It had been two weeks since school starts. In the height of this springtime of youth, it's also practically the best time for the entertainment industry to go overdrive after the passing of the lackluster winter season.
Hachiman will be busy. Hachiman's assigned task this time was picking up someone from Chiba!
It might seem weird at first, but as Tokyo's bedroom community, Chiba also gave birth to plenty of fearsome Idols. For example, the famous Idol Miura Azusa hailed from there, who managed to have an outstanding career despite starting in her 20s.
Likewise, one of Ryou's former teammates, Mizutani Eri, also hailed from Chiba. And she won the Classical Idol Tournament of Japan last year.
"Your job isn't just about picking them up like some delivery packets." Hachiman's father explained to him. "You need to get in touch with their family members, knowing their situation at home, and when asked something, it's your responsibility to answer."
Hachiman wanted to say that kind of job seems to be well above his paygrade.
"That's the job of a Manager or a Producer." Hachiman protests.
"Well, yes, but actually no. You ARE representing me as a Chief Producer, after all."
The way Chief Producer said it was rather unconvincing, and Hachiman squeezed his eyes in response.
"It's not like I'm telling you to manage the schedule or meeting with sponsors, brat. You're part of the system, and you should do your job properly." He smugly ordered. "While at it, get a bundle of documents from my bedroom and bring it here for archiving."
"Oh, so NOW your real personality comes out." Hachiman spat. "I hope you get transferred to a male Idol agency in the future!"
"W-what are you saying? Are you cursing me?" Chief Producer gawked in shock.
"Yes. Should I start the ritual, too?" Hachiman snarked at him. At times like this, his father's cowardly side showed up well.
"Please don't. I'll make this up to you later!"
Hachiman always wondered how everyone in the office described Chief Producer Hikigaya as an awkward but nice guy with a scary appearance and chad body.
As far as Hachiman remembers, his father had always been a giant selfish asshole at home. He's not abusive by any means, but a neglectful jerk, for sure.
As it turns out, Chief Producer gets flustered around women, and he is also predisposed to spoil younger girls. His father is a lot less charitable toward other men and boys. Even though he's a loyal husband with two children, he had the aura of a twentysomething virgin.
Hachiman began to think the reason why he's so vulnerable to teasing might be genetic, too.
"You two get along well, huh?" Chihiro smiled and told Hachiman when Chief Producer left.
"Well, it used to be so much worse."
His father was a bit overbearing recently, but Hachiman strangely doesn't think it's something awful. Perhaps it's because his father paid attention to Hachiman now.
Is this the kind of relationship that a pair of father and son usually have?
Hachiman awkwardly scratched his head. "I have the feeling that my father is trying to raise a successor..."
It makes far too much sense. Really.
"Is that such a bad thing? You're still bothered by the gossips?"
"Well, isn't it?" He rhetorically asks. "It's nepotism..."
"Other than the fact that you're still underage, I see no difference to other company methods and culture at all."
"Ahem."
Ah. Shit.
"Director."
"People who belittle you for joining the company means they also don't see me as legitimate."
Her voice was calm and professional, but it sent so much pressure that Hachiman hyperventilated, and Chihiro began shaking.
"Remember." Mishiro approached Hachiman and pats his shoulder. "I don't like bad investments."
The daughter of 346 Pro's company President, Mishiro Joumu, served as the company's Executive Director. Her job was to manage the company's day-to-day operation. She was a cold, calculating, and highly ruthless woman.
However, Hachiman doesn't have a poor impression of her at all. On the contrary, he felt that she was a counterweight to his father's boldness and naivety. It doesn't mean Hachiman likes her as a person, but he does respect her as his boss.
Mishiro, for all her rigid nature, isn't mean-spirited. She put profit above all else but isn't necessarily being evil about it. Above all else, she's not a hypocrite.
"Yes." Hachiman nodded, full of confidence. "I don't know what my father planned, but I don't plan to take this work lightly, Ma'am."
"Good. This trip will be a work trip, so make sure you manage your time properly. Stay punctual."
And with that, Mishiro left for her office.
"Even Director gave you an approval, so stand straight, Hikigaya-kun!" Chihiro cheered him up.
"Yes."
Hachiman saw four girls popping out from the corner of an intersection with suspicious eyes, Kanade in particular flat out pouting hard.
"I see, so Director Mishiro is your type, huh?" Frederica poked him.
"Excuse me, what the hell?" Hachiman twitched in response. "Admiration doesn't always mean romantic love or lust."
Kanade pulled him down a bit and whispers at him. "You're not purposely rebellious, aren't you?"
Well.
No. Hachiman would happily take Mishiro side over their stupid rivalry. However, Hachiman didn't purposely do it to stick it to his father. At all.
"Not at all." He confidently brushed her off. "I'm leaving for Chiba for three days."
"Be careful on your way, lol." Mika waves her hand friendlily. "We'll watch Komachi-chan for you."
What a nice girl, despite appearing with that gaudy style.
"Come back with some souvenir, kay." Shuuko winked at him shamelessly.
"Uh. No promises..." Hachiman responded, with a forced smile attached.
"That's right. Hikigaya-kun is going there to work after all." Mika shrugs. "You can't selfishly ask something like that, Shuuko-chan."
Along with picking up several Idols and transporting them back to Tokyo, Hachiman will have to deal with the local branch office and sort the documents there. This trip is not a paid vacation. Hachiman even had to take Friday off from school and go. Hachiman might be lazy, but he had never been the type to skip school without good reason.
But of course, any good reason to skip school, he will take it without batting an eye!
"Speaking of work, aren't you going to have a radio broadcast tomorrow?" Frederica pointed at Mika.
"I'll have to take a day off for Drama shooting, as well." Kanade hummed and looked at Hachiman. "Guess we'll go separate ways then."
"...What's with that ominous statement?" Hachiman sweats.
"Nothing~!" Kanade winked. "I'm a bit sad you won't be there to watch."
"Even if I was on that job, I won't be there to watch." Hachiman corrected her with a toneless voice.
346 Idol division seriously lacked a disposable workforce. People in higher positions had to do low-level administration work in the past. For a relatively big agency, it's quite an embarrassing sight.
Now that they grant job openings, fresh personnel flood in to fill the gaps, and Hachiman just happens to be one of them. Otherwise, it's impossible for a mere 16 years old to hold a full job position here.
It seemed to be a big deal, but the fact was that Hachiman had no illusion of his importance. He was simply a convenient errand boy and more than well aware of it.
That's why befriending Idols are one thing, but pursuing a serious relationship with them? Hachiman's confidence and self-worth aren't that high.
"Well, she's not the only one. Having Hikigaya-kun in the radio show would be a funny sight to behold." Shuuko elbowed Mika and teased her. "Right, Mika-chan?"
"Hmm, I wonder about that?" Mika blushed a bit but regained her composure. "I think it will be absolute chaos with him around."
"I-I don't want to hear that from someone who ruins her introductory broadcast." Hachiman popped a vein and glared at Mika, though he almost bit his tongue.
Hachiman isn't used to express his feeling openly at all, let alone anger and annoyance.
Mika's first radio interview was a famous case. She passed through the scripted phase without a problem. However, she went hard off the rails in the ad-lib challenge. To the point that the broadcast got for a few minutes!
"Keh! You knew about it too?! I thought you're not interested in me, huh?" Mika snarled back, clearly embarrassed and being defensive about it.
"I'm doing my share of professional research too." Hachiman stuck his tongue out and looked away nervously.
Admittedly, it wasn't stalker-deep research but skimming a lot of easily acquired recordings and media. But, Hachiman was more than confident he had a general idea of these Idol's career progression so far.
Arguably, Hachiman felt astonished that their public Idol persona is the same as their very personal daily life persona, too. Hachiman wasn't sure if they're trying to be honest or too brainwashed by their acts to show otherwise.
Even so.
"Right, professional." Mika squeezed her eyes, unconvinced. "As if I would believe that."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Frederica asked, completely missing what Mika is trying to imply in her words.
"I think you better off not knowing." Shuuko tried hard to hold her laughter. "Pffft..."
These girls weren't being nice to Hachiman but treated him fairly. And that's why Hachiman respects them and will never overstep his boundary. He'll never fall in love with them, despite other people's expectations.
"Ahh, someone switched their cologne again? Who is it?" A girl's voice boomed across the other side of the corridor. "I'm going to find you!"
Hachiman immediately bolted out as quickly as possible. Nope, NOT dealing with her today. Seriously, what the fuck?
Arriving in the garage, Hachiman saw Fumika standing near his motorbike, looking left and right suspiciously. If not for him personally knowing her as atrociously timid, Hachiman might think of her as a potential thief.
"Umm, Sagisawa-san, what are you doing?" He asked her awkwardly.
"Eeek?!" Fumika screeched in response. "O-oh, its you, Hikigaya-kun."
"What are you doing?"
"Umm, well uh... err..."
Please stop fidgeting. That's sus as hell.
"Umm, it's about speed."
Hachiman tilted his head in confusion.
"I mean, I'm to be featured in a music video, but well... I'm assigned to be the co-star of a music video, you know Shingen-san from 315 Pro, right?"
Shingen? Shingen Seiji?
Hachiman vaguely knew, but not much. He was a former JSDF member that becomes an Idol at the relatively old age of 31. That sounds bad when considering being an Idol is physically taxing sometimes. But when you're originally an active-duty soldier, then physical fitness is the least of your concern.
"The theme of the music video is bike and expressway but..." Fumika grimaced. "I never ride a motorbike before, so I'm afraid of causing a dangerous mistake while sitting in the backseat."
"Seriously?"
Stiff passengers can be a problem. But unless the rider is a total dumbass who violates safety procedures and traffic law, that's not going to be an issue at all. Also, a controlled environment is a must in any commercial shooting.
But so far, Hachiman is more than aware that when it comes to lacking self-esteem and being excessively worried, Fumika is far worse than him. It's in character for her to be anxious for such a stupid matter.
They relate on a much deeper level than other Idols do because they're socially awkward and lacked confidence in themselves.
"Umm. I'm thinking of asking Mukai-san about it. But, I'm kind of afraid since she's well known to drive recklessly sometimes." Fumika said.
Hachiman can imagine it.
"I was thinking of asking you for help. I know you'll be busy, so I thought it's better to ask before you're departing." Fumika mumbled and twiddled her fingers. "I did ask permission from Producer. If you can't, it's fine, though."
Hachiman was glad that even someone as meek as Fumika considered him harmless enough! Anyway, Hachiman has just enough time to help her, but it's going to be a one-way trip. Hachiman can't send her back to Tokyo once they arrived in Chiba.
"Sure. There is one." He told her. "I'm supposed to go to the branch office in Chiba, so going through National Route 14 is logical."
"Unfortunately, I can't get you back to Tokyo right away. Today I'll spend time sorting documents and checking out the Idol who took days off. Are you alright with that?"
She nodded furiously, which rather uncharacteristic for her. "Uhm, yes. I'll go back on the train as soon as possible."
"Then I'll send you to the train station in Chiba." Hachiman agreed. "But before that..."
"I know." Fumika suddenly interrupted. "I'll have to wear durable pants and a jacket, right?"
"Correct!" Hachiman explained. "It has to be something that at least resists tearing. There are specialty motorcycle pants made of leather or kevlar for hobbyists and long-distance riders."
"But some people, like students and office workers who have certain dress code, have no such luxury. For this reason, we wear knee pads."
Fumika did notice that Hachiman wore his office suit under his jacket. He also wears plastic-reinforced knee pads.
"I understand. Let me change a bit."
The parking area had a small closet near the motorcycle shed. It's pretty obvious who would use it regularly, though Hachiman never used it.
Fumika exchanged her cotton sweater and long plaid skirt for a black hiking jacket and dark blue pants. It was not the most stylish form, but it was a perfectly functional combo.
"Is this fine?"
"Perfection." Hachiman jokingly raised two thumbs up and then handed out a helmet for her to wear.
"W-w-where should I hold to?"
"Umm, ideally my waist or the guardrail, but if you're uncomfortable, just hold onto my shoulder."
Seriously though, two shy people on a motorbike sound like a recipe for disaster, but this is important for Hachiman, as much as it should be for Fumika. After all, he needed to get accustomed to carrying everyone.
The more they ride together, the less awkward it should be.
"Please relax, Sagisawa-san."
"R-right."
The ride to the entrance toll was taxing for Hachiman, mainly because he had to make sure to feel the sweet spot of braking and accelerating with Fumika on board.
Thankfully, tandem riding isn't just about skill but also trust.
"I'm speeding up!" Hachiman said as they enter the expressway. "Brace, but stay relaxed."
"Right!" Fumika decided to switch from holding onto his shoulders to instead hugging him lightly. It made Hachiman's heart jump for a moment, but he didn't lose focus at all.
"70... 80..." Hachiman mutters. "This is as fast as we can go on this road. Can't go faster."
"There are faster roads?!" Fumika gasps.
"Well, Shin-Toumei and Tohoku Expressway have sections where you can go as fast as 120 km/h... I don't think they would send untrained Idols on such a dangerous route, though."
And honestly speaking, that still outright tame compared to the highway in foreign countries. Not to mention, this 249cc bike can't maintain that speed at such a long-distance trip with a passenger onboard and having its engine stay cool.
"Thank you... Hikigaya-kun. Because..."
Hachiman couldn't hear her words. The rushing wind drowns her faint voice despite their proximity to each other.
"Can you repeat that, Sagisawa-san?"
"Ah, nothing. I'll just say it later."
For the next half hour, they ride in almost complete silence. Hachiman didn't slow down until the exit toll. Hachiman made a roundabout approach in the direction of the train station to ensure her safety.
"I'm sorry for being unreliable. I didn't look like the type who rides public transport regularly, but I ride buses to college all the time."
"Nah, it's not that." Hachiman looked away awkwardly. Fumika probably felt annoyed that Hachiman didn't seem to have much faith in her. "I'd do this even if it was other Idols. Because it is my responsibility."
For some reason, Fumika was agape.
"Ah, right, it's your job after all." Fumika seemed to force out a laugh in response. "...You and Chief Producer alike, in the end."
Hachiman grimaced. For some reason, he felt that he unintentionally made her disappointed. On the other hand, she probably didn't intend to slight him with that comparison.
Hachiman didn't hate his father, but he hates it when people make a comparison between them. With that said, he didn't feel that antagonizing Fumika for it was warranted.
She's way too nice to him, and Hachiman isn't that much of a douchebag to push her away.
"Nah, I'm different from him." Hachiman scoffed. "People loved him for what he is."
Whether at school or home, Hachiman always felt unfairly judged. And his impression of 346 Pro wasn't any different, if not downright worse.
Every single of these girls loved his father. Hachiman understood this for a fact. There's no room for Hikigaya Hachiman in their hearts, not as someone worthy of love at least.
Hachiman knows that, despite all his flaws as a person and as a father, Chief Producer Hikigaya earnestly supported his Idols. He had the drive and skill to make their dreams come true. And because of this, these young girls and women fell for him.
But Hachiman's father had always been loyal to a fault, and despite the rift caused by his mistake a few years ago, he had only eyes for his beloved wife.
Hachiman's mother.
There's no room for these Idols in Chief Producer's heart. It couldn't possibly be more ironic.
If these idols in some unlikely event fall for Hachiman, it's probably just a projection of their affection to the Chief Producer Hikigaya.
Hachiman isn't a match for him, and he didn't have any intention to make a pointless fight over it too. He's not that much of an insecure loser.
But Hachiman doesn't want to be a rebound.
Chihiro's words two weeks ago seemed like a joke to him at the moment. Not that Hachiman ever took it seriously in the first place.
"Umm... huh?"
"Forget I'm saying anything. The next train is going to come soon." Hachiman abruptly changed the topic.
"Ah, right."
Fumika is about to cross the ticket gate. But she walked back toward him for some reason.
"Ah, I forgot to say it in the end." Fumika blushed hard and looked shaken. "Umm, I'm glad to ask you in the end. Thank you for giving me a ride."
"There's no need for that."
"No, I know you're just doing your job... but I'm still glad. Because Hikigaya-kun makes me feel safe, that is." Fumika said a little louder. "This is my first time, and I'm glad I'm doing it with Hikigaya-kun."
Well, those words can be seriously misleading! Hachiman can't help but feel embarrassed too! He was glad that there were only strangers to hear it.
"Phrasing." He mutters quietly, not that Fumika can hear it. "Anyway, it's probably better if my father does it anyway."
Hachiman tried hard to hide it, but if it was anyone else than the naive Fumika, they could see that Hachiman was sulking.
"Umm, how do I say this... please don't get mad." Fumika cringed. "But Chief Producer is rather clumsy. I'm pretty sure he failed his riding exam three times."
Hachiman widens his eyes in surprise. "What, how? He rides around the company Minibus."
"Cars are relatively easier to ride than bikes, though. At least Senkawa-san said so." Fumika tells him.
Hachiman sighs. "...Well, that explains why he forced me to enter riding school right after my birthday."
Getting a large sum of money that Hachiman forced to spend on things he had no interest in was torture! Of course, Hachiman comes to enjoy the sensation afterward, but early on, he almost wanted to cry.
"Unlike Chief Producer, you're careful and always pay a lot of attention to your surroundings. Chief Producer sometimes caught in silly accidents because of his clumsiness."
"That's why... I'm pretty sure there are a lot of things that the Chief Producer cannot do, but you can do it." Fumika held his hand in encouragement. "I'm sure that our meeting is fate. And you will also meet the fated person that likes you for what you are."
Hachiman doesn't know if Fumika was messing with him or that she was incredibly naive. Since she likes books, it might be the latter. And if that was indeed the case, Hachiman is glad that at least someone honestly wished him good fortune.
That's a first.
"Thank you, Sugisawa-san." He bashfully told her.
"See you later... next week."
Sagisawa Fumika is a nice girl.
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 04 - The starting line
Hachiman headed for the branch office and spent the remainder of his daytime sorting documents and reports. When he finished, it's already close to 4 P.M.
Pretty much a good time to clock out. Hachiman already spends quite a few hours more than usual anyway. Of course, thinking of ordinary salaryman culture, such a mindset would earn him ire from his coworkers and bosses.
Praise Goddess Mishiro. He clapped his hands. Pointless overtime means pointless spending, which Executive Director Mishiro hates.
A person who likes Hachiman for what he is.
For some reason, Hachiman could only think of Zaimokuza. The fat guy was delusional, loud, and obnoxious. But he was also the only person who approached Hachiman back in Soubu with honest intention.
Sadly, Hachiman didn't have his contact. It's almost time for school to end too.
Hachiman still had his old student card, and it hasn't been long since he transferred out, so it wouldn't be suspicious if he asks permission to enter his old school. He could also wait near the gate, and then he's wondering which one is less eye-catching.
Bah. It's not as if anyone else will remember Hachiman anyway.
Waiting in front of the school gate might be legit the best option. It will be a little conspicuous for Hachiman's taste, but at the same time, it's not something other people haven't done. Hachiman very often spots families and friends from other schools waiting there.
Hachiman felt that even doing something 'normal' can be taxing. But he had to do it. Otherwise, things will never change for him.
But really, people who stared at him for some reason made him uncomfortable.
"Who is that?"
"A salaryman? He looks young, though. Maybe an intern?"
"Handsome too! Maybe he's a trainee teacher?"
Anyone else will be happy being talked positively behind their back, but Hachiman could only feel increasingly irate. Hachiman wonders if the so-called super normies also feel like this.
Maybe not.
Hachiman knows very well that superficially, he's attractive. But his experience in middle school showed that a handsome face or athletic body means jack shit. Once the girls get to know him and talk with him, they found him disgustingly awkward and took some distance away.
Is this the real meaning of silence is golden? The girls do like the quiet type, don't they? Or maybe they prefer men to be friendly and chatty? That was something that Hachiman couldn't even dream of before.
Seriously, where the hell is that deluded ass?
Hachiman prayed that at least him being visually stunning (Pfft) would easily catch his attention. Hachiman couldn't bear this for too long.
"Excuse me, Onii-san. Are you waiting for someone else?"
What the? Did someone hit on me? Hachiman looks aside to see a beautiful woman roughly in her 20s, tall body hidden underneath a sharp tux. Her silky black hair was pretty long, reached her waists, and more.
...Is she a trainee teacher or something? Hachiman gulped at the moment because, by god, she was an attractive one. Not losing to the older idols back in the office.
"Uh, yes. I'm waiting for a friend, a student here."
"Hmm? Suspicious. Is that friend a girl or something?"
As she says this, she also leans on his motorcycle with an inviting expression.
Help! Someone is seducing me!
"Umm, no. A Second-year student named Zaimokuza Yoshiteru. I don't have his contact info though I figure I can meet him if I wait here."
"True, that particular student is well known among the teachers. You did the right thing waiting for him here since he's easy to spot even among his peers." She laughed. "My name is Hiratsuka Shizuka. I'm a Japanese language teacher here."
Huh, a civil servant? She didn't look that old, but she does exude some charisma.
"Umm, Hikigaya Hachiman." Hachiman was hesitant about introducing himself, but it wouldn't be polite not to.
"I see. Looks a bit young for an office worker. Perhaps I was wrong?"
"Well, I'm just a Production Assistant." Hachiman wasn't sure why he keeps blabbering while screaming internally to stop. "Not exactly a Senior position, all things considered."
"Production Assistant? That explains it. Do you work in movies?"
"Uh, no. Not exactly." Hachiman doesn't want to say the Idol word. "I work in 346 Pro. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my business card, sorry."
"It'd be nice if we can talk more, its rare to find Motorcycle enthusiasts around here." Hiratsuka offered him her contacts. "Perhaps we can have a drink or two."
I'm underage, damn it!
"That would be a problem." Hachiman cringed so hard he was about to cry from embarrassment. But he still politely put her contact info in his wallet.
"WOAH, IS THAT YOU, HACHIMAN!"
Takes you how long to come, you fucking fatso? Hachiman looked murderous when he heard Zaimokuza's booming voice coming from the direction of the school gate. However, Hachiman couldn't blame him, so he waved one hand. "Yo."
"I was shocked to find out you're transferring out, you traitor!" Zaimokuza looks half laughing and half crying. "Now that you're here, heavens truly have its way!"
"Well, no. My bad for not saying anything." Hachiman felt a little guilty. "But I'm here, aren't I?"
"Indeed, you're here! And I see you're now part of the productive member of society. Tsk, I'm jealous. Jealous." Zaimokuza huffed. "I'll have to work extra hard so I can get my novel published."
Good luck with that. You will need it. Or not, Zaimokuza needs to learn how to write well.
"Oh, good afternoon, Scholar Hiratsuka!" Zaimokuza respectfully bowed. "I see you have met my fated soulmate, Hachiman!"
"...Pardon?" Hiratsuka twitched. "What are you saying, Zaimokuza-kun?"
"Huh? You don't know? Hachiman was a Soubu student before." Zaimokuza innocently mentions.
"...By that, you mean he's an alumnus, right?" Hiratsuka's face darkened.
Hachiman already wanted to run away right there.
"No? We were in the same grade before."
Hachiman made the sign of the cross because Hiratsuka probably felt humiliated by this misunderstanding. But it was not Hachiman's fault that she's aggressively flirted with him like that.
Just how desperate she was to hit on a random man waiting in front of the school?
"I see..." Hiratsuka looked half furious and half embarrassed. "Next time, please clear up the misunderstanding quickly, Hikigaya-kun."
Hachiman's soul almost jumped out of his body in terror. "Umm, yes, Sensei."
"But do you... I mean, working?" She sighed heavily and rubbed her aching temple. "How about school?"
"I'm working on a contractual basis at the moment." Hachiman honestly answers. "So it's not exactly correct to call it part-time work. But I'm still going to school in Tokyo."
"I see. Kids these days grew up too quickly." Hiratsuka patted his shoulder. "Youth don't come twice, you know. You should enjoy it more."
Don't say something so wise after hitting on me, damn it.
"But regardless of that fact, no matter what you want to do, don't go half-hearted. Otherwise, you'll end up with crushing regret." Hiratsuka turned melancholic for a moment. "Just like that girl."
That girl? Was it someone Hachiman know? Nah.
"We understand." Hachiman and Zaimokuza nodded.
"Be careful on your way, and don't hesitate to contact me if you need school-related consultation." As if letting a heavy burden off her chest, she brilliantly smiled. "The same goes with you, Zaimokuza."
Nice save. Hachiman thought. Regardless of that hiccup, Hachiman feels that Hiratsuka has the aura of a seasoned teacher. So her number might not end up wasted, after all.
Or maybe she's just trying to be polite. Hachiman will try to be reliant on his new teachers in Otomejoshi instead.
"Well, then, my soulmate, should we arrange a meeting elsewhere?"
"You mean Family restaurant, right?" Hachiman snorted. "I still haven't got my salary, so I can't treat you."
"Pah, I'd treat you as a proper master treating his retainer!"
"Who the hell is your retainer? No, thanks."
"Let's go to Saize, do you mind?"
"As if! For students like us, there's no place more perfect than it!" Zaimokuza shouted excitedly.
Hachiman scoffs and throws the spare helm at him.
"I just realized now, but you have one hell of a magnificent steed." Zaimokuza was excited because it would be his first time riding a motorcycle, it seems.
However, his excitement becomes squishy, as much as the bike suspension lowers itself when he rides on the backseat. "Umm, Hachiman, is this fine?"
"GW250 rated for 180 kg... so it should be fine... I think. How much do you weigh again?"
"Uh... 88.8 kg?"
The heck? Zaimokuza was lighter than he appears. Of course, he's not extraordinarily tall, so 89 kg was enough to make him look round. For guys as tall as them, the healthy weight range would be between 60 to 75 kg.
"Should be safe, then."
Of course, carrying a passenger heavier than you is awkward, so Hachiman decided to take it easy with the throttle. And since this was still in the urban area of Mihama, it doesn't take too long for them to find the nearest Saizeriya.
The familiar sensation greeted them both. There isn't much difference between Saizeriya in Tokyo and here in Chiba. And that's why Hachiman would come to Saize in Tokyo whenever he wanted to think of home.
"Uh, I'll have Milano Doria, a Peperoncino, a drink bar... and OH salted chickens too!"
"Isn't that a little too much?" Hachiman grimaces. Seriously, forget his weight. Was Zaimokuza's wallet bottomless?
"Well, that's the best thing about Saize. Its food is reasonable, and so is the price!"
"Right? Bless Saize supremacy!" Hachiman couldn't help but getting excited himself. "Oh, and I'd like to order two servings of Focaccia and a drink bar."
Zaimokuza balked. "Wait, is that all?!"
"Yeah. Focaccia tastes amazing with gum syrup!"
"That sounds amazing! I want some of that too! Oh, and some Chorizo Prosciutto!"
"...Is that some kind of finisher?" Hachiman cringed hard, reminded himself of the bunch of little chuunibyous at the dorm.
Hachiman honestly never felt so free with anyone around him. It makes a real difference when you're with someone you think so safe that you don't need to pretend to be someone else and not yourself.
He takes Zaimokuza's presence too lightly.
"So, how was your new school?" Zaimokuza asked. "Do you transfer to another public school or what?"
"No, it's a crappy private school!" Hachiman told him. "It's kind of necessary to lower the standard due to my work schedule, though."
"Sacrificing education for work isn't something I expect you would do, no offense!" Zaimokuza pointed rather bluntly. Zaimokuza was all too aware of Hachiman's inherent laziness.
"Yeah, I didn't expect that myself." Hachiman took a bite of his focaccia. "Guess when you have a concrete goal, even someone like me can be motivated."
"Oh, and what is that goal. My soulmate?"
"Ensuring Komachi succeed in her future." Hachiman smiled.
"Well, this honorable me did not understand, but I can't imagine." Zaimokuza nodded. "What you wouldn't do for your beloved little sister."
That was a good question. What wouldn't Hachiman do for Komachi's sake?
"By the way, I just recently finished a draft. Would you mind looking on it?"
"Sure, give me that."
Zaimokuza gave Hachiman a bundle of printed scripts. Hachiman didn't spend any time waste and immediately read through it.
"So about your sister Komachi-chan, did you go so far as to transfer school for her sake?"
"I just saw a chance to start again and took it. Because I'm tired of being left in the dark."
"Ah."
Zaimokuza, for a moment, lost his stupid grin. In a way, he probably realized that Zaimokuza alone wasn't enough and that no one else hangs around Hachiman in his class.
Zaimokuza was nowhere that isolated. It was easier to overlook a quiet existence like Hachiman than someone loud and proud like Zaimokuza. No matter if people feel amused or disgusted by Zaimokuza's behavior, they acknowledged his presence.
Of course, even though Zaimokuza was more comfortable with Hachiman than his classmates, it doesn't change the big picture that Zaimokuza Yoshiteru was never alone.
"I can't always rely on luck. Because frankly speaking, my luck is exceptionally shitty." Hachiman took a sip of his sweet drinks. "That's why I'm putting so much effort. I'm tired of letting the world and other people deciding my fate for me."
"Incredible fighting spirit, I have to say." Zaimokuza smiles slightly. "I wish I have that much courage, though."
After all, it was the reason why Zaimokuza assumed his historical personage.
"I don't think courage is what you lacked." Hachiman pointed out. "What you lack is the focus."
"Focus?"
"Yeah. Have you ever read the draft you write and wonder why it never goes anywhere?" Hachiman frankly told him. "Because you just put everything you think is cool, but it has no clear beginning or end."
"..."
"Is it so bad to write without a purpose?" Zaimokuza sighs.
"Only you can answer that question." Hachiman shrugged. "Are you satisfied with the work you're writing now, or do you want something more exciting? Furthermore, you have to decide if you're writing for yourself or writing for the audience."
Zaimokuza squirmed wordlessly.
"...Sorry, I guess I'm not that fun to hang out with, after all." Hachiman sadly muttered.
"No, you're right." Zaimokuza shook his head. "Running away from my writing would make the absolute coward, and that's unacceptable. After all, I am the great Swordmaster Zaimokuza Yoshiteru. The pen is mightier than the sword, and I'm going to conquer it."
Hachiman confidently smiled. "That's the Zaimokuza I know. Now start studying Japanese grammar. Because this shit is atrocious, it's almost unreadable."
"GAH!"
"Also, there's nothing original under the sun, but at least don't just blindly copy other people's works, dude."
"GAHAK!"
And thus, Zaimokuza Yoshiteru died right there. Mentally at least.
"Finally, I'm fine if you keep sending me drafts, but the more people read and criticize it, the better. You can't just rely on the opinion of a single person unless it's your legal editor."
"Would it be fine for me to send it? Aren't you busy?" Zaimokuza twitched as soon as he recovers from the shock.
"Of course, it's fine. Let's exchange contacts." Hachiman pulled his phone. "I can't promise if I'll always be available, but mail it anyway. And I mean digitally."
Zaimokuza's stupid grin returned. It seems that Hachiman's harsh blow didn't destroy his spirit as a writer in the end. Furthermore, now that Hachiman went so far as to exchange contacts, Zaimokuza felt that they have become a little closer than before.
"Speaking of which, where are you working at the moment? What kind of workplace is that?"
Hachiman decided to tell him the details, though not the juiciest ones. Hachiman also purposely omit specific names. Partly to protect the girls and to protect Zaimokuza's ego.
"Guh, I'm so jelly!" Zaimokuza clenched his hand. "You get to work with voice actresses too!"
"Good guess, but I don't remember if any of them do voice acting." Hachiman corrects him. "Probably not."
"You go to school with them!" Zaimokuza cried and pointed at Hachiman accusingly.
"Yes, but I don't know them..." Hachiman told him. "I still can barely remember my classmates."
"You're surrounded by beautiful girls all the time! It's practically a harem!" Zaimokuza screeched even higher.
"Harem?" Hachiman paused for a few seconds. Then he continues. "They like someone else, and I'm not into Netorare. So that means I'm the dateless side character in this particular story."
Zaimokuza dropped his jaw and seemed to calm down. "You are the very definition of wasted opportunity! Think of the many millions of boys who would kill to have your position, you ungrateful bastard!"
"Bitch. I work four hours a day literally every weekday and seven hours on Saturday and Sunday. 90% of that in the office fixing someone else's paperwork and being an errand boy." Hachiman chided. "And I'm doing that while being a full-time student. What's there to be envious of?"
"...Actually, it sounds like you're doing their work by killing yourself." Zaimokuza backtracked in response. Does Hachiman even have time to rest? What about studying and homework?
"Exactly." Hachiman snapped his fingers. "But I'll take whatever it takes to make sure Komachi's debut a success."
Looking at Hachiman like this, Zaimokuza could only feel awe. Compared to what Hachiman is doing for his goal, what Zaimokuza did was a complete joke.
He was ashamed.
Dreams betray many. But effort betrays no one.
Zaimokuza Yoshiteru's half-assed writing was a complete joke.
"I have decided." Zaimokuza clenches his fists. "I'll write a worthy novel by May. If I managed to achieve something, then I'll visit you in Tokyo."
Hachiman raises his eyebrows. "...Don't tell me you want to meet Idols or something?"
"Pah. Of course not." Zaimokuza spat. "I'm not that desperate, you know? I'll make sure to write novel good enough for an anime adaptation. THEN I can meet these Idols who want to voice my characters!"
Stupid, painfully stupid, and stupidly prideful.
However, Hachiman couldn't hate him for it at all. Otherwise, there's no way Hachiman could trust him to keep this conversation a secret.
Indeed. Zaimokuza Yoshiteru was dumb enough to extend his hand to the reclusive and bitter Hikigaya Hachiman in the first place. And Hachiman was grateful for it.
"As you know, Soubu Second-year have Workplace visit program after the midterm. I plan to visit Bodansha." Zaimokuza said in a determined face. "Make no mistake, this is something I planned before our fateful encounter today, but our meetings here strengthen my resolve."
"By that time, I will not come empty-handed." He pointed at himself cockily with his thumb.
Hachiman had the feeling that this time around, Zaimokuza simply isn't expelling hot air as usual. However, Hachiman had no intention of taking anyone's statement at face value.
Not even if it comes from Zaimokuza Yoshiteru. ESPECIALLY when it comes from Zaimokuza Yoshiteru, the General bravado of fantastic bullshit.
"I'm not going to wait, so try to catch up with me." Hachiman snorted as they pay their bills separately. "Break a leg."
With a newfound resolve, Zaimokuza confidently threw his manuscripts into the nearby dumpster labeled burnable trash. There was not a single hint of pain or sorrow on his face.
Hachiman knew very well that Zaimokuza is hiding it, his fear and uneasiness deep inside his heart. However, he must discard his darling to ensure he can start writing the right way.
Only then can he become a real writer worthy of recognition.
"The same goes with you, my partner!" Zaimokuza punched Hachiman by the chest.