Chapters 2/3- The Lull of Middle School

Foreword- Wow, I didn't think it would be so soon before I had to do another one of these, but here we are. If you don't remember, I'm Mayflower Productions, author of this young story, back at it with another installment of Infinite Loner. Initially, chapter 2 was supposed to be posted alone, but overwhelming public demand convinced me to throw restraint into the wind and add chapter 3 as well. Besides, since the two chapters were so heavily connected and finished, I saw no issue releasing them together. Now, where was I? The vague inspiration for this section of the story... Ok, you're going to see the crescendo of the middle school arc, and fair warning, Hikigaya may act OOC for a bit, but there's a method behind my madness. He isn't the same as the one we know, and his past is significantly different if you couldn't tell from the first chapter, so don't be surprised if his rationale seems odd. We're eventually going to see someone similar to the King of Loners at IS Academy, so don't worry, it's just going to take a while. Not familiar with the main character? Don't worry, as I've probably done a good enough job as a storyteller to make Hikigaya's actions easy to understand. Also, before I forget, Infinite Loner is in no way trying to make overt political statements. I'm just adapting material explicitly mentioned in the Infinite Stratos light novel. Well, that's all I have to say, so... Next Stop: Infinite Loner Chapters 2/3- The Middle School Arc.

Disclaimer: I do not own Infinite Stratos, Oregairu, or any other intellectual properties that may appear in this story. Please don't sue me.

Infinite Loner- line break, POV shift "Is that an Infinite Stratos?"- Dialogue

Chapter 2: Middle School was a Trainwreck as Expected Part 2

Days slowly passed after Komachi's announcement, "Orimura-san is transferring from your school effectively immediately." Even as I enjoyed my summer ambitions, lazing without a care in the world, life felt melancholic. Sometimes I would reflexively walk towards the door, expecting one of "his" random guest appearances, yet nothing ever happened.

My behavior didn't make sense to me at the time. I kept asking myself, "did he leave an impression on me?" over and over...

And no, I am not romantically attached to the Idiot. Does this look like a BL novel? It took some time, but I found an answer to my elusive question...

Eventually, the break ended, and classes resumed. The first few months back were uneventful, as no one paid attention to me, and I fell under the social radar. My schedule now had an opening, and surprisingly, I decided to fill it by studying...

I know what you're about to say, "Isn't to work is to lose a universal truth," and yes, it's true, but like all great laws, there lie a few exceptions. It's not like I had anything better to do, and besides, work is the spice of life, or is it, love?.. Whatever, I needed a distraction from all the riajuu tomfoolery around me, and academics were just the answer.

As the seasons passed from Fall to Winter, I was laser-focused on my studies and hoping for a strong showing in the Exams and final Second-Year Rankings. Countless hours were spent polishing my strengths, building up solid subjects, and tirelessly pushing my weak points of Math and Science to a slightly above passing level. I had many sleepless nights and almost hope on multiple occasions, but my hard work paid off as my grades rose, and I brought home rising scores. Others took notice of my growth: Komachi praised her "studious Onii-chan," Kamakura, the family cat, stopped scratching my face whenever I looked at him, and my highly overworked corporate slave parents bought me a new bicycle. My jaw almost dropped as I read the note addressed to me; I don't even remember the last time they acknowledged my existence.

Regardless, I continued to sprint towards my goal. The silence from my classmates wasn't as cold as it previously was, and my heart didn't ache whenever I looked at Orimoto... Hold on, is this what character development feels like?

Thanks to my efforts, I only had to remind myself every other night about what went wrong along the way: humiliating myself on the first day of middle school, spending a whole year serving a girl as her faithful hound, naively opening up to others, and falling in love for all the wrong reasons... I'm so pathetic.

In the end, I ignored the world and my past for the sake of progress, and it worked. My scores were elite, and the days toward final rankings grew ever closer until...

Infinite Loner

The classroom was unusually quiet as I walked in. It almost felt like a morgue inside. Taking my seat, I could not help but squirm in excitement for the listing; Central's administration couldn't ignore me any longer if I topped the charts. The valedictorian deserves some respect, right?..

School quickly flew by as before I knew it, the day ended, and everyone flooded the hallway to observe the final standings. Unluckily for me, my seat was the furthest from the door, so I had to worm my way to the front...

"Uhh, I can't stand crowds," I muttered to myself once I made it to the listing. Hmm, let's see... Not 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2. Did I slip outside of the Top 10? Ok, how about the top spot...

"Number 1- Hikigaya Hachiman."

"Wait, that's me!" Glancing up to the Number One Performer, I could not help but gasp in shock.

"Nani!" The whole class shared my thoughts as they turned to face me. Uh oh, my peers noticed, and being "youthful" (read: judgemental and narrow-minded) individuals, my performance may strike a chord within them. It's not every day that the class pariah jumps from average student to the year's best. And being a firm believer of pacifism, I attempted to flee until...

"Hiki-frog! Where are you going." One of the ruffians stopped me with a firm grasp on my shoulder... Wait, I know this guy. He gave me the wrong directions to his 9th birthday party; I ending spending an entire day waiting in an empty parking lot thanks to him. Tch. He's also one of the most popular guys in my year... Wait...

"Yeah, Hikigay-kun! We need to celebrate how you took Ichika-kun away from us, tarnished Kaori's reputation, and cheated your way to the top ranking, all in the same year. Where's the rush?" Some random (Hmm, she looks familiar) popular girl adds.

"Of course." Her clique hums in agreement. Hold on, what gives you the right to badmouth me? Only I can do that.

"Hah, hah, hah. Guys, if you keep growing in number, I don't think we can call this a celebration anymore. It's going to turn into a flash mob." I awkwardly laughed. I'm not even joking when I said that the crowd grew as students from other years started joining their ranks. The "danger alarm" was blaring in my head. I needed to leave.

The crowd closed in, "Come on, guys, we're all friends here, right?" I plead, searching for any sign of salvation within the masses... Teachers, there's one right in front of me, and they should help me, a soon-to-be victim of bullying, right? "Sensei..." I desperately murmur, but they walk in the other direction, not even sparing me a passing glance. Strike one. Well, it's not that big of a surprise since the education system is so corrupt.

Uh, what about the principal; they don't call her the headmistress for nothing; she's even in the crowd, "Headmistress, please..." I frantically mouth in her direction, and she looks into my eyes. Yes, do your job, and help me... No, don't cheer on the other students, especially the girl who criticized me. Wait, that's why she felt familiar, that riajuu was the principal's daughter. *sigh* I hate nepotism. Strike two. You know what, I never liked her anyway, as she always made me clean up every cultural festival, alone.

Ok, if adults won't do anything, maybe one of my sensible peers will. Now the question is, who can I turn to at a time like this? Quickly scanning the crowd for an answer, I find nothing except her, the Nice Girl...

For a few seconds, time stopped, leaving the two of us in our one silent dimension, "Orimoto-san, we're friends, right? Can you please put in a good word to our classmates?" I beg with every ounce of my existence. Sure, I don't have the rosiest opinion of people like her, but maybe I'm wrong? This can be the moment where Orimoto redeems herself and puts the ideals of nice girls into practice.

She warmly smiles... Even now, it still looks beautiful. I can almost hear those foolish words slip off my tongue, "I ... you... go ... with me." When was the last time I saw this, the moment she rejected me, or was it when I fell for her all so long ago?

"Help you? That's hilarious, Hikigaya."

"..." My soul shattered into countless pieces... heh, Heh, HEH! Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on... me.

Time restarted, and the horde lurched closer, "Definitely!" They cracked their knuckles and prepared to strike like a pride of lions around a buffalo... Well, guess I'm a goner. No amount of logic, reasoning, or even groveling will get me out of this. If I go down here, someone should at least tell Komachi that I loved her to the very end, sis-con or otherwise...

As expected, middle school was a trainwreck.

Infinite Loner

A few hours have passed since onii-chan should have come home, yet he isn't here. I hope he didn't get into any trouble. He was unusually excited today and woke up early with a bright smile on his face. It's rare to see him look so happy; I would hate for anything to ruin his mood. Ever since Ichika left, onii-chan has started acting differently. Sure, my brother was never the most expressive person, but I can barely recognize him these days. Every day after school, onii-chan immediately locks himself in his room to study. I tried praising him for his higher scores, but he only hollowly laughed. That never happens.

My friends tell me that his reputation's not the best at school, but there's no way he's being bullied, right? He even says it himself that all his classmates love him, so there should be nothing to worry about, but... Could he be lying?

The house feels eerily quiet with only Kamakura and me sitting on the couch; it's a little scary. I've always hated coming to an empty house and appreciated how onii-chan always came home early. Even though he mainly did it for more selfish reasons (read: not having friends), it's the thought that counts.

While lost in my thoughts, the door slowly opens, and someone walks... no... trudges inside. "Who is it?" My voice weakly eeks out.

"Oi, Komachi! It's just me." Onii-chan replies in a dry, unenthusiastic tone as he moves into the living room. I guess all my concerns were for nothing...

"Oh, where have you been..." I turned to see my brother broken: school uniform caked in dirt, left eye discolored, right cheek swollen, one leg limping, hands wrapped in bandages. I see, so something did happen today. The question is how to coax the story out of him? Even at his lowest, my brother is still someone capable of glossing over the truth with ease. He probably has some cover story prepared as a contingency.

"Oh these, {his wounds} they were the result of a careless bicycle rider tripping on a pothole on the way back from a long year-end celebration party with friends." He clearly notices my concern with his explanation... Wait, something about that statement doesn't add up...

"Hold on, You don't have any friends!" I eventually exclaimed after thinking for a few seconds. By that time, he was already gone, and his bedroom door quickly locked. It looks like I won't be getting answers out of him any time soon.

Silence returned to the house for an hour before a mellow tantrum buzzed upstairs. "This is the problem with youth; anyone decides to upset their unsaid, "status quo," and they attack. I tried making friends and believing in others, but it backfired. I mind my own business for a few months, doing no wrong, and they still hurt me! You know what screw popularity and academic success if they just cause a scene. I'll become a loner... no, not just any run-of-the-mill loner, but THE KING OF LONERS, silently praying for all the riajuu to explode! Ha, ha, ha..."

"..."

"If lying is an act of kindness, then nice girls are a lie. How could I forget? You told yourself that maxim every single day, yet you still fell back on her "kindness" once the going got tough... I'm such a coward. *sobs quietly*". Well, onii-chan, the year is over, so there is no way it can get any worse... right?

Chapter End

Chapter 3: Sadly, Time Does Not Heal All Wounds

[Months Later]

Well, I guess it's now official, "My Third Year of Middle School is a Complete Trainwreck, as I Expected." (TM). "Conveniently," my class happened to be full of many familiar faces from last year, including Miss Superficiality herself. I guess the school administration really hated my guts, valedictorian or not. After the mess that was Final Ranking Day, I expected worse to follow, but my fears were unwarranted. My classmates cared less about me, and no violent outbursts occurred. Now I only had to deal with subdued whispers and harsh gazes following me everywhere. It was just the usual: boys incessantly chanting demeaning insults for my foolish confession, girls ganging up on me in packs, creating troublesome rumors, sabotaging my belongings, and making my life a living nightmare.

What, surprised that the girls treat me worse than the boys? You must not understand how the world currently works. For the past ten years, women have firmly cemented their place at the forefront of society. What, does that sound like a good thing? Maybe in terms of politics and media, but not for individuals; now, instead of just men acting like arrogant jerks, and physically harassing others, women are like that too.

Nothing has changed: the strong exploiting the weak, teachers turning a blind eye to bullying, corporations working their employees to the bone. It's all just a game of optics. If everyone wants to be strong and independent leaders, someone must foot the bill, be the underclass, meaning... introverted men. We face the "honey-trap" epidemic: dead-end job, complete subservience to any woman, unhealthily low self-confidence, etc.

It's impossible to avoid seeing it in action, especially the regular public shaming of loners by the "morality police" or men profusely bowing and paying a woman just for running into her... Sometimes I struggle to sleep and am left alone with my thoughts. There's a good chance Hikigaya Hachiman ends up as just another statistic: a nameless figure, slaving away for some black company, trapped under a reverse glass ceiling in a loveless relationship with a sadist, dreaming of a future that was never to be.

Quick, Hachiman, come up with a fitting name for this phenomenon... Uh, a steel floor... Yes, the steel floor, the bane of every mild-mannered (read: pushover) man's existence... *sigh* Just talking about it makes me feel depressed.

In other news, after recognizing last year's issues, I improved my stealth skills to truly embrace my role as a background character. I retreated to the quiet rooftop for lunch, never spending any time in the classroom.

By summer break, my classes became tolerable. Sure, I almost passed out some days without air conditioning, but any progress is good progress, I guess.

The only problem I have now is the lack of an outlet for all my pent-up passive-aggressiveness against my "peers." They still irk me to no end, and their smug faces star in my few dreams. I tried gaming, but my "catalog" lacked multiplayer titles for the simple fact that you can't trust anyone... ever. Also, I'm not sane enough to put up with grinding RPGs or gambling my meager savings into rigged gacha games. Visual novels also failed as each session devolved into a mental breakdown, "It must be nice, isn't it? You literally do nothing, and they fall for you... I wish I could live in a world where girls didn't incessantly boast their inherent superiority over you just because of one stupid invention, boys use every single conceivable insulting nickname just to annoy you or be forced to read hate mail every morning. It must be nice having parents who are actually there, working only 40-hour weeks, friends to talk to, goals to work towards, classes to enjoy... Die in a fire, you Rom-com Protagonist!"

The same thing happened... yes, at the monitor, of course, it got so bad that I had to reluctantly trek outside and interact with the... *gasp*... local community. "Oi, Komachi, I'm heading out to the gym," I explained to my little sister as I left the house.

"Wait, you exercise?" She quickly questioned as the door closed. Silly Komachi, I'm no athlete, only a guy who spends way too much time monologuing. Speaking of athletics, funny story, a few weeks ago, I swam two kilometers in gym class just for the heck of it. I kept going, going, and going, longer than anyone else. Sure, I immediately slept for 13 hours afterward at home, but it was well worth the effort. I channeled my growing displeasure at society into swimming, and there were no consequences. With emotional and social fitness ruled out, exercise stood as the only way to preserve my waning sanity; it's not easy being the class martyr, you know~? After applying that conclusion, I only occasionally cry myself to sleep... Hah, hah, hah, we're making more progress.

I arrived at the gym without an issue, thanks to my new 108 Loner Skill "Stealth Hikki," which is a real-life cloaking device. Trust me, as it's so strong, I could theoretically dance in front of someone, unnoticed in broad daylight. I developed Stealth Hikki as a failsafe against another Final Ranking Day or to avoid the self-proclaimed defenders of public decency (read: the anti-Hachiman league).

Once inside the gym, I began my routine; cardio, cardio, and more cardio. Why such a simple workout, you may ask? The weight-lifting equipment was disqualified since it required "a friend," whatever that means, to safely operate, a no-no for someone like myself (read: has no friends). Besides, there was Treadmill-chan, the greatest invention in human history. In short, she was the perfect companion for an edgy teenager. I know I made a bold claim, but hear me out here. You could build up stamina (able to run away faster from potential bullies) and monologue without distraction at the same time. It's incredible! She was also in a rarely visited corner of the facility, so what else could I ask for?

And so I ran my problems away for the next hour at a blistering pace (speeds of 5kph/3mph) before taking a well-deserved break (lol) on a nearby bench...

"..." You know, I think this silence is growing on me. I preemptively activated "Stealth Hikki" to conceal my aura while relaxing. Why am I acting so cautious? Well, as an experienced loner, you learn to never fall for the same trick twice.

Unfamiliar steps grew louder before settling on the seat next to me, "Um..." a quiet feminine voice draws my attention. Uh, a meek girl? I really can't be bothered to deal with one right now... It's not like I can't talk to them, more like they lack the willpower to approach me. For I am Hikigaya Hachiman, King of Loners, and the martyr of Chiba Central Middle School!

...Maybe, just maybe, I understand why everyone avoids me.

"What. What do you want, as I don't have all day, you know~?" I turned, politely yet firmly asking to force an answer out of her and move this conservation along. Wait, she looks awfully familiar... long dark hair, green ribbon, and an angry scowl. I've seen her from somewhere...

"Tch." Is she glaring at me? Why? I have been nothing but a gentleman to you... Ok, for my standards.

"Follow. Right. Now." She growls while pointing to the dojo down the hallway. Oh, do we have a Tsundere on our hands? Do the Rom-com Gods think I'll fall for her aggressive personality? Well, too bad, my dead eyes have a -100 affection modifier on girls (Source: Komachi), so there's no way I'm misunderstanding her intentions.

"Fine." I calmly respond and follow her towards the said dojo. Hmm, why was she so aggressive earlier? If I wasn't such a tough guy, my feelings could have been hurt... Remember Hachiman, don't hold any expectations.

Inside the training facility, there was an array of sports equipment, from kendo shinai to boxing gloves... Oh, I figured it out.

"Who are you? I've never seen someone so miserable at a gym before... *stare*~." She fires in my direction, and with her piercing gaze, she wants an immediate response. What's the deal here, Mystery Girl-san? Glaring us down, that's not how you try to coerce answers from a loner. You're so lucky that I am such a forgiving person, you know~. I'll ignore your rude behavior and turn to...

"I'm a Chiba Central 3rd Year, Hikigaya Hachiman, Shinonono Houki." I reflexively replied... Is this what it means to be intimidated? I don't like this; her cold gaze activated my self-preservation mechanism. I can't even be snarky in front of her.

"How do you know who I am?" Shinonono coldly questions. Ok, this is when I run away, and... why am I pulling out my phone, opening the news article acting as my proof, and moving said evidence in her line of sight. Dangit, brain, stop making so many rational decisions. I'm supposed to be a loose cannon who doesn't follow the rules. You're killing my LARP (Translator's Note: Live Action Role Play)...

"Why do you have this? {the article}" Recognizing the page, she stammers in apprehension. Dear reader, you may share the same shock as Shinonono here, so let me explain my thought process.

A few days ago, while enjoying a quiet lunch, Komachi bursts onto the scene, frantically raving about a kendo article, which was the piece on Shinonono and her victory. You wouldn't believe it, but my dear sister had the gall to shove it in my face and swoon, "Oh onii-chan, isn't she so pretty and cool for winning the tournament. I could rest easy as an imouto if someone like her married you, as the NEET you are, but don't worry, I'll support you no matter what happens with your love life. That must have been worth a lot of points. Teehee~." You cheeky little brat, if you could only see me now, talking to the girl of your aspirations.

"The newspaper," I replied, blankly staring at her for added effect.

"Who reads the newspaper?" She questions, still in disbelief.

"Apparently, my sister. Anyways, why were you stalking me?" Aw snap, my speech stats are off the charts today. I almost sound normal (read: riajuu).

Self-deprecating jokes aside, this conversation has been going on for a long time, and I am starting to get nervous. Ignoring her rough personality Shinonono-san seems to be a relatively attractive person, and my experiences with her type never end well...

"S-stalking you?" She hesitates. Ok, this is my chance. While she was dazed from my claim, I slowly slinked away from her, cranking "Stealth Hikki" to its maximum strength. Come on, Loner Skills, don't fail me now.

"Oh yes, be my punching bag for the break Hikigaya-san." Wait, was that a demand I just heard? Too bad for you, Shinonono-san Japan is a free country. Why would I bend myself to your will?

"And if I refuse?" Just a few more steps and I'll be free.

*cracks knuckles* "Who said I was asking." Somehow Shinonono-san teleported behind me and pointed a shinai at my chest. Scary. Tsunderes are very scary.

*sigh* It looks like I can't escape the steel floor, after all.

Author's Note- Well, was it good? Amazing? Awful? If you have any opinion on the most recent update, Infinite Loner as a grander concept, or just me in general, write a Review. I appreciate any reader insight, so I can improve as an author and make this story the best it can be. Please follow, if you like reading Infinite Loner and don't want to miss the next update. Appreciate what I've created, favorite this, and make my day or share Infinite Loner with friends, family, coworkers, everyone. I'll try to limit the self-promotion in the future, but I want to expand the audience while Infinite Loner is still highly accessible... Ok, last week was a bit over-expressive, but now we'll play it cool... I've been Mayflower Productions; thank you for reading Infinite Loner, and... I'll catch you on the flipside.

Preview:

"*sigh* Komachi-chan, why does the world have to be so cruel?"

"What is it this time, gomi-chan? It must be serious if you're acting so moody."

"Well, you see, I was at the gym, and I met this girl..."

"Crash!"

"What's the big deal Komachi? Why did you drop your fork?"

"Onii-chan you talked to a girl today, right?"

"Y-yeah."

"And she responded, right?"

"I think that's how a conversation works, so... You're missing the whole point, which is that she was a brutish gorilla, and worked me to the brink of exhaustion. Can you believe that?"

"Onii-chan might find a girlfriend... I never thought I'd live to see the day..."

"Uh, Komachi, are you okay? You're talking to yourself. Was it a boy? It was a boy, right. Don't worry, I'll take care of the roach."

"What was her name, onii-chan?"

"Geez! Are you trying to startle me?"

"Onii-chan, answer the question."

"Uh, I think it was Shinonono Houki. Why?"

"Interesting..."

"Next Time on Infinite Loner, Chapter 4: Against His Wishes, Time Continues to Pass."

"A chance encounter with a famous athlete, onii-chan's life reads like a Shoujo manga... Maybe he'll finally forget about his dark days, and move on, but if he doesn't I'll always be there to comfort him. Ooh, that has to be worth a lot of points!"

"Shinonono-san, huh? It looks like middle school won't end quietly after all. At least I have high school to look forward to... yet knowing my luck, it will probably end up wrong."

Post Update Afterword- Guess who's back? If you made it all the way here, congratulations, here's your prize, listening to me rant for 100 or so words. To anyone reading this around when this update is released, chapter 16 is still in development, and I'm unsure of its approximate completion. Long story short, I realized that there are a lot of story beats I have to cover, and life is still a thing. Sure, I can't write a whole new chapter, but I have enough time to polish this one. As for the specific reason I chose chapter 2/3, it felt wordy and a little too short, so I fleshed out Hikigaya's monologues a bit, and streamlined some sentences. Let me know if there are any other areas I could improve or any suggestions for the next chapter that needs a tune-up with a review. I'm thinking about retroactively adding previews for earlier chapters, so stay on the lookout for that. While I'm here if you're interested in more Mayflower Productions, check out My Youth Romantic Comedy is a Catastrophe, it also stars the King of Loners as he deals with hectic high school life. It may be updated soon if that's any incentive. Ok, that's enough from me, sorry for the random post, and until next time... I've been Mayflower Productions, thank you for reading Infinite Loner, and I'll catch you on the flipside.

Updated: January 22, 2022

Chapter End