So a lot has been going on recently while I was away. A new trailer for Mortal Kombat 1 dropped as well as Oppenheimer and Barbie, honestly I don't know what to choose between the two movies after finding out the Barbie movie is actually considered pretty darn good by critics. Lemme know what you guys thought if you already watched it. Anyways that's enough rambling. Time to address the reviews.
CrazyxEnigma: Dragon Ball Evolution is an abomination, of course roasting it will never die lol.
Isuckatnaming: Really? I feel it was kind of lazy because Zaimokuza ended up doing the same thing in canon if I'm not wrong. Also how is the name of your story generic? It's better than mine at least.
Renekton Time: Thanks man, I hope I don't run out of ideas anytime soon
Thanks for all of your support so far. It helps me greatly, here's chapter 10 of the story. As usual, please review and I hope you enjoy. Peace.
Chapter 10: The Prince of Tennis
"Oh come on Hachiman, not again with the wall." The PE teacher, Ayabe-Sensei sighed in disapproval. "It wouldn't kill you to partner with an actual human being you know."
"And who in their right mind would partner up with me exactly Sensei?" I asked with a raised brow.
"Well...what about Zaimokuza over there." Ayabe-Sensei pointed out to Zaimokuza who was currently re-enacting a scene from Sword Art Online with his tennis racket.
I have to give him some credit I suppose, only Ziamokuza would be courageous enough to express his true self in public. Even if it meant workers from the local lunatic asylum would have to come down here after receiving reports of an 500 pounded madman swinging around a tennis racket like it was a samurai sword.
"I said in their right mind, not fractured." I deadpanned as we observed Zaimokuza from a distance. The adult sized toddler in question was still relentlessly swinging around that tennis racket as if he was Kirito himself.
"W-what's wrong with him even?" Ayabe-Sensei muttered loudly enough for me to hear. "I knew young teens suffering from mental issues back in the day but this is something else entirely..."
"Didn't I tell you before Sensei? It's Chuunibyou. What you see before you is the very definition of a man-child." I said, not bothering to turn my head to face him.
"I remember you telling me about Chuunibyou syndrome but even so...Are you sure he's not...well...retarded?" Ayabe-Sensei asked.
"Sensei, he's in the top 100 of the entire school when it comes to academics, the only reason why he's not ranked any higher was because his essays somehow turned into short isekai plots he blatantly copied from other popular sources. Why do you think Minami-Sensei seems so depressed every time she has to grade his papers?" I commented. "Besides I think I'm tortured enough by him, after all I have to live next to the man-child."
"You live next to him?" Ayabe-Sensei hissed in pity. "Y-you...I-I can see why you're like this now. Forget I even asked, the wall's yours."
"Thank you for your understanding Sensei." I muttered quietly, slowly making my way to the wall with a racket in hand. "*Sigh* Hello again my concrete friend."
With a starting serve, I hit the ball. Quickly returning another swing as the ball rebounded. This repetitive cycle continued for a while before another tennis ball of unknown origin abruptly halted my concentration by hitting me at the back of my head.
"Whoa! Dude I am so sorry!" A familiar voice shouted an apology. A voice I knew all too well. "Are you okay man?!"
"You should ask yourself that question...Tobe..." I casually commented, turning my head to meet Tobe's now completely terrified expression. "Good to see that you're doing well by the way."
"H-H-Hikitani-Kun-" Tobe slowly stuttered in complete fear, halting his approach. "Uh-I-I..."
"Come on Tobe, relax. I'm sure Hikitani-Kun here is a nice guy. I doubt he'll blow a fuse over this." Hayama stepped in, reassuring Tobe while flashing a deceptively charming smile. "Hikitani-Kun. We're really sorry about that. Are you hurt in any way?"
I have to say I'm impressed, not many could maintain an act like this for so long and with such skill. In fact, his acting is so splendid he could very well be a successful actor in the film industry.
"No I'm fine, thank you for asking Haya-uh I'm sorry what's your name?" I sarcastically asked, noticing a slight eye twitch of annoyance from the school's 'white knight'. "Was it Hayashi, Hattori? I'm sorry I don't really take note of people's names."
"It's fine. I understand. It's Hayato, Hikitani-Kun." Hayama replied, still maintaining that fake smile of his. "Well, in any case I apologize for being a bother. And for what happened in class. I should have stepped in far sooner that day." He apologized with a rather unexpected bow.
I never thought I'd see the day where his majesty himself bows his head to one so 'lowly' like myself. Hell must finally frozen over.
"No, it's fine." I reassured, tossing the ball back to the duo. "I'm sorry as well for escalating the situation. Here's to a better relationship." I lied through my teeth. Trying not to retch as I said those words.
"To a better relationship." Hayama said in agreement, walking off with Tobe quickly following behind.
"*Snorts* 'A better relationship'. Like hell Blondie."
~ Lunch Spot ~
"Ah finally, some peace and quiet." I quietly muttered to myself with a rare, genuine grin on my face. "Nothing like eating my lunch while enjoying a cool, natural breeze. Absolutely nothing can ruin this moment for me."
"Oh, there you are Hikki." The familiar voice of Yuigahama called out to me. I could slowly feel my grin returning to it's usual frown as she made her presence known to me.
"And just like that my disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined." I muttered in annoyance.
"Uh Hikki, who are you talking to?" Yui asked, slightly leaning her head in forward.
"Nothing Yuigahama. I'm just lamenting the choices I've made in my life which led to this conversation." I lamented.
"Hey what's that supposed to mean?" Yui asked, offended by my statement.
"If I have to explain, we'd be here all day so instead let's drop the subject and focus on something else." I sighed. "What are you doing here? I thought you'd eat your lunch in the classroom with your clique?"
"Uh...well, it's...it's Yumiko..." Yui informed. Twiddling her thumbs, her expression being one of extreme nervousness. "I know I said everything was fine and all but things are still pretty awkward between us...after you know..."
"Oh...I see." I nodded in understanding. "Sorry again for what happened."
"No, no it's fine. You stuck up for me Hikki. I appreciate it." Yui reassured.
"Appreciation from a girl...I can't remember a girl appreciating me for something I did since Orimoto Kaori." I chuckled bitterly. Yuigahama looked strangely jealous at the mention of my former classmate. "What's with that weird look on your face? Please stop that, your Creepy-gahama side is showing. Don't force me to get a restraining order on you creep."
"C-creep?!" Yui looked shocked by my words. "This coming from the biggest creep I've ever met?!"
"Hey you were the one who got information on me remember?" I reminded with a smug grin. Further fueling Yuigahama's embarrassment.
"Stop calling me a creep Hikki!" Yui demanded in a completely embarrassed tone.
"Alright fine I'll stop. But you know my point is still valid." I commented with a laugh.
"Whatever you jerk..." Yui pouted, looking slightly away as she took the vacant seat beside me. "By the way..."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Uh...Hikki." Yui started off, sounding rather hesitant. "Do you remember what happened during our school's opening ceremony?"
She came here to talk about what happened during 'that' point of my life? Wait. Is she who I think she is?
"Oh yeah, I remember how your dog ran into traffic while you took him for a walk." I replied, much to Yuigahama's shock.
"Wait? Y-you remember?" Yui asked in shock and guilt.
Yup, definitely the dog walker...
"I remember how you were wearing pink pajamas that day. You looked very cute in those by the way." I joked in an attempt to liven the mood. "*Sigh* Look. You don't have to apologize for what happened that day. In fact, I would have done it again if I had to. I love animals after all."
"But-but still..." Yui tried to speak.
"It's fine Yuigahama. Honestly, besides it wasn't fully your fault. Most of the blame lies with the one driving the car after all." I reassured her while growling a little at the mention of the car's driver.
"You seem really mad at the driver." Yui commented nervously.
"Of course I'm mad. That idiot was speeding." I pointed out. "But seriously though. Why were you wearing pajamas while walking your dog in the first place?"
"I-I forgot to change that day." Yui said in embarrassment. "Oh man it was so embarrassing..."
It's a miracle she even got into this school in the first place. Sobu's standards must have dropped dramatically.
"Eh?!" A new voice made itself known. "Yui-Chan and Hikigaya-Kun?" What could easily be considered the cutest girl I've ever met called out to us. Judging by her attire and tennis racket in hand. She must be a member of the Tennis Club. It was a bit weird that she knew me though.
"It's Sai-Chan! Yahallo!" Yui greeted.
"Yahallo." The girl greeted back. "Yahallo Hikigaya-Kun." She greeted me as well.
"Y-Yeah...Yo..." I gave her a suspicious look as I returned the greeting.
"What are you guys doing here anyways?" The girl asked.
"Just lamenting mistakes we've made in our lives." I replied. Much to the girl's confusion.
"I'm sorry but I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean by that?" She said.
"Forget about it." I replied. "Why are you practicing anyways? Isn't it lunch?"
"I do it because I love tennis." The girl stated. "Besides, our club is pretty weak anyways so I practice during lunch as well."
"Whoa. You practice during lunch and PE?" Yui said in awe. "That must be so hard on you Sai-Chan."
"Not really, I love tennis so it doesn't matter to me that much.." The girl replied before turning her attention back to me. "Speaking of which...Hikigaya-Kun. You're pretty good at tennis right?"
"You are?" Yui asked in complete surprise.
"Yeah, his form is excellent. Meguri-Senpai always used him as an example whenever she talked about proper tennis form."
Ah, so that's how this unbelievably cute girl knows me. Meguri-Senpai is trying to coax me into joining the Tennis Club.
"Meguri-Senpai?" Yui said, confused by the mention. "Isn't she the Student Council president?"
"Yeah. She's also the president of the Tennis Club." The girl answered. "Meguri-Senpai really has her work cut out for her."
"Darn, it must be tough for her. She can't seem to catch a break." Yui commented. "But Hikki, how does Meguri-Senpai know you anyways?"
"Let's just say I owe Meguri-Senpai a debt after that 'business' with Tobe." I said.
"So that's how you got away with it..." Yui said.
"I'm sorry to be a busybody but get away with what exactly?" The girl asked in confusion.
"Don't worry about it, it's nothing you need to worry about." I lied. "In any case it was nice meeting you...uh...I'm sorry but I didn't catch your name."
"What the hell?! How could you not know Sai-Chan?! He's in the same class as us!" Yui exclaimed in disbelief.
"You're easily the loudest person in the room and I didn't know you remember?" I mentioned. Although it was quite weird that Yuigahama referred to this cute girl as a 'he'.
"Oh yeah..."
"It's fine, my name's Totsuka, Totsuka Saika." Totsuka introduced herself. "It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise." I replied. "This is rather unexpected if I'm being honest. An extremely cute girl like yourself willingly approaching me...I'm actually quite flattered."
"Wait? Girl?" Yui asked in disbelief.
"You seem like a nice person. Why wouldn't I talk to you?" Totsuka asked with a smile. "Also...I'm a guy Hikigaya-Kun."
...Well then, I guess it is true what the previous generation always said. Back in the day there was Wonder Woman, now we're all left to wonder if it actually is a woman...