Why? just...why? Damn you, Hideyoshi!
Anyway, Chapter 7 is here!
Chapter 7 "Why authors draw cute girls and name them guys? …also something is wrong."
I was currently stalking another practice target…
Kuzuryuu Souichi…
He was a normal salary man that frequented prostitution sites on the web…Especially the one hosted by high school girls.
When a 'date' was concerted, he would kidnap them…
And no one would hear them again…
I don't have enough information to proceed the killing phase…
"You got mail!" I widened my eyes as I heard the tune on my cell phone.
'Onii chan, there are no eggs or food by the matter! Could you please buy something to eat?
Your little sister, Komachi.
PD: Pops says that he wants a pack of beer'
I smiled at the mail and started typing my reply.
'I'm currently near a mall, I'll buy some fried chicken for dinner…
Your brother who loves you, 8man
PD: Tell the cockroach that he needs to stop getting drunk on the house…seriously is unsightly ¬_¬)'
I close my phone and glanced back at Kuzuryuu but there was no one there.
Damn, it seems that I lost him…
Whatever…
I have all the time in the world to stalk him again…
I went to the mall to buy what Komachi asked.
But before that.
I had the strange feeling that I was being stalked on…
I look to my surroundings…
I found some glares of disgust from women…Ok that's normal. It happens when you have the eyes of the dead fish. Superficial bitches.
I turned to the mall and started walking towards it, with a small thought on my head.
Was someone following me?
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.
.
He almost noticed…
It was very close…
I managed to take some snapshots of his face…
It was very cute!
His distrustful expression…
Makes me swoon…
He and I are the very same…
He and I are destined to be together!
He just doesn't know…
I should send him a gift…
Kuzuryuu Souichi…
He should make a perfect gift!
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I shuddered.
"Everyone pair up together!" With this ominous words, Atsushi-sensei went to sit on the bench.
In Sobu high school gym was held jointly with three different classes, and the sixty boys in that group were split into two activities.
This time, the available activities were soccer or tennis.
In no fucking way I was going to choose soccer.
Too many people and I'm not a team player…
Also, I'm pretty sure no one would make passes at me…
So the option left was tennis.
Unfortunately…for Zaimokuza that is…
There were too many people that choose Tennis, so the made a lottery…And little me was picked to go on tennis. Hurray for me!
Poor Zaimokuza went to football. I can only pray that he isn't ostracized…too much. I don't want to have him whining on my back about his mistreatment.
As I was thinking on this, I noticed that everyone already split into small groups and were on the opposite side of the court.
It seems that friends can communicate telepathically…
I was, yet again, alone…
I silently went to the nearest wall and started playing squash…
My trusted friend, Wall-san…
I chased after the ball and hit it back at the wall, repeating that motion over and over again. I went on Auto-Pilot mode!
I had other things that were more important that chasing a ball like a cat. Reminds me of buying food for Kamakura on the way back.
Yesterday…
The uncomfortable feeling…
It was…
Like I was being preyed on…
Someone was following me…
I asked myself some questions.
Did I fit this 'someone' criteria? Did this someone stalk me for an indefinite period of time?
…Did this someone knows my secret?
Those thoughts rush through my head…
I need to be alert…is probably that this someone knows where I live, who are my family and more important…
Who I really am…
This someone has vital information about me…about my life… about my other life…
I don't even know what his motive is.
I'm restless…
…Was there even someone? Maybe I am paranoid…I am paranoid. It is what has kept me alive so long.
My gut feeling never failed me before so why not?
I sensed something coming to my way…
I grabbed the ball that was heading to my head…
Who the hell?!
I looked at the tennis ball on my hand and then looked at the direction where it came from.
"Ah, sorry, my bad! U-Umm… Hi…? Hikitani-kun? Hikitani-kun, could you get that ball?" Said the guy with orange hair.
Wait…
I have seen this idiot before…
He was the noisy blabbermouth that is with Sparky all the time…
He had my name wrong, but it's not like it's worth correcting him
He won't remember either.
Idiots will be Idiots.
I threw the ball back to him.
"Thanks!" Sparky guy gave a cheerful smile and waved at me gratefully.
I clicked my tongue and turned to the wall.
I took all of my worries and negative feelings and hit them against the wall.
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.
It was lunch break.
I was eating lunch in my favorite spot.
You could see the tennis courts
There was absolutely no one on the premises…which makes easier to tell if someone is watching you or something…
I didn't feel the uncomfortable feeling from before…
Whoever it is, he has some skill in stalking and is aware of the risk in this kind of places…
I hear footsteps from behind and turned to see a girl standing behind me.
"Huh? Hikki?" a familiar pink haired girl was looking at me "What are you doing here?"
Ah, it's just Yuigahama.
"I usually eat here." I replied.
"Really? Wouldn't be better just to eat in the classroom?" hah…
I let out an annoyed sigh. "Too much noise." and the people there are irritating.
"Uh… now that you said so, this place is very quiet…" Oh? So she acknowledges my fabulous lunch spot?
"Anyway, why are you here?" I asked her. You are interrupting my alone time, so make it quick.
"You sounded like I was a nuisance!" she puffed her cheeks "I lost a game of rock paper scissors against Yukinon… so I guess this is a penalty?"
…
"I see…" I showed my best disinterested, indifferent face that I had in my repertory.
"You were the one who asked and yet you have that face!" No need to get angry.
She then said: "I think this is the first time I've thought this penalty game was fun."
"…Ah." I drank some of my juice while looking at the clouds.
"You just don't care, do you?" she looked sad at being ignored.
"Nope. Your group's private parties are not of my concern…also, why are you sitting? Don't you have a penalty to do?"
"That's mean! Don't you have a lot of these 'private parties' too? When we're in the clubroom, you always have those fun-looking chats with Yukinon. I-I always feel I can't join in on any of those…"
Maybe you don't have enough skill points in intelligence. "I don't think I would call those 'Fun-looking chats'…"
"But they are! It looks like you two are having fun!" Clean your eyes, woman.
"Well, it's like you are just making assumptions. Yukinoshita is just trying to show that she is a superior being while I shoot her funny delusions down with the harsh facts of reality." The harsh facts that I stand above maybe not in looks, but in grades, I'm the best!
"I don't think is like that…" Think whatever you want.
We fell in silence…
"Hikki…do you remember the entrance ceremony" Hm?
"I wasn't there, I got caught in a traffic accident." I replied.
"An accident?"
"Some retarded girl's dog got off its leash. That dog almost got run over by a car, so I protected him with my own body…then I went to the hospital" Ah, good times…
"R-Retarded, So, Hikki doesn't remember that person at all?" She asked, with a worried glance.
"I don't."
I hear some whispers 'Doesn't he remember when he assaulted me and stuff!'
Wut?!
What do you mean by assault?! When you took your request, it was my first time seeing you!
"What's wrong?" I asked her, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"It's… nothing… Anyways! Hikki doesn't remember that girl at all, does he?!" She asked, frantically.
"…I didn't mention a girl." I narrowed my eyes at her.
"Huh?! Y-yeah, you definitely did! You totally did! In fact, all you said was, 'girl this, girl that, girl this, girl that'!" She stammered and started to vomit excuses out of her mouth.
After that, she let out a hollow laugh and turned to the tennis court…
That's Suspicious… (¬-¬)
I guess it was just about time for the girl tennis players to wrap up their practice; they were wiping off their sweat and coming back.
"Hey! Sai-chaan~~!" Yuigahama waved her hands and called out. It seemed she'd spotted someone she knew.
That girl noticed Yuigahama and ran up to us with little steps.
"Hey. Had practice?" She asked the girl that was in front of her.
"Yeah. Our team is really weak right now, so we have to practice through lunch… We've been asking them over and over for permission to use the courts during lunch, and they finally gave us the okay. What are Yuigahama-san and Hikigaya-kun doing here?" Huh?
"Ahh, not much…"
She knows my name?
Could it be that…she is the one stalking me?!
"I see." That girl, Sai-chan or whatever, gave us a smile.
"Sai-chan, you play tennis for class and even practice through lunch… That must be really tough."
"Yeah, but it's what I want to do, so it's fine… Ah, also, Hikigaya-kun, you're pretty good at tennis."
I didn't answer…I was glaring at the newcomer…
If it was a student from my school, he could be in the school premises without being questioned…and also the tennis courts are in parallel to my lunch spot.
She could have been observing me all the time she wanted.
"Really?" Yuigahama asked sounding impressed
"Yeah, his form is really good when he plays."
"Hahaha…" I laughed uncomfortably "so, who are you?"
"Hwahhh?! You're in the same class, dude! You even take gym class together! Why don't you know?! I can't believe you!"
"Huh… girls and boys don't take gym class together Yuigahama-san."
"A-Ahaha. So I guess you really don't remember my name… I'm Totsuka Saika. We're in the same class." I never saw you in my life, girl.
"It hasn't been too much since we entered to high school, so it's a bit difficult for me…" I replied lamely.
"You didn't remember me either." Yuigahama, shut your trap, please.
"Eh? But you seem to be good friends."
"She says that we look like friends." I said to Yuigahama.
"I'm male, by the way… do I really look that frail to you?"
"Eh?" whaaaaaat?
I gave Yuigahama a glance and she nodded at me…
No, no…this is impossible!
Traps exist just in mangas and animes!
I grabbed her/his jaw.
"H-Hikigaya Kun?" He/she seemed flustered by the sudden touch.
I then….saw it. Adam's apple.
So it was a he…
I unhanded Totsuka. "Hikigaya kun are you okay?" I probably looked like a person that just knew that his life was an entire lie…
"I'm… fine, just need a couple of minutes, hopefully, the universe will have sense by then." I then seated on the same position I was before, a shadow cast over my face.
"Hikki? It's not that bad, right?"
"Anyway… I'm surprised you know my name." I looked at 'Sai-chan' with interest.
"Instant recovery!?" Yuigahama yelled, amazed.
"Eh, ahh… Well, Hikigaya-kun stands out a lot in class." Do I? That's a problem…
"Reeaaally? But he's so plain-looking… It'd take quite a lot to notice a guy like him." You are saying hurtful things here. Not that I care, but if it was someone else?
"And I prefer it that way. I dislike attention." I said proudly.
"It's just that Hikigaya-kun is pretty good at tennis. Have you played before?"
"No, this is my first time playing." I answered.
"I see."
"Uwah!" Yuigahama exclaimed "it's already time to class."
"Let's head back, then." Totsuka proposed
Totsuka said that, and Yuigahama followed after him.
I stood up and followed them
While I was walking I noticed something I forgot to ask "What happened to that penalty you had to do?"
"Huh? … Ahhh!"
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A few days later, I was in gym class again.
I had no luck in finding the person who was on my tail. Whoever it is, he or she can cover his tracks pretty well.
I asked Komachi if she had seen something out of the normal.
But she couldn't say something notorious or useful.
I searched in my night walks but couldn't find a single clue.
Who is this…?
I felt someone's hand on my shoulder!
I rolled and faced my assaulter!
"Uwah! Just like the movies!" Totsuka exclaimed with awe in his voice while clapping.
"Ah… it was just Totsuka-san." I already discarded him from my suspect list.
"Hikigaya-kun, you looked like those body doubles that do the risky scenes in movies!" He praised me with a glint of amusement in his eyes.
"Ah thanks, I do practice this kind of things, so…What do you want?" I asked him.
"Ah. Today you know, the guy I usually pair up with isn't at school. So… umm, if you want, wanna be my partner?"
The destructive power of this creature is over 9000!
With those upturned eyes and that honest smile, no one would think you are a guy!
Also, why the blushing?!
"Ahh, that's fine. I'm by myself right now too." I replied, trying to keep my tone even.
He seemed relieved by my answer. "Phew, what a relief!" I heard him mutter.
Dammit, hearing that made me nervous. He was seriously way too cute to be a guy.
According to Yuigahama, Because of how cute Totsuka was, some of the girls at school had begun calling him "the Prince." I see, considering Totsuka was a pretty boy who had a feminine sense of cuteness, that name fit him to a tee. In addition, the name "the Prince" also made you want to protect him.
With that, my free practice with Totsuka began.
Totsuka was on the tennis team, so it was no surprise that he was good.
After a while, Totsuka caught the ball in his hands as it bounced towards him.
"Let's take a short break."
"Alright."
We sat on a nearby bench…
"Hey, I wanted to ask Hikigaya-kun for some advice…" I just noticed but…isn't he too close?
He was practically glued to me…
I'm starting to think that he is gay for me or something…
I had a deadpan face while thinking my thoughts.
"Hikigaya kun. Is something wrong?" He asked, worried.
"I don't know how much advice I can give but ask away."
"Yeah. It's about our tennis team actually… we're really not very good, you know? We don't have many people either. There are a few second-years but it's no good, and if all the third-years graduate by the next tournament, we'll be in even worse shape. There are a lot of freshmen who joined but who didn't start playing tennis until high school, so they're not very used to it yet… and because we're so weak we can't get motivated either. I mean, it's not like people need to compete for spots to play, so…"
"Hum…" So it was like that…
"So… if Hikigaya-kun is okay with it, won't he consider joining the tennis team?"
"…Huh?"
Where did that come from…?
Totsuka saw the confusion in my eyes, and he seemed to shrink into himself as he sat there hugging his knees. He glanced at me once in a while with pleading eyes.
"Hikigaya-kun is good at tennis, and I think he can get better and better. I think he can motivate the others too. And… if it's with Hikigaya-kun, I think I can try harder too. U-Umm… I don't mean that in a weird way or anything! I-It's just that I want to get stronger at tennis!"
"I am sorry but I can't, also there are problems with your reasoning."
"Uh?"
"Even if I joined and improved myself, it would cause jealousy in the other members… with this instead of improving, they would try to get rid of me. People are like that."
He seemed depressed by my short speech.
"But don't worry, your problem has an easy solution. You should concentrate on recruiting freshmen who only started playing tennis in high school. Seeing you how hard you train, it's possible that they feel motivated by your enthusiasm. It's improbable that this club wins the first two tournaments, but in the second year, the group would have improved. With that, they could attract freshmen and train them before they leave high school."
"Oh…" Totsuka seemed to have stars in his eyes.
"Try to improve yourself and others around you would improve themselves." this is only possible for charismatic characters like Sparky guy and Totsuka.
People like me or Yukinoshita who had no social skills or grace would only be seen as haughty and have a negative effect on people. Me at least.
"Thanks. I think I feel a bit better after talking with Hikigaya-kun." With a plan in his mind, Totsuka smiled at me.
"It's quite possible that this doesn't work, you know?"
"No, but it's something, thanks, Hikigaya Kun."
"Uhn." I grunted in confirmation.
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I was currently in the club room with Yukinoshita.
It seemed that Yuigahama had to go on an errand.
I was reading a psychology book. Hoping on having some insight about the person that was stalking me…
But it was useless…
Psychology only sees a handful of cases…the mind can't be diagnosed, because it's only conjectures
You could diagnose psychopathy on someone based on scans of their brains…
But for that, you need to have a person…
Most of the people I killed were psychopaths…and also good liars.
They could infiltrate the in the environment that was society. They appeared like good people to the eyes of society…
And did unnamable things to their peers.
I can detect them based on my own experiences…The way their eyes looks at prey, the way they behave in certain situations…
All of that.
Because I did the same things.
But now…I was being preyed upon…
By who…?
What was his or her motivation…?
I push all of this question to the back of my mind as I heard the clubroom's door slide.
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"Heyoo~~!" Yuigahama entered the clubroom
She had her usual grin on her face. She seemed as carefree as ever.
However, there was someone else behind her with a serious yet feeble-looking expression on his face.
I saw that face in gym class.
"Ah… Hikigaya-kun!" He exclaimed in recognition.
"Totsuka san…" I muttered.
"Hikigaya-kun, what are you doing here?" He asked.
"This was the other reason I couldn't join you, I'm already a member of this club… Why are you here?"
"I brought a new customer with me today, fufu~~." Yuigahama's pointlessly large breasts waved back and forth as she spoke proudly.
Why are you so proud?
You just brought homework to the house…
That's just stupid!
"Hey, come on-I'm a part of this club too, ya know? So I thought I'd earn my keep. And Sai-chan looked like he had something on his mind, so I brought him here." She said, with a grin on her face.
"Yuigahama-san."
"Yukinon, you really don't have to thank me. As a club member, this is the least I can do-" She waved her hands in negation.
"Yuigahama-san, I really don't see how you're a club member…"
"I'm not?!" Her face almost drop when she heard that.
"She's not!?" I was also surprised. "I thought she was."
"That's right. You never handed in your application letter and our advisor has not recognized your membership, so you're not a club member."
"That is such an outdated and bureaucratic way of thinking, Yukinoshita san." I admonished her.
"Mock all you want, Hikigaya Kun, there is a place you may not know, but is called society, and that place does have rules." She retorted in response.
Yukinoshita was stupidly strict when it came to the rules.
"I'll write one! If you want an application letter then I'll write you a million! Just let me join up!"
"So, Totsuka Saika-kun… Right? What do you want from us?" Yukinoshita ignored the hastily-writing Yuigahama and turned towards Totsuka.
Totsuka began to shake as he was pinned in place by Yukinoshita's cold stare. "U-Umm… I want… to make the tennis team… better" he answered to Yukinoshita, but at the final word, he glanced at me.
"I already consulted to Hikigaya Kun about the method, so I would like help in improving myself…" Yukinoshita glanced at me.
"I suppose it was a decent method, right?" The hell?
"Yeah, unlike you, I think about the client's perspective and actually provide insightful solutions. You could try that sometimes."
"If by insightful solutions, you mean taking the easy way out, then I would be better sticking to my own resolutions." And she bites back.
As our banter intensifies, I remembered that we have a possible client.
"Enough of this, we have a client waiting here." I pointed to Totsuka, who looked at us with a strange look.
I could see a smirk on her face…
Thinking that you won?
As if!
"Yes, Totsuka san, I don't know what Yuigahama-san told you, but the service club is not some miracle cure-all. We are here only to help and promote independence. Whether the tennis team gets better or not completely depends on you."
"I… see…" It seems that Yuigahama planted some false hope on him
"Huh? What is it?" Said person asked, tilting her head.
"Don't give me that… You made irresponsible false promises, and now we have to break this young man's fragile hopes and dreams." Yukinoshita threw merciless words at Yuigahama, but Yuigahama just cocked her head in puzzlement.
"Hm? Hmmm? But, I mean, I thought Yukinon and Hikki would definitely be able to do something… Was I wrong?" oh…
When I heard those words, they had nonchalant tone and probably didn't have any meaning behind it.
For Yukinoshita, it seemed that it was teasing and implied challenge.
"…Hmph. Now you've said it, Yuigahama-san… Whether the one over there can do anything is another issue, but to think you would try to test me like this…"
Yukinoshita laughed. Ah, it looked like some weird switch had just flipped inside of her… Yukinoshita Yukino was the kind of person who took all challenges head-on and used all her strength to smash them to pieces.
"Well then, fine, Totsuka-kun: I will accept your request. All I have to do is help you improve your tennis ability, right?"
"Y-yes, that's right. I-if I get better, I think everyone else will try harder too."
Maybe it was the glare that Yukinoshita was giving but Totsuka was hiding behind me as he answered. His face peeked out from just slightly above my shoulder, and I saw uneasy fear in his eyes. It was almost like looking at a trembling wild rabbit…
I cursed the omniscient force in the universe that created girls and turned them into guys.
"Well, it's fine if we help, but what are we going to do?" We, or rather, the club president already took the request so it's the same as if we accepted the request. When did I turn into her corporate slave?
"Isn't it obvious? I would make him run until he died, then make them practice racquet swings until he died, and then make them play practice matches until he died." It was scary that she said that with a smile on her face…
Totsuka and Yuigahama were terrified.
"Wait a second. While I agree that he should practice more, overworking him wouldn't do any good, it's the contrary, it would be unproductive and useless" I objected.
"Do you have any better idea?" She asked
"Make him practice while recruiting freshmen."
Totsuka then explained the plan I told him in gym class.
"I see…" Yukinoshita nodded "So not only improve him but rather than that, multiply the number of the tennis club and motivate them to improve themselves." She looked at me puzzled "I didn't think this kind would come from you."
"Hikki, you are really thoughtful about others…" What's with the sudden praise? Isn't it obvious?
How else can you manipulate the masses?
"This kind of plan only works on charismatic and hard-workers like Totsuka here, thought. Anyway, that is my look on the matter."
"But in that case, who would do the recruiting?" I then stared at both of them.
"…what?" Yukinoshita was unnerved by my look.
I smirked.
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It was then when we started our training…
While Yukinoshita and Yuigahama were busy recruiting freshmen, I trained Totsuka in the physical aspect.
Also…for some strange reason, Zaimokuza was here.
"Yoshiteru is ready for training, sir!" What the-? This isn't the military, you know…
"Well then, let's started…" I sighed at Zaimokuza's antics.
"I-I look forward to working with you." Totsuka made a little bow.
What Yukinoshita said…wasn't wrong at all…
To have to build up the muscle strength that Totsuka-kun is fatally lacking. Biceps, deltoids, pectorals, abdominal muscles, obliques, dorsal muscles, and femoral muscles- she was planning on working him to the brink of death.
The more you damage the muscles, the more they try to repair themselves, but each time they do, the muscular fibers grow stronger. This is what they call 'super-compensation.' In other words, if you work yourself to the brink of death and try again later, you would be able to render more than before and so on.
Well, it won't really be able to build muscle immediately this way, but it should increase the speed of the basal metabolism.
In short, it was a way to make the body more fit for exercise. If the basal metabolism rate increases, then it becomes easier for you to use calories. In other words, it increases your body's energy conversion efficiency.
But that method doesn't fit my solution.
Rather than an immediate solution, I went for a secure future.
I would train Totsuka in front of the freshmen and try to charm them with Totsuka's effort.
All while improving Totsuka's ability.
Then, it would depend on Totsuka's charisma to keep them in.
It suited the Club's motto. We only give you the method, everything else has to be done by yourself.
I explained this to Totsuka and Zaimokuza, who for some reason was listening.
"I see…" he nodded "Let's try it out then!" he exclaimed cheerfully
Let's get started.
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Yukinoshita and Yuigahama brought a couple of freshmen to witness the training of Totsuka…
I don't know if it was the effort or the appearance of Totsuka and the girls but they signed on…
My plan was coming to fruition…
It's good that something on my life was succeeding…
I still couldn't find the stalker…
It was distracting…
I tried to walk in desolated places and in the night, but I couldn't find him…or her. He or she can keep the distance close and still pass undetected.
It was like having my entire life in the hands of someone else…
More important…the life of my family.
This someone had spied on my family too.
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.
"Hikigaya Kun, are you ok?" it seems that Totsuka sensed my discomfort.
I noticed that he was sweating profusely and had ragged breath. "I'm fine, more important, do you want to take a break?"
"No, I'm good."
"How is the club doing with the new members?" I asked him.
"It's going really good!" he sounded cheerful. "Hikigaya kun's method is really working! The senpais at the club are teaching them the basics and put them on matches against them! They look like they really are having fun and enjoying it!" scratch that, he was really happy.
"It's not thanks to me…but to you." I just stated the truth. I didn't do absolutely anything else than watch and give directions. "You are the one who made it possible."
"…." He blushe- whaaaaaat?
"Thanks, Hikigaya kun, you are really a good person!" He beamed a smile at me.
I scratched my head and looked down…
Good person?
As if…
Good people doesn't kill other people just because of personal purpose...
But I already accepted that…
"How is it going?" We were interrupted by Yuigahama's loud greeting.
"Hi, Yui-chan!" "Yo." "Greetings!"
"Uwah! What is he doing here?!" she pointed at Zaimokuza. You don't need to show that much disgust, you know…
"Don't worry, he just felt lonely and came here for company…how did the recruiting go?"
"It went fine!" she exclaimed happily.
"Where is Yukinoshita, by the way?"
"She said that she needed to go see the nurse."
"Hum…" she probably went to get a first kit aid for Totsuka…
I heard several footsteps and I turned to the source of said sounds.
"Ah, someone's playing tennis! Tennis!" That annoying, entitled, bitching voice…where did I had hear it before?
I turned around at the sound of those merry-sounding voices and saw a large group with Sparky guy and at the center. They were walking towards us, and as they passed by Zaimokuza, they seemed to notice me and Yuigahama.
The blonde girl's eyes widened when she saw me…
"Ah… It's Yui…" a brown haired girl with glasses spoke softly.
The somewhat-familiar blonde took a single glance at me and Yuigahama, then ignored us and turned towards Totsuka. (It seemed that she hadn't ever looked at Zaimokuza.)
"Hey, Totsuka. Can we play around here too?" She asked/demanded Totsuka, who was avoiding her glare.
"Miura-san, I'm not really… playing around… I'm practicing…" He muttered.
"Huh? What? I couldn't hear you." She asked forcefully.
I murmured to Yuigahama "Psst Yuigahama san… Who are those guys?"
She looked at me with a look that said 'are you fucking serious?!'
"Hikki! This is not the time!" She whispered loudly.
Totsuka gathered up what little courage he could find and answered her.
"I-I'm practicing…"
"Hmmm, but you know, there are people here who aren't on the tennis team, so… It's not like the boy's tennis team has the courts reserved, right?"
"T-that's true… but…"
"Well, then isn't it fine if we use them too? Why wouldn't it be?"
"…But…"
After he said that, Totsuka seemed troubled and looked towards me… Wait, me?
Well, Yukinoshita wasn't here, Yuigahama was useless in this type of situations, and nobody cared about Zaimokuza… So I guess there was only me.
"Excuse me right there" I called. "The tennis courts are reserved for the girl's team, who let Totsuka san use them in lunch, which can translate as if we reserved the court." I explained to her
"Huh? What are you babbling about? That's a bit gross." She narrowed her eyes at me in displeasure.
I sighed. "This is what happens when you try to talk civilian to monkeys." I pinched the bridge of my nose.
"What?!"
"I'm saying that the tennis court are reserved, so you can't use them." I said again, more forcefully this time.
"But you are not in the tennis club!" She yelled while pointing her finger at me.
"I'm not, but we have affiliated with Totsuka-san and we are helping him with his practice, we are his managers. Why are you here?"
"Huh…" She was at loss of words, glaring at me with a bewildered look.
"Get lost. You are wasting our precious time here, if you want to play tennis, go reserve the court like everyone else." I spat at the blonde idiot, who was red-faced with anger and embarrassment.
"Okay, okay, let's not get into a fight." I hear a smooth voice cut the air.
Sparky guy cut in and tried to mediate. "Come on, it's more fun if everyone plays. Can't we just do it that way?" He had a troubled expression on his face.
"What is your name?" I asked him, I can't keep writing Sparky guy for much longer.
"Uh… My name is Hayama Hayato, nice to meet you." He beamed a smile at me.
"So… Hayama-san." I keep saying indifferently.
His words got on my nerves.
Is there some kind of obligation or rule that says that I need to share everything or conduct my everyday life in the base of what the majority has to say?
No.
"Do you see someone here having fun?"
"H-Huh?" He stammered.
"We are not having fun. Totsuka san came here to seek aid for serious problems concerning the Tennis club. We are training him because he asked us to, Yet, you came here to disrupt our practice and are costing us valuable time that we could use for more important things that debating with the blonde bulldog over there," I heard a 'Hey!' "About why you can't use the tennis court."
I could tell this person doesn't like to make trouble, he like to be a neutral party and try to get everyone along, so if he can't do that, he would just act as the situation is deemed fit, in this case, he should retire in peace and we could continue with tennis practice. Yup.
"Hey, come on, Hayato~~…" of course…there is also this other factor.
A lazy voice slipped in from the side. "What are you just standing there for? I want to play tennis."
And the bitch had arrived. It seems that she got confidence since Hayama stepped in. Was there something wrong with her brain cells? How can you be so selfish?
"Hm, all right, then let's do this: all the people not on the team will play a match, and the ones who win will be able to use the courts during a lunch break from now on. Naturally, the winners will also help Totsuka practice. It's always better to practice with better players, right? That would be more fun for everyone."
What is with this guy and the 'everyone' word?
Does he get off when he says that?
And he, like, totally disregarded what I said about having fun and such…
"Tennis match? …Hm, which sounds really fun." The blonde gave the kind of fierce smile that only a queen would make.
"Hikki…what should we do?" hmm let me see…
All the hangers-on also seemed to be greatly roused by that suggestion of Hayama' was smiling at me….
I sighed, both tired and dejected.
I guess is time to work. Ugh, even thinking about that word gives me itch.
.
.
.
Quite a few people had begun to crowd around the tennis courts, which were located in one corner of the schoolyard.
If I were to count, I would say that we had two hundred people here, easy. That, of course, included Hayama's group, but there were plenty of other people who had come after hearing about the event.
I was looking at my surroundings…
HA~ YA~ TO~ GO! HA~ YA~ TO~ GO!"
The spectators who were cheering for Hayama started to do the wave. It was like being in the middle of an idol concert…
If this guy wanted to be a politician, without any doubt he would win the election with a great margin of votes…
In any case, looking at the crowd around me sent chills down my spine. It was like a religious cult…
Seriously is scary what influence and status quo can do.
And Hayama Hayato emerged from that chaotic melting pot, confidently striding out of the center of the court. Despite the huge audience, he seemed perfectly at ease He was probably used to that much attention. In addition to his usual followers, some girls and boys from other classes had joined him.
I could feel my ears ringing from all the commotion…is a miracle that I hadn't slaughter them all for their behavior.
Hayama was already gripping his racquet and was standing on the court. He stared at us with interest, wanting to know which one of us would step up first.
"Hey… Hikki, what should we do?"
Yuigahama was restless and flustered, I then glanced at Totsuka; he looked like a frightened bunny dropped in an unfamiliar forest.
I moved my glance to Zaimokuza…no wait.
He wasn't going to be useful in this situation, so it's just better to ignore him.
"Prince~~!" or "Saichaaan~~!" I heard some girls giving high pitched squeals…
So Totsuka is also popular…about the subject of squeals, he was trembling with embarrassment…
I buried my head in my crossed arms. As I did, I heard a rude, irritated voice.
"Hey, can't you hurry it up?"
I lifted my head and saw Miura holding a racquet and checking it over. Hayama also seemed to think that was unusual.
"Huh? Yumiko's gonna play too?"
"What? Yeah, obviously… I'm the one who wanted to play tennis, remember?"
"I know, but… The other team is going to probably send out a guy. You know, that, umm… Hikitani-kun guy? Him. If you had to play him, it wouldn't be too fair." …
"Hey, the moron over there!" Hayama shook when he heard me calling him. "My name is Hikigaya, if I remember your name, you may as well remember mine!"
"uh…sorry, Hikigaya-kun." Fuck you.
"Hey don't talk to Hayato like that!" Meh…
I ignored the blonde bitch and turned to Yuigahama. I could hear grumbling coming from my back.
"Oh, then let's do mixed doubles! Geez, I'm pretty smart, aren't I? But is there seriously a girl who wants to play with Hikitani-kun? Haha, that's hilarious!" She mocked.
My name is not Hikitani…
Miura started to let out a high-pitched, vulgar laugh, and the audience began to laugh as well.
I shrugged my shoulders, indifferent.
Getting angry at this kind of things is pointless…
Everyone can talk…
Not everyone can back it up…
"Hachiman, this isn't good… You have no female friends at all, and no girl will help out a plain-looking loner bastard like you, even if you ask. What are you going to do?" Zaimokuza asked beside me, with a serious expression.
"Must you phrased it like that?" I was hurt. "But you are probably right." I said absentmindedly.
"Hikigaya-kun, sorry… If I were a girl, then I would be happy to play with you, but…" I hear Totsuka say.
"Don't worry, even if you were a girl, you couldn't play because you are in the tennis club." Only people outside the tennis club could play…
"Ah! I forgot…" He sounded apologetic.
"You don't have to worry about this either. If you have somewhere you belong, then you should protect that place. Since is our fault that you were dragged into this mess, leave it to me." I said, confident.
Not because I help out of good will, but to destroy the blond imbecile duo.
Yuigahama's shoulders shook. She bit her lip and gave me an apologetic look.
It's fine…
Unlike me, you have a position in the social pyramid.
And I can tell that you still want to get along with Miura and the others.
I won't ask you to risk that.
Also, I remember that I had a girl between my acquaintances that would play tennis with me…
I hope she is not wasted or something like that in the Teacher's lounge.
As I was to walk away.
I heard a soft, soft, extremely soft whisper that was whisked away by the buzz of the crowd.
"… it."
"Huh?" I turned to the source of said whisper.
"I said, I'll do it!" Yuigahama groaned softly while her face turned completely red.
"You don't need to." I answered to her. I already knew who was going to play.
"I will! I'm a member of the service club, I can't let everything in your hands, Hikki. I" She smiled at me "I also owe you for standing up for me…and you told me that I should stop being a pushover when it came to my wishes…" She avoided my gaze and a little of red tinted her cheeks.
I did say something like that…
"I agree, but this isn't the only place you belong, right? Hey, look, the girls in your usual group are glaring at you."
"Eh, seriously?" Yuigahama stiffened and looked over towards Hayama's group. I could almost hear her neck creak as she slowly turned her head.
The group of girls around Hayama, with Miura at their head, were looking at us. It was natural for them to do that, considering what Yuigahama had announced so loudly.
There was hostility resting in Miura's humungous eyes. She was looking straight at Yuigahama, who was shivering with fear.
"Yui, you know, if you join that side, then you're going against us. Right?" Miura acted like a queen, crossing her arms and tap-tapping her foot on the ground. It was the "angry queen" pose. Yuigahama felt the pressure of that pose and slowly looked down at the ground. She gripped the hem of her skirt. She was nervous-her hands were trembling.
The overly-curious audience began to whisper amongst them. It was nothing short of a public execution.
But Yuigahama lifted her head, and firmly looked straight ahead.
"…That's… not what I want. But, club… Club is also really important to me! So I'm gonna do this." It seems that I don't need to intervene like the last time…
"Hmmm… I see. Try not to embarrass yourself then." Miura responded curtly, but I saw her start to smile. That smile burned with the fires of hell.
"Change then. I'm gonna borrow clothes from the girl's tennis team, so you come too."
Miura jerked her head toward the tennis club rooms near the courts. She was probably trying to be nice, but to me, it sounded like she was saying, "I'm gonna strangle you behind the club rooms."
I prayed for Yuigahama's soul, the others shared my thoughts and had the decency of sent her off with a look of compassion.
"Hey, Hikigaya-kun." Hayama spoke to me. "I don't really know the rules for tennis here, and doubles also seem really hard. So do you mind if we just make up some simple rules?"
"This is beginner's tennis after all… Let's just hit a few balls around and keep track of points. How's that? It'll be kind of like volleyball." I explained.
"Ah, that's easy to understand… Sounds good." Hayama gave me a bright smile.
I responded with a deadpan look.
At that point, the two girls came back.
Yuigahama was red in the face and was trying her utmost to adjust her skirt. She was also wearing a uniform polo shirt.
"This tennis uniform is a bit… Isn't the skirt really short?" Yuigahama asked to no one in special.
It seems that it was also adjusted. I could see her breasts going up and down every time she walked.
"But you're always wearing stuff that short…" I recalled her uniform's skirt.
"Wha…?! What does that mean?! A-are you always looking at me! So gross! Gross! You're seriously gross!"
Yuigahama glared at me fiercely, raising her racquet above her head.
"I just say what I see…" I retorted.
She was even redder. "So you saw!"
"It's pretty hard to not notice." I replied in a flat tone.
She was looking down on the floor. I could see her ears red.
Zaimokuza saw and opening and interrupted with a cough.
"Hm… Hachiman. What about strategy?"
"Well, the best strategy would be to aim for the girl, right?"
"Huh? Hikki, don't you know? Yumiko was on the tennis team in middle school. She was picked for the prefectural team, you know?"
"I don't even know her name, and you expect me to know that?"
"You don't know her name!? But you always antagonize her!" Yuigahama exclaimed shocked.
It seems that the blonde heard that and faced my way. "What?!" She yelled both hurt and enraged.
Nor that I care. You brought it upon yourself, acting self-centered.
"In that case, then no plan. Just leave it to me and try to respond the balls that come on the front" I said with a commanding tone "No need to hold back, we are going to destroy them!"
"Yessir!" Yuigahama yelled at the change of tone of my voice.
.
.
.
The match was about to begin
We were in position. I was in the back while Yuigahama was in the front. In the opposite, Hayama was in the front and...Yuigahama said that her name was Miura…
Miura was on the back. She was preparing to service…
Then…
Ping! I heard her racquet connect. Immediately after that, the ball flew down the court like a bullet and zoomed at me.
It was a fastball. What the hell was that just now…? Is it just me, or did her ball also do a vertical roll?
In other words, she was a really high-level player.
But for me… That was in slow motion.
I returned the ball.
"Wha-!" the ball went back at her in the same fashion.
It almost hit her face…
"15-love" I heard Totsuka's voice.
Let's get this started.
.
.
.
"They are insanely good…" I muttered. Not only Miura but Hayama too. Those are what you call geniuses, I guess…
"What?! But you are good too! You have returned all the balls that passed through me!" Yuigahama exclaimed. She was looking at me with awe.
"You mean all the balls?" I replied, unimpressed. I don't blame her. She is a beginner playing with pros. Of course, she would feel out of place.
"Ah, umm, actually… I don't play tennis much." Yuigahama gave me a nervous chuckle.
"And yet you are here…" Seriously…
"Ngh… I-I guess that was my bad!" She was downcasted.
"Not really, that shows how much of a good person you're. You don't play tennis, and yet you're here, playing in front of a crowd for Totsuka's sake… That's not something that's easy to do."
"Hikki…" her eyes were glittering
"It would've been cool if you didn't suck so much at tennis, but sadly, life doesn't work out that way."
"You ruined it! The moment we were having!" She whined while stomping the floor.
"Mm? What moment?"
"Never mind, you big dummy!" she broke eye contact.
We continued playing tennis. The scores were even…
Until….
"Kyah!" Yuigahama was face down the floor.
"You okay?"
Yuigahama stood up and picked up her racquet. "O-Ouch!" I heard her let out a small squeal.
"…You pulled a muscle." I said, analyzing the injury.
"Sorry…" Yuigahama gave me a shy laugh. And then her eyes filled with tears.
"Its fine, just stay in court. You didn't answer any ball so it's not much of a difference."
"There are more soft ways to tell someone that they are useless!" She looked at me with an angry expression.
Was she mad at me for stating the truth?
"What I meant to say is that you played your role, it's time for me to get serious."
"Mmm! You are just stubborn" She was smiling with tears in her eyes, probably because her foot hurts. "Just like that time, when you wanted to go to the Hospital by yourself!"
"Nh?"
It was then when I heard a cold voice cut through the air.
"What's going on here?" It was Yukinoshita Yukino who has arrived at the court.
"Can't you see? We are playing tennis." I answered sarcastically because all the present seemed to be frozen at her presence.
"I can see that." She sounded displeased "Why?"
"The two morons over there wanted to use the court. I said no, they said they didn't care and Sparky guy there said something actually useful. We are playing a match for the right to use the tennis court and training Totsuka." Miura looked angry and Hayama had a troubled smile.
"I see…" she had a hand on her chin "How is the counter?" she asked Totsuka
"It's even." Totsuka said. "Yuigahama san and Hikigaya-kun can play really good!"
It was just me…but let's give some credit to Yuigahama-san, who looked like a puppy that was praised.
"Yukinon is going to play for me!" Yuigahama declared.
"Why do I have to do that…?" She asked, her eyes narrowed.
"Well, after all, Yukinon is the most dependable friend in the world!" Is it on purpose?
Yuigahama seems to know what buttons push on Yukinoshita.
"F… riend?" She asked, shyly.
"Yup, friend." Yuigahama didn't wait a second before answering.
Wait a minute that was just a bit- does everyone see the roses in the background?
"Do you really ask your friends to do annoying things like this? I get the feeling that you're just using her…" I said, narrowing my eyes in disbelieve.
"Eh? I can only ask friends for stuff like this. Why would you ever ask someone don't care about to do something important for you?" She answered me as if that was the most natural thing in the world to say.
In the past, people tried to suck up to me into taking up someone else's cleaning duty because they asked me "Aren't we friends?" That's just a cheap excuse for manipulation.
I told them to fuck themselves.
Yukinoshita was probably thinking along almost exactly the same lines as me. She put a finger on her lips and thought about something.
But this Yuigahama Yui was a special case.
"Hey, she's probably being honest. She is Yuigahama, you know."
"Please don't take me so lightly… You may not expect it, but I have quite a good eye when it comes to people. And it's not possible that someone who can treat Hikigaya-kun and me nicely can be a bad person."
"Full marks into that."
"Very well, I accept." Yukinoshita retired to change clothes.
Yuigahama accompanied her.
.
.
.
I was waiting for both of them to come back…
Hayama and Miura were chatting with their clique on the opposite side…
Being showered with praise from the public.
Totsuka was chatting with Zaimokuza about things that I didn't care…
I was seated on the floor, resting my back against the waiting…
Then it came…
The unpleasant feeling was back…
Discretely I looked to the crowd…
Is he or she here?
I was so into the game I didn't notice!
There was a crowd where he or she could have perfectly blend.
No…
It was not perfect!
I only needed to search for the only person who wasn't looking at Hayama's side. Praise Status quo!
And I locked eyes…
With her!
She had orange hair and round eyes…
She was looking at me…
I was studying the features of her face…
And then
She disappeared.
…
I now have a face to look around.
I started thinking…
What is this all about?
Why is she stalking me?
.
.
.
When they returned, for some reason…
Yukinoshita was wearing the tennis club attire…
"Why are you using that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yuigahama insisted on using it." She replied, troubled.
"And you agreed?" I asked again with disbelieving tone
"It's because Yukinon is kind!" I don't understand the significance of those words in our context…
"Is that so? Even though some of the boys call me the Queen of Ice behind my back…" She narrowed her cold eyes at me.
"You act like one." I shrugged my shoulders while sighing.
"I'm shocked. You really call me that? …well, it's not as if I care what people think of me."
Her expression wasn't the usual cold tone but was tinted with a bit of hesitation. Her voice also gradually fell from its usual self-assuredness into something frailer, and she suddenly averted her eyes.
"And… I don't mind it if you think I'm your friend… either…"
A bit of red bled onto Yukinoshita's cheeks. She held the racquet she had taken from Yuigahama and let us catch a glimpse of her face as she looked at the floor.
That insanely cute side of hers was enough to earn her a hug… From Yuigahama.
"Yukinon!"
"Stop… Don't stick so close to me. It's stifling…"
They do mesh well together…
"It's incredibly regrettable that I have to team up with him, but… It seems I have no choice, correct? I'll accept your request. So I just have to win this match?"
"Okay! …yeah, I couldn't do much to help Hikki win."
"Sorry for making you do this."
I bowed my head, but Yukinoshita just looked at me coldly.
"…Don't misunderstand. I'm not doing this for your sake."
"I know. You and I aren't friends so there is no room for misunderstandings. You are doing this for Yuigahama and I'm doing this because those two pisses me off. I am just saying sorry because of formality sake." I replied in the same cold tone.
Yukinoshita turned and Hmphed…but I could notice a tinge of regret on her voice.
It was then when Miura approached us.
"Yukinoshita-san… Was it? Sorry in advance, but I don't go easy on anybody. You're one of those princess types, right? If you don't want to get hurt, you should go ahead and quit."
I turned around and saw Miura standing there twirling her vertical rolls even more as she looked at us with a bold smile. Miura, you idiot… Challenging Yukinoshita is a death flag if you're not me…
"I'll go easy on you, so you can rest assured. I'll smash that cheap pride of yours to pieces." Yukinoshita said that and let out an invincible smile.
At least for Yuigahama, Zaimokuza and Totsuka, who were smiling at her.
Hayama and Miura both readied themselves. Yukinoshita's intense smile was cold enough to freeze you in your tracks.
"You've been harassing my frie-…" Yukinoshita said that much then blushed a bit.
"…you've been harassing our club members long enough. Prepare yourself… You know, I may not look it, but I'm the type to hold a grudge." She corrected herself as she glared at Miura.
No, you definitely look it… A hundred and ten percent, you look it.
I sighed…
I felt bad for Miura.
Then I remembered what kind of person she was and the pity I felt for her disappeared.
.
.
.
They were completely destroyed.
They couldn't gain an advantage against me alone…and with the addition of Yukinoshita, they were utterly destroyed.
You could say that we mopped the floor with their asses!
Or that's how it should have go…
Yukinoshita didn't seem in good shape after a few points so they concentrated on attacking her.
We were in Deuce for match point.
"Are you ok Yukinoshita?" I asked her. She was sweating like crazy and her breath was ragged.
"Hikigaya-kun… Would you mind if I bragged for a little bit?"
"Huh? Don't you always do?" I replied with fake surprise.
"…For as long as I can remember, I've always been able to do everything, so I've never kept to anything for a long time."
"Hah…that is just a waste of talent there…" Because of this, she didn't build endurance before switching from thing to thing. It's okay that you are talented, but what she did is just plain stupid.
Because Yukinoshita could do anything, she never stuck with anything, and she never kept doing anything. That meant her physical endurance was her fatal weak point. This might have been obvious. If you wanted to get better at something then you would practice, and the more you practiced, the more you built up your physical endurance. But because she would do everything well from the beginning she never practiced, and so it was clear that her physical endurance would be really weak.
"Uh, do you really think you should be saying that so loudly…?" I was concerned about our rivals.
"Oh, but we've already heard enough~~."
Miura sent that combative statement at me. It looked as if all her troubles had been cleared away. Right next to her, Hayama also chuckled.
"Damn…the bitch has good hearing…" I muttered in a low voice.
"Stop calling me bitch!" she retorted with a tinge of red on her cheeks "She might have butted in on this game, but looks like it's already over, doesn't it?" she recomposed herself.
Wait, didn't you also butt in at the start?
"N-now, now, we all tried our best… Let's not get too serious. It was fun, so why don't we just call it a tie?"
"Wha-? Hey, Hayato, what are you-"
"Don't fuck with me." I interrupted Miura. "You made lost all this time and energy to just cut it here? Who do you think you are?"
"N-No, it's just that-" He tried to formulate a reply but I wasn't so forgiving.
"Shut it. I don't have any interest in continue this stupid talk. Go back to your own side."
This guy annoys me…
"Hey, don't talk like that, he is just trying to be nice!" Miura yelled, enraged.
"Could you please be quiet for a moment?" Yukinoshita did not sound happy at all as she spoke. She continued before Miura got a chance to get a word in. "This man here will finish the match, so please lose gracefully."
Everyone's look was on me.
I made eye contact with Zaimokuza. Why the hell are you giving me a thumbs up?
I made eye contact with Totsuka. Why the hell are you looking at me with all that hope your eyes?
I made eye contact with Yuigahama. Why the hell are you cheering for me so loudly?
I sighed.
"Pass me the ball." I extended my hand at Yukinoshita.
Yukinoshita smiled at me and stretched her hand with the tennis ball. Since when do you have so much confidence in me?
I took it.
.
.
.
Lunch break would be ending soon.
I strained my ears.
I couldn't hear Miura's scornful voice; I couldn't hear the cheers coming from the audience…
But I heard that sound… That sound which I, and probably only I, heard.
The wind picked up its pace. To the left.
Now is the time. I hit a serve.
It was an easy, powerless, light serve that flew high into the sky.
I saw Miura joyfully dash for the ball. I saw Hayama quickly follow her. I saw the audience give looks of disappointment. I caught a glimpse of Totsuka softly looking down at the floor. I missed looking at Zaimokuza tighten his fists. I made eye contact with Yuigahama as she began to pray.
My shot followed an unstable, uncertain path.
"Hyahhhh!"
Miura let out a feral snake-like cry and got to where the ball was going to drop down.
At that very moment, a gust of wind blew.
I smirked.
The ball was completely shaken and swept up by that wind. It got away from Miura and hit the edge of the court, but Hayama was running for the ball already.
…this wind doesn't blow just once.
The second gust of wind swept up the ball even as it bounced back up.
Like that, the ball fell to the ground in the very corner of the court and rolled away.
Everyone's mouth was shut, their ears were strained, and their eyes were wide open.
"Ah, now I remember something I've heard… There's a skill that allows its user to freely control the wind, 'Wind Successor, Eulen Sylpheed!'" Zaimokuza was the only person who didn't get with the program and yelled out loudly.
I tuned him out.
"I-impossible…"Miura seemed completely shocked. Her muttering began to set the audience off; they buzzed softly at first, but their voices soon turned into exclamations of "Eulen Sylpheed!" "Eulen Sylpheed!"
I tuned the audience out.
"We failed… That sure was some miracle curve ball there." Hayama faced me and gave me a bright smile. He was smiling like we had been friends for years…
"Yeah…" I didn't have anything to say to this kind of people "it was." I answered curtly.
His type of people is the one that I hate the most. It just doesn't matter.
I prepared to serve the ball, again. I flunked it in the air.
And jumped.
I hit the ball, with enough strength that it went with the speed of a cannon.
"What?!" Miura didn't even stand a chance. The ball was too fast and when it bounced, it went straight to her face.
She caught sight and dodged. It almost hit her face. The ball was so fast that passed through the mesh of the tennis court
Everyone was silent. It was like they saw something out of their lives. The ball went off.
"Well, that wraps it up." I smiled with victory.
.
.
.
…
"WAIT!" I heard a scream coming from the gallery.
"What do you want, Zaimokuza?"
"What was that?!" He was wavering his extended hand, pointing at the direction where the ball flew.
"A ball." I deadpanned.
"I didn't even saw the ball!"
"Uh…" I mumbled.
"Hikki what was that?!" Yuigahama also came here.
"A ball." I repeated.
"It was like a bullet!"
"Hikigaya-kun." Totsuka was the next one to approach me.
"What's up?"
"I would do everything in my power for you to be in the tennis club." I could taste the conviction in his voice.
"Please don't, I just wanna be in the go home club." I said, tiredly.
Yukinoshita stood up there like she saw someone activating his stand or something.
She was looking at me, awed.
"…What"
"Since when could you do that?" She asked with narrowed eyes.
"Since the beginning of course." I replied.
"Wait, Hikki, if you could do something like that, could we have won at the beginning?"
"I kind of felt bad for them and tried to give them a chance…"
"As expected of my partner!" what are you babbling about?
"I am gonna change clothes now." I walked away.
The audience seemed to snap from their shock
"What was that?!"
"I didn't even saw the ball!"
"Who was that dude?!"
.
.
.
.
We went to the clubroom to change clothes. Yuigahama and Yukinoshita went first to grab some drinks.
I was with Totsuka and for some reason, Zoidberg, I mean, Zaimokuza. I don't know why since he didn't do jack shit on training or the match.
Anyway, we were currently taking off our clothes. At least, Totsuka and I. Zaimokuza was deep inside his chunni fantasies.
"I was surprised when I saw that serve, Hikigaya-kun, where did you learn it?" Totsuka was inquiring me about the serve.
"…about 5 minutes."
"Huh?"
"I just copied the movement that Yukinoshita showed me in the game." She did a jump service in the middle of the game, startling everyone watching. I don't know much about tennis, but it looked beautiful, the execution was perfect. "I added a bit of force in the hit, but overall, is nothing special."
"That's awesome!"
"As expected of my rival! He has the ability to copies others abilities. He must be the possessor of the Kagami-taru Senken no Senkou! (A Thousand blades of mirage.)" The hell with this one?
"It's not…" Damn. I'm not accustomed at being praised or given attention.
Totsuka took his jacket off, revealing slender, almost delicate arms.
There is a limit to how feminine a boy can look, seriously…
I followed suit and took off my shirt. I sweated a little, playing under the almighty sun does that.
A choke from my side caught my attention. I was looking at a flustered Totsuka and a quiet Zaimokuza.
"…What?" Is there something on my face?
"Hikigaya-kun…" Totsuka looked like he was scanning something.
"What is this?!" Exclaimed Zaimokuza. "Where were you hiding this warrior's body, Hachiman?!" He looked in tears.
"Warrior body?" I looked down to my body. I didn't found anything relevant. "What do you mean?"
"It means that you are rip-"
I heard the door sliding and caught a sight of pink peeking from it. "Yaha-Uwah?!"
"Kyah!" What the hell, Totsuka?!
It was both Yuigahama and Yukinoshita.
"Didn't any of you lock the door?" I asked the boys. I knew that we were the ones at fault, so there is no need to chastise the girls…
Although, I would like if they closed the door instead of gaping at us like goldfishes.
Yuigahama was flustered and muttering incoherencies while Yukinoshita had some red on her cheeks and was avoiding my gaze.
"You gonna stand there all day?" I asked them.
"W-We're Sorry!" Yelled Yuigahama while she closed the door with a loud bang.
"…the hell was that?"
.
.
.
I was going out again in the night.
I had to observe Kuzuryuu.
I would worry about the stalker later.
I prepared my bag, just in case.
I exited the room and headed to the main door.
…
When I was on the street I noticed something behind me…
I turned to see an envelope glued to my front door. What the-?
I took it the envelope from the door and as I was about to open it…
My eyes snapped wide open as I saw to who it was addressed.
I was glaring at the things in my hands, frozen in panic.
The envelope was addressed to…
Killer Killer.
I looked around me…
Was she watching me?
Could it be that she was making his move?
I tore away the envelope, revealing a picture.
"!"
It was Kuzuryuu Souichi, my target, strapped to a wooden table.
He looked at the camera with a mix of fear, anxiety, and desperation.
He knew that he was in danger.
What is this?
What is her objective?
I turned the picture and saw an address written.
This is…
The home address of Kuzuryuu Souichi!
…
This could be a trap…
But is also the best clue that I have.
It's actually the only one...
Did she do this because I saw her face?
…doesn't matter.
I headed to his house.
Let's see what she wants from me.
.
.
.
In an undisclosed location…there was a figure walking.
Behind it, there were pictures.
Of what it…seemed bodies?
The bodies were striking poses and seemed like sculptures.
"Such beautiful art…" the figure suspired.
He then sat on a sofa and took a brown envelope.
It was looking a set of pictures…
Pictures of Hikigaya Hachiman…
Pictures of Hikigaya Komachi…
"Should I name it 'Unconditional love of siblings'?" He then shakes his head. "No, No no…that sounds terrible."
It decided to put names later after he grabs his prey.
He turns on the TV while relaxing on the sofa.
The thing that the TV was transmitting was a live show.
A one that would never forget
.
.
.
I quietly broke into Kuzuryuu's house, taking note if there was someone spying on me or stuff.
I was in full alert mode.
Every single sound…
Every single move…
I could hear it.
But…
There was nothing like that.
As if I was the only soul in the house. Maybe I'm right.
I'm alone in this house.
This puts me off…
She didn't want to meet here?
In that case…
Did she leave something to me here?
As if this was a game?
…I don't like to play but I don't have any other choice.
I searched all the first floor, trying to be silent.
There was nothing out of the ordinary…
Just that there was a mess.
Salarymen don't really bother in cleaning, as they are way too tired from their underpaid jobs.
No…
It's just that people like Kuzuryuu were disorganized and acted on impulse if his crimes told me something.
After I found nothing worth taking notes on, I went to the second floor.
As I was registering the hallway…I saw light coming from one of the doors.
I approached by the wall...
I opened the door slowly…
It was the bedroom…
But instead of a bed…
There was 'something'
It was enveloped in a bed sheet.
I also saw flashlights at the corners of the room.
As if this was a presentation…
I have a bad feeling.
As I reached the bed sheet…The uneasy feeling was back.
Someone was watching me…
I don't know from where…
When I took the bed sheet…
The world froze.
Everything seemed to stop at that moment.
…
I was seeing…
I was seeing…
…
What the fuck was I watching?
Was it a… human? It looked human.
A naked one…
It looked like a man, but if you look carefully, it's not the same person… Is as if someone had hand sewn different people in the same body.
I could recognize the face, though…
It was Kuzuryuu's.
But it had the right hand of a brunette woman…
The left leg of a black man…
The right leg of a pale woman…
And for kicks…it had stitch marks all over the body…
The figure was grotesque…
It was a twisted image…right from nightmares.
It was like Frankenstein…
It was dripping blood from the stitch marks…
The victims were alive not long ago…
Who…did this?
Was it the girl?
She was someone like me?
Was she even worst?
…what did she want from me?
…she knew…
About my other life
She is targeting me…
But she wanted to play some game first…
I noticed that there was something in the hand of the grotesque figure…
It was another picture, a family of four picture.
Of my family.
Only that…
My face was blackened with a pencil.
I turned the picture…
"Killer Killer…or rather…Hikigaya-kun, isn't it?
Greetings.
I am an artist.
If you are reading this, then you must saw one of my works
Four sacrifices.
All for this piece… To come to life…
What do you think life is…Hikigaya Kun?
…what about you?
…what about your family?
Should I ask them on another occasion?
I am observing you…
I am working on a masterpiece…
I called it 'the downfall of Killer Killer'
We are going to meet each other…
Very soon.
Farewell…"
I crumbled the picture…
…
…
Someone knew about me.
No…
That's not important…
Someone knew both sides of me.
And more important…
This someone…
Was threatening my family.
How…How could this happen…
HOW?!
Calm down…calm down…
I inhaled and exhaled…
Is in times like this that you can't lose your cool.
I looked at my surroundings and it was then that I saw a red light in one of the flashlights…
I ran to it…
It was a recorder?!
…He was watching me?!
She was probably mocking me right now.
I took the recorder from the flashlight and ran out of there.
The cops are about to be here!
.
.
.
It was the next day…
"Police made a grim discovery in a suburban house on Chiba. They found a hideous scene inside said house.
A sculpture made of human bodies! Until now, the count is of 4 people to be exact.
The police have only identified one of them as Kuzuryuu Souichi, of 35 years, an employee at a security company.
Who was the one who did this?
People speculates if this is the new start of a serial killer,
Probably because of the strange M.O of the criminal.
Stay tuned for more information. "
How was it? Please, do tell me your opinion. Is valuable for the development of this story.