Hachiman felt strangely uneasy, despite waking up in his own bedroom that he used for more than a decade. As he descended down the stairs, the sterile atmosphere caught up to him quickly.

It was weird to have a morning without Komachi around. It was not that Hachiman has an exceptionally severe case of sister complex. But they only have each other to rely on for a good part of the last ten years.

"Someday, we'll have to take a separate way eventually." He smirked. "But that day is not today."

It seemed that his parents paid housekeepers to keep the house clean at least. Hachiman's family had always been upper middle class, but only recently they do something like that.

If it was ordinary schoolday, Hachiman might start preparing, but he had a day off. In the sense that Otomejoshi had no Saturday classes.

"Another day, another time for glorious paperwork."

But since Hachiman's deadline is absolutely late, he decided to take it easy. First, he picked the documents from his parent's bedroom. He proceeded to inspect its content.

[Snow White Queen] was one of the top-secret documents that Hachiman decided is beyond his paygrade. It's on a sealed envelope, which means he couldn't check the content without damaging the package.

"Irresponsible bastard." Hachiman cursed his father. Seriously, Hachiman thought he was dealing with tertiary junk and not some classified papers.

After making sure nothing is missing, he put it in his leather bag. It was where he stored his laptop and papers. And really, it might be another reason why people keep mistaking him for an adult.

"Am I too old-fashioned? Nah."

Hachiman was about to make a semblance of instant breakfast when he heard the doorbell ring.

He checked the intercom and saw a strange girl with orange-brown hair looking left and right suspiciously.

What the?

"Who is there?"

"Ummm, this is Yuigahama Yui from Soubu High, is Hikigaya Hachiman here?"

What the fuck?

Hachiman opened the door, and she jumped so hard in response that he thought she was seeing a ghost.

"Woah!"

Hachiman closed the door again.

"WAIT A MINUTE! I'M SORRY IF YOU'RE SURPRISED!"

Hachiman finally decided to confront the weirdo.

"Do you need anything from me?" Hachiman was on guard.

The dorm life was so hectic that he immediately felt a sense of dread whenever any girl showed any interest in him. Usually, it's anything but romantic.

"Umm... I... well... uh..."

Looking at her trendy appearance, Hachiman was expecting someone socially adept, but when thinking of Jougasaki, the elder... yeah, no. If anything, these colorful slutty gals always have been the dorkiest when they're nervous.

So Hachiman tried to be patient.

"Umm, it's awkward to say this... but do you remember him?" The girl raised a sausage dog with a stupid face on it. Seriously, it looked so stupid... that Hachiman feels insulted by its mere presence.

Oh.

Hachiman honestly doesn't want to, but he remembered it all too clearly. The damned thing was the reason for the accident a year ago, before the opening ceremony.

"Wanna come inside? It's a little cold here." He asked rather uncharacteristically. While she might not be the most conventional type of guest, she still is one. To brush her off would be rather impolite.

Besides, Hachiman wanted to know her intention.

"Is... is it alright? I'm sorry for intruding." She sheepishly followed him.

Looking at her, this girl was quite a beauty. Among the girls in Soubu, she could easily rank in the top ten. The precise position should be left into personal preference.

Not only that, she had an honest-to-god bombshell body. Had it not for the forced exposure to the attractive idols at the dorm, Hachiman might just end up a stuttering mess in front of her.

"Hey, Sable!"

"Woof!"

The damned dog seriously had no shame as it jumps on Hachiman the moment he sits down. Hachiman doesn't really hate dogs, but he's more a cat person.

Sausage dogs like this one were known for their hyperactive temperament, so what can Hachiman do except bitching?

"Sable must be happy to meet his savior again." She told Hachiman. "Truthfully, I'm kind of surprised too. Actually... how could I say... it's actually embarrassing..."

?

Hachiman legit confused.

"Umm, you lost me?" Hachiman muttered.

"Actually, this isn't my first time coming here." She bowed politely. "My name is Yuigahama Yui, and Sable is my dog. We came here exactly one year ago, but you were sleeping back then."

Huh, really.

"I remember it was your little sister, umm... was that Komachi-chan?"

"Right. Komachi never told me about it, though."

"Is... is that so?"

"Yeah, I only remember meeting a bunch of lawyers to talk about compensation instead." Hachiman laughed slightly. "So you don't have to worry about me or anything. Everything had been settled a long time ago."

"Ah... no, well..." She rolled her eyes aside.

Hachiman doesn't need her pity. Hachiman was more than aware of his own shortcoming. Even if that accident did not happen, Hachiman would still end up alone at Soubu, too.

Hachiman's mistreatment of Zaimokuza was proof of that. Hachiman was so preoccupied with his toxic loneliness that he was blind toward someone who acknowledged Hachiman for what he is.

"Actually... I'm from Soubu High."

Huh?

"Umm, how do I say this. It's not that I'm worried about you or anything. I... I just want to say... thank you for saving Sable. But I have no courage to meet you until you transferred out."

Oh, so it was like that.

Rather than feeling sorry for Hachiman, Yuigahama Yui was tormented by her own guilt and perceived cowardice. Despite her conscience wanting to see Hachiman and thank him personally.

Was it a year ago?

Hachiman actually felt a little uncomfortable, even though it wasn't his fault. Yuigahama Yui wanted closure for so long.

"I thought I lost my chance, but yesterday I saw you talking with Hiratsuka-sensei and another student. I was... panicking or something. Sorry, I came uninvited."

She was too damn nice. Hachiman wanted to hate her so much...

But he couldn't.

If anything, Hachiman was the one who pities her.

"My entire family moved to Tokyo, yes." Hachiman nodded. "But my parents had no plan to sell this house yet."

"How was your new school?"

"Crappy, but at least the people are nice." Hachiman sighed as he strokes the too comfortable dog on his lap. "At least in Soubu, my grades actually matter."

"Eh? Is that so?" Yui blinked. "I thought you'll transfer to another elite school there."

"I have my reasons, mostly related to work."

"Ah, so that's why you were wearing that suit... hahaha..." Yui forced a laugh, and it sounded painful in Hachiman's ears. "Seriously though, you're working full-time?"

Her eyes were full of curiosity.

"Well, I'm definitely not working part-time. I still go to school on the weekdays and works full time on the weekend. I came to Chiba for work-related reasons, too."

"Woah, I guess you must be busy..." Yui said with an earnest hint of amazement. "As for me, I worked part-time, but spending that much time working despite going to school is unthinkable."

It is unthinkable for most boys. Hachiman had nothing better to do, and to work is better than rotting in his loneliness. Furthermore, without his current work, he'll never meet his new friends in Tokyo.

Hachiman absolutely hated Salaryman's life, but ironically, he had more social life than ever working as one. Also, some Idols respect him precisely because he's an office gopher.

"I guess when you work for something other than the money, it can be fulfilling in its own way."

Hachiman was more than confident that he contributes his way to ensure Komachi's upcoming debut a success.

"Working for something other than the money... huh?" Yui sadly smiles. "I wish I'm that mature. "

"Mature? Most people say otherwise, though."

Is that really a mature sentiment? Hachiman was doubtful. As a matter of fact, most adults consider doing a dream job as just a dream that not everyone can enjoy. Financial security is far more crucial.

Hachiman working for Komachi's sake was quite childish, and he was all too aware. He doesn't care, though.

He's still 16 years old. He'll milk his freedom for all its worth.

"Regardless, you picked a quite respectable path. I'm actually ashamed of myself."

Ah, the sign of insecure and dissatisfied youth. Trying to keep up with everyone and overthink everything. If Hachiman's father was here, then it's almost guaranteed that he will try to rope Yuigahama Yui to become an Idol too. In fact, Hachiman can vividly imagine that all too well.

It's hard to blame him, though. Chief Producer Hikigaya gave an out to the girls who either lost in life or were cornered by their problems. Even though they're exploited, they couldn't see him as anything but a savior.

And if Hachiman were in their position, he will think the same way. And unlike many Producers, the bastard of a father was honest in his intention too. And he supported them with all his might.

At the expense of his own family, at that.

"Yuigahama, are you under an impression about what I'm doing is something cool?" Hachiman asked bluntly. "Because it couldn't be further from the truth."

"Umm, eh? Wasn't it? I mean, you're wearing that cool suit stuff and all." Yui raised her eyebrows.

"I'm just an office boy, in a somewhat literal application of the word, that is..." Hachiman rambled. "If you know what I'm doing for real, it will be absolutely laughable. No, if the people from Soubu heard about this, I'll be a laughingstock."

"Ehhh? But... I don't understand. What's so bad about holding a full-time job?" Yui was confused.

"Because I'm wasting my weekend in a freaking cubicle. Can you imagine how stupid that was when I'm still 16 years old?"

"Umm, uh. I can somewhat imagine it, yes. It sounds like... a chore?" Yui held her head, somewhat confused but also enlightened. "No way I can do that."

"From my point of view, everyone else is wasting their youth doing stupid things. However, from their point of view, I'm the one wasting my youth." Hachiman pointed at her. "What I mean is, I don't like how things went in Soubu and decided to leave, regardless of what others would think about it."

"It doesn't really matter what others think of what you want to do or how you should change yourself. What's important is that whether you're satisfied with your daily life or not." Hachiman firmly told Yui. "You get to decide whether to stay as it is or to change yourself, don't let others dictate."

Yui was agape.

"...Don't let others dictate... huh?"

"Right." Hachiman nodded. "Of course, that's just my opinion."

"I can understand a little bit, though." Yui sadly smiled. "No, I think I understand it all too well. Sometimes it's hard to voice my opinion to others... even to my friends."

Friends.

Hachiman admits that it would be far too hypocritical for him to say that people's opinions don't matter at all. For example, early on, he pretends to not have a familial relationship with his father, so their views of the Chief Producer didn't influence the Idol's impression of Hachiman and Komachi.

Hachiman doesn't like that, but Komachi prefers things to go that way, and Hachiman had no reason to argue otherwise. Because as long as they focus on his father, they will never see Hachiman for what he is.

Friendships built upon that kind of false premise are worthless to Hachiman. People who get closer to him because they desire his father's love or getting to know his Idol friends, they're all nothing but fakes.

He does value their opinion. It just that to him, his opinion matters the most. To be selfishly stubborn was something he refused to change. Otherwise, Hachiman will end up oppressed and bullied yet again. Hachiman wanted to be someone who firmly stands on his controversial opinion and doesn't back down easily.

"Friends are important, but don't let them get in the way of your own objectives..." Hachiman told her. "Otherwise, it's nothing but a forced and one-sided relationship. It's nothing but an illusion that you use to comfort yourself."

Sometimes, friendships were used as an excuse to oppress others. Hachiman doesn't have any, but he had seen them a lot.

Friendships built on a hierarchical structure centered around one or two key figures. They're not uncommon at all.

Hachiman doesn't know Yuigahama Yui or her friends, but it wouldn't surprise him someone like Yui could have been trapped in such a relationship.

Someone strong enough to push you around is also strong enough to protect you from outsiders. Hachiman understands this well. There is a real benefit in social conformity. Getting along with the flow means you will suffer a lot less pushback.

Hachiman refused to do that, though.

"An illusion...?" Yui lowered her head. Hachiman wonders if he's being too harsh about the whole thing.

Hachiman shrugged. "In the end, that's something you have to decide for yourself."

"You don't sugarcoat anything, don't you?" Yui smiles brightly, which Hachiman finds rather disturbing. "You know, sometimes I'm a bit slow on the take... and I find straightforward people really cool."

"Is that so?" Hachiman felt somewhat embarrassed and scratched his head.

"Yeah. You know, I meet this cool girl at school when I asked for some help, and when I gave up early, she said-"

"People who don't work hard don't have the right to be envious of people with talent. People fail because they don't understand the hard work necessary for people to be successful."

"Trying to justify your failures, foolishness, and screw-ups by getting others to agree with you? Aren't you ashamed?"

Those were some harsh words. Not even Hachiman can be that acerbic!

"If I meet that person, I might legit start worshipping her!" Hachiman said without a single shred of irony. Then again... if this person starts lashing out at Hachiman, he was not sure he could survive the onslaught...

"Right? I know, right?" Yui really was excited.

She flushed a bit and then took out something from her bag. "A-anyway, this is not much, and it might not taste good, but... I made it myself, this time."

"...This time?" Hachiman raised his eyebrows.

"Umm, well, I gave Komachi-chan store-made cookies, so..."

Goddamnit Komachi! You forgetful little shit!

"...Looks like I have a lot to talk with my little sister." Hachiman was seriously annoyed with Komachi's indifference. Had Hachiman know back then, how much difference of attitude will it make?

Hachiman opened the bag, and there were semi-burnt cookies inside.

They don't look appealing at all.

"...On a second thought, maybe I shouldn't give it after all?!" Yui panicked and about to yank the bag, but Hachiman defended it.

"No takebacks."

Hachiman would savor it even if it's full of poison. Otherwise, he'll beat himself so hard in the future for being a stupid ingrate. The cookies taste terrible. Even so, Hachiman didn't leave a single piece.

"Whoa... why would you do that?"

"Homemade is homemade, guys are stupid, and they bend over backward to get such a treat..." Hachiman said shamelessly. "And I'm not an exception!"

"Seriously?!" Yui's face was so red, she could be mistaken for a cooked shrimp.

"Dreams betrays many, but hard works betray no one." Hachiman grinned. "Even if it tastes terrible, your feelings will get across if you put effort into it."

"Ummm, then, does my feeling get across?" She twiddled her fingers shily. "I mean, I made it as thanks... for what you have done."

"Well, I really appreciate that you come this far to thank me. But what happened a year ago was purely my own decision, so you don't have to worry about me anymore." Hachiman closed his eyes, feeling the bitter aftertaste despite the cookies themselves having too much sugar in them.

"Ah, right. I guess we will never meet again..."

Hachiman doesn't want to be too hopeful, so he brushed the sign that she's heavily saddened by the idea out of his mind.

"Never is too certain of a word to describe it, but I don't know when I will come to Chiba again."

"Hmm, I guess you're right." Yui squirmed. "It's a little sad."

It's better to sever this relationship tied by moral obligation here. Hachiman had a new life to look forward to in Tokyo. And as much as he loved Chiba, he doesn't want emotional ties based on yet another misunderstanding.

Because Yuigahama Yui is a nice girl.

"Then, good luck with your work, and goodbye." Yui smiled at him as she received Sable from Hachiman again.

"Goodbye."

Hachiman was surprised that he had the chance to say something like this in the first place. This short-lived relationship, what Hachiman should call it? Though they separate as quickly as they meet, Hachiman had the feeling that this meeting will influence both him and Yui for the rest of their lives.

"Oh, and Yuigahama." Hachiman pointed at his neck. "Sable's collar hook is a bit loose, be sure to replace it."

"Eh? Right, thanks!"

Perhaps in another timeline, Yuigahama Yui and Hikigaya Hachiman can be something more than acquaintances. But Hachiman doesn't want to dwell much in his romantic fantasies. They have a separate path to tread, and he couldn't half-ass it with some vague feelings of attachment that shouldn't be there.

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 05 - Disconnected threads of fate

After finishing his work for the day, Hachiman prepares to go to check an Idol.

Her name is Anastasia Romanovskaya, a Russian girl who lived in Hokkaido and scouted to become an idol. She took a week off as mental preparation for her upcoming debut.

At the moment, she was staying in her relative's house here, in Chiba. The Production office already made the call in advance, informing Hachiman's arrival. But he wasn't sure if he should go ahead or wait for a better time.

It's a bit awkward, but it means every member of the household will be present.

Hachiman made an additional call to make sure he didn't intrude too much. Hachiman decided to visit at 05:30 PM, where most family members would have gathered, but not yet the time for dinner. Hachiman didn't plan to spend more than an hour.

This kind of late visit is uncommon in the first place. And it can be a bit rude too. However, ensuring all family members present is better to make sure everyone heard firsthand.

Hachiman decided to arrive literally just in time, rather than early on. Indeed, Hikigaya Hachiman can be very punctual with his scheduling.

He ended up coming to the Totsuka family residence.

He rang the bell, and the voice of a woman answered.

"Yes? Who is it?"

"Good evening. My name is Hikigaya Hachiman from 346 Pro. I apologize for the intrusion." He said to the intercom.

"Пожалуйста, входите!"A beautiful foreign woman greeted him at the door. "Didn't expect someone this young and handsome."

Hachiman looks a bit flustered. Whoever this woman is, she really is beautiful. And since Hachiman was more accustomed to meeting Japanese, he feels taken aback.

"Спасибо за комплимент."

"Вы говорите по-русски?"

Asking if he speaks Russian... in Russian, weird flex but okay.

"Немного."

"Interesting. Even though I teach in Chiba International High, there aren't that many Japanese fluent in Russian." The woman smiled.

"I wouldn't say 'fluent' is the right word. I just know a few phrases here and there." Hachiman bashfully responded. Though he shows far more understanding of other people's conversation rather than conversing himself. "I hope I didn't cause too much problem coming this late."

"On the contrary, my husband is happy that you're coming in the evening." The woman says. "You see, Anya might be my niece, but we always treated her like our own daughter. Her father is my brother, and he married a Japanese woman. They spent most of their time as a family in Russia, though they're living in Hokkaido at the moment."

"I see." Hachiman nodded. "Your Japanese is impeccable, ma'am."

"Thank you!"

They arrived in the western-styled living room soon after, where three people already there. The husband was easy to spot. Though he couldn't be said to be exceptionally youthful, there was a clear trace of handsomeness on him.

The other two, though, made Hachiman stop breathing.

Literally!

Hachiman knew Anastasia, he was not as close to her as he were to Kanade or Mika, but they're no strangers at all. Otherwise, sending Hachiman as representative of the company would be weird as hell.

Anastasia is kind, innocent, fair-looking, and overall harmless. Hachiman sometimes felt a little bad for objectifying her like that. But compared to other Idols close to his age, the slightly younger Anya feels like a breath of fresh air.

It's because not only she's cute, but Anya also kept a slight physical and emotional distance from Hachiman, which made him far more comfortable around her presence.

It was a bit problematic because Hachiman knows that Anastasia is a nice girl. She's being like that to pretty much everyone. And thus, Hachiman can't afford to get blinded yet again, thinking it was special. Hachiman can't afford to fall for her, not without overcoming the wall he set in the first place.

However, there are two of her? He might as well die right there.

"This is Totsuka Saika, my older cousin." Anastasia introduced the person beside her.

"Umm, nice to meet you." The beautiful girl bows. "Umm, are you Hikigaya Hachiman? Umm, how do I put this... do you remember me?"

"Uh, nice to meet you. Not that I recall, I'm sorry."

After the meeting with Yuigahama Yui, Hachiman wouldn't be too surprised with a stupid string of coincidences, meeting people that he didn't remember but does have ties with.

"We're classmates in class 1-C." Saika scratched her head. "Though... I recall we don't talk much before."

"Ah. You're from Soubu High too?" Hachiman grimaced. "Is that so? I don't talk a lot with girls, my bad."

Not that Hachiman talks a lot with the boys either.

"I'm a boy, though."

Right there, Hachiman's brain grinds to a halt. Like overloaded operating system. However, when his common sense finally returned, he could see it.

Being around female Idols in the last two weeks, Hachiman knew more about female anatomy, more than he wanted at least. Just like the cute and feminine-looking Ryou, his only real male friend at his new school, Saika doesn't have a feminine body.

He had a slim and somewhat underdeveloped body, but a visibly masculine one, despite his cute face.

"What I remember the most is your Tennis." Saika laughed sadly. "You have a perfect form and incredible consistency. Actually, I was thinking of asking you to join the Tennis club, but then you transferred out."

Isn't that just because Hachiman is bored as shit? Actually, Hachiman was very athletic and good at sports.

Solo sports... that is.

Hachiman team play absolutely sucks, and in PE classes, he often played against the wall unless forced to fight someone.

"Is that so? Pity."

Hachiman couldn't say he understands that feeling, but he can see where it comes from. Sometimes, all it takes to build a relationship is to say something before it's too late.

If Saika has that kind of regret, it's not Hachiman's fault for not noticing. It's kind of sad, though.

It's bitterly comforting for Hachiman. That even though he spent his first year almost alone, there were people who cared about him enough (aside from Zaimokuza) who missed him when he was gone.

It was nice to know that his existence in Soubu had meaning.

"Wait. If you were classmates, doesn't that mean you're 16 or 17 years old?" The Totsuka family's father uncomfortably shifted his sitting position. He was both curious and concerned about it.

"Yes."

"Ah, I see."

Most Japanese were pretty much removed from the existence of underage full-time workers. Many don't even consider an Idol as a full-time job, either. Looking from the house size alone, it was clear that the Totsuka family is part of the 1%.

Hachiman's family isn't poor either, being in the top 2%. Not rich, but still on the absolute top of the Japanese middle class.

For them, the existence of 16 years old wage slave could be unsettling.

"I really enjoyed my work." Well, not really, but he does enjoy parts of them. When it involved jobs that he could finish quickly. "And I'm still going to school, just like Anya-chan. I'm technically her Senpai and all."

"I see. I see. Kids these days really are ambitious."

Hachiman brought several documents out but only showed them the relevant ones. The ones that even laymen can understand. He explained the situation at the office and how it related to Anya's activities as Idol.

This is especially crucial as these people are technically Anya's legal guardians since Anya's actual parents were in Hokkaido. Hachiman didn't hesitate to answer any question and explained their confusion away as they continued talking.

Hachiman's vocal and speech training really shines today, and he was really thankful to his mother for it.

"I see. We can hardly wait for it." Totsuka's mother clapped her hands in anticipation.

"Auntie, it's not like I will make an instant hit or anything!" Anya flailed her hands in embarrassment. "Idols rarely make it big after their first appearance, after all!"

Whoa, so pessimistic, or rather, realistic. Perhaps Hachiman's father instill that thought in Anastasia during her training period, too? In that case, then Hachiman can only applaud him.

Hachiman's father had seen his share of failures, and it makes sense that he can be bitter or cynical about the Idol world. What makes the difference is that Hachiman's father did not give up on these girls.

"Is it really?"

"Yes." Hachiman agrees with Anya. "More often than not, an Idol's debut ignored by the mass. However, it doesn't mean they fail."

"What's important is what Anya-chan would do after her debut. She'll have to strive to find any role vacancies and job contract along with everyone else. The more appearance she makes, the more conscious people will be of her." Hachiman smiled in assurance. "Hard work never betrays anyone."

The Totsuka family collectively sighed in relief.

"On behalf of Anya-chan's parents, please support her." Totsuka's father bowed as Hachiman finished his explanation and about to leave.

"I'll pick her up at around 4 or 5 PM tomorrow." Hachiman bowed back. "Please excuse me."

Hachiman noticed that Saika seemed to clam up. It was as if he wanted to say something but cannot. Hachiman honestly wanted to ask if he was alright, but he feels it's not his right to intrude.

"Umm, PA Hikigaya, can I have a request?" Anastasia whispered to him. "Can I ask you for a ride to nearby konbini?"

A nearby convenience store? Right in time for the dinner too? Ah...

"Sure."

"Please wait a minute."

Two minutes to be exact, Anastasia came out of her room dressed in different clothes than her training shirt. If Hachiman doesn't know any better, he might think she was looking for an excuse for a date.

Nah.

"I'll go back before dinner."

"Be careful."

...

Anastasia did end up buying a magazine or two, so it's not as if their trip here was wasted. Also, she bought Hachiman a can of his favorite, the Georgia MAX Coffee.

"Ahh, thanks. But while this is my favorite, drinking coffee before dinner is bad for the stomach."

Hachiman might be a workaholic. But unlike his father, when he committed to it, he knew when he's straining his body. Working four hours a day on top of going to school. And that's why Hachiman also put great importance on his diet and resting patterns.

Otherwise, his body will give up before his mind and conviction.

He will have to last three months. Three months are needed to make sure Komachi's career is secure before and after her debut.

"I'm... sorry."

Hachiman patted her shoulder to ease her. "We haven't known each other for a long time, but you're like an open book. You're bad at lying... or rather, you hate lying, don't you, Настя?"

Her mother and friends called her Anya, but Nastya is the proper nickname in Russian.

To call her Nastya was Hachiman's way to keep her at arm's length, not too close or too far.

Anastasia seemed to like it too.

It's honestly funny. Anastasia was only one year apart, and she looked Hachiman's age. Yet, Hachiman felt that Anastasia was much younger mentally.

He thought he has a crush on her. But right now, he couldn't see her as anything but a little sister. And Hachiman felt a bit guilty for belittling her like that.

"Huh?"

"You did not lie about needing to go to Konbini, but you said to them I'll come back before dinner instead of I'll come back right away. Which is rather telling." Hachiman smiled. "So, what you want to talk about?"

"Umm, well. I know it's a bit weird, but can you give Saika-nii another chance?"

Huh?

"Truthfully, I've been hearing about you for a long time. I think. Whenever I talked with Saika-nii, he always talks about this amazing person who has good grades, is focused in the class, and also great at sports."

Who is that person? Hachiman doesn't know that person. Definitely not him.

"Saika-nii wanted to approach him, but he's too embarrassed because you're hard to approach and always alone."

Ah.

So it was like that. It seemed that Saika really misunderstood Hachiman. Hachiman was not that good, not even close. He focused on the class because he had no one else to distract him. And he's also good at sports because he wants to spend a minimal amount of effort to achieve the best result.

Hachiman doesn't always work hard because he liked it or even wanted to. Just like how Hachiman learn multiple languages from movies, he did it because he had nothing better.

"Saika-nii is a shy person, so he's not very confident with himself. Recently though, he became the new Tennis Club captain."

"Huh?"

"During the spring vacation, he looked happy and expecting to meet you again. It was after he became the Club captain that he dared to invite you to the club. However, by the time he was ready, you were no longer there." Anya's hands began shaking as she told him. "I never realized it until today that you're the same person that Saika-nii longed for."

Ah...

Hachiman doesn't know how to respond, and he ended up agape.

"Saika-nii wants to be your friend, but hearing your stories, he seems to have cold feet now."

Seriously? Why is everyone seems intimidated when they hear Hachiman work full time?

"That's why, please give Saika-nii a chance..." Anastasia begged. "Because I believe that Hikigaya-san can give Saika-nii the courage he desperately needs."

"I'm not my father." Hachiman shook his head. "I'm not someone who can change the shy and awkward you into someone outspoken like this."

That's right. Chief Producer Hikigaya might be a shitty father, but to these Idols, he gave them hope and courage to pursue their dream. He made them better people.

"Precisely because you're not him." Anya cried in anguish. "Because it's you who Saika-nii want."

Going so far as to cry in public and beg, just how...

"Настя... you..." Hachiman gulped. "You didn't see Totsuka Saika as a brother at all, don't you?"

"E... eh?!" Anastasia flailed and almost ran away... but returned again in shame. She really got caught with her pants down, figuratively, that is.

"Umm... I... But an Idol isn't allowed to fall in love, isn't it? What should I do? Should I tell Chief Producer too?!"

Anya seriously is a giant mess right now. This problem needs to be taken care of. Otherwise, Goddess Mishiro will turn into Demon Mishiro instead.

Hachiman liked his top boss because she's ruthless, but ruthlessness is a double-edged sword. Worst case scenario, she will fire Anya, not because of her feelings but because of how erratic it made the girl.

If Anastasia stayed focus, Director might let this slide.

"I guess that's the best course of action." Hachiman nods. "But Настя, you trust Chief Producer that much?"

"Yes." Anastasia sits down, dejected. "If it wasn't for him, I would never be here, meeting you and also spending a lot of time with Saika-nii. And without him, I will never get interested in Idol world."

"I see."

Anastasia didn't become Idol for a reason unrelated to it. She became an Idol because she wanted to explore this dazzling, mysterious, and sometimes cutthroat entertainment universe.

Perhaps because her obsession with the starry sky is similar to it. Much like becoming a cosmonaut to go to space, she wanted to become an Idol to experience the Idol world herself.

"Then let's talk with him properly." Hachiman smiled. "If he says something stupid, then I'll punch his stupid face."

Anastasia nodded, it was clear that she has her own fear and doubts, but they really have no other option. For this once, Hachiman had to put faith in his father to do the right thing.

Even if his own turbulent heart screaming him to stop.

"Father, are you busy? Yes, it's not urgent but fairly important." Hachiman called him awkwardly. "How do you deal with a fair maiden in love, again?"

"[...Let's meet at our home in Chiba, and bring Anya with you as well, after dinner.]"

"Alright." Hachiman closes the call. His father sure is sharp when it comes to his beloved Idol. Deep down, Hachiman felt a bit of resentment about it. He just never outwardly shows it.

These Idols did nothing wrong. Hachiman's father is to blame for his negligence.

"Настя, can you hold it until dinner? My father is on his way here." Hachiman asks her. "As for Totsuka... Saika, that is, I have my reason for ignoring him, but I realized it's a bit unfair to do so."

Hachiman doesn't want friendship based on a false premise, but how could he see Saika's feelings as anything but pure? And if Hachiman wanted to point at him as cowardly, then Hachiman had no room to talk. At all.

If Hachiman had the courage, he would not wait for someone like Zaimokuza to approach him. He will be far more proactive socially.

"This has nothing to do with your request or your love to him. But rather, your explanation of his thought about me." Hachiman softens a little. "So please, give me time to digest that."

Anastasia looked a little calmer now that Hachiman assures her to give Saika a fair chance.

Hachiman learned for a long time to compartmentalize his feelings and priorities, this time, it shouldn't be different.

"Then, can you please join us for dinner?" Anastasia asked.

"If it won't bother the Totsukas, sure."