Hello again! Veltus here! Thanks so much to all of you reading and reviewing my fanfiction, it makes me really happy and also helps me out. Sorry about the slow start to the story but I assure you things will unravel more soon enough. A certain person will be having her debut soon, after all!

I feel that I made a mistake writing the seating arrangements so people might be confused. Especially with Isshiki, I only noticed now that I didn't refer to her as Isshiki, I only called her kouhai. So that's a mistake on my part. I'll be much clearer from now on. Anyhow, this is a visual representation to help better understand the seating arrangement.

[ Orimoto ] [ Hikigaya ] [ Isshiki ] =-=-A-=-=-=[ Tobe ] [ Hayama ] [ Miura ]

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|-THIS IS A DINING TABLE-|=-=-=-S-=-=-=|THIS IS ANOTHER DINING TABLE-|

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[ Ebina] [ Kawasaki ] [ Totsuka ] =-=E=-=[ Yukinoshita ] [ Yuigahama ] [ Zaimokuza ]

Chapter 3: And so the birthday party continues

Just what have I gotten myself into? It's 7:20 P.M. and I'm sitting beside the two people I would never want to be seated next to. Beside me are Orimoto and Isshiki, Orimoto is on the side of the bench by the wall and Isshiki is on the side of the bench by the aisle, and me? Yep, I'm right smack in between them! Normal passerby would see the sight of us and go "Lucky bastard!" right? Hah, they don't know Orimoto and Isshiki like I do. In front of me are a cheerful Ebina, an awkward and silent Kawasaki, and of course, the lovely Totsuka. All said and done, this arrangement isn't so bad, perhaps I can endure this for another hour or so.

At that moment Yuigahama stands up and begins to speak.

"Hallohallo! Thanks for coming you guys! It's great that I can celebrate my birthday with so many of my friends!"

Cheers and applause greet her words. Good job, Yuigahama, you are such a people's person. Then again, I bet anyone here could get the group to applaud like that, well, except me that is, Heck, I bet even Orimoto would get more applause than me! Oh, what a cruel, cruel world it is.

After Yuigahama finishes her "opening remarks", Yukinoshita stands up and addresses us.

"As you all know, it's Yuigahama- san's birthday."

Ha, no shit, Sherlock. Why'd you have to tell us that?

"I would like to ask everyone to sing the Happy Birthday song together." Says Yukinoshita as she and Yuigahama sits back down.

Okay, fine. It's a bit childish but then again, what other songs can we sing? Wait. Hah? Sing? Oh, no way. I look at the people around me, apparently only Kawasaki and I aren't too keen on singing this song. Everyone else is pretty pumped up, especially Orimoto. What the heck, Orimoto? You love birthdays this much?

We all sit in silence, waiting for someone to start singing. You didn't think of this, did you, Ice Queen? How will any of us know when to start? Not like I'll start singing anyways. I'll just add a bass line hum, yep, that's what I'm going to do.

Suddenly, the person in front of me, Kawasaki, begins to sing softly.

"Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday to you…"

Woman, careful with that tone. Any normal man would fall for you if you were to sing in that way on his birthday! Speaking of singing, why are you singing? After Kawasaki started singing, the other guys started joining in. It was funny, people were singing in different tones, they made for a bad orchestra. Suddenly a big person jumps in the aisle in front of us.

"What! Did all of you forget the mighty Zaimokuza!?" cries a disgruntled Zaimokuza.

Crap, we forgot Zaimokuza! Wait, he was here? Somebody read chapter two again just to make sure!

The group falls into an awkward silence. Honestly, Zaimokuza, ever since we became third years your attitude has been more obnoxious and loud! In a way, this can be considered an improvement in his part, seeing as he's more social now, but damn. Nice job, Zaimokuza. Way to kill the mood.

"M'lady Yuigahama!" exclaims Zaimokuza

Yuigahama yelps in surprise, unsure of what to say.

Zaimokuza begins to sing the song.

"Happy Birthday to you! Haaaaaaapyyy Biiiiirthdaaaaaaaaaay to yooooouuuu!" sings (more like screams) a soulful Zaimokuza.

The singing was bad, no denying it. Forgive me, Zaimokuza but I cannot complement you in your singing. Even so, thanks to this act the entire group begins to sing again. Heck, even I join in with my bass line hums. After another couple of verses, we finish the song. The group claps, and cheers, etc. etc.

Yukinoshita stands up again and speaks.

"Now that that's done, everyone may now collect their food tickets and head to the buffet." Says Yukinoshita while handing us our tickets.

Great, free food! That's more like it! I eye her as she passes out the tickets to all of us. When she hands me my ticket I can tell she's smiling more. She does know I like the prospect of free food. Our fingers touch when she hands me the ticket. I feel myself blush a little, so does she.

"Thanks." I say.

"No problem, Hikigaya-kun. I know you just love free food." Says Yukinoshita with a soft smile on her face.

"Heh. Right. Guess I'll be going now." I say as I begin to stand.

Tobe, Miura, Hayama, Ebina, and Zaimokuza have already left for the buffet. Isshiki, Yuigahama and Orimoto are talking about something and laughing. It seems Orimoto can get along with everyone. You three better not be talking about me! Ah, who am I kidding, as if anyone would talk about me.

Yukinoshita taps me on the shoulder.

"Hikigaya-kun, would you like to join me to the buffet area?" she asks.

Hoh, Yukinoshita Yukino, Ice Queen, asking me to join her?

"Yeah, sure. No pro-"

Suddenly, an unknown force hits me on the back and shoulders, weighing me down.

"Hikki! Let's go check out the buffet area together!" exclaims Yuigahama.

Ow, my back! Calm yourself, woman! Don't go jumping on guys like a wild animal! That's dangerous, you know? Both for the guy and you! It seems she didn't hear Yukinoshita's request earlier, that's good, I guess?

"Ah, well, Yukinoshita alrea-"

"You may go ahead. I forgot I had something to discuss with Isshiki." Interrupts Yukinoshita.

She wore a reserved smile. Was she really okay with this? I don't get a good look at her face because she immediately walks towards Orimoto and Isshiki, probably to discuss something.

"C'mon Hikki! Let's go!" whines Yuigahama as she pulls on my sleeve.

"Alright, alright. Let's go. Get your hands off of me." I say shortly.

We walk along the aisle in silence. Although the crowd on the second floor is considerably smaller, it was still pretty loud. We walked for a bit, searching the area for the buffet.

"I'm sorry." Says Yuigahama.

"What? What are you sorry for?" I ask.

"I took you away from Yukinon…" she says.

Ah… so she did hear our conversation...

I don't reply, frankly because I have no idea what to say. I spot the sign on the wall saying "Buffet this way". Ah, good, it's time to change the subject.

"It seems the buffet is that way." I say while nodding my head towards the direction the sign points.

Again, we walk to the buffet in silence. I glance at Yuigahama. She looks pretty dejected, is she this sad because of what happened earlier? I can't stand this, a person should at least be happy on their birthday, right? I stop walking and turn to her, she stops walking as well, but she doesn't look at me. Instead she looks at the ground. I can't see her face, I wonder what she's thinking?

"Hey, it's Okay. What happened back there didn't mean anything. It's your birthday. You can afford to be selfish today." I say.

"Really?" Says Yuigahama. She's still not looking at me.

"Hey, look at me." I say in a slightly commanding tone.

Yuigahama raises her head and looks at me. She's not crying, that's a good thing, but I can see in her eyes that she's somewhat sad.

"It's your birthday, Yuigahama. It's your special day. You should be really happy."

What the heck am I saying? Am I actually telling her to be selfish? I suspected a long time ago that she had feelings for me, but I never really believed it, but seeing her these past few months, I feel as if I'm right. Even if that may be the case, I can't accept that reality.

"You're right, Hikki… I shouldn't be sad. "

She rubs her face with her sleeves and smiles.

"C'mon Hikki! I can see the buffet!" exclaims Yuigahama.

She starts fast walking towards the buffet tables, joining Hayama and the others. Yuigahama was a nice girl, or so I thought.

"Leading her on, are you?" says a familiar voice to my right.

I turn my head and see her, Yukinoshita Haruno. She was wearing a brown leather jacker with navy blue jeans and Slip-Ons.

"What?" I ask.

"Yuigahama's a good girl. You shouldn't be giving her false hope." Remarks Haruno

"I'm not giving anyone false hope."

"Really. Well, it's your business."

"Hah, as if you wouldn't butt in, Yukinoshita-san."

"My, my. How rude of you, Hikigaya-kun" cries Haruno, while pretending to wipe away fake tears from her eyes.

"What are you doing here, Yukinoshita-san?" I ask

Haruno replies in a more serious tone. "Mother told me to keep an eye on Yukino-chan, so I'm here on her orders."

"Yeah? How's that going for you?"

"Yukino seems well. It's all thanks to you, Hikigaya. You helped her with her troubles." She says, in a slightly thankful way.

"I didn't do anything. She fixed her problems herself."

"You could keep telling yourself that Hikigaya, nevertheless, you had an important role in Yukino's life. Keep helping her, okay?" says Haruno as she turns away.

Woman, I ain't no babysitter.

"She can handle herself." I say.

"Can she? Anyway, my obligations here are done, I'll be taking my leave." says Haruno as she walks away, disappearing through the crowd.

I scan the crowds of tables and people. Yep, she's gone. I think. What is up with her? Showing up out of nowhere, spying on Yukinoshita. It's family business, I should probably leave them alone. I want nothing to do with their problems. I check my pockets. Good, the food ticket is still there. I smile to myself, this party will turn out just fine, as long as there's still food.

Auurghhh… How could this happen to me…

I sit in my spot beside Orimoto and Isshiki. I look at everyone with sour expression on my face. How could this happen? I watch as everyone eats their meals. Their plates are filled with Japanese food, American, food, European food, etc. Meanwhile, my plate is empty!? By the time I got to the buffet table, it was empty! How? It's a buffet! This… This is madness.

From the other table Tobe googles and smiles at me. "Ei, Hikitani-kun, bro! You okay over there?"

Damn you, Tobe! I may not have food but at least I sit much closer to Ebina than you. Not that I care about Ebina at all.

"My apologies, Hikigaya-kun, it will take the caterers another ten to twenty minutes to refill the buffet." Says Yukinoshita in a mock concerned tone as she eats her sushi.

Ten to twenty minutes!? If a buffet restaurant takes that long to refill they will without a doubt go down in the business world. Time is money, don't you people know that? While everyone is eating good food I am forced to starve here?

"We can share, Hikigaya." Says Orimoto nonchalantly.

There we go, another awkward situation brought on by Orimoto. You are more trouble than you are worth… I see everyone except for Zaimokuza, who is currently in the bathroom again, stop eating and stare at me and Orimoto. Stares of surprise from Yuigahama, Totsuka, Kawasaki, cold stares from Isshiki and Yukinoshita, curious stares from Tobe, Miura, Hayama and Ebina. What were you thinking, Orimoto? People who do that are either family or in a romantic relationship!

"Here you go, Hikigaya." Says Orimoto as she puts a pizza, two tempuras, rice, and a chicken leg on my plate.

The gang was still staring at us, no doubt this will be the most awkward part of the entire party. Next time, Orimoto, don't be so straightforward.

"Thanks Orimoto, but why would you do this?" I ask.

"Haha! Hikigaya, don't overthink things, okay? I just took too much food and realized I wouldn't be able to eat it all!" exclaims Orimoto while giggling.

Ah, there we go, much better. A logical explanation, one I didn't think you could pull off, Orimoto. Still, does this mean you didn't give me food out of the goodness of your heart? Was I just a convenient, disposal bin? That… That, does not matter because I have food! Screw all that thinking, tonight I feast! Thanks to that explanation the group has settled down once more, I have to give it to you Orimoto, you're pretty good at defusing situations, at least for now.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Orimoto-san." Said Hayama coolly.

Orimoto suddenly shudders a bit this remark. Now that I think about it, I bet this is the first time those two stayed at such close proximity since that café episode. I mean, if you were humiliated by a "dashing" guy, you would want to stay away from him, right? Orimoto, why were you okay with this?

"Ah… Well… Y-Yeah! I'm a very thoughtful person!" says Orimoto with a smile.

Before Hayama has any time to react I speak "The food looks great. We should all eat and not let it get cold, eh?"

For once everyone seemed to agree with me. Good job, Hachiman.

Things went a lot better from there. I guess the food helped calm everyone's nerves. After eating our meals we began some small talk amongst ourselves. Yeah, and by me I mean everyone else apart from me. Since I didn't want to feel to left out I decided to go to the bathroom. As I stood up and began walking to the bathroom someone calls out to me.

"Heeey! Senpai! Where are you gooooing!?" asks Isshiki.

"Yes, Hikigaya-kun, where are you going? The party's not done yet." Says Yukinoshita

After that, more people piped up.

"Hikki! You can't go home yet!"

"Hikitani! Bro! You can't leave now!"

Stealth Hikki must be defunct when it comes to this group of people. I think they developed a countermeasure to my skill. I better evolve it soon or else even normal people will begin to notice me.

"Relax, I'm only going to the bathroom." I say shortly.

I fast walk towards the bathroom before anyone can say anything. I dodge the crowds and reach the bathroom in no time at all. I head inside.

Wow, the bathrooms here are really cool! They've got those smooth, black stones for tiles! The stones even have cracks filled with gold! A huge mirror lines one wall, and there's silver toilet and sink as well. What a luxurious place this is. I look into the mirror. Nothing's different, same unruly hair, same fish eyes. Same old, same old.

Did you ask her out?

What… That voice. Again. In my head. I stare at myself in the mirror, as if to ask myself to whom does this voice belong to? Hang, on. Ask who out? I rack my brain, hoping to find an answer.

That Orimoto Kaori? Did you ask her out yet? You do have her email right?

It's that same voice. That girl, who is she? C'mon brain, think! Why is her voice the only thing I remember?

You should ask her out, I haven't seen her but I bet she's really cute. Cute girls are quickly taken you know?

Tell me who you are, damn it! I need an image! Anything, give me something!

I like it when you think hard. Your face gets so scrunched up! It's so-

Aarghh. My brain hurts again. Is this what happens when you think too much? I can't stop now, I have to know more.

Another couple of minutes pass and nothing comes up in my head. I guess that's that for now, huh? Unknown voice, one day I'll know who you are. I wash my face with cold water and wipe it down with my handkerchief and head out of the bathroom. Outside are three middle-aged men in suits waiting in line to use the bathroom. Sorry, gents. Didn't mean to use it that long. I walk away at a brisk pace, not looking at the men in suits.

Back in our little corner of the restaurant it seems the group has been talking more lively. Everyone was in a good mood, well, almost everyone. Remembering that voice in my head ruined my mood. Also, in my seat was Ebina. She was talking animatedly to Orimoto about something.

"Your OTP, Orimoto! Who are they? Are they boys? They are? They are!? Kyaaaah!" screams Ebina.

Luckily, she didn't get a nose bleed, but I think I saw some steam escape from her forehead at some point. Since my seat was taken by Ebina, I might as well take her seat. Which was right beside... Totsuka! I plump down the bench beside Totsuka, as I watch Orimoto fan Ebina with her hand.

"Hachiman! You want to get dessert?" asks Totsuka

Yes! Anything for you! Take it, take it al- Wait. Right. Dessert.

"Sure thing. Let's go an-"

My phone rings in my pocket. It's just a message, I'll leave it.

But it doesn't stop. It rings and rings.

"Hikigaya-kun, are you not going to answer that?" asks Yukinoshita.

"Yeah Hikki! It could be important." Says Yuigahama.

Yeah, yeah, I get it. I pull out my fine and check the caller id.

Unknown number.

Huh?

"Who is it Hikigaya-kun?" asks Yukinoshita.

"Yeah, Hikki! Who is it?" asks Yuigahama.

"Unknown number." I reply.

Who could this be? Don't tell me… Is this? This has to be. The phone continues ringing. I click the answer call button and put my phone to my ear and wait with bated breath.

"Oni-chan! It's Komachi!"

Hah? Komachi? What's with the unknown caller id then!?

"Oni-chan? Are you there? I'm at a friend's house right now! Mom, allowed me to sleepover. I left my charger at home and my phone died so I'm borrowing my friend's phone."

Ah, well that makes sense. So it wasn't that…

"Ah, Komachi."

"Oni-chan! How's Yui-chan's party?"

"Ah, it's going pretty well. We're at the restaurant, about to eat dessert."

"Dessert? Ah! Oni-chan can you bring some home?"

Oh, Komachi, as much as I would like to talk home all this food here there is no way that's ever going to happen.

"Sorry Komachi, I don't think that's allowed."

"Aww... That's okay Oni-chan, just promise me one thing."

"Sure."

"Walk Yui-chan home."

This girl...

"Sure thing, Komachi." After all, how can I say no to my sister.

"Don't even think about walking anyone else home! This is Yui-chan's special day! She deserves special treatment."

"I got it, I got it." Sheesh, don't you trust your brother enough?

"Okay, Oni-chan! Taishi's calling me now. I'll see you tomorrow!"

I feel my heart drop. Did she say Taishi? Kawasaki Taishi? That insect!?

"Oi, what did you just say?" I say quickly.

"Ahahaha! Just kidding, Oni-chan! Bye!"

The line went dead.

Was she really joking? There is one way to be sure.

"Oi, Kawasaki!"

Kawasaki jumps a little from her seat when she hears her name.

"Y-yes?"

"Where's Taishi right now?"

In a flash her eyes suddenly turn into slits. Right, she's got a brother complex. I can't push too much.

"Hah? Why'd you want to know?"

Crap, gotta think of something.

"Well, you see, I heard from Komachi that he was going on a double date with some friends of his."

I can see the look in her face, she's crumbled. When you think of an innocent person doing something improbable yet possible, there is a possibility you lose all logical reasoning and completely go haywire. Source: Hopefully never me.

Kawasaki quickly pulls out her phone and calls her brother.

"Taishi! Where are you right now? ... You don't have plans tonight? ... You better not be lying to me."

Scary. Really scary. I doubt anyone who heard Kawasaki right now wouldn't dare lie.

"Good. Stay at home. Remember to lock up. Bye." says Kawasaki as she returne her phone to her pocket.

Finally she says "He's at home."

Oh, don't I know it. Thanks to Kawasaki, Taishi isn't going to go anywhere tonight.

"Who was it, Hikigaya? It sounds like you were talking to a girl." asks Orimoto as she continuous to fan Ebina.

What's with that empashis on the last word, huh? Are you saying I can't talk to girls? Mind you there are a lot of girls I can talk with.

"My little sister Komachi. She's checking up on me." I reply.

Yukinoshita pipes up "Of course, it had to be someone from your family." she says with a teasing tone.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask.

"Forgive me for saying this Hikigaya-kun but you don't have anyone you are close to, apart from you family that is." mocks Yukinoshita.

That may be true, but you didn't have to rub it in you know?

"Hikigaya-kun, have you ever had any close friends before?" asks Yukinoshita, this time with a more curious look.

It seems that our banter has piqued the interest of everyone in our group. If you are looking at it from an outside perspective you'd suspect our banter to be flirting, but it definitely isn't. Everyone stopped chatting and focused their attention on us.

"Well, do you? Hikigaya-kun?" she asks.

Really, Yukinoshita. Why are you doing this?

"He does!" exclaims Orimoto.

All heads turn towards her. Even Ebina recovered from her steamfest. What is she talking about? I've never had any friends, therefore I've never had any "close" friends.

"Yeah, she used to visit Hikigaya a lot after school!" continuous Orimoto.

"Haaaaaaaaaaahh?" Everyone chorused.

I admit, even I'm mentally going "Haaaaaaaaaaaahh?" Who is she talking? If someone, anyone, where to visit me after school I would definitely remember them.

Orimoto places a finger on her temple. "Yeah, I remember. Back in junior high some girl would visit Hikigaya after school! It all happened in our last year in junior high."

"They're all staring, Hikigaya."

"O-of c-course, it's because they think you're c-cute"

"Do you think I'm cute? Hikigaya?"

Again, why only voices? This voice definitely has to belong to that girl Orimoto's talking about.

"Orimoto-chan, was this girl pretty?" asks Tobe excitedly

"Oh yeah! Definitely! She had red hair and green eyes! She was definitely half foreign for sure!" says Orimoto

"Eh, Hikitani!? You have to introduce me!"

"How can I introduce you to someone I don't know?" I retort.

Looks like Orimoto's description of her jogged my memory a bit. Keep talking!

"Don't deny it, Hikigaya! You two were so close!" she begins to laugh.

No one joined in, probably because it wasn't funny, or maybe they were just so surprised that I actually had a friend.

"Maybe it's not a girl! Maybe it's a guy! Kyaaah!" squeals Ebina as she grabs her cheeks.

"Hahaha it was definitely a girl, that's for sure!" Orimoto says. "You should feel good, Hikigaya! All the guys were super envious! They were saying stuff like "why'd she go for a loner like him!" and the girls all went crazy! Hahaha!" laughs Orimoto.

All our classmates were jealous of me? Was that why I couldn't make friends? No, that can't be. Orimoto said she only started visiting me in our last year. of junior high. Wait, she was the reason why the entire class acted more coldy towards me during our senior year!?

Suddenly, I was barraged with questions.

"Hikki is this true?"

"Senpai!?"

"Where is she now, Hikigaya-kun?"

"You had a friends?"

Hold up, too many questions! Calm down everyone.

I look at Orimoto. "I don't remember this girl."

"Eh, you don't? But you guys were always together!"

"Orimoto-san, do you perhaps remember her school uniform? Finding her would be a lot easier if we were to know what school she came from." asks Hayama gently.

Oh, so she's piqued your interest as well? Besides, why would you want to find her? You sound like a stalker right now!

"Not really. I know she wears a dark blue jack with a red necktie and a skirt though. It's hard to remember what she wears when you're so focused on her face and figure, you know?" says Orimoto.

"Man, she must be such a babe to make Hikitani fall for her!" exclaims Tobe.

"Y-yeah." says Yuigahama

"Indeed..." says Yukinoshita

Don't get any wrong ideas! I don't even remember the person! How could I "fall" for someone I don't even remember? This is all fake I tell you.

"Anyways, Hikigaya. Why'd she stop visiting you a month before graduation?" asks Orimoto.

Wasn't she listening a while ago? I don't remember this girl. The logical explanation would be is that I developed a cybernetic organism, livving tissue over a metal endoskeleton and used a drug to make me forget building one. Wait, that's actually the logical explanation?

"Look, I told you before, I don't remember this girl." I say exasperatedly.

"Oh... Well... Try to remember her. I saw a couple of guys ask her out while waiting for you and she rejected all of them. I mean, they were all cooler than you, yet she never went out with any of them."

Yep, that didn't hurt at all, Orimoto.

Everyone still wanted to hear about this mystery girl, myself included, but it looks like Orimoto said what she had to say.

"Sorry, but that's all I know about her. You should be asking Hikigaya questions, but since he doesn't remember her then I guess there's no point."

Hey, don't make it sound like I'm lying and hiding something. I really don't remember her at all!

Orimoto stands up and stretches. She looks at her watch and says "It's getting late and we still haven't eaen dessert yet! C'mon!" she starts walking towards the buffet table.

Meanwhile, everyone in the table was still mulling over our newfound information.

I had a friend in junior high? A girl? What? Who is she?

"Hikigaya."

"Yeah?"

"Can you promise me something?"

"Sure, anything."

"Don't forget me, okay?"

"Promise."

Still just a voice, huh, brain?

Here it is! Some of you asked for a longer chapter so here you have it! I hope the content is still good for you guys. I also tried using an alternate writing style in this chapter as well! I hope you all like it!

Thanks for taking the time to read my fanfiction! I hope you can leave a review. It really motivates me.

I'm also open to opinions, thoughts, and suggestions to make a better story. I want to make this an enjoyable experience for everyone and it would be great if you guys could help me out!

That's it for this AN.

This is Veltus, signing off.