Day 13

Opening the door to the home, I tap the blunt end of my makeshift spear against said door, in an attempt to attract any potential… zombies in the home. 'Need to find a different word for these things…'

TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP!

Waiting for a few minutes for any indication of anything inside, I unfortunately don't receive anything of the sort. 'Damn…' Entering the home cautiously, I close the door behind me.

My caution is thankfully unfounded as I search the small home. Feeling my body relax, I head towards the first place I cleared, the kitchen. Opening my, mostly empty, backpack, I start indiscriminately stuffing any canned goods into the bag. "Canned peas? …I guess I can't afford to be picky." The amount of canned goods wasn't really anything exceptional, but it isn't what I was looking for either.

Entering the restroom, I open the cupboard under the sink. Where I find two spare toilet paper rolls, and the more feminine toilet products. Pressing down on the button on the walkie talkie, I ask one of the experts. "Komachi? You said you needed p-pads right?" An embarrassing question, which I normally would never ask.

It doesn't take long for an answer to come my way. "Y-Yeah..? Um…What does it say on the packaging?" …Ahhh!!! This is so embarrassing!

Resisting the urge to slam my head against the wall, I look it over. "Uhh…Heavy flow? Is that good?" I ask, not really sure what it means. 'Is it suddenly going to start rapping?'

"...It'll do." Yeah, that sounded kinda strained, Komachi. Putting the pads into my bag, I also grab all the other necessary hygienic products. "Try to come back home soon, it'd be bad if you were out late."

I feel a small smile tug at my lips at her worrying. "It's barely 4, Komachi." I say looking at the watch I borrowed from one of our neighbors. Not like they'd come back for it, I hope not. "But, don't worry. I'm heading back right now."

"...Okay, stay safe." With that, our communication ends.

Putting the bag on my back, I feel the weight pull me down. 'I'll need to pace myself.' Grabbing my spear, I open the front door to an empty front yard. 'Now, back into the danger zone.'


Living Room

Setting the backpack to the side, I collapse face first onto the couch. 'To work, is to lose. Don't ever forget it, Hachiman.'

"How was it?" I hear our "guest" ask from the kitchen.

"Tiring." I respond, not really wanting to talk.

"Did you run into any trouble?" I imagine she knows I don't want to speak, but I have found that she's very persistent.

"No, Mom." I joke, but saying something like that leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

She doesn't respond, but I imagine she's probably rolling her eyes at me. Laying on the couch for a while longer, I find myself thinking about the previous life I had. 'When it comes to losing, I'm the best at it…but, I can't lose, not anymore.' Reaching my hand out to the air, I clench my fist. 'How very shounen like.' I smirk at the stupid thou-

"Hikio? What are you doing?" Miura asks, now closer than before. A weirded out look on her face. "Know what? Nevermind, it's probably something dumb."

"I…uhh…" I'm unable to look her in the eye, the cringe being too much.

"Dinner's ready, so go get Komachi, will you?" Despite it sounding like she asked, it was most definitely an order, I think. "Today, Hikio." Most definitely an order.

Jumping out of the couch, I run away before I somehow anger her.


"Komachi?" Knocking twice, I open the door to my room. "Komachi?"

"Here." Komachi pokes her head out from behind my desk chair. "What is it?"

Walking around, I spot what she's doing. That is, making use of the supplies I scavenged from the supply crate. A sewing kit, an armor vest, and a bowie knife. I don't know how the last one fits into this, but I'm not in the mood to ask.

Ignoring it for now, I notice Komachi's expectant stare. "Food's ready."

"I'll be down in a bit, let me just finish up."

"Suit yourself."


Miso soup, rice, and the last bit of fish we had left, along with a nice and warm green tea as a drink. Miura certainly knew her way around the kitchen.

"Itadakimasu."

With that, we begin to eat. Trying the grilled fish first, I am reminded of the times when my mother would…

"It's delicious, Yumiko!"

"Really? Thanks, Komachi."

Staring at the fish, I take another piece with my chopsticks and eat it. Then, again, and again, and again, and…Oh, I ate it all. It wasn't much to begin with anyway. '...The last time I'll ever eat a meat product.'

Miura and Komachi exchange small talk while I mostly remain silent, lost in my thoughts.

Their conversation fades into background noise as my mind drifts back to a month ago. 'If the crash never happened, would I still be alive? Sobu's an hour walk back, and the walk is through a lot of residential areas. What about Komachi? She'd be with a friend if I hadn't gotten injured, what would happen to her?'

As my thoughts continue to spiral, I find it hard to keep my emotions in check. Pushing the plates away, I excuse myself from the table. "Sorry, I'm not feeling too hungry right now."

Miura gives me a concerned look, but Komachi doesn't press the matter. She knows when to give me space. I retreat to my room, shutting the door behind me. Leaning against it, I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling within me.

'I can't keep dwelling on the past. I need to focus on the present and the future.' I remind myself sternly, trying to regain control over my thoughts.

Sitting down at my desk, I glanced at the makeshift armor Komachi was preparing. Despite everything, I feel a sense of gratitude for having her by my side. She's been my rock through this ordeal, always supportive and resourceful. 'What would I do without you, Komachi?'


Midnight

Resting on the couch, Hachiman's gaze drifted aimlessly into the distance. Komachi was sound asleep in her room, and Miura had likely retired to her own quarters. The need for rest was evident, but he couldn't shake the thought of leaving the house unguarded— it just seemed imprudent.

That didn't mean it wasn't a challenge. His body needed rest and so did his mind. His eyes would droop every now and then, only for him to pinch himself in the arm or leg. Though, even pain had lost its effect after a while.

Standing up and out the couch, Hachiman heads for the kitchen, more specifically, the fridge. In a small corner of said fridge was his limited supply of Max Coffee. Begrudgingly grabbing one of the few, Hachiman opens the can and drinks the highly sweetened coffee.

"Life sure is bitter…" He mumbles softly, staring at the can with a smile. "But, with Max-chan I can do anything~."

"Hikio, what are you doing?" Yumiko appears from the darkness, eyebrow raised at the moment currently occurring in front of her.

Still cradling the can in his arms, Hachiman takes this chance to close the fridge, removing the only source of light. "Ahem. Miura, what are you doing here?"

"Don't dodge my question, and what's with this darkness?" With a flick of a switch, Hachiman is blinded for a moment. Recovering soon after, Hachiman is greeted by a slightly peeved Yumiko. "So?"

Hachiman takes the chance to drink the remaining amount of coffee, making Yumiko's patience run thinner by the second. 'If I'm going to die today, I'll die happy.'

Unsurprisingly, Yumiko takes matters into her own hands, and coffee too. "Hikio…Answer the question or I throw out all of your coffee."

Panic flashes in his eyes, and for a brief moment, Hachiman forgets about his own pride as a loner. "Please don't! …I'll talk."

"Seriously? That's all it took?"

"Does that mean I get my coffee back?"

"Not until you talk."


Living Room

"That's it? You could have just said it." Yumiko says from the other side of the couch.

'No, I couldn't. Not only did you find me in a vulnerable position, but it was also incredibly awkward.' Hachiman keeps his thoughts to himself, and just shrugs.

"…"

"…"

"...You're really awkward, you know that?" Yumiko points out, looking at Hachiman with a smidgen of pity.

"Thanks, Captain Obvious." Rolling his eyes, he finds his mood souring.

"I'm not saying it to be rude, but didn't you have any friends?" She asks, curiosity dripping in her voice.

"...That depends. What constitutes as a friend?" Yumiko immediately bursts into giggles once the words exit his mouth.

"Hehehe~...Oh my gosh, Hikio. That sounded so sad…" She replies, stifling her giggles.

"I'm thrilled to know that my lack of "friends" brings you amusement." His tone is laced with great amounts of sarcasm, and it didn't go unnoticed.

"Oh, come on. Don't be like that. I mean you have me now, right?"

After a moment of silence between the two, Hachiman scoffs. "A friendship built on gratitude can barely be considered such a thing. I may have coincidentally saved you, but it was never my intention to do so. You don't have to force yourself to act nice, just bec-"

"You're such an ass, you know that?" Looking back at her, the glare sent his way is filled with a myriad of emotions, emotions which made no sense to Hachiman. "...I don't get why you have to be like this…"

Looking on in shock, Hachiman doesn't say a word as she leaves. Shaking his head, he gives up trying to figure it out. After all, emotions were illogical in the eyes of Hikigaya Hachiman. "...Wait, she took my coffee with her..."


Day 16

Searching the smashed open vending machine, I find what I'm looking for. Six cans of Max, untouched and in perfect condition. Grabbing them all and storing them in my bag, I feel giddy inside.

'This should be the last vending machine that's nearby…' Zipping up my backpack, I put it on and start making my way back to my bike. 'All that's left is…getting ice cream. Honestly, it's the zombie apocalypse and my sister still wants luxuries like this? How very much like her.'

With an hour before sun down, I start making my way over to the convenience store I met Miura.

The ride there is short and uneventful. Stopping a couple meters away, I notice the lack of zombies. 'I'm not complaining.' Setting my bike near the door, I look around for a moment, but don't find any dangers nearby.

Ding!

Entering the store, the same jingle from before rings out. Spear in hand, I walk through all the aisles. Luckily, any zombies had long since disappeared. 'Lucky me.' Finding the freezer filled with different mixes and matches of ice cream.

"Komachi's favorite is…Mint Choco Chip." Grabbing the tub from the freezer, I check the expiration date. '...2 months from now? Good enough.' Placing the tub of ice cream into my bag, I close the freezer door. "That shou-No, wait. Ice cream is a good apology gift, no?" My question is unanswered, seeing as I am currently alone.

Pulling out the walkie talkie, I hold the button down. "Komachi?"

"Komachi? I need your opinion on something."

"Komachi? I understand you're annoyed with me, but your brother is currently in a danger zone, so please res-"

"What is it, Hikio?" …That is not my cute and adorable imouto. "Hikio?"

"..." Gods above…I really didn't want to talk to her right now.

"Is this thing not working? Stupid pie-"

"Please don't break the only other walkie we have, Miura-san."

"Then respond on time, you jerk. So? What is it that you need?" My sister, that's what.

"Where's Komachi?"

"Bathing. Now answer my question before I hang up." This isn't a phone, I can still talk to you even if you don't.

…Damn it. I guess I have no choice. "Miura-san, do you like ice cream?" I awkwardly ask.

"Chocolate." She answers immediately. "If you're at the convenience store, do me a favor and bring me some snacks, kay~?"

"I'll see what I can do." Storing the walkie talkie away, I grab the tub of chocolate ice cream and put it away. 'Now for some snacks, but what would she want? Potato chips? Candy? Chocola-'

Ding!

The sound of the automatic door opening rings out, and I feel my entire body freeze up. 'The door is behind me.' Before I can even turn, I feel something brush against my back.

"Don't move, or I'll kill you."

To Be Continued..?


Scary… Who could that be? Honestly, I'm thinking a lot, rn. Should I add OCs?

Hachiman's group wouldn't contain any OCs, but he would still encounter survivor OCs that'll show up once or twice. Depends on how I write future chapters.

Putting that aside, writing Yumiko hasn't gotten any better. I don't know if I'm doing good or bad. It's stressing me tf out.

That moment between Hachiman and Yumiko was going to be different. Like Yumiko opening up to Hachiman about stuff, or something, and then I thought to myself…Nevermind. I'll just include the reason why in some other chapter.

Let me confirm this though, Hachiman has not killed a Zombie yet. Hell, they might even be unkillable. He has gone outside 4 times. Firstly, when he found Miura and got food in the conbini. Second, Off screen when he looted the supply crate for leftovers once the radio turned off. Third, when he got the hygienic products for Komachi. Lastly, right now when he got Max and Ice cream.

All those times, he didn't get into a direct confrontation with any Zombie. He's been lucky, but that luck may not last much longer, this is a Zombie-fic, you know~?

The person who threatened Hachiman, they are…they are. You can guess who it is, and who knows? It might be an OC.

Other than that, Review Time.

uzu i-sa: Thanks. There will be more, as for who? Who knows?

As for the Yukinoshita family, who knows? I've been very vague about the zombies, and there hasn't been an introduction to how the infection spreads. Hachiman and Komachi are assuming it's from a bite, but who is to say it is? Maybe they're already dead? Or they never found Yukino because she wasn't in her apartment? It's all just what ifs for now.

0x66(Your name is too long and complicated): Yes. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. Yukino's situation is up in the air tbh, and so are the others. They might be alive, who knows?

VacantThoughts: Didn't have to wait too long.

SkullGuy0: Thanks. Oh, most definitely. I don't believe Yumiko is a-okay after seven days of living off of conbini food and being stuck in a backroom by herself. Her friends ditching her doesn't help either. Oh, and just to make sure, her friends were just random people, not Hayama and Co. They haven't met. Yet.

…Well that's it. Good bye for now.