Chapters: 2/?
Word count: 3.8k
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Notes 1: Again, referencing the Hyouka novel one-shot chapters 'the long holiday' and 'the mirror that can't reflect' for context.
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colour my spine, I'm giving you my all
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part two
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iv
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Despite being the last to appear, Eru Chitanda's friendly magnitude pulls and attracts. It became an unspoken agreement for the five of them to eat lunch together in classroom 1-D. For the most part, Satoshi finds these moments worth cherishing, like a piece of good news — the scene is often the same: five bentos crowding the surface of Satoshi and Juumonji's pushed-together desks, a handful of adolescent bodies squeezed into a small space, shoulders brushing and elbows bumping against one other regardless of the effort to accommodate availability.
Chitanda often has expensive snacks packed with her, Juumonji is generous with the contents of her meal and Mayaka always hands out fistfuls of fruits around.
Because Chitanda is — well — Chitanda, she engages in conversation, even if she sits across Satoshi. (A table's distance away, too far, in his view, but Houtarou insists on sitting next to him, and Satoshi doesn't want to disrupt the girls' seating arrangements by moving.) She helps liven up the rather awkward and dry attempts he makes in conversing with Juumonji. While this works well, Satoshi finds it more entertaining to watch Chitanda and Juumonji's dynamic.
(Especially after discovering that Chitanda and Juumonji mirror Houtarou and Mayaka in a way in which the girls, too, are childhood friends! And with a minor divination that they never separated or went to different schools.)
All this, in Satoshi's opinion, becomes a reality because of Mayaka Ibara — he thinks she has certainly brought some interesting experiences and people into his life; a shrine maiden who believes in fortune readings, and a lone heiress with a bottomless curiosity and big purple eyes, big enough to swallow anyone whole.
Speaking of Mayaka, despite getting lacklustre enthusiasm from Houtarou about being classmates again, it doesn't stop her from sitting next to her childhood friend. They don't talk much, with Houtarou being Houtarou, but Satoshi thinks there's still a tolerated vibe coming from the tall brunette.
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Nearing the end of May, Satoshi no longer has to uphold his routine of fetching Houtarou from 1-B. Dragging his best friend by the collar used to be part of the fun! The gloomy boy surprisingly doesn't grumble about moving to another classroom anymore. Nor does Houtarou reject the idea of Satoshi dropping in unannounced to request effort; in entertaining their new friends or in participating in an activity that involves socializing.
Houtarou now volunteers his hours to the Classics Club. It is suspicious. Satoshi knows it is not out of boredom nor the want to savour the little joys known as high school youth. That would be out of character!
So … what happened to the energy-conserving Houtarou Oreki? Satoshi isn't the type to come up with conclusions, but he can guess what prompted Houtarou's abrupt personality switch.
What happened is Eru Chitanda.
Chitanda who seems to have a limitless driving force. Chitanda who enjoys keeping the five of them together. Satoshi should have known though from his data!
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"Fukube-san,"
Satoshi almost collides with the very person saying his name. He stops just shy a few inches, hands reflectively grabbing hold of the edge of classroom doors to prevent the collision.
"Chitanda-san!" He gasps, unsure how to answer. He is greeted by her large eyes, bright and crinkling.
Chitanda doesn't even flinch from his close proximity. It's as if she isn't aware of boundaries, but Satoshi takes a step back out of politeness.
Behind him, his classmates clatter as if nothing had happened, and Chitanda is smiling at Satoshi now.
"Are you going to get Oreki-san now?"
Satoshi nods.
"Oreki-san told me you've been curious about the Classics Club and I wanted to ask you in private: Do you want to join the club?" Chitanda offers, her friendliness never wavering.
"Oh, uh," Satoshi hesitates, rotating the idea in his head. "I wouldn't want to intrude,"
"You wouldn't! I notice you're quite sociable, and Oreki-san tells me you're ambitious! We have an opening for the Vice-President role if you're interested! Even if you aren't and want to be a regular member, I wouldn't mind, wouldn't it be nice for us to all sit down together?" She had said it in such an obvious tone that there was no point disagreeing.
"It would actually," Satoshi admits, the truth tumbling out of his mouth.
"Great! We'll push the tables together as usual and discuss it over our meal. I brought matcha-flavoured snacks today!" Chitanda says and Satoshi finds himself nodding along. "See you back here soon!"
"Will do," Satoshi says after little resistance. He moves aside to let Chitanda into classroom 1-D before turning back to give the girl a crooked smile — when he looks back, he sees Juumonji eyeing them with keen eyes.
He still can't read Juumonji as well as the others, but he thinks the wheels in her head are turning.
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v
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Houtarou no longer holds his tongue, Mayaka doesn't either.
It is now June and … having Houtarou and Mayaka be willingly seen together in the same room is a spectacle. After some fuss about Houtarou knocking his elbows against Mayaka's, prompting Houtarou to switch spots and sit next to Chitanda, it's been … rocky.
However, the distance doesn't put a stop to … whatever they have going on. How should Satoshi label it? He can't pin it down, and it's hurting progress in his data gathering. Are Houtarou and Mayaka indifferent acquaintances? Childhood friends? Sworn enemies? Healthy rivals?
Houtarou and Mayaka have known each other since first grade, they have history together … Nonetheless, this link doesn't seem to help them get along.
Often, the duo squabble. And, often, Houtarou runs out of energy, which allows Mayaka to win their battles and a little smirk decorates her lips.
(Sometimes, when she feels generous, she will drop it in favour of a smile that she will beam at Satoshi.
Satoshi likes it when she does that. Satoshi likes it when Mayaka grins at him. But, having said that, he also dislikes the reason why she's smiling.)
Between Houtarou and Mayaka, enmity and a need to get under the other's skin. Their conversations are sharp and the insinuations are witty, so fierce it could be mistaken for passion. They scold and bicker and exchange tight-lipped quips. All while never crossing an invisible line drawn.
Satoshi doesn't know how Juumonji and Chitanda feel about the whole ordeal. Most times, the girls simply watch the back-and-forth banter. Houtarou and Mayaka may as well be ping-pong players at this point.
Satoshi will never admit it out loud — but he always (without fail) is out of the loop once Houtarou and Mayaka's banter begins. It's as if he had turned invisible to them, faded to the background like an unimportant character, and no amount of jokes or trivial tidbits are enough to make him seen.
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"What do you recommend I read after I finish my book, Ibara?" Houtarou says with a level of comfort Satoshi wishes he could muster.
"Why are you asking me?" Mayaka answers back, though it's obvious there's some care lying in her question.
"You're on the Librarian Committee, I just thought you'd recommend me one, that's all," Houtarou utters, making a grab for the apple slices Mayaka has prepared, they're bunny-eared.
Satoshi can see the temptation in her eyes to steal the fruit out of Houtarou's hand, even if she has to fence him with toothpicks.
"You're truly not willing to use your brain, huh, Oreki? It's no wonder Fuku-chan visits the library so often, I wouldn't blame him for wanting a new scenery every now and then. Staring at you would make my eyes itch, too."
"Well, what are you doing staring at me for?"
"I'm not!" Mayaka yells, pounding her tiny fist on the low desk.
Houtarou shows no sign of fear, a slitter of a teasing smile hanging around his lips. Satoshi, on the other hand, winches a little at the sound. He hopes this is nothing serious.
Brown eyes look towards the classroom door, praying for Juumonji or Chitanda or both girls to come back from their trip to the canteen. When no signs of help emerge, Satoshi speaks up.
"Hey, now," Satoshi begins but doesn't finish his sentence.
"It's okay, Satoshi. It's a joke." Houtarou waves off the issue.
"A joke?"
"Mmm. Isn't that right, I-ba-ra?"
"You're so annoying," She answers and finally does steal his apple slice.
Houtarou lets out a rare snort and Satoshi drops his shoulders.
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Okay, so they don't dislike each other as Satoshi had initially thought. It isn't enmity at all. It's an inside joke that only Houtarou and Mayaka can understand.
Satoshi can honestly say that he doesn't understand their dynamic — yet. He's not on the same page as either of them, is he? There's still so much he doesn't know about his friends.
He can't come up with an answer. No. No siree. No conclusions from the database. Though, there are some truths, like that saying.
Maybe the distance has done much more than anyone could have dreamed, and made Houtarou and Mayaka fond of each other?
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vi
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"Plotting, Juumonji-san?" Satoshi asks jokingly as he eases into his seat.
Juumonji takes her eyes off the paperback she's reading and offers him a smile, "When am I not plotting, Fukube-kun?"
If possible, Satoshi's grin grows larger. Satoshi finds Juumonji really interesting, and it's not just because she makes up ¼ of the powerful 'the Four Exponential Clan'. Juumonji is more than her shrine maiden background, she's also a Divination nut and the President (as well as the sole member) of the Fortune Telling Club.
Since getting to know Juumonji, Satoshi has discovered that she's quite a mischievous girl. Juumonji likes teasing Houtarou and Chitanda, a lot, and, sometimes, Mayaka falls victim, too.
"Can I ask you a question?" Juumonji says suddenly.
Her inquiry makes Satoshi pause. He almost wonders if he's misheard her. Class hasn't started yet and the room is a little rowdy and noisy. But with the way she's looking at him, it's clear that Juumonji's waiting for him to give her the green light.
"Sure!" Satoshi answers and signals for her to continue.
Juumonji shuts her book, now devoting her whole attention to this conversation. "Tell me, how's the Classics Club? I still can't believe you, Eru and Oreki-kun solved three mysteries after having a go with reviving the club. I don't know what to make of it."
"You and me both. I'm blown away by Houtarou. He never ceases to amaze me. Though, if I wasn't there to see him form his answers in front of Chitanda-san, I would have thought he was bluffing."
"You three make an impressive team."
"If you see it that way," Satoshi answers. "I wouldn't get my hopes up. Houtarou is an occasional detective, but he may not act as anything other than a regular member."
Juumonji makes a sound. "What about you, Fukube-kun? Didn't Eru offer the Vice-President role to you?"
"I'm not doing much either. I feel like we're just letting the days pass by."
Juumonji tucks a hand under her chin, seemingly dissatisfied by Satoshi's answer. "So Eru's decided to delegate herself with all the responsibilities as Club President?"
"It seems so." He hums, looking at her long braid, accessorised with a butterfly pin.
"You should ask Ibara-chan to join the Classics Club."
"What?" Satoshi feels a laugh rising, tickling the back of his throat. It's his way of self-defence. Satoshi will admit, it's a strange thing for Juumonji to say.
Still, he can see why Juumonji's brought this up. Satoshi has accepted that he and Mayaka will end up seeing each other the least with exams around the corner and their many commitments. Between his colourful schedules brimming with Executive Committee duties and Handicrafts Club projects, and Mayaka's dedication to the Manga Society and her volunteer work at the library, there really isn't much time to see each other outside of lunch period.
"Mayaka wouldn't be interested," Satoshi replies. It can't be helped, this is what his mind tells him!
Juumonji doesn't accept this though.
Satoshi wishes he could worm himself out of this sticky conversation with her. It's a little uncomfortable how Juumonji notices these things. It's like she has an all-seeing eye. Yet, Satoshi doesn't think he can run away from this.
(And maybe that's a good thing?)
Juumonji's words come sliding back into his brain and as much as he wants to ignore it, he can't!
Genuinely curious, he asks her, "Why would you suggest Mayaka join us?"
Why should I ask Mayaka to join Classic Lit?
Why me?
Why should it be me and not someone else?
Without beating around the bush, Juumonji moves on, getting to the next point. Her blue eyes catch Satoshi's, staring intensely with purpose. It's as if she's trying to cut into his skull and search his brain for answers.
"Why not?" Juumonji asks back.
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Given the lack of amicable air between them, it comes as a big surprise when Mayaka extends her invitation to Houtarou. Visiting the Ibara house is no small feat. Granted, she invited Chitanda and Juumonji, too. Though, Satoshi sort of saw himself as an exception (as opposed to 'part of the girls' by the cutesy nickname Mayaka has bestowed on him —'Fuku-chan').
On the way to the estate — a home which Mayaka describes as 'comfortable' — Satoshi fantasizes about the idea of a butler greeting them until he's sadly let down when Mayaka opens the front door.
Regardless, the layout of the house is still amazing. It's spacious and luxuriously decorated; books fill every inch that isn't occupied with furniture and paintings; novels of every language are there on display; everywhere Satoshi turns, he sees organised paperbacks reflecting their owners' personalities.
(Satoshi thinks he now fully understands Mayaka's piqued passion in joining the clubs such as the Library Committee that involve reading and critical thinking.)
Truly, he is awed by the books that line Mayaka's home library. It even gets a conversation going between him and Juumonji. She says apart from the local libraries, the Ibara household's collection is in her top ten.
"You're a bibliophile, Juumonji-san?" Satoshi asks, adding this trait to his data.
Juumonji laughs. "Yeah, pretty much."
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Chitanda and Juumonji said their good-byes around six PM and Houtarou leaves with them. The girls' reasoning is dinner with their respective families while Houtarou simply states that he's tired. Mayaka mocks him on his old man bedtime and Houtarou doesn't reply once he shuts the front door.
Satoshi opts to stay for a bit more despite the sun setting.
While his brown eyes take in the sight of dusty old tomes, a question pops into his mind then out of his mouth, "Do you think high school should be rose-coloured, Mayaka?"
She passes him a look. "Why do you ask?"
Swinging his whole body, Satoshi faces away from the bookcase lane, "I just remembered the conversation we had during break. I know why I chose Kamiya. I know why Houtarou and Chitanda-san did too, but what about you?"
Mayaka twists her fingers together before brushing invisible dust from her overalls. "I've never told anyone about this, so don't you dare make fun of me or tell Oreki —" She threatens and Satoshi can't help but laugh. "— but, I found a masterpiece during the Cultural Festival last year. I'm hoping to find another,"
"A masterpiece?" Satoshi echoes. He didn't think Mayaka would say anything serious. Then again, it's just like her to do so.
"It was a manga: A Corpse By Evening,"
"Is that why you suddenly turned shy when I asked you which school you enrolled into?" He asks.
Mayaka chooses to avoid his gaze, looking out the big windows as she ums and ers. This sticks out to him.
Satoshi has not known Mayaka for long, but even he knows that she seldom turns the other cheek. Mayaka is always honest, sometimes even too honest. Mayaka always faces things head-on, but there are rare times when she doesn't blurt out what's on her mind. Manga seems to be something Mayaka likes to keep to herself, seldomly sharing her deep thoughts on the matter and only speaking when she's formed a polished opinion.
"I've never told anyone this." She repeats in a small voice, it makes Satoshi feel special just hearing those words. "It's silly, I know."
"It's not silly." Satoshi responses, "I think it's rather passionate of you!"
Her face blooms pink. "Don't say something so embarrassing!"
Satoshi lets out a nervous chuckle, still walking at a steady pace backwards.
"I'm serious!" She threatens him — again.
"Okay, okay. I wish you all the best in finding another masterpiece then," Satoshi ensures, wanting to calm her down. Then, because he doesn't like unwanted tension, he says, "As for me, my research told me that Kamiyama is a very club-oriented school, holding over fifty clubs and an even larger amount of after-school activities to do. I wanted to make my high school life as coloured as possible!"
Mayaka makes a small huffing sound. She's no doubt entertained by his babbling.
And perhaps this is when Satoshi starts vowing to never be as truthful. To instead joke or ramble or avoid the question altogether.
But, at this moment, he wants it to the point that the question escapes and he doesn't think twice.
It slips out.
"Hey, do you want to join the Classics Club?" He asks suddenly.
Mayaka blinks, taken aback for a moment. She considers his question for a good minute. "I don't think I've read a lot of Classics to count myself as an active fan."
"Neither have I, but I still joined,"
Mayaka's face resembles one of a baby biting into a lemon for the first time. "I don't know … Chii-chan talks about the club all the time. I like it when she does. I'm sort of interested, but I don't know if having that small interest is enough."
'Why isn't it enough?' Satoshi wants to say but only falls silent.
Mayaka continues speaking, adding another thought and reason to her logic. "Plus, I'm not sure if I have the time, I'm kind of busy with Manga Society and the Library Committee." Then she looks at Satoshi and finally notes his quietness. "Don't look so sad. I doubt I'm missing out. Do you three just read?"
"Houtarou and Chitanda-san do. I don't really participate as much. It does get a little dull." Satoshi admits.
"Didn't you guys solve a mystery a month ago?"
"Oh! Do you mean the returned library book? Yeah, but … that doesn't happen regularly, does it?"
Mayaka tilts her head. "Are you trying to recruit me to paint yourself rose-coloured?"
"Hmm, that's one way of wording it. But, no. I can't let anything dye me, that won't be any fun!"
"... Dye?"
"Yup!"
By this point, he's stopped by a window to gaze at the slightly golden sky. Mayaka stops as well, halting in her tracks. Though, the expression on her face is one that tells him she doesn't understand what he means.
He pretends not to notice.
"Living a rose-coloured life doesn't sound so bad, but if I had to pick a colour, shocking pink would be my first choice!"
When Satoshi turns back to look at her, his usual grin is etched on his face.
"It's quite complicated, I know. Sorry about that." Satoshi tells her and she shakes her head. He picks up his pace once more. "Anyway, I understand if you're busy, participating in three clubs can feel like a lot. I shouldn't have asked so much from you, I just thought it'd be fun to spend time together."
Mayaka looks slightly guilty at this. She looks aware of the gap in their time spent together, too. It makes Satoshi feel bad for putting her on the spot.
"I …" She twists her fingers together. "I could re-consider …"
"Don't worry about it. Don't worry, okay?" Satoshi insists, repeating his words for good measurements. "I'll drop by to see you then. Do you think I could come to the library to visit sometime this week?"
"You're not busy?" Mayaka asks, not minding the way he changes topics.
"I mean, the Executive Committee is hectic at times, but the Handicrafts Club only has five people and we don't do much anyway." He explains.
Mayaka only nods her head in response, relief washing over her features.
"So, Friday?"
"Friday." Mayaka answers.
Satoshi grins, making a mental note to himself before nodding. "Okay. It's a promise then,"
Mayaka smiles back.
It's such a lovely look on her. He should have left it there.
(But he doesn't.
Can't.
He needs to ask, inflected by Chitanda's curiosity.)
"Why do you and Houtarou act like you guys don't ever agree on anything?"
Mayaka's expression wilts. "It's not an act," She blinks at him. "It's the truth, I can't agree with the way he is."
"Do you mean you hate his personality?"
Her lips press further, deepening her frown. "That's one way to put it. I'm not used to Oreki minding his business,"
It's a confession, but Satoshi lets out a laugh before answering, "Houtarou is kind, but seldom helpful."
Mayaka looks at the androgynous boy, confused. "What do you mean? Oreki has always been helpful. He usually goes out of his way to be of use to others."
This time, it's Satoshi's turn to look lost. He blinks at her. "No, he's lazy. I can name a handful of instances I've seen Houtarou be noble to someone in the way you described."
Mayaka's eyebrows knit together. No amount of convincing will wipe off that expression. "That doesn't sound right."
"In the three years I've known him, the biggest instance I can recall is last year when Houtarou helped a girl in our year with our graduation project."
"Well, maybe in those three years, you missed some moments." She tells Satoshi, fighting him.
"No. I'd know. Houtarou and I were closer back then," (He doesn't know why he says it like this.)
"How close?"
"Glued to the hip." Satoshi answers, hesitates and almost adds that his cohorts dubbed him and Houtarou 'Kaburaya's Best Couple'. He disliked it. Not because Houtarou isn't a great guy, but because it felt like people he barely knew were deciding his life for him.
Probably sensing Satoshi's discomfort, Mayaka drops her tense shoulders. "Sorry. I didn't mean to —"
"It's okay."
"No, it's not. I got carried away, but I recognise that I stepped out of line." Mayaka's gaze reaches Satoshi's eyes and doesn't look away. "It won't happen again."
This, too, is a promise.
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Notes 2: I'm too fascinated by the hierarchy of the rich/influenced in the Hyouka-universe. Not only because the series hammered it into me, but also because I have a long-standing interest in wealthy people's life-style. It intrigues me, the high status and 'perfect' image and maintenance is otherworldly.
Giving Mayaka the luxury to share fruit is big, it goes hand-in-hand with Chitanda's habit of sharing vegetables. You just gotta be hella rich because fruit and veggies are ridiculously expensive in Japan! Like 'blown away by the high prices' ridiculous.
Also, I forgot to mention, but in my mind, Mayaka's family chain bookstore has the same empire status as Kinokuniya.
Notes 3: Earlier this late May, I was told that fanfic net was gone. Like kaput. I'm still unsure about its status but I didn't feel all that sad. I mostly post my fics on AO3 and have everything archived there. Although Hyouka is the only thing that's been keeping my fanfic net account active, the fandom is super alive on AO3 and I encourage you guys to support the writers there!
Regardless of fanfic net's livelihood, I think this is a sign for me to permanently migrate to AO3 (after finishing this fic). I still have Hyouka WIPs (dunno when I'll get to those lol) so if you like my writing and want to read more of my ideas, feel free to subscribe to me on AO3: nap_princess.
— 5 June 2023