Hikigaya POV

Youth is a lie. It's nothing but evil.

You, who revel in your youth, deceive yourselves and those around you. You perceive everything about the reality surrounding you in a positive light. Even if you make a life-threatening mistake, it would still be seen as a mere page in your youthful memories.

Let me give you an example. If these people engage in criminal acts like theft or rioting, it would be called "youthful indiscretion." If they fail an exam, they claim that school is not just a place for studying. As long as they are in the face of "youth," they will exhibit a distortion of common beliefs or social norms.

Under their discretion, lies, secrets, crimes, and even failure are nothing but the essence of youth. And in their corrupt ways, they find something peculiar about failure. They conclude that while their own failures are part of savoring their youth, the failures of others must be brought down with nothing but failures and nothing more.

If failure can be seen as a testament to youth, wouldn't it be strange not to consider making friends as experiencing the pinnacle of your youth? Of course, they wouldn't acknowledge this.

It's all worthless. It's nothing but the result of their opportunism.

Therefore, it's a farce. Filled with lies, deceit, secrets, and fraud that should be condemned.

They are wicked.

Ironically, those who don't glorify their youth are the truly righteous ones.

In conclusion, Riajuu, go and beat yourselves up.

My Japanese teacher, Shizuka Hiratsuka, burst a vein while reading my essay out loud. As I listened, I realized my writing skills were far from competent. I thought stringing together some fancy words might make me sound smart, but apparently, it didn't turn out that way.

Was it because my essay was amateurish that she called me? That couldn't be. I already knew that. After Hiratsuka-sensei finished reading, she put a hand to her forehead and sighed deeply.

"Tell me, Hikigaya, what was the assignment I gave you during class?"

"... Well, it was an essay on the topic 'reflecting on middle school life.'"

"Exactly. So why did you write a threatening letter? Are you a terrorist? Or maybe just an idiot?"

She let out another sigh.

Come to think of it, maybe I should have added more insults to those damn normies. Just as I was smiling to myself thinking about those things, a paper package hit my head.

"Pay attention!"

"Yes."

"Your eyes are like the eyes of a rotten fish."

"Do they really look rich in omega-3 fatty acids? Makes me sound intelligent."

The corners of her lips moved upward.

"Hikigaya. What's with this tasteless essay? I'd like to hear some kind of reasoning at least." Her eyes gleamed, shooting daggers at me; she's seriously terrifying.

"Uh... well... I was reflecting on the great middle school life, you know! Nowadays, this is very common in school life! My essay is pretty close to it!"

I continued fumbling for my words. I get nervous just talking to people, but speaking to an older woman makes me even more nervous.

"Usually, this question would require reflecting on your own experiences, don't you think?"

"Then you should have asked the question with a preface. If you had done that, I would have written the essay accordingly. It's not my fault for writing a misleading question, sensei."

"Oh, stop being so arrogant, kid."

"Kid... Well, from someone of your age's perspective, I suppose I am a kid."

There was a gust of wind. It was a fist. A fist that was unleashed without any indication of movement. And if that wasn't enough, it was an impressive fist that narrowly missed the side of my cheek.

"The next one won't miss." Her eyes were serious. For some reason, her movement felt routine, as if she did it repeatedly.

"I'm really sorry. I'll write it again." To show an appearance of remorse and regret, I'll have to choose my words wisely. But at this moment, among all the things Hiratsuka-sensei was, satisfied wasn't one of them. It seemed there was no other way but to kneel and beg at her feet.

"You know, I'm not angry with you."

... Oh, so it's come to that. That annoying thing they always do. The "I'm not angry, so please tell me such and such." I've never seen anyone say they're not angry. Surprisingly, she really wasn't angry. Well, except for that one moment mentioned about her age.

From a shirt pocket that she was about to open, Hiratsuka-sensei pulled out a pack of cigarettes and firmly tapped the filter against her desk. Just like someone of her age would do.

I noticed how she looked around as if trying to prevent someone from snatching it away. Maybe other teachers forbade her from smoking? After getting the cigarette, she clicked it lightly and lit it. She took a drag and considered, with a serious look on her face.

"You're not in any club, right?"

"Correct."

"Do you have friends?"

She asked me as if she already assumed I didn't have any.

"Well, I'm in the virtue of impartiality, and as such, I am incapable of having especially intimate relationships with people!"

"In other words, you don't have any, right?"

"W-well, basically..." I responded a bit hesitantly.

Upon hearing my answer, Hiratsuka-sensei became excited.

"So, that's it! You really don't have any friends!? I knew it just by looking into those lifeless eyes!"

So, you figured it out just by looking into my eyes? Then don't bother asking me.

She nodded her head while maintaining a reserved expression.

"What about a girlfriend or something?"

What's with the "something"? What would you do if I told you I have a girlfriend? I thought about replying, but that would only dig my own grave.

"Well, I don't have one right now..."

Considering the hopes for the future, I emphasized the "right now," just in case.

"I see…"

This time, she looked at me intensely, with her eyes slightly teary. I really hoped it was from the smoke irritating her eyes.

Hey, stop that. Don't give me pity with that soft gaze. Anyway, when will all these questions end? Is Hiratsuka-sensei one of those enthusiastic teachers?

Maybe she once went to a delinquent abandoned high school and now returned to her old high school to be a teacher?

Seriously, can't she go back there? After some consideration, Hiratsuka-sensei sighed while exhaling a puff of smoke.

"Very well, let's do it this way. Rewrite your report."

"Yes."

And I certainly will.

Alright, this time I'll write a harmless composition that is very appropriate. Just like the blogs of idols and voice actresses.

Up until that point, everything had gone as I expected. But what followed was more than I had imagined.

"However, the fact is that your heartless words and behavior hurt my feelings. Were you never taught how to talk to a woman your age?" I managed to hear her curse softly, as if someone else had told her the same. "As a result, you are required to join the service club. After all, bad deeds must be punished."

She didn't seem very hurt; in fact, she sounded commanding. Rather, she seemed more cheerful than usual, speaking in a cheerful manner.

Upon saying this, the word "cheerful" inadvertently reminds me of something else... my eyes drifted away from reality and ended up on sensei's breasts pushing up from under her blouse.

But then, what kind of person delights in meting out punishments?

"The service club... what do you think I should do there?" I asked timidly.

"I have a feeling that it might possibly involve cleaning bathrooms or worse, kidnapping people."

"Just follow me. Besides, I think the latter is already being taken care of."

Terrifying, does this school really have someone in charge of that? Come to think of it, she's just teasing me for my crude words.

Hiratsuka-sensei flicked the end of her cigarette into a densely filled ashtray and got up. While I stood frozen on the floor after not having any explanation or introduction to what she was proposing, sensei was already at the door looking at me.

"Oi, hurry up."

With my eyebrows furrowed and a grimace on my face, I followed her.

We walked through the school hallways without me having a fixed destination in mind.

When Hiratsuka-sensei clicked her heels on the linoleum floor, it seemed she was heading toward the old building.

I have a bad feeling about this.

First of all, something called the "service club" can't be good. The word "service" here wouldn't be used in an everyday situation; rather, the use of this term would only be permitted in a restrictive sense. Like, for example, when referring to the type of service provided by a maid attending to her master. If it's that kind of "service," it would be a real twist, and there would be a strong urge to go with "Let's party!"

But in reality, such a thing wouldn't happen. No, in reality, if you pay a fixed price, it would be possible. And if money can buy anything you want, even this kind of thing, then I have no dreams or aspirations in such a rotten world. In any case, "service" is not something good.

What's more, we had already arrived at the old building. I will definitely have to do things like moving the piano from the music room, cleaning up the remnants from the biology lab, or organizing books in the library or something like that. In that case, I'll have to take precautions in advance.

"I have this chronic disease in my lower back... that's, it's... it's herpes? If that's it..."

"I think you mean hernia. However, there's no need for you to worry. What I'm asking you to do is not manual labor." Hiratsuka-sensei looked at me with a very contemptuous expression.

Alright then. Is it research or some other kind of desk work? That kind of work means meaningless tasks that are more intense than manual labor. It's like torture, digging a hole in the ground just to fill it back up again.

Well, I don't mind laboriously doing the work myself. If I flip the switch in my mind, it's clear that I'm a machine, there would be no problem. And in the end, I'd like to remain a mechanical body, just to become a screw.

"We're here."

The classroom where sensei had stopped in front of was not unusual. There was nothing written on the doorplate. As I was looking at it in amazement, sensei opened the sliding door noisily. There were chairs and tables piled up in disarray along the edge.

Maybe it was being used as a storage room. Compared to other classrooms, of course, there was a table in the center as well as a couple of chairs. It was a very normal classroom. However, something obviously different from everything else in the room, there was a single girl.

In the light of the sunset, she was reading a book. Even if the world had ended, she would undoubtedly still be sitting there, reading. That was the illusion she gave off, so much so that it was like a scene from a painting.

The moment I saw her, both my mind and body froze. I inadvertently became fascinated by her.

Realizing there were visitors, she placed a bookmark in her pocketbook and looked up.

"Hiratsuka-sensei. I thought I told you multiple times that you should knock before entering..." Graceful features. Long ebony hair. Wearing a uniform that should be the same as the one worn by the girls in my class, but still looked completely different.

"Even if I knock, you never respond."

"That's because you enter before I have time to respond." She gave a disapproving look in response to Hiratsuka-sensei's words. "And who's the empty-headed one with you?" She gave me another quick, cold glance with her eyes.

I know who this girl is. She's Yukinoshita Yukino, Class J.

Obviously, I only know her by name and face. I've never spoken to her before. There's no way I could, because I rarely have conversations with people at school.

At Sobu High School, in addition to the standard classes, there's a class meant to nurture talented students capable of playing an active role on the international stage. This class has an academic level that is two to three times better than the other classes. It mostly consists of students who return to Japan from abroad or students who have aspirations to study overseas.

Amongst that class, the student who is important, or rather, draws people's attention naturally and stands out brilliantly, is Yukinoshita Yukino. Whether it's a regular exam or a grade exam, she's a big winner who consistently sits at the top of our grade. In short, she's practically the most perfect and beautiful girl in the school, and everyone knows who she is. Although there are also girls in other grades who can match her, it's not in the complete sense of the word.

On the other hand, I'm just an average student, totally mediocre. That's why, even if she doesn't know me, I'm not offended in any way. Although I was a little hurt that she used the term "empty-headed." It was enough damage to distract me with thoughts of that candy with the same name, which I haven't seen at all lately.

"This is Hikigaya. He's joining the club."

Prompted by Hiratsuka-sensei, I nodded in acknowledgment. At this point, it was probably time for a self-introduction.

"I'm Hikigaya Hachiman, Class F. Um... Eh... What do you mean by joining?" Joining what? Joining this club?

Sensei began to speak. Did she guess what I was going to say?

"You must participate in this club's activities as a sanction. I won't allow any disagreement, objection, protest, questions, or retorts. Cool off a bit. Reflect on your actions!" Without allowing me any protest, she declared her verdict with great resolution. "That being said, I'm sure you can tell just by looking, but his heart is considerably damaged. As a result, he's a pitifully lonely person."

So, you can really tell just by looking?

Sensei turned to Yukinoshita and said, "If he could learn to be more sociable, he might clean up his act a bit. Can I leave that to you? I'm asking you to straighten out his corrupt solitary disposition, after all, you have experience in this."

"I think the best course of action would be to train and discipline him." Yukinoshita responded reluctantly.

... What a scary woman.

"I would do that if there was anything I could do, but lately, I've been having some problems of my own. Besides, physical violence is not allowed."

... It's as if she's saying that psychological violence is completely fine.

"I can say that's not a hundred percent true. But getting back to the topic, I can't make this decision by myself without the other members. Besides, I feel like this guy is some kind of stalker the way he looks at me." Yukinoshita said, giving me a certain disgusted look.

I'm not looking at your very modest chest. Wait, am I? No, I'm not, I really am not looking. It just came into my line of sight for a moment and I was momentarily distracted.

"I'm sure the answer will be a yes. Also, regarding Hikigaya, his eyes and heart are so corrupt, he's very skilled at self-preservation and calculating the trade-offs between the benefits and risks of doing something. He would never do something that could lead to a criminal offense. You can trust his petty bully nature, after all, Hikigaya is very different in that regard from him."

For a while now, I feel like they're talking about a third person, and Yukinoshita mentioned that there are more members.

"A little cowardly bully. I see, then I don't think I'll have a problem in that aspect." Yukinoshita said.

Did Hiratsuka-sensei successfully persuade her, or did my petty bully nature gain her trust?

"As I said, I have to discuss it with the other members first, but being a request from Sensei, we will surely end up accepting him reluctantly." Yukinoshita said with an incredible disgust, as if this seemed repetitive to her.

Sensei smiled with satisfaction. "Alright. Then, I leave it to you." And with that, she left the room while humming a certain song from an anime I remember watching a few days ago.

I stood there alone.

Honestly, I would feel much less stressed if they just left me alone.

Being in an isolated environment, as I usually am, would make me feel more at ease. The ticking sound of the second-hand clock was terribly slow that I could hear it loudly.

Hey, wait, is this really happening? A sudden romantic comedy development? An incredible cloak of tension enveloped the room. I have no complaints about the situation.

Suddenly, I remembered a bittersweet memory from junior high school.

It was after school. There were two students in a classroom. The curtains were swaying with the light breeze, and as the rays of the setting sun passed through, a boy gathered his courage and confessed. I still remember that girl's voice clearly. "Can't we just be friends?"

Ah no, this is a bad memory. We didn't even talk again after that, let alone become friends. Thanks to that, I ended up wondering if friendship was a relationship where people didn't even have conversations with each other.

Well, the point is, being alone with a beautiful girl in a closed room like in some kind of romantic comedy will never happen to me in real life. Now I'm highly trained, there's no way I would fall for such a trap.

Girls are interested in beauties and popular people. They also engage in impure relationships with them. The idea of that makes me laugh.

In other words, they are my enemies.

Up until now, I have tried my best to ensure that I would never experience that again. The quickest way to avoid getting caught in a romantic comedy development is to be hated. Lose the battle to win the war. I will do whatever it takes to protect my pride so I don't need things like their popularity!

That being said, instead of greeting her, I decided to intimidate Yukinoshita by frowning at her. Wild beasts kill with their eyes!

Grrrrr ─!

In response, Yukinoshita looked at me as if I were a piece of trash. She narrowed her large eyes almost halfway and let out a cold sigh.

I instinctively swallowed.

But before either of us said anything, I could hear voices coming from the door.

I turned my attention towards the door, which was opened, and two girls entered as if nothing.

I was surprised to see the two girls who entered because after all, if Yukinoshita is the most attractive and popular girl in Sobu High, these two are the ones who follow her.

Yumiko Miura and Kawasaki Saki.

Maybe at another time, I would have forgotten the second girl's last name, but after seeing her incapacitate one of Hayama's friends, I knew I didn't want to be on her bad side.

My grade has two popular cliques, Hayama's and Miura's.

Hayama has a large group, made up of his friends and three girls, while Miura has three girls who are her friends.

Anyone would think that Miura's clique would lose, but that's where Kawasaki comes in. She could easily wipe the floor with the guys in my grade. Being a keen observer tells me this, one really shouldn't upset her, as she's the kind of delinquent who won't hesitate to hit you if you get close to any of the girls, she's like the bodyguard of Miura's group.

For this reason, Miura and Kawasaki rank second and third in popularity among the guys. Maybe some secretly like being hit by a girl. Unfortunately, I don't share that idea.

Both girls walked to the table, taking seats next to Yukinoshita, completely ignoring me.

I'm proud of one of my 108 skills that make me almost invisible to others, but right now I'm not using it.

"By the way, Yukinoshita, who's the pathetic guy standing like an idiot in the middle of the club?" Miura said while glancing at me but quickly lost interest.

Tch! I'm glad she noticed my presence, but it's not pleasant to be insulted out of nowhere by someone like her.

I wanted to say something to insult her in return, but I felt Kawasaki's death glare, as if she indirectly told me that if I said anything, my life would end right there.

Komachi, I'm scared, maybe your big brother's life will end in this place? But before that, I want to tell you that you're the best little sister in the world, no one can argue with that, and if someone wants to debate it, I'm waiting in a place far from Chiba. I trust that the other party will cower before my eyes.

"Now that we're all here, I'll say it. This guy is Hikigaya-kun. He was left here by Hiratsuka-sensei, and we were tasked with reforming him and dispelling the misconceptions he has."

Before saying anything, I felt Miura's gaze focused on me, but it was different from before, as if she was trying to recall where she had seen me.

We are in the same grade, so I doubt that's the reason.

Gradually, her look changed from normal to one filled with anger.

"I see, you're that kind of scum who made Yui cry." She said with a tone full of hatred.

Yui? I don't remember anyone with that name, and I doubt I made anyone cry.

Although if I search through my memories, last year, a certain girl approached me and tried to befriend me, but I could tell it was all fake, just a show of gratitude for saving her dog.

"That he did what?" Kawasaki's words snapped me out of my thoughts.

I started sweating; now it's as if I have a predator in front of me.

Unconsciously, I took a step back, as if she was about to attack me at any moment.

Perhaps all of this is a nightmare? Perhaps I am still in bed, sleeping peacefully? Because it's impossible to be in a situation where I feel like my life is about to end. And worst of all, I don't know the reason they are about to exterminate me.

But I won't go down without a fight. At least today, Hikigaya Hachiman will return home to see his lovely little sister.

"I don't know what you're talking about; I never made anyone cry." I said with all the confidence I still had in me.

"So, you're calling me a liar!?" She raised her voice as she stood up.

I don't like my situation, but if I don't respond with the same tone, I know it won't end well.

"I never said that, but I doubt you're listening well; you're just a bitc..."

I tried to respond with an insult to show that I wouldn't back down, but before completing that word, I felt death behind me.

My whole body froze, as if someone was ready to finish me off if I said that word.

My instincts told me I had no reason to worry about any of these three girls; the real threat is none of them.

Then why do I feel this way?

I slowly turned my head backward, but luckily, there was no one there.

What was that strange feeling?

But, time later I would realize that you have to be careful with your words, since you don't know when a demon may be lurking in the shadows. Or so I thought when our eyes met.

This is only a preview, there are still several chapters left to finish the first year. Besides, the following chapters are long, so I preferred to leave a preview.