As Expected He Was More Warped Than Most
What does it mean to be 'normal'? That one question had multiple answers. All of them were supposedly correct in one sense or the other. The most common answer was the one pretty much as literal as you could get. Got two hands with five fingers on each? Two legs with five toes on each? Two ears, eyes, a nose and a mouth? Can speak any of the hundreds of languages used by humans in the entire planet? If you can fill most of those categories then yea, you're pretty much as normal as normal can be.
'But then why does this feel so... different from the rest?'
Hayama Hayato, age sixteen watched his target as discreetly as possible from his seat in the karaoke booth he and his new classmates had rented for the next two hours. Well, some of them at least. Rest didn't want to join in for 'personal' reasons. He knew that was a lie of course, most of those that didn't come simply didn't feel comfortable around this many people that could still be considered as strangers. Their time in high school started but a few days ago. And making new friends certainly didn't come easy to everyone. Especially since some had undoubtedly lost a few 'close' friends from their middle school. So he thought that this would be the best way for everyone to get together and create new bonds. Wouldn't that be great?
Yes, that would be great... if everyone here was enjoying themselves at least.
Hayama glanced at his target once again. But his target showed no signs of enjoying himself. Was he was shy? Maybe not used to crowds? No. Despite being surrounded by so many people his target didn't even show a sign of nervousness or shyness. He just sat on his spot, taking a sip from his cola every now and then while blankly staring at the person that was currently 'on stage' and singing. Kotomine Hachiman was his name. When Hayama first invited Hachiman to this little outing. Hachiman had outright refused, saying that it was against school rules to not go home after all school activities were completed. However, the moment Hayama mentioned that this would be a great chance for everyone to make friends Hachiman had given it a second thought and agreed, much to Hayama' surprise. In truth the second attempt wasn't meant to have Hachiman reconsider but to show to the other students that he wanted 'everyone' to be there. But that was fine, the more the merrier.
But right now? As he was looking at Hachiman who silently sat in the middle of two of their classmates. Both of whom seem to be outright ignoring him despite sitting right next to him? Maybe it wasn't such a good idea after all... If only he could get Hachiman to talk a little more...
Hayama' pondering came to a halt when the person currently singing had finished the song. There was no special reason for it, just that the song had ended. The person mock bowed, causing some of the others to either cheer or laugh. An encore was requested but was declined. Which was understandable because that was the third song the person had sung. Tobe Kakeru was his name. Hayama smiled, a single conversation was all that he needed to determine the personality of the orangish brown, which was definitely dyed, haired boy. Honest, Loyal, cheerful and always optimistic. But of course those kinds of traits come with problems of their own. A little too talkative, over hyped for the simplest of things and gullible. Not a deal breaker when it came to making friends. But a flaw was a flaw nonetheless.
Hayama would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't jealous of Tobe. Of course he would never admit such a thing out loud to anyone. In truth he was jealous of a lot of people. Not for their wealth or physical appearance or even their skills. But for their, as a certain childhood friend of his would say, boring lifestyle. Hayama himself preferred the term 'simple yet fulfilling'. They say 'Ignorance is a Bliss' for a good reason.
"So who wants to go next?" The girl next to him, Miura Yukimo, asked. An idea popped into his head. One that if would either fail miserably or succeed with great results.
"Kotomine-san, would you like to go next?" he asks while looking at Hachiman.
Hachiman looked at Hayama with a blank stare. Those empty eyes staring so intently at him almost made Hayama flinch. Hayama' eyes widen a little when he noticed that the two boys that were sitting next to Hachiman and conversing till now almost jump when he mentioned Hachiman' name while looking at Hachiman. It wasn't just them either, everyone in the room had the same reaction. That confused him a little. Had no one even noticed Hachiman till now? He was here before some of the others even. The entire room went silent as everyone began to settle down. It seemed they too wished to see Hachiman sing. There was a little gossip they had going on in their class about their dead fish eyed classmate. Hayama understood why. He still remembered the first day of class where the homeroom teacher had asked them to introduce themselves.
"My name is Kotomine Hachiman. There is nothing I like nor is there anything I hate."
Hachiman blinked at Hayama once before standing up. How can you not find a reply like that interesting? Sure had it been spoken in a joking or a 'serious' tone then pretty much everyone would have written Hachiman off as some guy that never got out of his chuuni phase. And as 'society' would demand, Hachiman would have been ignored by the 'normal' groups if not outright mocked and ridiculed while those with secretly similar tastes would attempt to befriend him. But those words were not spoken with anything of the sort. Instead they were spoken with-
"Then I shall go up to the stage." another sentence that would make anyone else look like a complete and utter chuuni. Had the complete opposite effect when it came from the boy in front of them. Had Hayama been standing he might have taken a step back from Hachiman.
Hayama felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise from that tone. No one else seemed to have noticed it but he certainly had. And had she been here then this would have escalated way too quickly for his liking. He had never encountered someone that sounded so... so... empty before. When Hachiman picked up the microphone no one was sure what to expect.
But what came from his lips was just beyond unexpected.
It wasn't that his singing voice was bad. But it wasn't good either. It would be better to say that Kotomine Hachiman had no sense of tone at all, even in music! Was such a thing even possible? He was just reciting the lyrics word for word as they came up on screen. The boys were laughing, thinking Hachiman was just messing around. Some of the girls looked like they thought the same. The rest? Not so much. Yet despite all the laughter going on and about, it did nothing to quell the feeling of dread in his stomach.
"Waah. That's so creepy." he heard one of the girls say with a giggle as she pointed at Hachiman accusingly. A short haired redhead. He agreed with her wholeheartedly.
Even as the song came to an end, Hachiman' tone seemed to not change even the slightest. Tobe was the first to say something.
"Waah Kotomine-san that was hilarious! But for the next one maybe smile and use some beats to spice it up a little eh?" clearly Tobe did not share the same feeling Hayama had right now. Another thing he found about the taller boy to be jealous of.
Hachiman, for his part, blinked in confusion. To Hayama that was a welcomed surprise. He had yet to see their fish eyed classmate make a single expression other than complete and utter stoicism. But why...
Why didn't it ease the feeling of dread he still had? And why did it just increase?
"... Smile?"
Hayama was jealous of many people. Despite his lack of willingness to admit it, even to himself on most occasions. But two things were painfully obvious right now. Hayama Hayato couldn't bring himself to be jealous of Kotomine Hachiman. Nor could he see himself being jealous no matter how much Hachiman would ever accomplish in life. And there was something abnormal about his fish eyed classmate... No, it would be better to say that there was something inherently wrong with Kotomine Hachiman.
-Over A Year Later-
"Did you have a hand in that, Kotomine-san?" Hayama asked Hachiman. The feeling of dread continued ever since that day. And even now, as he stared at Hachiman in the eye it still remained. But over time Hayama had realized something about Hachiman. Even though there was definitely something wrong with him. Something Hayama didn't believe could ever be 'fixed', Kotomine Hachiman was not a bad person. Or at least, didn't appear to be one. Rarely had he seen Hachiman behave violently or even raise his voice against something. In fact, it was just that one time back in Chiba Village-
He internally winced, the bruise from being punched in the face had long since faded. But the memory and and phantom pain still remained.
"What do you mean?" Hachiman asked with that confused expression of his. Hayama had caught Hachiman just as he was about to leave for the Service Club. Yuigahama had already left before him. Giving Hayama the chance he needed to talk to Hachiman one on one.
"Tobe becoming a festival committee member. That was your doing wasn't it." Hayama stated. Tobe wasn't the type to take up responsibility like that. He would rather hang out with friends. Everyone was left slack jawed when the representatives from their class was being picked and Tobe' hand being the first(and only) one that shot up to take up the 'position'. Heck even the teacher dropped her chalk in shock! And despite sensei telling him that it would be much harder for him because of his... condition... Tobe remained undeterred. In fact, it seemed to make him even more determined.
"And how did you come to such a conclusion?" Hachiman raised an eyebrow.
"I saw you talking to him a few days ago outside of school grounds." Hayama did not budge. Hachiman not denying the accusation made him certain he was correct.
"You listened in on our conversation?" Hachiman asked. From his Position, Hayama failed to notice Hachiman' right had going into his pants pocket. "You were stalking me?" for a split second Hayama could feel the stoicism be replaced by something dangerous.
"What?" the sudden question took Hayama off guard. And for a moment he thought he saw hostility in those empty eyes. "Nonono. I was heading home after club and just noticed you two in the distance is all."
"I see." Hachiman' expression does not change as always. "To answer your question, No. I did not 'have a hand' in that. What Tobe-san did was from his own desires."
Hayama did not believe that for a single moment. After being friends with the guy he had Tobe' personality pegged to a 'T'. Tobe Kakeru was simply not the type to take up responsibilities like that. Especially without outside persuasion.
"Do not mistake me for yourself Hayama-san." Hachiman spoke. Hachiman had nothing against people like that. After all, he was friends with one of them. But this needed to be made clear before any more ludicrous accusations were sent his way. "Unlike you, I see no point in subtly manipulating others for my own goals. I prefer to be more blunt about what I want people doing." It was true really. When he baited Yukinoshita into eating his lunch the other day. Everyone knew that it was a trap, even Yuigahama knew it. Heck Yukinoshita was certain of it too. But of course, being her prideful self, Yukinoshita fell for it like the bonehead she was. 'Hmm. As fitting as it is, bonehead is getting kind of dull.' And coming from him that was saying something.
"W-what do you mean?" Hayama nervously asked. Hachiman couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Hayama and the blonde boy never felt smaller under a gaze. Even the disdainful ones Yukinoshita Yukino would often send his way paled in comparison. Hachiman shook his head in what appeared to be disappointment, at least to Hayama anyway, then turned around.
"I will never understand why you people insist on keeping up lies after having it exposed." Lying was a sin but a necessity to survive in this world. One that even saints can and has committed. One that many saints already have committed in the past. But what was the point in lying when the truth had been exposed? He didn't really get that. Then again, he didn't get a lot of things.
Hachiman truly had no hand in Tobe choosing to take up the position of being the representative of 2-F during this year's cultural festival. That much was true. Well, half true at least. When his boisterous classmate came to him after class a few days ago the two of them had a small chat. Frankly Hachiman couldn't remember much of it. The only reason he even gave Tobe Kakeru 'advice' was because he already gave Kyo his word on 'looking after' Kakeru. But nevertheless it went somewhat like this.
"You have another arm don't you? You're handicapped. But still alive and able. People have little control over their lives, but they don't even have that if they sit around expecting things to go their way."
That may have came off cruel. It probably was cruel, he wasn't certain. But somehow it seemed to do the trick. He remembered the contemplating look on Kakeru' face that day before leaving for home. Fortunately, now that he lived so much closer to the city. He could afford to go home and rest a little before heading for work. Maybe Tobe thought this would be a good experience for him and would look good on his resume? Wait, would this even count in a resume? Either case, If this was how Tobe thought he would have a little control over his life then who was Hachiman to say no to Tobe? Not like Tobe becoming 2-F's male representative for this year's cultural festival affected him in any way. If he wanted the position then maybe he would have seen the need to object. However, he didn't. Why would he? There was nothing to gain from it. Besides, usually in these sort of activities he would fade into the background. Last year he was able to basically do nothing while everyone in his class worked their butts off! One of the few times his lack of presence came in handy...
"Should I name it?" he muttered under his breath. Much like his nickname for Yukinoshita Yukino, 'bonehead'. Calling his ability to seamlessly be 'forgotten' when no one was looking at his way, 'Lack of Presence' was getting old. Something cool, like Stealth... Stealth Hachiman?... Wait a minute. Why did it matter if it was getting old? And why did it have to be 'cool'? Oh no, was Zaimokuza and Hiratsuka rubbing off on him?
"Is something wrong, Kotomine-kun?" Yuigahama asked him, either from hearing him mutter or seeing him stop working on his homework. From what he learned by overhearing their conversation(not like he had a choice since he was sitting right next to them), Yukinoshita had joined the committee as well. That wasn't really a surprise to him. He half expected her to do so in the first place.
"A stray thought. Nothing of importance." he nodded at her. She seemed appeased by his answer and did not press further.
"It would be shock if anything important did cross your mind, Kotomine-kun." as ever, Yukinoshita added her two cents.
"Importance is a matter of perspective. What would be important to you could mean nothing to me. And vice-versa." He didn't look at her as he replied to her jab at him.
And as ever his empty tone left little to be picked up on and used against him. Then again, Yukinoshita figured, He wasn't wrong about that. And knowing him, most of what she believed to be important, even slightly, could certainly be seen as a waste of time and effort to him. Ever since classes started again after summer vacation, she had been bothering him less and less. Primarily because she simply no longer saw the reason to. The day she first saw him, coming into the club after Hiratsuka with that stoic expression of his Yukinoshita Yukino was unaware of what to expect. And by Hiratsuka' description of the man known as Kotomine Hachiman, Yukinoshita had expected him to be some egoistical jerk that believed he had everything about life figured out and maybe even believed himself to be above others, to the point where he wouldn't even talk to anyone unless they went to him. Judging by the silence he kept after the older woman had left, she was right. Meaning it had been up to her to strike a conversation with him. Even now Kotomine Hachiman, ever the enigmatic person he was, rarely started a conversation. The conversation they had that day was still fresh in her mind even though it took place months ago.
Her fingers clenched around the book in her hands a little and a slight frown appeared on her lips. She was wrong though. For the first time in her life, Yukinoshita Yukino was horribly wrong about someone's personality. And she could only blame herself for it. But she was not one to pry into the life of another person, it was simply not in her nature. Hence why she still knew so little about the only male in the room. Truthfully, after that day at Chiba Village, she wanted to know more.
"Yukinoshita-san. You are in the cultural festival committee, correct?" Hachiman asked. His question surprised Yukinoshita. Purely because she didn't believe he would even be interested in such a thing.
"Y-Yes." her reply was shorter than she would have liked. So she followed up with a question of her own. "Why the sudden interest in that Kotomine-kun?" She didn't have to look at Yuigahama to know that she too was interested to know why Hachiman asked that. He rarely ever spoke or show interest in things. Things that didn't want to make them want to slap him at least.
"Tobe Kakeru joined the committee from 2-F. How is he doing in there?" Hachiman replied, looking at Yukinoshita dead in the eyes as he waited for her answer. Had he not believed his chat with Tobe the other day to have influenced Tobe to join. He wouldn't have asked. Had he not been asked to look after Tobe Kakeru by the boy's father, he wouldn't have asked. But the two girls in the room didn't know that.
The way he stared at her made her words get stuck in her throat. He did not blink nor did he say anything else. The tone he used was flat yet still demanded her to reply honestly. Expecting her to give him a satisfactory answer. A chill crawls up her spine. The situation felt eerily familiar somehow.
Yuigahama was of course unaware of the thoughts running through Yukinoshita' mind. "Tobecchi? Oh yea he joined the committee too! I was totally surprised!" She wasn't the only one. Even Yukinoshita was surprised. She knew little of the boy known as Tobe Kakeru. But from the impression she got of him when she first laid eyes on him, she had clearly understood the person he was. Boisterous, annoying and lazy. Basically the type of person she would avoid talking to unless she had no choice.
"Ah yes." Yukinoshita found her voice again. "He was late to the first meeting. By the time he had arrived the committee chairperson had already been picked. He seemed oddly upset about that. But For the most part he seemed lost. I fail to understand why someone of his nature would join the committee in the first place."
"I see." His dissatisfaction with that answer was not noticeable. Yukinoshita' grip on her book tightened subconsciously. Hachiman wanted to point out that he did not ask of what she thought of Tobe joining but didn't. It seemed that the 'lunch incident' had reached the ears of Haruno. How? Hachiman had a guess but it didn't really matter in the end. The elder Yukinoshita sibling was slightly peeved at him for what he did. The 'scolding' he received after that made him realize he would have to be 'nicer' to Yukinoshita Yukino to avoid such a thing happening again... She also told him that only she was allowed to tease her younger sister. He didn't really understand though, since he didn't believe he had ever been overly rude or mean to Yukinoshita after the day they met. Dismissive perhaps but 'rude' or 'mean'? He genuinely doubted that. He knew that he sometimes 'teased' her though. But that was definitely Haruno' fault. Her attitude was rubbing off on him. Although, he wouldn't lie about one thing.
The human being known as Yukinoshita Yukino irritated him greatly. And that was saying something. It would have been quite a headache had he not known why, but he did, thankfully. And even though it irritated him so much, he still he held no anger towards the younger Yukinoshita sibling. For if he did...
A punch aimed at his stomach was dodged with ease, he had already seen it coming seconds prior. A moment later the person that tried to punch him gasped for air due to having his throat being held in a vice grip by two hands. Hachiman did not relent. After all, it was just equivalent exchange.
His life for spilling her blood. It was a fair trade to his rage clouded mind.
... he was unsure he would simply stop at being 'mean'.
"Speaking of the Cultural Festival. I don't think I'll be able to make it to make it to club tomorrow." Yuigahama began, bringing both raven haired teens out of their thoughts.
Hachiman inwardly smirked, knowing that he wouldn't have to be stuck with that kind of work. So long as he kept to himself of course. And he always did that.
"Ah. Kotomine-kun won't be able to make it either."
'Huh?' his thought process came to an abrupt halt. His voice echoed his thought. "Huh?"
Yuigahama noticed Hachiman looking at her with his brows furrowed. "Oh right! I forgot to tell you, Hina wanted you to be part of the play too."
'Hina... Ebina Hina? What in the world?' he pondered. The last time he talked to her was... Never. "Play?"
"She said she'll tell us all the details tomorrow." Yuigahama replied with a shrug. Yukinoshita choose that moment to speak up.
"I too will not be able to come to club due to committee work. Then I suppose it would be better to cancel all club activities till after the cultural festival is over. Any objections?" for once Hachiman agreed with what Yukinoshita said. Although he was still plenty troubled because of that 'play' he would be involved with.
Yuigahama looked like she wanted to object. Hachiman couldn't fathom why. Then again, he realized, she probably liked being here unlike him who was here for a very different reason. "Um, well..." Yuigahama looked to him for his opinion.
"Sounds good to me." he put his pen down. "I will be heading home in a few minutes then." But first a trip to the convenience stone was required. His stock of MAX had run out. Neither of the girls objected and Yuigahama looked troubled before accepting the turn of events.
"Then it is decided." Yukinoshita said without looking up from her book. For a moment Hachiman wanted to tell the raven haired girl that Yuigahama had yet to add her opinion in on the matter but decided against it. Seeing as how it was two against one, even if Yuigahama opposed she wasn't going to win anyway. Although, he thought that since the two of them were 'friends', Yukinoshita would have... should have at least listened to what Yuigahama had to say.
The door to the Service Club slid open and three girls entered the room. The one leading them, Hachiman recognized as Sagami Minami, the fool that melted from Hayama' 'sweet' words and was manipulated into becoming a part of the festival committee. Hachiman thought it to be a little ironic, for all his talk about everyone being happy and getting along Hayama Hayato ended up throwing someone under the buss the moment disturbance came in the horizon. But they were all people Hachiman never really talked with so he just ignored them just as they ignored him. However, he continued on with rechecking his homework. After that he would have to pack his bag then leave.
But of course he still had ears and by the sounds of it, Sagami had come in with the intention of dumping her committee work on Yukinoshita. Hachiman knew little of Yukinoshita Yukino' personal life and what he did know came from Haruno. However, he did know a little about her personality. She was going to accept the request even though all Service Club activities were supposed to be 'cancelled' till AFTER the festival. It was a little annoying actually to see her do this. Not because she was helping people. She could do that however much she wanted. And technically it was a 'good' thing. Seeing as how people would 'benefit' from it. He found it annoying because she almost always did it halfheartedly.
Totsuka Saika' Request: She was easily baited into a 'friendly' match with Hayama Hayato and Miura Yumiko even though she should have been focusing on Totsuka' request. Had he not said anything then Miura certainly would have coaxed Yukinoshita into playing. They seemed to have some weird rivalry for... Heck if he knew. And knowing Yukinoshita' rather abysmal stamina she would have lost in a few minutes. Who knows, Totsuka, whom they were 'training' might not have been given the chance to play at all. Defeating the purpose of them even being out there in the tennis court under the hot sun to begin with. Had her conviction been stronger, she too would have dismissed Hayama' clique and focused on helping Totsuka instead.
Hayama Hayato' Request: Instead of focusing on the request itself she took multiple jabs at Hayama for reasons Hachiman did not know nor care for. Frankly, if she had thought more on the request itself and less on ways to make Hayama feel bad then she would have been able to fix the chain mail problem by herself and he wouldn't have had to waste his time or mental effort with it.
Kawasaki Taishi: ... What did she try to do again? Oh right, she tried to force Kawasaki Saki into stopping with veiled threats. Right, as if forcing someone into going against what they truly believed to be necessary with threats ever ended well. He knew for certain if someone threatened him to stop working, he would ignore it and still continue to do so. After all, a few bruises were much better than starvation. Those were the moments where he wondered if Yukinoshita Yukino actually used that brain of hers or not. Especially since she herself would never allow such a thing to persuade her from whatever it is she wanted to do. The irony of her actions lacked humor.
Tsurumi Rumi: At the end, they weren't able to find a way for the little girl to make friends. Then again, did that even qualify as a service club request? Certainly not in his eyes. Truthfully Hachiman saw no problems with her 'situation'. From his perspective, Tsurumi was doing pretty well for herself. So what if she was teased a little here and there? So what if she was ignored by her peers most of the time? He had been in that situation since as far as he could remember. He had even seen plenty of other students back in middle school and even some here in Sobu in the same situation. Granted, everyone he had witnessed in that situation so far had all been male... Was this another double standard thing then?... Nevertheless, At least she wasn't being picked on to the point of sustaining physical injuries. Perhaps then he would have considered interfering. After all, as Satoshi and Takeshi had taught him, it was his duty to look after those younger than him. Limited with reasoning and logic of course.
The only request that ever came close to being fullfilled with Yukinoshita Yukino' undivided attention would be Yuigahama' request. But even now, Yuigahama' cooking and baking skills left much to be desired. So in a sense, it was still technically an 'on progress' request. Yukinoshita was always confident that she could fix those 'problems'. It didn't take long for Hachiman to realize that her seemingly boundless confidence in completing her 'goal' was, in reality, arrogance. Arrogance born from Ignorance.
Even he knew that Arrogance was capable of destroying the foothold of success.
'For all her talk about saving people and helping the 'less fortunate', her conviction is weak.' it was one of the three things that irritated greatly him when it came to Yukinoshita Yukino. If you go through such lengths to do something, why in the world would you do it with such blatantly weak conviction? Better yet, 'halfassed'? Her lack of conviction towards her own goals mocked those that actually worked hard for their goals, it mocked those that failed regardless of their hard work even more. Her hypocrisy by creating this club, a club where essentially people would come to in order to have their problems solved. Be it something as simple as schoolwork or personal things that regarded family. Something she herself had never done, no matter how apparent her struggle was, Yukinoshita Yukino would never ask for help. It boggled his mind really, it was like a police enforcing a law that the police themselves would not follow. How humorously hypocritical. Unfortunately the humor in that faded rather quickly. Like his respect for her. And lastly, Her rejection of the things he had been seeking his entire 'existence'. That last one irritated him far beyond anything the ill mannered girl could ever say.
"Didn't you say you were going to cancel club activities?" he heard Yuigahama ask, he knew why she was distressed. But she didn't seem to be on the verge of tears so he didn't really care.
Typically, the answer Yukinoshita gave did not explain her actions which had riled up Yuigahama. The more they talked the more Yuigahama' voice began to quiver.
"Yuigahama-san." his voice interrupted their conversation. 'Time to put a lid on this.' His interruption had surprised both girls. Yuigahama turned to him, a hopeful expression on her face. "Yukinoshita-san is a big girl. She can take care of herself. Let her do what she wants." his words left both girls speechless for different reasons.
Yuigahama couldn't believe her ears. Hachiman had always been the voice of reason and logic in their club all this entire time. Not to mean Yukino wasn't. Simply that Hachiman thought things through more. Despite what anyone thought of him, Yuigahama had always believed him to be a good person. He had always been the one to keep Yukino from doing things that Yuigahama would secretly not want Yukino doing. And he had always been looking out for them in his own way. It was one of the reasons she looked up to him so much. And the main reason she liked him so much.
Yukinoshita couldn't believe her ears. From the day she met Hachiman it felt to her as if the fish eyed boy had it out for her. Stopping her from doing things that were necessary in the situation. Had... Had he grown some form of trust towards her? Did she do something to make him think better of her? She did not know what it was she did. And fully intended to think it over later. Her heart swelled from being acknowledged by one of the few people she never managed to impress no matter what she did. Her determination sky rocketed. If this was the result then her decision to accept Sagami' 'request' could not have possibly been a mistake.
"I will be leaving now." he headed out.
"Wa-wait- Kotomine-kun!" Yuigahama picked up her things then rushed after him, leaving Yukinoshita alone to stew in her thoughts.
Hachiman continued on a steady pace towards the staircase.
"Kotomine-kun! Please wait!" he stopped and turned to Yuigahama who caught up with him.
"Yes?" that... was probably not the right thing to say. Judging by the look Yuigahama gave him at least.
"What was that back there?" a voice so stern that Hachiman found himself double checking it. From anyone else it would matter little. But from someone like Yuigahama? It was near inconceivable.
"Whatever do you mean?" he asked back.
"Yukinon shouldn't have accepted that request! You know that! She's making a mistake!" she fumed at him. "And Sagamin shouldn't have done that either!"
"I do know." yes he most certainly did. However, he had no idea what could be misinterpreted as 'picking on' Yukinoshita. So he kept his mouth shut and let Yukinoshita be the dunderhead she was... Hmm, not really original. But at least it wasn't bonehead anymore.
"Then why didn't you stop her?" she was calming down. That was quick since he expected her to be angry longer. Was it was her time of the month or something?
He didn't ask her why she was mad. That should have been painfully obvious by now. If he too ever saw Haruno or Hiratsuka doing something irrefutably stupid. He too would be displeased. Fortunately neither were that stupid. "... Let me ask you something before answer that question Yuigahama-san." He started walking. They could walk and talk. Why waste time for something so obvious? "If you ever come across someone drowning in a lake. What would you do?"
"I-I would try to save them of course." an obvious answer. Most people certainly should try to save someone in danger of such a thing. Especially when it had little chances of backfiring on them.
"Let's say you do. But what if the person you saved willingly jumps back in and begins to drown again? What then?" Yuigahama was stupid on some occasions. But he was certain his pink haired classmate was smarter than she let on. She should know by now how fruitless it would be to try and save someone like that. Someone like Yukinoshita Yukino. That was how Yukinoshita Yukino was and will continue to be. And until it backfires at her at a spectacular fashion, one that leaves her with nothing but regrets. She will continue being the way she was now. The way Hachiman saw it. Having her fail miserably could potentially make her understand the folly of her ways and the dead end her ideals would lead her to. Helping people was fine. But being stupid about it. And doing it halfheartedly would result in more failures than successes. Leaving her unfulfilled, unrewarded and most of all, miserable. A more sinister part of him wanted that to happen. But now that she was the younger sister of a friend. He supposed he shouldn't be actively thinking of seeing Yukinoshita in despair any longer. One shouldn't feel joy from the misfortune of the relatives of their friends (according to the new book he was reading). If she could actually learn from this mistake then maybe. Just maybe-
He stopped moving when Yuigahama grabbed his sleeve, looking at him with an unwavering expression. He turned a little to face Yuigahama.
"Then I'll save her again. I'll save her as many times as I have to."
Hachiman stopped. His eyes widening a little. 'This girl... Yukinoshita Yukino does not deserve her.' That look Yuigahama was giving him... He found himself admiring it... Was this... Was this another thing 'friendship' entailed as well?... Was he... supposed to be the same way towards Haruno? "I see... Very well then. Do as you wish."
"But- But I might not be able to do it alone." her voice cracked. "That's why... I need your-"
"No." his refusal was instant. He could not save Yukinoshita from herself. Perhaps she herself could do that, but only if she saw the hubris of her ways. And even if he did have that power... He still couldn't do it. "I can not save her." had it been something more akin to 'looking after' her. Then he would have considered it. But saving her? How could he possibly do that?
When he had yet to save himself?
There were things Kotomine Hachiman knew he could never understand. In fact there were a lot of things Kotomine Hachiman knew he would never understand. And this would certainly be one of them.
"No." he refused to do this. To him this was an utter waste of time. Not to mention, he wasn't that great of an actor to begin with.
"Yes." Ebina insisted as she looked at him with twinkling eyes.
Her change in demeanor was astounding. Since classes started she never so much as looked at Hachiman. Then again, it's not like she did before. Not to mention he did slug one of her friends right in front of her. Miura would shoot a glare at him now and then. In fact, the blonde was doing it right now as he, along with a confused and uncomfortable Hayama stared at the blackboard. Hachiman gave Ebina a look before shaking his head once and returning to his seat. Hayama tried to do the same but unfortunately Hayama was not like Hachiman and ended up the fate he had a choice in refusing .
He knew what Ebina Hina was trying to do. He had come across 'Yaoi' before. While he was unresponsive of the act of two sharing the same sex, sharing the same bed. He most certainly did not intend to commit such a thing. If there was no choice though... 'No. No. No. Bad curiosity. Don't go there.' Then again, maybe if it was Totsuka-. 'Cease and desist, hormones. Cease and desist!' It had been sometime since he had some 'release'. Had too much pent up again? He was in the vicinity of multiple 'attractive' women lately. Hachiman internally grimaced. His savings weren't really at a position to take another blow again.
Ebina seemed downcast before taking a deep breath then erased his name from the main cast and wrote down Totsukas' name. The teen in question looked at the blackboard with uncertainty and asked the nearest person, which happened to be Hayama what he thought of it. Hayama and Totsuka chatted about it a little. One of Hachiman' eyebrow twitched briefly as he stared at the two owlishly. Ebina had seen it and a cheshire grin formed on her lips. She didn't want to resort to this. But desperate time called for desperate measures.
"I'm not sure about this." Hayama, still unsure about this situation told Totsuka with an unease chuckle. With Tobe at the meeting and the rest of his clique still at the back of the classroom there weren't many others to talk with.
Off in the side, Ebina approached Hachiman who looked at her curiously, wondering why she would approach him. Her hands clap together as she pleaded Hachiman for something. Hachiman closed his eyes and shook his head.
"Me neither. But everyone is depending on us. We won't know until we try so let's give it our best." Totsuka tried to assure both of them.
Ebina pulled out four five thousand yen bills and waved them in front of Hachiman with a grin. Hachiman' eyes 'lit' up in a sense and then he accepted the money without hesitation.
"Ah." Hayama couldn't really say no to that face. "You're right. Let's give it our-."
"Hayama-san."
Hayama froze, a shiver went down his spine. He turned around to see Hachiman. Quite literally marching towards him without slouching as he normally would be seen. That look in his eyes scared Hayama somewhat. It didn't help that being punched hard enough to draw blood that day was still fresh in his mind.
"Do not speak. Do not breath. Close your eyes and prepare yourself."
Involuntarily he took a step back and then another. But there was a wall behind him from taking more. His back had hit the blackboard with a thud.
Miura Yumiko who had been staring at the scene stood up, alarmed. Her chair skidded back, making a loud noise. Her action grabbed the attention of nearly everyone that still remained in the classroom and they all turned to see what had made Miura do that. Ooka and Yamato were going to move in an attempt to save their 'leader' but they were slower than Miura who rushed to Hayama' rescue.
The 'rescue' did not happen as Ebina Hina had caught stopped her before she could do so. "Hina, get out of my way!"
Hachiman was barely three feet away from Hayama. His expression unchanging as he closed in on Hayama. Even Totsuka was scared now. But Hayama? His skin had paled considerably. Less than two feet away with his left arm raised Hachiman marched. Had Hayama not been so scared he might have attempted a retaliation. Hayama closed his eyes, fully expecting to be punched again.
!BAM!
For some reason Hayama' ear hurt more than his face. In fact, His face didn't hurt at all. But something did happen to him. Something warm had came in contact with his chin and he felt warm air hitting his face.
"Maybe I'll take the both of you then."
Hayama' eyes opened wide to see Hachiman' face. Inches away from his own. His breath hitched.
"KYAAAH!" the girlish scream came from the only person in the room that was actually into this kind of thing. "Perfect! Don't! move!"
Ebina Hina suddenly appeared next to them. Taking pictures with the help of her phone and her nose dripping an absurd amount of blood. Hachiman lost count after the twelfth picture was taken and the second pint of blood lost. His face was still near Hayama' own as he stared into the blonde' eyes. His stoic visage did not change. Somehow that elevated Ebina even more. Hachiman' lips parted as he got closer to Hayama.
"KISS! KISS!" Ebina chanted. Her excitement was short lived as a red faced Hayama suddenly shoved Hachiman away. And Hachiman who was not prepared for it was sent staggering away. "Aww..." Though dejected, Ebina explained to them that Hachiman only did that with because she had requested him to. In the side Ooka and Yamato sighed in relief. Yuigahama and Kawasaki who were both frozen stiff right now, choked on air. And Miura?... well she fainted at the thought of Hachiman of all people to have stolen a kiss from Hayama before her.
At the back of the room, being unable to handle the absurdity of the situation anymore. Sagami and her two friends left.
Hachiman, now on the ground looked at Ebina with a questioning gaze. Ebina shook her head and helped him up.
"K-Kotomine-san." Hayama breathed out, still shocked and with beads of sweat rolling down his chin, looked at Hachiman. "Please don't do things like that because Hina asked you do. I beg you." Hayama had leaned much about Hachiman over the months he had known the fish eyed teen. One of them was being gullible at the oddest of times and manipulated to do the weirdest of things.
"But she pa-omf." Hachiman was unable to finish his sentence because Ebina clasped her left palm over his lips. He didn't have to ask to know why the glasses wearing girl didn't want their little trade offer being known. But he did get paid an absurd amount for something so simple as a 'Kabedon' and even possibly kiss. It would be ungrateful of him if he were to do something against her wishes already.
"This just won't anymore!" Ebina tears away the clipboard in Yuigahama' grasp and rips the paper attached to it into pieces. "We can't use this story anymore."
"W-What? But what are we going to do then?" Yuigahama asked.
"I will make a new story. Something original! Something that sets of the HayaSaiHachi ship to its course towards ascension!"
The story had apparently changed. And the new one, which Ebina Hina said she would finish writing by tomorrow so they can start rehearsing apparently was going to be 'amazing'. She was very well versed in the word of BL, that much Hachiman was certain. Meaning when Ebina said the word 'amazing'. It was probably going to be 'amazing' under the eyes of BL lovers only. Oh well, that was fine. He was given twenty thousand yen back there and would be given another ten thousand after the cultural festival for participating in this play. How Ebina Hina came across this much money he didn't know. But with the twenty from now and ten from later? He would be able to afford that 'release' he was contemplating on earlier.
Currently Hachiman and Hayama were making his way towards the room where the cultural festival committee was apparently holding their meeting. He was going only to see what and how Tobe Kakeru was doing. He didn't intend to interfere their work or help them of course. If Tobe learned to do his part on his own then that would be good right? And if he didn't then at least he would learn from the experience. And he supposed Hayama also had something similar in mind. Neither said a word to each other about what happened back in 2-F. Miura had woken up and had chalked it all up as a weird dream she had. The rest were too afraid to tell her it wasn't a dream.
He stopped and turned his head. Multiple students were already peeking inside for some reason. Their bodies were blocking a good portion of his view. He was barely able to see what was happening inside.
"Well you certainly know what to say." that was a familiar voice Hachiman wasn't expecting at all.
He stood behind a boy that was peering inside and tapped the unknown boy's shoulder. The boy, who hadn't noticed Hachiman till now looked behind and saw Hachimans' dead fish eyes staring at him unblinkingly.
"Y-yes?" the boy asked. Hachiman politely asked him to move a little and the boy did.
His entrance to the room was noticed by everyone. Had the air been that tense in here before his entrance? Then again he wasn't trying to be invisible. Had he been doing that then how could he check up on Tobe?
"Excuse us." Hayama had included him on that. For once Hachiman let the blonde speak in his behalf. Unknown to Hachiman though, Hayama just wanted to take a peek inside and see how his friend was doing. But its too late to do that now.
"Ah. Hachi-kun!" Haruno' new nickname for Hachiman had shocked just about anyone that knew her. Hachiman' answer had done about the same thing.
"Haruno." he greeted. The lack of suffixes did not go unnoticed. Especially by Yukinoshita and Hayama. "I did not expect to see you here."
"I could say the same to you. Are you here to checkup on Yukino-chan?" the casual greeting followed up by the casual conversation that lacked any form of teasing from Haruno and dismissal from Hachiman had certainly been unexpected. Hayama couldn't help but notice the difference between the Haruno talking to Hachiman at the moment and the Haruno he had known his entire life.
"Not quite." Hachiman replied before spotting Tobe who was not looking at the scene unfolding in front of the entire festival committee(whom were all gawking at them of course) and was trying to do the work assigned to him instead. Tobe had seen Hachiman and Hayama enter and even greeted Hayama since Hayama wasn't actively talking to anyone before returning to work. He was struggling of course. Especially since he only had one arm. But even if he had both arms Hachiman did not doubt Tobe would still struggle. After all, at the end of the day Tobe Kakeru was still Tobe Kakeru. A normal human being. Aspects of individuals changed over time, Hachiman himself was proof of that. But that was just it. Over time. It did not happen spontaneously just because the individual wanted it to. A skinny and frail person can not suddenly become a buff and strong person just as an overweight person could not loose weight because they wanted to. An addict did not loose his addiction just because they wanted to. It took time and effort. Sometimes with painfully slow progress. And once again Hachiman was proof of that.
And Tobe Kakeru, the single biggest slacker of 2-F till today, was doing exactly that. Tobe knew what he wanted. Tobe asked for what he wanted. And Tobe was working for what he wanted. And most important of all. He did not do it halfheartedly. Unlike some people.
"Kotomine-kun." Yukinoshita called out to him with a glare. Hachiman wondered if she was constipated again. "If you have nothing important to discuss, please leave."
And he was going to of course. He bowed to the other committee members. Just once before turning to leave. "Sorry for the intrusion."
-A Few of Days Later-
The next few days were a blur to Hachiman who had gone to class and rehearsed his lines in the play. The new play, written and directed by Ebina Hina. The initial draft had let all those who read it shocked. Hachiman himself was a little unnerved. The reason behind it was simple.
"I would like to keep my cloths on for this if possible." he remembered telling the fujoshi with Hayama and Totsuka nodding vehemently.
And after Miura read the script. All hell broke loose. It took about two hours after classes were over and Miura keeping a watchful eye over Ebina for Ebina to finish the new and edited version of the script.
Ebina said that the plot was pretty 'simple'. Hachiman was a character of 'royal blood'. He would be married to Totsuka within 'two months'. The two of them would spend those two months together to know each other more. However, during that time. Totsuka would fall for Hachiman' personal 'butler' which was Hayama instead. The two would of them, Totsuka and Hayama would enter a 'relationship' going on in the background while Hachiman would remain oblivious. At the 'end' though. Hachiman would find out the 'cheating' his 'significant other' was doing behind his back and would confront them about it. First he would 'talk' to Hayama but would take interest in the blonde. Then Hachiman would use his 'charms' to make Hayama 'his' as well. Then he would 'reveal' it to Totsuka and then they would-
The scene after that was heavily altered and edited. Long story short, Hayama and Totsuka would resist his charms and run off into the sunset to their happily ever after, leaving him all 'sad' and 'alone'.
Miura Yumiko had been very smug about that last part. Much to Hachiman' utter confusion.
As far as plot went... Hachiman had certainly read better... He had certainly read worse as well. Courtesy of Zaimokuza... For both actually... That was actually terrifying in its own right. In fact, Ebina' script was almost as bad as Zaimokuza'. Were the two related? No. But still, Two Zaimokuzas? Many would surely have nightmares about it.
"Ah. I knew this would be a pain but not this much!" Tobe whined to his friends from behind Hachiman.
Haruno did the same to him whenever they spoke these past couple of days. He would listen with utmost attention. She was his friend. He was to listen to her problems and burdens. The fact that it also kept him updated on the status of the committee's progress was an added bonus.
"Even with all the extra help we're still a day behind schedule." Tobe whined again.
Hachiman knew that as well. Haruno complained about it to him. Even telling him that even she was forced to(he doubted that part) do twice as much paperwork as well. After that she asked him to give her a shoulder massage since it will apparently help her relax a little. He agreed of course. Knowing full well how bad shoulder pains could get sometimes. The tone she used elected a raised eyebrow from him. The new book he read also mentioned something about it. According to the book, what it implied was not actually favorable when it came to friendships between those of opposite sexes so he just ignored it. Him imagining it was also a possibility.
"Yukinoshita-san is taking care of most of the busy work by herself. It's kinda scary how she came to school yesterday even though she was sick. I know its taking a lot of work off people, especially me but I'm kinda worried about her honestly."
'She came in while sick?' he thought to himself. Perhaps there was hope for her so called 'goal' after all.
Tobe sure felt talkative today. Then again, the boy was spending very little time with his friends lately because of his new duties. Perhaps he didn't understand that such a thing was bound to happen the moment he decided to take responsibility for his life. Leisure and responsibility simply did not go hand in hand. Not without the presence of what many would consider 'immoral' at least.
The bell rang. Luckily Hachiman had finished his lunch. Class would begin and he would have to mentally prepare himself for the rehearsal afterwards.
-After Class-
"Maybe I'll take the both of you then." Hachiman said, looking at the script while locking Hayama in a Kabedon position. The position was not necessary but with Ebina' persistence, Hayama eventually gave up. Hachiman himself had no complaints since he was technically paid for this. At least this kabedon was far more tame compared to the one from a few days ago. For that Hayama was relieved and the fact that this time Hachiman didn't look like he was about to kiss him made things far better. But that didn't stop the part in his that was telling him to shove Hachiman away in fear. Totsuka listened from the side while memorizing his own lines. The rest of the students, those who were still around at least. Did their part by making props for the play and were paying little attention to them. The only one paying attention was Miura. But only because she didn't trust Hachiman near Hayama.
"No No! You have to say it more huskily! Like this!" Ebina cleared her throat. "Maybe I'll take the both of you then~" she made a slight smile. The types he would see on the wannabe 'playboys' on certain anime's. Frankly it had far less impact in real life. Looks like special effects, glows and background themes really did make a scene look far better than it was.
"Maybe I'll take the both of you then." Hachiman repeated, in the exact same fashion and tone from before.
"Ngraaah!" Ebina made a table flipping motion for dramatic effect. "Kotomine-kun we've been at this for ten minutes now. It's really not that hard." she sighed, looks like she was had given up on the husky voice thing. "Can you-can you at least try to smile." her defeated tone meant that she really wanted to have Hachiman pull of that 'husky' tone off. It was unfortunate really, no matter what he did, it just didn't come to him. No one noticed when Hayama pale at that moment.
Hachiman stood straight, no longer holding Hayama in a kabedon and blinked. "But I don't have a reason to smile right now?" there really was no reason to smile here.
Ebina blinked, unsure of how to answer that question. "M-Maybe you should think of something that makes you smile-" Hachiman raised an eyebrow which made Ebina stutter. "I-I mean brings warmth to your heart?"
'Something that makes my heart warm?' he put on a thinking pose. There certainly was plenty of things that made his heart 'warm'. They were all similar in nature though.
He closed his eyes and exhaled then slowly opened them. However, this time both sides of his lips curled upwards a little. Not a full smile, but a half one. And his eyes, though opened. Narrowed just slightly. It was far from a proper smile and much closer to a sinister grin.
Hayama felt a chill crawl up his spine. The feeling of fear he felt whenever near Hachiman intensified. Totsuka who looked up at that exact moment, hoping to see Hachiman smile, swallowed the lump in his throat.
And their director, Ebina Hina?... Well...
"Perfect!" she gushed, much to the surprise of all three boys. Hayama looked at Ebina in pure shock, same with Totsuka while Hachiman was just surprised. Had he done it? Had he smiled without looking too creepy? He hadn't really 'tried to smile' in a long time. "It screamed out the scene perfectly. Like you don't care what your butler and your lover thinks. Intending to make them yours through carnal lust and KYAAA-!" blood gushed out of her nose as her imagination ran wild. Hachiman returned to looking at the script. Had he not seen this happen about everyday since they started, He might have spared it a second glance.
-First Day of the Festival-
Hachiman exited the stage into the backstage, the last scene was of Hayama and Totsuka. But for him, it was over. And in a few more days he would likely be paid the rest of what he was owed. Ebina gave him a double thumbs up for his work and even handed him a water bottle.
"Thank you." he thanked her, she grinned.
"Thank you." Ebina thanked him with a grin while caressing the camera in her hands. He caught her taking multiple pictures while salivating like a dog. Hachiman wanted to ask what she was going to do with it but something told him he really didn't want to know. He untied the tie from his neck.
"Can you give me an estimation on when I would be receiving the rest of the money?" he asked her after taking a sip. The fujoshi was caught off guard by the sudden question.
"A-ah. Do you need it urgently?" the girl asks nervously.
"No." the girl sighed in relief. Hachiman wasn't done though. "However, I would prefer to received it by the end of the week."
"I-oh one moment." Ebina vanished into the crowd. Moving from places to places to take more pictures of Hayama and Totsuka who were enacting the final scene. It was an 'intimate' moment between the two characters. Unknown to Hachiman, one of his eyebrows twitched as he stared at the scene like the other spectators. The audience squealed, most of them were women. Suddenly his phone vibrated. The pattern was different compared to a phone call. Someone had sent him an E-mail?
He pulled it out of his pocket and opened the message. An eyebrow rose at what he received. It read,
"I'll see you soon then. Make due with this for now. Free of charge ;)"
"That was a hell of a performance Kotomine-san." Tobe, who had entered the backstage from the backdoor spoke up. "What're you looking at- oh wow. I didn't realize you were the type to look at porn in the open Kotomine-san."
Hachiman glanced at Tobe, acknowledging the boy's presence. "This is just the confirmation of a future trade." The message he sent yesterday finally got a reply. And the reply was the picture of a woman posing, hiding her eyes with her top lifted, exposing her bare breasts to the camera. The quality of the image was poor of course. Likely because it was taken by the camera of a phone. It was the same woman he had shared a bed with the night he went to Royal Okura with the rest of his clubmates. He never really went out to find any other women. But hey, so long as his hormones were calmed, It didn't really matter that much.
"I... don't get it." Tobe looked at him confused. Hachiman told the boy to not think too much about it.
'I should get changed.' fortunately this wasn't a real play in a real theater. Meaning there wouldn't be an encore. His acting was subpar and this clothing was getting annoying to be in. Somewhat tight around the torso.
"Hey Kotomine-san." Tobe suddenly said. "Have you seen Sagamin? I can't find her. She's supposed to keep track on how things are progressing and was supposed to update the StuCo about ten minutes ago."
"No, I don't believe I have." Hachiman shook his head, unbuttoning his outfit. "Look for Yukinoshita. She probably already has it done." after all, she did more or less agree to take Sagami Minami' duties.
"Wait, you don't know?" Tobe' question had Hachiman raising an eyebrow. "Yukinoshita-san collapsed about an hour ago."
"Is that so?" Hachiman questioned. 'So her illness caught up to her.' It was bound to happen really. The girl was sick and still continued to work. While such a thing was certainly reckless in every sense of the word. She had gave her word to 'help' Sagami with her committee work. So there was logic behind her actions. He did not condemn her for it. Nor did he praise her for it. He didn't even pity her current state. Be it a decision or a transaction, no matter how stupid it is, should be seen to its end. And all the results, be it good or bad is simply part of it. Sure she could regret it of course. But denying the result if they were bad was simply stupid... Then again, this was Yukinoshita Yukino...
Who knows, this might give her that 'fall' that would make her change for 'the better'. He doubted it though. People like her needed more than one fall to change their minds. Hachiman took off his costume and put reached for his normal half sleeved black half T-shirt.
"Yea. I guess all the work she's been doing these past few days were too much for her." by the sounds of it. Tobe was feeling guilty.
"Ah Tobe! Here to catch Kotomine-kun topless?" Ebina returned with a grin and blood dripping down from her nose.
"Ah! Hina! Did you see-"
-Chapter End-
... I'm sure youre wondering why this was so late too... Let's just say that I learned something this past month...
My Luggage is softer than the pavement... Make what you want of that. If you didn't understand what that means then I'm sure those that did would be a little jealous of you.
Now then, a small rant: There are some things I downright hate about the Oregairu anime and fandom. Perhaps some of you do as well. It's not a character but something else entirely. Something that has to do with the writing of Oregairu itself and the fandoms perception of it.
1)Not every adult/older character are dependable. It is almost always shown that the characters that are older than the main Service Club cast to be apparently 'clear cut' or wiser than the rest. Sure, with age comes wisdom. But truthfully that's not the case with most people. I'm almost 100% sure that the 'adult' readers here can understand what I'm trying to say here. Heck, sometimes I feel like the adults irl make more mistakes than kids.
2)The entire Oregairu cast make mountains out of mole hills and overthink obvious things. Like come on. It's like they're written to be reta*^ed.
3) The fandom has an overly skewed perception of Haruno just because of what Hayama and Yukino thinks of her. Guys... Haruno was more or less a bully to both of them when they were kids. OF COURSE THEY'RE GONNA THINK OF HER AS SOME HEARTLESS MONSTER! IT'S WHAT EVERYONE THINKS OF THEIR BULLIES! BUT JUST BECAUSE THEY THINK THAT OF HER DOESN'T MEAN SHE IS THAT BAD! If Haruno was anywhere near as heartless as those two morons make her out to be then Hayama would either be dead or wishing he was dead, and you know that. Yet everyone makes it sound like she's some inhuman being that deprives from the misery of others in almost every fanfic that isn't HachixHaru. What I'm trying to do with this fanfic is to make a Haruno that isn't a full on sociopath. Show that yes, she is a human being with human emotions. Not some uncaring all powerful and all knowing demon king that does overly terrible things for the heck of it.
Sigh. Rant over.
Note: The flashback Hachiman had wasn't anything 'magical' that so many of you seem to complain about(the magical aspect in this fanfic is a subplot. You're over thinking it. It will get a conclusion of sorts though). The flashback was just Hachiman remembering the night after the fireworks. Where he was fighting those guys in a rage induced state. And no, Hachiman did not kill that man, he was knocked out before that could happen. Would he have done so if he wasn't knocked out?... Yes.
Note 2: I prefer not to point things like this out. I just couldn't help it this time. There are two references to the anime Bleach in this chapter. Let's see if you can find it. Here's a hint, It's from the Soul Society Arc.
Note 3: No, those guys that attacked Haruno and Hachiman after the festival(21. ch18) are not the guys that beatup Hachiman at the beach(20. ch17). If they were Hachiman would have mentally commented on it. The guys at the hospital were NOT the same guys from the festival. They were the guys from the beach. Haruno used her money to hire some men, track the guys from the beach down and have them beaten up for assaulting Hachiman. I'm sorry for not making it clear back then.
Changes from the original: Some spelling errors fixed.