Logic Is My Sword

by Itherael

It's often said that one person's insanity is another person's reality, and believing such was improbable. But if you were to reach a junction where self-delusion and insanity are the only choices left to take, what else can you be expected to do? Simple, defy the irrational world by choosing the path of logic, for I refuse to compromise my principles for the sake of convenience.

1. A Loner Again

Greetings… and welcome to my Third story.

This is a massive crossover story, which involves many old and current anime franchises, in which Hikigaya Hachiman takes the role of the protagonist.

This story starts just after the end of Oregairu season 2, which means that everything in the light novels, anime and prior OVAs have already occurred.

AS if to resemble a light novel, I crafted art for the story, which can be found in my DevianArt account "MakerOfSouls". The gallery has pictures that are separated in folders for each chapter so they can be found easily.

To offer a more immersive experience, there are also song recommendations for certain scenes. To access them, enter my fanfiction profile, in there you'll find the profile of this story, where you can find the links to the songs I recommended for the current chapter.

These are not necessary, however, they improve the reading experience.

At the end of every chapter, characters not from the "Oregairu" series will be introduced along with details from their own franchise in the form of a skit, after their first appearance.

This story is a combined effort from me, Itherael, and NirvanaFrk97.

Disclaimer: We don't own anything in this story but the plot.

Without further ado, let's get started.

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Logic is My Sword

Prologue – And Once Again, Hikigaya Hachiman Becomes a Loner

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0-0

No trouble, no life.

Butchering of a certain series' title aside, one might think that a situation going wrong is an unexpected deviance, a break from the norm. However, life, as variable as it is, has taught me that those who hold such thoughts are wrong.

Troubles are a part of life, generated from many sets of circumstances, which when grouped, result in consequences. Whether they pertain to something long reaching like the economy and politics or something as personal as social life. Either one could potentially lead a human being to become delusional or an irascible bastard depending on their mental fortitude.

Naturally, human beings strive to avoid trouble due to their cowardice to face their realities and overcome them. Which, in fact, turns out to be one of the main reasons why problems are born in the first place. It's quite the ironic cycle, maybe another interpretation of Ouroboros. Instead of representing the eternal cycle of life and death, the snake eating its own tail represents people perpetually causing their own problems.

The response to those problems depends on a person's individual personality of course, and the complexity of the problem itself. Some of them make people better citizens, contributors or supporters of human society(lol). While others simply turn them into a scourge that society rejects.

I, Hikigaya Hachiman, was once that scourge, though it hadn't been of my own volition.

I once sought to be a participating member of society, and it can't be denied that I tried my hardest, but rejection, contempt, disappointment, and naive ignorance always got in my way. An additional hurdle being that I wasn't exactly the most socially savvy, and an even less approachable sort of person. Eventually I came to the realization that it wasn't my fault for being rejected, but everyone else's. This flawed world was at fault, moreover youth was at fault. Human society and its toxic focus for conforming was at fault.

I believed that and the world showed me as much, so the only way I could continue living on was to not be part of it. I didn't hurt anyone, and in exchange, no one hurt me. It was a fine trade if you asked me. Both parties won.

However, things started to change, a minuscule light of hope began to well within me. Something I hadn't allowed to happen ever since the car accident had me miss Sobu's entrance ceremony. I never meant for it to occur, but that slipped out of my control, and before I knew it, I had changed…

I wasn't the loner I was before as I had many… acquaintances now. I wouldn't call them friends, but it is certainly more than anything I've had anytime in the past.

A certain essay I wrote some time ago started me on this new path, as it led me to join a certain club, where I met certain people. There my life changed, and there my route towards my new goal would eventually begin.

Finding something genuine.

It may be embarrassing, but that is what I truly sought. It doesn't matter what it turns out to be in the end, I still want to find it.

Now, I thought I'd seen a lot during this whole experience, coming to be aware of the true nature of the people I knew, and even those I didn't. I thought that my perception of the world was correct despite my previous method of solving problems. I've tried to change that, realizing that I was hurting the people I had begun to care about. However, not even that calculating and conniving Hachiman of old would have been able to handle the current dilemma currently unfolding in my face. Actually, calling it that might be downplaying it.

This, to put it frankly, is nothing short of insanity.

Current time: 7:23 p.m.

Not only was my cell phone filled with strange messages that contained death threats from people I didn't know, but I had a couple of messages filled with content that would make a hentai lover blush, coming from the person I least expected.

And yet that was the least of my worries right now.

My room was a total mess, but not the typical kind expected of a normal teenager. Instead of manga, videogames and… research material being scattered across the ground and bed out of my own untidiness, the disarray was due to an unknown flying object literally crashing into my bedroom. Punching a large hole where my window once stood and leaving pieces of my bed scattered everywhere, it was almost a shock that it didn't cave in my room and send us falling down the first floor.

Actually, I wasn't faring any better. My body and head were killing me after I got hit by the shockwave. That I didn't die was nothing short of a miracle.

But surprisingly enough, that wasn't completely to blame for my facial expression sporting utter astonishment. There was a reason I thought I'd been dreaming this entire day despite what I already experienced. There was no other way I could accept what was happening in front of me as reality.

A girl, who came out from the strange machine, stood before me. She went on to greet me casually, as if she didn't just destroy a portion of my home. I limped away from my now-destroyed room, panicking at the very abnormal events that had started occurring since this morning.

Despite all that's happened in my life since I joined the Service Club, today that meant nothing. Every student at Sobu hated me, even those that I held in better regard. I really can't recall doing anything wrong after the outing I owed Yuigahama, who, for some reason, brought along Yukinoshita. In fact, they seemed to be in good enough spirits once I left the two for their impromptu sleepover.

I was always sure that any problem could be solved if one was to look into it closely enough, but I dumbly ignored the fact that a solution would only be feasible if one knew the very variables that caused it.

Think of it as a basic arithmetic operation: Two plus two, would obviously equal four. However, the fact that I could solve the equation was only possible because I was aware of the values to solve it. However, if the operation had no integers to work with, how would one complete it?

If one knows how a problem originates as well as the factors that cause it, examining that information would most likely help craft a viable solution for it. But if one knew nothing, how would anyone proceed? How could I proceed?

I'd call this a serious situation, considering I was able to disregard the fact that I managed to recall a mathematical subject and apply it appropriately to my analogy.

All I could think of at that moment was to get away from this absurd dilemma, but to do so was not an option unless I brought my precious little sister with me, Komachi. As her older brother, it was my obligation to take care of her well-being.

How naive it was of me to think that the surprises would end solely after that spaceship crashed into my room. I mean, that was pretty messed up to begin with, but what I witnessed upon entering Komachi's room was more than shocking. It was impossible, yet I couldn't discredit what my eyes were seeing before me. Or perhaps I could regard it as an after effect of my possible concussion?

Komachi turned to me while blinking in shock when I stormed into her bedroom in such a rush. Another set of eyes zeroed in on my arrival, ones that belonged to another girl I wasn't familiar with. The kicker? This particular girl was coming out from the wall, just suddenly materializing through a solid structure…

Seriously!?

I couldn't recall if technology had abruptly advanced so much as to allow people to practically ignore an object's space and existence, allowing them to pass through them like nothing.

Was I really sure that this wasn't a dream? Despite the fact that my ailing body continuously pulsed in pain, I still had to question it. Even though it was proven to me that all this madness wasn't a dream, my mind wasn't accepting of such ludicrous things.

[Idiot, that face of yours looks ridiculous… It's pathetic.]

My gaze briefly diverted to the desk at my left, where a tiny mirror idly sat along the surface and where the source of the 'voice' originated from. I would dare say that things only started to go bad since he started talking to me. And there, within that tiny mirror, he 'spoke' to me again.

[Why are you looking at yourself with such bemusement? It's simply the truth, so… why don't you focus back on our 'cute little sister?']

"O-onii-chan!? W-what was that tremor…?" She exclaimed before she turned to see our recent intruder, "Oh, look! A goddess has come to grant me a wish!"

She was still young, and anyone, myself included, could have taken that as the fantasy from a little girl. But as it stood, there really was yet another female figure entering (invading) our home and now standing in Komachi's room with the light that transported her here now gone.

It was purely because of my protective nature over Komachi that I pulled her behind me as this intruder stepped towards us. It was then that an incessant sound registered in my mind amidst the chaos. I pinned it as the doorbell rang multiple times, enough to call it worrisome, much like my cell phone was doing. Everything was wrong, I didn't know how to solve my current dilemma, and I didn't have any variables to work with.

This was bad, really bad…

0-1

12 hours earlier. Current Time: 7:31 a.m.

"Um, Onii-chan? It's… it's time to wake up."

I slowly opened my eyes, the familiar cute voice of my lovely sister taking me out from my slumber. I'd prefer to stay asleep, but I had to admit that this was a good way to wake up. I'm not a sis-con, it's just that Komachi's adorable voice is better than those annoying alarms.

Hah… My natural-born NEET qualities were trying to lure me back to sleep. It's tempting.

As my awareness slowly came back to me, I began to recall what happened yesterday. Yuigahama's words about her being selfish, greedy and wanting to claim everything if she managed to win the contest that Hiratsuka-sensei came up with when I joined the Service Club. How she presented Yukinoshita an offer to keep things between the three of us the same, while also helping her reach a decision. But that wouldn't have solved anything, it would have left things vague and superficial, with no room for any development.

I unknowingly used to strive to maintain the status quo, just to keep the peace between the three of us. However, after seeing Hayama's desperation for it, even at the cost of suppressing himself and others, I then realized that it wasn't the best course for our club. I couldn't accept what Yuigahama had offered during our group outing, and I was probably being a hypocrite as that was once my goal before realizing I was wrong. I wanted something… genuine, but trying to hide our feelings was far from being productive in reaching that new wish of mine.

What was the answer to this then?

I didn't have the slightest clue. All we could do was to keep searching for an answer, no matter how long it took us to do it, and no matter the consequences.

Then there's Yukinoshita's request. She wanted to finally take control of her life and start making decisions for herself for once. She wanted to confront her mother about her future, and prove that she was indeed capable of handling herself and not just existing in her sister's shadow. Honestly, it was still a shock that Haruno even offered to help, though seeing who their mother was, I guessed it didn't come as that much of a surprise. They both admitted the possible failure on their parts as well, just went to show how terrifying the matriarch of the Yukinoshita household is.

There's no use thinking about this now though. It's out of my hands, I can only honor her request and see her through her final decision.

I prepared myself mentally before leaving the comfort of my bed.

I stood there and blinked a couple of times.

They said that when you're accustomed to an area, you can immediately make note of any discrepancy, yet there were also the occasions when you couldn't recall how it originally was before leaving you in a state of deja vu. Something along those lines must be happening because I don't remember the wallpaper being such a stark white. Yes, it had all the accommodations that a teen such as myself needed, but it simply gave me a detached feeling that wasn't here last night.

Was my room like that before? Wait, where's my TV? And my Gamecube? They're gone! Wait!? Where's Vita-chan!? Even my bookshelf with my manga and light novels! I searched around the room, desperately trying to find my treasures. Maybe Komachi took them, or my parents…

There was nothing, then my gaze focused on the closet. Opening it, my soul returned to my body. I was glad to see the large amounts of manga, video games, even my TV inside.

Wait, I didn't have this much, did I? I frowned as half of the games were eroge, and as for the mangas and light novels… Er…

They made my typical, er, research material… look like children's books.

"What the heck…? I didn't buy any of this…"

"Um, Onii-chan?" Komachi's voice comes through the door, "Isn't it… getting late for you?"

Oh. Right. School. I'll look into this when I come back, I guess.

Ignoring this 'discovery' for the time being, I walked out the bedroom and towards the bathroom, my confusion removing whatever fatigue had lingered. It was much too late to properly bathe, so I rinsed my face, brushed my teeth and fixed my hair to at least appear presentable.

It only took me four minutes to get dressed in the winter uniform of Sobu High School. Picking up my cell phone, I turned it on. I blinked as the picture of Yukinoshita Haruno was set as my lock screen wallpaper. If I had been an idiot, the surprise may have loosened my grip causing me to drop this phone in shock and wind up pointlessly damaging it.

"Hah…?"

There was nothing in particular to note about the picture. It just showed Haruno smiling brightly, dressed in what appeared to be a black cardigan over a white blouse. Was this a joke? I knew she was 'drunk' last night and that she was acting erratically because of it, but I couldn't recall for the life of me seeing her snatch my phone even once in order to pull this prank.

Did that witch drag Komachi into some cheap practical joke? I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, that's how she got in touch when recruiting me for that disastrous 'double date' with Hayama after all. Did she somehow know about Komachi's stress over Sobu's entrance exams, and manipulated her to relieve it at my cost?

Don't worry Komachi! Onii-chan knows you were only relieving your stress! He forgives you!

Browsing the menu, I came to see I had three new messages. Wait, three? What three people could be bothered to contact me? Well, I could actually see Hiratsuka-sensei doing so. (Someone please marry her already…) But what about the other two?

The first one was from someone called a… Ms. Annoying Bitch?

What the heck was with this contact?

-Hikio, good morning! Hope you had a good breakfast!

Who the hell is that? Hold on, 'Hikio'? Isn't that…?

Yeah, that's what Sobu High's Residential Fire Queen aka Miura Yumiko called me. How on earth did I have her contact information?

I looked back at the simple message for several more seconds in pure confusion. I couldn't grasp what it entailed at all. I was never close enough to the Fire Queen for her to send me something like that, let alone close enough to have swapped contacts. At best, we were neutral to one another. Was I missing something? And that's not my name dammit.

'Ms. Annoying Bitch' though… The naming isn't particularly beyond me, but I doubt we were on that bad of terms. She wasn't particularly cruel to me… anymore… So what was up with this?

Considering the picture I saw with Haruno being my phone's wallpaper, I'm probably guessing that I was dreaming right now. It could be that my brain was futilely trying to give me a dream (delusion) where I was part of the normie youth.

Well, nightmare, really, considering it was Miura and Haruno in particular who were involved.

The next message was from, Sakurai Aoi?

-It's me again, Hikigaya. Just how much more are you planning to neglect your duties with the Railway office? Stop being a coward and bring your ass over here already!

I have no idea what this message meant either… Nor who this was. As a loner, even as that status of mine gradually declined, I couldn't recall ever interacting with someone with that name. That's even more weird.

The last new message displayed another unfamiliar name.

Kasumigaoka Utaha… Who is this now?

-Hachiman, I'm just letting you know that my next book will be complete soon. I'll need your opinion about it as always. Anyhow, I hope you have a good morning. Don't be late for school.

Okay, this was another strange message from yet another unknown person and they used my given name to boot. Since when was I the sort to receive these sorts of messages? I mean, while I have made some acquaintances in the past few months, I haven't exchanged contacts with many of them.

Opening my contact list, I come to see many names I couldn't recall adding to my list, let alone recognizing entirely. When you have, like, five to six contacts, one tends to notice when something has changed, and the fact that I had so many contacts in my list was startling in and of itself.

What made it worse was the fact that the only names I could recognize from my previous list were Haruno and Komachi. Where were Yuigahama and Isshiki? Wait… where is Totsuka's info!? Oh no! I don't have it anymore!

Ah… This really was a nightmare… Just put me out of my misery already…

"Onii-chan?" I heard my precious sister directly outside of my door. Then, for some reason she softly knocked on it, which made me raise an eyebrow. Since when did she not just burst into my room to drag me out of bed?

Shrugging to myself at her unexpected restraint, I walked towards the door and opened it. As expected, there stood Komachi, who for some reason jumped at the barrier opening. Weird… I wasn't sudden or anything.

Also… didn't she look shorter than usual? I don't remember having this sort of height advantage over her… Oh great, did I have a Napoleon Complex without realizing it? My height never bothered me before…

It seemed she was ready to head out as she carried her book bag, "Ah, um, your breakfast is getting cold, Onii-chan. I have to leave, so be sure to eat what I left, okay?"

This kept getting weirder, and honestly, slightly bothersome. She seemed uncharacteristically timid and reclusive, which was opposite to her usual behavior. Why was she reluctant about meeting my eyes? Were they especially 'dead-fishy' today?

"Ah," I nodded at her, "Sure thing. Thanks, Komachi."

She looked up at me with a shy smile, as if unsure if she should be doing so. What the…? I couldn't help frown at such an off-putting display of nervousness. But then she blinked at me, confused at whatever she could have noticed. Was there something weird behind me?

"Onii-chan…?" I blinked twice before attempting to hide my rising confusion. The last thing she needed was me worsening whatever was happening now.

"What's up?" I asked her, successfully hiding my inner agitation… I think…

"A-ah, n-no… I-it's just that…" She stuttered out, her gaze suddenly locked on my face, "Your eyes… They look sort of d-different today…"

"What?" My puzzlement was further increased, "What do you mean? I've always had these eyes, Komachi; you know that. Don't tell such cruel jokes to your Onii-chan so early in the morning."

She jumped in place, seemingly intimidated at my attempt at humor, "N-no! I-it's not a joke… Y-your eyes really look different, I-I don't think you'll like them. U-um, but I think they l-look f-fine…"

That didn't make sense at all. I wondered if she was teasing me or something. But why go through this submissive and timid role just for that? Hmm, maybe her test results were getting to her and she's blowing off steam in a weird way. Well, I'll let it slide then. As a good Onii-chan, I put a hand on her head in a show of fondness. She looked at me with obvious uncertainty, her cheeks reddening a bit at the sudden touch.

A really cute reaction if you asked me, but then again she's my sister, so it went without saying that I'd always find her cute. Hah! That ought to score me some Hachiman points!

"Whatever you say." I patted her gently before removing my hand, "But isn't it getting late for you too, Komachi?"

The ahoge on her hair moved, realization rushing onto her face. What, are you an anime character now? She glanced at her phone and let out a cute yelp.

"A-ah, that's right! I didn't realize it! I need to get going then!" She spun around, going down the stairs as she said, "Ah, Onii-chan. Rito-san is waiting for you outside already. Bye, Onii-chan!"

I waved my farewells to Komachi, slightly relieved.

And then it dawned on me.

'Rito-san,' she said? Yet another unfamiliar name.

Picking up my school bag, I walked towards the stairs, hearing the door slam indicating Komachi's departure. Good grief, that girl… I got that you're nervous about your performance in the exams but that's no reason to go slamming all of our doors.

Plus if you damaged one, I'd probably take the heat for it.

Entering the main room within the first floor, I gazed around. I was for some reason expecting to find differences but failing to spot any. Unlike my room, nothing looked out of the ordinary. The sofa was where it was along with the other furniture and appliances. Looking from here, even the dining room looked the same as usual.

My attention was piqued by the TV that was left on. Honestly, that empty-headed sister of mine…

"…n other news. Drivers caught using handheld mobile phones will face tougher penalties from today on throughout the prefectures. The fine has doubled to 28,000 yen, and the number of penalty points has also doubled to six. This means that new drivers could potentially lose their license after one sole offense. The law enforcements within each prefecture have pledged to put in an increased focus on catching offenders. Kumiko Morita reports…"

I quickly lost interest, seeing as how I didn't drive, my new focus directed at the plate of fried pork, a bowl of rice and miso soup over the table. I quickly dug in, my brow twitching as I heard the doorbell begin to ring. I usually go by myself to the school, so whoever that 'Rito' fellow was, he or she (yeah right) could wait.

Or leave, I'd prefer that.

With my breakfast finished, I left the dishes by the kitchen sink, picking up my school bag from the chair. I walked towards the TV to turn it off, yet before I did so, the current news once again caught my attention, the female reporter speaking.

"…fter many simulations, Prime Minister Sugayama has authorized the use of Shinkansen 2.0, which will be distributed to the main stations of Tokyo, Chiba, Sendai, Osaka and Nagoya. Once the cabinet had voted in favor of the project developed by the Tenjouin Enterprises, the Prime Minister…"

Hold on a minute, wasn't the Railway System privatized? It's not like I was hung up on it, but it was a matter of interest to the populace that had no other means of traveling, like basically every student in Japan. Sadly, I fell on that list when I was unable to ride my bike, which meant that I depended on the government that much more now.

Of course, my stomach began to writhe in disgust at the fact that I've gotten closer to becoming a corporate slave. I'll be damned if I become like my parents though. Lazing about is the true way of life!

Well, there's no use getting pointlessly depressed over the future. I still harbored hope in becoming a househusband after all. Now if only I could find a non-smoking, non-drinking, non-violent, and not already-aging potential partner to support me.

"…After the press conference held about Mishima Zaibatsu's future, the new CEO, Kazama Jin, has announced that he has great plans for the future of the Mishima Industries. The new CEO has also refused to give an interview about his new position after the last tournament…"

That's when I noticed it, and frankly I'm surprised it took me this long.

There on the bottom right of the screen was the date clearly indicating that we were in early October of the previous year.

"Huh…?" Well, now I knew for certain this was a dream; how could I be four months in the past otherwise? What was this, Alternative? I haven't even finished my version of the first Extra timeline, let alone Unlimited, don't just chuck me into the second sequel.

I guess seeing that wallpaper with Haruno caught me so off guard that I didn't even notice the fact that I was back in October when I checked my phone.

Seeing as how I officially confirmed that none of this was real, I could go about this novel experience without a thought. I had a morbid curiosity to see where this went so might as well keep it going until my brain ejects me back into the realm of consciousness.

Though I had to admit, never has a dream felt so… realistic?

I headed towards the entrance of my house, and opened the door, where I was promptly greeted by a pair of golden brown eyes, kind and honestly unnerving with how bright they looked.

"Yo, Hachiman," The boy, whose hair was brown and spiky, and wore a lemon colored blazer, a green tie and trousers with a yellow cross-hatched pattern, waved his hand at me. "What took you so long? Koo-chan just left a couple of minutes ago with Mikan."

Gross, what's with the familiarity, dream? Wait, Koo-chan? Who the hell are you calling that!? Oi, just because this is a dream, it doesn't mean I would accept you giving Komachi a nickname. Know your place, you troglodyte!

"Oi, that's my sister you're talking about," I glared with fair justification, to which he responded with a surprised blink of his eyes. "Don't act that familiar with her."

The guy scratched his head in puzzlement. Ignoring the annoying way he just called my sister, there's something about him that got on my nerves… It's probably just remnants of his familiarity with me, but it still rubbed me the wrong way.

"Eh? Um… It's Mikan's fault, you know?" He responded, laughing nervously. Quit it, asshole, that doesn't mean Komachi should be called by a nickname, more so when it comes from unknown pests like you. "I thought you didn't mind, but if it bothers you, I'll stop."

"Good," I observed him closely, "So you're who Komachi warned me about?"

Come on, dream! At least give me a surname to go along with 'Rito'. I had no intention in using his given name.

He laughed awkwardly, though this time he seemed confused, "Wow, I know you're dry, but to feign you don't know me? That's a little too much, don't you think?"

What did that even mean? I didn't recall ever seeing this guy. He knew Komachi somehow, but why did she know this guy? She'd never spoken of him until now, plus he looked to be closer to my age than hers. And now that I thought about it, what uniform was that? It's not from Sobu or even from Kaihin Sougou High School where Orimoto Kaori attended.

I sighed, before gazing at my phone. It was getting late.

"I'm leaving."

I turned towards the bike leaning at the side of the entrance door. Nothing to say much about it other than I took Komachi sometimes with it to her school, though it was still my trusty steed.

"The campus is not that far, so why take a bike? The weather is really nice today," He smiled again, creeping me out. "We should enjoy it, you know?"

I can't help but sigh again, "Mind your own business, uh…"

"I'm starting to think you're not joking… I'm your friend, Yuuki Rito… We're neighbors, remember? We've known each other for more than two years now."

Like hell I'd willingly interact with someone like you for two years! I looked at both sides of the street, trying to see any hidden camera. There was the chance that I was currently the victim of one of those disgusting TV shows that pulled public pranks on people. If this did wind up being a nightmare, I might be forced to experience an ego-destroying encounter because of it. Geez, that brain of mine sure is twisted…

There was nothing suspicious or those film crew bastards were doing a great job at hiding. It was just absurd that I would have a neighborhood "friend" after all, I've never had anything of the sort growing up. I'm sure that this was all just a convoluted dream by now.

"Whatever."

The annoying person, Yuuki Rito, sighs, then, scratching his head he states, "As cold as always…"

That comment implies that this is normal behavior for me, and that he knows it and has grown used to it. Familiarity is written all over that comment, and that is certainly startling. I mean, I could admit that Yukinoshita, even Yuigahama and Isshiki know a bit of me, if not more, but this unknown guy comes up and talks to me so casually, even referring to Komachi by that idiotic nickname?

It pisses me off. Ugh, was I not a lucid enough dreamer to command this inconvenience to go away?

I leave my bike where it was before, seeing as how the dream seemed set to have this guy stick around. After that, I begin to make my way to my destination, Sobu High School, and as I move forward, I hear the unmistakable sound of steps behind me.

I continued on, with his accompanying steps following me. I looked over my shoulder and there he was with an easy-going smile. Was he just going to stick behind me? I won't complain since having him by my side invites unwanted conversations, but it's still creepy.

I wouldn't mind if it was Totsuka, but this was beginning to get more aggravating. Either way, I do what I can to ignore him the rest of the journey to school.

0-2

"What the hell?"

I was some blocks away from my destination before I began to wonder why even the town seemed different than it was before. I just couldn't even imagine how I could possibly disregard that this area was now a shopping district. I've taken this path multiple times and I could have sworn that this place wasn't here before.

Earlier, I noticed a large board with the kanjis displaying: Chibadōri Shopping District. And right now, I was staring at a traditional Japanese-styled restaurant, which seemed to be closed. It was a two story building with a lilac awning, displaying the name of the establishment.

Restaurant Yukihira.

"What's wrong? We usually come here to eat whenever it's open," Responds Yuuki, who stood nearby, "You're acting really weird this morning, this place is famous. Doesn't Sou—"

"This restaurant?" I mutter to myself, cutting him off mid-question. I would definitely know if there was a restaurant with such a great reputation located this close to my home, if only to avoid it to keep away from the normies. I walked through this street yesterday and this restaurant wasn't here, or all these stores for that matter. What kind of sick joke was this? This is getting really weird now, I'd never have thought my brain could be this hyperactive.

"Hey, Hachiman. Are you sure you're okay?" Yuuki asked, looking concerned. Cut that out already.

"Quit calling me by my name, it's gross." Hey, just because I'm not a lucid dreamer, it doesn't mean I'm going to just put up with this unwanted familiarity.

Despite my words, he chuckled, "Haha, well, I'm used to hearing that from you back then. I know you don't mean it."

"I do," I snap back.

"I know you don't," He argued, stupidly smiling. He really pisses me off.

"I mean it. Stop saying I don't," I growl, ignoring his exasperated chuckle as if interacting with an unruly kid.

I sigh again, before gazing once more at the traditional-styled building that was Restaurant Yukihira. I was never interested in eating anywhere else other than Saize, besides, there was always food at home, whether Komachi or mom prepared it.

And, one of my 108 Hachiman Skills is actually cooking. Of course I'm not a professional, but I can defend myself at the very least. Komachi enjoys my homemade food, so that's a testament of my ability. Though, she is the only one that has ever tasted my food… maybe she's just being complacent with her dear Onii-chan… Meh.

"Hey, it's already late."

Oh crap, Hiratsuka-sensei is going to use her infamous Terminating Last Bullet on me for being late. It has been some time since she punched me now that I think about it… Such unpleasant memories…

I visibly shudder, and the guy called Yuuki Rito at my side notices it.

"Mmm? What's wrong?"

"None of your business…" I managed to say, "Oi, why are you still following me around like some lost kid?"

"Haha, good one, Hachiman. This is obviously my way to get to school too."

It was? Seeing how his own choice of transportation was on foot, then the distance would be comparable to mine, but that wouldn't make sense. There are no other high schools in the same direction as Sobu, where one would want to walk. Besi-

What in the world…?

Looking around, there were so many students wearing the same uniform as this Yuuki guy. Actually, there were two other uniforms besides ours. What school did those uniforms belong to? The students were all apparently walking towards their school in the same direction we were. Were there more schools around? I always used this route to get to Sobu and I've never seen these uniforms before.

I turn towards Yuuki, glaring at him. I had to know what the hell was going on with this school thing.

"Your school, where is it?" My question generated a confused frown on his face.

"Man, you're honestly worrying me now. You know it's across from yours," Scratching the back of his head, he sent me a look of slight concern.

The hell I did!

There was no school in front of Sobu or even in its general vicinity, not without a significant distance, at least.

My brows furrow as well as my own frown deepening at this reveal. I begin to hasten my steps towards Sobu and apparently in the same direction of my new neighbor's school. I didn't care that my larger strides had Yuuki scrambling to keep up with me.

"Hey man! Are you okay?" I can hear Yuuki call out from behind, "You are acting weird! Weirder than usual!"

Suffice to say, I ignored the idiot.

0-3

---

Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Prologue Section: Song 01

---

"D-dunno if you were joking, man," Yuuki's gasps came from behind as he finally caught up, "But just look!"

I blink. Then I blink again, not believing what my eyes were showing me.

I was in the middle of the street gazing at the entrance of the school that my neighborhood 'friend' supposedly attended, which was apparently called Chiba Sainan Municipal High School. Many students of varied ages, male and female, entered through its gates, some of them gazing at me and gossiping to themselves.

Then I did an about-face, and before me was the entrance to the ever-familiar Sobu High School. Many students entered the gates just as the first warning bells rang from afar.

I felt fatigued already and it was still early morning. I didn't have a stress migraine yet, but I could feel the pressure behind my temples beginning to build. Looks like I c/ouldn't disprove the rumors about not being able to feel pain in dreams just yet. Not that I'm complaining about escaping from it.

Yeah, it had to be a dream, a convoluted one, but a dream nonetheless. Only I was crappy enough at city planner games to place a second high school directly across from another. Man, I was just begging for vehicular congestion!

"Wait… you actually look surprised…" Yuuki states slowly, somewhat puzzled by my expression, "You are starting to freak me out, man…"

"Drop that pretentious crap," I snark at him, really starting to resent his habitually line-crossing overfamiliarity.

His hand touches my shoulder. "C-calm down, Hachiman. You're really scaring me." Yuuki seems awfully concerned. I roughly pull my shoulder away from the contact as if he were diseased. Don't touch me.

"I'm the one who should be scared here," I spat, before noticing the multiple gazes being directed at me. Tch, I was drawing a crowd. Discomfort began to flow through me at the mass of attention. Great, I'm nearing nightmare territory now…

Looking around my surroundings, I feel some of my tension release when I catch a glimpse of a familiar head of hair. It was Yuigahama Yui, sporting the familiar uniform Sobu High provided for girls; a black blazer with a white blouse underneath it with two buttons undone, a red ribbon, a school skirt and ankle high socks and shoes. Like with Komachi, it was odd to see her appear shorter than I was used to.

As she noticed my focused gaze, she stepped back. Her shoulder-lengthed coral-dyed hair bouncing slightly, even the locks coiled into a bun perched on the top of her head. As I walked to her with hurried steps, Yuigahama's peach eyes darted from left to right nervously.

"Yo, Yuigahama wi—" Wait, what's that look? I blink at her teary eyes, murmurs erupting in the sea of students from both schools around us. "What's wrong? You lo—"

"Hikitani-kun, leave her alone. You're scaring her."

That voice was annoyingly familiar, so I looked to my left to see a certain blonde riajuu walking up to my clubmate and I. His blue eyes narrowed at me with disapproval as Yuigahama stepped towards him, as if to put distance between us. I didn't have to look up at him as much as before, hell, we were almost the same height. Come on, dream, if you were going to make me taller at least have me beat out this guy.

"I'm scaring her?" No matter how I look at it, she does seem afraid of something. But me? "Yuigahama, what's up with you?"

"Eh? W-well, I was, like, totes surprised when you talked to me out of nowhere," She fidgeted under my inquisitive stare. "You know, we've never really talked before, so it was, like, totally weird. I mean, you don't like anyone, so I thought that you were, like, going to insult me or something. Ehehe…" She forces a laugh, nervous as it was, it made her fear of me all the more apparent.

"Huh," I frown, feeling no small amount of hurt from her words, "Is that so?"

"I-I, well, ahaha… I…"

"Don't push her," The guy I knew as Hayama Hayato took a step forward, trying to cover Yuigahama from my sight. What the hell do you want, you damn fake?

"Whatever you're trying to pull here, just drop it. I don't want any problems, much less from you. You said you would never try to harass anyone in the school again. The Headmaster made you promise that, so you should behave yourself if you want to stay a student here."

What does that mean? I have no recollection of maliciously harassing anyone, not even by misunderstanding… at least not in Sobu. Though Yukinoshita would say that my mere presence would count as harassment enough.

I take a step back, which is taken as the cue of my yielding about the matter. Hayama puts a hand on my club mate's shoulder and the two walk inside the school's campus, disappearing into the crowd of dispersing students. I stood there, lost and confused.

To begin with, why was Yuigahama afraid of me in this dream? Last I saw her, our relationship was fine. Hell, she took me out on a date with Yukinoshita yesterday. And we were both there to accept Yukinoshita's request later, so what's with this abrupt change? Speaking of, they had a sleepover last night, why wasn't Yukinoshita here with her?

Could it be that this was my unconscious telling me that I didn't want to lose Yuigahama? After everything that happened between the three of us yesterday, maybe I was instilled with the anxiety that my quest for the genuine thing could cost me whatever relationship I had with her?

Then there was the fact of how Hayama rested a hand on her shoulder, and how Yuigahama took cover from me by hiding behind him.

They seemed close, and not just as members of the same group that hang out once in a while. Yuigahama was always part of Hayama's clique, but never have I seen them act like… that. I didn't like it.. I don't like someone as pathetically desperate for the status-quo as Hayama to be so close to Yuigahama.

"Uh, well… Let's talk later, Hachiman," Yuuki's uneasy voice comes from behind me, "I don't want to be punish—"

I turned around to face the idiot, and as I did, a girl bumped into me from behind. A small 'Kyaa!' abruptly escaped her mouth in her surprise. While I managed to keep my balance, barely, I couldn't say the same for the stranger who I looked back at. The girl, wearing the uniform for girls of Sainan High which was practically identical to the males', save for the skirt with the same cross-hatched pattern, had fallen to the ground.

Another yelp was heard, though it was from Yuuki this time. I turned to him to see his face had erupted in red, his eyes widened as far as possible with his mouth agape. What's with that exaggerated reaction?

Looking back at the girl, I would say that she was pretty. Her hair had an unusual color, as it was blue, and it looked surprisingly natural, probably a high quality dye. Her oddly purple eyes matched quite nicely with it and her complexion.

Now, her attractive qualities aren't what caught my immediate attention. I have long since grown out of such superficial attraction, but the fact that her panties were visible unintentionally drew my gaze on them, and was probably why Yuuki looked even more like an idiot. White as the clouds in the sky, I must say.

Blood began to drip from Yuuki's nose before he fell to the ground, as comically as one would expect from the protagonist of one of those senseless Harem mangas. Get a grip on yourself, you pervert.

For my part, I only averted my gaze, my cheeks burning slightly.

I'm still a male teenager that has never… Wait… I was forgetting about Black Lace-san and Miura's pink, unexpected— Stop it, Hachiman!

Anyhow, male teens rarely get an occasion when they manage to contemplate female undergarments with a live example. Even for a loner such as myself, that's a given. I just hope that my face doesn't look as bad as this bleeding idiot's does. I don't need everyone thinking of me as one alongside him.

"Are… you okay?" I ask her.

"Y-yeah, I think I'm fine," Responds Yuuki instead, desperately holding his nose..

"I didn't ask you."

The girl finally notices the embarrassing position she is displaying and stands up in a blink. Her face was flushing red with tears appearing in the corners of her eyes. I had to do something before this escalated into something unfixable.

"Uh, are you alright?" I ask again, "I didn't, uh, mean to…"

"D-don't worry! It's fine!" She replies, bowing to me. She subtly eyed Yuuki for some seconds before returning her attention to me, "I was running late and I was in a rush. I'm sorry!"

As she says it, her eyes trail once more to the nervous wreck named Yuuki Rito. Even girls can be surprisingly obvious sometimes. Though, don't you think it's pretty rude to overlook the fellow speaking to you?

---

Go to profile, SEE: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Prologue Section: Picture 01

---

"So… are you really okay?" I ask again, feeling awkward.

"…" She lowered her head, looking a little embarrassed. Then finally, she nods her head.

I nod in response, and she bows again. Giving one last glance at Yuuki, she turns around and dashes away. It was then that I noticed that almost all the students were already gone, and the gates of both schools were about to be closed.

"That was too close… Geez…" Yuuki sighs in resignation, "Why can't I ever say a word to Haruna-chan…?"

"Are you two close?" I ask and he panics, which tells me all I need to know, "That's gross."

Don't go using that honorific on your peers when you aren't even friends. It's creepy.

"Quit it, dude. You know she's a sensitive subject to me…" He sighs again, before staring at the distance, "Well, laters Hachiman. Hurry before you're left outside."

As he ran into Sainan High's campus, I can't help but feel that he somewhat reminds me of myself from middle school. Though, I was much more of a gentleman than that nosebleeding pervert was. I turn around and hurry through the gates just in time, reflecting a bit. They like each other, but it's easy to assume they have yet to confess their feelings considering what I witnessed. Great, this Yuuki guy I'm apparently friends with is part of the youth I hate.

Whatever, it doesn't matter to me.

That aside, I should concentrate on the matter at hand, which is figuring out what's the deal with Yuigahama. I'm not a dream interpreter so I'd like a bit more details before I attempt to psychoanalyze what my unconscious mind was trying to tell me.

Finally inside the school, I move towards the lockers. I was the only one around, so I guess classes were about to start. I opened my locker, and to my surprise, there were many letters inside. What the hell?

Could this be…? The situation where a boy receives the infamous so-called love letter!? Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. Knowing me, this might be a trap, or more likely a prank. Damn, I almost succumbed to temptation and my own naivety…

Good grief. Who would dare to play with the honest feelings of a pure-hearted bachelor such as myself? Oh, right, my own head…

I scan my surroundings before gazing at the letters. Sucking in a much needed deep breath, I grab the first one on top, opening it to read the contents. I narrow my gaze, every word written in it destroying my silly hopes as I read on.

-Hey Hiki-mushi, still coming to school despite our warnings? You better watch your step asshole, cuz we're gonna fuck you up!

I expected as much, though it still came as a surprise. What's with this stereotypical delinquent writing? Wait, how was a delinquent able to enter a private school like Sobu anyway? And who the hell is 'Hiki-mushi'? He had a confession meant for him accidentally sent to my locker, poor guy.

Anyhow, I've never done anything to hurt anyone despite that most of them probably deserving it. And while I was rejected by almost every person I've met, I never became the target of any actual physical hostility. Really, only Hayama has ever gotten physical, but that was only due to the incident with Sagami Minami. He just wanted to defuse the situation from getting worse and keep his appearance up.

Were there more of these? I open up the next letter, reviewing its contents.

-I hope you die!

Hoh… The love is even more palpable with this one. I pick up another one.

-Scum!

The sentiments keep getting shorter, I see. Show some originality at least.

-Disgusting, Hikigaya! I can't believe that I have to keep attending this school with a creep like you! Just seeing you makes me want to vomit. Not only are you ugly, but you are a spineless bastard. You don't deserve to live!

Oh, this one was longer, and it even had drawings of me, surprisingly. I had to admit that my hairstyle was well depicted, but where my face should be… Could you even call it a face? If you're going to bother drawing me with such a level of detail then go all in, dammit! I feel insulted at the amount of effort you just put to waste!

I can only assume the three additional letters left contain similar messages. This reminds me of elementary and middle school, where I became the target of mockery from my peers. Nothing physical then either, but instead it wound up being my possessions that were the targets. I can recall when I found my bag filled with insects, or my books ruined and my folders full of insulting drawings.

Most of the time I was the focus of cruel jokes and rumors.

Humans are shitty towards one another more often than not, and I'm sure as hell no one will deny that. Certain individuals often use force, threats, and coercion to abuse with the goal of dominating others. Any uninvolved bystanders observing such actions, without making any sort of interference, aren't any better. Using disinterest or fear as an excuse to remain out of the problem makes them, to me, just as bad as the others. I would even call them complicit, regardless of intent.

Bullies often act as they do, due to their envy and resentment. An inferiority complex that mentally forces them to try to show their false sense of superiority through aggressive means in order to conceal their own shortcomings. It was ironic as these bullies demeaned others with the intention of boosting their shallow sense of self-esteem. Pathetic if you ask me.

What's so good about having fake narcissism and arrogance? Hell, having the true nature of those qualities isn't something to strive for either.

Whatever, the fact that bullying existed was solid proof of how rotten people could be, no matter the reason. No exception.

I grab the rest of the letters, tearing them in half, before tossing them to the nearest trash container. Having put on my shoes for school, I finally go to class.

0-4

"Late? You, Hikigaya…? And what the hell is wrong with your eyes? Did you spend all the night watching hentai again?"

Oi, oi… That was seriously inappropriate, not to mention intentionally humiliating, Sensei. Is this what a teacher should say to their student in class when greeting him? And what is with that surprised expression? Being late to class isn't something irregular for me. I still have the bruises to prove it, probably.

"Woman, what kind of degenerate do you take me for?" I sneered as I stood by my teacher's desk.

I glare at Hiratsuka Shizuka-sensei, the fairly tall, busty woman who was the homeroom teacher for class 2-F. She also happens to be my self-proclaimed life mentor and the one responsible for me joining the Service Club.

"You tell me. I wasn't the one carrying questionable manga inside my book bag some days ago…" She pointed out, smiling evilly. "…was I?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," I stated with conviction. I admit to having a couple of those, but such… things… were nothing but morbid curiosity on my part. Although, I still wonder why I have so much of those H-class belongings in my closet.

I honestly feared if it had something to do with Komachi. I'm not going to find out that she's a closet pervert who enjoys trashy eroges when I get home, right? This dream isn't going to go that far, is it? I really didn't like that series!

"Then why are you late?" Hiratsuka-sensei pressed.

Heh, I was ready to answer that question, though I hope she has forgotten that I've already used this reply, "You're wrong, Sensei. I'm not late. This is what you call executive work hours."

"Really?"

I blink, having already expected her Megaton Fists, "Yeah, as one of the elite in society, it is only natural that I would have a different entry hour. Those lesser than me—"

"'Lesser…'? This better be good," Her frown became a glare, her eyes piercing straight to my soul. That wasn't a good sign, she was getting mad.

"Y-you see, society misunderstands what tardiness truly is, taking it as something wrong. I can assure you that isn't the case, in fact, the mere thought of such a thing is a sin. I think someone as intelligent as me would have told you this before."

That someone is me, from some months ago. It's obvious, considering that only one other person that is as smart (mouthed) as me is Yukinoshita, and of course, me, heh… I guess a certain foxy kohai could count, and that Kawa-something person too, I think.

After fixing her long black hair, the woman leisurely folds her arms. As always, she wore a lab coat over a dress shirt, a loosely worn tie, and a black vest, with black pants and a brown belt completing her attire. She looks at me with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't believe I've heard something that nonsensical before, and I'm surprised you now bother to give an excuse as ridiculous as that."

She forgot! Then I'll proceed as planned.

"To consider it ridiculous is in fact the problem, Sensei. You see, those with higher intellect can't simply be treated with the same rules as the rest. And so, I can't abide by the default schedule implanted by the school."

I honestly expected a punch, a glare and some harsh words, however, I received none of those.

She smiles, and then chortles, "That has to be the dumbest excuse I've ever heard in a long time, and I can't believe it came from you, Hikigaya. What's with you today?"

I hear murmurs from my classmates behind me, multiple gazes being shot at me. Curiosity spark and fade just as quickly, which is fine because I don't like the attention anyway. They never meant any good as far as I know, so being the center of attention right now was something I was uncomfortable with.

This dream is too wild. Since I 'woke up,' I have seen many aspects of my daily life with changes that aren't possible. A new shopping district that was situated in a street I knew far too well from one day to another. Train transportation now belonging to the government. There was another school in front of mine which hadn't been there before. And obviously the fact that I was somehow back in October.

A new 'friendly,' but nonetheless annoying neighbor. Messages from people unfamiliar to me, or from those I never expected. H-class stuff was stocked inside my closet, which I can't recall having bought. All those letters filled with contempt inside my locker. And this woman didn't hit me!

Yeah… This was certainly a dream… with nightmarish qualities…

"Nothing really…" I scratch my head, "I guess…"

"Well, go take your seat," I nod silently and walk to my desk, which was already occupied by… Miura?

"Uh, that's my…"

Her face suddenly flushes red, green eyes averting from my own as she fixates on a strand of her hair. What the hell was with that reaction?

"H-Hikio…" She stammers, fidgeting under my gaze, "W-what is it…?"

"You're…" I start, awkwardly, "In my seat."

She blinks, her eyes darting in a panic. Hold on a minute, is this really the fearsome Fire Queen? Did Hayama somehow level up his effect on her? Why on earth is she looking so defenseless? This dream of mine keeps getting weirder and weirder.

"I am…?" She frowned, though for some reason she wasn't raising her gaze, "Is this another one of your jokes? Like, the one from yesterday…? I… I don't get why you mess with me so much…"

I can hear the continuous murmurs as these unexpected events unfold. I look around, spotting Yuigahama, Hayama, Ebina, Tobe and Totsuka… They all looked sort of wary. Why do I feel like everyone sees me as some sort of delinquent?

Hold up! Don't confuse delinquent with creep! I have never behaved violently. To be honest, even if I wanted to, I wouldn't have been capable of it. I'm the kind of guy whose strength lies in his brain, not muscle!

"Hikitani-kun," Hayama butts in again. The nerve of this guy and that false hero complex of his. He's still as meddlesome as he is irritating. "Your seat's right there," He points at the empty seat behind him, "Don't bother her."

I sigh with my hands in my pockets, walking towards my supposed desk. I caught some trash stuffed inside the storage part of the table. Yep, this is my desk alright. Well, at least the trashcan's right behind me. This dream is getting tedious now, even changing the seating arrangements…

While my gaze is focused forward, I can tell many eyes were locked on my body. The tension was almost palpable. Commanding this much attention is beyond stifling for someone like me.

Finally desk-bound, I rest an elbow over the table and look away from the garnered attention. (Un)mercifully, class begins.

0-5

The ringing of the bell marks a temporary reprieve from our education (read: indoctrination). Classes passed by in a haze, as I ignored them and tuned out completely. As expected of a dream/nightmare, I had to put up with it anyway…

Lunch break.

Forty minutes given to students after the first four classes of the day. Forty minutes used to have lunch, relax, study and engage in socializing. In my humble opinion, it was simply the time of the day in school to best slack off. Depending on one's interests and social reputation, every student spent their time in a different way.

Well, I usually ate my homemade bento at my quiet hangout by the tennis courts. As of now though, I was peacefully enjoying my solitude while putting my belongings back into my bag. I didn't bring a bento today, so this sweet roll filled with red bean paste I got will have to suffice. Nutritious? Nope. Filling? Enough. Tasty? Sure. Cheap? Totally.

I hear some steps walking up to me in the somewhat empty class, with very few students around. I reflexively called out the name of the girl I had (mostly) gotten used to coming up to me in class.

"Yu—" I looked to my left, and I was greeted by a person I didn't expect. Somehow, I managed to forget Yuigahama's odd behavior, though I have to admit I sort of got accustomed to her presence. "Uh, Miura…-san?"

Miura bites her lip, "-san?" Her gaze wavers, cheeks somewhat red, "You're so mean…"

The faint aroma of a poppy fragrance reaches my nostrils as I gaze at her frowning expression. I just can't grasp what prompted this sort of act from the Fire Queen, to speak and look at me the way she is. Again, I really don't want to psychoanalyze the implications of this dream.

Me having subconscious feelings towards Miura? I don't want that!

People don't tend to expect anything of me, and while both Isshiki and Yuigahama sort of did sometimes, that might no longer be the case if Yuigahama keeps acting differently. Now Miura seems hopeful about something… Wait, maybe she wants me to help her get Hayama's attention.

That should be it, right? I have no recollection of having accepted that kind of request though.

"That's not it… If anything, uh, I'm being polite," I retorted, deliberately averting my gaze from Miura, "So, what is it? Requests have to be at the clubroom after school."

Silence came, she was still standing at the side of my desk.

"What are you talking about?" She asked, and I finally looked at her. She jumped slightly, averting her eyes, "I-I mean…"

"The Service Club, obviously." I affirm.

Her frown deepens, "You always leave early so I, like, thought you didn't have a club. Besides, aren't the only members of the Service Club Yukinoshita, Yui and Hayato?"

My eyes widen at her words, my demeanor shattering into pieces at this revelation.

"Hayama? In the Service Club?" I couldn't believe it, for more than obvious reasons. This is a dream so anything was possible, though it's getting too long, and more unpleasant as it drags on.

"H-Hikio…" She stutters, eyes unfocused, "I-is something wrong? You look, like, totally lost… I heard you tried to talk to Yui… Why… Why did you?"

"No, it's nothing," I muttered in bewilderment before recovering, "I was just asking her about homework. Even if we… don't talk, she's still a classmate. Uh, wouldn't she have told you about it by now?"

That's how gossip works, right?

"You… you could have asked me instead, y'know?" I cocked an eyebrow as the Fire Queen in front of me looked hesitant, even the tone in her voice seemed slightly tense, "I-I told you lots of times that you can, like, come to me…?"

Go to her? What?

I send a bemused expression towards Miura. Were we supposed to be confidants or something?

I joked about having subconscious feelings, but I'm pretty sure that I've never been particularly interested in the two of us having anything more than a neutrality pact. The Fire Queen was a bit too much for someone of my temperament to handle, and I probably had nothing of interest to offer her in turn.

Maybe I'm in the weird part of my dream when things start going upside down for no other reason other than to be random?

Whatever the case, if she had repeatedly assured me that I could rely on her and yet I've rebuked such an offer, that means we aren't that close, if at all now that I think about it.

"Well, I just ran into her first," I start while rubbing the back of my head, trying to prevent any possible animosity, "It's not a big deal."

Miura furrows her brow, "It's a big deal to me…"

"Huh?"

She shakes her head suddenly, refusing to look at me for a moment, "I just want you to treat me like a f-friend… like… we're classmates, so… well…" I blinked as she started mumbling, "I mean…"

I just stood there, observing her odd behavior. She peeks at my face for a fleeting moment and averts her gaze, twirling her golden lock of hair with a finger.

What the hell? Who was this adorable girl in front of me and where is the dragon I've grown to fear?

Wait, what did she say?

"Friends?" I blurt out in disbelief, "You and me?"

She suddenly steps up to me with an outburst, "Why are you saying it that way? There something wrong with it being me!?"

Theeeeere's the girl I'm familiar with. And it's no less intimidating since I released a very manly squeak when she cut the distance between us all of a sudden.

"W-well, it's just with how everyone else treats me, you can't blame a guy for holding some doubts, y'know?" I responded defensively, with my hands up in surrender.

It placates her somewhat, at least in favor of confusion, "I mean, didn't you, like, deserve it?"

This time a frown, "I deserve being threatened and having my desk trashed?"

What, was I the biggest jerk in the school or something?

She blinks twice, "What…? Are you kiddin'? You think I'm stupid or something?"

"Some friend…" I can't help but sneer, what I initially intended to myself, except I forgot to take her closer proximity into account.

Her hands ball into fists, and she bites her lower lip. Oh crap.

"I heard that, jerk!" She growled, the traits I'm familiar with becoming more apparent. "I'm, like, tryin' to give you company since, like, you look lonely all the time!"

I feel annoyance flare through my head after she says that. Was that it, dream? Was that the payoff for this interaction? Trying to get me to say how I was always lonely and have it come from the mouth of Miura since she's one of the people I'd be too intimidated to talk back to?

And then you have the gall to make it seem like it was my fault!?

"Spare me the pity and drop it. I'm not interested." Sincere anger leaked into my voice that I couldn't repress, though it seemed to be effective since it made the Miura Yumiko back off immediately.

Without another word, I leave the classroom, not sparing her a glance. Normally, I wouldn't have the spine to say that to the Fire Queen, but seeing how this was a dream, I had no fear of repercussions. Besides, dream or no, I wasn't going to stand there and be pitied. There's a lot of things I can put up with, and pity is not one of them.

Look down on me or demean me all you want, I don't care, but don't you dare patronize me with your pity.

"Shit… He looks pissed…"

"Shhh! He'll hear you!"

"Just stay away from him…!"

I notice boys and girls alike hissing to themselves as I stomped off, but as per usual, they are flawlessly ignored by me. Ignoring others is another one of my 108 Hachiman Skills after all. Though, this level of attention was surprising, especially with the topic they spoke about. Again, I was being described as intimidating, which was surreal.

After that little stint with Miura, I no longer had any interest in attempting to psychoanalyze what my dream was telling me now. I just wanted to wake up already and be done with it. Hopefully, I'd be in a better mood than I currently am.

I hadn't realized just how badly my poor mood was affecting me until I turned the corner of the hall and literally crashed into someone else. I was mostly knocked off balance, but I did flinch back since whoever it was I bumped into managed to clip my chin with their head.

Crap, that stings.

"Shit!" I hissed, putting my off hand where the pain flared. Shame hit me in waves, realizing this was the second time I knocked someone down in a day because of not paying attention. Was I that blind to everything else? I was such an idiot, and I could barely believe it.

"Oh, uh," I muttered, turning back and offering my hand in aid, "So—"

My hand is smacked away, a full glare directed at me, "Do you ever watch where you're walking?" I blink at the familiar voice and face, "Asshole…"

Brown, shoulder-length bobbed hair, and eyes, as honey in hue as I can recall. The familiar girl wore a regular Sobu High uniform with a distinct pink cardigan under the blazer.

Isshiki Iroha. My underclassman and the second most rotten person in school as I personally refer to her as. Everything that I saw, and the voice that I heard reflected everything I was familiar with about my kohai. But the words she said were as foreign as if she suddenly spoke a different language entirely.

She stood up on her own, wiping her skirt as she glared at me with nothing but pure and utter hatred. And this was something I had never been a recipient of. Rather than a nuisance, it was like I was being looked upon as if I shouldn't have the right to exist at all.

I flinched back at such an expression of animosity, my previous anger all but forgotten as the shock here hit me like a truck.

"Isshi—" I start but…

"Don't. Even. Say. My. Name." She cuts me off, punctuating each word. Her tone matches her facial expression, something I never thought I'd get from her. "I told you to never speak to me ever again!"

She storms past me, even going out of her way to shove me aside with a small grunt of effort. Not expecting the force she put into it, I stumble back and slam against the nearby wall.

I'm sure the look on my face reflects the shellshock I felt, as I numbly hear Isshiki's heavy steps walk away. I remained rooted to my spot, however, still in disbelief.

It was like an out of body experience, as I tried to rationalize what just happened and for the first time I truly questioned whether I was truly in a dreamscape. Everything else, I could interpret in some way to make sense, but this… This I couldn't.

This had to be a dream… right?

I placed a hand on my head, just trying to process everything as I felt my emotional state deteriorate into misery. I haven't done anything to deserve this, have I? Even if I wasn't the greatest person ever, why was I being subjected to this? I hated that I couldn't even answer that question.

I release a deep breath, and set my hand down. Compartmentalization, it is…

With a shake of my head, trying to physically shake off what just occurred, my feet began to take me to what was supposed to be my after school haven. I may have been tossed curveball after curveball, but I still remembered the tidbit of Hayama being a part of my club.

Might as well see what the hubbub is, even though chances are that it won't be a pleasant experience. Hah…

0-6

I stand silently, facing the door of the Service Club. It's been awhile since this sight was intimidating…

On paper, this was a volunteer group that provided help to every student within Sobu High who sought it. It was funny to think I was forced to join as punishment for a not well received essay, I can't say I regret it, honestly. I seriously consider this club as a part of me now. It has become important to me. They have become important to me.

Many things have happened since I became one of its members.

I studied the plate hanging above the door, where some stickers were stuck right under the classroom number… I could've sworn there were more on it as Yuigahama took it upon herself to always add one for each request we solved.

I couldn't help but hesitate, the interaction from Isshiki took a lot of wind out of my proverbial sails when it came to thinking I was still dreaming. I make sure to shake it off though and get this over with. I grab the door handle, releasing a deep breath before finally swinging it to the side.

"You see!? I told you we'd have a new request to—" The voice of Yuigahama suddenly comes to a stop as I enter the room. "Eh? It's…?"

The previous jovial atmosphere died immediately, a new personal record. It typically took a full 3 seconds for me to get that kind of result.

I observed the room, it was still how I presumed it to be as a glorified store room of sorts the first day I came here, chairs, boxes and tables were piled up in cluttered stacks along the edges of the room. There was a tea kettle, a hot plate for it, snack packs, straws and tea leaves over a student table. It was a familiar room yet foreign at the same time.

I instantly noticed that by the 'guest' plastic cups, there were three porcelain cups that stood alongside each other. They obviously belonged to each member of the club. The plain, yet high class tea cup was for Yukinoshita, the long one with a dog image for Yuigahama and the third one was… different…

Instead of the cup with a Pan-san image that had recently been gifted to me, there was a short, yet wide blue cup. I have a faint idea of who might be the owner as a pit grew in my stomach. I wanted to look away yet I couldn't stop staring at the cup that shouldn't be there. I don't like that he has one on that table.

Now, how is it that I told myself that I needed to get it over with, yet now I can't say a single word?

"Hikitani-kun," Hayama stands up from his seat at the middle of the table and hastily approaches me, gaining my attention. "What are you doing here? Have you come to make a request? If not, then please leave."

I narrowed my gaze and made to walk past him, yet I felt his hand clamp down on my shoulder in an effort to stop me. I roughly tore myself out of his grip and looked forward, at the two pairs of eyes currently focused on me.

One was of course Yuigahama's, who looked uncertain, most likely anxious of the possible outcome of this meeting. At her side, holding a book, was none other than…

Yukinoshita Yukino.

Waist-length black hair tied with two red ribbons by each shoulder, angular blue eyes, fair skin and… a flat chest. Yeah, definitely Yukinoshita. Just like Yuigahama, she wore the school uniform for girls with her additional knee high stockings. She was as beautiful as always, well, if I were to remove the coldness she was exuding.

Right now, her cold, devious eyes observed me with contempt. Somehow even worse than when we first met. A far cry from the beautiful smile she displayed yesterday evening when assuring us about her request.

"Well, if it isn't HikiHorrible-kun…" She began. Heh, she seems to be similar enough to what I'm used to, but I can't afford to relax yet, "Could it be that the most hated student in Sobu requires our assistance?"

Now, I have to think about what I'm going to say first. While it appears like we were picking up where we last left off with our passive-not-so-aggressive banter, that was just a surface level observation; there was a real bite to her tone as if she honestly meant what she said instead of her typical amusement.

---

Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Prologue Section: Song 02

---

"Sure, I guess I have a request…" I responded with feigned nonchalance, with my hands inside my pockets. "Even if I'm hated, I'm a part of the student body, so I can still make a request, right?"

Yukinoshita smiles coldly, Yuigahama glances at her uneasily, "Of course you can, though I will make it clear that we hold the right to refuse your request if it brings harm in any way to the other students. Don't hesitate to leave if this troubles you."

Hoh… Already inviting me to go away without even hearing out my request? I honestly had none, but I want to know what more has changed. Just follow the waves, as they say.

"Would it harm the students if I said that I don't want to be hated anymore?"

Hayama, already seated at Yuigahama's side, frowns. You got something to say?

"How can you ever hope for that after what you've done?" He scrutinizes me harshly, but I just smirk, he sends me a dirty look in response.

What the hell did that mean?

"What? Even I'm allowed a second chance, right?," Was my sarcastic response, keeping my inner bemusement concealed. Which not only made him angry, but even Yuigahama frowned now. I feign indifference when in fact I do not like being subjected to it.

Yukinoshita tilts her head coolly, "I wouldn't be so sure, HikiInstigator-kun. A majority of the student body mistrusts you at the very least, and trying to convince them that you turned a new leaf would be cruelty on our part. Who knows what you would do to them should you re-attempt another one of your little antics? Perhaps you have a plan to destroy the reputation of Sobu entirely, and you merely want to regain the trust of the student body to pull off your scheme."

Since when did I become a cliché super villain? Even if I was one, I wouldn't waste my time doing something like that. Making Chiba be seen as a great city would be better. Wait, that doesn't even sound villainous and Chiba's already great in the first place.

"Hoh… You're expecting bad intentions without hearing me out?" I inquired mockingly, knowing well which buttons to push, "The way I see it, it just sounds like you're unable to complete it."

Her brow twitches as expected, and I cock an eyebrow in victory. Looks like she's still as competitive as I knew her.

"I'm afraid that…" Her voice fades as she exchanges glances with both Yuigahama and Hayama. "We won't be able to accept your request after all. I admit it would be hard to accomplish, but nothing beyond impossible. However, helping you would only cause discomfort among the students. And I cannot, in good conscience, allow that."

"I see…" I look at her blankly. So that's it then?

"Will that be all?"

I nod my head, turning to leave. There was no need to say anything else, it was clear they never meant to help me, even if I truly requested it. I can't tell why I'm having such a dream, but I won't question it. I won't question them. In any case, I was able to understand the circumstances in the Service Club a bit more.

"Do take care with the door on your way out," Yukinoshita adds, I glance back to see her gaze having returned to her book. "Should you injure yourself attempting to operate it, we would be forced to inquire Hiratsuka-sensei about possible repairs the hapless door may necessitate."

Heh, ever the Ice Queen.

I smirk, masking the bitterness I felt, "They say there is a certain sort of hope that only a loner can hold when visiting a place.

Yukinoshita frowns slightly but does not look back at me, "Oh, and that is...?"

"The hope that they can soon leave," I turn towards the door, "Thanks for your time."

"I'm sorry we couldn't help you," The irritating blonde says insincerely.

I don't need you to say it, bastard! I would have never asked you for help in the first place!

I walk out of the room and close it. I hear Yuigahama saying something but I can't make out her words as she's most likely whispering them. It's probably something about feeling relieved now that I was gone. Feels sort of bad honestly, having all my acquaintances giving me their back.

I release a heavy breath and begin to walk away.

This stupid dream couldn't end fast enough…

0-7

Oh, my shoes were stuffed with natto. Great, now they stink to hell.

It was 4:12 pm, classes had just ended. I was right in front of my locker by the lobby of the school, cursing whoever pulled this prank on me. Damn it, I need to wash them or else my bag will stink too. I'll have to use my school shoes to get back.

I head towards the nearest bathroom, but on my way there, I bump into Hiratsuka-sensei. Okay, I mentioned it with Hayama, but it really was weird to be more at eye level with Sensei too. This time I'm sure we were the same height, if I don't barely eke out a centimeter over her.

She seems sort of worried. If it wasn't about her age or the fact she's still single, then I have no idea what else it can be. I decided to approach her for the sake of familiarity.

"Yo," I wave my hand to her, and she blinks in shock.

"What is this? There's something really wrong with you today. You've never spoken a word to me before, and now it's been twice today," With a hand on her hip, she continues. "Anyway, what is it?"

I won't even question what she just said, it's the dream's fault.

"Sensei, what's with everyone glaring at me?" I inquire. As my homeroom teacher and advisor, she must be aware of the reasons behind the hatred I'm receiving in this dream… I hope.

Hiratsuka-sensei seems surprised at first, then she frowns visibly as she prepares her answer. However, instead of an answer, I found myself being questioned in turn.

"Are you kidding?" I cock an eyebrow at her tone, "You more than anyone else know what happened in the Cultural Festival, not to mention your little stunt during the Sports Festival a few days ago."

Wait, what?

I narrow my gaze, "The Cultural Festival passed months ago, woman, your senility is starting to show. Wha—"

A dark, oppressive aura suddenly takes over the hallway. A drop of sweat trails down my forehead as I gaze at the cause of this phenomenon. Oh man, I did it this time…

"Hikigaya…" Her icy voice chills my body, her hand extending towards my face.

I flinched, trying to step back as her hand fell on my shoulder. To my surprise, I didn't receive a hit or anything like that. It was then that I noticed her expression suddenly morph to warmth.

"Those dead fish eyes somehow look better on you," She smiled honestly, "I have this feeling… that I'm talking to someone totally different. I prefer it."

"…Is that right?" I can't help but snort. My fish eyes garnered an honest compliment? This truly is a dream.

However, what I initially feared did make its return. Her grip on my shoulder tightened, her eyes assuming a deadly glint, "But… I won't allow you to joke about my age again… Am I clear?"

"…!" I nod frantically. This woman's still as terrifying as I remember at least.

She seems satisfied with my quick reply, and turns around, "We'll talk later, Hikigaya. Be careful on your way home."

And with that she left, leaving me more confused than ever. At least answer my question before leaving, dammit! All I could do was massage my aching shoulder and head to the bathroom to clean my shoes.

Knowing that woman's gorilla strength, I just hope I'm not bruised when I wake up.

0-8

I'm glad that I came across the rare occasion of the restroom being emptied. I had no desire to interact with anyone else.

After six minutes of rinsing my shoes out, I put them in the plastic bag of a long gone anpan I bought. You've fulfilled your role of filling the empty stomach of a good-looking loner such as myself. I wouldn't want to get my book bag all wet from putting my shoes in there, so that's a plus to the awesomeness of the anpan. It even lent me its cover. Thank you, anpan!

Anyhow, I prepare to leave the restroom when I notice something strange. Something I previously failed to notice with my focus thoroughly pertained to my footwear.

It was the mirror. Or rather, what I see inside of it. I stare at it, blinking, yet I don't see the normality I was expecting.

If I recall correctly, mirrors reflect light in a way that, for incident light in some range of wavelengths, the reflected light preserves many or most of the detailed physical characteristics of the original light… or something like that. I'm actually surprised I recalled that much, sciences have never been my strongest subject.

However, while the mirror reflected the bathroom with utmost detail, there was something within it ignoring the optical effect.

That anomaly was my own reflection. I call it that, but it was more like a shadow instead even though shadows are not synonymous with reflections, at least outside of proverbial use. Still, with it placed in the mirror I decide to refer to it as a reflection for technicality's sake.

My reflection in the mirror was staring at me like I was probably doing, but while I carried my school bag and the plastic one filled with my wet shoes, it simply had both hands inside its pockets. That couldn't be right. Hell, I didn't see any of my distinguishable features except for the two dimensional shapes of eyes and a mouth.

And putting that aside, I could swear I was sporting a confused expression considering what I was witnessing. However, my reflection looked at me with what I would call an evil smirk. I have only seen those in anime and when I was deeply immersed during the dark times of my life. I cringe at the reminder of the phase I went through. The past is the past, Hachiman! You're better now compared to your past self!

Wait. Focus, focus.

I leave both bags over the sink, and walk from one side of the room to the other and back, all the while not breaking eye contact with the large mirror, and yet, my own reflection didn't move at all, only kept that strange expression plastered on my face, its face… I can't tell.

---

Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Prologue Section: Song 03

---

[I bet you already figured it out by now, so stop acting dumb. It's a pain to see myself make that ridiculous expression.]

I stopped abruptly, my legs freezing and my eyes widening. My reflection had spoken on its own, without me moving my mouth at all. How could I hear myself if I hadn't even spoken? I narrow my gaze and touch the mirror, trying to feel if the glass was a fake. This had to be my dream escalating, as tasteless as it was.

[Stop that. It's disgusting to see myself trying to touch me, us… Me.]

I take a step back, realizing that I've had enough. It was time to wake up from this shitty dream. And there was one sure way to do it, one that's been said to be most effective.

Clenching a fist, I punch the mirror, right in the face of my strange reflection. I immediately felt my wrist twist in pain due to the force behind my strike, leaving the mirror significantly cracked.

"Agh!" I cried out in pain, quickly pulling back my hand as I held my aching wrist. Blood trailed from my knuckles with tiny pieces of glass stuck to it. I promptly turned on the faucet and engulfed my hand in the cool water.

[That wasn't a good idea, moron…]

Shit, that hurts like hell… Wasn't that supposed to wake me up?

"Why am I…?" I mutter in disbelief, using the sink to remove the particles of glass in my hand and to numb the pain they were in. Water and blood become one for several seconds until I turn off the faucet. With a paper towel, I cover my hand, blood in minimal quantity staining it.

[That's what you thought? That you were dreaming? Are you really me? That Monster of Logic Haruno used to call me?]

I ignore the way that my reflection familiarly refers to Yukinoshita's sister, and grit my teeth.

"If this isn't a dream… Then what is it?" I growl painfully, still holding my aching wrist, "What are you supposed to be? A doppelganger?"

My reflection makes an amused expression, pocketing out a hand and pointing his index at me.

[Well, I'm you of course, the better you, the TRUE you. The doppelganger responds, I'm here to greet you to your new life.]

"…My 'new life,' huh? What's with the shitty isekai line?" I hiss back at him, "Why should I believe you? Just because you say so?" I release a haggard breath, closing my eyes. "If you were anything like me, you'd know I'd say bullshit to that."

[I won't argue with you, because that's exactly what I'd have thought in your place. Anyhow, all I want to do is let you know that as your true self, I'll watch you. No matter what you do, where you go, let me assure you that I will always be here to remind you what kind of piece of shit you truly are. Your new life will be hell on earth, bastard. That I can promise you, after all who would you trust more than yourself?]

I continue to glare at him, before I scratch my head and huff derisively, "You're talking a lot of garbage that doesn't make any sense. You sound like Zaimokuza, creep." That earned me a glare, courtesy of my 'evil counterpart', "Whether you're my inner conscience, or this is some crappy rendition of that famous christmas story, I won't let it bother me. I've experienced enough things in my life to let some wannabe impersonator mess with me now."

Picking up my school bag and the plastic bag with one hand, my other injured hand hidden inside my pants' pocket so as to not attract attention, I walk towards the door.

[Time will tell, 'Hachiman.' Just you wait.]

"Better get comfortable, pal, because you're going to be waiting there for a while." I raise my hand in mock farewell as I fully turn my back on him.

I grit my teeth, however. What the hell was going on?

0-9

It is now 4:57 pm.

Just like in the morning, many students from many unfamiliar schools were walking down the street. That wasn't my concern though as I had a much greater worry. I refused to believe this was not a dream, but it was lasting too long, and the pain in my wrist felt too damn real.

Was the guy in the mirror telling the truth?

Then what happened to my previous life?

What's with this new life my doppelganger mentioned?

Who was that guy anyway? If one were to take an outline of me and shade it in, he'd perfectly fit that shape. I could clearly hear the sharpness in his tone, and even the resentment he displayed towards me. However, he was supposed to be my reflection in the mirror, not an identical 'me' that wanted to screw with my life. How could I explain that?

It was obvious actually. There was no actual explanation to come up with other than dream shenanigans.

Either way, I guess I'll get back home for today. Maybe if I sleep, I'll wake up with everything back to normal? Weird logic, but considering everything that's happened so far, it was my only shot back to normalcy.

And so as I'm walking back home, I hear some shouts coming from behind me. Turning around, I spot the annoying pest from the morning, Yuuki Rito, struggling to catch up to me. What the hell does he want?

"Hey Hachiman, why'd you ditch me!?"

I stare back silently before proceeding to walk forward, completely ignoring him. It wasn't like I knew him, or even cared enough to bother waiting for him to walk together. He was just some unknown idiot after all. And after this morning's events, a pervert too.

I could hear his steps quickening as he finally reached my side. I heave a sigh, glancing at Yuuki as if I only just noticed him. I had treated him poorly the entire morning, and despite that, he didn't seem at all bothered.

Did he also suffer from the Hayama Hayato syndrome? Wanting to please everyone to keep a status quo? Great… Like I needed something like that around me outside of school too.

The possibility of giving this guy a chance wasn't a tempting choice. He was amicable, which was bad enough as is, but his entire personality also rubbed me the wrong way. Plus that friendly act of his could be just that, an act. Though I have to admit, he was among the few people who hadn't treated me like I was the Demon King himself. That girl called Haruna and Hiratsuka-sensei too, but I had no idea who the former was. Maybe I could count Miura, though after that lunch break she may no longer be an option.

"So, how was your day?"

"…Why?" Seriously, what's with that overfamiliarity?

Yuuki makes a humming sound as if expecting that sort of reaction from me, "Can't I ask?"

I don't reply, which doesn't seem to offend him either. I really don't like this, and I bet no one else would either. What kind of person would enjoy interacting with some stranger that already knew your mannerisms?

After several surprisingly silent minutes, having already passed the street where that Yukihira Restaurant was located and full of people now from what I could see, we both came to a stop. The reason was nothing more and nothing less than the presence of a large bear.

…

Seriously!? What the hell is a bear doing here!? We're in Chiba, dammit! Go back north to where you belong!

It was too late to move, as the bear was dangerously close. Wait, if I remember correctly, they say bears attack those that show fear or something like that. They can smell it, I think… and the time has arrived it seems to prove if that theory is true.

The bear stood on its feet, its large stature shadowing the last rays of light from the sunset. I gulped but managed to retain my composure, however, what I hadn't taken into account was Yuuki's reaction. That idiot was shaking like a leaf. I couldn't blame him, but at least try not to look so scared, dumbass!

"W-why the hell is there a bear in the middle of the street!?" Yuuki stuttered.

Despite this absurd situation, I think it could still be explained. While there was no zoo around here as far as I can recall, maybe now there was one with all this new stuff popping out of nowhere around Chiba district. Maybe the ferocious animal had escaped from captivity and was roaming the streets.

Okay, maybe it could be explained but I didn't have the means to.

"Just don't move," I advise him, though if he gets mauled I may just be able to escape safely.

The bear looks at us, before leaning its head menacingly forward. This was the end, I was about to get eaten by a bear. This must be a nightmare after all, and I hoped to wake up in my bed with Vita-chan right next to me. Maybe it was because of video games that my dream is so chaotic, I should lay off of them. Suddenly, the sound of a zipper opening came within earshot. I understand that you might have a loose bladder, Yuuki, given this absurd situation, but if we're about to die, at least have the courtesy to keep that evacuation in your pants! Have some shame, dammit!

---

Go to profile, SEE: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Prologue Section: Picture 02

---

However, the front part of the bear suddenly fell limply to the ground, just before us. We look on in shock at the animal, until something far more incredible happens. Suddenly from the back half of the bear, two large b… hold on, breasts? A girl?

"Puff!" The girl lets out a short gasp before she takes her legs out of the bear's body… "Geez… It's so hot in dere!"

A costume! It was a costume! It looked abnormally real for a costume…

"Heya, guys!"

After witnessing such an event, we both stood straight, nodding our heads at her call. She had a Kansai dialect from what I could tell.

"Y-yes miss!?"

"…What?"

I studied her. She was dressed in a light blue sleeveless leather jumpsuit and matching shorts, with a blue sports bra underneath. Her feet were adorned with purple boots featuring blue protectors, and she wore long white gloves with blue elbow/hand protectors that covered from her fingertips to her mid-arms. Around her waist, a belt with three green star emblems completed the ensemble. We're in public, lady, at least have the decency to dress appropriately!

Her eyes were brown, her short shoulder-length hair displaying the same color.

"Ya see any troublemakers 'round, or anythin'?" She asked, approaching us. She was pretty short, even shorter than Yuigahama too.

I couldn't help but notice how well-endowed she was, they were comparable to Gahama-san's… But I'm not a pervert, honestly, she's the one with the lack of decency here.

"N-no we h-haven't…" Responded a nervously blushing Yuuki Rito, while scratching his head. His eyes, however, weren't on her face. Seriously, how shameless is this pervert? At least try to be subtle.

She scrutinizes him before focusing on me. It makes me nervous, her gaze is quite sharp after all, much like the Fire Queen's. The one I knew at least, not the one I've seen today.

I only shook my head silently, which caused her to sigh.

"Darn, dem punks got away again… Damn it!" She starts to whine as she gazes behind her, which becomes the cue for us to leave. Looks like Yuuki caught on to my intention since he looked to semi-snap out of his staring. Quit following me.

As we both took our first step away, her voice shot out again.

"Hol' up!" We stopped, turning slowly.

With hands on her hip, the girl growled at us, "Ye're not hidin' dem guys, are ya? If dey threatened ya, I'll give 'em what for, so ya can tell me."

"We haven't seen anyone," I reply, assuming a more relaxed posture. This is getting troublesome to deal with. "Whoever you're talking about must be somewhere else."

She frowns, folding her arms over her chest. Now that I think about it, she actually seems like a 'troublemaker' herself. I just couldn't imagine what this girl would do if she found the guys she was looking for. Clearly the gloves and protectors she used would allow her to fight, but her… assets… did look like hindrances. This isn't an anime you know? You can't just fight with them in your way so easily, you know?

"yer face looks suspicious… Kinda creepy… Are ya sure ya haven't seen 'em?"

That was rude. You don't call someone you just met creepy, at least wait for the second meeting, dammit. Tch, why do I get the feeling she's doing this because of my eyes? It wouldn't be the first time but…

"No, we didn't," I confirm, irritated.

She approaches me, leaning her face towards mine as if to discover if I was lying. She was pretty, although her somewhat brusque expressions made her a little unattractive for me. She reminded me a bit of, uh… Kawa-something, somewhat of a tomboy, but not that much if I took in consideration the fact that Kawa-something was a skilled tailor.

"Really…?" Her gaze hardens, you're too close! "Ya don't sound sincere… Suspicious…"

I just can't help getting a bit intimidated, so I avert my gaze.

"I'm telling the truth," I manage to speak, backing a bit away. "If you're going to decide by yourself that I'm lying, then I can't do anything but assure you I'm not."

"Yer face is suspicious."

That repeated comment irks me a great deal and I turn back with a bit of a glare, "Well, excuse me, but this is the only face I have."

"Okay, okay. Don't get all grumpy on me."

Yuuki suddenly steps forward, blushing madly at her proximity, and I suspected that was because of this girl's attractiveness. I can't completely blame him, but I do believe he's overreacting. It's not that hard to speak to a girl, at least not for me anymore. For someone that has lived a life of rejection from society, I learned to not care for such trivialities. My problem is mostly, whether I should bother speaking to others in the first place. Seriously, get a grip you idiot.

To exchange words was never something that meant getting close to another individual, in fact, most of the time these were simple formalities and pretty much the only way of communicating ideas and information between human beings. Obligatory if you ask me.

"Ehrm… Who are you?" Yuuki asks with uncertainty, while scratching his head.

She blinks, before pointing a finger at herself, all while grinning, "Kazama Asuka! Ya two can call me Asuka, I don't mind." Yuuki blushes and laughs awkwardly.

"A-ahaha, w-we just met, Kazama-san. I don't think we should refer to our elders so casually…" Seriously, I'll think you're a friend if I do that.

"Hey, I ain't old! I'm still seventeen, but whatever rocks yer socks," She grins again before waving a hand. "Well, laters!" She stops mid-way as she leaves, "Hol' on! What're yer names? It's sorta disrespectful fer ya ta have heard my name without me hearin' yers."

"Y-Yuuki Rito!" He bows to her frantically, "N-nice to meet you… Kazama-san!"

That was too quick! Don't you think that telling this random stranger your name will cause you headaches in the future? Yuuki, you're going to suffer a lot in this cruel world if you are this naive with others! Just look at what's happened to me, and these rotten eyes of mine!

She turns to me, expectant. To that, I only avert my gaze aside. I'm not the one who asked for your name, you know?

"Mm?" With hands over her hip, she glares at me… probably. Well, that was at least what I could feel as I deliberately avoided facing her. "What's yer name?"

I don't respond. I only hoped she would notice my clear refusal to answer her question. I should feel happy for having a girl as attractive as her asking my name and actually talking to me, but I have learned that when such events occurred, there was usually an ulterior motive behind it.

Besides, being cautious won't kill me, right? She was seriously wearing a bear costume and searching for 'troublemakers', so how can I even consider just casually telling her my name?

However…

I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe, the reason for it was the girl called Kazama Asuka. She pulled me by my shirt with such strength that I couldn't offer any resistance. Her grip tightened the neck of the shirt so much that I felt that I was being strangled by the material.

"I asked yer name…" She shakes me, her face absurdly close to mine. I can't even get embarrassed due to my increasing lack of oxygen, "Dat behavior's rude, ya know? Be polite."

I tried to push her arm away but it was futile. Whoever she is, I could only call her a monster for possessing such abnormal strength. Hayama's grip was nothing compared to this girl's.

"C-c-c… Ca-can't b-breathe…" I manage to wheeze out… barely.

"K-Kazama-san! Stop it! You're hurting him!" Yuuki states desperately, waving his arms frantically. At least try to pull her off of me dammit.

She blinks as her grip loosens. I stumble back, gasping for breath. My neck feels sore and I swear I could have passed out if she continued. Was a girl supposed to have that kind of strength? Even if she looked sort of athletic, the force behind the grip of that girl was just insane!

That sort of unnatural strength had to mean that this was a dream! But the pain on my neck felt as real as the dull ache of my wrist, not to mention the minor wounds on my knuckles.

"Hey man, you alright?" Yuuki asks, displaying concern on his face.

Idiot… How am I supposed to reply after almost being suffocated? Besides, it's obvious that I'm not alright, dumbass.

I feel a hand on my back, patting me slightly. I immediately jerk away from the touch. "Oh, sorry… I didn't mean ta…" The girl sighs, "Yere sort of weak, ya know? I never imagined dat pulling ya from yer shirt would shock ya."

Damn woman, not only did she choke me but she also gave a half-assed apology, as if it were my fault that she nearly choked me out.

I clear my throat, as painfully as it is for its current raw state, "W-whatever… I'm out of here…"

I raised my glare at her, she was frowning. Alright, I know she didn't do it on purpose from what I see of her reaction, but I don't care. She seriously could have killed me, so as a measure of self-preservation, I concluded it was for the best to not create any sort of ties with her. Who knows where she acquired such strength. While Kazama doesn't seem to be a bad person, she easily managed to destroy whatever possible good impression I may have had of her.

As I massage my aching neck, I walk past her, silently treading away. Some hurried steps caught up to me, which belonged to Yuuki. I briefly glance over my shoulder, noting her stare as the distance grows between us.

"G-goodbye, Kazama-san! I'm sorry we couldn't help you," I hear Yuuki say out loud.

"No probs Yuuki, and I'm sorry, whoever ya are!" She shouted at me, but I feigned having not heard her and proceeded to walk away.

I don't need some careless girl with such monstrous strength making my life miserable… More miserable than it's been throughout the day at least. The fact that she wore that bear costume was the clear proof that she was someone to steer clear from.

After a couple of minutes of walking…

"That was interesting…" A comment came from Yuuki.

I don't bother answering the attempt at small talk.

Some seconds pass.

"Mmm…? Now that I think about it, what happened to your hand?"

I glanced at him blankly, "I punched a mirror," And replied honestly, though my intention was to sound sarcastic so he would think I wasn't going to give him a straight answer.

"Hachiman, did you get in a fight again?"

Hmm… That implies that I've gotten into a fight before… I never was the type who would get physically violent, and as far as I recall, I've never actually fought anybody. I was only rejected and ignored, but to be hated so much as to engage in physical altercations, not really.

And that karate captain doesn't count!

"No… although, last time, when was it?"

Yuuki was thoughtful for a brief moment, "Two weeks ago I think? Why ask something you already know? I mean, it was you who told me about that."

I frown at the new information, "It slipped my mind. I've been busy lately."

"Ah…" He fixates his book bag across his chest, "I know you're sort of… you…" He sweat drops, forcing a smile. What kind of wishy-washy description of me was that? "But I think you've been acting weird since the morning. Weirder…"

That was insulting, but I'll ignore it, "And?"

"Nothing I guess…" If you're not going to say anything afterwards then why bring it up?

After that, we walked in silence once again. I observed the orange sky, honestly enjoying the silence from Yuuki. Only the sound of our steps and the noise from vehicles filled the environment. Though it would be better if I wasn't being followed by him.

That is until…

"Hey, isn't that Yukinoshita-san?"

I blink. She may not like me right now but I could appreciate a familiar face, so I directed my gaze to the side of the street Yuuki was facing. Unfortunately, it wasn't the Yukinoshita I preferred but rather, the one I never felt like seeing at any time of the day.

Yukinoshita Haruno.

Now that I think about it, I still don't know why I had a picture of her in my cell phone, but it didn't matter, her image was promptly replaced by the default wallpaper that came with the phone. It looked better already if I do say so myself.

I wasn't in any mood to deal with her (then again, when has that ever been the case?), so I stepped back and crossed the street. Such evasive maneuvers were pretty much a necessity and they were very compatible with my Stealth Hikki ability. Yuuki called out, and if I was to guess, he would follow after me which immediately ruined my stealth tactic. Doesn't he have someone else to shadow?

As I advanced, he soon caught up to me, "Oi, Hachiman. Yukinoshita-san was waving at us. Why are you avoiding her?"

"I have my fair share of reasons. I'm leaving."

Yuuki made a sound of disapproval and sighed. I was curious as to how he knew her, but wrote it off.

And as soon as we reached the corner, the aforementioned girl suddenly appeared before us, panting and looking exhausted. Haruno supported herself on her knees as she caught her breath. That's… not something I'd ever expect to see from her. Though, I honestly don't know that much about her. She was 'drunk' yesterday and had the smell of previous company on her clothes.

She seemed to be the same as always though. The elder of the Yukinoshita sisters wore triangular earrings, blue jeans with a purple shoulderless blouse, all stylish and sophisticated. Over her shoulder hung a brown leather purse. Her bobbed hair, which reached her shoulders, was jet black with a purple dye at the tips. I couldn't see her purple angular eyes due to her head's lowered position.

As she finally stands straight, I can hear the soft jingling of the jewelry hooked in her earlobes. She looked at me with irritation, it was the first time I'd seen such an expression on her face other than the usual smug confidence.

"Hikigaya-kuuuunnnn~ Why did you try to ditch me!? That was so mean of you~!" She whined, her voice sounding childish. Though for some reason, it didn't seem as fake as the previous times… Wait, everything is different today, so maybe she truly means to act like this here? "I was so hurt to see you walk off like that, I had to run through this whole street to catch up."

Oh dear, that sounded too creepy and stalkerish. And coming from her, even more terrifying.

"What do you want?" I ask.

There was something she wanted, always. Every action, every word, there was always an ulterior motive behind it, I could tell that much about her. Whether she sought to meddle in my life or her sister's, I knew she wanted to discover something, using us as her lab rats to uncover what she meant to find. Whatever it was, I could only try to keep her as far from me as possible.

Yukinoshita Haruno was never sincere, and used people to achieve her self-centered goals.

I wouldn't be one of her marionettes.

She blinks, seemingly surprised before smiling, "Oh, I see…" She glances at Yuuki before gazing back at me, "Yuuki-kun, would you mind if I steal him for a bit?"

"Ah… haha, be my guest, I guess?" He replies with a nervous smile, reddening and scratching his head.

It's easy to see he is being intimidated by her cold gaze, despite the fact that she's smiling. Not to mention that Yuuki seems to be an utterly shy idiot with the opposite sex, even more so with someone as beautiful and well-endowed as Haruno. But seriously, does he have to blush with every female we've run into? Aren't you supposed to like that 'Haruna' girl?

"This guy doesn't have a say in what entails the use of my time," I retorted, glaring at them. "And I mind. Shouldn't you be asking me that?"

"T-then I'll be going… Talk to you later," He waves at me despite the fact that it was never decided that he was dismissed.

As the idiot leaves, much to my discomfort given my current situation, I feel my arm being pulled and enveloped by another. Soon my limb is grazing something soft and large. I turned to see Haruno clutching my arm so close to her that I could smell her intoxicating perfume and feel her ample chest… Damn it, woman! Don't do something so irresponsible without a care! I could die of a heart attack!

"Shall we go?" She asks me, smiling slyly.

I breathe deeply, finally getting a better hold of myself, "It's not like you're giving me much of a choice," She stares at me, unblinking. I had to avert my gaze. Having our faces so close to one another was too embarrassing.

"What?" I spit out, almost defensively.

"Your eyes seem weird today…Though I just love your embarrassed faces…" She pokes at my cheek, pressing herself even more against me. Cut it out. "How about we go to the usual place?"

"Usual?"

That word means commonly encountered, experienced, observed, or in this case, visited. I have only seen Haruno a few times, and those only happened by chance. I can't recall purposefully meeting with her or going anywhere regularly other than answering her inquiry about Yukinoshita's career path. Whatever, if I'm no longer a member of the Service Club, then there's the probability that I hang out with her now in this potential dream. She seems unusually closer and uncomfortably different. Honestly, I'm starting to prefer her being 'drunk' last night. At least then she had a pretense for acting differently.

"Yep! Or do you have some other place in mind?" She tilts her head, looking annoyingly cute. C'mon Hachiman, you're better than this. Don't just fall for her tricks! "Or maybe…" Her face becomes soft, almost seductive. "You don't want to wait…"

She giggles and pulls me with her across the street. Why am I letting her pull me along? Call it morbid curiosity of my current relationship with her in this dream. Or maybe I'm just as stupid as Yuuki, actually no, that guy's a lost cause. Whatever the case, I'll see what she's planning so I can create counter measures for future occurrences down the road.

As we advanced, I came to see we were nearing a local café. Oh, she probably wanted to eat and talk. This should be a good chance to look into why she is friendly to me while Yukinoshita isn't. Maybe it'll be like those scenes in anime when the character faces his conscience and finds out more about himself.

We entered the building, which was somewhat empty and sort of plain. There were tables lined up across the room, customers being attended to by girls, pretty waitresses as far as I can see. This establishment was the sort to not only offer dinner but to give the customers a quiet place to spend their time. There were plenty of couples around.

It's not like I ever experienced that though, only in dating sim games at most. Though I suppose that Isshiki's fake dates could count too. Just, without the romantic implications.

While I first thought that we were going to take a table to order something to eat, that soon changed as Haruno approached a maid, whispering some words to her. The maid visibly pales and nods her head. Then, Haruno approaches and leads me to a door, looking around warily as if to avoid drawing attention. Once we entered, I couldn't see a thing as it was dark. I felt the grip on my arm loosening until it was gone.

"What are you doing?" I asked but I only received a giggle as her reply, "Oi, this isn't funny. We shouldn't intrude in areas without authorization. We're pretty much breaking the law right now."

"Silly, I just asked my good friend to let us in~" Her voice echoes, "She said the manager isn't around, so don't worry about it."

I stood there in the dark, tensing in anticipation. Suddenly, a light was turned on, and I finally took in my surroundings. This was some sort of storage area, holding piles of boxes and unused furniture. Tables, chairs and even a couple of dusty washing machines lined the walls.

Within the room was Yukinoshita Haruno, sitting atop of what seemed to be a large crate.

"Come…" She says, almost quietly.

---

Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Prologue Section: Song 04

---

I narrow my gaze at her strange behavior. Her voice conveyed something far more sinister than the usual teasing. I approach her, warily, glancing around me as I did.

"Why are we here?" Every word of mine was filled with distrust, and I meant it.

Couldn't we discuss somewhere else if you wanted some privacy? Huh, are you finally showing me your true colors without a care? Are you going to transform into a gigantic black widow and consume me!? I knew I should have expected that from you!

Her almost shadowed face displayed confusion, if only for a brief second. The dim light did little to illuminate her features, so I could barely distinguish her face. What followed was a laugh, one of amusement, though one I still found eerie.

"Seriously, you're acting so coy today…" She finally adds huskily after her laughter ends, "…and I love it."

Haruno stands up, taking one slow step after another, every motion of her void spilling seduction. It was an incredible sight, her face becoming more visible to me as she neared. Her curves were impressive, her chest too damn entrancing, her long slender legs simply captivating.

And her face, flushing deep red, while those eyes were looking at me as if I were her prey. Her teeth bit into her lip slightly at the mere thought of something I couldn't describe or imagine. It was mesmerizing, but terrifying all the same. I stared at her, mouth agape. And when she was just about to close the distance that was already too little to be simply called uncomfortable, I raised my arms instinctively.

"Hold on…" She stops at my words, "Just… What are you doing?"

Haruno blinked, blatantly startled by my actions, "What do you mean?"

Wait, that isn't the reaction I'm expecting. Heck, this whole situation is too crazy enough for me to predict anything in the first place. Having a girl such as Haruno, who by my standards is far above one of most of the beautiful girls I have seen, looking at me with such a flushed face makes me nervous, incredulous, but mostly… disturbed.

"You heard me. What are you doing?"

"Are… Are we roleplaying something new today?" She asked, still stepping closer to me. Her scent reaches my nose. "Then what do you want me to do? Act like a naughty girl, a tsundere maybe?" Her palms fall on my chest, her sly smile displaying something I'd never thought I see from her, "I'll be whateeeeever you want me to be, you know?"

Desire.

I still think that I'm dreaming regardless of what my doppelganger told me. This is an impossible situation, that's why I can't buy it. I simply can't. I've had enough of girls playing with my heart like it was some sort of expendable toy to be used and then be discarded when they're bored. In a teasing manner or otherwise. But this was on another level.

"Stop messing with me," I know she enjoys teasing me, but this is going too far! Even for someone like her, this is just wrong! "I'd rather have your sister calling me the worst piece of trash on the planet than having to withstand more of your twisted sense of humor here."

Even now, I can still recall the looks of disdain that Yukinoshita and Isshiki shot at me, the fear Yuigahama held towards me. I don't know what I did, but having those three suddenly loathe me wasn't something I was prepared for and it wasn't something I enjoyed experiencing. I always lived my life peacefully and unnoticed by society, I never hurt anyone, and I wasn't hurt by others. It worked for me.

Things are different now, having my locker filled with letters that contained threats to my life, insults and so on. Everyone at my school didn't ignore me, but they openly hated me, and I don't fucking know why! And just when I thought Haruno didn't completely change, she crosses the line with her teasing, past the point I would ever expect of her.

"Hachi-kun~" She started, and my incredulity increased. She's never called me that, in fact, no one has ever called me that. It seemed as if it was some playful way of addressing me, even using my first name as if we were lovers or something. The nerve of this woman. "You're scaring me, Hachi-kun… Quit the act already. I'm horny and this isn't helping."

"…What?" I blinked, my jaw almost falling, "What did you say?"

She huffed as she stepped back, looking rather irritated, "I said that I'm horny!" She did look scary when mad, despite what she was stating, "I want your dick in my a—"

"Whoa! Whoa! Hold on!" This had gone through the roof. Was she now talking about sex? This was past just teasing already, this was just a sick joke now. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Her glare intensifies as she steps up to me again, the sound of her foot tapping the ground, which echoed inside the room. That scared me a bit so I had to step back in instinct. I soon found myself lying on the ground after Haruno pushed herself onto me. I looked up before I froze in shock. Her face showcased all of the lust she was currently holding with one seductive smile.

The elder sister of Yukinoshita family slowly removed her articles of clothing. I could see clearly her black bra, hiding her generous proportions. My face became hot for obvious reasons as she removed her skirt, black panties being revealed. It didn't stop there though as she reduced the gap between us, her large chest bouncing over me before the sound of something unfastening confirmed that she was planning to get naked… for real.

"Is this where you wanna do it then…?" Her bra was released, the whole glorious form of her mounds being displayed right to my face.

I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. Pink protrusions registered in my mind, a color that I manage to distinguish despite the shadows, or maybe my brain wasn't thinking logically anymore with it going haywire in this escalating situation. I could only stare at her, frozen solid, sweat falling across my pale face. My rapid beating heart being the only thing that reminded me that I was indeed still conscious.

"What is it, Hachi-kun~" She smiled slyly, wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling herself closer but at a distance where our chests didn't meet.

"Did you miss them…?" Haruno giggled, her hands now running down my chest before reaching out to one of my hands and pulled it towards one of her breasts, "Did you miss me?"

No…

I have to be insane to be thinking that. Any heterosexual male in my shoes would have long since let themselves go with the tides, but I couldn't. Not because I wasn't prepared, not because I was inexperienced, but because…

"Save me someday, okay?"

No.

"No!" I pulled away and stood on my feet. I felt abnormally exhausted and I was panting, yet that didn't matter. Haruno gazed at me in shock, as if news of a deceased parent came to her. That wasn't the case, and the fact that she was pulling such a face put me at unease.

"Don't… do this…" I say between pants, stepping back. "Please… don't…"

"H-Hachi-kun…?" She stayed on the floor, unblinking. "What are you doing? This isn't funny anymore… You're ruining the mood…"

"I… I have to leave…" I gasp out.

I spun around, and rushed out of the room, not even caring to close it behind me. I simply wanted to get out of there, as far away as I could. The implanted memory of her naked upper body wasn't a memory I was going to forget anytime soon… Probably…

This was the first time I saw a woman's breasts in all their natural glory… And they were indeed beautiful…

But this wasn't an experience I could really rejoice in either.

No, it was more of a trauma.

…

Ah, they really looked soft though.

Ack, stop it Hachiman. You almost tripped.

0-10

I shook my head, having already rushed out of the café and already crossed into the next block. I came to a stop when my legs started burning from the sudden sprint, and I leaned against a wall of a random convenience store to stay upright. I fought to catch my breath, which was nothing short of erratic.

The passing people observed me with concern, and while I first believed they were concerned about my well-being, it didn't take much to notice their concern was only directed toward themselves. They walked past me, as far as the road would let them, as far as they could so I wouldn't harm them. Because right now, I was the sight of those individuals that society rejected, a possible hooligan, a delinquent. They feared me.

Kindness and understanding, my ass.

People only look after themselves and nothing beyond that. I was just, to them, another unknown and creepy student that anyone would reject and ignore. Someone that would possibly cause them the troubles they strived to avoid.

That wasn't the case, yet willful ignorance was their solution.

"H-hey…" I blink, a voice speaking. "Are you okay…?"

It wasn't until now that I noticed the shadow of someone at my side, who had actually knelt down to try and get a glimpse at my face. Naturally, I wanted to avoid that.

"Y-yeah…" I stumble my words, briefly glancing at her, but then turning away to face the wall, "Just need to catch my breath…"

So it was some random girl, I guess. Well look, I was thinking of her, you know? I don't think she'd appreciate me panting in her face until I finally steadied my breathing.

"Gotta admit, seeing you like this is unusual," She commented, which was followed by a small pause, "Then again, a lot can change after some years, I guess."

"Huh? " I finally moved my gaze towards this overly familiar girl.

Wait, aren't you too close?

Weren't girls typically the ones that went out of their way when minding their boundaries around me?

"Uh, we know each other?" Awkwardness, thy name is Hachiman.

"…Ex…cuse me?" I blinked at the change in tone, "Are… you serious?"

Knowing that no recognition was going to register for me, I slowly answered, "…Yes?"

"Nibutani! Nibutani Shinka! How empty is your brain!?" She barked with an unexpected outburst, but then cleared her throat, assuming a seemingly more relaxed posture. Still her tone leaked annoyance, "We might not have seen each other in a few years, but how could you forget my name!?"

I felt forced to look at her this time, actually look at her, given her obvious, and sudden irritation.

Long brown hair with a pink clip in her fringes, orange eyes and soft-looking skin… Rather pretty, really, but a frown predominated over her pleasant features. Also, her uniform was one I couldn't recognize. It was composed of brown shoes, long black socks that almost reached her knees. As well as a red skirt striped with white and brown lines paired with a white shirt over a brown blazer, and finally, a red ribbon on her chest. That was the appearance that made up the now identified girl, Nibutani Shinka.

What is it with me knowing girls that have intimidating personality quirks in one way or another? Even in a potential dream, I can't have a dream girl who doesn't scare the crap out of me.

Probably because of my sustained stare, she averted her own gaze, seemingly startled. And as expected, this dream girl also struggles to keep eye contact with me. The fact that it wasn't out of disgust counts as a step up from the usual, at least.

"Uh, sorry," I cleared my throat, and rubbed the back of my head.

She frowns but shakes her head, "That's fine, I guess… It's not surprising… considering that we haven't talked since middle school… or since you confessed to Orimoto-san to be specific." The revelation made me almost bite my tongue, "You're not mad at me anymore… are you?"

What? How does she know about Orimoto? Had this girl been a classmate of mine during middle school? I absolutely don't remember interacting with a Nibutani Shinka throughout those years. Knowing my past self, and considering that she was attractive, I totally would have tried confessing and getting promptly rejected!

Is this another Yuuki situation where my past events have been changed up for some reason? I already had plenty of female acquaintances, so was Nibutani supposed to be my innate desire to have a friend who happened to be a girl in middle school?

Ugh… Give me a break…

I go with my current views on being angry for my answer to her odd question that I had no context for.

"I don't bother holding grudges," I shrugged carelessly. I would have destroyed the world a long time ago if that were the case, "It's a waste of time."

She smiles nervously, and sighs, "Sorry for my… reaction." The girl bit her lip, "Kind of had a bad day… and I was a bit excited to see you agai—" I cocked an eyebrow when she stopped herself, but then glared at me, "I mean, it's been a long time, you know?"

Two years isn't really that long, all things considered, I'm sure a certain aging sensei would agree. Though for teenagers, as melodramatic as we are, it might as well be a lifetime. After all, it wasn't that long ago that Komachi was the adorable imouto who stuck by my coat tails and yet it feels twice as long.

"Uh, sure," I acquiesce anyways, "I guess we were shorter back then."

Nibutani forced a smile, which vanished a second later, "I still feel bad… you know? Like, really bad after that." She started suddenly, "I was afraid that you would insult me or something… Someone told me that you talked trash about me since we stopped talking, so for my part, I didn't feel like apologizing either. You made it difficult."

Uh, me as the instigator? Me? And why was she bringing this up? Is she trying to start something?

Well, I could see where she was coming from somewhat… My bitter social life during that time had left a mark on me if I'm to be honest, so up until I finally managed to close that chapter, I was pretty nasty towards those that wronged me. The nice girls I once interacted with in particular, even more so.

Thing is, I kept that all to myself. I didn't have anyone to badmouth others about. So there's now an additional aspect of having acquaintances during middle school, which also didn't happen.

"Why bother coming up to me if you still have clear issues with me then?" I was honestly curious.

She blinked at my inquiry, "I… I don't know…" She replied slowly, as if she was also wondering why she did. "I guess I just saw you like that, and… dunno… didn't really give it any thought… until now…"

What, pity? I couldn't help from frowning at that thought.

"Didn't think I looked that pathetic," I clicked my tongue in annoyance.

Another blink of her eyes, "I didn't mean it that way. I guess I just got nostalgic… I don't know." After releasing a sigh, she added, "Pity was not it. It's just that, you know… I tried approaching you before, but you just looked so… cold… so different… and the last thing I wanted was to make things worse."

So, I guess it was better for her to do it now since it was essentially a moment of weakness for me. Though, it could be argued that she took an even bigger gamble now because whatever version of myself she had in her head could have lashed out even worse. So she basically got lucky with me since I don't tend to have that sort of temperament, well, until I reach a certain threshold.

Either way, this sort of intimate talk was uncomfortable.

"Well," I avert my gaze and rub the back of my head, "I guess you're having a luckier day than I am…"

With a slight tilt of her head, she asked, "Huh? What do you mea—"

"Oh?" A familiar voice cut her off, "And who is this… lovely girl?"

Case in point.

I pale at the voice anyway, looking over my shoulder as a newly-arrived Haruno stands just behind me. Her smile exuded a strange feeling. One in which I can recognize restrained ire, amusement and something else I couldn't put my finger on.

Scary, her smile is scary!

Though, at least she wasn't half-naked anymore. No, wait, stop! I had finally stopped thinking about it!

I stepped back, and coughed twice, facing both of them, "S-she is… a former classmate…"

I had to stop myself from adding 'I guess.'

"Nibutani Shinka," To my surprise, Nibutani displayed a graceful bow, accompanied with a stunning smile that added to my recent coughing issues, "Nice to meet you."

Had she noticed Haruno's behavior?

Haruno's gaze studied her from what I could see, her eyes looking at her from top to bottom as if analyzing her like some sort of machine. Nibutani peered at me for a second, before she fidgeted under her scrutiny. To be honest, I'd be the same, her cold empty eyes were nothing like I've seen before. Piercingly fearsome would be the description I'd use.

"It's my pleasure…" Haruno replied insincerely. She isn't even trying to hide her true personality, huh… I mean, she was smiling but her entire being conveyed contempt. "I'm… Hikigaya-kun's girlfriend."

…Huh? Who's girlfriend? Mine? No, no, I'm Hikki or Hikio, sometimes HikiFroggaya-kun, depending on who you ask. This is totally a case of mistaken identity, you knooooow~

I didn't even see that one coming. I only stood there, immobile while she clutched my arm in a deadlock grip gain. She even dared to lean her head on my shoulder! The nerve of this devil! She has no limits! Cut that out!

Nibutani was as shocked as me, blinking eyes displaying utter surprise. I shifted my center of attention to her briefly due to that reaction. I could only imagine that I meant something to her as she now looked hurt. Just what the hell is going on?

"I-I see…" She stared at Haruno, then at me, blankly, "I'm actually surprised that he managed to get in a relationship… With someone as pretty as you…"

That comment irked me somewhat even if she had a point. Despite Haruno's statement being an utter lie, it still bothered me. You're talking to her, why am I the one getting insulted?

"Why, thank you, Somethingtani-san. We're very happy together!" She held me closer. Nibutani's brow twitched at Haruno's rudeness and her proximity to me. Seriously, get off of me!

"That's a lie," I tried to pull away from the older girl's grip, "She's just messing around."

Haruno turned to me, our faces absurdly close, "You're right… but I think it's time for us to get serious. We've been playing a lot so far, and I like it but… I want it to be official. I don't care what my mother says anyway, so Hachi-kun, make me your girlfriend… Now."

What nonsense was she spewing? Our relationship was close to non-existent, and anything that might have been romantic was just her teasing. She was a manipulative schemer. There was no way she would mean this despite what she tried to do in the storeroom of that café.

How far will Yukinoshita Haruno go for her own entertainment? In the end this is all just a game for her, and we are her toys.

I'm completely sick of it, honestly.

And if you want me to ask you out, at least try to be cute about it, dammit! What's with that demanding tone!?

I turn my helpless gaze back at Nibutani, does it really look like we're together with how much I want to escape? Don't be so quick to believe someone just because they have a pretty face! Think of us fish-eyed guys!

"Well it seems she is asking you for something, Hikigaya-kun." Her expression had become serious, "Why won't you just do it?"

Seriously? What the hell is that reaction? Why do you look validated for what you're seeing as if you expected this type of situation to come up with me? Who do you think you are?

I didn't owe Nibutani an explanation, nor an excuse. At best, we're former classmates and at worst we both wronged each other meaning that we burned our own respective bridges. So we're basically strangers to each other. I don't need to have consideration for someone that's judging me as she's currently doing.

"Hachi-kuuuuunnn~ What are you thinking about? Another one of your monologues?"

Hearing this succubus of a woman's voice shrill in my ear, didn't help. Not one bit. Actually, it was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.

"Because. We're. Not. Fucking. Going. Out!" I tear my arm away from Haruno's grip, and glower at a flinching Nibutani, "And I don't answer to either of you!"

Haruno merely observed me neutrally, while Nibutani sported a scowl now.

"Fine then, I guess that after all this time, you're still mad," Nibutani growled. "Do whatever you want, I don't care."

And with that said, she turned around and walked away… or at least was going to…

I turned to see Haruno smiling as if nothing happened, "You don't care, yet you seem upset? So cute… and rather…" Her eyes became cold, yet a triumphant expression painted her face. "Boring… I hoped for something interesting but in the end, it was just ordinary."

That's more of the Yukinoshita Haruno I know at least.

The brunette stopped for a few seconds, then turned around towards us. Nibutani now sported a cocky smile for some reason.

---

Go to profile, SEE: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Prologue Section: Picture 03

---

"Ordinary, you say?" She raised a hand, motioning it in a dismissive manner, "Do you think me calling you a slut is ordinary as well? I'm sure you are quite familiar with that term."

Angry as I was, even I had to backtrack at Nibutani's blunt and scathing remark about Yukinoshita Haruno…

Raising a finger while smiling bashfully and stepping forward, Haruno responded, "Oh, really…?" Despite the seemingly friendly face she displayed, her tone was as cold as a glacier in the Arctic Circle.

"But it doesn't really matter. Whoever Hikigaya-kun decides to date is none of my concern," Nibutani states as she began to walk away, and soon enough, she was gone from my sight when she turned a corner.

"Hachi-kun… I'm mad, so I'm leaving too…" Haruno said with a pout, "Whatever is wrong with you, deal with it. I was so horny before and you rejected me. That hurt, you know?"

"Stop with the teasing already," I glare coldly.

"I should be telling you that," She responds in kind, exporting the same expression. "We have something nice, so don't screw it up." She begins to depart, although she seems cheerful again. "Bye-bye, Hachi-kun! Next time I won't wait…" The sly smirk she suddenly gives me is too damn intimidating, it was like seeing a grenade about to explode in my face, far more scary than her emotionless side. "I'll rip off your clothes if necessary… with my teeth… just to set the mood."

With one final wink, she walks away.

I sigh deeply as whatever just happened finally ended. Though looking down at my right hand slightly trembling, I knew that my emotions were still high and I needed to cool off. I could only hope that whatever was happening, dream or some spiritual out-of-body experience, was nearing its end soon so I could finally get back to what I was familiar with.

What worried me was that I feel like I'm trying to convince myself that this was anything but reality.

0-11

I was just about to reach home when I noticed two figures standing near the entrance of my house. One I recognized as Yuuki Rito, while the other was unknown, and he wore a plain school uniform composed of a shirt and pants. They turned to me expectedly as I neared. And I briefly wondered if it was wise for me to hurry home after the annoyance of what took place earlier.

"Yo," The unknown boy snickers, waving a hand at me. "Already done with Yukinoshita-san? Took less time than usual," That earned a snicker from Yuuki, much to my irritation. "You normally stay until late night when you go out with her…"

The npc's emphasis on 'go out' didn't escape me and I had to keep from narrowing my gaze at him. I didn't like the implication of that statement, especially with what happened at the café.

"Really?" I asked in feigned humor, "You're exaggerating."

"I've seen you come back late many times now that I think about it," Yuuki adds, scratching his head. "Like three days ago, when I went out to buy some stuff for Mikan's homework at the store. I saw you just getting back home. It was night… Like, a quarter to ten, you know?"

"Why do you keep denying it, man?" Asked the other dude, who now that I looked at him, had hair that was grayish. It was an odd color to have, although his hairstyle was short and rather simple. "Don't you remember what happened two months ago? I haven't forgotten it, dude."

Yuuki seems surprised, and for my part, I just feel annoyed. I can only assume that I know this guy from somewhere too, though as usual I have no recollection of it. His uniform was different from Yuuki's, although, with the cooling weather, I just can't help but wonder why he was just wearing a shirt. With it being October again, we're right in the middle of the Fall season.

Seriously, nothing makes sense anymore.

"Two months ago?" Yuuki repeats, seemingly curious, "What? What? Something happened then? What do you know, Ayumu?"

The guy called Ayumu smirked eerily, giving me a bad feeling, "Well, my, my… Should I tell him, Hachiman? You made me swear I would never speak about it, but now that Rito has noticed it…"

Why do I have the feeling that I don't want to know? Still, this may very well be the reason why Haruno was so bold before. There is no knowledge that has no power, and learning more about that devilish girl could come in handy for me in the long run.

"Aaw, c'mon. We're friends, right!?" Whines Yuuki, folding his arms, "You can trust me, Hachiman. I told you everything about Haruna-chan!"

We aren't. I don't. And you blabbing about the girl you're absolutely too pathetic to even speak to does not mean that I should talk about my own private affairs, although I have no idea what the private affairs even entail.

Of all people to be stuck being 'friends' with, it had to be this Yuuki guy…

"He's spacing out, isn't he?"

I blink, noticing the focused gazes of Yuuki Rito and…?

"I'm not," Then I look at the newest character as if a status window might appear next to him so I could learn his name. Unfortunately, I wasn't in a gaming world so nothing came out. And double unfortunately, my delayed silence and extended focus on this new face was noticed by Yuuki.

Yuuki looked visibly confused, "Don't tell me…" He sighs, "I don't think he remembers you, Ayumu. He's been acting like this since the morning."

I raise an eyebrow as the unknown boy observes me. This guy's eyes seemed tired, and he even yawned before speaking. It's not that late for someone to be tired already, other than me. "I can see that… How troublesome. Are you really gonna make me play along with your act? Did you hit your head or something?"

I simply stared blankly at him, Yuuki groaned.

"Man, I'm Aikawa Ayumu, dude," Aikawa stated, "Your neighbor and good-looking friend, remember?"

"Another neighbor?" I asked, bewildered.

"Yep, that's my nice, peaceful home." He raised a hand, pointing his thumb over his shoulder. There was a white house, adjoining mine from the left.

Huh…

Before I could even make a comment, the annoyingly chipper Yuuki Rito pointed his index finger at another house, just at the right side of my own home. "And that's my house. See? Neighborhood friends."

This is ridiculous! Yuuki Rito on one side, and this, Aikawa Ayumu on the other? While I shouldn't really mind these two living at both sides of my house, the fact that Aikawa also talked to me as if we were all established friends was the vexing part.

"So because we're neighbors, we talk?" I inquired, walking past them, hands in my pockets. Then I stop, realizing the sudden silence. I turned to them, both gazing at me in utter seriousness. "…what?"

"Don't treat it like that," Aikawa stated monotonously. I wasn't joking though, "Us becoming friends was a lot more than that, idiot."

I narrow my gaze at his sharp words. Looks like he took offense to me simplifying our supposed relationship. It didn't particularly matter to me, but I sent a small apologetic bow to Ayumu anyway.

Aikawa stares at me for a couple of seconds in silence until…

"Oh, yeah! We were talking about you and Yukinoshita-san!" Suddenly, Aikawa grins mockingly, patting my shoulder. I twitch an eyebrow at the action as he continues, "Trying to divert our attention? Nice try, Hachiman, but I think it's time for you to tell him everything."

"Yeah! Are you going to tell me, man? What happened to Yukinoshita-san two months ago?" Yuuki asked with genuine interest, but why did he care? "What did you see, Ayumu?"

As the two went ahead and bickered amongst themselves about this story, I was able to fully see the eager curiosity that Yuuki held about this subject.

Actually, I have a possible theory about his curiosity. Yuuki Rito is reserved around women (understatement). As demonstrated by his behavior with his crush, that girl called Haruna, that scary Kazama Asuka brute who we just met today, and of course, Haruno. If he were a trashy anime character, he'd probably blush at a female in his family cheerfully smiling at him. Thank goodness this isn't the case so I don't have to look at him as lower than a bug.

Basically, having no experience on how to interact with the opposite sex is Yuuki's main problem, and I'm pretty sure that his nervousness is probably attributed to the fear of rejection. I wouldn't call myself a veteran in this subject, but my sarcasm and the fact that I didn't care what others thought of me helped me break that barrier. Enduring constant rejection was well within my field of expertise after all.

And so, Yuuki Rito sought to find someone that could accomplish what he couldn't, in order to learn and then practice himself. As Haruno is attractive, it isn't a surprise that he would hold me in a position of admiration. As in his eyes, I had no problem speaking to women in general.

I actually had that problem before, but that's all in the past. I'm far too rational to let that cloud my mind now. Besides, he should be the one to solve his own problem, right? So whatever his troubles really are about girls, it has nothing to do with me.

"Go on ahead," I say to the grayish-haired boy, feigning disinterest.

I watch as Aikawa muses, "Hoh… You sure?"

"Do what you want," Comes my instant reply.

"Well, if you say so," He turns towards Yuuki, who gulps in anticipation. "So, like, two months ago, remember when Tomoya invited us for a 'Videogame Night' at his house?"

The brown-haired boy nods energetically, "Tomoya?" Yuuki raises his head, apparently recalling the past event, "Oh! Of course! How could I forget? I not only got an autograph of Kasumi Utako then, but I also learned her true name! And don't forget that she even promised to present us to Maizono Sayaka."

I cocked an eyebrow, as I had no idea what he was talking about. Being so ignorant to almost everything is really irritating. I feel like I've lost control of my life. Aikawa notices my confused expression and growls.

"Seriously, dude? Kasumi Utako, the famous light novel author?" I silently stare at him, which causes both Aikawa and Yuuki to exchange glances of disbelief. "You made us read her light novels, remember? You even said she was one of the few authors you respected."

I said that? Whoever Kasumi Utako is, that writer must have been very impressive for me to give rave reviews. While I've read plenty of light novels, I can't really say I know that name. Though I'm not really eager to learn about her if my surprising amount of eroge was anything to go by.

"At least you know who Maizono Sayaka is, right?" Yuuki butts in and I casually shrug in response, "Oh, c'mon! The famous Idol that has started becoming popular recently?"

"This guy have amnesia all of a sudden? He doesn't recall anything at all," Aikawa points out.

Well, I was never an Idol otaku, so I have no knowledge about this subject. Though, now that I think about it, I wonder why I didn't. Maybe becoming one of those fervent fans would have allowed me to meet and befriend people… Still, those are the type of people that are even worse than Zaimokuza could be, probably as bad as Ebina is with shonen-ais though. Gross.

"ANYWAY!" Yuuki raises his voice, earning our attention, "Why are we deviating from the juicy subject!? I remember that day in Tomoya's house as if it happened yesterday. So what happened that I don't know?"

Aikawa Ayumu smirks, "After Kasumigaoka-senpai left, we all stayed playing video games 'till very late and we fell asleep without noticing, right?"

Yuuki nods his head, "Yeah… Hachiman, Souma and Tomoya were the first ones to fall asleep then I followed, so what?"

Ugh, more new names… Just get to the point already.

"I was the last one to fall asleep, but I woke up during the night because of some noise. It was then that I noticed that this dude…" Aikawa points his thumb at me as he continues, "…was missing from the room."

I had a bad feeling about this. Something tells me to stop this story, but I have to know what happened. Was it because it's Haruno, Yukinoshita's sister, that's involved? I don't know…

Was I looking for the reason why I didn't belong to the Service Club anymore? Was Haruno involved? Maybe I just wanted to know why this was happening, why everything was so different. If this turned out not to be a dream, then what am I supposed to do? I just… didn't know.

"Hey, Hachiman… Ignoring your eyes, you don't look so good," Yuuki says to me. What sort of face was I putting for him to tell me that? This is affecting me more than I had anticipated. Get yourself together Hachiman, you're better than this. "You okay? If you don't want me to know, then I'll understand. I don't want you to feel bad or uncomfortable."

I observe him in bewilderment. This might not just be a farce at this point, Yuuki might actually be a nice guy. I would even compare him to Yuigahama, who is always thoughtful of everyone, and always tries to keep the peace and balance between all parties involved because she truly values them. Doesn't mean I dislike him any less, but I am bitterly reminded of that airhead I'm more familiar with.

"It's nothing," I grumble, fearing what was about to come. I sort of suspected something, but I've learned to not make conclusions based purely on suspicions. And besides, I was about to get confirmation about the matter. Let's just let this guy speak.

After clearing his throat, Aikawa continues, "Are you sure, Hachiman? I can still stop, or maybe you can tell him yourself later on if you feel like it."

Not that I can as I haven't the slightest idea of what happened two months ago involving them, Haruno, or those others he mentioned. I shook my head, letting out my command even as my throat felt dry…

"I'm fine."

Aikawa looks at me for a few seconds, and finally nods. Here we go Hachiman, there's no going back. It couldn't be that bad, could it?

"I went to the kitchen to see if Hachiman was there…" He stops briefly, a short time he probably uses to choose his words, "And I found him… but he wasn't… alone."

"Yukinoshita-san was there? That late in the night?" Yuuki voices his doubt, "Why was she there?"

"I had no idea at the time until he told me, but I wasn't really concerned about it considering what I saw," He suddenly seemed nervous. What did he see? "I thought I was dreaming, but ehrm… well… what I saw, in Tomoya's kitchen… eh…"

"Say it already," I grunt in irritation. I just couldn't help it.

Aikawa seems surprised, if only a little, and clears his throat again, assuming a really serious expression. Man, this moment felt like this certain part of a movie where the ultimate secret is revealed, creating a plot twist so great that changes the course of the story to a path no one ever expected. I was probably exaggerating though. Yuuki gulps in anticipation.

"What I saw was… Hachiman doing it…"

Silence came and reigned.

"…Hah?"

I blink, several times. I must have misheard him. I turned towards Yuuki, and he was gazing at me in utter surprise, jaw almost dropping. Why are you putting on that dumb face?

"…Hachiman was having sex with Yukinoshita Haruno, Yuuki," Ayumu expands on what I thought was unthinkable. "He had her in a doggy-sty—"

"S-SERIOUSLY!?" Yuuki asks in disbelief, completely shocked.

And as for myself, I looked at him, mouth agape although I was quick to hide it. Was that true? Was any of this true? Did I really do… that? I've never even thought about having sex with anyone before. I mean, how was I even supposed to think about that if I barely talked to anyone?

'Sex' was pretty much a word that barely crossed my mind.

Honestly, the only times when I thought of that sort of thing was when I was engaged in my, er... 'research' material. Even with Haruno and Yuigahama, and something about black lace, all I would mostly feel was embarrassment. However, having sexual intercourse was simply not within my list of possible actions. Such an act normally occurred between couples, and I just had a few acquaintances.

Friends? Possibly, but not anymore if all this turns out to be real.

To have any sort of sexual activity wasn't within my line of possibilities, not even the anticipation as I knew there was no one that would even think of doing that with me. I mean, I haven't even had my first kiss yet!

Not to mention the fact that I was the 'lucky bastard' in this story. How could I possibly have sex with Haruno of all people? What sort of supernatural circumstances could have led us to that moment of carnal need? Someone as beautiful as her could most likely get anyone better than me, and I'm not joking about that. And while I do admit that she is certainly attractive, my fear and hatred of her triumphs over that. So then, how? …Why?

All I could think of was that Aikawa was lying, but was he really?

"Hachiman? Did you really do it? With Yukinoshita-san?" Yuuki began his tantrum of questions, his shock replaced by interest and… respect? Stop that, I don't want to be admired for this absurd reason.

Now, I couldn't respond because I was doubtful. Thinking this through, if everything I had witnessed during this day was anything to go by, then I couldn't really deny that something such as having sex with Haruno was somehow possible. A lot of impossible stuff was occurring anyway. Besides, this could very well explain the boldness she displayed to me in that café. She did show me her 'assets' after all, and that may be proof to corroborate Aikawa's revelation.

Yuuki stared at me with a focused expression as he waited for my reply. Unexpectedly, or rather expectedly, Aikawa answered for me.

"Actually, these two lovebirds do that sort of thing occasionally," He nudges my arm, smiling slyly. I cocked an eyebrow at such an irritating face. He has no idea what he is saying, he doesn't understand the implications of this information. "I can't even imagine how many times you had already banged her before the day I found out about it. She turned out to be quite the slut, eh?"

"Oi, shut up, Ayumu," Growls Yuuki, his ever kind-hearted personality popping up, "Don't talk like that about Yukinoshita-san. They're probably in a relationship so this is normal… right?" His face suddenly is covered by depression, "It's not like I ever had a girlfriend, so I have no idea about that though… geez…"

What the hell do you have to be so depressed about Yuuki? I'm the one going through an existential crisis here. Ignoring all that's happened to me in the course of this day, before things started becoming weird, I easily can say that I have no conception of what entails being in a relationship. Much less into themes that require one to be close to another person, such as having sexual activity or any stuff that only a couple would do.

"She is not my girlfriend," I state with conviction.

No matter who I'd choose, I would never be in a relationship with Haruno. Simply because she wouldn't have me as her boyfriend, nor would I have her as my girlfriend. Knowing her cold and honestly rotten personality hidden behind that fake smile and usual facade, she would never hold anyone in such high regard.

Not Hayama, her contemporaries, nor me for that matter.

The perfect, beautiful princess with no prince capable of saving her, who held within herself the deadliest dragon no knight could ever hope to slay.

That's how Yukinoshita Haruno is.

"She isn't your girlfriend?" Yuuki asks in shock, though I find it far more shocking the fact that he truly believed that someone like Haruno would date a loner like myself.

Aikawa folds his arms, "So you two are just friends with benefits then?"

I rub my temple, as I finally feel a headache begin to pulse. Was he referring to friends that didn't need to be in a romantic relationship for them to have sex? That's both absurd and disgusting! We're not even the 'friends' part! And I don't even want to share 'benefits' with her in the first place either!

"Why would anyone get intimate with someone you don't share feelings for?"

Aikawa shrugs his shoulders, "Maybe just because sex feels good?" We both look at him inquisitively, "Hold it! Don't jump to any conclusions! I've never had sex! It's just common sense! In all the porn I've seen, the chicks always seem to enjoy it. That's why they make those lewd noises!"

What the hell is this guy saying?

Leaving his hypothesis based off AVs aside, he may be right, but even so, this is still too hard to believe. I glanced at my lower body. Did I really do that with Haruno? Am I really not a virgin anymore? Damn it! If that really happened, it sucks that I don't recall it! Wait! I'm losing focus on what's important here.

I know I'm being a hypocrite, but I'm still a young man at the peak of puberty after all. And men are nothing if not hypocrites.

Men are usually hypocritical when it comes to stuff related to the opposite sex. They lie to them, they act differently with them, if only to appeal to them to gain their trust, to make women like them. Even I did, a couple of times, trying to act as someone I wasn't, if only to get their acceptance.

That didn't work well for me though.

"Well, I have to agree with Hachiman," Yuuki states, and I have a feeling what he's going to say next. "I would only have sex with Haruna-chan! Only her!" And there it is… Dear me, he does like bringing the focus back to himself. At least learn how to talk to her before spouting out that type of crap.

"But at this rate, someone else is going to take her first! How are you supposed to get laid if you can't even spit out a word in front of her!?" Aikawa retorts, and that is undeniably true. "You're finally in the same class as her, and you have yet to do a single thing!"

Yuuki seems stunned, a drop of sweat trailing across his cheek. He drops his gaze, as if realization hit him… hard. Hoh… That was a depressing sight to behold, reminding me of my own failures during middle school. I at least tried, unlike this undecided fool who is letting his opportunity slip through his fingers.

"That's…" He sighs and slumps his shoulders. "A low blow, dude…"

Aikawa approaches Yuuki, putting an arm over his back in a friendly manner. These two must be good friends, but are they really mine? I don't know them, so I can't consider them that at all. I don't even think I like them at all that much either.

"I know dude, don't get all weepy on me. You'll just have to work on that, just as Hachiman did. Just look at him, despite being all dry, cynical and crafty, he knows plenty of girls and he even scored with a hot babe."

"Really? Are we still talking about me?" I ask, befuddled and pointing a finger at myself. Practically, everyone hates me in Sobu High. Given that, what other girls is he referring to? Oh, I see. Aikawa, the fact that many girls loathe me doesn't mean that I 'know' them, not in the way you're making Yuuki think at least. As for the sex part… I can't really tell. If I did do things with Haruno, hopefully I kept it with just her. I shudder at the thought of others.

"Don't give us that, dude!" Aikawa growled, gaze narrowed as he spoke. "I've seen you talking to girls apart from Yukinoshita-san! You two even met a hot girl today, isn't that right?"

"Idiot, did Yuuki tell you how it went?" I retorted, annoyed, "She came up to us wearing a bear costume and tried to kill me."

Aikawa smirks, walking up to me, and in doing so dragged Yuuki along, "But she was hot, isn't that right? She even asked your names… how could you be so stupid and not give her your name?"

I grunt in response, "Only an idiot can be stupid enough to give their name to a possible lunatic."

"Ehehe… You're usually meant to say 'No offense' after insulting others like that, you know?" Yuuki sweat drops, chuckling nervously, "So, did you really have sex with Yukinoshita-san?"

"I saw them with my own eyes." Aikawa suddenly glares at me, pulling my body by the collar of my shirt towards him rather aggressively. He was gritting his teeth, "Hachiman! You already admitted before what happened! Don't try to deny it now! As our friend, we deserve to know! Yuuki deserves to know!"

I narrow my gaze, why are so many people touching me today? I can't believe his words, his sudden conviction about our friendship, and the fact that such implied that I had to tell them my alleged affairs. Blame what took place before this but my patience was really thin now, and I was about to become seriously angry.

"You don't deserve a damn thing when it comes to my private business," I spat venomously, grabbing my neighbor by his wrists tightly enough to loosen his grip, "Last thing I want is you two sticking your noses into my private life."

I emphasize my harsh words by forcibly removing his hands off of me.

A shocked gaze was Aikawa's response, while Yuuki panicked. I stepped back before fixing my shirt as silence reigned the surroundings. Maybe it was because I got used to seeing it through my life that I could tell there was disappointment in their faces, little signs of sadness within it. I was the cause of it, saying what I said.

But I refuse to take it back though. I meant it.

"I guess that's how it is, huh…? Well, I've had enough of your shitty attitude," Aikawa said with noticeable scorn, "You were always a pain in the ass, but, man, you're on some weird vibe today. But it is what it is… right?" Aikawa looked over his shoulders, "Rito, talk to you later."

Saying that, the guy with nearly white hair walked past me, making his way to what seemed to be his home, as he mentioned just minutes ago. Whatever, get lost then.

Yuuki sighed, looking troubled… not that I cared.

"Man, something's really wrong with you today. If you'd rather be alone… just say it dude. You don't have to take it on us if you had a shit day or whatever is with you." He pursed his lips for a moment, "And if you really meant that… I dunno man… I… Mikan must be worried, I should go. Laters dude."

Then, the apparently perturbed Yuuki Rito turned around and walked back to his house. Before entering the door, he glances at me once more before retreating inside, the door swinging shut behind him. I remain silent as my eyes drift to the distance, the dark blue sky covering the horizon.

Friends… huh? For some reason, I can't picture it.

---

Go to profile, LISTEN: Link in Logic Is My Sword: Prologue Section: Song 05

---

What does being friends entail anyway? People you talk to? People that talk to you? Those that you spend time with, or those that happen to waste their time in your company? I honestly have no idea what a friend is as I've never had one.

However, if I was to really think about it, isn't a friend someone that understands you to an extent or at least willing to? Somebody you share experiences with? Whether they are happy or sad? Whether they are true or false? Someone you can fight and argue with, someone you can laugh with?

Then again, weren't we trying to understand? Didn't we share experiences, both happy and sad? True or false? Haven't we fought and argued, didn't we share laughs?

I bitterly remember an afternoon in the Service Club, where I felt strangely close to that. Yuigahama rapidly tapped on her phone, humming songs, while Yukinoshita simply kept her eyes locked on her book, silently reading. I practically did the same. And if I was sincere, I felt at peace, I felt well and comfortable.

Were they my friends? I don't know… We don't actually know much about our personal lives, which is why we can't solve our personal problems.

But… I like to believe that we knew each other well enough to not dismiss one another.

I couldn't bring myself to be so greedy and bold as to call them my friends. Maybe I feared that they didn't think the same, but I honestly cherished those memories.

Memories that wouldn't return if this nightmare turns out to be my new reality.

Shit.

Did I make a mistake? I didn't care about either of the two neighbors, but they were one of the few willing sources of information in this insane place I find myself in. Then again, they were too meddlesome in business that didn't concern them. Even if it was true or not, they were getting too demanding about it.

Haruno having sex with me? What a sick joke…

I just want to go to bed, and hope everything will be back to normal once I wake up. I feel abnormally tired, which isn't really surprising after enduring so many weird circumstances during the day. I'm sure Komachi will nag me to no end once I… Shit! I completely forgot about her! Great, now she'll nag me for sure.

Before having to deal with her, I think I'll stay out here for a while. Silence is always soothing for me, it gives me time to think about what was going on. I've already antagonized everyone today and I don't want to do that to Komachi.

To think that all I had, such as the club, my acquaintances, everything, could be gone so easily. Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, Isshiki, and the others... They were all strangers to me now. It was worse than that actually, they despised me, they feared me. And the fact that I had no idea what caused this mess made this ordeal all the more difficult. How am I supposed to deal with any of this if I was practically wandering in the dark?

Now, people I truly consider strangers spoke to me like friends would, and being who I was, I wasn't going to reciprocate their intentions. It didn't matter who acted friendly, the fact that they were unknown to me was the reason I couldn't trust them. I didn't share anything with them, not memories, not tears, nor laughs, nothing at all. A bitter feeling welled within me. I felt alone. No, I was alone…

I guess that makes me a loner in the truest sense now. What kind of sick joke was this? I didn't ask for this kind of fate.

Let me say this: If you ever meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it's not because they enjoy their solitude. It's because they have tried to blend into the world before them, and people continue to disappoint them. Leading them to convince themselves that they're just better off alone. I guess that fits my case just fine, I failed to be part of the world where I existed, and the only ray of light that gave me another chance was cruelly snuffed out. The Service Club was no longer a part of me, but it belonged to that hateful guy.

What am I supposed to do now? I lost what little I had that I truly valued.

I glared futilely up at bright stars in the clear night sky, as if the heavens would give me an answer, yet nothing came. Only silence.

Damn it…

---

Prologue END

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GTO, the Host 01

A man with short, blonde hair, dressed in black pants and a green shirt, rose from his comfortable chair inside a classroom. He held a lit cigar in one hand and a book in the other. He cast a leisurely gaze upon The Readers before speaking.

"Hello, visitors!" He began, dropping the book onto the chair, "A pleasure to see you here. I am Onizuka Eikichi, 22-years-old, still single. Nice to meet you!" After taking a drag of his cigar, he continued, "Anyway, I was told to do a 'Dramatis Personae' for this story, but I'm just too lazy for that. Instead, I guess I'll introduce each important character not related to the show of the protagonist, so you won't get lost or confused in the story. So let's begin!"

At his words, the door to the left swung open, a brown-haired boy entering the classroom.

"H-hello," With a nervous smile, the boy spoke while scratching the back of his head. "I'm Yuuki Rito, main protagonist of the manga series: To Love Ru. My show has four seasons and many OVAs you can watch besides reading the manga. The genre is Harem, Romantic Comedy and Science fiction. I'm—"

"Okay, that's enough," Onizuka waves his hand dismissively. "Basically, the story revolves around his school-life and the fact that Yuuki can't confess to the girls he likes… puff… HAHAHAHAHAHA! THAT IS SO STUPID! HAHAHAHA!"

"Hey, bastard!" Yuuki screams in retaliation, "You're not one to talk! You're old and single!"

"WHAT DID YOU SAY STUPID BRAT! I'LL THROW YOU OFF THE ROOF!" The blonde man blinked before he coughed to mask his outburst, "…Then a sexy alien girl appears in his bathtub and who cares anymore… lucky bastard. Just another ecchi comedy."

Yuuki let out a growl, pointing a finger at him, "That's rude! How is someone like you a teacher anyway?"

Following that, a girl with shoulder-length blue hair entered the room, fidgeting as she stood at Yuuki's side, "Hello, good day to you all," She bows. "I'm Sairenji Haruna, the second female protagonist in To Love Ru. It's a pleasure to meet you…"

"T-t-t-t-t-t-t-kkkkk" In her presence, Yuuki started to choke, struggling to speak properly, "Eh…I-I-I—"

"Whatever!" Onizuka's tone cut through his stutter, "Let's go with the next one."

A girl with relatively short brown hair entered the room, positioning herself at Sairenji's side, "I'm Kazama Azuka, I'm da gang mediator and one of da selectable characters in da fightin' game Tekken since Tekken 5 and so on," Raising a fist upward, she stated. "I'm here ta bring da fist o' Justice ta this story!"

"Damn! How are these kids so well-endowed these days…?" Muttered Onizuka.

"'Scuse me?" Azuka inquired with suspicion, narrowing her gaze.

"Ehhhh... Her game is about some Tournament that happens to occur in every single game. Lacking originality I guess," Onizuka brushed her off, waving his hand once more while puffing on his cigar. "Next!"

Yuuki sweatdropped, "Wait a minute! You shouldn't be smoking in the class!"

Footsteps echoed, and another girl with long brown hair adorned with a pink clip, approached the group. She offered nods and smiles to the others before turning her attention to the readers. "Hi! I'm Nibutani Shinka, one of the female leads in the light novel series and anime, Chūnibyō Demo Koi ga Shitai! (Love, Chūnibyō & Other Delusions) Nice to meet you!"

"Tss… another generic character…" Onizuka rolled his eyes.

A visible tick mark appeared on Nibutani's forehead, and she turned to glare at him, "Shut up! Some old creep of a man like you should keep his mouth shut! No wonder you're single."

The others were obviously taken aback by her outburst.

"Whoa… This girl sure packs a punch, even with just 'er words, doesn't she?" Commented Azuka.

Onizuka's brow twitched, a sigh following, "Brats these days, they don't respect their elders. Not that I'm one to talk, haha. Anyway, her anime is about brats that suffered Chūnibyō and now try to leave that embarrassing past buried. Then some other crazy kid appears and whatever."

"You're not explaining anything at all!" Shinka spat in disbelief, "Anyway, the genre of my show is drama and romantic comedy."

Everyone nodded in agreement as Onizuka spoke up, "Okay, missy. Then for today, the last character. Come on, don't be shy!"

"I'm not shy!" A voice emanated from a boy who had just entered the classroom. His hair had a unique grayish hue. "Been waiting for a while for my presentation, so I fell asleep, you know? Why do I need to be presented anyway? Can't I just be left alone so I can live peacefully?"

Onizuka reached out, his hand grabbing the boy by the head, an eerie smile on his face, "Do this fast and it'll be over that much sooner…" His tone was dark.

The boy nodded nervously, "Okay, okay. I'm Ayumu Aikawa, The main character of the light novel series called Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? (Is This a Zombie?). My anime also has two anime seasons you can watch if you feel like it, but I suggest you don't. Live peacefully and forget about this stupid stor—OOF!"

Azuka delivered a powerful punch to Aikawa, the force of the blow sending him hurtling backwards, crashing into the wall, "Don't say such things, would ya?"

"His show is about some girl making him a zombie and then with other girls with super powers, they fight demons called Megamans," Explained Onizuka lazily.

"Megalos, perverted idiot!" Shinka spat out, and Haruna blinked in surprise.

"How did you know?"

She pursed her lips, "I have no idea, but what I do know for real is that Megaman is a game."

Onizuka rose to his feet, tossing his cigar aside,"Okay, that's enough for today. See you readers in the next installment: GTO, the Host! This is Onizuka Eikichi, 22-years-old, single."

"No one cares about that!" The others shouted in unison.

"Tch! Shut up or I'll punish you lot!" Onizuka shifted his attention to the readers, "See you soon!"

---

Author Notes:

As shown, the narrative focuses on Hachiman's POV, which means the world building will develop through his perspective.

This story was created from the fact I believed that a character like Hachiman could bring the potential of many characters from other anime series. A lot of them had potential, but were wasted due to comedy, fan service and other reasons.

Many plots that were left unexplored as well, so this story will delve into them.

Some might disagree but Hachiman has the skill to bring the best from people, and in some cases, the worst.