The Unlikely Duet

Foreword: We've overtaken Endless Memory. One down, two more to go. Oh, I didn't see you there. Mayflower Productions here, back with some more Unlikely Duet. Thus far, we've had our ups and downs, like Hitori the Fail and... Hitori the Fail. Where am I going with this?... Today's chapter is a return to form for a certain cynical protagonist so stay tuned. I'm contemplating including multiple POVs in future installments to keep things interesting. Also, thank you, everyone, for reading the story. I'm not used to publishing this frequently, so I appreciate all the support. Now make way, make way! The show's star has arrived, Unlikely Duet Chapter 3: Three times is a pattern.

Unlikely Duet- line break, "Smile for the camera, you lovebirds~!"- Dialogue

Disclaimer: I do not own Bocchi the Rock, Oregairu, or any other intellectual properties that may appear in this story. Please don't sue me.

Chapter 3: Three times is a pattern

[Hachiman POV]

[Flashback]

"I'm rooting for you, Gotoh-san... from one loner to another..."

[Flashback End]

What was I thinking with that line? I can hardly believe I said something so cheesy. After all, who was I, a romance novel heartthrob? No, I was a master at losing, a cynical stick in the mud, and perhaps the King of Loners. If so, what monarch would desecrate their title so blatantly?... If those memories are to be believed, Hikigaya Hachiman, that's who...

"..." Two weeks had passed since that day. I tossed and turned while sleeping, wracking my head over every word I said, and complained to my sister while awake. Meanwhile, semester exams happened, which didn't seem awful... hopefully. It was now the day before summer vacation and the classroom felt restless. I normally wouldn't associate with my peers, but I was also swept up in the anticipation. Freedom was so close that if you strained your ears, you could hear the crashing waves. No one wanted to be here, but we were forced to attend today's classes. There was a certain feeling in the air along with the excitement... dread.

Practically everyone shared the same thought... something was coming. If not in the previous classes, then definitely now, right before the final bell. You had to be naive to assume otherwise.

"Zzz..." Unless you were the class's other resident loner. She was thoroughly disengaged from reality, sleeping soundly on her desk... How bold. Her open disregard for social convention was almost impressive... it was something even I couldn't do.

After all, if I slept through an assignment, I didn't have anyone to catch me up. What about asking the teacher? No way, it was too embarrassing. Classmates... Heh, my previous exploits practically torched my reputation. I doubt anyone would help me, even if I groveled!... I probably shouldn't be too proud about that.

"Good afternoon class." The teacher walked into the classroom and with them, the entire room's attention.

"..." The overwhelming silence was almost chilling. This comes from someone who didn't mind a lull in a conversation. Outcasts and cliques were in an unlikely united front, not wanting to miss a single word. If there was anything that could bridge such a divide, it was mindless busywork... I mean, "enriching" supplemental material.

"Well to start today, I have some good news. The results from your exams came in, and no one failed. Good job everyone." The teacher stressed, trying to generate any response from the crowd.

"..." No one cared. I was glad to pass and likely was not alone, but it didn't matter. Maybe it will in a few hours, but there were more pressing issues, like knowing how large this vacation's time sink was.

"Tough crowd, huh?... Normally, I would follow up with bad news, but..."

"!" Each student slightly raised from their seat, waiting with bated breath.

"I wouldn't call this information objectively "bad". If anything, this is an incredible opportunity."

"..."

"By now, you know where this is going. Every year you are assigned a set of assignments to finish each summer vacation. Long story short, this year won't be different."

"Tch..." You could hear the collective mood fall in real time. Even I regretted waking up this morning and holding out some uncharacteristic hope for an assignment-free summer.

"Wait. Turn those frowns upside down and let me finish."

"..."

"This year's summer work is split into two parts. The first is academic: essays, equations, and reading comprehension questions, among other tasks."

"What a waste..."

"Don't look at me like that. Let me finish!"

"..."

"As for the second part, it's a little more complicated. The government, recognizing the concerning trend of antisocial youth behavior, and its debilitating effects on the economy and national prestige, has coordinated with schools nationwide to address the issue. Various dialogues were held in devising a potential solution..." The teacher rambled, needlessly expanding the scope of our summer homework. Why should anyone care about the government? We were middle school students who wanted to go home. All their jargon was falling on deaf ears.

"..."

"Skipping over numerous steps, the groups eventually found an answer: adding a social component to your summer assignments. Each student must complete various milestones, like spending time with friends at an amusement park, somewhere studying, and other entertainment locations before the vacation's end. To receive credit, you must provide photographic proof for each task. Oh, and don't worry, all funds spent will be refunded after the break and everyone's friend will be another classmate... The social component is also mandatory. Everyone who doesn't complete it will fail the year." I mostly tuned out the teacher's explanation aside from those choice words. Why? What good would this initiative accomplish?

Further exacerbate the divides between the haves and the have-nots? Is our teacher trying to start class warfare, lighting the match for the Loner Revolution?... This is an awful idea: I hate it, I hate it, I hate it... not just for its merits, as important as those are. If not for a few words, I could have been forced to work with... her. That would have been bad, abysmal, no, a catastrophe. My stomach churned at the possibility.

"This sounds interesting..." And there it was, the great divide at work. The teacher's divide-and-conquer strategy succeeded as the normies chatted among themselves... Hold on, those people are?... What, them too?

Oh, this wasn't as clear-cut as I assumed. No great outcry swelled against the school's dastardly plot. Everyone, and I meant nearly everyone was okay with this arrangement. Pairs happily formed, as like-minded individuals banded together. This quickly left Hikigaya Hachiman on the outside looking in... just as always. Some things never change...

"It's great to see the enthusiasm. I'll now pass out the packets containing the full summer assignment. Don't be afraid to work with your friend on everything. The academic section was designed for collaboration. It will be difficult to complete alone, regardless of your scores." The teacher left one parting gift about this assignment as papers moved around the classroom. Once I received my copy, I wanted to crush it in my hands, but... that wouldn't solve anything. I didn't want to prostrate before my "friend" for a photocopy.

"Ding, dong!" While sending my packet a noxious gaze, the final bell chimed, signaling the end of class, and by extension, the start of vacation.

"And that's all the time we have today. Have a safe break, and some fun working with your friends!" The teacher exclaimed, their voice drowning in a sea of activity. I heard them loud and clear from my seat, not engaging in a side conversation. It was just me, myself, and this tortuous assignment. Quickly glancing through its pages, the first part didn't look too hard. If pressed, I could finish it alone in a few days, claiming my remaining summer for lazing around. Even the social side had straightforward tasks, which I could have (begrudgingly) completed relatively fast... Posing alone at the mall may be embarrassing, but it's no matter for me. I don't have much pride left!

Unfortunately, my life could never be that simple. I was forced to... reach out to others. Uh, I'm already feeling uneasy.

"I guess it's time to swallow my pride yet again," I grumbled, thinking about my unpleasant start to summer vacation... Now let's see, who is also scraping the barrel this time?

"..." I felt a slight tugging on my sleeve.

"Huh?" I turned to see what caused the sensation.

"H-Hikigaya-san... it's me." It was none other than the pink-haired recluse, aspiring romance novel protagonist, and death metal girl, Gotoh Hitori. As expected, she looked two steps away from death, her skin a sickly shade, and voice an unsteady whisper. If she was talking to me... everyone else had already formed groups. I was her last resort and she was mine. How fitting.

I know my reputation is abysmal, but why are you so nervous, Gotoh-san?... You've seen me before, it's not like this is our first conversation... Even I can have my feelings hurt too, you know~?

"..." I impassively stared at her, already knowing her next words. She'll bashfully propose us working together which I will immediately accept. Even though her one score wasn't great, she has some academic skills, right? I wouldn't have to carry her grades this summer, right?... Please, don't prove me wrong.

"C-can we meet me at the usual place? I have something i-important to tell you." She wavered slightly but mostly maintained eye contact with me. Being an unskilled communicator, I could tell, this was a new experience for her... one with an uncertain outcome.

[Flashback]

"I l-like you! C-could you p-please-!"

[Flashback End]

Stepping outside your comfort zone is never easy, especially when you don't reach a happy ending. You're only left with the cold shock of reality, ending the daydream you once thought would never end...

"Okay. I'll see you there." Shaking off my malaise, I replied, showing her efforts the care they deserve.

"Thank you very much for accepting my overbearing request!... I'll be waiting, Hikigaya-san." Gotoh-san bowed repeatedly, before running out of the classroom, her face slightly red.

"Sure..." I trailed, unable to say more as she left.

"..." I felt a distant gaze paired with vague dread... My Troublesome Radar picked up a reading. But from where? I haven't done anything today.

Ignoring the blip, I gathered my belongings and left the classroom... practically sleepwalking into disaster.

Unlikely Duet

"Y-you've arrived, Hikigaya-san! I take your travel here was pleasant?... Phew. This isn't a dream, Guitar Man." Gotoh-san slightly shuddered and tripped over her words as I walked down the stairs to meet her. Some may be concerned by those facts, but I wasn't... This was just an average day with Gotoh Hitori.

"Yeah, I had some alone time walking through the school."

"Good, good... everything's going according to plan."

"What did you want to talk about?" I asked, completely ignoring whatever she just muttered. I knew far better than to impede on someone's monologue. They're a sacred treasure that should be protected at all costs!

"...please...with me..."

"Huh?"

"I've always wanted to tell you this, but could never muster the courage to admit it."

"Gotoh-san?"

"That ends today though."

"How is this related to our project? If it's about your grades, I already know. Remember the notebook?"

"Hikigaya-san!" Gotoh-san exclaimed, her sudden interjection interrupting my thoughts.

"Y-yes?"

"Could you please go out with me!... in working on this project." She declared, bowing deeply.

"I'm not ready for that kind of commitment!" Without thinking, my defense mechanism kicked in.

"..."

"..."

"What?"

"What?" We stared at each other, our previous exchange falling to the wayside.

"Hikigaya-san?"

"What is it, Gotoh-san?"

"Nothing happened here."

"Of course."

"Thank you... It was almost over, Guitar Man, but we barely pulled through. Miracles truly do happen."

"Why are you apologizing? There's nothing you did wrong."

"... Oh, I get it. I never made any missteps today. It's like admitting a crime that never occurred."

"Gotoh-san, please don't make this conversation any weirder than it needs to be."

"Weird? What are you talking about, Hikigaya-san? We just coincidentally met behind the school to admire... nature!"

"Gotoh-san, you don't have to force yourself. Outsider validation shouldn't always be your primary goal."

"It's my entire alternate identity... Hikigaya-san, you shouldn't bother defending someone like me-"

"Let's just work together on this project, Gotoh-san." I sighed, somewhat dumbfounded at how strange our conversation got.

"Okay, Hikigaya-san... I can do that."

"Great." I turned to leave before my composure shattered. Even though I jumped to conclusions, it sounded like she practically confessed to... No, we're not going there now, especially a year after... the incident.

"H-Hikigaya-san!" Gotoh-san called out as I reached the door.

"Huh?"

"We'll text later, right?" She asked, her expression different than usual. Rather than a nervous wreck or disheartened, Gotoh-san looked hopeful, smiling as she spoke.

"..." I momentarily froze, unable to respond. Her positivity and enthusiasm are wasted on me. This project would be an unremarkable experience, lacking the youthful flair she may have wanted. Any charisma I possibly had withered away after suffering failure after failure: waiting for messages that never came, holding blind trust in others, and misinterpreting countless situations. I was the last person to hold out hope for, a fallen optimist, but... I couldn't say that to her.

"H-Hikigaya-san?"

"Yeah. I'll see you then, Gotoh-san." I weakly waved, desperately suppressing my festering negativity. She deserved better than that... Perhaps I did too...

"I'll see you later, Hikigaya-san!" She returned the gesture, her hand stiffly swaying from side to side like a rusty machine. Due to my vantage point, I saw through her long bangs.

I was never one for superstitions and their questionable reasonings, preferring sound logic and absolutes. However, everyone always had their exceptions. If eyes were the windows to one's soul: in our two previous encounters, Gotoh-san's were cloudy, lacking most signs of life...

Today, though, three times in, I finally broke through the pattern... Her eyes... They were shining.

Unlikely Duet

Author's Note: I would make a witty comment here, but my mind is blank right now... Instead, I'll tell you about something I did recently. That's what these Author's Notes are for, right? I was at the beach yesterday (circa my writing this), admiring the sea breeze while thinking... Wouldn't an Unlikely Duet Beach "episode" (read: chapter) be compelling? And then I thought more about it... The story takes place during the summer and our leading pair has that peculiar project of theirs. With some effort, it could happen. Two social outcasts at the beach. What could possibly go wrong?... And then I remembered that I didn't like the beach that much, killing the thought. But that's enough of me, what about you? How was the chapter? Leave your thoughts in a review. Follow, favorite, and share the story if you enjoyed it. There's also a poll on my profile about my work. If you're an Unlikely fan make it known there. My other stories are there too, if you prefer those... even if it's Endless Memory, this story's arch-rival. I won't judge you... Hey, author, someone says, what about that productivity issue from Chapter 1? Is that still a concern?... Uh... Speaking of Endless Memory, it inspired this preview's format, so... that's something. In any case, I've been Mayflower Productions, thank you for reading Unlikely Duet, and until next time... I'll catch you on the flipside.

Preview:

Text Conversation: The Spark

Hikigaya Hachiman is now online

Hikigaya Hachiman invites Gotoh Hitori to New Conversation

Hikigaya Hachiman renames New Conversation to UNLIKELY DUO

Hachiman: "Good evening, Gotoh-san. This is your classmate Hikigaya Hachiman. I've created this group message for our upcoming school project."

Gotoh Hitori is now online

Hitori: "O-oh... Hikigaya-san! I wasn't expecting you to text so soon!"

Hachiman: "We talked about this earlier today, Gotoh-san. Please don't grow forgetful with me. There hasn't been a time-skip yet."

Hitori: "Time-skip? What does that mean, Hikigaya-san? Our story never has any time-skips."

Hachiman: "... I am not humoring that desperate plea for attention."

Hitori: "..."

Hachiman: "Gotoh-san, now isn't the time for you to clock out."

Hitori: "..."

Hachiman: "Yet she passes out anyway... Why do I even bother?"

Hitori: "I'm sorry for not replying sooner. I was busy with something... which wasn't Oh!Tube-related in the slightest... heh, heh, heh..."

Hachiman: "That's fine, no one is perfect."

Hitori: "And he's none the wiser, Guitar Man."

Hachiman: "No one's perfect... She's definitely different online than offline. In any case, did you read the project's instructions, Gotoh-san? This is a critical assignment. Our graduation depends on it."

Hitori: "I read everything, Hikigaya-san. Don't worry about me!"

Hachiman: "..."

Hitori: "Hikigaya-san, are you okay?"

Hachiman: "Sure... Then how do you feel about tomorrow afternoon at the new amusement park?"

Hitori: "What?"

Hachiman: "You didn't hear about it? My sister won't stop telling me about how exciting the place is. The local government supposedly pushed hard for the new development."

Hitori: "What?"

Hachiman: "Yeah, I couldn't believe it either. They should have built more vending machines across the city instead... Georgia Max deserves better!"

Hitori: "What?"

Hachiman: "Gotoh-san, I'm starting to think you're auto-filling these responses. Do you have anything else to say?"

Hitori: "I'm sorry, but I don't have much money, Hikigaya-san!"

Hachiman: "It's fine, the school's reimbursing our expenses anyway."

Hitori: "I wouldn't consider myself physically attractive either!"

Hachiman: "What?... Great, now you've got me doing it too..."

Hitori: "Regardless, please be gentle!"

Hachiman: "Uh... I'm going to ask you this again. Did you read all of the project's instructions, Gotoh-san?"

Hitori: "O-of course, Hikigaya-san. There's those equations, grammar exercises... reading comprehension questions."

Hachiman: "Why does the world hate me so much?... This might not be the best place to tell you, but... The project has a social component, Gotoh-san."

Hitori: "Huh?"

Hachiman: "Ergo, we have to take pictures of ourselves... going outside and... living a fulfilling youth... I feel sick just typing that."

Hitori: "Guh!... I want to drop out, Guitar Man. Then we can spend all day together!... Yay~!"

Hachiman: "She passed out again. I hate how I'm starting to notice these things... this is the worst superpower ever."

Hitori: "Next time on Unlikely Duet- Chapter 4: The End of Their Beginning!"

Hachiman: "You woke up already? That's fast."

Hitori(?): "Hi, Onee-chan's friend!"

Hachiman: "Unless something snapped during her collapse, this probably isn't Gotoh-san... Uh, hello."

(Not) Hitori: "Wow, you're real! I thought you might be a Gray Eye."

Hachiman: "You meant, AI or artificial intelligence, right?"

(Not) Hitori: "Yeah, that one! You're super smart, Onee-chan's friend! You should study with Onee-chan!"

Hachiman: "We'll be doing that soon."

(Not) Hitori: "You should visit then! Mom and Dad would love that! They're always worried about Onee-chan for some reason. They say she might become a NEET, whatever that means."

Hachiman: "Uh, maybe... Great, I now have something else to apologize for."

(Not) Hitori: "That's a promise then!... No, don't take the phone, Onee-chan! I'm using it! I wanted to make sure, they weren't a Gray Eye, Onee-chan!"

Hachiman: "The wonders of accidental speech-to-text... Not my problem, not my problem, not my problem..."

Hitori: "H-Hikigaya-san! It's not what it looks like! I wasn't hacked or anything!"

Hachiman: "Okay."

Hitori: "It's just that I momentarily lost control over my phone, which was immediately taken by a backseat reader who shouldn't even be able to read yet, but..."

Hachiman: "I understand, Gotoh-san."

Hitori: "I've noticed that you sometimes sound softer than usual when talking to me, Hikigaya-san.

Hachiman: "I'll see you tomorrow at the amusement park. Have a relaxing evening, Gotoh-san."

Hikigaya Hachiman goes offline

Hitori: "He's gone... What a wonderful day I'm having. It was starting well too. My latest video's been gaining some traction lately, dragging us past the 10,000 subscriber mark. However, Hitori's stock took another nosedive. I'm forced outside to pass my classes and have my "creative embellishments" haunt me. Is it too late to give up, Guitar Man? Gotoh Hitori might not last long at this rate... I just wanted to be popular... or at least make one friend."

Gotoh Hitori goes offline

Chapter End