So, uhhhh...found the milk, fellas.
Present Time 2: Time After Time (Yumiko/Ebina/Totsuka/Orimoto)
"…hey, uh…Orimoto?"
"Hmmm? What is it, Hikigaya?" chirped the brown-haired girl.
"Well, uh…while I'm happy at this riveting encounter and all that, it's starting to get a little too tight. Mind scooting off for a little bit?" I managed to gasp out.
"Hmmmm? O-oh, hahaha, yeah! Got a little too enthusiastic there," Orimoto giggled, withdrawing albeit with her hands still clinging on to my arms. "Can't blame a girl for getting a bit wild now and again, wouldn't you say?"
That is putting it lightly, if we're being forthright. Back in middle school, I always figured that she leaned more towards the 'delicate' kind of girl, a sentiment I continued to have since her peppiness wasn't too far off from Yuigahama. It was not until we began to hang out, she was kind of that, plus a mixture of Kawasaki's tomboyishness. Well, if I still had any reservations by this point, then the sheer force of the vice she's keeping me in certainly snuffs out that fantasy once and for all.
Not that I mind the contact, mind you. Dare say, I'd say it's a tell-tale sign that our relationship has truly changed for the better. This might be a clear case of overcompensation for lost time. Well, that, and the whole thing being a public affair. Don't need to be at my level of social awareness to figure out something as simple as guy-on-girl contact in broad daylight. That is to say, don't do it, lest you be forever be branded with the accursed title of 'normie'.
Especially since, you know, I'm basically persona non grata of lord knows how many school districts by this point. Stealth Hikki's a tried-and-true technique for me to normally weasel out of such situations, but that's not exactly an option when an extremely popular girls got her arms wrapped around you.
And that's with just one girl vying for my attention, much less four equally popular stars of our high school lives. The impromptu party of Miura, Ebina and Totsuka seems rather insistent they stay, I suspect to not let me enter the den of snakes by my lonesome. Which, I quite appreciate, don't get me wrong, but my ability to avoid conflict isn't so grand that I'm able to scuttle a group of over fifteen juvenile, angry, probably sexually frustrated group of high schoolers.
On the other hand, even if in all likelihood they end up ditching Kaihin High with me, that's such a blatant diss at their expense there's no way they'd let bygones go bye-bye. Either way, the rumour mill gets it's due, wither it be Sobu or any other bloody school in Chiba.
"You guy sure you're ok with coming along for the ride?" I spoke out to the other girls, as composed as I could possibly be, which is to say quite the task given Orimoto's arms are still wrapped around whatever they could find. Nevertheless, an attempt was made to offer them plausible deniability, so they can head out before things start to go awry. "I'm sure you guys had some kind of plan this joyful weekend afternoon, right?"
"Oh? What do you mean by that, Hikio?" A well-manicured hand pushed away the stray strands of blonde hair away from her face, showing the fierce eyes of the Fire Queen. "To be honest, it was actually getting pretty boring lately, till you came along." Miura replied, a cautious eye on the girl by my side. "Well, there's not that many quiet days when you're around, so I would have dragged you along for some…fun sooner or later. So, I don't really have any problems with it being now."
Well, it is nice to see you speaking your mind with confidence, Miura. Guess to see the incident with those pricks haven't dampened the embers. Why did it have to be now, of all times, though?
"I, well, I mean, you could take Totsuka and Ebina along for the ride, right?" It's hard to muster a cohesive narrative without stuttering, given how today seems like it just wants to go right off the fucking rails. "Weren't all of you looking to buy make up today anyways? You guys can just, uhh…go do 'girl' things together."
"Y-yeah, but that doesn't mean I-we'd still be happy to have you around, Hachiman!" A shadow of an adorable pout began to adorn the silver haired girl's face, before instantly recoiling in disgust at the disgusting coo-ing noises from the mouths of the Kaihin punks, boys and girls alike.
"OMG, OMG, did you look at her face just now, sooooo cute!"
"I mean, I happen to be interested in *cough* make-up myself, ya know? So maybe you and I-"
"D-did she just call him by his first name!? That lucky son of a-"
Yeah. Can't say I really blame her. You'd think they'd get the memo by now with the blatant visceral disgust adorning the girls. But no, keep going with that noise. Surely, after the hundredth catcall or the thousandth insult, they'll just sporadically drop their panties for you and vow an eternal enmity for the guy they actually spend time with.
To repeat the same thing over and over expecting a different result is the very definition of insanity. Then again, these imbeciles probably think a wardrobe change is enough to make a difference, so screw it, I'm just outright surrounded by dumbasses.
"Since we're two for three, I don't think I mind staying with you a bit, Hikigaya-kun." Ebina emphasised the 'kun' while staring directly into the eyes of the Kaihin posse, as if to stand her ground. Once again, love the enthusiasm, hate the timing. With that, the last vestiges of any of the girls leaving gracefully have effectively been cut off, so I guess we're in it for the long haul now. I'm beginning to miss the days when Sagami was my only problem.
"Well, the more the merrier." Orimoto chirped. "…though I guess it's not every day I get to hang out with some of Hikigaya's friends. Hmmmmm…."
It was a cute quirk of hers, one that I particularly found endearing even back in middle school, whenever I could spot her in the corner of my eye. Given how easily she can quite down the rowdiness of the others, it might have not just been me who fell under that particular spell of hers.
"In that case, the rest of you mind if I stay back? You guys were planning on heading off to the new place that just opened, right?"
"E-eh?"
Murmurs and looks of confusion were shared amongst the crowd, with some that's been trying to oppose. But with how chirpy Orimoto's being, that seems to douse any potential opposition they might have against the idea.
"S-so, back then, what you said back in karaoke was…"
"W-why him!? Of all the, why would it be-"
"…is he secretly rich or something, is that it?"
"…well in that case, is he still single?"
Jesus Christ, whisper your thoughts. What, you have morning monologues over the miso soup as well!?
…Ok, on second thought, coming from a guy like me …maybe I ought to owe Komachi an apology for the past years.
"Well, it's almost Valentines as well, so I figured a couple of you girls might want a head-start when it comes to buying chocolates." A couple of small gasps came out from the girls end of Kaihin. "It's not like any of the guys here can figure out who's getting what, you know what I mean?"
At that, inaudible (for once) mutters spread throughout their group, for once disjointed and not sounding like all of them used the one brain cell. Boys averted their eyes, and flushed. Girls averted their eyes, and giggled. All manner of derision and envy happened to fall to the way side and made way for that atmosphere. That same revolting atmosphere you see when all the normies gather around and flirt incessantly in public, to the derision of everyone in a close radius. Ugh, Valentine's still a few weeks away as well.
That being said, openly thirsting over my compatriots should've dampened any romantic atmosphere, though I suppose they're so far up their own ass to even make that observation. Pretty sure most of these guys were eying Orimoto regardless, but the untold strategy of pivoting to 'available' girls is as tried and true as things could be, and they'll bite hook, line, and sinker.
Exactly which of us is meant to be the 'fish' again? Jackasses.
Regardless, the once-imposing (in numbers, not really in competence) group began to scatter off, beaten off not by wit or a show of force, but that which defines and denigrates all high-schoolers; teenage hormones. And Orimoto finessed them like she was your premiere salesperson.
"Well, Chika, mind heading off with everyone else, for the time being? You guys were harping about the updated menu at that café, and we're not too far off from here. Don't you go changing your plans on my behalf."
"O-oh, yeah, guess that sounds perfect, Kaori! But uh, d-didn't you say you wanted us all to hang out together? Don't want to leave you in the dust, you know, hahaha."
The compatriot most associated with Kaori (one grammar-phile of a Council President excluded) took a not-at-all subtle glance towards me, lingering with interest in her eyes, as if there was a complete 180 compared to our previous meeting. No, gazes that were once brief with the most minimal amount of attention offered are now quite intense, far more than she'd ever look at Hayama. Well, really, I can see why…
…that is to say, if she really is down that bad for Orimoto, she'd tag along through thick and thin, wherever it takes her. Even if it meant having to breathe the same air as me, though I suppose with how long her eyes are on me, my guess is that she's taking her sweet time weighing her options as to whether it's worth it. After all, it won't just be her and Orimoto, it's also me and three girls from Sobu that she doesn't know.
"Pffft, don't worry about it, Chika, I'll have my share of the fun soon enough. Besides…"
Wrapping an arm around the shoulders of her friend, Orimoto pulled out a phone and started playing with it, before she finally settled on something of interest. At least, I assume so, given the dilated pupils and the heavy panting the girl suddenly exhibited. Hell, she's wiping her drool right about now. Not even specific to her, either, given whatever it was they were looking at, Orimoto probably showcased the toothiest smirk I've seen on her this whole time.
"…good things come to those who wait. Wouldn't you say, pal?"
"…yeah. Totally."
Yeesh, that last bit came off oddly primal. Whatever the hell Orimoto's showing, it's definitely effective. Maybe it's a bikini? Winter's just about over now. Yeah, that would be quite the motivation to dangle in front of her, wouldn't it?
Whatever reservations Nakamachi had with leaving Orimoto be seemed to have completely vanished into the noon atmosphere, as she moved to join the rest of her classmates towards their new hangout. But, not before turning around to take one last look. At me of all people.
"See you around, Hikigaya."
There was absolutely no doubting it at all. She sounded utterly ravenous. Guess that's what the image of Orimoto in a nice bikini would do to you, though I suppose I can relate to an extent. Middle school wasn't that far away, and I do recall fantasies of the brown-haired girl in a nice, sultry microbiki-
You know what, that's not exactly important right now.
What is important is the current state of affairs. All things considered, I've made out like a bandit out of that whole mess, but a fourth member being added to our party was definitely unexpected. And while Ebina and Miura's hardly the type to exclude a fellow trendsetter such as Orimoto, there's definitely some kind of apprehension there that I can't put my finger on.
All things in consideration, it might just be because of her popularity. All things considered, Orimoto would easily qualify for the 'Golden Generation' if she ever went to Sobu, so chances are she's dealt her fair share of tabloids from her own school. Not to mention, seems like this is the first time they've met, so…
Wait, hang on, there's no way the girls would believe rumours like that. Especially because they're rumours, after what they've had to see these past couple months. So no, that's not it, it's got to be something else going here.
…maybe it's something to do with being territorial? I guess someone like me is a walking normie-repellent, so perhaps they just want dibs on an afternoon without the usual rabble.
Well, that's just a theory anyways. I've got plenty of time to think about it. If anything, I guess I should worry about playing impromptu host between the popular girls of two schools. No worries, I'll find some common ground between Miura and Orimoto, and the social butterflies can continue some kind of dialogue from there.
Easier said than done though. There's a familiar look in Miura's eyes that reminds me of the first time she met Yukinoshita back in the tennis court. I suppose the temperament's hardly unusual for the Fire Queen, but there's been some kind of apprehensiveness with the other two this whole afternoon, though. I must have sorely underestimated how much recent events have put their guard up.
And that's only what I figured from prima facie observations. There's something going on with the other two. Unsure about Ebina, since she seems as peppy as ever (if not more so), but there's certainly something off with Totsuka that's more than mere social anxiety. I'll have to get to the bottom of it with Zaimokuza once today blows over.
Orimoto, on the other hand…quite clingy. Even for someone as amicable as her, I never figured we'd be close enough for her to grasp on so tightly. From the look in her eyes, though, this is less some kind of nervous tick and more of…well, I can't really judge what exactly that look is. Loners don't often have people look at them with sparkles in their eyes, and it's not like there's a normie at hand to translate things for me.
…I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm starting to wish Hayama was here.
"…come to think of it, I feel like I see a couple familiar faces here. Did any of you girls help with the Christmas junction we had a couple weeks back?" Orimoto said curiously.
"Hmmm? Well, Hayato did volunteer, so a lot of the guys in our clique chose to lend a hand here and there with the festivities. Were you helping with the preparations or something?" Miura inquired.
"Ahh, no, I wouldn't go as far as to say that. Honestly, I was pretty hands off with the whole thing. Our council president basically had me on observations pretty much the whole time." the girl said, shaking her hands as if attempting to avoid any credit she felt she wasn't owed.
"Well, the Christmas event was pretty successful, so the collaboration seemed to be an overall success," Ebina spoke up. "The teachers and parents sounded pretty happy, if what Hayato said was anything to go by.
"That probably means the ones helping aren't the same as the ones we've just met," Totsuka snarled. "They would have driven our president nuts, otherwise."
"My, my, Totsuka. Never thought I'd see the day where I'd see you holding a grudge," Miura said, almost bemused at the girl's sudden penchant for spite. "Nice to see a backbone managed to come along with those looks of yours.
"First time for anything, I guess," the smaller girl shrugged, clearly unsympathetic when it came to her opinion of the miscreants she had to deal with earlier. "I'm hardly being unreasonable, anyways. If there ever was anybody I'd get to be mad at…"
"Might as well be them, right?" Orimoto chimed in. "I can't hold it against you. The 'Golden Generation' schtick's passed over to Kaihin as well. Word seems to pass pretty quickly about you girls, all things considered."
"Ugh, they could have at least come up with a better name for that," Miura groaned. "People outside probably assume we're exceptional students, or gifted athletes or something like that. When I first heard about it, I thought they were talking about my hair."
"I mean, that wouldn't explain everyone else's, right?" I joined in. "Yuigahama's pink, Sagami's red, Totsuka's white…"
"Yeah, but my hair is natural," Miura responded. "I didn't realize 'Golden Generation' even included girls only at the start, I thought it was because Hayato and I were natural blondes."
"…isn't Yuigahama's hair natural too?" I said nonchalantly. "I mean, her mother's got the same shade, so I figured it was hereditary or something."
"…oh, dang, I actually forgot about that," pondered the blonde.
"…wait, my hair's natural as well," Totsuka muttered. "You imagine how annoying it is to dye hair the same color, for the same shape, for two years?"
"Er, ahaha," Miura awkwardly chuckled, clearly embarrassed.
Whatever awkward atmosphere happened to linger between the party of three and Orimoto thankfully appears to have dispersed, as everyone seems to be taking some kind of initiative with conversation. I had predicted there might have been issues given that Orimoto's classmates were the source of all the venting, but thankfully she seems to be a good sport about it. In hindsight, I should have expected this, since she's confided in me previously regarding how much of a boogeyman I've become on her side, as well.
As the girls were discussing about themselves regarding natural hair colors and the like, I felt the hem of my sleeve being tugged, as the girl next to me wanted my discreet attention.
"I figured with a school as next level as Sobu, the cliques there must be on another level, especially with Hayato at the center. To be honest, I feel a bit relieved that they're just like the rest of us, talking about silly things," she whispered as discreetly as possible as the others were preoccupied with chatter and snacks. For what it's worth, one advantage of the riajuu would be going out to enough places that they'd key in on some of the better ones in the city, so some minutia of credit should be owed to Hayama. Granted, the rest of that experience could use a little more discretion, though…
"Well, Totsuka's not affiliated with the clique. And you should feel glad it's these two. I can imagine that if any of the others happened to be here, you'd have your work cut out for you."
"Oho, and why's that? What, Hikigaya, you don't think I'm able to handle a couple rowdy teenagers? I ain't exactly some out-of-date spinster, you know?"
"Nah, it ain't that. There's four girls from the 'Golden Generation' in that clique, and would have had all the boys chomping at the bit if not for Hayama and Miura. You're comparable enough that I imagine they'd try their luck on you at first sight."
"Hehehe, you really are a smart one, eh Hikigaya?" Orimoto giggled, trying to avoid deterring the girls away from their conversation, as Miura was pondering which ancestor Totsuka had to receive both her adorable charm and hair color. "Yeah, there were a couple boys trying to chat me up while I was helping out during the Christmas event. That being said…"
A couple of her fingers moved underneath my sleeve and lightly pinched my hand."
"You said 'comparable' to the 'Golden Generation'. You telling me I'm pretty or something?" she whispered, positively glowing some manner of restrained glee.
"Well, let's just say there were more than a couple reasons I confessed to you back in high school." I dryly muttered, her fingers seemingly being a lot more excited as they began ticking the top of my hand. Finding the whole thing amusing, I'm sure, though I suppose I've also moved past the whole cringe factor of my distant past. "Speaking of trekking down memory lane, it just so happens that you've picked this place, of all places?"
Now, in terms of the more recent past, this is a memory I'd still rather not reminisce about. After all, this is the same restaurant Hayama brought us at the climax of the double date.
"…hey. You don't mind coming back to a place like this again, do you?" she whispered.
"Well, the food's decent enough, so it's not all bad," I responded. "The question is, are you content wit ha place like this? I figured you'd have a harder time with this place considering.
"Well, even if we're starting to get close, it ain't like we're starting back at zero, you know? A lot has happened, even after middle school."
Underneath the table, the girl continued to tug away at my jacket as if to express a silent communication of her intentions, though she looked away as a sheepish smile adorned her lips.
"That's why we got to overwrite the memories with something happier. I'm looking forward to revise all those bad memories for something a little more fun, if that's fine with you."
"Heh, if that's the case, you should have brought us to a Saizeriya, if you wanted to act all sappy and apologetic," I said as I allowed myself a small grin.
"Pffft, maybe if it's just the two of us. Isn't the best of places to be inviting four girls over, ya know?" she said, trying to stifle a small giggle.
"Heh, guess so," I conceded.
"Seems like you two are hitting it off? Wonder what you guys are whispering about," a voice came from the other side of the table.
As our eyes matched the other side of the party, it appears that whatever conversation they have concluded, and now had a keen interest in whatever we were whispering about. Can't say I blame them really, anyone would be curious if two people just went to the side and went about a few secrets. Though with how the three of them had some varying degree of side-eye against Orimoto, I would say they must be really interested in what's going on.
"Well, seems like you guys had your share of fun with him before I arrived. Isn't it obvious I'm just making up for lost time?" Orimoto giggled in a sing-song manner.
"Well, it's not like we were with him for that long," Totsuka spoke up, before looking at me with a glint in her eye. "The day's still young, we haven't even gotten to spend enough time with him anyways."
"Enough time? Not that I had any real plans in the afternoon, mind you, but everything really was just spur of the moment. I haven't really thought of what else to do. I'm hardly proficient at being a host," I shrugged.
Despite the many 'accolades' I have under my belt through my contribution to the service club, taking the leading role was never one of them, not that I had particularly cared about the spotlight or had the ability to do so. Given the current climate, however, it appears I've made my stage debut as a villain instead. Against my will, of course, but the infamy's far overtaken everyone else's at this point, I almost feel flattered.
"Haha, I'm sure we'll think of something, Hikigaya," Orimoto chirped from my side. "Hardly goes a day without something maniacal happening your way. 'sides, how often am I going to catch you rummaging about in the mall? Gotta takes the opportunity by its horns, or something like that."
"Well, you've got a point there, Orimoto. It's rather peculiar to find you in the mall of all places, Hikio." Miura chimed in. "I'm sure Yui and Iroha might drag you along for the ride here and there, but you seem the more 'local store' kind of guy to be hanging about here."
The observation wasn't exactly wrong. I've always biked to school, so the span of places I could reach within a reasonable amount of time was greater than those who just walked. Till this year, that was mainly for my benefit. It was awkward as it is, trying to interact with people in class. Imagine what it's like to see them out of it, unabated by school rules and free to act as candidly as possible.
Tch, that's bringing back memories of middle school I'm keen to forget.
"I mean, come on, Hikio, this isn't the first time you've caught me off guard just by being at the mall. Heck, I remember a couple months ago when you and …Hayato were…"
Miura's dialogue slowed to a crawl as her gaze began to alternate between me and Orimoto. As if a bell just rang in her head, she came to a sudden realization.
"Wait, come to think of it…yeah, I do remember you from somewhere! You're the one that was with Hayato that one time!" she exclaimed. "Ebina, I'm right, right?"
"Hmmm, her?" Ebina took a closer look at Orimoto, before coming to the same conclusion. Come to think of it, I had almost forgotten that she was here as well. Granted, that impression wasn't exactly maintainable since it was overwritten by something very, ehem….pink. "Oho? Yeah, I remember as well. Come to think of it, that friend you were just chatting with before she scurried off…wasn't she with the three of you as well?"
"Ah, Chika? Yeah, that's the one," said Orimoto. "Haha, till recently, she couldn't stop talking about the double date, even if it did went sideways by the end of it."
"…wait, double date?" Totsuka remarked.
"…ah." Orimoto muttered. Yeah, that was definitely something she didn't intend to mention. She's improving when it comes to spur-of-the-moment comments, though that remains a work in progress.
"Wait a second, if it's a double date, that would mean…Hayato and Hikio…" Miura muttered.
"…a double date, huh?" Ebina's gaze once again alternated between the two of us, before settling for me with a glint in her eye. "That's funny, Hayato never mentioned going on a date with you, Hikigaya. Oho, don't tell me you and him-"
"No." I snarled.
"Hahaha, sure, sure," the girl giggled, before resting her eyes on me again, this time with a more…direct look, so to speak. "Still, though, a double date, huh? Didn't think you were the type. Were you going out with Orimoto, by any chance…were you?"
Despite the liberal heating accommodated for by the restaurant, the temperature of the room almost began to feel frigid. Miura and Totsuka shared in Ebina's gaze towards me with about as much curiosity and…determination? Focus? I can't discern it. Totsuka, however, was privy on glancing at Orimoto more than the others, where I could sense some kind of enmity towards the brunette.
"Oh, but then again, that Nakamura girl was utterly ecstatic to see you just then. Then did the two of you manage to hit it off on that rendezvous of yours, Hikigaya?" The girl was still smiling, though I've been through the ringer enough with the likes of Isshiki and the elder Yukinoshita sibling to know when an interrogation is going on between the lines.
Clearly, Orimoto got the memo as well, as the usual peppiness I could sense off my peripheral vision slowed down to a halt as the chilliness of the room just set in. At this point, Yukinoshita's tenure as the 'Ice Queen' might be ending quite soon.
"So, Hikigaya, which one of those…lovely girls were you headed out with on that double date?" Ebina continued on her subdued assault.
"Er, you know, that was a while ago, I'm certain there's not much point to be talking abo-"
"Awww, Hachiman, come on. Did you plan to win that bet of ours because you actually did have a secret girlfriend, and you thought you could resist?" the similar sense of dread I had sensed from Totsuka earlier came back in full force, perhaps even greater than that sensation in fact. "Hehe, well, you cutely lost anyways, but it still stands…if you won, that meant we had to anything you desired. So if you did have some…girl, that you were already committed to, that's cheating, no?"
"Heeeey, you know what?" Yumiko chimed in, with a near feral voice that was on the verge of heating the room up again, befitting of her title as the Fire Queen. "You're right, Totsuka. If it does turn out that Hikio's been holding out on us, that means he hasn't exactly been showing all his cards, has he? If that's the case, maybe the game wasn't fair at all."
She leaned in a bit closer towards me, adorned in her face was a smile so feral, I feared we really was about to pounce on me.
"Maybe he should owe me-owe us…more then. As compensation."
"…anything? Hikigaya, what are they talking about?" Orimoto said as she pinched my thigh, noticeably a bit tighter than her soft teases beforehand.
Even the other participant of the double date, Orimoto, had her attention fully on me. I can imagine being under the crosshairs of even one of these girls is a precarious state, let alone three. Averting her gaze was probably the most comfortable course of action for her. Even if, for whatever reason, her eyes gleamed with a similar darkness seeping in. Guess she really doesn't want to talk about it, huh.
The flags were flown upside-down. The Rubicon was about to be crossed. In this very moment, my intuition was screaming at me that what I plan to say next was crucial. That if the wrong thing is said, a 'Bad End' may happen. And without save-states, I don't exactly have the means to explore that route without consequences. It is in this very moment, that one of my greatest skills manifested to protect me. One that has reliably helped me solve all precarious situations that happened in my way. One that let me find the correct sarcastic remark to continue the conversation, rather than awkwardly leaving it dead like during the days of my youth.
The 21st of my 108 skills: The World.
This can only be triggered during instances which requires input of my brain far beyond what can be afforded by nature. The rooftop incident with Sagami, the false confession at Kyoto. In those key instances, I was able to conjure up plans from zero, even fooling people like Zaimokuza that I'm capable of planning days in advance.
In reality, procrastination is an utter bitch, so something needed to compensate.
Within this realm of (perceived) frozen time, that gives me time to ruminate the precarious situation I was in. If I say I'm Nakamura's date, then the girls might think that Orimoto's another of the freeloaders trying to get with Hayama. In the same vein, I can't admit that I was just a plus one to justify both girls pining over the same guy either. The girls are understanding, but I can imagine a first impression like that would sour anyone, And now that they're somewhat fond of me, their opinion would sour further if they think I was just being used.
But I can't just say that I'm Orimoto's date. One, it would give off the wrong impression, since I'm not the type to instigate a date. Two, the finale of that meetup ended awkwardly for all parties involved, and I'm certain the entire ordeal's extremely cringeworthy from Orimoto's perspective. She and I reconciled just recently, the last thing I want is to make things awkward by bringing up something like that in public. I suppose it might be the lesser of two evils, since I at least have a chance to make things right with her later down the line instead of making it awkward between people I know.
For some reason though, there's this foreboding feeling that if I say I was paired off with Orimoto, I'll be interrogated till midnight. Even if it's just intuition, this is a route I need to avoid at any costs.
Maybe I could say that Hayama specifically requested me to lend a hand? That's true, isn't it? No, if they know that I only came specifically due to a request, then that indicates that during the double date, I was 'required' rather than 'wanted'. Give the girls time to ruminate, that might be worse than just stating both girls were pining for Hayama during that time, since that's way too open for interpretation. There's probably a way I could make it so that it's only Nakamura that's thrown under the bus. But she's Orimoto's friend, and I'll just be a hypocrite if I spread rumors that aren't true.
Think, think, Hachiman. The cause of potential drama would arise from the indication that I participated in a date. The curiosity other people gain from knowing about a date is the 'romantic tension'. Romance is always the juicy slice of meat dangling in front of people to devour, and that can't be changed, even if I abstain from giving any answer. If that's the case, then maybe a little white lie is in order. What's discussed in this table is probably going to stay in this table, so it's not ever going to escalate into something that nobody can control. The meat is still going to be there though…
It's just a matter of fooling people into thinking it's not meat.
"Well, if we're going to be technical, I was with both of them."
"…eh?" Whatever concerns Orimoto had instantly dissipated, as her eyes became as wide as saucers with a dust of red beginning to adorn her cheeks.
"…both of them? You, uh, care to elaborate there, Hikigaya?" the answer clearly baffled Ebina, as well as taking the winds out of the sails out of the other two. There was clearly a sense of aggression they wanted to project if their faces were any indication, but it was muddled up on account of the sheer confusion they had. Then again, two-timing with girls who aren't even a part of Sobu would throw people for a loop.
Before any of the other girls had an opportunity to interject, I immediately spoke out, to take control of the narrative before things got out of control, or Orimoto's confusion could break down the plausibility of the doctored events.
"Ah come on, I figured you'd know me well enough to know I wouldn't be going on something like a date for no reason. Nay, I had an agenda of my own. Had to test my capabilities. So, what I needed was to interact with someone who had no prior interaction with me, thereby being an unbiased participant. And Orimoto…"
I patted her back, which elicited a sudden squeak from the girl.
"And Orimoto here, was functioning as a chaperone of some sort. She knew about what I was planning, so to ensure I could test the waters, she offered to introduce me to one of her friends. Naturally, it's a bit odd to introduce a guy without the pretense of pairing two people together, so Hayato came through to make it a double date. On the surface."
I began to once again, feel the warmth that came from the natural insulation of the restaurant. While I'm sure the group has plenty more questions to ask, ones that I am prepared to answer, thankfully, whatever banshee's curse had afflicted the atmosphere appears to be dispelled for the time being.
"Like I said, it's been a while, so when you mentioned the double date, it took me a while to figure out what you were talking about, because I didn't remember it that way." I was speaking the truth, given it really was just Hayama with a girl on each arm while I was fourth wheeling, but that just helps make my story appear more plausible.
I leaned a bit into the arm that was currently fostered above Orimoto's shoulder, trying to relay to her to follow with the plot.
"It's a bit awkward, having to say that out loud eh, Orimoto? Haha, really threw me for a loop there when you brought it up," trying to appeal to her with as much of a smile I could conceive. Hopefully, it doesn't look too fake.
"Y-yeah, Hikigaya!" she stammered. Might have gone a bit overboard now, though, because the dust of her cheeks made way for a shade of maroon. Must be the proximity that's catching her off-guard, so I guess I overstepped it a bit. Though she didn't really appear upset about it. In fact, her expression appeared almost…
Excited?
"Well, you two seem quite close, so the activity might have been a success," Totsuka mumbled. Maybe she feels threatened about her 'best friend' status? Oh no, if she starts to pout, I might actually start feeling bad."
Gotta update the databanks, then. Even something as mild as shoulder touches could be perceived as something intimate.
"Wait, but weren't the two of them talking to Hayato when we spotted them in the mall," Miura chimed up. "Kinda defeats the purpose if the girls are preoccupied with him, no?"
"It's Hayama," I shrugged. "You ever doubt the guy when it comes to starting up conversations? I'm not exactly the type of guy who can demand several girls' attentions at the same time, you know?"
"-ke hell you're not."
"Huh, you say something, Totsuka?"
"UH? Oh, ah, no nothing, Hachiman." Totsuka squeaked, before muttering once again under her breath. "-ike hell, you're not."
"I wanna just ask, Hikigaya," Ebina interjected. "What kind of plan were you doing, then?" The other girls leaned in a bit to wonder what was going on. Even Orimoto, someone who was pretending to be complicit, couldn't help her curiosity and slightly arched her face towards me.
Now, I can handle other parties involved later down the line. I can leverage Hayato's cooperation, since he's already averse to conflict as it stands. Yukinoshita and Yuigahama obviously has my back, so as long as it's not social suicide, I'm fine there. Haruno's a bit of a wild card, but she already knows I've gotten close with girls who've I had issues with in the class. Well, more like, she extracted every tidbit of information she could at my expense, but the point still stands.
Social suicides, once again, is a no-no, I've sworn to that. But this is thankfully nothing as bad as that.
Just a little laugh between friends, that's all.
"I. errr…I needed experience with girls."
"…pardon?/Come again/What?"
Ah right, probably should have worded that better. After that last joke I made about mom, I guess it pays to be more specific now.
"Well, I kinda noticed around that time that I was starting to interact with quite a few girls over the course of my time working at the Service Club. You know, you guys, Isshiki and whatnot?"
"…aaaand?" Miura asked, speaking up for the other three girls who were all ears at this point.
"Well, you know…there are times I don't know what to say with Kawasaki and Isshiki. Yui wanted to introduce me proper to you guys. And, well, Ebina here was accommodating and from the way you looked at me back then, you seemed like you were going to give me a small shot, so-"
"So you wanted to practice with someone else, because you didn't want to mess up with us?" Ebina chimed in, beginning to sound aggravatingly amused about the whole situation. "You'd actually did that, for our sakes?"
"Hold on, why didn't you want to practice with me?" Totsuka huffed. "I'm a girl, you know?"
"Yeah, that was before I knew about it. Sorry, had my hands tied there, Totsuka. Would have asked you otherwise."
"…mouuuuu," the smaller girl pouted. Aaaaand I officially feel like a waste of life right about now.
"Wait, wait, wait, so all of that," Miura began to smile. "That, was because you wanted to properly know us better? Oh my god, that's so cute!"
"D-don't call me cute!" I stammered, partially because Miura's teasing did caught me off guard, but also to sell the illusion. "I-I just wanted to be prepared, you know?"
"Oh my god, he's blushing!" Ebina cooed. "Awwww, you just wanted to be a good friend, that's so sweet!"
*click*
My ears and eyes were drawn to faint sound of a camera shuttering, as Totsuka was taking a photo, a sheepish grin and blush adorned on her face as she met mine.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Hachiman," the girl apologized, trying her best not to laugh. "It's just that…hahaha, I don't get to see you like this all the time. I just…hahaha!"
Another shutter came, this time from my side. Oh, man, it can't be.
Et tu, brute?
"Orimoto, why?"
"Hahaha, sorry, it's just…it's so funny and adorable, I didn't think you cared all that much about that kinda thing!"
The teases and light bullying continued for a while, as all four were united in the ability to tease me unabated, as I intentionally made no defence against their relentless assault. Sure, I could do away with this almost immediately, but it's probably for the best everyone has something to vent and bond over, even at the cost of my embarrassment. Perhaps if they realized that this, technically, was a much milder form of sacrifice, they might stop. Honestly, though, this is hardly anything worse than what Komachi or Isshiki pulls on a daily basis, so 'sacrifice' by any definition is honestly overstating things.
"Oh, oh wait, come to think of it, you're embarrassed again," Miura cooed. "Does that mean we get a little something extra for making you all shy?"
"Y-you already won the bet," I stammered. "This isn't a double or nothing situation, you're not getting anything else other than this."
"Oh? You're saying there is an option for double or nothing?" Miura smirked. "Interesting, interesting."
"I mean, I owe you big time already, what more could you ask for from that?" I stammered.
"Quite a lot, actually. You only afforded me one wish, you know," Miura giggled, resting her head on one of her arms, with her free hand tracing her lips. "When the time comes for double or nothing, be sure to let me know, ok?"
Her seductive chuckle alone was enough to nearly make me lose composure as I did back during the challenge, as the memories of the three temptresses were still fresh in my mind. With that said, there was still one girl utterly confused about what's going on to my side, and one Totsuka a bit ticked off over the notion of another bet. Look, no one's going to haggle for your spot, there's no need to worry!
"Ahhh, well I suppose I should thank you, Orimoto, for helping dear old Hikigaya here," Miura giggled, pinching my cheek to everyone's giggle. "Nice to see he's got that side of him."
"No kidding, haha," Ebina laughed. "You must be quite close to him for him to admit something like that." As the laughter began to die down, however, the mirth on her face was replaced with one of mild curiosity. "Yeah, I never did ask, how did Hikigaya happen to know someone from Kaihin Sobu? We didn't collaborate at all until Christmas, and the double date was much earlier."
"Oh, well, let's just say Hikigaya and I go way back," Orimoto explained, for obvious reasons trying to keep it as brief as possible.
"Hold on, this is a first," Ebina spoke up. "And here I was thinking that you might have been a relative or something. Hikigaya never mentioned having any childhood friends. Or friends at all for that matter, aside from Zaimokuza."
All of a sudden, the table shifted from laughing at my expense to being puzzled over this sudden gap in logic. Who was this friend that I was content on trusting, someone they've never met before and apparently knew me from way back when, was what they were probably thinking.
"Huh? Hachiman, you would have mentioned something like that, wouldn't you?" Totsuka was beginning to scratch her head. "You can't have met up with him in primary school, otherwise he would had someone to talk to other than Mok-kun during middle school."
"Middle school? Hah, no, we met one another, during….well…"
"Hmmm, was it a long time ago perhaps," Ebina spoke up. "This isn't one of those 'forgotten childhood friends' things, is it?"
"Oh, come now, that would be quite cliché," Miura groaned, before looking at me and Orimoto alternately before second guessing herself. "Uh, unless that's actually what's going on?"
Totsuka was looking at Orimoto, trying to figure out exactly where she might have come from. Well, I have told her about it, but it's not like I showed her the year book I had of back then. I wasn't even capable of looking through it myself. Forgiving Orimoto is one thing, but the faces of the others in that blasted classroom? Yeah, no. That's not happening anytime soon.
"The thing is, actually, that…well…" Orimoto finally spoke up, drawing the attention of everyone in the table, myself included.
Now, there was a way out of this cleanly, I'm sure. I don't think it would have taken much brain power for myself or even Orimoto to find a way out of this. However, as her sentence remained unfinished, she took a quick glance at me with another soft touch towards the hem of my sleeve, I realized that 'avoiding' wasn't exactly the call to action that was on her mind.
Was it because she didn't want to hide it anymore? She might not have wanted me to handle the lion's share of the burden, trying to plan my way out of things as I usually do. Avoiding coming off as a leech on the date with Hayama and I, that was probably something she wanted to avoid. She's told me time and time again that the shallowness she had at the time haunts her to this day from sheer embarrassment. That's something we can leave for later, especially since our group might accidentally fall into the trap of false assumption, especially since so many girls have been vying for Hayama since then. This, on the other hand, was something the two of us have dealt with. Maybe she wanted to see things through to its logical conclusion. After all, these were my present friends, and perhaps she didn't want to hide something from people who cared about me.
Or maybe it's something much simpler. Maybe it's just a matter of getting things off of her chest.
"Yeah, Hikigaya and I knew each other back in middle school. I gave him my number one day, and that's how we started off."
"…you went out of your way to give him your number? Hold on…" Ebina was pondering exactly why those words seemed familiar. And they should be. After all, I was the one who told her about it. Her, and…
And then, it happened. Before I could react, a small gasp came out of Totsuka's lips.
"You're her. You're the one from middle school."
"Wait, middle school?" Yumiko said, confused.
"You're his first love." Totsuka whispered.
Part 2's in a week. Yeah, I know, I said this before if you guys recall regarding Sagami's chapter, but there's literally a paragraph left from completion. Anyways, nice seeing you again, I'll probably post my usual thoughts in the next chapter