A few days had passed since then.
It's time for the school entrance. The preparation for Hachiman's enrollment had been done as quickly as possible, so there shouldn't be any problem for Hachiman to attend the opening ceremony.
Otomejoshi is a somewhat liberal school. It's a school attended by celebrities and young athletes.
It was a school established for those who cannot afford the schedule due to jobs or competitions.
Hachiman was supposed to go to the High school division.
He uncharacteristically grinned as he jammed the key into the port and turned the bike engine on. Hachiman was about as excited as a kid who rides his first bicycle without training wheels.
Beautiful.
"Yo, big guy, isn't that a little weedy for you?"
Hachiman looked aside to notice a girl with a giant pink scooter beside him. She had long brownish hair and quite a peculiar shit-eating grin on her face.
"Excuse me?" He asked her.
"The name is Takumi, Mukai Takumi. Ya bet 'member that, eh? Anyway, I heard you'll go to Otomejoshi too, so you'll be my underling, I mean junior starting today. So heads up, I approve no weakling in our ranks."
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
Where does father keep finding these weirdos? Now there's a member of the Biker gang here?
"Umm, my name is Hachiman." Hachiman wanted to run, but he felt that he will get kicked out of the road. Possibly literal. "Please go ahead."
"What's that? Well, with that weedy punk-ass ride, I guess you can only kiss my exhaust pipe. You ought to get a bigger bike, ya dig?" Takumi cackled. "Yours is way too small."
Well, Hachiman's bike that his father bought wasn't something that could be considered huge. It might be 249cc, which just low enough to avoid mandatory biennial inspection. But one thing for sure, it's not some girly-ass Matic.
Hachiman kept wondering why she picked a fight with him so early in the morning, not that he was interested in responding. For Hachiman, he had no particular attachment to this used junk. It was just one tool at his disposal.
So what if it's weedy, from her biased point of view?
"It's cheaper on my wallet, for sure." He smirked sarcastically.
Anything over 249cc requires Sha-ken, which is a mandatory biennial inspection in the local DMV. Japan is strict on motor vehicle regulations, and this is where smaller motorcycle shines.
This deep in the urban hellhole of Tokyo, speed is stringently restricted. There is always a lot of braking involved. Small engines in lighter frames get way better fuel economy.
Hachiman had always been a practical person, and that's why he didn't feel offended. Though, it's kind of hilarious hearing that from a person riding on a neon pink scooter...
"Miser!" Takumi pointed at him with a wide grin. "But I like the way you think. It's rare to meet male riders with such a grounded mindset."
"I have the feeling you don't meet enough of them..." Hachiman remarked lightly.
A lot of small business and working-class people in Japan relies on weedy underbones and three-wheels Honda Gyro. She better not insult them.
"Well, you can say that most men we meet before were insecure about their size." A blond gal on a relatively small and ordinary scooter comes in.
Wh-what? Now there's even a hardcore Gyaru? Jougasaki is hard enough to deal with, and now this girl with cringe-dyed blond hair and tons of piercing shows up too?
"...We're talking about engine displacement, right?" Hachiman asked to clarify. Because coming from someone looking like that, Hachiman can't be too sure.
"Of course, what else I am talking about, silly?" she winked at him. "Like, seriously, it totes super dumb, that's what."
She looked down at Hachiman's... pants.
Hey, eyes up here. Are you testing me, Satan?
Hachiman thought that cutting off his brain functions might be necessary to survive in this environment.
"By the way, Fujimoto Rina. I'm also in the third year. Nice to meet you, Staff-kun!"
"Umm, yes. Please take care of me, Senpai."
Like, these two are beautiful, but Hachiman can't fathom the sheer diversity of 346 Idol archetypes at all. Those unpredictable types are the hardest to deal with for Hachiman. But these two Idols explained why the Dorm not only has an assigned garage but it also toolings for motorcycle maintenance.
"That backseat looks awfully empty. Did someone claim it yet?"
"No." Hachiman instinctively answers, then realizes it is the voice of another girl. "Crap..."
"Then I call dibs." Kanade smiles at him.
Hachiman couldn't really refuse since it WAS part of his job to shuttle Idol around the town for work purposes, but does going to school even count for that?
"Hey! That's unfair!" Mika complained to her blue-haired friend.
"Sorry, honey, early birds get the seeds." Kanade retorted.
"Did no one ask my opinion at least?" Hachiman popped a vein or two in response. He decides that it's not actually his obligation to shuttle them to school, at least.
"Well then, Mr. Smart guy, who can sit in the back this time?" Mika asked him.
Hachiman helplessly looked at his Senpai for help.
"You can't be that clueless." Rina shrugged.
"Man up, ya piece of shit." Takumi barked. "Are you some kind of dense harem protagonist or what?"
Well, no, Hachiman was more than well aware that girls aren't above dragging around a male friend for the sake of bragging rights. And these Idols aren't that different... Hachiman didn't really think they were attracted to him or anything.
Hachiman picked a coin out of his wallet, face-up Kanade, and face down Mika. He threw and then caught it with eyes closed.
It was a face down.
"Get a helmet, Jougasaki..." Hachiman told the pink-haired gal girl.
Mika blinked and agape. "Eh? You made that decision with a coin toss?"
"I don't want to pick sides." Hachiman curtly replied.
Hachiman looked at the blue-haired girl. Who at first glance could easily pass off as his sister or cousin. Honestly, if she's not much of a tease, Hachiman would be a lot less uncomfortable with her.
Except for the fact that she keeps bugging him, that actually made it even worse.
"Fufu." Hayami chuckled ashamedly, feeling dejected. "Then I guess I'll take this defeat with a stride."
"It's just an issue of bad luck." Hachiman didn't really try to cheer her up but stating the fact. Nevertheless, it seemed to lift her spirit up slightly.
She tilted her head slightly. "Does that mean I can call dibs for tomorrow's ride?"
Hachiman squeezed his eyes in response. "No promises."
"Alright then, let us seal the deal." Kanade kissed the tip of her index finger and tried to place it on Hachiman's lips, but he blocked her by making a cross sign with his hands, stopped her wrist.
"It's a forward payment."
"That shit ain't a currency!"
Takumi and Rina laughed hard in response to their antics, while Mika can only awkwardly smile.
Hachiman, if only for a second, tempted to let Kanade do as she wishes. After all, when will Hachiman get another chance to get such a blatant indirect kiss from a beautiful idol?
But his trauma, wariness, and general misanthrope immediately rein control. Hachiman could not let Kanade toy with his emotion and feelings, not without knowing her motive.
Honestly, he was glad that the coin fell on Mika's side. Hachiman is pretty biased against normie gal like her. It's harder for Hachiman to fall in love. Hachiman wouldn't have to be on guard as much.
"Well, then, let's go!"
Mika sat behind Hachiman, not snugly enough and obviously giving a room between them. It might not be as secure to sit like that, but Hachiman could only feel thankful.
It's hard to get so close with a pretty girl without feeling self-conscious. Hachiman thought Mika probably have a second thought and probably feel disgusted by him too.
Not his problem.
"Jougasaki, the least you can do as a deadweight is to sit securely, don't be a scared cat like that!" Takumi warned her.
"At least hold onto his shoulders..." Rina suggested to her.
"E-eh? Kay!" Mika hesitated and asked Hachiman. "Will this be okay?"
"Good enough as any." Hachiman squeezed the clutch and then switched the gear to move. It was slightly janky but not to the point of shocking to Mika.
Hachiman was gauging her sitting position. And it took a minute until he could find a more comfortable throttling and braking point.
By that point, Takumi, with Kanade on board, passed them at the highest speed they can go without violating traffic laws. Hachiman preferred to move a little slower than that.
"Umm... sorry, I should just back down." Mika apologized.
"I'm not skilled enough, right?" Hachiman bluntly asks.
"Nope. Not like that. I mean, Kanade-chan looks interested in you for real." Mika laughed. "To be honest, I was just trying to tease her. I didn't expect you to take it seriously."
Hachiman wrinkled his eyebrows. Not that she could see it.
"No way." Hachiman scoffed. "Not happening."
"Ehhh? Why?"
"It makes no sense."
Mika questioned his reasoning. "When does something as love ever makes sense?"
"It always makes sense when you start thinking about it..." Hachiman told her. "Whether its face, reputation, wealth, strength, or personality, there is always an objective reason to fall in love."
Kanade isn't a new idol at all. She already made her debut. She had met a lot of boys, each way better than Hachiman is. And Hachiman had zero drive to fight them on their terms.
Kanade falling in love with Hachiman had a vanishingly tiny chance to happen. Thus, Hachiman prefers to dismiss that possibility.
"You know, you're taking her too lightly." Mika snorted. "Kanade-chan might flirt with everyone but..."
"Everyone?"
"Yes. Everyone." Mika confirms, hints of dread in her voice. "But she doesn't go physical unless she's serious."
Well, the indirect kiss was a little too blatant, but... was it really? Wait, does that mean Kanade hit on girls, as well?
"Sometimes, it's hard to read her thoughts, but people don't change their behavior that easily, no? At least listen to her side of the story!"
"I would, but she doesn't seem to be the type to talk honestly." Hachiman pointed out. "You did say it's hard to read her thoughts. What are the chances that she would say it outright?"
This guy is beyond hopeless! He might legit have a black hole in place of a heart.
"You're unbelievable." Mika gagged in disbelief. "Most guys would leap at this chance, however unlikely."
"I'm just being realistic." Hachiman defies her.
After 11 heartbreak he experienced, Hachiman became a hardened veteran on the battlefield of love. No matter what happens, he will never fall in love easily.
"What about me?" Mika asked him.
The way she said it, it could not possibly be serious at all.
Hachiman laughed lightly in response. "Don't even joke about it. Or else I might misunderstand and become conscious of you."
Hachiman might be cocky enough to look down on normie gals, but he was more than aware that his social standing is far lower than hers. With this much physical and emotional distance, Hachiman felt that he could tell her properly about it.
"Right, my bad." Mika apologetically told him. "I guess it's the reason you refuse to believe us girls anymore. You got teased a lot."
Well, yes, but also no. It was more because Hachiman himself took their kindness as a sign of affection. He misinterpreted them badly and destroyed what little relationship he had because he got greedy.
It was all his fault for confessing.
Now, the secondary effect of these destroyed relationships was absolutely not his fault. These friendly people looked at him with contempt and ire, pointing fingers and talking behind his back, as if Hachiman was the worst scum of the earth.
Despicable, two-faced assholes...
"Nah." Hachiman corrects her. "I was looking at things that aren't there."
"Weirdo."
At least she was being honest!
"You know, about my sister, she's going to make her debut soon, but I can't help but get worried. And because of this, we get into a lot of fights." Mika suddenly said. "Do you feel worried about your sister too?"
"Of course, I am!" Hachiman answered. "But being worried isn't the same thing as lacking faith."
"Lacking faith?"
"If you're that worried, she probably doesn't have what it takes to be an idol, then." Hachiman scoffed. "A younger sister trying to follow the footsteps of their older sisters rarely end up with a happy ending."
"Of course she had it!" She fumed in response and slapped his back in anger. "How dare you!"
"Then that's more than enough." Hachiman winced. "You believe she can do it, then it should be fine."
"Eh?"
Mika opened her mouth, realizing that Hachiman just provoked her without even trying. It seems that, as an older brother, Hachiman knows how it feels when his little sister received a lot of doubt from others.
That's why he goaded her, knowing that Mika will respond in anger.
Mika feels conflicted. If it's mere coincidence, then it's alright. But if it wasn't... she doesn't know how to think of Hachiman anymore. Mika knew she can be a bit gullible, but could someone who met her in such a short time figure it out?
It was actually a bit scary.
But while Mika isn't a superstar yet, she's an already debuted idol and quite a famous one at that. She has experience facing some surprisingly scary and dangerous individuals, such as persistent reporters.
346 isn't exactly small Idol production. The fact that Hachiman is here means he's capable of something that other boys of his age cannot. And that he can be trusted not to make a problem with the Idols.
With a smile, she decided to give this one to him. "Thanks for the reminder."
"Umm, well... We both have a little sister, after all." He awkwardly noted.
"Haha, that's true."
If nothing else, they can bond with each other through that shared experience, as friends, that is. Of all a sudden, the flow of conversation became smooth.
They mostly talked about their little sisters than themselves.
But Hachiman couldn't believe how his heart didn't even skip a beat. And barely nervous when they arrived at the school.
Hachiman and Mika did not waste time as they went to check the board for the class division. Hachiman wondered if he'll share a class with people he knew personally, or at least other Idols in 346 Pro.
"Which class will you go to again?"
"2-C, supposedly."
"Looks like we're in the same class." Mika smiled. "You, me, and..."
"Me." Kanade shows up beside Hachima with an unsettlingly satisfied smile, which causes him to slide away.
"Kanade-chan, you're scaring him..." Mika warned her. "When you're going fishing, you can't always keep pulling. Otherwise, the string will break."
"Ahh, speaking of fishing analogy..." Hachiman mumbled. "...I'm surprised no one called me dead-fish eyes yet."
Mika and Kanade tilted their head in confusion.
"...Nevermind." Hachiman wondered if his corrected sleep schedule helped to improve his eyes. He was so tired after work that he couldn't bear to sleep late. But because he sleeps early, he ends up waking early too.
"One thing to remember is don't be surprised when half of the class is missing for some reason." Kanade suddenly became cold. "I'm saying this because the attendance rate in Otomejoshi is awful, but it is inherent in the system."
"There are a lot of people who have to work on the weekday morning, so as you can guess, they would be absent..." Mika added to the explanation. "Where did you come from anyway? I mean, your original school, that is."
"Soubu Municipal High Chiba..." Hachiman replied.
"Never heard of it." Mika whistled.
"Well, according to the net, it's the most elite school in Chiba Prefecture and in the top 40 High schools Nationally..." Kanade read her phone with a weird face. "Coming here is a bit..."
"Wait, seriously?!" Mika widened her eyes in surprise.
"You don't have to point it out..." Hachiman whined. As if Hachiman need any more sign of being a turbo nerd... Yes, he came from an elite academic school, so what?
Other than his grades, he really had nothing much to lose by transferring away.
青春 の輝かしいステージ ひどく明るい感じ
The Shining Stage of Youth feels awfully bright
(Oregairu/Idolmaster - Cinderella Girls)
Original Story by: Watari Wataru/Bandai-Namco
Written by: ZeroXSEED
Chapter 03 - Squandered Introduction
The entrance Ceremony more or less happened just like any other school. The Principal mentioned how the students should not relax too much even though Otomejoshi's curriculum is somewhat relaxed compared to other schools.
Hachiman goes to the Teacher's lounge as opposed to the class right away. As customary of the student transfer process, he will be introduced during Homeroom.
"My name is Hazama Michio. I'll be your Homeroom Teacher for the remainder of the year. I also teach Math." The cold, bespectacled Teacher said. "I have high hopes for you, Hikigaya-kun. Do you have any questions?"
Hachiman actually recognized him as an actor in several films. Usually filled in a role that's far away from this extruded cold aura. He was and still is a talented actor, able to change his behavior to suit his roles naturally.
To think someone like him is teaching here says something about Otomejoshi.
"No, Hazama-Sensei."
"Good. I've heard that you're relatively new to the industry, but rest assured you will fit in relatively quickly."
Hachiman wasn't that hopeful. But at the very least, he doesn't want to be isolated in class as before.
Hachiman waited for a few minutes outside of class before being called in. "Transfer Student, you may enter."
"Excuse me."
"Starting today, he will join our ranks, so please get along with him." Michio put his hands on the table.
Hachiman's missing nervousness came in full force when he finishes writing his name on the board.
Hachiman took a deep breath then introduced himself in a somewhat formal manner.
"My name is Hikigaya Hachiman. I transferred from Soubu Municipal High, Chiba. I'm working in 346 Pro as Production Assistant. Please take care of me."
He ended up his introduction with a half-bow.
There was an explosion of murmur and whispers among the students in the class. While a few got stunned by the revelation. As Hachiman raised his face again, his eyes met that of Kanade.
She was shocked, not as much as Mika, but even so... this revelation managed to break her 'always calm' facade.
Part of Hachiman felt guilty, but part of him also told him it was necessary. Hachiman doesn't want to make his first impression tainted by his father's shadow, at least not entirely.
As he understood, many higher-ranked staff and adult idols knew, but more people in the office and the Dorm didn't. It was guaranteed that all the teen idols were in the dark about it, especially since Komachi made sure to avoid mentioning their family name.
As for everyone else, they probably feel weirded that Hachiman didn't transfer as an athlete or celebrity. But Hachiman is more than ready to accept the consequences.
Many students would look down on him on that fact alone. But if they judge Hachiman by his working position, then perhaps they're not worth having a friendship with.
"Is there any question?"
"Ano... do you have any hobbies?"
"Reading books primarily, video games on the side..."
Hachiman realizes that he introduced himself as someone with a reclusive hobby. Oh well. He doesn't want to lie about his interest. He's not some normie wannabe who faked a hobby to get attention.
"You can get acquainted more later. For now, have a seat. The one beside Ryou seems empty."
Hachiman noticed an empty seat beside a boy and sat down there.
"Hello, I'm Akizuki Ryou from 315 Pro." He introduced himself. His voice was smooth and somewhat high-pitched. Almost like that of a girl...
Hachiman blinked. "Oh right."
They exchanged a very awkward handshake. Hachiman sure remembered him from somewhere. Was it a scandal or...
Oh...
Him...
"Nice to meet you."
...
"It's rare to see someone from the backstage transferring in." Ryou smiles at Hachiman. "I assume you're working full time then?"
"Yes. Well, technically."
Hachiman had obligatory 'administrative work' from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM on the weekday and 14 hours on the weekend, totaling 34 hours a week or 136 hours a month. This is just Hachiman doing an average overtime schedule of the Salaryman in the years past. Which the ministry of Health considers deadly, literally.
Granted... things are slowly improving on that front, with the government kicking ass left and right. Many companies outright implode or declare bankruptcy from overtime enforcement, accounting for about 20% of sanctioned companies.
346 Pro itself had fairly stringent management, primarily because of the Executive Director Mishiro, who spent much of her education and early career aboard. Thus, influenced heavily by International work culture.
In exchange for reduced work hours, she demanded a far higher standard of productivity and efficiency from everyone in the office. This put a different kind of stress on people who more accustomed to old habits.
His father wasn't an exception.
...But Hachiman could only be grateful. If not for that company-wide overhaul, Hachiman wouldn't have been here. Also, he had no plan to make office work a career, no matter how much his father would bitch about it.
"I'm here to support my sister..." Hachiman told Ryou. "She's going to make a debut in a few months."
"Is that so? I wish her the best of luck." Ryou smiled.
Well, at least he was a good guy. At least on the surface, he is. Hachiman isn't so arrogant that he could get a read on the person he just met the first time and have absolute confidence in it.
Hachiman doesn't really take kindly on someone willing to deceive people, but there's the fact that Ryou dared to come out of his disguise in public... Hachiman wishes he had half as much courage.
"Thanks." Hachiman coughed, feeling a bit awkward. "Good luck to you, as well."
Hachiman could just imagine the sheer amount of bullying and insult that Ryo had to suffer after his reveal.
"Luck... yeah, I probably need it more than anything else."
"Is there any problem?" Hachiman asked.
"Yeah, well... about my career, I'm somewhat glad it didn't tank completely, but well... when it comes to job contracts."
Ah.
Ryo brazenly revealing himself in public caused a big uproar. Lots of sponsors and affiliates lost faith in his reliabilities. In this cutthroat industry, Ryo committed such a big sin...
A false identity.
It seems that even some of their classmates looked down on him.
The same way his old classmates looked at Hachiman in middle school... "How dare he shows up!" and all that entitled bullshit.
Granted, not everyone does. Some look legit curious but didn't make any moves just yet. Others even look sympathetic.
"After all that... you still want to keep going?" Hachiman asked bluntly.
"Yeah." Ryou confidently answered. "It's not just for my sake, but my friends and others who supported me to the end."
"But I'm sad that I made so many people disappointed in me." He wryly smiles. It's actually kind of cute how helpless this guy looks...
Well, shit, focus. Hachiman!
"They're a lost cause."
"Uh?"
"People who understand and accept your reason will stay regardless, and people who didn't will leave. That's just natural. You cannot convince them otherwise." Hachiman told Ryou. "There's no point of being sad because doing so devalues your own effort."
"I know that well." Ryou smiled sadly. "I came out with the truth, knowing this would happen. I convinced myself that my dreams are the most important."
"I keep telling myself don't worry about what others think. But I guess you can't argue against emotion with logic."
Hachiman widened his eyes slightly.
You can't argue against emotion by logic. That sounded stupid.
You can absolutely argue against emotion with logic. Hachiman is confident in that regard. But... Hachiman was a bit hesitant to say it. For some reason, he missed something important and could not say anything in response to that.
No, there might be a reason for that. Hachiman will have to contemplate it.
"That's an interesting argument." Hachiman scoffed. "So, what it's like to switch from a female Idol to a male Idol? I mean in terms of stage performance."
"In all honesty, there isn't much difference at the foundation." Ryou's eyes lighten up. "I gained a lot from my previous career, but the quirks and kinks have to be rebuild from the ground up. I want to be seen as a real man!"
Hachiman remembered watching Ryou's old videos and cringing in the past. But meeting Ryou in-person change his perspective somewhat.
How much effort is there for Ryou to act flawlessly like a girl, even though his build and proportion made it blatant that he was a real boy. Or maybe Ryou was just naturally feminine, despite his masculine body?
Yeah, that must be it. Ryou really is cute.
Was there any wonder why the Production companies made him Crossdress and debut as a female Idol? Of course, that doesn't change the fact that they're the scum of the earth. Hachiman was surprised 876 Pro didn't get charged with fraud.
Hachiman also had Idol training behind him, three months of hard work, which was more than what many Idols have behind them before their debut. Hachiman had no plan debuting, but he had no issue following Ryou's explanation at all.
"I guess you need to be more fierce, that's all." Hachiman pointed.
"Umm, pardon?"
"It's something that I had to train with myself."
Hachiman doesn't like to admit it, but before his training, Hachiman always looked creepy. And also, a giant wuss. His mother caught at it quickly the moment his training began.
Part of the reason why Hachiman happily obliged was that his parents paid more attention to Hachiman. Secondly, it was because he was sick of being overlooked and underestimated by others.
So many insults and the correction being made, but Hachiman took them in to make sure Hachiman did not look weak or a pushover.
Hachiman didn't change much inside, but outside, he could confidently say that he didn't look weak or unattractive.
It might be the reason why he was bullied and shunned in the past, yet he could easily attract people's attention now. It reminds Hachiman how shallow and superficial people can be.
That's just how the world is.
"How do I put this..." Hachiman held his chin, thinking.
"Please don't hold back and just tell me what you think!" Ryou asked him earnestly, a small fire of determination lit in his eyes.
"You have a naturally soft face, so you need to put a sharper expression to maintain an appearance of masculinity." Hachiman didn't think he was being too rude, but he was trying to be honest.
"It's like Yin and Yang. You need to weigh in one direction to achieve the result you want. Too much Yin, and not enough Yang, that's why you're naturally leaning on looking girly. And when we consider your previous role as an Idol..."
"Huh?" Ryou panicked in realization. "Gyoooon! Could it be that my previous experience Crossdressing is detrimental to my future development?"
"The devil always lies in the details." Hachiman nodded. "Changing for the sake of changing will leave you lost. Changing for the sake of others would end up with you regretting it."
"However, you shouldn't pretend your past experience is something completely positive..." Hachiman told Ryou. "Otherwise, you'll always find yourself looking back to happy memories and regret leaving things behind."
Not that Hachiman had a lot of happy memories when it comes to his old life. But Hachiman decided not to deny his past, even though he comes here to start again. His bitter and lonely life shaped him to be the person he is now.
Hachiman isn't usually sympathetic to a pretender and a betrayer. However, for this distraught effeminate boy, Hachiman couldn't help but feel a shred of pity.
Hachiman felt he couldn't just leave him alone.
"If you want people to see you as a man, then you will have to start shedding your past self as female Idol. The glory, adoration, and praises you received as a girl don't matter anymore." Hachiman continued. "Remember that regardless of your effort, you might not reach the peak of your career again. But it doesn't matter."
"Dreams betray many." Hachiman confidently finished. "But Hard works betray no one."
"I always thought being a male Idol is good enough, but thank you for telling me what's important." Ryou nodded. "I'm glad to meet such a good friend."
Good friend? Really? Hachiman doesn't think he's that charitable. Hachiman didn't trust Ryou yet.
"But you're not the type to mince any words, didn't you?" Ryou rolled his eyes aside and clenched his shirt slightly. His shoulder shrunk. "I'm a bit envious of how honest you are."
"Are you trying to seduce me or what?" Hachiman points out and lightly slapped Ryou's clenched fist. "Stop that!"
"Sorry about that..." Ryou grimaced.
It actually made Hachiman's heart skip a beat for a moment, and Hachiman blushed hard. Ryou's natural charm was too dangerous! Hachiman wondered how many of Ryou's male fans stick around precisely for this reason.
It doesn't matter if he's a guy... Akizuki Ryou is too damn cute.
It's not that Hachiman was prejudiced against effeminate guys, but if Ryou wanted to be seen as masculine, Ryou better shape up. Besides, Hachiman began to feel uncomfortable from all the stares.
Mainly the girls.
The rumor sphere isn't going to play nice. Hachiman just knows.
Speaking of girls...
Hachiman looked in the direction of Kanade and Mika. Kanade gave an ambiguous glare while Mika looked away awkwardly.
Ah.
It can't be helped. These two girls probably feel disappointed, but Hachiman had no intent to apologize because he had a solid reason to hide his family name.
"Anyway, about lunch..." Ryou mumbled. "What about-"
Unexpectedly though, Mika stood up from her chair and approached them. "Umm, Hikigaya-kun, it's already lunch break, so... wanna come with us?"
Wow, what an awkward invitation. Once again, Hachiman becomes the center of attention... this time from seething guys.
There's this undeniable fact that even among this class full of celebrities, Mika and Kanade stood out very well due to their beauty and contrasting charm.
"Sure..." Hachiman told them. "I'll go."
Hachiman saw a little bit of relief in Mika's face, while Kanade was hard to read as usual. These two really are polar opposites.
"Sorry, Akizuki. Maybe next time then."
It seemed that Ryou also wants to invite Hachiman to lunch, though Hachiman isn't entirely sure. It's not bad being polite to someone polite to him.
"Huh? Yeah, of course! Let's have lunch together tomorrow!"
Well, at least it doesn't look like he's disappointed. Perhaps because he knew that Kanade and Mika were from the same workplace as Hachiman.
Yeah, now that's logical.
Or maybe Ryou really is too gullible and easy to convince. No wonder he ended up roped into cross-dressing in the past. Hachiman still too wary of him to make a judgment.
Ryou was also exceedingly optimistic. Its almost impossible for Otomejoshi students to have perfect attendance. That's part of the school appeal in the first place.
The more famous, the more a student achieve outside, the less they spend time at school. Not that Hachiman was famous. But he will have to support the other idols in doing their job.
His hierarchy in this school is rock bottom, and he was more than well aware of it. People like him can be replaced with the snap of a finger.
However, Hachiman picked this path of his own choice. He isn't forced or pressured into it. The bliss given by freedom of choice isn't something he enjoys often.
But regardless, Hachiman kept his distance from them, even as he follows them. He wouldn't admit it, but he still lacks the confidence to walk beside them.
Much to Hachiman's surprise, the cafeteria looked shockingly mundane. He's expecting some canteen full of expensive dishes.
"What's wrong?" Kanade asked him.
"Ah, no. For some reason, I was expecting those gaudy J-Drama elite school cafeteria." Hachiman sweated awkwardly.
"Otomejoshi might be a school for athletes and celebrities, but no, it's not actually an elite school or anything." Mika snorted.
Well, Hachiman could imagine that it's actually the opposite. Otomejoshi would barely pass the minimum academic qualification standard, unlike his old school, the real elite Soubu High. It's not a bad school by any means, just a slightly embellished if painfully average.
Just because you're a celebrity doesn't mean you're filthy rich. In fact, the opposite. Some of the 'worst-performing but not bad enough to get bankrupt' Idols could be said to be living in poverty.
Not a single idol in 346 reached that level, thankfully. But it has to do with the generous and self-sustaining dorm system that would be expensive to build, operate, and maintain. Not many agencies went all out to confine their Idols this way... not just using the sticks, but the carrots as well.
They don't have the capitals, but 346 have what it takes.
When Hachiman came out of his mindscape, he found himself sitting across Kanade and Mika. Of all a sudden, his heart jumped. He could feel the attention other students give to his presence. He really, really is out of place.
Hachiman never knew that he doesn't just have loner syndrome but outright social anxiety. Perhaps being out of touch with his fellow students for one and half years caused this.
He will have to overcome it.
It's not as if Hachiman couldn't socialize normally... It's just that he's not ready to be put under such a massive amount of attention. Now Hachiman understood why many celebrities break down under public scrutiny.
Hachiman's mother was right. Hachiman couldn't understand what it means to be popular until he actually experiences it. And now he understood...
Even if he thought it was unwarranted.
With that in mind, he decided to focus on those two girls before him.
"You're mad, aren't you?" Kanade suddenly asked out of the blue.
"Um, eh?" Mika blinked in surprise.
"What?" Hachiman twitched.
"..."
Hayami, why are you opening the conversation with such an awkward line? Perhaps she was the one angry instead?
Mika sighs in response. "I feel like a third wheel here, so... can anyone explain what is this about?"
Bitch, aren't you the one dragging me here? Hachiman swore internally, even though he knows Mika probably mean well.
"Hikigaya-kun just moved in. But because you invited him to lunch like this, it will discourage others from approaching him later." Kanade smiled... and not quite in a pleasant manner as usual. "Foolish Mika-chan."
"Wha? How come?" Mika ignorantly blurted out, then becomes silent in a horrific realization.
It clicked. How many boys here suddenly got invited to lunch by a pair of girls, alone? The atmosphere and impression would be a bit different if they brought in Ryou as well.
"Oh..." Mika wavered. "I'm sorry."
"There's no need to apologize." Hachiman corrected them. "I'm not dense enough to not realize what's coming. Besides, that idea died the moment I entered this class, not as an Idol but as support staff."
The moment he came in, he felt that the idea of having a lot of male friends would be downright impossible. Because he's the only gopher in a class of aspiring stars. There's no way everyone can be as respectful as Ryou about it.
What a joke. Hachiman shouldn't be that hopeful in the first place...
Besides, if they invite Ryou, it would be even more awkward. Hachiman even thought of using Ryou to escape from this stupid drama but decided not to. He's not that much of a coward.
Kanade squeezed her eyes. "How much are you looking down on us, Idols?"
"Prove me wrong, then." Hachiman goaded her.
"Bro and sis, please, calm down." Mika cuts them both. "Sorry, Hikigaya-kun."
"Again, you don't have to apologize for anything." Hachiman shook his head. "So, I guess you have a lot of questions that I must answer."
"Good guess, but actually no. Just one." Kanade closed her eyes. For a second, Hachiman thinks she broke her mask. Her expression was icy and cold. "Was it all a lie, what you're telling us?"
"Nope." Hachiman innocently replied. "Not a single one was a lie."
Hachiman couldn't even use his demonic rationality to consider it was a lie by omission. From beginning to the end, Hachiman was being truthful to them. He and Komachi even told them about their mother without mentioning her name.
"Everything that Komachi said, and everything I said before, it was all the truth. Except the fact surrounding our family name that we kept a secret from the majority of the Idols."
"I see." Kanade took a sip of her drink to calm herself. "I understand that you have your reason to hide your family names."
"Yeah, that." Mika was able to catch up with the conversation. "To be honest, it's not entirely uncommon for Idols to assume a new identity and omits their origin, as long as the office is aware of it."
"That sounds like blackmail material to me." Hachiman jibed.
If the Idol caused a problem, this could easily result in the Company leaking the information as a retaliatory measure, practically career-sinking in most cases. Indeed, this issue was what tanked Ryou's career, except he did it of his own volition.
Ryou was lucky that he still had any fans left.
"Well, you're not wrong." Kanade nodded. "We have the privileges of using our real identity, and 346 Pro is a clean company."
"But your reason must be personal, right?" Mika pressed on. "I'm sorry if we're coming out as forceful. You don't have to explain to us if you want."
Mika might accept that, but as for Kanade...
"Simply put, we don't want special treatment from anyone. At least, in principle."
Hachiman knows that Kanade and Mika aren't ignorant. Had Komachi and Hachiman introduced themselves as Chief Producer's son right away, they would be treated differently by the Idols.
"In practice, though, it leaked almost right away among the staff and the older Idols. They made it such a big deal, even though I'm nothing but a gopher." Hachiman clenched his teeth.
Hachiman didn't think he was being bullied. However, his existence as Chief Producer's son caused these women to be simultaneously wary, and at the same time, expected too much out of him.
"I don't want Komachi to suffer discrimination from her peers." Hachiman sighed. "Other than our dorm arrangement, Komachi didn't get any privileges over other trainees."
Komachi also hid her proverbial fangs too well. Otherwise, Hachiman was sure that Komachi will leave the other trainees in the dust.
Mika nodded in understanding, and her face looked a little sad. "If we know you as Producer's son early on, then things will be a little different between us."
Cheerful and socially active ones tend to be people with more prejudice. But what makes Hachiman surprised that Mika would happily admit her bias instead of pretending that things will be the same regardless.
Perhaps, he's really too biased against the Gal type. If he wants others to give him a chance, he should do the same in return. A baseless and shallow relationship is not something Hachiman seeks.
"That's indeed the case." Hachiman gave out a resigned smile. "I'm just that shameless, as you can tell."
Hachiman was here because of his father in the first place. By denying his involvement and familial relationship, Hachiman was fully aware that he can appear like an arrogant ingrate.
However, he still refused to be judged based on his father alone. He will not give up on that sole principle. Otherwise, Hachiman's presence here doesn't have any meaning.
But he doesn't need to say it out loud. Neither does he want to say it.
"You shouldn't take it too seriously. It sure shocked me out, but eh, no one can blame you for that!" Mika shrugged lightly, now that her curiosity sated. "Right, Kanade-chan?"
Kanade suddenly smiled, it's a bit ambiguous, but Hachiman no longer saw a sinister vibe in her. "Right."
It actually made Hachiman less comfortable. However, Hachiman had not a shred of guilt on his face either. Neither Kanade nor Mika entitled to an explanation.
It's better to unload it now rather than letting the drama festers. If they started avoiding him, then he couldn't really blame them. If Hachiman is in their position, he's not entirely confident he can respond rationally either.
"Well, so that is that." Kanade stood up and opened the wrapping of a lollipop. "If you're lonely at class, feel free to ask us out."
"Wouldn't that just cause more prob-" Hachiman also stood up with his food tray and empty lunch bowl in his hands. But Kanade shoved the candy in his mouth before yanking it out.
What the?
"We're taking responsibility~!" Kanade winked and then put the now-used lollipop in her mouth, without any hesitation. Then just leave like that.
"Uwah, I wish I have half of that courage." Mika cringed. There's no way she would do that even for someone she really likes. Not without establishing a relationship, first.
"You call that courage?" Hachiman spat. A mixture of embarrassment and shock on his face. "That's kind of disgusting."
The rumor mills didn't take too long to spread the words, unfortunately. While people didn't avoid or belittle Hachiman, many seem to come to him to dig information about the Idols out of him.
Understandably, he was pissed, though he brushes their attempt with ease. It might just take a while for Hachiman to get another guy friend that comes to him without hidden intent...