Woot! Milestone! Thank you everyone for the 100 follows! I'm so happy so many people are reading my work!
Also, I am still open to suggestions about titles and summaries. Although the current title, Shiori-san to Hikigaya-kun, has grown on me I am still willing to change it if I find a better sounding one. So if any of you are interested in sharing your ideas, I'd be happy to listen.
I'm open for PMs!
Again, if there are any grammatical and mechanical errors, if you guys have time, please let me know. I'll be checking myself but fixes won't be done for another couple of hours since my eyes hurt from staring at the screen too long.
Chapter 8: And so the curtains remain closed, and the school continues schooling.
Damn. I'm late.
That's what's going on in my head as I pedal as fast as I can on my bike. How the hell did I manage to be late? I don't remember being late for school for such a long time now… Right, it's because Komachi wasn't home. After all, she is my human alarm clock now since she started attending Soubu as well. Why'd she have to have a sleepover anyways? I mean, it's good she's not going to be a loner like me but c'mon, Komachi, think of your brother a bit more! I need someone to wake me up in the morning! You can't trust these machines called phones or clocks!
I reach the school gates a little while later. There were also other students by the entrance and just like me they were also running late. Unlike me they don't have bikes, which meant they could head straight to class. I have to put this bike away fast! I'm already really late as it is. I head over to the bike racks and find a spot for my bike. Ah, there's one. Okay, bike, lock and rope. Wrap rope around bike, lock bike on bike rack, and we're good! I hope Hiratsuka-sensei doesn't get too mad at me for being late. Actually, scratch that. Who the hell cares, anyway? It's just one tardiness.
"Hikigaya Hachiman."
Huh? Someone called me? I look up from my bike and survey the surroundings, doing a 360 degree turn. There's a kid on the opposite end of the bike racks. He's in a wheelchair, wearing casual home clothes. I squint my eyes and get a closer look on his face. He's pretty young, he's got short red hair and emerald green eyes. Red hair, Green eyes? Huh? I didn't notice it before but he also has two bodyguards sandwiching him, they're wearing white suits and shades. Who the hell is this kid?
He stares at me with contempt and says "Hey. Hikigaya. Hachiman. That's you, right?"
Oh. Could he be a son of someone important? He sure acts like it. Is he a student in Soubu? No, he's much too young, I think. Maybe he's someone's sibling, but why would he be here? Red hair and green eyes, could he be-
"Hey. I'm talking to you." He says with a condescending tone.
I brush off the projecting rudeness from his mouth. Honestly, what are teachers and parents teaching kids these days? Eh, it's not like I'm hurt or anything. I have such a low self-esteem that I don't think any rude remarks would work on me.
"Yeah. What do you want?" I say in a bored voice. "I'm late for class so could you make it quick?" I add.
The kid looks at me with a slightly pissed look.
"My name's Shiori Mamoru." He says flatly.
So? Like I'd give a damn who you are. Wait. He said Shiori?
"Uh, come again?" I say.
"Shiori Mamoru. I'm Rai's brother."
Hah? What are you doing here? Shiori has transferred already? I bet the school's having a field day with this development. But that still doesn't answer why he's here.
"What do you want, Shiori-san?" I ask.
He looks towards the entrance at a parked black limousine.
"I want to invite you to our apartment."
You don't beat around the bush, don't you? I like that. No excess energy is wasted. But still… Me? Invited? To your apartment? Dude, I'm a stranger. I mean, I may have known your sister for a year but I didn't know you and you didn't know me. Then again, maybe I did know you, Shiori Mamoru, maybe your sister and I talked about you. Maybe I just forgot you, like I did her.
"Uh. Why?" I ask curiously.
"I want to get to know my sister's one and only non-family friend. First-hand of course."
So he doesn't know me. Interesting. I wonder why? I guess it's because of him being confined in a wheelchair, maybe he's not allowed to go just anywhere in his state.
"Uh huh. Why does it have to be at your house?"
He lifts his hand and points to his wheelchair and says "I have some difficulties with travelling. Besides, I'm not really allowed to go anywhere too much, mother's orders. The apartment's the logical choice." He drawls the last sentence as if he were talking to some baby.
I see what you're doing kid, aggressive much? No way am I going to be going to this kid's house. Nope! See ya kid, I've got classes to attend to. That is if Hiratsuka-sensei doesn't kill me for being so late.
"I'm kinda busy right now. And I'm late for class as it is." I reason.
"That's understandable. My driver will pick you up after school, is that alright?"
Nope. That is definitely not alright. Why would I ever go into a stranger's limousine!? Hell, no. Over my dead body. But, what do I say to this kid? Shiori Rai's brother, huh? What does he want from me? He probably knows what I did to Shiori back in junior high, for all I know, he might kill me. If I found out some bastard ever hurt Komachi so bad, hell, I'd kill him too!
"Yeah, no. I'm busy. Sorry. Maybe some other time."
Heh. Maybe some other time. A phrase used by people who want to give you the illusion of chance and hope. Instead of downright declining a person you add this phrase to help your argument and your image. Not only do you still look open-minded and willing to accept requests of others this also greatly increases the chances of your success in declining. They'll think, oh, she's busy now, but at least I could ask her again some other time for her contact nu- Yeah. Something like that. Nope, I'm not a source. Definitely not. Basically, this phrase gives a better success average than your typical decline. Maybe some other time, hoh, I can't believe I actually got to use that phrase. Way to go, Hachiman.
"That won't do Hikigaya-san. I know you're trying to avoid me. Sadly, your tactics fail to deceive me." He says.
Crap. He found me out. Now I can't decline!
"Seriously, Hikigaya-san. Do my looks actually fool you? I may be a 'kid' but I know enough about older people to know a bit about what they're actually thinking." He continues.
Looks like looks can be deceiving. Then again, his attitude earlier did yell 'I'm not normal, I'm not normal! I can see through people!' Psshh… Whatever.
"You wanted to give me false hope. You wanted me to think that I could ask again some other time and you'd accept. I can see through that much." He finishes.
Damn, I really thought it would work on him. Big whoop, so you deciphered that. I could make a run for it. The entrance to the building isn't too far. But this kid' got bodyguards, he might get them to go after me. No, he can't do that. The school has security guards, all I have to do is to scream and I'll be safe. Actually, I could do that now. It would cause a ruckus but if need be, it's an option. Besides, this kid doesn't seem like the type to actually force people to do his bidding.
Shiori Mamoru sighs and pipes up. "Fair enough, Hikigaya-san. You don't trust me. That's completely understandable. After all, why would anyone go into the car of a stranger?"
Good. Looks like he has a good head over his shoulders. He has a good inkling of what's going on in my head. Seriously, if you knew this much why the hell would you even bother inviting me?
"Yeah. Good that you understand." I say.
"Yes. I guess I'll just have to gain your trust then." He says.
Hoh. How do you plan to do that? Trust isn't so easily given, you know?
"Right." I say.
"Farewell then, Hikigaya-san. I'll see you again some other time."
Shiori Mamoru snaps his fingers and one of his bodyguards takes hold of his wheelchair and wheels him towards the limousine. The other guard walks by him, eyeing the surroundings.
Damn, this kid. He wasted so much of my time. I'm probably at least 5 minutes later than I would have been if it weren't for him.
I double check my bike's lock and after doing so, dash to my classroom.
"Late, Hikigaya!" Hiratsuka-sensei says as she points a stick of chalk at my face.
I raise my hands in a 'you got me' gesture and say "Sorry, I slept too long and something slowed me down." Eh, don't get into details, Hachiman. No point in reasoning with this grandma.
"Mhm." Hiratsuka-sensei says as she gives me a slightly cold glare. Oh crap, did you hear what I just thought of? Not good, not good! Uh, Hiratsuka-sama is a great person! She is a lovely woman who is too high and mighty to marry a low-level male! Ah, who am I kidding, she doesn't have ESP.
"Won't happen again. I promise." I say nonchalantly.
Hiratsuka-sensei breaks into a grin and says "You shouldn't make promises you can't keep."
"But those are the best kind..." I mutter while averting my eyes.
Hiratsuka-sensei laughs and says "Get to your seat, Hikigaya. We'll talk about your tardiness later."
Damn. This woman doesn't let up. I walk towards my seat, it seems that my arriving late made me the center of attention. This is the thing about arriving late, everyone looks at you and things get awkward. I manage to get to my seat, which is nearest to the wall close to the door, and pull out my notebook and ball pen from my bag. Hiratsuka-sensei begins to discuss again and I quickly scan the room.
Everyone's here, it seems I was the only one running late today. It's amazing how my class has remained relatively the same even after second year. I thought that once I entered third year I'd finally be separated from the bothersome class known as Class 2F. Don't get me wrong, I'm not prejudice to 2F. I think all the classes are bothersome. Even if you go up a year it won't change the fact that you're irritating to deal with. Seriously, the lot of you, look at yourselves; smiling, laughing, creating superficial bonds, and mistaking infatuation for love.
Go. Fucking. Die.
Ah... This hits the spot. I have been feeling out of character ever since I found out I had a friend before. Looks like Hikigaya Hachiman is still here; not replaced by some adolescent-driven teenager yapping like a dog in heat just because he found out he had someone back then. Ha. Haha. Speaking of my "friend" it looks like she isn't here.
I do another quick scan of the room to double check attendance. Yep, she ain't here. Maybe I should go ask sensei about her? Ah, what the heck, Hachiman? Why would you ever ask about someone? Besides, she did say our relationship would "reset" so if that's the case. then I shouldn't ask about her. Yeah, no need to get flared up, Hachiman. Forget about this girl.
Back to my internal thoughts. Where was I, ah, yes, Class 2F. I mean, Class 3G now. After all, we're third years already. As I was saying, miraculously the class remained relatively the same. I'm not saying there weren't any changes at all, but the people who were switched classes didn't really matter. I didn't know them, nor did I care about them. In the second year they were just there, now they're just somewhere else. Not that I did care about some of my classmates, they just stayed in my memory because I've had to interact with them quite a bit. If they would just leave me alone I'm pretty sure I'll forget about them as well.
So, Class 3G, we've got Hayama and gang, Yuigahama, Kawasaki, Totsuka, me, and the rest of the insignificant teens known to me as "anonymous". Why'd I have to be stuck in the same class as Hayama and his goons? Those people are the epitome of "youth". Just looking at the lot of them irks me. I would have been fine with just Totsuka, you know? I could even handle Kawasaki! But why did I have to be in the same as Hayama and his gang? There's no use crying over spilled milk. Screw that idea and whoever said it, I'll complain as much as I want!
What's that cold feeling inside me? It feels like I'm being watched. Although how a loner like me would know if he was being watched I have no idea, but this feeling, it's like someone's observing me. Time to activate one of my 108 loner skills. Although "Enhanced Peripheral Vision" is more or less a passive ability of mine, properly focusing on it enables my peripheral vision to be more effective.
At the corner of my eye I see Yuigahama stealing glances at my direction. I could have said she stole glances at me but that would actually mean she was looking at me. One should not raise their ego too much by saying such things. I'm nothing special. Yuigahama's just a weird chick who stares at everyone. But she's been doing this for a while now, hell, she's not even trying to hide it anymore. This is pissing me off, having someone stare at me for a long time pisses me off.
I scrunch my face into a frown and turn my head to look at Yuigahama. I stare at her with my annoyed face so that she could stop staring. She must have been lost in thought because it takes her a couple of seconds before she notices that I was staring at her. She makes a surprised face and jumps a bit in her chair and quickly hides her face in her textbook.
Good. Keep studying, maybe then you'd have better grades. I don't need you gazing at my direction. Like I said before; you're lucky I'm not the average adolescent male. If I were I may have been caught in your trap long ago. Your glances, your kind attitude, your touch, all these would have captivated the typical guy. Ha, but not me, no room for misunderstandings with this guy! But then again, there is that possibility that Yuigahama actually likes me. I'm not such a typical MC that I wouldn't even think of the possibility. Seriously, those guys are stupid. Rather, I think of the possibility but consider it impossible, after all, who would ever like a cynical, boring, loner like me? Right? Exactly.
"And that's it for today. Remember to review at home. There will be a pop quiz sometime next week, so be ready!" says Hiratsuka-sensei.
Damn. I didn't listen to her lecture at all. Not that I really need to, actually. Most lectures by teachers are basically oral textbooks. Meaning I could just read the material and I'd be ready for all the requirements needed. Although if the lecture was by a good teacher they would be able to add their own voice to the lecture, thus giving us students knowledge that the textbooks do not. Hiratsuka-sensei is a good teacher, but right now, I hope she didn't give anything special in her lecture. If she did, then that's a shame, move on. No use crying ove spilled milk. Ha, who am I kidding? I'll just ask sensei about her lecture later, that is if I'm still motivated by then.
"Hikigaya! See me after school before you head to club!" yells Hiratsuka-sensei as she leaves the room.
Right. Time to atone for my sins... Later. I should probably get ready for the next class. The teacher will be here any minute.
"Hikki!" says Yuigahama as she walks in front of me.
"Yo."
Yuigahama stands beside my desk and places her hands on it. I see a glint of silver on her finger. Ah, she's wearing the ring. Honestly, Yuigahama, why would you ever wear that in public? Do you think people will actually care if you start wearing jewelry? Are you such an attention whore? But knowing Yuigahama she wouldn't do this for attention, no, she'd wear it because it was a sign of affection. That affection isn't from me, pink girl. That's from my wonderful little sister! Treasure that ring with your life!
"Hikki! Are you listening to me?" says Yuigahama as she pouts at me.
Don't give me that type of look, woman. Although there's no room for misunderstandings between you and me giving a look like that is still pretty appalling.
"Uh, sorry. What did you say, Yuigahama?"
"I was asking you why you were late!" she says as she crosses her arms.
Eh? Why? I was late? Big whoop. Do we really need to talk about such a mundane thing? Whatever. Just answer, Hachiman. After that her business here will be done and she'll scram.
"Alarm clock failed to wake me up. Both the mechanical and the human one." I answer.
Yuigahama looks at me with a curious expression. "Human, Hikki?"
"Komachi usually wakes me up but since she was in a sleepover she wasn't at home this morning. That's why I was late." I say swiftly.
"Eh? It's your fault for not waking up on time!"
"Yeah yeah." I say with a dismissive tone.
I answered your question, now shoo. Go back to your clique. Don't bother yourself with an unruly beast such as myself.
At that moment the next teacher arrives. Oh hoh! Saved! Now, Yuigahama. Shoo. Teacher's here, get back to your seat.
Yuigahama looks at the teacher and looks back at me. She stares at me as if she has more to say. We stare at each other in silence for a couple of seconds, then Yuigahama walks away dejectedly.
Huh? What's with that? You don't have to look so gloomy, you know? If you have something to say, you could say it some other time. It's not like I'm leaving anytime soon.
The classes pass by quickly and uneventfuly. Finally it's time for lunch. Lunch is one of the best things in school. You can leave the confinement that is your classroom and relax elsewhere. You also have time to regain your sanity from being in such close proximity with "youth". To put it in an analogy, lunch equals charger. I begin to walk out of the classroom and I hear Hayama's clique talking animately.
"Oh! Yuigahama-chan! You have jewelry on, today!" says Ooka.
"Yeah, I just realized that, Yui. A ring? You've never worn rings before." says Miura.
"Is it from your boyfriend?" asks Tobe.
The entire clique's attention is focused on Yuigahama and that little silver ring on her finger. Tch. See what I'm talking about? You shouldn't have worn that ring in public, Yuigahama! Why am I still in the classroom? This doesn't need my attention, I should get out... Damn, I can't. I need to hear a bit more.
"Uh, no. It's from someone important to me." answers Yuigahama.
Hah? What's that supposed to mean? Is she talking about me or Komachi?
"He must be really important to you, then." says Hayama.
"Y-yeah. He's important to me..." says Yuigahama.
What's that supposed to mean?
"Yui! It's a guy?! Who!?" shrieks Ebina.
"Uh um! Uh! I'm embarassed to say..." says Yuigahama as she twiddles her fingers.
"Yeah! Yuigahama-chan! Tell us!"
Ah, I don't want to see how this turns out. I start walking towards the door again, trying to close out their conversation from my head.
Hayama pipes up. "C'mon guys. Let's not pester Yuigahama anymore."
And so does Miura. "Yeah, if she doesn't want to tell us we should respect her decision."
Heh. If you read between the lines, 'Yeah, if she doesn't want to tell us we should respect her decision.' turns into 'She won't tell you so shut up, but she'll tell me later.'
Still, good save Miura and Hayama. That should stop things from getting more awkward. Yuigahama totally owes you two. Well, looks like I'll be going to my spot now, there's no point in staying here.
I leave the classroom before I manage to eavesdrop on their conversation any longer.
Being alone really makes you think a lot. Especially when you have nothing to do. Sitting in my secret spot confirms this. The mind tends to wander even when you're doing something physical, like sports and work, but when you're just chilling and doing nothing the mind tends to wander even more. This being a positive or a negative thing depends on the contents of your thinking.
Frankly, it's a negative thing for me right now. After hearing Yuigahama talk with her friends about that ring it has left me wondering. Possibility 1; she likes me. Posibility 2; that's not the ring Komachi gave, but someone elses, which means she has another guy giving her presents. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it could've been her dad, but why a ring? Possibility 3; Yuigahama may have mistook "he" for "she". All these possibilities, except for the first, is pretty far-fetched. She likes me, this has to be the only reason, I'd be glad to rid myself of this delusion but unless more likely possibilities present themselves, I must work with this one. Good thing is, possibility one can still go two ways. Either she likes me romantically or she likes me as a friend. Both are equally unnerving. Why'd she have to take that ring, this is troublesome for both me and her.
Suddenly, I feel small, soft hands cover my face and a girl squeaking.
"Oni-chan! Guess who?"
"Seriously, Komachi? The fact that you called me Oni-chan gave you away." I say in a bored voice, still only seeing blackness.
"Awww... Oni-chan you're no fun!" Komachi whines.
"You should have known that a long time ago, Komachi. You live with me." Damn, get your hands off of me! The blackness is pissing me off, I want to see my surroundings.
"Now, now. Let's try again." Komachi says in a commanding voice.
A waste of time but I'll have to play along since it's my sister. Why didn't I do this earlier?
"Fine." I yield.
"Oni-chan, guess who!?"
Don't you learn from your mistakes?
"Komachi, is that you?" I say in a mock happy tone.
"Gah! What have you done to my brother, you doppleganger!? The true Hachiman would say something off-putting to me!"
Hah?
The next thing I know, my vision has returned and Komachi is standing in front of me, doing her typical gesture; winking, tongue sticking out, and her hand in a "V sign".
She sits beside me and says "Oni-chan, why are you always eating outside your classroom? Don't you want to talk to your classmates?"
"Your brother doesn't like talking to lower life forms." I say in a mock prideful tone.
"Look who's talking." Komachi drawls.
"Heh." I say sheepishly.
"Looks like I'll have to eat with you here so that you won't get lonely. After all, I wouldn't want my wonderful oni-chan feeling sad and lonely because that would make me feel sad and lonely. Ah! That scored me a ton of points!" Komachi says with a wink.
"Yes, Komachi. You are a kind sister, but as the older brother I must make the sacrifices. I can't allow you to stay with me all the time, you must be free and talk with your classmates so that you may form 'bonds' together. Your brother will sacrifice his comfort for your sake. Heh.I bet that scored me a ton of points." I say determinedly.
Komachi pouts and says "Nope! Only cute people get points!"
"Oh, no wonder you don't have any points either." I retort.
We sit in silence for a couple of seconds and then burst out laughing.
"Wahaha! Oni-chan you're so rude!" says Komachi as she hugs her stomach.
I don't know why Komachi and I burst out laughing like this every now and then, but I have to admit, it feels good. Laughing with my sister is pure bliss.
After a while, our laughter dies down.
"Seriously, oni-chan, why can't you eat with Yui-chan?" Komachi asks.
"She has other friends. Besides, I'm not one to eat with others." I say.
"I guess... but don't you think it's sad and boring to eat by yourself?" Komachi says in a concerned tone.
"Nope. A little R and R doesn't hurt anyone."
We continue talking a bit more and we hear someone call to us.
"Hikigaya-chan! Class about to start in a couple of minutes!"
Hah? Did someone call me cute? I stare at the direction of the voice and I see a small girl wearing glasses and holding a textbook. Oh, she's a first year. She was calling Komachi.
"Okay, Matsuoka-chan! I'll be there in a bit!" Komachi calls back.
Matsuoka gazes at me with dubious eyes and slowly walks away, keeping an eye on Komachi and me.
Oi, what's with that look? Do you think I'd really do something bad to my own sister? Then again, she doesn't know Komachi's my sister, I think. I mean, why would she react the way she did if she knew Komachi was my sister, right? Komachi, you better set things straight with glasses girl over there.
"I should go, oni-chan. Class is about to start and Matsuoka-chan is kinda suspecting you."
Tch. Rude first year. Respect your elders more! But then again, I'm one to talk. I didn't care about my seniors either.
"Right. See you, Komachi." I say.
"Okay! Bye Oni-chan! Oh, and don't worry, you're cute too!" Komachi says to me and then she runs to catch up with glasses girl, Matsuoka.
I watch as Komachi and Matsuoka walk and turn the corner.
Looks like I should get back to class as well.
"Hikigaya, those girls are looking at you funny."
Oh? Another audio flashback?
I stand still and still, close my eyes, and focus on remembering. It seems that certain events in my life trigger something in my brain that helps me remember, I've deduced this much.
Now... What is it I'm digging out?
"They suspect me of doing something to you, Shiori."
"Yeah. I know. I was just checking if you knew."
"Of course I'd know. I know their opinions and views on people like me."
"Well, what about people like me then?"
"Huh?"
"What do they think of our relationship, Hikigaya?"
"They think I'm your slave or something. Running errands for you, being your toy."
"Ah. And what would they think if I were to kiss you right now, in front of your school?"
"They'd think you're paying me for my services, or that I somehow bribed you to pay me."
"Do you think if I kiss you, something good would come out of it?"
"Nope. Nothing good at all. That's why you should refrain from kissing me in public. It will do no good to both our reputations."
"Hikigaya, your reputation is already shit with these people. I also don't care about what they think of me. So, would you like me to kiss you in front of them?"
"Why?"
"I don't know. It's just an experiment. Maybe they'll feel something if I do it."
"Yeah, as if. I think I'll pass."
"I don't think so, Hikigaya. Come here..."
.
.
.
What? That's it? You're going to leave me at a cliffhanger? Am I fucking senile now?Argh... Did we kiss? No, even the Hachiman in junior high would already be too cynical to let someone other than family kiss him. Plus, we were also still on a surname basis, we still weren't that close at the time. This memory was long ago. C'mon brain!
I stand in silence, willing my brain to remember more. It seems that I'll need more triggers to remember... Well, that's that. I gotta head to class now.
Time goes by quickly if you enjoy what you are doing. That's a really rude thing the universe does. This means that time goes by slowly if you do not enjoy what you are doing. Thus, today's classes went by at snail's pace. I'm not the type of student who enjoys classes much, but I'm also not the type to get grumpy about them. Yet today, I am extremely bored and grumpy about said classes.
After an agonizing wait, classes finally ends. I still have to go to club... Well, at least there I'm free to do whatever I feel like doing. As long as there are no requests, but Isshiki has been bombarding us with requests ever since she entered second year. What gives, girl? We're third years, you know? We're hella busy!
I ignore the chatter of "youth" that came after school ended. I walk out of the room and begin walking towards the Service Club room.
"Hikki!" Yuigahama yells as she runs to catch up with me.
What do you want, Yuigahama? Are you going to complain that I left you? Mind you I didn't give you a chance to ask me to wait after class, so I am not in the wrong. Besides, you don't have to run, it's not like I'm trying to escape.
"Yuigahama."
"Hikki! Aren't you supposed to be heading to Hiratsuka-sensei?"
Oh crap. I forgot about that. Damn. Thanks Yuigahama! Sensei would have killed me if I had not come.
"Yeah. I'll be heading there now."
She doesn't need to know I forgot, not because I don't want my reputation to be tarnished even more, no. I just don't want to prolong our conversation, her knowing that I forgot would lengthen it quite a bit.
"Oh, okay. Do you want me to wait for you?" She asks.
"No, it's okay. You can head to club. If Yukinoshita asks, tell her where I am. Although I doubt she would ask anyways." I answer.
"Oh... Okay. Well... I'll be going then." she says in a slightly dejected tone.
You make it sound like you wanted to wait for me. Were you just doing that out of consideration, or was it something entirely different? If you actually wanted to wait for me you could force it, you know I don't fight unwinnable battles. Were you hoping that I would accept your proposal? What is your motive, Yuigahama Yui?
Yuigahama waves me goodbye and walks away.
"Hikitani." says a voice behind me.
I turn around and I see myself face to face with Superman. Hayama Hayato. Rich. Good looking. Smart. "Kind". Athletic. "Cool". The epitome of a "hot guy". I don't see what's so good about this guy. Why do such simpletons fall for him.
"Hikitani. Can we talk somewhere private?" says Hayama.
Huh?
"Hiratsuka-sensei wanted to see me after class. I shouldn't keep her waiting." I reply.
"It'll be quick."
"Do I have to?"
"Please."
I suddenly remember Yukinoshita Haruno telling me that Hayama was a prideful person, he was someone who doesn't say please. He gets what he wants, maybe that's why I like rejecting him so much.
"Fine. Whatever. Make it quick." I yield.
Hayama leads me to a secluded hallway and he begins to talk.
"The ring Yuigahama's wearing. It came form you."
That wasn't a quesiton at all. That was declarative.
"It was Komachi's gift, and mine. Yeah. I gave it to her." I confirm.
"Why? Why would you give something like that?" Hayama asks.
"It was my sister's idea. She asked me to give it to her and say it was my gift."
"So you knew it was a ring and you gave it to her?" He asks, this time his voice is slightly raised.
"I didn't. Komachi made me promise not to look inside." I say with a sharp tone.
"And you followed her?" Hayama asks, now he's got a slight frown on his face.
"My sister is dear to me. She asked me to promise, it's not everyday she does that. That's why I followed her. Besides, why do you care so much?"
"You already know why, Hikigaya."
It seems you only remember my name when we have serious talks. You're right though, Hayama Hayato. I know why you care so much. I'm not blind enough to not know.
Giving a gift like that to a girl like Yuigahama. It's like an indirect confession. Although I explained to Yuigahama the situation with Komachi, she may still misunderstand. Especially since I also put it on her finger. Such intimate actions cause misunderstandings. Though I was hoping Yuigahama would understand, it seems she is still a typical girl. Maybe she thinks there is a possibility with her and me.
This is why Hayama cares so much. Yuigahama is his friend. More accurately, his friends' friend. He can't allow anything to happen to her, if she were to break because of something like this, it would cause distress in his group of friends. Basically, he doesn't want me to lead Yuigahama on.
"I get what you're saying, Hayama. It won't happen again." I say.
"I'm not saying it shouldn't. I'm saying you have to be serious. It's fine if you and Yuigahama get together as long as you're serious for her." Hayama says.
"You must be joking. I don't care for such things. Besides, it would be bad for Yuigahama's reputation if we were to end up together."
"She wouldn't care. I know she wouldn't. As long as she has someone that will always be by her side, she wouldn't care."
"You and I both know that's bullshit. She would have to endure the snide remarks, and the gossip. Those can break people. Just because you have one person that will stay with you now, doesn't mean they'll be there tomorrow. It's stupid to believe in that. She's better of as she is."
Hayama stares at me with serious eyes.
"Then... If that's the case... Don't lead her on." He says with a grim and sober expression.
"Yeah. I got it. If that's all then I'll be taking my leave." I say dismissively.
Without another word I turn around and walk away from Hayama.
Tch. What a waste of time. You didn't tell me anything new, you riajuu.
Hahaha! Amazing Spider-Man reference with Hiratsuka, right? Anyone? Anyone? No? Okay.
Sorry to the people I led on about Shiori transferring to Soubu, I know quite a few of you wanted to see the reactions of 8man's classmates but you guys will have to wait a bit more! My bad, but I wanted to focus this chapter on 8man's relationship with his classmates. And I'm also having some issues with character development with Shiori; I have multiple paths I could take. All are quite entertaining in my opinion.
8man and peeps are 3rd years in my fanfic, I didn't specify earlier. I'm not sure how education works in Japan so I'll try not to get into any technicals, just a simple background will do, right? Oh, and Komachi's also in Soubu!
Oh, and am I bringing in too many OCs? At first it was only supposed to be Shiori but I decided she needed a sibling. Thus, Shiori Mamoru was born, er, written. I don't know, I really like Mamoru's character (I got his name from Inazuma Eleven, if anyone's interested). Maybe he can hit it off with another fellow sibling? wink wink.
Anyways, thank you for taking the time to read this chapter, if you have any further time, do review!
This is Veltus, signing off.