The sounds that papers made when they were turned came to her like a song that was strange to the ears, but still comforting at the same time. When she was just a child, she used to think that the rustling noises were the language of the books, and they're trying to communicate with her, to fill the emptiness around her.

It may not feel as great as how it was before, now that she has grown and learned, but it still fills her with comfort. Perhaps it's just the nature of all human to seek for company and socialize? She loathed to admit, but even someone like her feels lonely sometimes.

The rustle of paper left just as quickly as the wind that blew through the windows she had left open. The silence returned back.

...

Ugh...

This... This is getting out of hand. As far as she is aware, she have never been bothered by silence and loneliness. Not even when she was but a gullible child being toyed by her nefarious sister. So why does her current predicament bothered her so much?

This strange feelings has been eating through her mind these past few days. Ever since that woman somehow forced her to join this so-called Service Club. It's like an itch that she can't quite reach. A restlessness of something she can't put her finger on.

Is it about how there's absolutely nothing she can do here? Maybe. This place was surprisingly clean when she first came here and there's little to prepare for the club. And she can be quite absorbed to her book when she was left with too much time in her hand.

Was it about the place? It was probably too spacious for an obscure club, she had to admit, even if it felt nice to have such a big space all for herself. Or maybe it have something to do with how unnervingly empty this whole building is? She's not a religious person nor she believes in the existence of supernatural existence, but human's imagination is a fickle thing. They can conjure up the most unbelievable thing and make you believe that it is real.

Or maybe... she hated to admit it, but... she's just a girl in a quiet and empty place. As much as she would like to believe at her own competence, anyone, or any group, can overpower and did all sort of terrible things to her. She's not the strongest person after all and she knows best to never talk about her abysmal stamina.

"Ughhh..."

That was the loudest sigh she had ever released in her entire life and it's honestly sounds almost comical to her own ears. This is getting out of hand indeed. Now she started to ramble about a danger that doesn't exist. The next thing she knew, she will start some sort of deranged cult.

This is all that mad woman fault. If she just left her in her lonesome, she might never have to experience this awful situation. How did that woman managed to convince her to join this club anyway? She must have been drugged if not inebriated by some terrible concoction to ever agree to this.

Suddenly, Yukino jumped in surprise as the door slid open with a loud screech. Her thought and imagination immediately run amok and almost made her thinks of the worst of her earlier thoughts until suddenly the answer barged through within a second.

"Yukinoshita! How you doing today? I'm great! Anyway, got a good news for you."

An uncouth groan nearly spilled forth from her lips when she saw that insufferable grin. Speak of the devil...

"Hiratsuka-sensei, please do knock the door before entering."

Her voice was as calm and as mature as she can muster, but it was clear from her scathing glare what she genuinely think of this.

"Sorry, sorry." Yukino doubt it, "You won't answer it even if I knock anyway."

That's not- that's maybe not true if it's you in this case. Keyword, maybe.

Hiratsuka Shizuka. Her current bane of existence, second only to her own sister. The fact that she might or might not have any malicious intentions to her only made it even worse. For now, however, what she earn from her were only curses and long-suffering sighs, maybe some form of begrudging respect too once in a while.

"What is this so-called good news you're speaking about, Sensei?" Wanting to deal with this headache as quickly as possible, Yukino immediately went straight for the point, albeit a little bit too grudgingly.

"Now, now, let's not be too hasty alright. Where's the fun in that? My present is not easy to drag around, also very much not cheap if you're asking me." Her careless grin fell for a split second, causing her own brow to raise with question, "Well, it is what it is, I guess. What if I just show you what it is so you can show me what you think about it."

"Sensei...?"

"Hikigaya, come in!"

Nothing happens for a few seconds, but then someone stepped through the door. Yukino's cold visage almost faltered as she stilled in her seat.

A pair of dark eyes, dead and blank, immediately caught her attention and imprinted a subconscious impression within her mind. Their sight roamed across the room listlessly, as if wondering what exactly is this place and is there anything that may caught their own interest. And when they land on her, they stayed for a second with curiosity before moving on.

Yukino returned to her sense and frowned.

It doesn't exactly feels terrible to be held by them, she had to say. It's just that it almost feels like the gaze were taunting her in their own lackadaisical way.

The owner of such gaze was equally aloof if not even more indifferent than his own eyes, as strangely as it is. There was a strange sense of acceptance in his body language, as if he was forced to be here and just wanted to do his business here as quickly as he can.

Yukino know who this person is.

Hikigaya Hachiman of class 2-F. And nothing else. He's just a completely unremarkable student. No, wait, she had once overheard people talking about the delinquent from class F. Could it be that this is the person they're speaking about? Most likely.

"This is Hikigaya, my present to you."

Rather than being offended by the objectification, the person in question simply inclined his head and gave her a slight nod. Yukino reflexively responded with her own albeit a little hesitantly.

"Sensei, can you elaborate further about what do you mean by 'present'? I'm not aware that you're secretly running a human-traficking business here."

"Oi, oi, it's nothing like that. I have no talent to become an abductor, y'know."

"You do have a talent as a blackmailer." The sudden sarcasm came from the boy nearly let loose a chortle from her lips. What's with that blank face?

"Hey, just so you know, 2000 yen for your attendance is a fucking scam!"

The boy shrugged, "We have shook our hands..."

By now, the exuberant teacher has been reduced to a sulking lady. Her face was set in an ugly frown as she grumbled inaudibly before she exhaled a huge sigh.

"Damn brat." That's the only thing she managed to caught from the grumbling woman before she straightened her back and cleared her throat, "Anyway, Yukinoshita, as you can see, this guy right here is rotten to core. So as a punishment, I've decided to put him here in case you need some helps or just feeling a little bit lonely."

"As far as I'm understand, this is not the disciplinary committee." Do they even have one in this school? She doubt it. This woman is more than enough to prove it. "And if I want to hire a prostitute, I'd rather look for a better one. As of now, I have no desire to be involved with your shady businesss."

"Fair."

"Oi, Hikigaya! She's not complimenting you! Stop downgrading your value, you'll get my reputation tarnished, godamnit!"

"Personally, I feels rather flattered. Becoming a commercial sex workers does sounds better than being a lowly slave."

...

Hiratsuka-sensei broke into a fit of an uncontrolled giggle. What on earth is this? Why does it feels like watching a gag show as both of your braincells began to rot and reduces into nothingness. The fact that she feels like an outsider here have nothing to do with how annoyed she is.

"Guess that 2000 yen per day isn't as bad as I thought." Between a fit of giggle, Hiratsuka-sensei joked lowly under her breath before she straightened her back, again. This time however, there was an air of seriousness around her. "Alright, play time's over."

"Ahem. Let's start over again, shall we? So, Yukinoshita, Hikigaya right here will join the club until he graduates, and until my wallet got dried up. But it's not only that, he's also your first project as the president of this club, a request of mine you could say."

"Basically, I need you to set his crooked personality straight. The guy might look like an obedient dog, but he got a really messed head and ever more messed up idea up in his head. It will be very helpful if you could teach him a few things about being a human and social interaction."

"Sensei, am I allowed to refuse this request?" There has to be a rule about that, right? Because if there's not, then she'll seriously start considering about changing school.

"Denied. Hikigaya is a special case and I believe that there's no one else who can deal with him other than you. If you're worried about your safety though, just think of him like a dog. In fact, he might be pretty useful if you know how to use him and treat him."

That hardly gave her the assurance she might need for her own safety. But...

"Fine... Since this is a teacher's request, it wouldn't be good if I refuse it."

"Heh," The corner of her grin widened if a little, "Alright, that's settled. I'll leave it to your own care, Yukinoshita. Good luck."

With that, the irresponsible woman left. The door closed with a click and silence once again returned to this accursed room. For a moment, Yukinoshita remained quiet in her seat, mind still whirling from the earlier ordeal and empty from any thoughts before the other occupant in the room moved.

Yukino watches as he went for the back of the room before grabbing the stacked table and chair. In his right, he gripped the upside down table, while in the other he held the chair. He then returned to his initial position and places the furniture down unto the floor, somehow managing to look skillful while doing so. Then he plopped unto the seat and set his bag down. Then he...

He fell asleep...

What?

With hands on the table to pillows his head, he fell asleep. Not a single word uttered, not a single glance thrown at her, not even the slightest acknowledgement was given to her. He just fell asleep.

Yukinoshita Yukino was floored.

"E-excuse me?" She inwardly cursed for the stutter.

A single eye opened from between his hand before giving her a questioning look. Her brows furrowed.

"Ahem." Yukino cleared her throat, "Hikigaya-kun was it? Could you not sleep in here?"

"...why?" Muffled under his arms and sleeves, the boy finally responded.

"Because it is inappropriate and unbecoming of a member of a club that I lead, Hikigaya-kun. What if someone walked in and saw your undisciplined behaviour and thinks the worse of this club?"

"Honestly can't see why is that a problem. This club was located in a too obscure and secluded place that I'd be even more surprised if someone managed to found us. There isn't even a sign to indicate what club is this, y'know."

Yukino smirked, "So you aren't aware of what club is this even after agreeing to join it? Then why don't we make that our first assignment, a game you could say-"

"Ah, sorry to cut you there, but I do know what this club is. I read my contract before applying, thank you very much."

What?

"What?"

"A stupid worker is the one who doesn't bother to read their contract. Ain't no great person but I refuse to be stupid. Service Club is still a dumb name though, it's like we're a slave to serve anyone who came here. Not like I'll complain since the pay's good, but I'm curious why did you agree to join this club. You look like a rich kid."

Silence then reigned as the boy stopped. His face now was not buried in his arms, rather he's facing her with his half-lidded gaze and inquisitive stare. For a moment, Yukino was left speechless and unable to do anything other than silently blink at him.

Then a scowl marred her face.

"Excuse me? Could you please take that back? And why are you dodging my earlier request. Please don't sleep in here, this is not your home. Are you mentally incapable of accomplishing such a simple task?"

A sigh left his lips, "Again, can't see why I should do that. As far as I am aware, we currently have no assignment and responsibility to do. You're not the one who pays me anyway. I may be a dog, but I'm only obedient to those who pays me."

She scoffed and brushed her hair, "What a lowly way to live. So you will step lower than an animal for money. Then why don't you come here and warm my feet and lick them clean. Just as you said, I'm rich-"

"How much?" A proverbial ears perked up atop his head.

"Wha-?"

"I said how much?"

"Er... I-I have 7,000 yen in my walle-"

"Sign me up." There was a loud screech that deafened her ears when the boy stood up from his seat so abruptly.

"I am joking!" Genuine panic and fear spread across her face. Somehow, she's the one who feels mortified here while the dumb brute stared at her indifferently, "Have you no shame!? Why did you sold your self with such a low price!?"

The boy had the gall to shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly. Yukino felt like pulling her hair.

"Yukinoshita, I'm coming in!"

"Sensei, help me stopping myself from murdering this man!"

"Heh, even the great Yukinoshita can't handle Hikigaya huh. So what do you think the problem in here is, Yukinoshita?"

"The boy," Yukino paused, taking a deep breath to calm her temper down before continuing, "Hikigaya-kun here is being insufferable and refused to cooperate with me. I hate to admit it, but I have no idea how to deal with him. He's rotten, heartless and all he cares is money. How someone like that still able to live as a human is beyond me."

Her words were beyond scathing. Had it been anyone else, anyone far more sane than this rotten creature who wore a human skin, they would have broken down and either cry or curse her. Yet, the boy barely flinched, no, he didn't even faze. He just stood there with his dumb blank face.

Truthfully, Yukino doesn't know why she was being like this. Was it her natural aversion for people who are obsessed with money? Maybe, but Hikigaya Hachiman hadn't given off a sign that he's the kind of someone who will take advantage of other people.

Or is it because she just doesn't want to accept that he's the same person as someone who would readily throw himself in front of a speeding car to save a random animal? She doesn't know. Why is this so confusing and complicated? Why is he so confusing and complicated?

"Oi, Hikigaya." Hiratsuka-sensei nudged the quiet boy with her elbow, "Say something. She's insulting you, y'know."

"I know, I just don't care. It's her freedom to have an opinion and belief. I have no right to change it whatsoever, and honestly have no desire to do so. She's no one to me, she's not an important of my life and she's just an inconvenience for all I care."

Yukino flinched. She might have spouted numerous hurtful things from her mouth, but the way he delivered his own opinion on the matter so nonchalantly and apathetically hurts more than she expected. But she's not Yukinoshita Yukino if she would back down meekly.

"It's hardly an opinion when what I said are facts."

"Still don't care. Want me to care about that, make yourself important to me. Like I said before, you're just an inconvenience."

Yukino scowled. That's something she can't deny, unfortunately. But whi is it so vexing to hear it coming for him? Had he been a dumb brute who can be led around or just someone with social problems, this could have gotten more easier!

"Haha, it's gotten pretty interesting!" Sensei, your cheerful smile isn't helping, there's nothing fun and enjoyable in her misery. "You two fit togetehr just like characters in shounen manga! The dumb, dense main character and the tsundere heroine I'd say!"

""What is a tsundere?"" Yukinoshita glared at the boy who parroted her. The said boy simply stared incredulously at the mad woman, not deigning any of his attention for her angry stare.

"Eh, detail, detail." Hiratsuka-sensei brushed off the question before clearing her throat and pulled out a... mic out of here pocket. Where did you get that? "You two, hear me out!"

"To make matter more interesting and give you guys an incentive to put some work, why don't we place some stake here? Yukinoshita, if you managed to fix his attitude before the two of you graduated, then you can do whatever you want to him even own him!"

"I feels like I'd like to obje-"

"But if Hikigaya managed to be stubborn and steadfast until the end, he either owes you money-". "Carry on, Sensei.". "Or he can do whatever he want to you."

"I refuse." This time, she's the one who objected. "I don't necessarily feel safe placing my chastity for a moronic bet. For all I know, he can be a horny dog or some sort."

"Sorry to interrupt, but personally I don't feel any attraction for your skinny body." "Your opinion is dully uneeded."

"Ahem." For the nth times that day, Hiratsuka-sensei cleared her throat, "As much as it amuses me watching the two of you bicker like an old couple, the time still ticking and the day is closing in. What did you fear about this anyway, Yukinoshita? It's not like Hikigaya would do anything like that. You know him, he definitely pick the money. Or is it because you're just afraid of losing this? I never take you as someone who would go for the cowardly way to save their face, Yukinoshita."

"Guh..." And with a great reluctance, Yukino was caught by the bait, "I still feels wronged in here but since I'm the bigger person in this place, I shall play along with your asinine game."

The bell of the school suddenly ring as she finished her sentence and without a word, she packed her belongings and left. Annoyingly, Hikigaya-kun left just at the same time as she did, walking side by side through the corridor in total silence, with a few feet distance between them.

Yukino have no idea what she have been roped into and how will this nightmare proceed, but she hoped that her decision will result to the best of her. With the sunset light painting their surroundings, they left without a word. Deep in her mind, she regretted a little that their second meeting wasn't as great and as pleasant as she wanted it to be.

-oOo-

Er... yeah. m'back, for any of you who knew me.

I'm bored, so this is the result. hope you enjoy it.