? I doubt that she's sick; she was as enthusiastic as ever.

I realized something just now: the cactus is gone. I don't remember anyone taking the cactus plant away. Also, the mini tea set that Chitanda brought is not here as well. Now that I think about it, any possessions from the club members aren't here, as if it was never touched. It looked just like the way it was when I met Chitanda.

...What in the world happened?

Yes, I did it. I really have the strangest ideas for the Hyouka fandom. The extra story is based on Nagaru Tanigawa's The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya which I personally think is amazing. There are times where I have dreams of the story with Hyouka characters in it. It's an extra story since I don't want to be penalized for copying the story. Or that there's not a real plot. Just think of it as a trailer of the full movie, as if everything is not shown.

Oh, and "Accidental Fate" will have one more chapter, the date...!

Thanks for reading, and please point out any mistakes or anything to make the writing better.

~NazoLuk3