The Unlikely Duet

Foreword: There are so many great recent anime crossovers out there. I should try writing my own... Oh, I didn't see you there. Hello, good day, (insert appropriate greeting here), I'm Mayflower Productions, introducing my latest creation. For those who know me, it's been a while, huh? And to those who don't, how's it going, I am a fanfic author you may or may not have heard of. Unlikely Duet (working title probably) is my attempt at combining two superficially different yet surprisingly similar franchises. The chapters won't be long, likely to focus on the unlikely duet (No way! I name-dropped the story!), and may seem experimental. I wouldn't call myself an expert at this style or a Bocchi the Rock aficionado, but you can never know until you try! Thank you for giving the story a read and to everyone on Spacebattles for giving me some initial ideas. And now for the main event, Unlikely Duet Chapter 1: A mere fluke!

Unlikely Duet- line break, "What's inside here?"- 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 1: A mere fluke

[Hachiman POV]

"..."

"..." I gawked, unable to enunciate any thoughts. Some may claim my eyes were rotten and perhaps creepy (read: my sister), but they at least worked. Despite all my sleepless nights... some from crying... I could trust my eyesight. It wasn't trying to fool me or attempting a poor joke... This was, unfortunately, my reality...

Before I continue, I may as well introduce myself. Listening to all of a stranger's worries probably won't mean much... I learned that the hard way after... That's enough over-sharing on my part. My traumatic past isn't a Public Domain entity, but copyright material. No one can profit from it except me!... I mean, it will never be shared under any circumstance.

Regardless of meaningless technicalities, I'm the loner extraordinaire and unassuming third-year middle school student, Hikigaya Hachiman, at your service... Appearance? I have black hair, highly serious (read: dead fish) eyes, and a moderately handsome face. I wasn't some physical marvel, and was rather ordinary, easily blending into any crowd. Without my distinctive eyes, I would struggle to identify myself in old class photos.

My hobbies? Light novels, the heavenly Georgia Max Coffee, and my little- Chiba-related trivia. Dislikes? Tomatoes, crowds, and social hierarchy... the mere thought of groveling to others to have any semblance of popularity sickens me. What happened to the idea of trying your best? You can struggle for years until finally grasping a lead, which... only leads to nowhere.

Got it?... No?... Well, that's not important. Maybe we'll continue talking about me later. Now for more important matters...

"..."

"..." Explaining the metaphorical train derailment: black and blue, with everyone's vocal cords battered and bruised.

[Flashback]

It was just another day. The birds were singing, the sun shined, and I lazily pedaled my bike to school. I eventually entered the classroom, taking my seat while avoiding eye contact with her. After last year's fiasco, I wasn't enthusiastic about sharing the same homeroom... One's dream morphed into another's nightmare. My reputation also wasn't the best, so I sought to minimize my presence. The less attention sent my way, the better.

Fast forward through some uneventful lessons, and it's now the lunch break. Acting on my earlier non-interventionist stance, I started leaving the classroom, not sparing it a second glance... to preserve my physical and mental well-being. My food wouldn't sit well seeing her laughing face, after all... the memories alone might shatter me into a million pieces.

"And now for this week's recommendation..." While moving ever closer to the door, I heard the usual afternoon routine blaring overhead. For some reason, the previous Student Council campaigned to increase student engagement. Something, something, "We're all one big happy family, so let's live our youths to the fullest! Don't feel afraid to be yourself!" Empty platitude, after empty platitude. I don't know why they did it, since the election was hardly competitive. They only had token opposition, so the race was theirs to win. They probably should've made no campaign promises... Especially when a younger Hikigaya Hachiman once proudly dedicated a song to... No! I can feel my heart aching from the thought!...

The Student Council, tapping into their immense wisdom (read: poorly misguided judgment), somehow convinced the school's administration to let them use the intercom once every week. During that time, they would play music, usually screened before, requested by the student body. Why was this a bad idea?

"We have Class 3-1's Gotoh Hitori... Ah!" Music tastes were not universal. Some liked trendy pop, others calming game soundtracks, and a third group expressive death metal. How is that a problem? Didn't the Student Council want to encourage self-expression? How could that possibly backfire? Well, it's as they say: the road to hell is paved with good intentions. As such, sharing your favorite music was the perfect way to crater your social standing, if it wasn't inoffensive or you lacked the relationship capital to tank the hit.

"..." Case in point, my homeroom: Class 3-1. While at the door, I turned slightly and saw a sea of blank expressions. Thankfully for this "Gotoh Hitori," no one seemed to be looking in any one direction. If they wanted to, they could leave the classroom before anyone realized who they...

"Whoosh!" Were... Without warning, I felt a gust of wind blow past me. Caught off-guard, it was hard to tell what it was, but... It looked vaguely pink. Did someone open a window and let some cherry blossoms fall inside?... That doesn't make sense, the season has already passed. Whatever that rose-colored blur was, it's not my problem. I have more important things to worry about, like enjoying a peaceful meal!

[Flashback End]

"..."

"..." Looking back at the situation, I should have known better... nothing can happen in isolation. Abruptly finishing my recollection, I walked to my usual domain: a set of secluded stairs behind the school. The weather was nice, and the place was quiet, so I didn't mind being outside. Even if it was raining, I might consider coming here since it was way better than being around her in the classroom. I'd trade my health for my sanity any day!... Please don't take my statement at face value...

While sitting down to eat my lunch, I noticed something odd... I had company.

"..."

"..." Anxious blue eyes met confused black eyes. The latter was, of course, myself, but the former... She was a girl with long and somewhat disheveled pink hair, wearing the school's uniform, and looked moments away from disappearing, her skin, sickly pale. Aside from her hair's striking color, she didn't have much of a presence; one which rivaled my own, boosted by the likes of Stealth Hikki, my trademark Loner Skill. After all, the school year was halfway done and I never remembered seeing her before today. I don't mean to brag, but my memory is no laughing matter. If pressed, I could recall multiple times I acted foolishly because of-... See? I almost humiliated myself without even thinking!

"..." This left the massive open question: where to go from here?

"..." While our staring contest is impressive, it likely can't last forever for numerous reasons. One: human biology, but that's no fun... and not because my science scores are abysmal. Two: my pink-haired classmate, Gotoh Hitori, was on the verge of tears. For what reasons... Maybe my rotten eyes?... An explanation is just beyond me. Her uncertain state forced me to speak up first. The loner with pitiful social skills has to initiate a conversation... Great, how fun.

"Uh, Gotoh-san?... About what happened earlier," I started, my delivery clunky, and confidence wavering. It wasn't a great start and could've been smoother, lacking the awkward pause. However, it was okay, considering my previous experience. I didn't interact with others much after my "romantic" misadventures. Aside from family, I was virtually silent, not wanting to relapse back into a naive idiot.

"..." The so-called Gotoh-san remained silent, but seemed receptive, turning slightly to face me. She still looked nervous and a few steps from fainting, but was no longer in imminent distress... Okay Hachiman, your next statement is vital. If you mess up... You know what, there's no point in thinking about such hypotheticals. I never mess up...

"..." I exhaled, psyching myself up.

"?" She waited in bated breath, her skin regaining some complexion.

"Don't mind?" I continued, my lips curving into a weak (read: empty) grin.

"Guh!... It's so over, Guitar Man... Guitarhero has fallen... Hitori must perish..." Gotoh-san made a troubled face which resembled a tragic painting, before doubling over in defeat. I didn't defuse the situation but detonated it... Why am I not surprised?

"Is my life just some cruel joke?" I sighed while looking above, seeing not a cloud in sight. We were (supposedly) living our golden years of youth, a time one eventually looks back on fondly. Yet instead of frolicking with wildlife or studying until exhaustion... Positive social connotations of youth don't jibe with Hikigaya Hachiman... We were either disappointed or... I don't know how to describe what Gotoh-san is doing. Is she in a trance? A distorted monologue? Something else?...

In any case, our day wasn't one to remember, but...

A mere fluke, if anything.

Unlikely Duet

[Hitori POV]

"..."

"..." After a decade-plus of playing Musical Chairs, surprisingly making it through round after round, my luck finally ran out. The game ended, and I lost. Considering who I was, this outcome wasn't shocking. If anything, some might say that it took longer than expected... I would have liked to reach high school, but what can you do? Nothing's guaranteed in life: whether success, popularity, or... friends...

[Hitori-vision]

"Don't look so glum, Hitori-chan! You're not down for the count!" A floating guitar with wings explained, their smiling face a ray of hope for me. Guitar Man, you unsung hero: looking out for someone lower than a water flea... I'm too blessed to have people like you in my life... That's why I'm glad, you're the last to see me go...

"Stay with me, Hitori-chan! Now's not the time to lose yourself! Give an introduction!" Guitar Man stressed, quickly gaining my attention.

"Why should I do that, Guitar Man? You already know who I am." I questioned, confused by his suggestion. As my rare supporter, he knew everything about me, rendering my introduction unnecessary... It's not like I had much to share regardless... But if they insisted, I could oblige their request. It was rare for someone to ask me... To do much of anything, except to occasionally go outside...

[Hitori-vision]

"..."

"..." I snapped back to reality, facing the same grim outcome. Nothing was changing soon, so a brief epilogue wouldn't hurt. It would be a last-minute addition to my unremarkable tale... which no one would stay to watch anyway.

Where was I?... I am the resoundingly insignificant third-year middle school student Gotoh Hitori by day. However, once the sun sets... or when I'm in my room... I assume my alter ego of the rising Oh!Tube star, guitarhero... who has a few thousand subscribers, you know? That amounts to something, right? These last three years haven't been a waste, right?... Right?

After watching a life-changing interview two years ago, I dedicated myself to the Art of Guitar. My intentions were not necessarily pure, since I mostly played to... You know, I probably shouldn't smear myself right at the end. Ignoring my motives, my musical skills grew, and with it, my online persona. I wouldn't call myself talented, that would be an insult to the truly skilled, but I could at least read sheet music now. My videos are not completely unwatchable anymore too. That's an improvement!... All the English wasn't just to confuse me: A, B, and C meant something.

Physical appearance?... Pitiful is what I want to say, but... My mom says my hair looks nice with its long length, reaching my back, and rich pink color, emblematic that... geh... I would use more descriptive adjectives, but... geh... I could feel myself recoil at trying to overvalue myself... you're less than a water flea, Hitori, don't get the wrong idea... Poor mom, she's none the wiser about her eldest daughter. My hair only grew long because I thought it would look cool when I became famous and was afraid of visiting a salon... What would happen if I looked at someone the wrong way? They might add an extra charge for my poor attitude!

Likes?... Guitar, rock music, and... guitar?... No?... Video editing, I guess? Stitching together my playing into palatable content was part of the guitarhero experience. It was initially time-consuming, but I've grown used to it, especially since I could be alone... away from prying eyes like social media, which may awaken the attention whore monster lurking within me...

Dislikes?... Working, conversations, or situations that could bring out my worst self. The first because customer service was horrifying, the second since... speaking my mind was easier said than done, and the third... I wasn't keen on having my story end prematurely...

"..."

"..." Yet the jig was up, and I was exposed. My simple hope of making a name for myself failed spectacularly. If guitarhero was so successful, maybe it could help me, boring Gotoh Hitori? Thus, I shared a metal song I thought about playing on the channel. In my head it was the perfect plan, the music's sheer emotion would move my classmates and raise my social stock, but in reality... My classmates showed no reaction, presumably hating the song. I couldn't withstand the criticism, and ran out, never looking back.

My emotions clouded my better judgment as I aimlessly wandered the school. Being in poor shape, I got tired and stopped at a staircase behind the school. It wasn't my first choice to hide; I preferred hiding underneath a different set of stairs inside, but the spot was close enough... Big mistake, Hitori. First, you sullied everyone's ears and then you trespassed... Your end was all but guaranteed.

"..." Secretly glancing to my side, I met my judge, jury, and executioner: sharp onyx eyes, black hair, and a neutral expression. It was a face I knew well since we were seatmates this year... and last... and the year before that. In my quest to become a party animal, they were my closest ally... being the only person I've spoken to at school. Our exchanges were brief, always at the start of each year, but meaningful. Two years ago, I bowed and muttered a greeting, last year, I whispered while looking at my desk, and this year, I said my name while mostly maintaining eye contact... We're on a rally, buy now! Hitori's stock will reach the moon!... until it collapses.

"Uh... Gotoh-san? About what happened earlier..." They explained, breaking the long silence between us... If it's them, I may have a chance. Making such an assumption could be wrong, but... we might be somewhat alike. I never noticed them speaking outside lessons, usually reading a light novel to pass the time. They may show pity on someone as undeserving as me. Gotoh Hitori's story may go on!

"..." Feeling energized, I faced my classmate, the ghost of a smile on my face.

"Don't mind?" Those two words instantly smothered my hope... There truly was no salvation for me...

"Guh!..." I coughed, feeling my life force slowly drain from me. My systems gradually shut down, forcing more processes... to cease working...

HITORI has stopped responding; contact Guitar Man to restore.

[Hitori-vision]

"Hitori-chan!"

"It's so over, Guitar Man..."

"Don't close your eyes, Hitori-chan! What about your dreams? You wanted to become popular and a woman who ruled the stage!"

"Guitarhero has fallen..."

"Hitori-chan, don't do this!"

"Hitori must perish..."

"Hitori-chan, no!"

[Hitori-vision]

"Is my life some cruel joke?" While the final warnings ceased, I heard their distant voice with its prophetic message... You're too right... too right...

Heh. As expected, Hikigaya Hachiman's never one to pull punches... not even for someone lower than a water flea.

Unlikely Duet

Author's Note: How was the chapter? I thought it was interesting, but what about you? Please leave your thoughts in a review so I can improve my writing and storytelling. Follow, favorite, and share the story if you liked it... Maybe I can make you an unlikely fan for an unlikely duet... heh, heh, heh... I have some good news, the next chapter is already done on Spacebattles (search for Mayflower Productions on the site) and will be here next week... I also have some bad news, but I'll save it for another time... It definitely isn't related to my inconsistent workflow. This story has previews so don't click off too soon, they're my thing. Long-time readers may recognize a certain phrase a character uses in it too. 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:

Hitori: "Today's when I finally take that next step forward! Guitarhero's world debut is upon us!"

Hachiman: "Today's going to be like any other day: uneventful and peaceful, just as expected."

Hitori: "And nothing!-"

Hachiman: "Can possibly-"

Hitori/Hachiman: "Stop that."

Crash!

Hitori: "Oh no."

Hachiman: "..."

Hitori: "N-next time on U-unlikely Duet... Am I doing this right, Hikigaya-san? I wouldn't want everything ruined because of my pitiful commentary... let alone get yelled at."

Hachiman: "You're doing fine, Gotoh-san. Besides, I've had worse co-stars before... Far worse..."

Hitori: "I-if it's not too much to ask, Hikigaya-san. Who are you talking about? Isn't this the story's first preview?"

Hachiman: "Yeah, this story's, you don't know about the others... An infinite expanse of catastrophes and never-ending memories."

Hitori: "Hikigaya-san?"

Hachiman: "Don't worry about me, Gotoh-san, I was just thinking aloud. In any case, on with the show!"

Hitori/Hachiman: "Next time on Unlikely Duet- Chapter 2: Second Impact."

Hachiman: "See? It wasn't too hard, Gotoh-san. Given enough time, you'll become a pro at it."

Hitori: "Really?"

Hachiman: "No, but perhaps once I figure out what you dropped when-"

Hitori: "Oh, okay... I'll just go over there and finally snuff out this miserable..."

Hachiman: "Don't do that, Gotoh-san. I was joking, just another instance of my trademark sarcasm."

Hitori: "Guh!..."

Hachiman: "Gotoh-san?"

Hitori: "..."

Hachiman: "Did she faint?"

Hitori: "...Look, Guitar Man! This is when I first visited the convenience store alone. Over here is when I talked to no one during a school trip!"

Hachiman: "She fainted... how fun. This is going to be quite the story... such misfortune..."

Chapter End