Chapter 18: "His Desistance"
Yukinoshita called me earlier this morning, and informed me that the court session that was to be in two days time was pushed further back by a week. With nothing pressing to do, I decided to go to the firing range beneath the police department, and I was surprisingly joined by Shiba.
He stood at the booth with a focused expression and I watched as he emptied out the magazine of a pistol into the target a fair distance away. In Shiba's hands was an uncommon sight: a Sig Sauer P220. My partner had added the more modern pistol to his arsenal after the terrorist incident, claiming he needed to be better prepared for unexpected situations. While Japan was far safer than most countries, crime was still rising.
My eyes trailed Shiba's stance, which was a textbook Weaver. However, his shots were all over the place: hitting the torso, chest, and shoulders. Only 3 of the 7 rounds actually managed to penetrate the target.
The Weaver stance was a shooting technique for handguns created in America during the 1950's by the retired county deputy, Jack Weaver. It was originally intended as a way for him to win shooting competitions. While his fellow competitors would quickly draw the gun from their holsters and attempt to fire accurately from the hip, Weaver took the precious few extra seconds to bring the gun to eye level and use the sights of the gun to line up an accurate shot before firing.
This technique of swiftly drawing the gun to eye level and then rapidly putting accurate shots down range became known as the Weaver stance. It was made popular in enthusiast circles and eventually proliferated out into the world. It was conceptually easy to understand, and likely heard of by the average person, making it a common technique for beginners to learn.
When Shiba fired the final round of his mag and began to reload was when I walked up and tapped his shoulder. Both of us took off our earmuffs and he turned to look at me.
"Your form needs some work." I told him flatly. "You're too rigid."
"Too rigid?"
"Yeah, I'll show you, go back into the stance."
Shiba nodded and bent his body into the Weaver stance.
I reached out and begin to adjust his arms and body. "The arm at the bottom needs to be bent more, it gives better support to the arm that held the gun. The idea is to have a push-pull grip. You push with the firing arm and pull with the support arm to stabilize the weapon."
I let him feel out the changes and he looked confused as he asked me a question. "What about aiming? These changes are just for recoil mitigation, aren't they?"
"Accuracy comes into play after you get your recoil under control. Don't tense your back, use it as a buffer for the forces your arms feel so you can maintain the accuracy for follow up shots."
Shiba nodded and he let me know that we was going to try a few more mags. We put on our bright yellow earmuffs once more and I watched him go to work. He carefully moved into his adjusted Weaver stance and began firing. I could see immediate improvement, as 6 of 7 bullets hit the target, and three of them made a nice grouping in the torso.
Shiba mouthed his thanks to me, to which I gave a thumbs up. Seeing his success, I decided to try out my own hand. I took out my P30L with match-weight already attached. I entered my own stance, but before I started firing I noticed Shiba giving me a strange look. I took off my earmuffs, and he did the same.
"Something wrong?" I asked.
"No, it's just that your form looks strange."
"Oh, this? It's a modification of the Weaver stance."
"Modification? Why?"
"Well, it utilizes my legs more, my knees and feet in particular to control the recoil rather than my arms. Frees them to better aim with. Learned it from some American when I was deployed."
"Is there anything wrong with the Weaver stance?"
"Not really, it's great for beginners, because it's more intuitive to control recoil with your upper body, but it exposes a part of the body that generally isn't covered by body armor."
"Which area?"
"The spot right below the left armpit. At the angle the Weaver stance shooter takes, it's a straight shot to heart. If not that, shrapnel will get into your system and right into your bloodstream. And unfortunately, most people aren't Tony Stark, so you're as good as dead." [1]
I chuckled at how Shiba's eyes widened in alarm. "Don't stress. The chances of that happening are low, and you should master the Weaver before you try your hand at the fighter stance. It's safer that way."
I gestured to convey that I was going to start my own turn, and Shiba stepped back as we readied up. I smoothly slide back into the fighter stance and aim the iron sights of my pistol at the target. I rapidly dumped 15 Parabellum rounds. The sounds of the gun were barely a whisper to my covered ears. My arms felt comfortably numb at the recoil. The matchweight I had attached to the front helped reduce the upward jump and allowed me to recenter my aim faster, letting me fire accurate shots down range far faster than without. And the results were average, I guess. Great groups that were mostly center mass, but a few errant holes here and there. They were all on target at least.
"Not the type of shot you'd expect from a gumshoe." Shiba whistled as he inspected the target sheet over my shoulder. "Sometimes I can just tell you're not a normal enforcer."
My eyes narrowed at him. "What are you trying to get at?"
"I mean, it's just the way you carry yourself. I can't help but think you have a lot of experience, and you do get results." Shiba admitted unabashedly. "I think that's why a lot of people avoid you. You're intimidating and hard to approach. Kinda like a Bond villain. B-but you're definitely a good guy!"
Was that really the impression others had of me? I was never that conscious of my demeanor anymore, since active combat drilled into me the importance of paying attention to my surroundings rather than myself. But my behavior wasn't all that different, was it? The only real difference from high school was that I lost the habit of slouching my back. The Demon Drill Sergeant beat that out of me real quick during Basic.
Really though, intimidating? I didn't think I gave off such a vibe. I get saved from responding when my phone went off, letting me know I got a text message.
"Dear Hikigaya-kun, I have received word from the courthouse, the trial will be delayed by an additional week. The prosecution is most likely trying to buy time and create a strategy to beat the testimonial by Colonel Hidetaka."
"Girlfriend text you?" Shiba's voice emanated near my ear as he peered over my shoulder. I elbowed him in the stomach reflexively, and was satisfied by a loud 'guffaw!' that came out from my victim. I shook my head and lined up for another go at a fresh target.
"Oh hey Senpai, nice watch."
Δ▼Δ
TIMES Japan - Article #POL-3701
SHOCKING RACIAL COMMENTS BY VETERAN POLITICIAN (by Yamada Senrui)
[TOKYO] Controversy erupted during a gathering of the National Diet. Shiokawa Taizo (age 79) of the Conservative Party stood to make his case to delay the bill for limited asylum grants proposed by Prime Minister Kinzo Nabe a week prior.
What started off as a filibuster speech about the infeasibility of the plan, noting that it would be impossible to have rigorous background checks for refugees as well as ensuring their educational levels for the skilled positions, devolved into a game of passing the buck.
Representative Shiokawa pinned the blame for the instability of the region to China, claiming it was a shadow tactic to undermine Japan's projection of power in the region. He pushed forward the idea that China wanted to expand its border, as revenge for the actions of the Japanese during World War II.
The conspiracy theory reached further however.
He was not shy in leveling allegations that China was acting with hopes for Japan to be forced by the international community to accept the refugees and "have the social structure crumble from the inside." The larger country and manufacturing giant was waiting like a carrion-eater to exert influence on the weakened parts of the island country and "turn Japan into another puppet state to be controlled by the Communist Party."
He then turned fault on the United States of America, asking why they were not accepting the refugees "when they had ample land and a larger economy. The amount of food that it takes to make their people that obese must be a sign that they can easily feed them [refugees]." Shiokawa insisted that America was not providing as much disaster relief as it responsibly should, as if expecting Japan to field the brunt of the issue simply due to proximity.
"It should be known to the Americans that they do not have 51 states. They have no power over us, nor can they force us to act."
The incendiary comments did not end there, Shiokawa proceeded to refer to Indonesians and Malaysians as "backward island-baboons" who could not even maintain their own state.
The Conservative Party promptly distanced themselves from Shiokawa. When asked for a response, they stated that "Representative Shiokawa's opinions and views do not reflect the philosophies of the Conservative Party."
Political commentators are throwing their hands in the air, decrying the state of Japanese politics, which they claim is slowly losing its civil nature. Now resembling more and more the uncouth character of American politics.
The words of Shiokawa seems to have backfired, however. The Bill passed with a 52% majority, and will be going into effect within five weeks.
"Hikigaya-saaaaaan!" A pretty girl with obviously bleached blonde hair called out to me, proceeding to come unnecessarily close and her tendrils of (artificial) golden hair fell over my shoulder. "I can't believe it! You're on your phone already?"
I gave a weak smile, a simple dwarf planet composed of ice in the face of a blazing ball of fire. "Sorry. I was just, uh, reading."
My eyes flickered to the other side of the room, where other people sat and engaged in small conversations outside of my sphere of knowledge. My hopes that no one would see this interaction were dashed when I saw some peculiar stares from the other men at the scene.
This was the weekend that I had promised to go to a mixer with Secretary-chan.
I thought now was a good a time as ever to wear some of the casual clothing I had bought with Yukinoshita. I put on my glasses and left the house, more than a little confident in how I looked. If it was adequate by her Royal Frostiness' standards, it was more than good enough for me. When I showed up at the location, Morimi gave me a weird look.
"You looked kinda ghoulish before, but you can clean up pretty well."
Should I feel insulted, or praised?
The other victims of the mixer showed up in due time. Two girls who were friends of Secretary-chan and worked at Signals came as well, as did two other guys who happened to be friends through graduate school. I forgot everyone's names as soon as they were said.
Sorry.
The room we were in was the usual mixer situation: a table at the center flanked by two sofas. We had ordered our drinks and appetizers before awkwardly beginning to talk. Apparently I was a bit of a novelty to the women, who were interested in the guy who had been personally invited by Secretary-chan.
I attempted to keep quiet, hoping they would leave me alone and turn their attention to the other men in the room, but they somehow found ways to drag me back into their discussions anyway. I tried to use my phone as a distraction tool, but it backfired.
"Really? What are you reading?"
I locked my phone and placed it down on the table. "Just some article about some politician saying some crazy stuff."
"Ohhhh!" Exclaimed the other girl on the opposite side of the room, the one with short black hair. She stopped her conversation with one of the other guys and clapped her hands together. "It was that old guy, right? He said some really mean things! Haha!"
"Ha ha… yeah…" I plastered a fake smile on my face like a fresco, hoping my discomfort wasn't visible.
"Politics has been pretty absurd lately, hasn't it?" Added of the guys, trying to needle his way into the conversation.
"Ever since the SEA became a hot-zone. It's always on the news, all the time. Getting exhausted hearing about it constantly, y'know?" His friend came in to back him up.
Bless your souls. I appreciated the effort you were making to take attention away from myself. Your valiant actions will not go unnoticed. Red ribbons for the both of you! [2]
"Yeah! It's kind of scary, right?" The blonde-haired girl at my side said. She was near enough that I could feel her vibrate as she spoke. Close! Too close!
"Hey Hikigaya, who's this 'Ice Queen'?" Asked Secretary-chan suddenly.
My blood froze in my arteries and my heart stopped beating, suddenly making me the perfect example of a human post-petrification. I whirled around to look at Secretary-chan, who had my phone in her hands. Oh crap, I really regretted removing the lock on my phone. The things I did in case of emergencies…
"Why do you have my phone!?"
"Ehh? It was flashing you know? You got a text or two, but you didn't notice. I was gonna give it to you, but I saw."
It was confirmed, I really needed a new phone. This situation was one to always avoid.
"And anyway." Continued Secretary-chan. "Why are all of your contacts girls?"
"You went through my contacts too!?"
Secretary-chan ignored me. "Komachi, Shizuka, Rumi, Yui, Iroha, and 'Ice Queen'." A finger went up for every name she recites. "These are all girls names, and the only contacts you have besides 'Mom' and 'Dad.' You don't even have Shiba's number saved."
Oh yeah, I should probably add him. I never really had a need to call him, and he always seemed to call me when I needed him. Something he called 'the Partner-Psycommu link.' [3]
"I, uh…" How do I explain this?
"Wait, you don't have Haruno-san's number either? What about your lawyer?"
"What are you talking about?"
"What's your deal with them?"
"I don't understand?" I felt absolutely out of my element here. How the tables have turned; the interrogator becomes the interrogated.
"Don't hold out on me! The sexual tension you have with Haruno-san is through the roof!"
My brain crashed and the world lost its color and warmth. What? Sexual tension? Haruno? What sexual tension!? I was always telling her to leave me alone when she comes by on her 'visits' to systematically terrify me. In fact, you could call it harrassment! No, there was clearly an agenda at work. Haruno was an emotional terrorist! I knew there was a reason why Shizuka got along with her.
The gossip of course, attracted the attention of the two other women.
"Hikigaya-san has a thing with someone?"
"Ehhhhh!? So surprising! What's going on?"
Secretary-chan didn't even wait for me to try and explain myself, as she brought the two up to speed. The pace and intensity with which she recounted events made me shiver, and many of the details were just incorrect. When she finished, the girls seemed to look at me in a new light, almost awestruck.
"What about the lawyer? You two seemed close." Secretary-chan asked.
Might as well lie. "Never met her in my life."
"That's not true. Shiba said that he's seen her before in high school. And I knew you two went to the same school."
Foiled by those closest to me. Typical.
"Wow! You went to the same high school as your lawyer? What are the odds?" Said the girl with short-black hair, now completely ignoring the other two men who sat with their heads hung, clouds forming over them.
I decided to play it safe and said that Yukinoshita and I were just in the same club during high school. She had moved to England after she graduated to do her undergrad and finish law school. We just happened to meet again because of circumstances, with me being sued of all things.
"It sounds like some serial drama…" Breathed the blonde with Secretary-can and the black-haired one nodded in agreement.
Don't you dare put that evil on me!
"Haruno-san said that she and Hikigaya-dated way back, but he was just playing with her while he was actually after her younger sister. He just kept her around as a failsafe." Secretary-chan, looked at me with cold eyes. "Apparently he's a natural-born gigolo. Had girls at his beck and call."
"Ok, stop it. That's definitely not true!" I exclaimed in a panic.
"Oh? What about that brown haired girl who came for her phone the other day? She was pretty too, and she called you by a pet-name too."
Shit, I forgot she met Yuigahama.
"Waitttttt!" Cried the black-haired girl as she came closer to us. "I'm so lost!"
"Well you see…" The secretary described Yuigahama and how I had said that we also used to be in the same club. The way she built this tale made it sound like we had a love triangle thing going on. Which was uncomfortably close to the truth despite how exaggerated this version was.
My phone began to buzz in Secretary-chan's hand. When she looked at the caller ID, her face soured as she handed the device over to me.
"It's the 'Ice Queen'."
Speak of the devil, and it shall appear. I'm starting to wonder if this was like that mobile game where I was able to summon demons with my smartphone. [4]
I quickly grabbed the phone and spoke into it. "Hello?"
"Hikigaya-kun?"
"Yo."
"Yes, hello. I require some assistance. Are you able to come to the Center Mall at—"
"I'll leave right now." I took the opportunity to escape my current predicament zealously.
"O-okay." Yukinoshita responded, flustered at my interruption.
"See you in a bit."
I end the call and stood up. I made my way to exit and grabbed my sports coat from the hooks, to the dismay of the girls who had wanted story time to continue. Unfortunately for them, I had a higher power to answer to.
Δ▼Δ
Of course, I should have paid attention to the weather forecast today. When I left the underground station I walked straight into a late summer deluge. I had no umbrella, but the mall was relatively close. I shrugged and decided to run the distance.
Center Mall was located on a street corner. The building was circular, making it stand out amongst the glass boxes of the rest of Tokyo. I spied Yukinoshita standing underneath the overhang of the entrance, peering out into the storm. She noticed my approach and raised a hand in greeting.
"You're absolutely soaked." Noted Yukinoshita with a frown, a little bit of guilt creeping into her voice. "I'm sorry for calling you out here on such short notice."
"Not a problem, you actually saved me."
Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow, but doesn't question it. "If you say so."
"Yeah, I said so. What's up? You needed help with something?"
"Yes. You see, Nee-san had ordered a new television from the electronics store and it was for pickup. She had asked me to get the device, but unfortunately I was unable to find parking in the mall's lot and had to do so some distance away. With the sudden rain I was stuck and I didn't wish to risk the television getting wet if I transported it to the car."
"That right?" I brought a hand to my chin and thought through some solutions. "Alright then, give me the keys. I'll go get the car."
"Are you certain?"
"I'm already wet, no need for both of us to get caught in this downpour."
With that, Yukinoshita handed me the keys to her Mercedes and told me where the vehicle was located. I walked back out into the storm and down the sidewalks until I found the parked luxury car and jumped in. When I press the ignition button, the car rumbled to life satisfyingly. I circle around the block and came to the mall, taking care to back the car slowly towards Yukinoshita so she could load the box into the trunk without having to deal with the rain. She gave an appreciative look when I helped her lift the electronic device into the rear.
The job done, we took our seats in the car.
"Where are we headed?" I ask.
"Azabu Ward." She responded.
"Oh? You have directions?"
I drew a blank from Yukinoshita, before remembering that she used the GPS to get everywhere.
"Nevermind. I'll never risk our lives ever again." I assured her.
Yukinoshita pinched my side painfully. I depressed the throttle and took the car onto the road and navigate the highways according to Yukinoshita's GPS.
Driving the Merc needed a little getting used to, since the car I normally drove was naturally aspirated and Yukinoshita's AMG had forced induction due to the twin turbos. Power came out at the top of the rev range, and the car seemed to have torque for days. It took a bit of self control to stop myself from testing the acceleration and see where the tachometer would stop. Didn't help that the sounds the turbo blow-off valve made were just sensual.
I chuckled once under my breath when the valves whistled particularly loudly, earning a bewildered look from Yukinoshita.
We eventually made it to Azabu Ward. It was the area where the rich and influential of Tokyo resided, with luxury apartments and houses on scenic avenues and streets. Driving around, I'm surrounded by expensive brick and mortar houses with tall glass windows and sophisticated fascias. I'm not surprised that this was where Haruno lived. No doubt her father had built some things in this district. Being the daughter of an extremely large construction company, Haruno must have been spoiled for choice when selecting a residence.
Yukinoshita directed me to stop the car in a parking lot before a two story house. After fiddling with something on her phone, the garage door opened up and I'm asked to bring the car inside.
"Ah! Yukino-chan! Hikigaya-kun!" A loud and bubbly voice greeted us when we left the confines of the car. Haruno stood before us in casual wear and ran down the steps. "Thank you, Yukino-chan! I got stuck with some work. Although I see that you managed to get Hikigaya-kun to help you."
"But of course." Responded Yukinoshita. "It is always up to the shepherd to keep their flock in line."
"You've made allusions to so many animals lately, I'm starting to feel like I'm a chimera or something.
Yukinoshita blinked at me. "I would say you are just as peculiar."
Haruno laughed at her sister's words and I grumbled. Yeah, I walked into that one alright.
"Haruno, are you in the garage? And do I hear Yukino?" A new voice called out from in the house. One that was familiar to me for all the wrong reasons.
From the door Haruno entered through, walked in a new figure, a woman wrapped in a violet and red yukata. She was a tad shorter than Yukinoshita, but was just as slim and beautiful. This woman was the perfected form of the Ice Queen, the final evolution.
If Yukinoshita was a queen, this lady was an empress. Her eyes delivered a look that seemed to pierce through your soul and unearth your weakness through eye contact alone. I vividly remembered the conversations I had with her ages ago. Yukinoshita the elder would speak a quiet maelstrom of unassuming words that blew apart the ego. Then from the scraps she would piece your intentions together, knowing your inner thoughts and desires better than you did yourself.
Even after my time fighting enemies with guns in a foreign jungle country and dealing with dangerous criminals as my day job, I had yet to find someone more frightening than the matriarch of the Yukinoshita family: the mother of Yukinoshita Haruno and Yukinoshita Yukino, Yukinoshita Tomiko.
"Oh? It seems we have a guest?" She asked with a curious tone, with a voice that I could only describe as being diamond-like in clarity and firmness.
"I completely forgot!" Haruno placed her hands together in apology to her mother. "Sorry, Mom! And besides, he's not exactly a stranger. You remember Hikigaya-kun from back then right?"
The mother's eyes widened in recognition of my name, and I gulp. "... it has been quite a while… Hikigaya-san…"
"L-likewise... " I stuttered out, still completely intimidated by Yuki-mom. Should I bow? Wait, I'm not a child anymore, but should I still bow?
"Would you like to step inside to dry off? Perhaps tea as well to warm up?" The Ice Empress asked politely.
I opened my mouth to refuse, but a physical push from Haruno and her mother's expectant face destroyed my resolve.
I'm strong-armed through the home of the Yukinoshitas. And the first thing I notice about this lion's den? They had heated tiles. That's right: HEATED TILES. The comforting warmth of the floor made me want to lie down and go to sleep on the hard surface. It was magical.
There were two marble spiral staircases that led to the second floor. The heated tiles eventually led way to amber hardwood floors. Bamboo plants sat in chic pots that were placed in specific areas, bringing in some semblance of life to the sterile house of white and shine. It was all modern and lavish, but also had a traditional and calming aspect to it. In my opinion, this really suited the family who resided here.
Yukinoshita disappeared as soon as I stepped in, and I'm pushed into a guided tour by Yukinoshita's mom and Haruno.
Their kitchen was like a laboratory. White tiled floors with white walls, the only black being the marble countertops and top of the kitchen-island. The area was accented by stainless steel appliances and fixtures. All absolutely clean, as if they were never used.
The second floor held all of the personal rooms. There were five in total apparently, with specific ones addressed to Haruno and the master bedroom. Everything else were said to be guest rooms. I was also told that this floor held the grand bathroom, which was where I was lead. Yukinoshita was waiting for us with a change of clothing in hand, just some sweatpants and a shirt.
She guided me into the changing room and indicates where the towels are so I could dry off.
"Just leave your wet clothing in the changing room, and put on the new clothes in the bath, I'll have it collected."
I nodded numbly and walked into their… absolutely ridiculous bathroom. Beige walls and matching beige floors, in a Western style. A large bathtub was at the center of the room, easily able to hold three people. It was less a bathtub and more a jacuzzi. I noticed the knobs all had tiny cats engraved into them. I smiled a bit. Yeah, this was definitely Yukinoshita's work.
"Hikigaya-kun?" Called Yukinoshita from beyond the bath door. "I'll be collecting your clothes to be dry cleaned."
"Nah, don't bother!" I hollered back, momentarily awed by the echo of my voice in this luxurious room. "Just throw them into the drier or something."
"..." There was no response.
"Yukinoshita?"
"Hikigaya-kun… where were you before we met at the mall?"
My stomach felt queasy at the question, I almost experienced an emotion that I could only describe as 'shame.'
"I, uh, was at the bar with some coworkers," I said nervously, before catching myself. Wait, why do I feel like a husband who got caught cheating? I had no reason to feel guilty!
"By chance, were any of these 'coworkers,' women?" Inquired Yukinoshita, and I could almost see the frost forming along the door sills. "Or perhaps men wearing women's perfume, judging by the smell of your shirt."
"Wait, are you smelling my—"
"Would they also happen to have blonde— oh, apologies, bleached blonde hair that reached the middle back?"
Ah crap, did she find a strand somehow? One of those girls did get right up in my personal space…
"Ok. I was at a mixer. A coworker invited me out." With no way out, I came clean.
"Did you enjoy it? Mr. Social?" I could feel the sarcasm dripping from her voice.
"Can't really say. I wasn't there for long. You called about an hour in and I left."
"..." Yukinoshita went silent and I heard the rustling of clothes. "Slippers have been prepared for you. Come out whenever you are done changing."
After I finished putting on the dry clothing, I'm led by Yukinoshita to the den, where I heard Yukinoshita's mother and Haruno conversing in light hearted tones. They stopped when they see us enter the room. There were a limited number of seats, and Yukinoshita remained standing as Haruno pulled me to sit next to her.
Not that the younger daughter remained idle. She walked over to the table and carefully poured four cups of tea. Her form was exquisite, as if she had stepped out of those ancient paintings of tea ceremonies. It was surreal and her figure almost subliminal. All we were missing was a long wooden table and a few school chairs to fully experience the nostalgia.
I accepted the cup gratefully. An emotion that was short lived, as Yukinoshita declared she was going to fix some snacks from the kitchen, Haruno excitedly jumped up to help her.
Leaving me in the room with Yukinoshita Tomiko.
I started to get nervous. I was always bad dealing with her. Yukinoshita's mother was like a force of nature, an omen of what Yukinoshita would be capable of in a few years time. Her presence was awe-inspiring, if I were to be honest. I could see why she was the lynchpin that held the Yukinoshita family together. I'm still unsure how my teenage self had managed to talk to her about a controversial topic.
"I apologize that my husband could not be here to join us," said Yukinoshita's mother suddenly, catching me off guard. "He is preoccupied with work currently."
"N-no! It's not a problem." I remembered a crucial fact that Haruno had told me months ago. "Oh yeah, he's planning on running for Prime Minister, right? Congratulations."
Her eyes widened in delighted surprise. "You are aware? How did you know?"
"Oh, uh, Haruno-san told me after work one day." Sounded about right.
"Speaking of that… is it true that you are a detective?"
"Umm… yes… I work for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department…"
My answer trails off into silence, and we go quiet for a moment. I take this as an opportunity to sip at my beverage. It was a green tea with a deep and full bodied flavor with a hint of bitterness. There was an accent of rice at the tail end, evidence to the high quality of the leaves and how it was masterfully brewed.
The silence was broken by Yukinoshita's mother suddenly talking out of the blue. "Thank you."
"W-what?" Come-on, Hachiman! Get your act together!
"I was never able to thank you for what you did." Yukinoshita's mother folded her hands on her lap. "You've helped my family in ways I can never repay. You saved Haruno's life. Even before that, you helped Yukino and Haruno get along like sisters once more. You brought my daughter and I closer once more. You made our family whole."
She looked at me with wet eyes. "I can see why my husband is so fond of you. You should know that he respects you quite a lot. The things you do without thanks or seeking gratitude. I can see why you became a member of law enforcement."
The Yukinoshita matriarch bowed in her seat, throwing me into a fluster.
"N-no! Please get up!" I pleaded. "I d-didn't do anything. I just… lightly pushed Yukinoshita when the time had come" I didn't want recognition, and I didn't expect it either. That's not why I did all that so long ago.
"Even still… thank you."
"It's fine. Besides, we're almost even anyway, with the court case and all."
Her eyes took a hardened glint. "Yes. Haruno has let me know about the situation. How is the trial progressing?"
Before I could answer we were interrupted by the sound of Yukinoshita and Haruno entering the den with a silver tray topped with cookies and small snacks. Haruno carefully stood next to her mother, leaving the only open seat next to me, which Yukinoshita tooko without hesitation. Does this mean anything? No, no, no you're thinking too far into it.
"Yukino, I was just talking to Hikigaya-san about the trial, how are things moving on that end, dear?" The mother asked the younger daughter.
Yukinoshita dutifully described how the case had progressed. The litigation before trial was strange, with the prosecution pushing for a trial despite being on the obvious back foot in terms of evidence. There was a minor set back during witness testimonies. Haruno gave some addendums to the retelling, and was also the one to detail how Yukinoshita had brought in the Colonel.
"You brought in a Colonel from the army? I was wondering why you required a private audience with your father. That was a very intelligent move, Yukino, well done." Nodded her mother with a smile on her face.
Yukinoshita's back straightened ever so slightly and I could feel a glimmer of pride and satisfaction coming from her. I wondered how many years she must have waited for praise like that. It's weight in gold must be immense.
"I'm glad we could be of help to Hikigaya-san," said Tomiko-san, "Hopefully, things will end quickly. Preparations for my husband's run for the Prime Minister's office are underway, and we need the entire family's help."
"I apologize for monopolizing your daughter's time like this," I said, a bit of guilt slipping into my voice.
"Nonsense." Haruno smiled. "Besides, Dad's chances just got a whole lot better with the recent news. The Conservative party took quite a hit."
"Ah, yes." Yukinoshita nodded slowly. "Representative Shiokawa and his… colorful language during that Diet meeting."
"Colorful is one way of putting it." I commented dryly. "Everyone seems up in a panic over it."
"As they should be." Tomiko-san looked at me with a wry smile. "Japan is in a state of flux. We have many issues on many fronts, and it is an opportune time for a change in political dynasty. Many are vying for the position of Prime Minister. With the blow to the credibility of the Conservatives with one of their members being so far leaning, it only serves to make my husband's party, the Moderates, seem more appealing."
"Is your husband the chosen representative for the Moderates already?" I asked.
"Father has been chosen." Yukinoshita answered. "His candidacy will be announced soon."
"With Haruno as District Attorney of Tokyo and Yukino working her way through the ranks, our presence here has become solidified. My husband's long tenure within the party has given him popularity, and many of his policies are well regarded by peers."
"That's good," I said politely. "I wish him the best."
"Thank you, Hikigaya-san."
We chat for another hour or so, with topics ranging from the court case, to how Haruno was handling the job of being the district attorney for Tokyo. I got up to leave when my clothes arrived via chauffeur. A guy could get used to treatment like this.
"I'll drive you home." Yukinoshita plucked the car keys from the table and walked towards the garage before I could say anything. Haruno giggled at the exchange. Or lack thereof.
"I hope you visit again soon, my husband would love to talk to you, I'm sure," Yukinoshita's mother said as she bids us farewell. It sounded like it was less of a wish and more of a command. I only nodded respectfully (fearfully is probably more accurate).
Δ▼Δ
"Well…" I started from the inside of Yukinoshita's car, this time sitting shotgun. "Things seemed to have improved… from what I could see."
"They have," Yukinoshita said, her voice ticking upwards slightly, as if she was trying to fight a smile.
"Why don't you have a room in the house?" I asked, reflecting back on the things I saw inside their residence.
"I prefer living alone… but there is a feeling of security knowing that I have a welcoming home to return to."
The cabin went silent as we drive down the highway, the only noise came from the sound of raindrops hitting the windshield and the tires rolling against the asphalt. I really had to hand it to Daimler-Benz, it felt like we were isolated from the storm entirely. As if we were separated from the outside world by a mobile bubble made from steel, glass, and leather. We could probably whisper and still be able to converse inside the car.
Which was why I didn't miss it when Yukinoshita softly called my name. "Hikigaya-kun?"
"Mmm?" I turned my head to look at the driver. "What's up?"
"Thank you."
"... you're welcome."
The rest of the drive home was in a serene and comfortable silence. We didn't feel a need to communicate anything further. All that was needed to be said was out there.
And it was nice.
Retroactive Chapter 16.75: "What's Wrong, Secretary-chan?"
She had to be some sort of statue or something, that could be the only explanation. A woman in a sharp looking gray suit and white shirt sat in the lobby waiting area a few meters off to the side. She was the type of woman whose very presence dealt a blow to the self-confidence of other females around. Long straight black hair with a healthy sheen was combined with a sculpted face and eyes to form an objectively beautiful person.
I knew who she was. She was the younger sister of Haruno-san, the DA. More importantly, she was Hikigaya's lawyer. There was more to that story however. According to Haruno-san and Shiba, this woman went to the same high school as Hikigaya and they were even part of the same club. But there was even more here, I was sure of it.
My theory was proved today. Haruno-san's sister seemed like the kind of person to be self-assured and capable, like Haruno-san. So I was curious when I noticed the blank expression on her face as she looked at her phone repeatedly. I got the feeling that she was apprehensive.
"Yo."
A deep voice called out from the lobby, causing my heart to flutter in surprise. I turned my head to see Hikigaya walking in from one of the wings of the buildings, a single hand raised in a lazy greeting. People used to say that he looked creepy and intimidating, but things were different now. His normally unruly hair was cut and styled in a way that suited him. He wore ties more often, and with the addition of glasses he seemed… professional? No, more that he was put together.
Speaking of the glasses, they were the biggest change. Hikigaya's eyes were like that of a dead fish at the market: sunken and lifeless. But when he wore glasses you noticed that he had this intense gaze that made you feel hot and self-conscious. His face always had that manly angular look, and with that stare I always had to fight down the blush that came to my face whenever our eyes met.
Haruno-san's sister's face transformed instantly, lighting up at Hikigaya presence. The apathetic and aloof look was replaced with a small uptick of her lips into a grin and bright eyes.
"Do you call that a greeting, Hikigaya-kun?" She spoke with a lighthearted teasing tone.
"Leave me alone." Hikigaya grumbled. "You didn't have to ambush me here, I was going to be home in time for the party."
"I disagree. I can easily imagine you sitting at your desk working late into the evening without a care about the passage of time. Some sort of lame-excuse is sure to follow. And for your own birthday at that."
Wait, it was Hikigaya's birthday!?
"Oh ye of little faith." Hikigaya sighed, rubbing the back of his head. He finally notices my gaze and his eyes flicked towards me. My heart started racing, and I could feel the heat rising to my face. He nodded at me, a concise and honest greeting that was so like him. I tilted my head back in response before watching as he walked towards his lawyer. They were at a distance that they conversed in low voices, and so I wasn't able to know what they were talking about.
Haruno-san's sister fell into step by his side as they exited. She looked happy, and Hikigaya… looked at ease?
The scene kept replaying itself in my mind like a broken record. Even when I came home, I couldn't comprehend the look on Hikigaya's face. Was I just seeing things? While in the shower I couldn't help but be doubtful. It's possible, but my gut feeling was that something was different. He seemed a bit less on edge.
"Is that even possible?" I whispered, sitting on my couch with pajamas on as I watch a late-night gameshow. But I wasn't paying attention to that at all. I was just trying to calm the maelstrom of thoughts and emotions.
"... he really is different now."
It was still the same Hikigaya, but I saw him in a different light now. I didn't know Hikigaya had so many friends from high school, and they were all girls too at that… very pretty girls. Haruno-san said that they dated for a bit, so he had some sort of social life. That woman with the brown hair and lost cell phone knew him since high school and was gorgeous as well. They even went to the same club! If anyone had told me that Hikigaya had been a part-time gigolo in his youth two months ago I would have laughed myself to death. But now...
"I didn't know him at all…" I sighed.
I always thought Hikigaya was that awkward guy with a rough personality. He was anti-social, but he didn't push people away; he dealt with Shiba and other officers well enough. There was brutally honesty and straightforwardness, with a bit of cynicism that made others uncomfortable mixed in. If we threw in his sloppy appearance into the concoction, I couldn't help but be assured that no one else was after him.
"When did I start liking him anyway?" I groaned, drawing my legs up to my chest.
It was hard to say. I was working as a secretary at the police department for a year before Hikigaya showed up as a junior-detective. I didn't notice him at first, but I started hearing rumors of a new investigator that was solving homicide cases left and right. Working in the lobby, I would always be aware of people as they came and went, it was part of my job after all. Hikigaya was always a rare one to see. Some days I only saw him entering. Other days only leaving. But hardly ever saw him do both within consecutive 24 hours. He was a workaholic apparently, clocking in some absurd shifts to work on cases.
Actually, now that I think about it… if I had to pinpoint the specific moment I started having feelings for him… it was probably that kidnapping case from a few years ago.
Hikigaya had been assigned to a homicide case where the accomplice to a murderer had kidnapped elementary schoolers, a pair of twin brothers. I always thought Hikigaya had OCD, but I was wrong. It was a lot worse than that. He was like a man possessed; running in and out, with a tired Shiba chasing close after.
It felt like he was going to die himself if he didn't solve this case. That was the sort of desperation I saw and felt rolling off of him in waves.
"Why?" I asked once, out of the blue.
"'Why' what?" He responded confused.
"Why go this far?"
"Heh. I ask myself that too." Hikigaya gave a smirk to no one in particular, but it was a lifeless and depressive one. As if he was forcing his lips to make these shapes. He opened his mouth to continue speaking, but he closed it with an audible sound as his eyebrows scrunched in contemplation. "Catching murderers is important, and we need to do it. But those two kids aren't dead yet. They're even more important. I need to find them before I have another homicide case on my hands."
Saving lives. Hikigaya wanted to save lives. The notion that he held such heroic intentions was just incomprehensible. I still couldn't come to terms with it even three days later when I watched as Hikigaya and Shiba came into the police department with those two kids in their custody.
It was a bit creepy, but I observed him as he watched the kids reunite with their parents. That pained expression remained omnipresent, but there was a bit of catharsis as well. A little tension was lost in his cheeks because something had partially alleviated the height that pulled on him.
Ah. That's not fair. He should be happy. He deserves to be happy.
The thought surfaced to my mind at the sight.
"See?" he said, looking at me. "Two less murders for the world to deal with."
"... right."
A man who helps people not for glory, but out of necessity. Whether it was guilt, morality, or just simple mania, no one could deny that Hikigaya was something special. Someone like that shouldn't be so… sad.
If only a little. If it gives a bit of comfort. I want to make him happy.
And so, here we are now.
My throat was dry as I watched him walk away with his lawyer alongside; only a few centimeters of space between them. The organ in my chest known as the heart throbbed painfully as I came to an epiphany.
I was not the one best suited to give him that happiness.
Hindsight was 20/20, and looking back now it was obvious. I hardly knew Hikigaya. I didn't know the first thing about him. I didn't know it was his birthday today. I didn't know he had friends. I didn't know that he was in the military. I didn't know that he had suffered there. How can I make him happy when I didn't know how to? It wouldn't be me. It can't be me.
But still… it hurt.
"Being in love sucksssss..." I groaned pathetically, dropping over onto my side and letting my hair fall over my eyes like a curtain. I laid there on the couch in a fetal position, closing my eyes trying to will myself to sleep.
As long as he was happy, I can accept it.
Exhaustion settled in and the sounds of the TV begin to fade away. My eyes snapped open and I sat up suddenly.
Damnit, I forgot he was coming to the mixer.
Arc 1: "Detective Hikigaya Hachiman"
References:
[1] Tony Stark had an electromagnet implanted in his chest to keep shrapnel from one of his own warheads from traveling into his heart and killing him. Of course, such a method is not available to everyone.
[2] In Japan, medals of honor are awarded to citizens by the government. The ribbons given have different meanings. The red ribbon is to those that risk their lives to save others.
[3] Psycommu link is a reference to Mobile Suit Gundam's Universal Century timeline, where psycommu is a type of control scheme where people use their minds to control weapons and communicate.
[4] Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation DX2. Check out the opening song, it's pretty rad.
Author's Note:
I wanted to show that SHiba was also learning and developing, even if he's not the focus of the story and is a fully-fledged detective. The mixer scene was intended for humor and to justify its existence U added a world-building bit to it. The faux news article was hilariously fun.
I thought Secretary-chan deserved some more screen-time, and so she got her bit in the mixer as well as a dedicated little vignette at the end. It's a little glance into the events that happened between canon and the AU of which Unmade is within.
-SouBU
Editors (Lord of Admirals 412; Xynovitch)
Revision Log:
03/17/2020: Re-uploaded with overhaul of tenses and changes in word choice and sentence structure as well as major grammar fixes. Edited author's note to be more succinct and relevant.