This occurs between Hikigaya's third and fourth year of university. This person in this chapter is important as she is *Spoiler* Hikigaya's first employee.
Suzuki Ayaka hummed softly to herself as she stood in her cozy kitchen, the aroma of spices and herbs filling the air. She carefully chopped vegetables, her movements precise and practiced. She was preparing a special meal—a homemade curry dish—to welcome her new neighbor in the apartment complex.
As she stirred the simmering pot on the stove, Suzuki glanced at the clock and realized it was almost time to greet her new neighbor.
Slipping into her shoes and grabbing the container of curry from the kitchen counter, Suzuki noticed her revealing outfit—a pair of short shorts and a simple tank top. Hurriedly, she dashed to her bedroom and, in a flurry, rummaged through her wardrobe until she found a comfortable yet modest long skirt and a blouse. After changing into her new attire, she felt a sense of relief, knowing she was now appropriately dressed for the occasion.
Taking a final glance in the mirror to ensure everything was in place, Suzuki squared her shoulders and stepped into the hallway, the container of curry carefully cradled in her arms. With each step, she pushed aside her doubts and insecurities, focusing instead on the hope of forming a new connection and finding a sense of belonging in her new home.
As Suzuki approached her neighbor's door, her heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Just as she reached out to knock, she heard muffled voices coming from inside the apartment. Curiosity piqued, she leaned in closer, trying to make out what was being said.
Suddenly, the door swung open, startling Suzuki. In the dimly lit hallway, she saw a figure emerge from the apartment, shrouded in shadows. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized it was a man, clad in casual attire and looking disheveled as if he had just woken up.
What truly shocked Suzuki was what she saw behind him—a cluttered apartment filled with stacks of papers and empty takeout containers, giving off an air of neglect and disarray. It was a stark contrast to the polished and professional image she had imagined.
Before she could process what she was seeing, the man noticed her presence and gave her a polite nod before slipping past her into the hallway. Suzuki stood frozen in place, her mind racing with questions and confusion.
As the man disappeared around the corner, Suzuki sighed, realizing she wouldn't be able to deliver her welcoming gift to him after all. Determined not to let the curry go to waste, she decided to knock on the door of her neighbor on the left instead.
As she approached the door, Suzuki couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness. She had heard rumors about this neighbor—an older woman who seemed to thrive on gossip and speculation. Nevertheless, Suzuki plastered a polite smile on her face and raised her hand to knock.
Before her knuckles could make contact with the door, it swung open, revealing a petite woman with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well, well, what do we have here?" the woman exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement.
Suzuki offered a small smile. "Good evening. I'm Suzuki Ayaka, your new neighbor. I wanted to greet you and offer you this homemade curry as a gesture of goodwill."
The woman's eyes lit up at the sight of the curry. "Oh, how delightful! Come in, come in," she urged, stepping aside to let Suzuki enter.
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As I stepped into the woman's apartment, I couldn't help but notice the cluttered space, filled with knick-knacks and gossip magazines scattered about. She motioned for me to take a seat at the small dining table, which was adorned with a lace tablecloth and mismatched chairs.
"My name is Tanaka Ai," she said, taking a seat opposite me. "I must say, it's refreshing to see a new face around here. We don't get many newcomers in this building, you know."
I nodded politely, trying to hide my unease at her probing gaze. "Thank you for having me. I'm sure we'll get along just fine."
Tanaka-san leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I must warn you, though—there's a certain resident in this building you should be wary of. Hikigaya Hachiman, your other neighbor. I've heard rumors about him, you see. They say he's involved with some unsavory characters, wears dark suits, and is always seen entering and leaving in black cars. And don't get me started on the multiple women who come and go from his apartment at all hours of the day and night."
My brow furrowed in concern. I hadn't expected to receive such a warning from my new neighbor. "I'll keep that in mind," I replied cautiously, unsure of what to make of Tanaka-san's gossip.
As I bid Tanaka-san farewell and made my way back to my apartment, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of my mind. The warning about Hikigaya Hachiman added yet another layer of concern to my already heavy burden.
With a troubled sigh, I stepped into my small apartment, where the aroma of the curry still lingered in the air. I couldn't help but worry about my son, Kaito, a rebellious teenager who always seemed to find trouble wherever he went. The rumors about Hikigaya-kun only added more to my plate, as I wondered what kind of influence he might have on my impressionable son.
As I heated a bowl of curry for myself, I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that gnawed at my insides. I knew that navigating the complexities of my new life in the apartment complex wouldn't be easy, especially with the added challenge of raising a teenage son on my own.
Lost in my thoughts, I resolved to keep a close eye on both Hikigaya-kun and Kaito, determined to protect my family from whatever dangers lurked within the walls of our new home. But deep down, I couldn't shake the nagging fear that I was in for more than I bargained for in this seemingly quiet and unassuming building.
I glanced up at the clock and felt a pang of panic shoot through my chest. I had lost track of time while lost in my worries, and now it was getting dangerously late for my shift at the restaurant. With a glance at my phone confirming the time, I realized I had to leave immediately if I wanted to avoid being reprimanded by my boss again.
Hurriedly grabbing my bag and slipping on my shoes, I dashed out of my apartment, leaving the bowl of curry half-eaten on the kitchen counter. As I rushed down the hallway, my mind raced with thoughts of my son, the rumors about Hikigaya-kun, and the looming deadline for my job.
With each step I took, I felt the weight of my responsibilities pressing down on my shoulders. I knew that I couldn't afford to let my worries consume me, not when I had bills to pay and a family to take care of.
As I reached the front door of the building, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenges that lay ahead. With determination in my heart, I stepped out into the night, ready to face whatever obstacles came my way.
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As I finished my shift at the convenience store, exhaustion weighed heavily on my shoulders. The events of the day had left me drained, but my mind continued to race, fixating on the unsettling rumors I had heard about my new neighbor, Hikigaya Hachiman.
As I made my way back to my apartment building, I couldn't shake the image of the black car I had seen parked outside earlier. It had seemed out of place amidst the ordinary surroundings of our residential area, fueling my growing unease.
With each step, I found myself leaning more and more into the rumors circulating about Hikigaya-kun. The warning from Tanaka-san, the sightings of multiple women entering and leaving his apartment, and now the mysterious black car—it all seemed to paint a troubling picture.
As I reached the entrance of my building, my heart raced with apprehension. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something dark and dangerous lurking beneath the surface of our seemingly tranquil neighborhood.
With a heavy sigh, I pushed open the door and stepped into the lobby, my mind swirling with a mix of fear and uncertainty. Little did I know, my journey was only just beginning, and the truth behind the rumors would soon reveal itself in ways I never could have imagined.
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As I approached my apartment building, I spotted the man from before standing outside his door, his gaze fixed on the night sky. Despite my growing apprehension, I mustered the courage to approach him and introduce myself.
"Um, excuse me," I began tentatively, my voice betraying my nerves. "I'm Suzuki Ayaka, your neighbor from next door. I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself."
The man turned to face me, his expression unreadable as he regarded me with piercing eyes. "Nice to meet you, Suzuki-san. I'm Hikigaya Hachiman," he replied in a calm and measured tone.
Feeling a shiver run down my spine, I forced a polite smile before quickly excusing myself and slipping into my apartment. As I closed the door behind me, I couldn't shake the lingering feeling of unease.
Once inside, I took a moment to catch my breath, my heart still pounding with fear. But as I glanced around my tidy and well-kept apartment, I couldn't help but feel surprised by the stark contrast between Hikigaya's appearance now and the disheveled state I had witnessed earlier in the day.
My mind buzzed with questions and doubts, and I found myself unable to shake the feeling that there was more to Hikigaya-kun than met the eye.
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With a heavy heart, I made my way to my son Kaito's room, hoping to connect with him despite his usual aloofness. Knocking softly on the door, I pushed it open and stepped inside.
"Kaito, sweetheart, have you eaten?" I asked, my voice gentle but tinged with concern.
Kaito, engrossed in his phone, barely acknowledged my presence, but he nodded in response to my question.
Sighing softly, I left Kaito to his own devices and made my way to the bathroom. I filled the tub with warm water, adding a few drops of lavender-scented oil for relaxation. The sound of the water running was soothing, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me as I prepared for my bath.
Before stepping into the tub, I made myself a simple meal, knowing I needed to replenish my energy after a long day of work. Sitting at the kitchen table, I ate in silence, my thoughts drifting back to the events of the day and the unsettling encounter with Hikigaya-kun.
Once I had finished my meal, I returned to the bathroom, undressing before stepping into the warm embrace of the bathwater. The heat seeped into my tired muscles, melting away the tension that had built up throughout the day.
As I closed my eyes and allowed myself to relax, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for these small moments of peace and solitude. Despite the challenges I faced as a single mother, I knew I would always find solace in the simple pleasures of life—a warm meal, a soothing bath, and the love of my son, no matter how distant he may seem at times.
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As my son Kaito and I walked together on our shopping trip for ingredients, a sense of unease lingered in the air. Kaito, ever the rebellious teenager, walked ahead of me, his posture tense and guarded.
As we passed by the park, my heart clenched with fear as I noticed a group of teens surrounding Kaito. It was clear that trouble was brewing, and I knew I had to act quickly to protect my son.
With a surge of adrenaline, I stepped forward, positioning myself between Kaito and the group of aggressors. I held my ground, ready to do whatever it took to keep my son safe.
Suddenly, a black car pulled up beside us, and to my surprise, Hikigaya Hachiman stepped out. His presence was unexpected, but I felt a glimmer of hope as I watched him take a step toward the group.
One of the teens, emboldened by numbers, tried to act tough and yelled at Hikigaya-kun to stay away. But Hikigaya's response was chilling—his dead fish eyes bore into the teen with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.
At that moment, the group seemed to sense the futility of their actions. With a muttered curse, they backed away, retreating into the shadows as quickly as they had appeared.
As the tension dissipated, I let out a sigh of relief, grateful for Hikigaya's unexpected intervention. I turned to thank him, but he was already slipping back into the black car, disappearing into the distance as swiftly as he had arrived.
With Kaito safe by my side, I couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of respect for the enigmatic neighbor I had once feared.
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As I let my son Kaito go ahead to the apartment with the groceries, I headed toward the liquor store to purchase sake for cooking. The setting sun cast long shadows across the street, and a sense of weariness weighed heavily on my shoulders after the day's events.
Stepping out of the liquor store with a bottle of sake in hand, I froze in my tracks as I noticed a pair of men in suits approaching me. Their stern expressions and purposeful strides sent a chill down my spine, and I instinctively knew that trouble was brewing once again.
Heart pounding, I tried to maintain my composure as the men closed in on me. "Can I help you?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly despite my best efforts to sound confident.
The taller of the two men stepped forward, his gaze cold and unwavering. "Suzuki-san, I presume?" he said, his tone laced with authority.
My blood ran cold as I realized that these men were debt collectors, come to collect on the debts left behind by my ex-husband. Panic threatened to overwhelm me as I struggled to find the words to respond.
Before I could gather my thoughts, the men began to press me for payment, their voices growing increasingly insistent. I felt a surge of desperation welling up inside me, knowing that I didn't have the means to satisfy their demands.
As the situation escalated, my mind raced with fear and uncertainty. I knew I couldn't afford to let these men intimidate me, not when my son's safety and well-being were at stake.
Summoning every ounce of courage I possessed, I stood my ground, determined to protect my family at all costs.
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As I tried to reason with the debt collectors, pleading with them to give me some time to gather the necessary funds, they remained unmoved, their demands relentless and uncompromising. Fear gnawed at my insides as I realized the severity of my predicament, knowing I was no match for these imposing men.
Suddenly, a group of people emerged from a nearby building, drawing the attention of both the debt collectors and me. Among them were two large men, towering over the others with their broad shoulders and intimidating presence. A woman dressed in a traditional kimono stood between them, exuding an air of authority and elegance.
To my surprise, Hikigaya-kun stepped out of the same building behind the group, his enigmatic presence commanding attention. As the group turned to thank him, Hikigaya's gaze shifted toward me, and at that moment, I felt a glimmer of hope ignite within me.
With a determined stride, Hikigaya-kun approached the debt collectors and me, his expression unreadable. The debt collectors, sensing the power shift, clicked their tongues in frustration and reluctantly retreated, their demands left unfulfilled.
I watched in awe as Hikigaya-kun diffused the tense situation with ease, his actions speaking volumes about the depths of his character. Gratitude swelled within my heart as I realized that once again, Hikigaya-kun had come to my rescue, offering me a lifeline in my darkest hour.
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I would later find out that the three individuals were his kōhai from the university. He revealed that they were working on a screenplay together and were dressed in costumes for a play they were writing. Hikigaya explained that immersing themselves in character helped them get a feel for the story they were creating. I couldn't believe I had thought they were members of the Yakuza.
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As I sat in the small office, my heart still racing from the encounter with the debt collectors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as I glanced around the room. Hikigaya-kun sat behind the desk, his expression unreadable as he regarded me with a mixture of surprise and bewilderment.
The memory of the group with Hikigaya-kun, dressed in suits and exuding an air of authority, flashed through my mind. In my panicked state, I had jumped to the conclusion that Hikigaya-kun must belong to a crime syndicate, and I found myself overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty.
With a trembling heart, I performed a seiza, kneeling on the floor before Hikigaya-kun, a traditional gesture of respect and humility. I bowed my head, my voice barely above a whisper as I spoke.
"Hikigaya-san, I... I don't know how to thank you," I began, my words faltering as tears welled up in my eyes. "You saved me from those debt collectors, and I am eternally grateful. Please, forgive me for any misunderstandings I may have had."
Hikigaya's silence hung heavy in the air, adding to my sense of trepidation. I dared not look up, fearing what I might see in his expression.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Hikigaya-kun spoke, his voice soft but filled with an unexpected warmth. "Suzuki-san, there is no need for you to apologize. I am glad that I could be of help to you. You owe me no debt of gratitude."
Relief washed over me as I heard his words, and I dared to raise my head, meeting Hikigaya's gaze for the first time since entering the office. In his eyes, I saw not the coldness of a criminal mastermind, but the warmth of compassion and understanding.
At that moment, I realized I had been quick to judge Hikigaya-kun based on appearances alone, and I felt a deep sense of shame for my hasty assumptions. With a newfound sense of humility, I vowed never to let fear cloud my judgment again, knowing that true understanding could only come from an open heart and mind.
As I rose from my seiza, I offered Hikigaya-kun a sincere bow of gratitude, my heart filled with a profound sense of respect and admiration for the enigmatic man who had saved me from the clutches of danger.
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As I poured out my heart to Hikigaya-kun, my words spilled forth in a torrent of emotion, each sentence laden with the weight of my struggles and fears.
"My husband... he left me with a mountain of debt after our divorce," I confessed, my voice trembling with suppressed emotion. "I've been working two jobs just to make ends meet, but it's never enough. And my son... he's been getting into fights at school, causing trouble wherever he goes. I'm doing everything I can to provide for him, to give him a better life, but it feels like I'm drowning in a sea of my failures."
Hikigaya-kun listened in silence as I bared my soul to him, his expression unreadable as he absorbed my words. The weight of my struggles hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life.
As I continued to pour my heart out to Hikigaya, I found myself revealing more and more of my innermost thoughts and struggles, unable to hold back the flood of emotions that had been building up inside me for so long.
I spoke of my humble upbringing, growing up in a small town with loving parents who had instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. I shared the story of my marriage, once filled with hopes and dreams for the future, only to crumble under the weight of financial strain and emotional turmoil. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I spoke of the pain of my divorce, of the loneliness and uncertainty that had plagued me ever since. I bared my soul to Hikigaya, revealing the depths of my fears and insecurities, knowing that he was the only one I could trust with my most intimate thoughts and feelings. I confess my three size 100-59-89 to him. My favorite food and music.
And then, I spoke of my son - Kaito, my pride and joy, but also my greatest source of worry and heartache. I recounted the struggles he had faced growing up without a father, the fights and trouble he had gotten into at school, and the constant fear that I was failing him as a mother. I even confess how my son wet the bed until his 8th birthday. He cried in his 1st year of middle school because he got rejected by his crush. I found out he paid for a pornographic film with my credit card.
As I spoke, Hikigaya listened in silence, his gaze never leaving my face. He offered no words of judgment or condemnation, only quiet understanding and empathy.
At that moment, I realized that I had found a confidant in Hikigaya, someone who was willing to listen to me without judgment or reservation. As the weight of my burdens lifted from my shoulders, I felt a sense of relief wash over me, knowing that I was no longer alone in my struggles.
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As I drifted off to sleep after my emotional encounter with Hikigaya-kun, my mind continued to churn with thoughts and worries, refusing to grant me the solace of rest. In the darkness of my dreams, my fears and insecurities took on a life of their own, manifesting themselves in a nightmare that gripped me in its icy embrace.
In my dream, I found myself trapped in a labyrinth of shadows, my footsteps echoing hollowly against the cold, stone walls. The weight of my confessions to Hikigaya bore down upon me, filling me with a suffocating dread.
With each step I took, the darkness seemed to close in around me, twisting and contorting into grotesque shapes that taunted and tormented me. The echoes of my voice rang in my ears, haunting reminders of the vulnerabilities I had revealed to Hikigaya.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, its features obscured by a veil of darkness. My heart leaped into my throat as I recognized the familiar silhouette of Hikigaya-kun, his presence looming over me like a specter of my deepest fears.
In my dream, I tried to flee from Hikigaya's gaze, but no matter how fast I ran, I could not escape the relentless pursuit of my demons. The weight of my secrets bore down upon me, threatening to consume me in its all-encompassing darkness.
And then, just as I felt myself on the brink of despair, I was jolted awake by the harsh reality of my racing heartbeat. Gasping for breath, I found myself bathed in cold sweat, my body trembling with the aftershocks of my nightmare.
As I lay there in the darkness, the memory of my confession to Hikigaya-kun weighed heavily on my mind, filling me with a sense of unease and uncertainty.
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With a pounding heart and trembling hands, I rushed to open my apartment door, my mind reeling with fear and uncertainty. As the door swung open, I found myself face to face with the debt collectors once again, their stern expressions sending a shiver down my spine.
But to my surprise, instead of demanding payment or issuing threats, the debt collectors handed me a piece of paper - a contract for the debt I owed. As I scanned the document, my eyes widened in disbelief.
"We're here to inform you that your debt has been paid in full," one of the debt collectors said, his voice surprisingly gentle.
I could scarcely believe my ears. The weight of years of financial burden lifted from my shoulders in an instant, replaced by a flood of relief and gratitude.
"Paid... in full?" I stammered my voice barely above a whisper.
The debt collectors nodded solemnly, their expressions softening as they handed me the contract. "It's all there in black and white. Your debt has been settled."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I took in the magnitude of what had just happened. It was as if a miracle had occurred, lifting me from the depths of despair and offering me a second chance at a new beginning.
With a heartfelt expression of thanks, I bid the debt collectors farewell, watching in awe as they disappeared into the morning, leaving me standing in the doorway with the weight of my burdens lifted from my shoulders.
As I closed the door behind me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and disbelief. It seemed almost too good to be true - a sudden reprieve from the trials and tribulations that had plagued me for so long.
But deep down, I knew that this was no mere stroke of luck. It was a testament to the power of hope and perseverance, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to guide us home. As I sank into the comfort of my own home, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I would face them with newfound strength and resilience, ready to embrace whatever the future held in store.
I worked hard on this character to flush her out as she is one of my comical reliefs.