The "Genuine" Route
Chapter 1:
My Visual Novel Experience is Wrong, As Expected.
It's no secret that escapism is a common human tendency, and it's not hard to see why. Denying reality and focusing on a fantasy is a convenient way to avoid dealing with the painful truth. Everywhere you look, people are indulging in this form of mental diversion, whether it's through TV, video games, books or even just an overactive imagination.
But let's not sugarcoat it, this behavior is problematic and ultimately hinders personal growth. It's a coping mechanism that people use to avoid facing their own problems. However, as much as I would like to criticize those who engage in such behavior, I can't deny that I am guilty of it myself.
Preparing to boot up my computer to play a newly acquired game. I know that this is just another way for me to avoid dealing with my own problems, but I can't bring myself to care. Escapism may be a crutch, but it's a crutch that I am all too willing to lean on.
Hachiman Pov
'What…is this?' Staring at the overly cute title screen, I find myself scratching my head at the warning given to me just beforehand. 'Doki Doki Literature Club…This, This is the last time I will listen to Zaimokuza.'
I begrudgingly press the new game option. I spent 2000 Yen on this game, I should at least give it a chance.
"Heeyy!"
I see an annoying girl running towards me from the distance, Waving her arms in the air like she's totally oblivious to any attention she might draw to herself.
'...Yeah, No. I'm going to bed, I'm not wasting my precious time that can be used to sleep instead.' Turning the monitor off, I forget about the actual PC itself as I fall into my bed, exhausted from helping Ishiki.
Ring, Ring~
The sound of my alarm shatters the silence, abruptly pulling me from my dream-filled slumber. Mindlessly, I reach out, fumbling with my arm in the general vicinity of the source of the noise. "Ow!" I curse as I pull back my hand, finally fully awake and alert. The morning has officially begun, and with it, the responsibilities and monotony of daily life.
Glaring at my bedside table, I snatch my phone off of it with my other hand, turning off the alarm. "Tch, I should just call in sick." I think to myself, but then I quickly shake my head. "Actually, knowing Hiratsuka-sensei, she would probably find a way to make me come to school even if I was on my deathbed." I shudder at the thought of the consequences. So, reluctantly, I bid farewell to the sweet comfort of my bed and begin to get ready for school.
"Just how long did I sleep?" I grumble as I check the time on my phone. "It's 7:40 already. I really shouldn't have wasted my time with that stupid game." The house is silent, and it's just me, myself and I... Oh wait, nevermind. Kamakura is here too.
He acts affectionate with me for once, rubbing his body against my legs. "Yo Kamakura. You hungry?" Getting a small meow in response, I fill his food bowl to around halfway.
Locking the front door behind me, I begin to tread the path to school at a leisurely pace. 'It's getting colder.' I think to myself. 'I might have to start wearing warmer clothes soon.' The gentle breeze is nice, but it also serves as a reminder of what's to come in a few weeks.
"Heeeyyy!" The voice comes from behind me, loud and obnoxious. I can't help but roll my eyes, "Don't they know how early it is?" I mutter to myself. I ignore the annoying person behind me. Not like they're calling out to me, right?
"HEEEYYY!" Does this person have no shame? Causing such a scene in the middle of a neighborhood? Shaking my head at the person behind me, I continue to ignore them.
Smack!
'Did they just..?' Whipping my head to face them, they quickly move back. "Oi!"
"Don't 'Oi' me! You're the one who ignored me!" And for good reason too! Who the hell even are you? "Honestly Hachiman, how are you ever going to get any friends this way?"
…Who the hell is this? Nobody calls me by my first name, it's usually Hikitani, or some other variation. I stare at the girl's blue orbs for a moment, before going on with my day. 'I'm not dealing with this today.'
"Hey! Don't ignore me! You know I'm right Hachiman!" Don't let it get to you… "Alright, fine! I won't stop bothering you till you talk to me!"
… "What do you want?" I let it get to me.
…
This girl…is infuriatingly hard to understand. No, that's a lie. She's annoyingly annoying, and she somehow knows me.
At first, I thought this was some elaborate joke being played on me, but that's clearly impossible. I made sure to keep my life before Sobu private. Unless Orimoto is somehow behind this, which I seriously doubt. I was never that public about my personal life during middle school.
"Are you listening to me?" Unfortunately, I'm not given much of a choice, now am I?
Giving her a side eye, I let out a sigh. "...Yeah." Who is this? How do they know me? We've never even met.
With a whole lot of questions, and no answers, I'm forced to listen to her talk the whole way to school.
"See you later, grumpy pants!" Just like that, she's gone…
'Who the hell was that?'
Classroom
'…Something's not right. First, that girl. Now this?' No one I know is here in class. The Hayama Clique isn't here, including Yuigahama. Neither is Totsuka or Kawa…Kawa-something.
'No…I'm probably just paranoid.' Shrugging it off, I put my head down in wait.
It doesn't take long as the final bell rings, signaling the start of the school day. "Okay Class! Today we'll be going over the School Winter Festival. Before we begin, does anyone have any questions?"
'That…isn't Hiratsuka-sensei's voice.' Lifting my head off my arms, I look up to see a teacher. Not my teacher, but a teacher.
"Ah…Hikigaya-kun, nice to see you finally awake." He says, causing the class to laugh. 'That wasn't even funny…Goddamn Japanese judgemental culture.'
He soon continues to talk about a festival, but my mind is too occupied to really listen. 'Did I enter the wrong class? No, he called me by name, so that couldn't be it…So what is it? Why is everyone I know gone?'
"-ikigaya!" Huh? "You are seriously out of it today, is everything alright?" When did he..? Oh. Class has officially started.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine sensei." Getting my notebook out, I start to follow along on the lesson.
Ring, Ring~
'...Huh? Oh, It's lunchtime.' Putting everything into my bag, I head to my usual spot.
Thankfully, I didn't encounter the girl from this morning on the way there. Unfortunately however, my spot seems to have already been taken. By a…another girl.
This one however isn't as noisy as the other one, she's actually quietly reading a book. Left without a spot, I start to make my way back to class.
"Ugh…It's that girl." Hm? Looking to my right, I see two very stereotypical mean girls. "She is such an eyesore."
'Whatever. None of my business.' Except, I don't move from my spot, staring at them as they approach the girl.
"Would you like, move or something?"
"Yeah, like we kinda want to sit there. And you're like, totally in the way." They're basically shouting this, don't they know how to control their voices?
I'm unable to hear the other girl as she responds, not that I cared too much.
"Eh? …On second thought, you can totally keep the spot. We don't want to sit in such a dirty spot." Oi, don't diss my spot! I keep it rather clean!
"Yeah, no one would want to sit on a wet spot right?" What? But it hasn't even rained recently…
Watching them pull out tomato juice from their bag, I realize what's about to happen. "Yeah Senpai, you've gotten all wet." I didn't even notice myself getting closer.
Snatching it out her hand before they can spill it all over the girl, I drink it all in one go. "Ah, thanks for that. You wouldn't believe how thirsty I was." I give them my best shit-eating grin, as I return the now empty juice container.
"Y-Y-You ass! That was mine! Tch!" She huffs, before leaving with her friend following.
…Bleh. Never again. Sitting down on one of the steps, I let out a sigh. "Don't get the wrong idea. I just like this spot, so I don't want it to be ruined by those idiots." I say before she can say anything.
"..A-Ah…I-I…Th-Thank you." I notice her look away, her hands moving around nervously.
'Hm?' Letting out another sigh, I go through my bag for a sec. Pulling out a handkerchief, I hand it to her. "Here, I guess I wasn't able to stop them pouring a little on you." I point at her hands, and by extension, her slightly exposed wrists.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she took the offered handkerchief, before quickly hiding her hands away from me. 'Weird…'
Getting up, I start to make my way back to class. 'I guess Komachi's pestering about me carrying a handkerchief worked out.'
"W-Wait! …Um, Thank you…" She doesn't know me? I guess I'm not as infamous as I thought. I act like I didn't hear her, it's for the best that she doesn't get associated with someone like me.
Classroom
This day…it sucks. I'm incredibly confused and am answerless. The worst part being? I just know it's going to get worse. Finally finished packing up, I exit my classroom and head for the…I can't head to the Service Club right now, and Ishiki hasn't contacted me in any way. I should just head home, I'm sure Komachi will be happy to see her Onii-chan.
Exiting the classroom, I head to the school exit. Walking amongst a small crowd, I finally arrived at my shoe locker. Unfortunately, I never expected the girl from this morning to be waiting there.
Staring her in the eyes, I open my mouth to spe-
"No." I didn't even get to say anything! "You're coming with me Hachiman! You can't waste away your life doing nothing your whole life!" She starts to drag me back into the hallway with a surprising amount of strength, or maybe I'm just weak.
"Oi. This is a violation of my rights!" What the hell is this girl made of? Muscles?
We soon arrived at her destination. 'This is the Club Hall, and we're right in front of…The Literature Club..?' This girl looks like she can barely read at a junior high level!
'No…Wait, she finally let go. I'm free!' My freedom is cut short as I'm dragged into the club room.
"Hey guys! I brought the new member!" Wait a second…New member? Me? I never consented to this!
"Let me introduce you to my childhood friend! Hikigaya Hachiman!" Also not true! I barely just met you!
Boring a hole into the girl for putting me on the spot, I notice the other occupants staring right at me. Another thing I noticed was that they're all female.
Normally, most guys would be ecstatic to hear that. Fortunately, I'm not most guys. 'I seriously don't want to be here.' They continue to stare at me, probably waiting for me to say something.
"Yo."
…
"Seriously Sayori? You brought a boy?" Her name's Sayori? Good to know. Looking at the speaker, I notice a short-haired girl with a very unnatural hair color. Pink. Not like Yuigahama's pinkish brown, but rather bubble gum pink.
'Huh. I didn't think people dyed their hair such extreme colors. Actually, that's not the point!'
"I can leave if you want." Great! Thank you pink-haired girl for giving me a way ou-
"Not happening! As your friend, I won't let you waste away your teenage years on games!" God Damn it! Just when I thought I was free.
"...Oh! This is the perfect chance to do 'that'!" That? No, wait. I can finally leave while they're distracted.
"Ahem! Listen well, Hachiman!" Stop calling me by my first name!
""WE ARE THE LITERATURE CLUB!""
They all say in rehearsed unison. They're all also posing… "I'm Y-Yukinawa Yu-Yuri! It's very nice to meet you again, Hi-Hikigaya-san." Oh...I thought I recognized her, it's the girl from lunch.
"I'm Hara Natsuki! …We do this for everyone, so don't go thinking you're special!" …Is this girl serious? No way, right?
"You already know this, but I'm Watanabe Sayori! The vice president of the Literature Club!" That's got to be a joke, right?
"And! I'm Hayashi Monika! It's very nice to see you again, Hikigaya-kun. I'm the Club President." Does she know me too? I don't recognize any of them…
"Right…Good for you. See you." I start to make my way to the door.
"Nope!" Yeah…Thought as much. "You're not leaving till we're done!" I'm pulled back into a seat by the now introduced annoyance. "You've got to at least try Natsuki's cupcakes!"
"…Food? Of the free variety? Why didn't you say so?"
Literature Club
Jiiiiii…
"It's rude to stare, Hayashi-san." I call out the ponytailed person in question.
"Fufufu, sorry. I just never expected you of all people to enter this club, after you refused my offer the first time."
…I don't recall that ever happening. "Hayashi-san. I have no recollection of that ever happening."
"Seriously? Am I that forgettable? Also, you promised to start calling me by my first name!" Also not possible. I just met you.
"Not happening."
"I knew you'd say something like that. You're the same as always, huh?" What's with the melancholic expression? "Oh! I'm sure you wouldn't mind Sayori having your share of cupcakes, would you?"
"…That won't be necessary, M-Monika-san." I begrudgingly say. 'I won't be refused my free food.'
"Oh, I guess that's fine too. Then, I guess I can call you Hachiman-kun now, or is Hachi-kun better?" Ha! Foolish woman, I won't be so easily flustered over something like this. Is what I'd like to say, but that sounded way too real!
Recomposing myself, I try not to stutter. "...H-Hikigaya is fine. I don't think I know you well enough for us to be on a first name basis." I say after calling her by her first name. Hypocrite much?
"Even after all we've been through?" She gasps dramatically. "I thought we were something special. Oh, the betrayal!"
"Hehehe…I never knew you were friends. That's such a coincidence!" It's not a coincidence, we're not friends. "How did you two meet?" In a Literature Club, because someone dragged me there.
"It's not that interesting of a story…We were in the same class during our first year." I feel like I would know you then. "I was the class representative, and Hikigaya-kun was one of the few people in our year who didn't really talk much. So, I approached him one day. Needless to say, he wasn't the nicest." What a surprise…I still don't know you, though. "But with enough pestering, I finally got him to give me his line! Not like he texts me, honestly! I work so hard to befriend him, and he doesn't put in a little effort into our relationship?"
'I'm right here, you know~? …I'm spending way too much time with Ishiki.' Opening my line, I'm surprised to see Hayashi-san in my friends list. '...That's not right. I really must've forgotten her…'
"See? There's even 6 unopened messages! A girl has feelings too, you know?" I probably only added you so you could stop bothering me. Probably.
"I don't use it all that much. Also, I only use it because my lit-"
"Ta-Daaa? What's with them?" Hara-san (I think that was her name.) Brings out the cupcakes.
"I think it's called a lover's coral?"
"It's pronounced "Lover's Quarrel", and no that's not what's happening." I quickly shoot down such a thought. Unless she gets a high paying job and wants a house husband, there's no way that ship will ever sail.
"Alright, Whatever. I seriously don't want to know. Eat up!" Well don't mind if I do.
Picking up one of the many cupcakes, I spin it around, admiring the attention to detail placed on them. 'Not bad. I guess pinky really knows her way around the kitchen.' Taking a bite, I find myself drowning in the euphoria. N-Not that I showed it, of course. 'This is…'
"Sho Guud!" Took the words right out of my mouth Sayo- I mean, Watanabe-san. Weird.
"Ah, Here y-you go, H-Hikigaya-san."
'Oh, some Tea. Very nice.' Taking a few sips, I feel my body warm up from the herbal drink. "Thank you, It was very nice." Almost on par with Yukinoshita's Tea.
Feeling a hole being dug into me, I turn to the other side of the table. Pinky is staring at me expectantly, while also trying her best to not be obvious. Her best however, isn't all that great. "The cupcakes were nice too. Both the tea and cupcakes complement each other pretty well."
"Hmph! Of course they're good! I don't need you to tell me that!" Then don't be so obvious in your begging for praise!
"Ano…Hikigaya-san? If you don't mind my asking, what brought you here to our club?" Yukinawa-senpai asks me.
I slowly turn to the short haired brunette beside me-ow! I mean, I slowly turn to the cupcake in my ha-OW! "...I uh…I like to read when I can?" I hide the pain from being kicked twice in a row by the annoyance.
"Really?!" There's no need to look so elated, most people read books, you kn-no. I'm not doing that again, the shame is too much. "What kind of books do you read?"
Is it bad if I say light novels? Whatever. "Light Novels mostly, or the occasional Manga." I see pinky perk up at the mention of Manga.
"I see, so you're a more casual reader." That's a very complicated face you're making, Senpai. I almost feel guilty for breaking her expectations of me, almost.
"Honestly, I'm more surprised you're not lazing around your house all the time." Goes to show how little you truly know about your "childhood friend". Wait. That is what I do when I'm home! How does she know this?
"That's great! That's more than enough to become a member." Oh right. How am I going to clear this up?
"I'm already part of a club." Not that it'll last much longer if Yukinoshita becomes the StuCo President. I guess having a backup club is good, but I could always go back to the "Go Home Club".
"Eh?!" Oi, there's no need to be that loud! I'm right next to you. "Hachiman, you're part of a club? How do I not know about this?" Probably because we just met. Today.
I nod. "I'd have to talk with my club president, I'm sure she'll understand." As if, I have a better chance at asking Miura out on a date. Not that I would, she'd probably strangle me. Well, Yukinoshita would probably freeze me alive if I asked her to leave.
Ring, Ring~
Club time is finally over…Sweet Freedom. "I'll be sure to think your offer over, Hayashi-san. Thank you for the food." I get up and bow slightly. Leaving the room, with a short wave to them all.
"Hold on! Wait for me! See you guys tomorrow!" Watanabe-san quickly excuses herself as she chases behind me. "Honestly Hachiman, I never thought you'd join a club. Actually, which club is it?"
"Does it matter?" Right when I thought I was finally free.
Literature Club
Monika Pov
"Is that guy being for real?! He just ate and left! He didn't even join!" I hear Natsuki angrily exclaim.
"I'm sure he's coming back, Natsuki. Just wait and see. He said he'll talk it over with his club president." Yuri tries reassuring Natsuki, but even she looks doubtful of his return.
"Yeah right! He was obviously lying! Ugh! Honestly, what an asshole!" Natsuki storms off, with Yuri following soon after.
"Oh, Hachiman-kun. I hope this is the last time. Where we finally have our genuine ending." I whisper softly, leaving the clubroom and entering "my room".
To Be Continued!
Very good, No?
I did it! Finally after 2 and a half months of deleting, remaking, deleting, remaking, deleting, and so on. I finished one chapter…Oh, God. Don't tell me every chapter is going to take that long. Fuck.
Probably not, right? Just Don't Expect Any Weekly Updates.
I'm archiving the other chapters so yeah.
Now onto speaking about the chapter itself. That beginning…An attempt to replicate one of the famous Hachiman Rants. I hated writing that. A lot.
Also, Hachiman bought DDLC? I wonder if he's realized he's in the game because he's already seen the dokis on the title screen.
If it feels like Sayori doesn't feel like Sayori, then don't worry. All will be explained in due time.
The girls have surnames now? Yeah. It's fucking hard trying to explain why they only have a given name. Hachiman will probably end up calling them by their given names at some point.
This is S2 Hachiman, a little before the Service Club makes up.
Replaced the Natsuki Lunch scene with a Yuri Lunch Scene. For no reason. Don't look too deep into it, honestly. This is not sarcasm.
Hachiman never says no to free food. Right?
Also this chapter and most chapters will be dialogue heavy.
Also…Where's Komachi in all this? Did she also get snapped out of existence by Thano-I mean, Monika? I'll never tell.
Also Sayori kicking Hachiman under the table was pretty funny imo. Twice too. Lol.
I think that's it? Not too many changes right?
Buh-Bye.