This occurred during Hikigaya's third year of university. Hikigaya reaches his popular phase.
As Li Mei and Lin Xia stepped out of the serene Japanese bathhouse, the soothing steam enveloping them began to dissipate into the cool night air. The full moon hung luminously overhead, casting an ethereal glow upon the surroundings. Their skin, kissed by the warmth of the bath, seemed to shimmer softly in the moonlight.
Passing by a parked car, they caught a glimpse of their reflections in the window. Li Mei's silver hair cascaded down her back, intertwined with a striking red braid adorned with a Cryo blue-colored hair ornament, reminiscent of winter's frost. Her piercing silver eyes held a depth of wisdom, reflecting the moon's gentle radiance.
Beside her, Lin Xia's brown hair, with its subtle red wine tint, was tied back in a messy ponytail, framing her features with an air of casual elegance. Her brown eyes, tinged with a hint of red wine, sparkled with intelligence and mischief, hidden behind dark pince-nez sunglasses perched atop her head.
Their attire, a blend of modern Japanese fashion and subtle sophistication, spoke volumes about their styles. Li Mei's sleek black leather jacket hugged her frame, contrasting elegantly with the turquoise crop top that exposed her back, while Lin Xia's white button-up shirt and black jacket exuded a sense of effortless chic.
As they continued on their way, the moonlight danced upon their figures, casting shadows that seemed to whisper tales of mystery and adventure, heralding the beginning of a new chapter in their journey together.
0000
After bidding Lin Xia goodbye outside the Japanese bathhouse, I made my way back to my small 1K apartment. The tranquil atmosphere of the bathhouse lingered in my mind, a soothing balm for the stresses of the day.
Entering my modest abode, I felt a sense of familiarity wash over me. The simplicity of my surroundings offered a comforting refuge from the complexities of the outside world. I removed my shoes by the doorway, a ritual that marked the transition from the bustling city streets to the tranquility of my personal space.
Sitting down on the tatami floor, I took a moment to savor the quiet of my apartment. The soft glow of the paper lanterns cast gentle shadows across the room, creating a serene ambiance that enveloped me like a warm embrace.
With a sigh, I lay back on the floor, allowing the events of the day to slowly drift away. The rhythmic sound of my breathing filled the air, a steady reminder of the simple beauty of existence.
As I closed my eyes and let the peacefulness of the moment wash over me, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the small joys that life had to offer. In this quiet sanctuary, surrounded by the gentle hum of the city outside, I found solace in the stillness of the night.
Turning to face my bed, my gaze was drawn to the dress shirt hanging above it. Despite living alone, a sense of unease prickled at the edges of my consciousness as I sat up and surveyed my surroundings. The apartment, bathed in the soft glow of the paper lanterns, seemed to hold its breath in anticipation.
I reached out and took the shirt off its clothes hanger, feeling its familiar texture between my fingers. Despite having washed it already, I brought it close to my nose and inhaled deeply, as if seeking solace in the faint remnants of a memory. The scent was faint, yet unmistakable—a lingering trace of someone who had once been a part of my life.
"Hikigaya Hachiman," I murmured, the name slipping past my lips like a whisper carried by the wind. Memories, both bitter and sweet, flooded my mind, each one a poignant reminder of the journey we had shared.
For a moment, I allowed myself to linger in the past, to dwell on the moments we had shared and the bond we had forged. But as the echoes of his name faded into the night, I knew that it was time to let go, to embrace the present and the future that lay ahead.
With a sigh, I folded the shirt neatly and placed it back on its hanger, hanging it once again above my bed. As I settled back down on the floor, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, knowing that even in the quiet solitude of my apartment, I was not truly alone.
0000
I remember the crisp morning air as I stepped into the park, the dew-kissed grass beneath my feet, and the faint sound of birdsong echoing in the distance. It was a routine I had come to cherish—a quiet moment of solitude before the hustle and bustle of the day began.
As I began my practice, the movements of my martial arts flowed seamlessly from one to the next, each motion a testament to the years of dedication and discipline I had poured into my training. For me, martial arts was not just a hobby; it was a way of life—a source of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
I had been taken in and raised by a spear martial artist following a traumatic incident instigated by my father during my childhood. In the wake of that tragedy, my mentor became my pillar of support, guiding me along the path of martial arts with patience and compassion.
Even as I entered the bustling city of Tokyo to pursue my studies at university, I remained steadfast in my commitment to martial arts. The dojo became my sanctuary, a place where I could hone my skills and find solace in the rhythm of my practice.
It was during one of these early morning sessions in the park that I first encountered Hikigaya-xian. He had been jogging, his steady pace and focused expression catching my eye as I practiced my forms amidst the tranquility of the park.
At first, I had been wary of his presence, accustomed as I was to solitude. The next time I encountered Hikigaya-xian was in a history lecture. As I took my seat in the lecture hall, I noticed him sitting behind me. With a simple nod, I greeted him.
In the quiet confines of the lecture hall, amidst the drone of the professor's voice and the scratching of pens on paper, I felt different.
The first time I spoke to Hikigaya-xian was under less-than-ideal circumstances. I had been trying to buy a meal, still navigating the intricacies of Japanese culture and traditions, when I found myself harassed by three individuals. Unfamiliar with the language and customs, I felt lost and vulnerable as they closed in on me.
It was Hikigaya-xian who came to my rescue, his voice cutting through the tension as he warned them to leave me alone or face the consequences. When one of the men took a step toward us, instinct kicked in, and I reached for the nearest object—a broom, makeshift but sturdy. In a blur of motion, I swung the broom like a spear, fending off the attackers with a strength I didn't know I possessed.
As the dust settled and the three thugs lay incapacitated at our feet, Hikigaya-xian reached out and took my hand, leading me away from the scene of the altercation. We found refuge in a nearby park, where he scolded me gently for my reckless actions.
"You could have been seriously hurt," he chided, his voice tinged with concern. "You need to be more careful, especially in a place like this."
I hung my head in shame, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Despite my intentions to defend myself, I had put myself in harm's way, risking injury or worse in the process. In that moment, I realized the importance of understanding and respecting the cultural norms of my surroundings, and the need to exercise caution in unfamiliar situations.
But even as I berated myself for my lack of foresight, Hikigaya's presence offered a glimmer of reassurance. In his steady gaze and calming demeanor, I found solace—a reminder that I was not alone in this foreign land.
"I'm Hikigaya Hachiman," he introduced himself, breaking the tense silence that hung between us.
"I'm Li Mei," I replied, returning his gesture with a small nod.
As if on cue, my stomach chose that moment to voice its protest, growling loudly in hunger. I felt a flush of embarrassment color my cheeks, but Hikigaya-xian merely nodded in understanding before gesturing for me to follow him.
Without another word, he led the way to a nearby ramen shop, the tantalizing aroma of simmering broth wafting through the air. We took a seat at the counter, and Hikigaya-xian placed our orders without hesitation.
As we waited for our food to arrive, the tension that had lingered between us began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of camaraderie forged in the heat of the moment. Hikigaya's easygoing demeanor put me at ease, and I found myself opening up to him in a way I hadn't expected.
When our steaming bowls of ramen arrived, I hesitated, unsure of whether I should offer to pay for my meal. But before I could voice my concerns, Hikigaya-xian waved them away with a dismissive gesture.
"It's on me," he said simply, his expression one of quiet determination.
Grateful for his generosity, I nodded in thanks before diving into my meal with gusto. As we ate, conversation flowed effortlessly between us, bridging the gap that had once seemed insurmountable.
In that small ramen shop, amidst the clatter of chopsticks and the slurping of noodles, I realized that Hikigaya-xian was more than just a stranger who had come to my aid—he was a friend, a confidant, and perhaps even a kindred spirit in this vast and unfamiliar world.
0000
I ventured out with some of the Chinese students, having been invited via a group message app. However, as fate would have it, I separated from the group and, navigating the unfamiliar streets alone, found myself face-to-face with the three thugs from before. Before I could react, one of them drenched me with a bucket of water, leaving me stunned and disoriented.
As I raised my hand in protest, a police officer intervened, swiftly taking the thugs away. Amidst the chaos, a familiar voice broke through the turmoil. "That was messy. Are you alright?" It was Hikigaya-xian, his concerned tone cutting through the tumult, his presence offering a semblance of comfort during the chaos.
Meeting his gaze, I felt a rush of relief wash over me. "I'm alright," I managed to reply, my voice trembling slightly with gratitude. "Thank you for stepping in."
But as I glanced at him, I noticed a faint blush coloring his cheeks, and before I could comprehend what was happening, he was shrugging off his dress shirt. I watched in surprise as he handed it to me, a gesture of kindness that took me aback.
"Here, take this," he said softly, his gaze meeting mine with a warmth that stirred something within me.
Accepting the shirt with a mixture of gratitude and astonishment, I found myself at a loss for words. Hikigaya's actions spoke volumes, a silent reassurance that I was not alone in this unfamiliar city.
Together, we navigated the aftermath of the encounter, the weight of his dress shirt a tangible reminder of his presence by my side. As we walked away from the scene, I couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of gratitude for the unexpected bond that had formed between us in the face of adversity.
0000
Three days had passed since the encounter with the thugs, and the memory still lingered vividly in my mind. As I sat in my small 1K apartment, the dress shirt that Hikigaya-xian had given me was a silent reminder of his kindness in a moment of need.
With a sense of trepidation mingled with curiosity, I brought it close to my nose to inhale its faint scent. Despite having washed it, the remnants of Hikigaya's presence lingered, a comforting reassurance in uncertainty.
Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to bask in the warmth of the moment, the feeling of trust and gratitude swelling within me. In Hikigaya-xian, I had found not just a friend, but a confidant—a beacon of light in the darkness of the unknown.
As I gently folded the shirt and placed it back on the hanger, a sense of peace washed over me. In the quiet solitude of my apartment, surrounded by the faint scent of Hikigaya's shirt, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I would not face them alone.
With a newfound sense of determination, I made a silent vow to myself—to befriend Hikigaya-xian and to express my gratitude for his kindness. I hoped that soon, our paths would cross once again, and that I would have the opportunity to repay his generosity in kind. Until then, I would hold onto the memory of our brief encounter, cherishing it as a reminder of the bond that had begun to form between us.