The Unlikely Duet
Foreword: There comes a time in everyone's life when apologies won't cut it, but... I am so sorry that this chapter has taken a long time to finish! I was sick for a week, and agonized over each sentence, wanting the ideas to flow as smoothly as my thoughts. However, that's all in the past. The only thing that matters is the present. Hopefully, this installment was worth the wait. Thanks for the support too, especially to those who answered my poll. It's still on my profile, you know~? In any case, we've arrived: summer vacation's last stop, Unlikely Duet Chapter 6: Hidden in plain sight.
Unlikely Duet- line break, "I'm not a fan of cultural festivals."- 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 6: Hidden in plain sight
[Hachiman POV]
"Why is this happening?" I muttered, staring at the calendar hanging on the wall. Summer vacation was almost over; a few days separated paradise and school. I couldn't believe it. What have I been doing all this time?... That grueling school project. Hold on, it wasn't done yet. I don't want to finish that project! It might take all my remaining time to answer those academic questions, print the photos, arrange them into the social side, etc, etc...
[Flashback]
"..." She stood up and walked over one of the sealed closets, retrieving her project packet. She then returned, opened the packet, and looked ready to work... It wasn't hard to miss her melancholic expression though. Her eerie but good-natured decorations weren't just for show. She truly wanted to have some fun. I shouldn't humor her, as I'll have countless sleepless nights if we waste today...
[Flashback End]
I can't believe Past Hachiman! He knew this would happen, but threw me to the wayside anyway!
"I want another two months..." I droned, lowering my head, defeated.
"Well, you reap what you sow, gomi-chan." My younger sister, Komachi, commented, disregarding my dilemma.
"I'll have you know that-"
"Who was the one humoring Hitori-san's whims? Initiating the faithful first encounter, inviting her to a newly opened amusement park, bringing her here, and visiting her house?"
"Given a few seconds, I could easily dispel those claims..."
"I don't think it was me. You couldn't seriously blame Hitori-san either."
"Technically, you are correct, but-"
"That only leaves one person. You, onii-chan." She pointed at me, her expression unusually serious.
"Me?"
"Yes, you. Now you have to take responsibility for your actions."
"Responsibility? Where did that come from?"
"It's a matter of principle, gomi-chan!"
"I could just call Gotoh-san and ask for her help."
"No! Don't you dare, onii-chan!" Komachi exclaimed, leaning in closer to emphasize her words.
"Why?"
"Don't do it, Komachi Orders!"
"Komachi Orders?"
"Yes, if you call her now, you'll lose a million Komachi points." She threatened.
"A million? Is that even possible?"
"Do you want to test that theory?"
"...No. I'll listen to you, Komachi. The latter's not worth the effort." I sighed, accepting my defeat.
"Great! Now less talking, more writing." My sister handed me a stack of papers... The school project.
"Aye, aye, captain." I lazily saluted, accepting her "gift" and returning to my room... Of all the ways to end my vacation... I didn't think I would be blackmailed into doing my homework.
"That's Admiral Komachi to you."
"Whatever you say... How troublesome." I grumbled, not looking forward to these next few days... It's all in a day's work for the eternal fall guy: Hikigaya Hachiman. I guess some things never change.
Unlikely Duet
[Hitori POV]
"Now for my next video's script..."
"Hey, Onee-chan?"
"This needs to be a 10/10 work..."
"Hey, Onee-chan?"
"If I don't focus, it will..."
"Hey, Onee-chan? Where's Haa-chan? Is he coming over again? Haa-chan's interesting, Onee-chan. You never bring anyone home."
"..."
"Hey, Jimihen, do you think Onee-chan paid Haa-chan off?"
"Arf, arf!"
"That's so true, Jimihen!"
"..." Unable to take it anymore, I struck.
"Slam!"
"...She locked us out, Jimihen. Onee-chan's no fun, isn't she?"
"Arf, arf!"
"Let's go play outside and touch grass Jimihen!"
"Arf, arf!"
"..." Finally hearing their voices quieting, I sighed in relief. I then glanced around the room, confirming that the coast was clear. Once done, I turned on my phone, looking at my latest LOINE messages.
New Conversation
OK: "Here's the cafe address, Gotoh-san! Don't forget about our plans today!"
Hitori: "I shall strive to make great haste in abiding by your directions."
OK: "You don't need to do that much, Gotoh-san. It's just a casual meeting between friends."
Hitori: "I don't know you, OK-san. You are a stranger."
OK: "Like I said, it's all a giant misunderstanding. Once today's over, you'll realize the truth, Gotoh-san!"
I could understand the Unlikely Duo, but this New Conversation doesn't make sense. What motive does OK-san have for meeting with me? She says we know each other, but I don't believe her. My memory's pretty good actually! I can recite every negative comment guitarhero's got nearly verbatim!... They drove me to improve, and not look like a complete poser... Even though I only started playing to become popular... and make friends.
Regardless, I had to learn the truth about OK-san. Her sudden offer gave me the perfect opportunity. I want to think I've improved over the summer. All those events have pushed my social skills to another level. I'll prove that today's Hitori isn't the same as last month's. Walking to this cafe, ordering a drink, and returning home shouldn't be a problem!
[Hitori-vision]
"Hitori-chan, are you sure? That's an ambitious goal you've set."
"Don't worry, Guitar Man. I've got this! I'm fired up today!"
"Oh, okay. If you say so... This won't end well."
[Hitori-vision]
"With my trusty tracksuit, nothing can go wrong!" I slid open my bedroom door, my eyes brimming with optimism.
"..."
"With my tracksuit..."
"..."
"Tracksuit..."
"..." I slid my bedroom door closed; my original plan was rejected.
"...With my school uniform, nothing bad will happen." I then reopened my bedroom door, my eyes lifeless.
"I hope you have a great day, Hitori-chan~!" My mom waved at me as I left the house.
"Yeah... I hope so too." I could only half-heartedly return the gesture... Today wasn't the best start. It's not like things can get worse, though, right?
Unlikely Duet
"...T-things got worse." I heaved, desperately struggling to catch my breath. What confidence I had leaving the house, instantly evaporated under the summer sun. The crowds... they were everywhere. I wanted to curl into a ball to avoid their gaze, but I couldn't. There was nowhere to hide, I had places to be, and... Strangers to supposedly meet.
Despite my difficulties, I arrived on time, standing outside the cafe's entrance. Now, the main issue is how I walk inside. Confidently strutting: as if I were a main character, or an influencer flaunting their online status? Quietly shuffling inside, wanting to generate a minimal presence, bothering no one else? Do I say something?... Yo, yo, yo? How are we feeling today, chat? Gotoh Hitori is in the building, people!... I shouldn't say anything.
"Buzz!" I felt my pocket vibrate. It must be my phone. Who could be messaging me now?
New Conversation
OK: "I can see you from the window, Gotoh-san. Come inside! I don't bite!"
I looked up from my phone and saw a familiar face. She had the same wavy brown hair and wide smile but wore a pair of black sunglasses and a white baseball cap. It was the girl from the amusement park. She took the photo that lined my walls... lined: past tense. My mother forced me to take down everything after last week, letting me only keep one copy. She said they hurt her eyes. I don't necessarily completely agree with her decision though... I liked that photo. It is the only one I have with a classmate... let alone a friend.
"..." I thought about stalling out the inevitable, or even turning around. I had already tried my best today, why break all of these Personal Bests? If you set the bar too high, you might not clear it, or get hurt trying. I'd rather avoid getting hurt. That might impact my guitarhero videos. I wouldn't want to disappoint everyone...
"Hey, Gotoh-san!"
"Good afternoon, OK-san." Then why? Why did I ignore the warning signs, walk inside, and meet the stranger at her table? Gotoh Hitori, what are we doing?!
"Heh, heh, heh." She chuckled as I took my seat.
"W-what is so funny?"
"Now for the grand reveal!" She exclaimed. Moments later, she removed her hat and sunglasses. Underneath the disguise was, "That's right, Gotoh-san! I was Orimoto Kaori the entire time!" She beamed, seemingly proud of her words.
"..."
"Shocked, are we? I'm not surprised you feel that way. My presence sometimes does that to people."
"I d-don't get it, OK-san. Where was the punchline? Were you telling a joke?" I replied, confused by her dramatics.
"I'm Orimoto Kaori, Gotoh-san."
"Y-yes, and I am Gotoh Hitori. A name is just a collection of sounds without context."
"We've been in the same class for three years, Gotoh-san. Some even call me popular."
"..."
[Flashback]
"It's fine... One day I'll get there... one day..." He insisted, his gaze still elsewhere... Isn't that the popular girl? I forgot her name since guitarhero was my entire life. I have never spoken to most of my classmates... scratch that, all but one, because of it...
[Flashback End]
"I know that look, Gotoh-san! My name means something to you!" OK, or should I say, Orimoto-san, commented, noticing my brow slightly twitching. There was a girl who resembled the person I was talking to. Unfortunately, her name was lost to the sands of time... and not that I was too anxious to remember it.
"In any case, w-what did you want, Orimoto-san? Don't play me for a fool."
"A fool? Why would I ever think that? You're more than meets the eye, Gotoh-san."
"How so?"
"There's your suggestion from last month."
"Huh?"
[Flashback]
"Now for this week's recommendation from Class 3-3's Gotoh Hitori..."
"Ah!"
[Flashback End]
"..." I stood silent, the memory making my blood run cold.
"I never thought the unassuming Gotoh-san liked such bold music."
"..."
"And then there was your notebook mix-up a week later. You must be quite the diligent student, Gotoh-san."
[Flashback]
"..." Open my bag, and review...
"..." Open my bag, and review...
"?" My amazing strategy... that isn't there.
"..." My gaze immediately froze solid, unable to believe what I was seeing...
"It's over... Guitarhero has fallen. Hitori must perish..."
[Flashback End]
"Orimoto-san, why are you bringing these events up?"
"You can't forget about the following week. Everyone was only talking about our boring project, but you, Gotoh-san. What you did was something special!"
"C-can we please stop treating my life like-"
[Flashback]
"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!"
"Y-yes?"
"Could you please go out with me!... in working on this project."
"I'm not ready for that kind of commitment!"
[Flashback End]
"A convenient clip show..."
"You treated that project like it was a job interview. You were incredible!"
"We met behind the school... How do you even know about our exchange?"
"Then there was the penultimate amusement park visit. I didn't have plans that day and was planning just to kill time. However, I ran into you, Gotoh-san, and as expected, you continued to deliver."
[Flashback]
"Would you two care for a picture?"
"A photo? Hikigaya-san, can you believe it? My gameplay was so impressive she wants to commemorate it...heh, heh, heh..."
"Yeah, it almost sounds too good to be true."
[Flashback End]
"I never thought you'd be so skilled at that game, Gotoh-san. I had never seen a score so high. You looked like a genius there!"
"Really? I guess my playing must have something special." I giggled, my inner attention monster lapping up the praise.
"There's probably more you've done since then, right, Gotoh-san? It feels like someone like you is always doing something."
[Flashback]
"Read the room, onii-chan!" Komachi highlighted, pointing at her brother.
"..." I nodded, silently supporting her claim.
"U-uh, well you see..."
"No one cares about that project right now!"
"Ko-ma-chi!... Ko-ma-chi!... Ko-ma-chi!"
...
"...I guess a short delay wouldn't hurt."
"H-Hikigaya-san, you don't mean?... the dream isn't dead."
"We can "live it up" and unwind however you planned, Gotoh-san."
"Really?"
"...Yes."
"Then wait one second! DJ Hitori will set the stage!"
[Flashback End]
"There was something, huh, Gotoh-san? You're always full of surprises." Orimoto-san explained, somehow reading my mind.
"..." I suddenly raised my hand, attempting the impossible... calling for a restaurant employee. We're delving into uncharted waters now. However, as they say, desperate times call for desperate measures. Besides, I wanted to test myself and order a drink. This isn't running away from the problem. I'm just tackling another front.
"Gotoh-san? What are you doing?"
"Drowning my sorrows in caffeine."
"Gotoh-san..." Orimoto-san sheepishly glanced at me, her earlier teasing mood gone.
"Huh?"
"This store isn't old-fashioned. Everything's digital these days." She pointed down at our table, a tablet lying between us.
"Oh." I lowered my hand, emotionally deflating, my newfound shame threatening to leak out... Of course, nothing would go to plan. Everything's already online, so why wouldn't cafes be too?... This comes from the same person whose entire existence stems from an online hobby. Heh, heh, heh. Look at me, good ol' Hitori-chan made another mistake. I'm such a klutz, teehee~!... It still doesn't work.
"If you don't know how to use it, I can help, Gotoh-san."
"I-it's fine, I've seen these tablets at family restaurants before." I grabbed the device and scrolled through various beverages... Venti? Espresso? Macchiato? Cold foam? Oak milk? What do all of these words mean? Which one is a coffee? Why would I want to drink a tree?
"Gotoh-san, it's "Oat" not "Oak" milk. They don't sell drinks made with oak tree sap... at least not yet." Orimoto chimed, glancing down at the tablet I held.
"R-really? What if it's just reverse clickbait, and the cafe deceives its customers? They list something so impossible that it gets people in the door. Everyone thinks there's no way and calls their bluff, when the cafe was serious the entire time."
"I don't think the cafe can dupe customers like that, Gotoh-san. It would probably be illegal."
"Oh." I glanced at the floor, slightly embarrassed by my harebrained conspiracy... Spending so much time reading through guitarhero comments on Oh!Tube might be messing with my brain.
"Besides, I've never heard anyone use "reverse clickbait" IRL before! You're so hilarious, Gotoh-san!" She laughed, reacting positively to my awkward mistake.
"..." I thought about smiling or echoing her laughter but hesitated. She wasn't leading me around, right? My Seishun complex flared up around Orimoto-san. It wasn't necessarily critical, but it was far above background noise. She seemed to be as popular as she claimed, using social skills far beyond my understanding. Her actions and words almost had a subtle gravity, which unwittingly gained your attention... I wonder how Hikigaya-san would react here?
"For all the people to bring up... It had to be him..." Orimoto-san sighed, wistfully gazing out the cafe's window. Her lips formed a thin line, and her brown eyes dulled, losing some of their luster.
"D-Did I say something wrong? If so, just tell me, and I'll never make that mistake again... Unless it was so egregious that I had to leave. I could also oblige that request immediately... B-but if my blunder necessitates monetary compensation, that may be an issue. I don't have too much money on me right-" I started rambling, unsure how to react to a subdued Orimoto Kaori. My anxiety at the silence spiked, and I desperately tried to clear this uncomfortable atmosphere... Especially when it reminded me of...
[Flashback]
"D-do you not enjoy your current life, Hikigaya-san?"
"..."
[Flashback End]
"Woah, woah, let's slow down here! It's nothing you did, Gotoh-san. I was just thinking about a ghost that won't pass on." Orimoto-san waved at me to calm down, before explaining her thoughts.
"A ghost?"
"Yeah... It's just standard summer fare. You can't help but think of spooky forests and taking Tests of Courage with your friends."
"..."
"Are you scared of ghosts, Gotoh-san?"
"N-no, I was reminded of something worse... being around tons of people waiting to enter a Test of Courage... How horrifying."
"Not the biggest fan of crowds, are we?... Like a certain someone."
"If I psych myself up a lot, I can handle them... Otherwise, it's miserable."
"..." Orimoto-san stared at me, and then took out her phone, glancing at something on there.
"Hey, Gotoh-san, are you doing anything later today?"
"No, my day is completely free!... Why are you asking?"
"I know a way to end your misunderstanding about me quickly."
"H-how?" I questioned.
"An excursion." She smiled, yet her gesture didn't soothe me... All sorts of warning bells blared in my head. I shouldn't accept her offer. It would be an awful idea, but...
"Okay." I instantly replied, without a second thought... Lacking the nerve to decline, and not wanting the day to end. I had so much more to prove and not that... I was worried about not leaving my room again if I returned home. Thanks, anxiety!... No problem, Hitori!
Little did I know, I wouldn't regret my impulsiveness... completely.
Unlikely Duet
Whisked away by Orimoto-san's popular girl energy, I didn't realize where we were going until it was too late. The sights, smells, and sounds around me almost amounted to a sensory overload. There was so much going on that I could barely process it.
A festival. Orimoto-san had dragged me to a summer festival. I didn't think there'd be one today, but it was just that season... My refraining from spending time outside probably didn't help my judgment.
I glanced at my phone to check the time and any pending messages. I had been out for a while, so my parents must be... Oh. No messages from them, huh? What about-...
While thinking about the other group message, my phone suddenly turned off. Tch, the phone's starting to show its age. I should probably buy a new one soon... But then I would have to go shopping... I can accept the performance drop then. Thanks to my dinosaur device, I saw my reflection on the screen, and it wasn't the usual Gotoh Hitori.
"..." My favorite hair tie wasn't in its usual place to the side but behind my head. Without warning, Orimoto-san had changed my entire hairstyle... no, identity. She tied my hair into a high ponytail and parted my bangs with clips. Sure it was now easier to see, but the change had its faults. The person on the screen didn't resonate with me, despite us being the same person.
It was kind of like the guitarhero paradox, a sort of Imposter Syndrome. How could someone so cool-looking be such a social mess? If it wasn't for Hikigaya-san, my entire summer-no, year could have been a disaster. He triggered the events that gained Orimoto-san's attention and helped me take those first steps to socialize. I wonder what he's doing right now?
I stood up and shook off my thoughts. There was no point in thinking about them. My main priority should be to leave or at least try to find an exit. After messing with my hair, Orimoto-san disappeared, leaving me alone. Normally I would be a nervous wreck in this scenario, but not today. Thanks to Orimoto-san's sudden gesture, I wasn't the average Gotoh Hitori anymore. In her place was the Guitar Heroine! She could do anything! Navigating a crowded festival would be a cinch for her!
Unlikely Duet
I think I know why everyone says not to meet your heroes. Faced with such daunting conditions, the Guitar Heroine was powerless to overcome them. My inflated self-confidence gradually lost steam as the crowds grew larger. Their near-endless size put everything in perspective. A housecat could paint stripes on its back, puff up its fur to appear larger and practice its roar, but it would never be a tiger. Where was my analogy going? Probably a familiar direction: any Gotoh Hitori, guitarhero or otherwise, would be hopeless in social settings.
I was wavering on the verge of collapse: not necessarily physical, but mental. The festival's many stalls, while charming and engaging to others, only felt like a vice tightening its grip around me. The smells of different foods being sold and decorative lights strewn across the walkways assaulted my senses. At the same time, the waves of people continued passing through, forcing me to move. I would have said something in protest, but, surprise!... The words refuse to come from my mouth. After all, what right did I have to impose on others? This was supposed to be a festive day. I couldn't spoil the mood. Even though... this constricting feeling... isn't great...
"..." I squeezed my way out of the main path. By staying any longer, I might have popped like a balloon. Once free, I searched for a place to catch my breath. In the distance was a bench behind a set of stalls. No one was heading that way, so the place must be quiet... just what I needed. Aren't I lucky, Guitar Man?
Once there, I sat down and took out my phone. As expected, there wasn't any cell service... something, something, congestion. I could only stare at the LOINE chat I tried opening earlier.
UNLIKELY DUO
The phrase sat idle on the screen with an endless buffering icon underneath. My phone showed I had a new message that I couldn't read. What was it? Did he finally have enough of me, and wanted to end things? What mistake did I make this time? I haven't been the most enthusiastic student... He kept trying to keep us focused, but I ignored him. Summer vacation was almost over. Did we finish the project? Is he trying to tell me we won't make it in time?... The thoughts bubbled in my mind, unable to disprove any theories.
"..." I exhaled, clearing my head. I couldn't cheerfully smile like Komachi or Orimoto-san, but I had to do something constructive. Chasing after shadows or falling into an endless spiral wouldn't solve anything. I had to remain cool and collected... just like...
"..." I heard soft snoring to my side.
"!" Turning slightly, I flinched in shock. The bench looked empty, but I had company: a black-haired boy with a book over his head. The festival must have tired him out... probably. Many things tire me out, most, socially related, but that's beside the point.
Realizing my error, I stood up to leave. However, something about my bench buddy caught my eye: the book on them. It was a light novel. That might mean nothing by itself, but the title looked familiar. I had seen it somewhere before... My seatmate always had that book during school breaks, reading it to pass the time... The same classmate who...
"?" The pieces suddenly fell into place. Detective Gotoh knows everything now! I wasn't with a stranger, but my project partner, Hikigaya-san!
What was he doing here? Is it related to that LOINE notification? Am I truly being thrown to the wayside? Should I start writing my academic will now? If he got rid of me, my failing the year was all but guaranteed!...
"..." I sat down, decompressing and channeling my inner zen. I was a sagely Hitori... Hitori the Sage, you could say.
"Boom!" While temporarily distracted, there was a flash of light into a burst of color and sound... Oh. Fireworks...
I didn't hate them, but they sometimes messed up my uploads this time of year. I started wearing headphones and contemplated soundproofing my studio (read: closet) to address the issue.
However, I wasn't guitarhero today, but Gotoh Hitori, so I enjoyed the spectacle.
"Boom!" There were various styles, colors, and intensities shooting into the sky. I wasn't a firework aficionado, but none of the designs particularly spoke to me. Maybe it was just an acquired taste. Perhaps by the time I became famous, I could appreciate tons of fireworks as they set the backdrop for my shows... with raving crowds... heh, heh, heh... and maybe at least one friend among them.
"..." Hikigaya-san seemingly shared my indifference, as he continued sleeping, leaning slightly to the side... towards me.
"Boom!" Another firework ignited, but unlike the others, it caught my attention.
"Wow! A guitar!" I rose from the bench, amazed by the sight. Maybe I should take a photo? This might make good guitarhero content... Sorry about the late video, everyone. Too busy hanging out with friends and making summer memories~!... Hmm... it could work.
"...Ngh." My sudden gesture had unintended consequences as Hikigaya-san leaned too far, lost his balance, and hit the bench seat.
"I'm so sorry... so sorry... so sorry..." I repeatedly bowed to the sleeping student and fretted about my unforced error. What should I do? How liable am I to his injuries? Will he take the guitarhero channel in the lawsuit? How much would I take to cover up everything?... These are the wrong topics to worry about!
"...Ngh." He stirred, quietly groaning, but showed no signs of waking up.
"..." Feeling partially responsible for disturbing him, I lifted Hikigaya-san back upright and sat down. The fireworks weren't over, and I wanted to avoid the crowds roaming the festival.
"..." Hikigaya-san leaned over again, landing on my shoulder.
"Unexpectedly high maintenance, aren't we?" I wryly smiled, lacking the willpower to move him again, and heartened by the sight. After relying on him most of the summer, the reverse had finally happened. Knowingly or unknowingly I was useful and a helpful presence... This feels... nice.
"Boom!" Watching the last fireworks light up the night, I felt a sense of closure. This summer might not have been perfect, and I had made numerous mistakes, but... It was worth it. Today might be the closest I've ever been to reaching my dream...
And to think it was all hidden in plain sight.
Unlikely Duet
UNLIKELY DUO
Hachiman: "Sorry to bother you, Gotoh-san, but I've finished the project. I'll send you the finished packet later since my sister's forcing me out of the house."
Author's Note: The end. Summer's over, and with it, the second arc. We've had a lot of fun these last few weeks: carousels, arcade cabinets, house visits, and festivals. If there was only one event to add... It would have been the beach. Does that mean an extra chapter is next? No. I have a bad habit of interrupting the main storyline with never-ending side stories. That won't happen here, though! Our next stop is middle school!... again. Or at least what's left of it. If you have any thoughts or future ideas, write a review. I like reading them, and they make writing chapters slightly easier. Considering my pace, that percentage could make all the difference. I've been Mayflower Productions, definitely not hiding from my other stories. Thank you for reading Unlikely Duet and until next time...
I'll catch you on the flipside.
Preview:
[Hachiman POV]
"Boom!" I heard a loud but distant rumble, my mind slowly whirring back to life.
"..." As my vision gradually cleared, I saw a familiar white uniform. Looking up slightly, my sleepy gaze met clear blue eyes. They seemed familiar, but I couldn't quite explain why. Spending an entire night working on that assignment wasn't a good idea. I should have been more diligent ahead of time.
"..." Perhaps even asked, my standoffish... classmate for help.
"..." I was staring at a girl.
"..." And she was staring at me. W-what? How is this happening? Why is this happening?
"..." I immediately recoiled, moving away, half out of the reflex, and the other, shock. Did I die while sleeping and was sent to another world? Or was this a dream, and my brain was trying to tell me something? The girl before me resembles Gotoh-san, with the same hair color, but another style. She had a ponytail and hair clips, parting her bangs, making her expressions easy to read. She was... smiling? Giggling? Smirking? All of the above? It was a different dynamic than usual... but charming in a way.
"H-hey, Hikigaya-san. It's me." The girl spoke, her voice a tone I knew well. Or as well as one could be with the reclusive rock enthusiast.
"Gotoh-san. You're trying out something new, huh?" I mused, making the observation to cover my tracks. She didn't need to know about my startled reaction to her.
"...I guess you could say that." She grimaced while stroking her hair, likely tied to a complicated memory.
"It happens to the best of us."
"Is that why you fell asleep at a summer festival?"
"I pride myself on being a free thinker, Gotoh-san."
"Free thinker?"
"Y-yeah, I came to this festival to take a nap."
"R-really?" She asked, curious about my claim.
"No. My sister craved festival stall foods, and I just had to get it for her." I grabbed the plastic bag to my right, full of plunder to return home.
"You're a nice brother, Hikigaya-san."
"No, I'm not nice... I would never want to be that." I muttered, a bitter memory associated with the word.
"T-then..." Gotoh-san stammered, tripping over her words, and avoiding eye contact... Oh, she heard me. That might have been too harsh for her.
"Let's just go home, Gotoh-san. The festival's almost over." I pointed to the thinning crowds near the stalls. Everything was winding down as people left the site.
"Okay." She nodded.
"Next time on Unlikely Duet- Chapter 7: Divide and Conquer."
[Time Passes]
"You didn't need to walk me home, Hikigaya-san. I w-wouldn't want to waste your precious time." Gotoh-san fretted, as we approached her house.
"It's fine. I live in this direction anyway."
"Really?"
"Yeah." I lied as naturally as I breathed. Taking this diversion wasn't convenient, but I did it anyway; compelled by some twisted sense of responsibility. Besides, I was the one who dragged her into this Unlikely Duet, so I had to see things through to the end. I was cynical, but even cynics could be chivalrous... when the situation called for it.
"We're here." She announced as we reached right outside her front door.
"Okay."
"D-do you want to come inside, Hikigaya-san? Futari and Jimihen seem to like you." Gotoh-san offered, pressing her fingers together, trying to mute her eagerness, and growing grin... Gotoh-san... I already have an entire essay's worth of points to apologize over. I don't want to add any more!
"It's fine, I wouldn't want to bother your family this late."
"O-okay... Maybe another day..." She nodded, disappointed by the news.
"I'll send you the packet when I get home," I replied and walked down the stairs, leaving.
"H-Hikigaya-san!" She exclaimed once I reached street level.
"Huh?"
"I'll see you later, right?" She smiled, her eyes shining like I had seen a few other times.
"..." I took another step, pretending I didn't hear her.
"...I-I'll see you later, right?" Gotoh-san echoed, concerned by my silence, worry clear on her face, blue eyes dimming... Tch. That new hairstyle is making this hard. Whoever did it, must be out to get me or something. How am I supposed to end a relationship against a face like that? Once the project was done, our partnership served its purpose, and we could go our separate ways. Gotoh-san could continue improving herself, while I languished away, riding out my middle school life in obscurity. Our dynamic was unlikely, and therefore, likely temporary. Opposites may attract, but we resembled like charges, which unfortunately... repelled. It was a miracle we lasted the entire summer without issue.
My next step was simple, walking away without saying a word. The curtains drop, credits roll, and everyone moves on. I just had to say nothing! So, why?
"Yeah, I'll see you later, Gotoh-san!" Why did I answer her, wave, and smile back... or at least my best attempt at smiling. It probably looked like a creepy smirk, but you know what they say? It's the thought that counts... unless you're gambling; then the saying doesn't apply.
"Good night, Hikigaya-san."
"Good night, Gotoh-san." We continued waving at each other until I rounded the corner...
Heh. This Unlikely Duet just might have an encore.
Chapter End