TheEchoOfReality
The Spectre Who Speaks
- Location
- The Universe
- Pronouns
- He
"Hey, you know that problem we have with rich kids turning into immature, combative, maladjusted sociopaths? What if - and hear me out - we build a school for that… BUT MORE?"
The confession they want is wrong as expected - Season 2 (Kaguya-sama/Oregairu)
- Thread starter ZeroXSEED
- Start date
- Crossover
Chapter 34 - The boys wanted to be loved, part 3
ZeroXSEED
Economic Authoritarian Muslim Leftist
- Location
- In the name of orange!
- Pronouns
- He
Hikigaya-kun's father has been stabbed!
Frantically, just about everyone had felt their hearts stop the moment they had heard those words. Worse yet, Hachiman couldn't be contacted at all.
It would be easy to find Hachiman... if he let them. Man was sneaky, like a ninja when at his best. He would only be found if he wanted to be.
That's why the girls had no choice but to seek out someone's aid.
"I figured you girls would be like this," Miyuki said. "Hachiman guessed it too, and that's why he told me ahead of time and not you girls."
Miyuki's face was eerily calm and composed, which only infuriated the girls.
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Momo barked while grabbing his collar. "This is no time to be cocky!"
"You girls will run around like headless chickens and try to find and comfort him, that's what." Miyuki glared back, slapping Momo's hand away. At times like this, the girls legitimately saw Hachiman's image projected over Miyuki. "Rest assured, I will help you, but you better fucking listen."
That seemed to lower the tension a bit. Or rather, the girls felt a bit scared of Miyuki right now. Even Kaguya, who stood by his side, was unsettled.
"The reason for Hachiman to keep things quiet is because his father isn't in mortal danger," Miyuki told them. "Even though it is true he was sent to the ER. That's why Hachiman had to leave early and didn't come to the Council today."
He isn't in mortal danger?
"But still..." Chika covered her mouth.
She wanted to say they were entitled to know... but were they? Even Momo had become deathly silent. They knew Hachiman just close enough to know that he loathed being pitied.
He had told Miyuki, his closest friend. Both because Miyuki knew what Hachiman would and wouldn't need in the situation, and because the President never felt entitled or demanded anything out of their friendship.
Miyuki and Hachiman were friends without rhyme or reason. Although they're polar opposites, they somehow understood each other and covered the other's flaws with strength. Despite being almost like brothers, they respected each other's boundaries and pride.
While the girls were close with Hachiman, their relationships could be transactional at the best of times, and the girls knew they had been intrusive into Hachiman's life at their worst moments.
This was why Hachiman had decided not to tell the girls. And this realization made them both mad and sad.
"We're just concerned." Chika firmly said. "After all, Hikki-san isn't just a member of the Council. He's our friend! With him disappearing like this, how could we not be worried?"
Hayasaka and Momo nodded.
"That's true, and because the three of you are close to him, I will tell you everything." Miyuki gently smiled and patted Chika's shoulder lightly. "Come on. We need privacy."
And so, they found someplace to talk without any prying ears.
"I assume you guys heard this from elsewhere?" Miyuki said. "What did your source say?"
"He was stabbed and sent to the municipal ER." Chika showed the news on her phone.
[Chief Producer H got stabbed after saving Idol A from a murderous stalker. Both received emergency care, and the suspect is under arrest.]
"I wouldn't have known about this at all if my mother hadn't told me," Chika said. "But the news itself was relatively public. He supposedly is in a hospital near Shibuya."
"Right. Uncle might be a small fry compared to your parents, and many might not realize they are related, but he is a big shot in the Idol industry." Miyuki explained. "Coupled with the person he saved, there's no way the media didn't notice."
"However, he has the exact same personality as his son inside. Do you think he would appreciate all the vultures in the news and internet media pecking on his still-warm body for content?" Miyuki shrugged.
"It... was faked?" Momo blinked. "It was fake news?"
"No, nothing about it was fake. But, there were a lot of things omitted." Miyuki explained. "Hachiman said that uncle's condition was not light, but it was nothing deadly with some quick intervention."
"And right now, he's not being treated in Tokyo." Miyuki used his phone map function. "He's at Chiba Municipal Hospital, much closer to the Hikigaya home in Mihama."
"Being transported that far... I guess his condition wasn't life-threatening." Hayasaka clapped her hands. "And Hikigaya-san went there to see him."
"Yes. Hachiman is in Chiba and likely will stay there overnight." Miyuki said. "But he said he will be back tomorrow."
"I see." Hayasaka faked a relieved sigh and wiped a small tear from her eyes. "Thank heavens they're both alright!"
The relief was genuine, but Hayasaka had never been that emotional about Hachiman. She only did it to maintain her friendly gal persona. Besides, she was the primary love interest, no? It would be weirder if she wasn't crying a little.
"Now, knowing all the facts, what do you girls want to do?" Miyuki asked seriously.
"...I'm going anyway," Momo said. "But there is a problem."
"The traffic in Tokyo is the worst at the moment." Chika nodded. "Even if I ask for a driver, it'll take thirty minutes from home to reach this place. Then god knows how long it will take to get to Chiba. If we take the train, it will take at least two hours!"
"I could call a helicopter, but Hachiman would beat me to death with a slipper if I pulled those shenanigans near him again. Especially close to a hospital." Momo winced. "I suppose the only solution is motorcycles. I might be able to call some people to pick us up. The Ryuju group isn't exactly a biker gang, though."
"To be honest, we traded our bikes just now. The Dragstar 400 with a sidecar is in my possession right now." Miyuki pulled out and dangled the key with a small wallet from his pocket. "I can send you there, but it can only carry two passengers. Unless someone amongst you has a bike license, I'm not lending it."
"It is technically my motorcycle, hey!" Momo barked, then looked at the other girls. "But that's not the point. Which of you has a license?"
"You know the answer to that, Momo-chan." Chika cringed.
Chika was banned from driving any vehicle other than a bicycle. Cycling from home to school was too painful, so she used public transportation or had a driver take her to school.
"I don't either." Hayasaka lied yet again. Actually, she had a motorcycle license, but it would be awfully suspicious for her image to show it now.
"I guess we have to use a taxi. Hopefully, we get someone competent instead of an old fart." Momo seethed.
"I don't mind staying." Hayasaka said. "If the President is willing to send them to Chiba, I'll stay. Besides, wouldn't it look bad if everyone went?"
"Hayasaka-san..." Chika grimaced. "Why do you say that?"
"That's very unlike you." Momo remarked questioningly.
"To be honest, I'd rather not go."
Hayasaka was smiling, but deep down, Kaguya somewhat understood that Hayasaka Ai also wanted to go. However, she had her responsibilities as Kaguya's valet.
She COULDN'T leave. At least not of her own will until school ended for the day.
Just go if you want to. Kaguya thought so, but she couldn't muster up anything to voice it.
"If I may." Miyuki raised his hand. "I can always beg someone for help."
?
"So, you want to go to the Chiba Municipal Hospital as soon as possible?" Yukino put her teacup down. "That's acceptable. I know a better route. We'll get there quicker than if we took the common roads."
"Thank you!" Chika happily bowed.
"Uh... thanks." Momo awkwardly scratched her chin.
"President, immediately thinking of Yukinoshita-san for help." Kaguya eyed him. "Isn't this a bit weird?"
Are you kidding me? All this time trying to make me jealous and trying to play that card yourself now? Fuck off, Shinomiya.
Miyuki was a bit mad at Kaguya but decided to be patient.
"I was trying to borrow her car, but she won't let me. I'm relieved, to be honest." Miyuki scoffed. "At least she is still as generous as I have come to expect from her."
Miyuki noticed that Kaguya looked legitimately angry, but brushed her glare off. She actually deserved that for once.
"...Well, I suppose you are actually worried about Hikigaya-san, after all." Kaguya sighed. "Otherwise, would you actually tell the girls?"
Miyuki was not supposed to tell them, wasn't he?
"Hachiman will be mad with me, but he will still fully understand why I did it." Miyuki crossed his arms and grinned. "He's a man of contradictions like that."
"He will understand? Are you sure?"
Kaguya could not say she had faith in anyone as much as Miyuki and Hachiman had in each other.
"His logical side will know that the less I tell the girls, the more they would panic. This would ruin the school's atmosphere. The same thing that Hachiman has desperately tried to maintain." Miyuki stopped smiling and looked at Kaguya seriously. "Next, we will do a VIP assembly to calm them down. Then, we deal with the rest of the students via the Mass Media Club. The less people gossiping about it, the better."
"I will never let Hachiman return to a chaotic school that makes him feel unwelcome."
Ah, the President is so cool. Kaguya thought to herself.
"Yes, President." Kaguya politely nodded.
Although their approaches were different, Miyuki was no less capable than Hachiman in taming the VIP groups. Otherwise, his prestige and authority as the Student Council President would be meaningless.
Although everyone called Hachiman the Shadow President, no one ever called Miyuki a puppet. No one dared to. Miyuki enjoyed as much protection from the VIPs as Hachiman did.
Because they were both capable negotiators. They solved last year's budget war together, after all.
Kaguya looked at Hayasaka and noticed Chika holding her wrist to drag her. Hayasaka helplessly looked at Kaguya, begging for an intervention.
"Hayasaka-san, if you want to go, please do not pretend otherwise." Kaguya grinned.
Kaguya waved her hand, signaling for Hayasaka not to follow her and Miyuki. For some reason, part of Kaguya thought Hayasaka would regret it if she didn't go.
It wasn't because Kaguya was worried about Hachiman or anything!
Chapter 34 - The boys wanted to be loved, part 3
Chika had to cover her mouth to stop herself from screaming as Yukino's car zoomed along the highway at the maximum legal speed. Momo almost laughed, but decided not to. She didn't want to disturb Yukino while their lives were on the line.
Crazy bitch. This girl has actually passed multiple cars like it was nothing. Momo thought. We even drifted a couple times. Just how deceptively powerful is this kei car?!
Hayasaka, riding shotgun, was the only one sporting a calm and composed face. Though, if the other two were to see this, they would think she was out of character.
"Hayasaka-san, you didn't seem eager to go," Yukino commented. "Unlike the other two."
"I bothered him enough when he was chilling at school. I don't think he'd appreciate my presence when things are this chaotic." Hayasaka wryly smiled. "To be honest? I'm afraid he will get mad at me for coming."
Yukino looked at Hayasaka weirdly. But Hayasaka was telling the truth, for once.
It wasn't that Hayasaka was not worried about Hachiman, she was just much more in control of her emotions. She knew how things would transpire if Hachiman were to see her face now.
Not to mention their agreement. Hayasaka never had to distract Hachiman because he was aware of her job. Instead, they worked together behind the scenes to ensure Miyuki and Kaguya stopped being foolish about their feelings.
In a situation like this, there was zero reason for Hayasaka to see Hachiman. However, Chika refused to let her go. And Hayasaka had been expecting Momo to bitch about it too. But, Momo said nothing.
"He will be angry, but deep down, he will appreciate it." Yukino said. "Hikigaya-kun is too often convinced that his presence has no value to others. But you and I know that it was not something he wanted."
"...just how close are you two to him, really?" Momo mumbled. "I always thought I was the closest to him... yet sometimes he feels like a stranger."
"Why even bother asking?" Yukino asked.
That chilled the air in the car considerably.
They never actually asked, did they?
"Don't worry, I'm not being judgmental here. Because that's exactly the kind of person Hikigaya Hachiman is. He thought he could flawlessly read people and know everyone like the back of his hand... but he never asks." Yukino scoffed. "Although he is often right, whenever he is wrong, it's almost always catastrophic."
"Is that not what most people do, anyway? We judge each other by our actions and prejudices." Hayasaka looked out the window beside her. Her cold and cynical face truly betraying her cheerful gal persona. "Intent or feelings never mattered."
"That's right. I, too, am not an exception." Yukino nodded. "So that's why you should not bother blaming yourself for not knowing. Blame yourself for not asking despite being curious."
There was a hint of pain in the second half of Yukino's words. Clearly, her statement came from somewhere deep and personal.
"Even if the answer is obvious, even better if the answer is not obvious. You can still be concerned without showing Hikigaya-kun pity." Yukino smiled. "I like to think... based on what I know about him, that it wouldn't hurt to try."
Momo quietly nodded while Chika took a deep breath to calm herself. Yukino was right. Showing their panic in times like these would only bring trouble for Hachiman.
"Should we bring fruit?" Chika asked. "Though, I'll be honest, sending a fruit basket to someone who got stabbed feels dubious at best."
"I think we can send him bananas and berries." Hayasaka said.
Momo raised her eyebrows.
"...Berries huh. Hayasaka, did you also know that..."
"Hikigaya-san always stocks a fridge full of frozen berries. He often uses berries to flavor the kvass and jellies he makes." Hayasaka interrupted. "Anyway, berries are good for surgery patients."
"Berries?" Chika blinked. "Does the whole family like them?"
"Yes, because bulk import berries are cheap." Momo scoffed. "1500 yen for a bag of four pounds. The Hikigayas always have their fridge stocked up."
"I never knew berries could be that cheap." Chika hummed. "You two DO know a lot about Hikki-san, huh?"
Hayasaka gave Chika a bright yet ambiguous grin. Momo? She knew Hachiman thick and thin. At least up until their recent awkwardness, they'd been as close as actual siblings. Of course, Momo would know.
Honestly, Chika felt a bit envious. Despite their apparent closeness, Fujiwara Chika knew Hikigaya Hachiman the least.
"You've been to his house before?" Momo asked. "No one would know this unless..."
"A long time ago, in fact. It was the previous apartment Hikigaya-san lived in." Hayasaka smiled. "It was the reason I fell for him, because he helped me."
That was a lie. But Hayasaka preferred a more romantic explanation, it would be more convincing.
"Was it really?" Yukino eyed Hayasaka. "You don't appear to be the type who falls in love at first sight, Hayasaka-san."
Motherfucker!
Was it a hunch or just an eagle-eyed observation? Hayasaka wasn't sure, and she didn't care, but if Yukino was anywhere as perceptive as Hachiman, Hayasaka was doomed. Doomed!
These two really are two peas in a pod. Birds of a feather flock together and all that.
"We actually met about three times before I decided to join the student council." Hayasaka told her. "That time when he took me to his apartment was our second meeting. But he had been helpful and understanding of my situation overall."
That was the truth.
However, in their third meeting, the situation was far from ideal. Hayasaka was in deep disguise, yet Hachiman had found her out. And she had no choice but to betray Kaguya and conspire with him to keep him from interfering.
Although Hayasaka didn't lack a guilty conscience, she thought the outcome was significantly better than if she had stubbornly worked alone.
"That sounds like Hikigaya-kun, alright." Yukino accepted that explanation, feeling that while Hayasaka was hiding something she didn't seem to be lying about what she was saying either. "Though I'm sure he's terrified about how openly affectionate you are."
"Hahahaha, you know him all too well." Hayasaka giggled. "Hikigaya-san has the intimacy levels of a feral cat. He hisses when you try to hug him."
"I am surprised he hasn't use slurs towards you." Yukino commented. "Don't be too forceful, or he'll run away."
He has, in fact, used slurs. Chika and Momo both thought.
That said, what made Chika feel strange was the vibe between Hayasaka and Yukino. Even though their personalities were polar opposites, they seemed strangely comfortable getting to know each other.
Throughout the 45-minute, speedy trip from Shuchiin to Chiba Municipal Hospital, Hayasaka talked with Yukino the most.
"How we drifted apart? We parted on bad terms, unwilling to apologize to each other and overcome our shortcomings. Hikigaya-kun had a complex about friends. His lack of friends, mostly. When he understood that I had started befriending some people, he became jealous and bitter. Yet he never tried to open up to people himself."
"But it was not like I had earned some of those friendships either. I was very closely guarded and kept things to myself, even if it hurt both of us. I kept an aloof air until I found myself losing Hikigaya-kun. We broke up before we could begin a proper relationship."
"By the time we resolved our internal problems, that feeling of interest and excitement of spending time together had died, replaced by a weird mixture of familiarity and awkwardness. Besides, we were also in separate cliques by then."
"Regardless, I am relieved to hear that he has a lot of friends now. He's even become casual friends with Erika-san and Karen-san." Yukino smiled. "I'm sure that, even though he still puts up a wall with everyone, that wall is shrinking."
"Have you never thought of... reconciling?" Chika asked. "You two are clearly fond of each other still."
Even in spite of their past, Hachiman had still casually carried Yukino when she collapsed after her competition with Kaguya. Hachiman would never be so casual with other girls, let alone so physically close, without squirming.
"I did in the past, but, the Hikigaya-kun at the moment... he deserves better. Both of us do." Yukino said. "And I will be frank, his love is too heavy to bear."
Too heavy?
"What do you mean by that?" Chika questioned. "His love is too heavy to bear?"
Unfortunately, her question would remain unanswered as they had reached their destination.
"We're here." Yukino said as she hit the brakes and maneuvered into the entrance but stopped before she could get to the parking area. "Do you want me to join you?"
"It would be best for you to decide for yourself." Momo chided. "With three troublemakers around, I don't think he'll have many more fucks to spare. It might even be a welcome surprise."
"In that case, I should leave for now." Yukino smiled. "Since I'm here anyway, I'll visit my family."
"Ah." Chika jumped out of the car and then bowed to Yukino. "Thank you for delivering us safely."
Hayasaka and Momo followed Chika's example. And with that, Yukino left.
"Should we try to find the room?" Chika asked.
"I think... that is a bad idea."
They had come this far, yet Momo could only get cold feet. Chika and Hayasaka didn't know this, but Momo was reminded why she and Hachiman had had a floundering friendship last year.
Would Momo's presence only add insult to injury?
"Since when did you become so cowardly?" Chika called her out, grabbing Momo's arm and forcibly dragging her. "Let's go."
Chika had been a little frustrated recently. It seemed that the world inside the student council and the school had been moving constantly, yet she was the only one unaware and seemingly stationary.
Deliberately or not, it seemed that people had started to exclude her recently. And it legitimately made her angry.
It was ridiculous since Chika spent more time with Yukino than Hayasaka did (via tea parties with Kaguya). Yet, Hayasaka could quickly open up Yukino to more conversation about Hachiman's past in just a single car ride.
But, looking back, it was because Chika was trying to be polite. Yukino had already pointed out Chika's mistake.
It was because she had hesitated to ask.
Hayasaka, in comparison, had never hesitated. Not once. Even when hesitating to visit Hachiman, it was only to prevent Hachiman from getting mad at her. Hayasaka had been firm and resolute even though she always acted like an airhead.
Chika wondered... just how much did Hayasaka like Hachiman, really?
Can't relate to her at all. Chika thought. It's not like I can ever get serious with Hikki-san. I'm just playing around, after all.
Even if Chika wanted to get serious, her parents would never let it happen. This was horrifying since they had gained such a high opinion of Hachiman ever since he had helped to significantly raise her grades. Yet, even Chika was unwilling to wager that Hachiman would have it easy if she tried to push things.
Other boys had a metaphorical Everest to climb if they wanted to date her. That was why Chika was usually unwilling to entertain the idea.
That would be a needless burden for Hachiman, who already had too much on his plate. Chika was selfish for sure, but not THAT selfish. The story would be different if Hachiman had fallen for Chika first...
But, judging by the presence of these other two young women, that seemed unlikely. Her boyfriend-girlfriend play might be expiring soon. That was why she wanted to treasure every moment they could have until things reached their end.
And she wanted everyone to enjoy the same feeling.
When they entered the lobby, they immediately recognized someone there. Yet that person had a different appearance from his usual self.
Momo, of all people, recognized that person the most. But the other two also knew him. That person was straight out of the recent gossip photo that had resurfaced after being buried for half a year.
That person was Hikigaya Hachiman.
Just like in the photo, he looked listless and weak. His back slumped, powerless, and lacking dignity. There were black streak under his eyelids, and his irises were devoid of light.
To put it simply, Hikigaya Hachiman looked ugly and gross.
It was like Momo had time-traveled back to the first time they had met.
"Hachiman!" Momo reacted entirely on instinct and rushed to his side to grab him. "Are you alright?!"
"Eh?" Hachiman looked up and wryly grinned. "Why are you here?"
"We're all worried about you, silly!" Chika smiled at him as she sat beside him. "Are you alright? You look like you just lost an entire night of sleep."
"I'm fine," Hachiman said. "I'm just tired because I had to calm down a very berserk Komachi. Besides, it's weird that that is the first thing you ask."
Berserking Komachi? No one there could imagine what that would be like. But, if it was such a drain on Hachiman to this degree...
"Well, President did say that Uncle is not in mortal danger." Hayasaka somehow appeared behind him and hugged him to her. "Even if we say we're worried about him, it's not like we know him personally to feel that impact. We're all here because of you."
In other words, they were all here for Hachiman.
"That's stupid." Hachiman blushed a bit. "And please, stop making a scene and making me look like some playboy. People will misunderstand."
Although most people had ignored it, some were stealing glances and talking about what it looked like.
"Well, I don't care." Hayasaka made a cat-like smile until Hachiman disengaged from her hug to weakly slap her head with a slipper.
"I do." Hachiman said. "Since you're all here, might as well visit him."
"Is it alright?" Momo asked. "I don't want to make him uncomfortable."
"You, of all people, need to talk with him the most." Hachiman told Momo as he patted her head. "Things better be sorted out when there is an opportunity since no one is willing to spare their time."
That's right.
If Momo wanted to remain friends with Hachiman, she could not ignore his family forever. She had to face him sooner or later.
"But is your father really alright?" Chika asked as they walked toward the VIP ward. "The news made it sound like it was very grave."
"It was a dangerous situation, and he was stabbed for real. But the stabbing he suffered was not fatal, and the other problems were not exactly something modern hospitals can't deal with." Hachiman said. "The second victim had it much worse. She WAS actually in mortal danger from hemorrhaging and would've died if not for my father intervening."
"I see." Momo huffed. "So, if not the stabbing, what caused your father to be hospitalized?"
"Appendicitis."
The three girls all gawked.
"To be fair, appendicitis can be dangerous if not treated." Chika sighed in relief. "But it isn't an uncommon illness, and most hospitals are well trained to do such a surgery."
In other words, it was dangerous, but not so much that Hachiman's father would immediately die within a few hours. It would only be a problem if there were complications. Or worse, a rupture.
A rupture in the appendix can cause sepsis, which leads to death by bacterial poisoning! In such a situation, surgery can't be delayed even a second. And even with a successful surgery, the chances of ongoing infection are not low.
"Obviously? It happened because he doesn't live well, and that's why Komachi went apeshit." Hachiman snorted. "Somehow, we cared for ourselves better than the so-called independent, working adults."
"Ah." Hayasaka realized. "Did you use the stabbing incident as a PR boost and milk the public sympathy?"
Momo and Chika looked at Hayasaka like she was crazy, especially for how casual she was being about the situation.
"That's true too, of course." Hachiman smirked. "We might look like we're honest people, but all of the Hikigaya family's members are scum who would use rotten methods to achieve their objectives. Especially when we have enemies to deal with."
"To be fair, my family would do the same." Chika hummed. "It can't be helped."
"Even us -the Yakuza- would not miss such an opportunity." Momo said. "But for you to say it out loud, that's disconcerting."
At that moment, Chika realized why her parents were so scared of Hachiman's parents and why they had been paying attention to Hachiman's family ever since Hachiman had started helping Chika prepare for the exams.
"We're here." Hachiman said as they finally arrived in front of a VIP room.
Momo gulped, feeling a sense of dread she had never experienced before.
Frantically, just about everyone had felt their hearts stop the moment they had heard those words. Worse yet, Hachiman couldn't be contacted at all.
It would be easy to find Hachiman... if he let them. Man was sneaky, like a ninja when at his best. He would only be found if he wanted to be.
That's why the girls had no choice but to seek out someone's aid.
"I figured you girls would be like this," Miyuki said. "Hachiman guessed it too, and that's why he told me ahead of time and not you girls."
Miyuki's face was eerily calm and composed, which only infuriated the girls.
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Momo barked while grabbing his collar. "This is no time to be cocky!"
"You girls will run around like headless chickens and try to find and comfort him, that's what." Miyuki glared back, slapping Momo's hand away. At times like this, the girls legitimately saw Hachiman's image projected over Miyuki. "Rest assured, I will help you, but you better fucking listen."
That seemed to lower the tension a bit. Or rather, the girls felt a bit scared of Miyuki right now. Even Kaguya, who stood by his side, was unsettled.
"The reason for Hachiman to keep things quiet is because his father isn't in mortal danger," Miyuki told them. "Even though it is true he was sent to the ER. That's why Hachiman had to leave early and didn't come to the Council today."
He isn't in mortal danger?
"But still..." Chika covered her mouth.
She wanted to say they were entitled to know... but were they? Even Momo had become deathly silent. They knew Hachiman just close enough to know that he loathed being pitied.
He had told Miyuki, his closest friend. Both because Miyuki knew what Hachiman would and wouldn't need in the situation, and because the President never felt entitled or demanded anything out of their friendship.
Miyuki and Hachiman were friends without rhyme or reason. Although they're polar opposites, they somehow understood each other and covered the other's flaws with strength. Despite being almost like brothers, they respected each other's boundaries and pride.
While the girls were close with Hachiman, their relationships could be transactional at the best of times, and the girls knew they had been intrusive into Hachiman's life at their worst moments.
This was why Hachiman had decided not to tell the girls. And this realization made them both mad and sad.
"We're just concerned." Chika firmly said. "After all, Hikki-san isn't just a member of the Council. He's our friend! With him disappearing like this, how could we not be worried?"
Hayasaka and Momo nodded.
"That's true, and because the three of you are close to him, I will tell you everything." Miyuki gently smiled and patted Chika's shoulder lightly. "Come on. We need privacy."
And so, they found someplace to talk without any prying ears.
"I assume you guys heard this from elsewhere?" Miyuki said. "What did your source say?"
"He was stabbed and sent to the municipal ER." Chika showed the news on her phone.
[Chief Producer H got stabbed after saving Idol A from a murderous stalker. Both received emergency care, and the suspect is under arrest.]
"I wouldn't have known about this at all if my mother hadn't told me," Chika said. "But the news itself was relatively public. He supposedly is in a hospital near Shibuya."
"Right. Uncle might be a small fry compared to your parents, and many might not realize they are related, but he is a big shot in the Idol industry." Miyuki explained. "Coupled with the person he saved, there's no way the media didn't notice."
"However, he has the exact same personality as his son inside. Do you think he would appreciate all the vultures in the news and internet media pecking on his still-warm body for content?" Miyuki shrugged.
"It... was faked?" Momo blinked. "It was fake news?"
"No, nothing about it was fake. But, there were a lot of things omitted." Miyuki explained. "Hachiman said that uncle's condition was not light, but it was nothing deadly with some quick intervention."
"And right now, he's not being treated in Tokyo." Miyuki used his phone map function. "He's at Chiba Municipal Hospital, much closer to the Hikigaya home in Mihama."
"Being transported that far... I guess his condition wasn't life-threatening." Hayasaka clapped her hands. "And Hikigaya-san went there to see him."
"Yes. Hachiman is in Chiba and likely will stay there overnight." Miyuki said. "But he said he will be back tomorrow."
"I see." Hayasaka faked a relieved sigh and wiped a small tear from her eyes. "Thank heavens they're both alright!"
The relief was genuine, but Hayasaka had never been that emotional about Hachiman. She only did it to maintain her friendly gal persona. Besides, she was the primary love interest, no? It would be weirder if she wasn't crying a little.
"Now, knowing all the facts, what do you girls want to do?" Miyuki asked seriously.
"...I'm going anyway," Momo said. "But there is a problem."
"The traffic in Tokyo is the worst at the moment." Chika nodded. "Even if I ask for a driver, it'll take thirty minutes from home to reach this place. Then god knows how long it will take to get to Chiba. If we take the train, it will take at least two hours!"
"I could call a helicopter, but Hachiman would beat me to death with a slipper if I pulled those shenanigans near him again. Especially close to a hospital." Momo winced. "I suppose the only solution is motorcycles. I might be able to call some people to pick us up. The Ryuju group isn't exactly a biker gang, though."
"To be honest, we traded our bikes just now. The Dragstar 400 with a sidecar is in my possession right now." Miyuki pulled out and dangled the key with a small wallet from his pocket. "I can send you there, but it can only carry two passengers. Unless someone amongst you has a bike license, I'm not lending it."
"It is technically my motorcycle, hey!" Momo barked, then looked at the other girls. "But that's not the point. Which of you has a license?"
"You know the answer to that, Momo-chan." Chika cringed.
Chika was banned from driving any vehicle other than a bicycle. Cycling from home to school was too painful, so she used public transportation or had a driver take her to school.
"I don't either." Hayasaka lied yet again. Actually, she had a motorcycle license, but it would be awfully suspicious for her image to show it now.
"I guess we have to use a taxi. Hopefully, we get someone competent instead of an old fart." Momo seethed.
"I don't mind staying." Hayasaka said. "If the President is willing to send them to Chiba, I'll stay. Besides, wouldn't it look bad if everyone went?"
"Hayasaka-san..." Chika grimaced. "Why do you say that?"
"That's very unlike you." Momo remarked questioningly.
"To be honest, I'd rather not go."
Hayasaka was smiling, but deep down, Kaguya somewhat understood that Hayasaka Ai also wanted to go. However, she had her responsibilities as Kaguya's valet.
She COULDN'T leave. At least not of her own will until school ended for the day.
Just go if you want to. Kaguya thought so, but she couldn't muster up anything to voice it.
"If I may." Miyuki raised his hand. "I can always beg someone for help."
?
"So, you want to go to the Chiba Municipal Hospital as soon as possible?" Yukino put her teacup down. "That's acceptable. I know a better route. We'll get there quicker than if we took the common roads."
"Thank you!" Chika happily bowed.
"Uh... thanks." Momo awkwardly scratched her chin.
"President, immediately thinking of Yukinoshita-san for help." Kaguya eyed him. "Isn't this a bit weird?"
Are you kidding me? All this time trying to make me jealous and trying to play that card yourself now? Fuck off, Shinomiya.
Miyuki was a bit mad at Kaguya but decided to be patient.
"I was trying to borrow her car, but she won't let me. I'm relieved, to be honest." Miyuki scoffed. "At least she is still as generous as I have come to expect from her."
Miyuki noticed that Kaguya looked legitimately angry, but brushed her glare off. She actually deserved that for once.
"...Well, I suppose you are actually worried about Hikigaya-san, after all." Kaguya sighed. "Otherwise, would you actually tell the girls?"
Miyuki was not supposed to tell them, wasn't he?
"Hachiman will be mad with me, but he will still fully understand why I did it." Miyuki crossed his arms and grinned. "He's a man of contradictions like that."
"He will understand? Are you sure?"
Kaguya could not say she had faith in anyone as much as Miyuki and Hachiman had in each other.
"His logical side will know that the less I tell the girls, the more they would panic. This would ruin the school's atmosphere. The same thing that Hachiman has desperately tried to maintain." Miyuki stopped smiling and looked at Kaguya seriously. "Next, we will do a VIP assembly to calm them down. Then, we deal with the rest of the students via the Mass Media Club. The less people gossiping about it, the better."
"I will never let Hachiman return to a chaotic school that makes him feel unwelcome."
Ah, the President is so cool. Kaguya thought to herself.
"Yes, President." Kaguya politely nodded.
Although their approaches were different, Miyuki was no less capable than Hachiman in taming the VIP groups. Otherwise, his prestige and authority as the Student Council President would be meaningless.
Although everyone called Hachiman the Shadow President, no one ever called Miyuki a puppet. No one dared to. Miyuki enjoyed as much protection from the VIPs as Hachiman did.
Because they were both capable negotiators. They solved last year's budget war together, after all.
Kaguya looked at Hayasaka and noticed Chika holding her wrist to drag her. Hayasaka helplessly looked at Kaguya, begging for an intervention.
"Hayasaka-san, if you want to go, please do not pretend otherwise." Kaguya grinned.
Kaguya waved her hand, signaling for Hayasaka not to follow her and Miyuki. For some reason, part of Kaguya thought Hayasaka would regret it if she didn't go.
It wasn't because Kaguya was worried about Hachiman or anything!
やはり, 彼らが望む告白は間違っている. S2
As expected, the Confession they want is wrong S2
Original Story by: Watari Wataru and Akasaka Aka
Written by: @ZeroXSEED, Co-written by: @GoukaRyuu
As expected, the Confession they want is wrong S2
Original Story by: Watari Wataru and Akasaka Aka
Written by: @ZeroXSEED, Co-written by: @GoukaRyuu
Chapter 34 - The boys wanted to be loved, part 3
Chika had to cover her mouth to stop herself from screaming as Yukino's car zoomed along the highway at the maximum legal speed. Momo almost laughed, but decided not to. She didn't want to disturb Yukino while their lives were on the line.
Crazy bitch. This girl has actually passed multiple cars like it was nothing. Momo thought. We even drifted a couple times. Just how deceptively powerful is this kei car?!
Hayasaka, riding shotgun, was the only one sporting a calm and composed face. Though, if the other two were to see this, they would think she was out of character.
"Hayasaka-san, you didn't seem eager to go," Yukino commented. "Unlike the other two."
"I bothered him enough when he was chilling at school. I don't think he'd appreciate my presence when things are this chaotic." Hayasaka wryly smiled. "To be honest? I'm afraid he will get mad at me for coming."
Yukino looked at Hayasaka weirdly. But Hayasaka was telling the truth, for once.
It wasn't that Hayasaka was not worried about Hachiman, she was just much more in control of her emotions. She knew how things would transpire if Hachiman were to see her face now.
Not to mention their agreement. Hayasaka never had to distract Hachiman because he was aware of her job. Instead, they worked together behind the scenes to ensure Miyuki and Kaguya stopped being foolish about their feelings.
In a situation like this, there was zero reason for Hayasaka to see Hachiman. However, Chika refused to let her go. And Hayasaka had been expecting Momo to bitch about it too. But, Momo said nothing.
"He will be angry, but deep down, he will appreciate it." Yukino said. "Hikigaya-kun is too often convinced that his presence has no value to others. But you and I know that it was not something he wanted."
"...just how close are you two to him, really?" Momo mumbled. "I always thought I was the closest to him... yet sometimes he feels like a stranger."
"Why even bother asking?" Yukino asked.
That chilled the air in the car considerably.
They never actually asked, did they?
"Don't worry, I'm not being judgmental here. Because that's exactly the kind of person Hikigaya Hachiman is. He thought he could flawlessly read people and know everyone like the back of his hand... but he never asks." Yukino scoffed. "Although he is often right, whenever he is wrong, it's almost always catastrophic."
"Is that not what most people do, anyway? We judge each other by our actions and prejudices." Hayasaka looked out the window beside her. Her cold and cynical face truly betraying her cheerful gal persona. "Intent or feelings never mattered."
"That's right. I, too, am not an exception." Yukino nodded. "So that's why you should not bother blaming yourself for not knowing. Blame yourself for not asking despite being curious."
There was a hint of pain in the second half of Yukino's words. Clearly, her statement came from somewhere deep and personal.
"Even if the answer is obvious, even better if the answer is not obvious. You can still be concerned without showing Hikigaya-kun pity." Yukino smiled. "I like to think... based on what I know about him, that it wouldn't hurt to try."
Momo quietly nodded while Chika took a deep breath to calm herself. Yukino was right. Showing their panic in times like these would only bring trouble for Hachiman.
"Should we bring fruit?" Chika asked. "Though, I'll be honest, sending a fruit basket to someone who got stabbed feels dubious at best."
"I think we can send him bananas and berries." Hayasaka said.
Momo raised her eyebrows.
"...Berries huh. Hayasaka, did you also know that..."
"Hikigaya-san always stocks a fridge full of frozen berries. He often uses berries to flavor the kvass and jellies he makes." Hayasaka interrupted. "Anyway, berries are good for surgery patients."
"Berries?" Chika blinked. "Does the whole family like them?"
"Yes, because bulk import berries are cheap." Momo scoffed. "1500 yen for a bag of four pounds. The Hikigayas always have their fridge stocked up."
"I never knew berries could be that cheap." Chika hummed. "You two DO know a lot about Hikki-san, huh?"
Hayasaka gave Chika a bright yet ambiguous grin. Momo? She knew Hachiman thick and thin. At least up until their recent awkwardness, they'd been as close as actual siblings. Of course, Momo would know.
Honestly, Chika felt a bit envious. Despite their apparent closeness, Fujiwara Chika knew Hikigaya Hachiman the least.
"You've been to his house before?" Momo asked. "No one would know this unless..."
"A long time ago, in fact. It was the previous apartment Hikigaya-san lived in." Hayasaka smiled. "It was the reason I fell for him, because he helped me."
That was a lie. But Hayasaka preferred a more romantic explanation, it would be more convincing.
"Was it really?" Yukino eyed Hayasaka. "You don't appear to be the type who falls in love at first sight, Hayasaka-san."
Motherfucker!
Was it a hunch or just an eagle-eyed observation? Hayasaka wasn't sure, and she didn't care, but if Yukino was anywhere as perceptive as Hachiman, Hayasaka was doomed. Doomed!
These two really are two peas in a pod. Birds of a feather flock together and all that.
"We actually met about three times before I decided to join the student council." Hayasaka told her. "That time when he took me to his apartment was our second meeting. But he had been helpful and understanding of my situation overall."
That was the truth.
However, in their third meeting, the situation was far from ideal. Hayasaka was in deep disguise, yet Hachiman had found her out. And she had no choice but to betray Kaguya and conspire with him to keep him from interfering.
Although Hayasaka didn't lack a guilty conscience, she thought the outcome was significantly better than if she had stubbornly worked alone.
"That sounds like Hikigaya-kun, alright." Yukino accepted that explanation, feeling that while Hayasaka was hiding something she didn't seem to be lying about what she was saying either. "Though I'm sure he's terrified about how openly affectionate you are."
"Hahahaha, you know him all too well." Hayasaka giggled. "Hikigaya-san has the intimacy levels of a feral cat. He hisses when you try to hug him."
"I am surprised he hasn't use slurs towards you." Yukino commented. "Don't be too forceful, or he'll run away."
He has, in fact, used slurs. Chika and Momo both thought.
That said, what made Chika feel strange was the vibe between Hayasaka and Yukino. Even though their personalities were polar opposites, they seemed strangely comfortable getting to know each other.
Throughout the 45-minute, speedy trip from Shuchiin to Chiba Municipal Hospital, Hayasaka talked with Yukino the most.
"How we drifted apart? We parted on bad terms, unwilling to apologize to each other and overcome our shortcomings. Hikigaya-kun had a complex about friends. His lack of friends, mostly. When he understood that I had started befriending some people, he became jealous and bitter. Yet he never tried to open up to people himself."
"But it was not like I had earned some of those friendships either. I was very closely guarded and kept things to myself, even if it hurt both of us. I kept an aloof air until I found myself losing Hikigaya-kun. We broke up before we could begin a proper relationship."
"By the time we resolved our internal problems, that feeling of interest and excitement of spending time together had died, replaced by a weird mixture of familiarity and awkwardness. Besides, we were also in separate cliques by then."
"Regardless, I am relieved to hear that he has a lot of friends now. He's even become casual friends with Erika-san and Karen-san." Yukino smiled. "I'm sure that, even though he still puts up a wall with everyone, that wall is shrinking."
"Have you never thought of... reconciling?" Chika asked. "You two are clearly fond of each other still."
Even in spite of their past, Hachiman had still casually carried Yukino when she collapsed after her competition with Kaguya. Hachiman would never be so casual with other girls, let alone so physically close, without squirming.
"I did in the past, but, the Hikigaya-kun at the moment... he deserves better. Both of us do." Yukino said. "And I will be frank, his love is too heavy to bear."
Too heavy?
"What do you mean by that?" Chika questioned. "His love is too heavy to bear?"
Unfortunately, her question would remain unanswered as they had reached their destination.
"We're here." Yukino said as she hit the brakes and maneuvered into the entrance but stopped before she could get to the parking area. "Do you want me to join you?"
"It would be best for you to decide for yourself." Momo chided. "With three troublemakers around, I don't think he'll have many more fucks to spare. It might even be a welcome surprise."
"In that case, I should leave for now." Yukino smiled. "Since I'm here anyway, I'll visit my family."
"Ah." Chika jumped out of the car and then bowed to Yukino. "Thank you for delivering us safely."
Hayasaka and Momo followed Chika's example. And with that, Yukino left.
"Should we try to find the room?" Chika asked.
"I think... that is a bad idea."
They had come this far, yet Momo could only get cold feet. Chika and Hayasaka didn't know this, but Momo was reminded why she and Hachiman had had a floundering friendship last year.
Would Momo's presence only add insult to injury?
"Since when did you become so cowardly?" Chika called her out, grabbing Momo's arm and forcibly dragging her. "Let's go."
Chika had been a little frustrated recently. It seemed that the world inside the student council and the school had been moving constantly, yet she was the only one unaware and seemingly stationary.
Deliberately or not, it seemed that people had started to exclude her recently. And it legitimately made her angry.
It was ridiculous since Chika spent more time with Yukino than Hayasaka did (via tea parties with Kaguya). Yet, Hayasaka could quickly open up Yukino to more conversation about Hachiman's past in just a single car ride.
But, looking back, it was because Chika was trying to be polite. Yukino had already pointed out Chika's mistake.
It was because she had hesitated to ask.
Hayasaka, in comparison, had never hesitated. Not once. Even when hesitating to visit Hachiman, it was only to prevent Hachiman from getting mad at her. Hayasaka had been firm and resolute even though she always acted like an airhead.
Chika wondered... just how much did Hayasaka like Hachiman, really?
Can't relate to her at all. Chika thought. It's not like I can ever get serious with Hikki-san. I'm just playing around, after all.
Even if Chika wanted to get serious, her parents would never let it happen. This was horrifying since they had gained such a high opinion of Hachiman ever since he had helped to significantly raise her grades. Yet, even Chika was unwilling to wager that Hachiman would have it easy if she tried to push things.
Other boys had a metaphorical Everest to climb if they wanted to date her. That was why Chika was usually unwilling to entertain the idea.
That would be a needless burden for Hachiman, who already had too much on his plate. Chika was selfish for sure, but not THAT selfish. The story would be different if Hachiman had fallen for Chika first...
But, judging by the presence of these other two young women, that seemed unlikely. Her boyfriend-girlfriend play might be expiring soon. That was why she wanted to treasure every moment they could have until things reached their end.
And she wanted everyone to enjoy the same feeling.
When they entered the lobby, they immediately recognized someone there. Yet that person had a different appearance from his usual self.
Momo, of all people, recognized that person the most. But the other two also knew him. That person was straight out of the recent gossip photo that had resurfaced after being buried for half a year.
That person was Hikigaya Hachiman.
Just like in the photo, he looked listless and weak. His back slumped, powerless, and lacking dignity. There were black streak under his eyelids, and his irises were devoid of light.
To put it simply, Hikigaya Hachiman looked ugly and gross.
It was like Momo had time-traveled back to the first time they had met.
"Hachiman!" Momo reacted entirely on instinct and rushed to his side to grab him. "Are you alright?!"
"Eh?" Hachiman looked up and wryly grinned. "Why are you here?"
"We're all worried about you, silly!" Chika smiled at him as she sat beside him. "Are you alright? You look like you just lost an entire night of sleep."
"I'm fine," Hachiman said. "I'm just tired because I had to calm down a very berserk Komachi. Besides, it's weird that that is the first thing you ask."
Berserking Komachi? No one there could imagine what that would be like. But, if it was such a drain on Hachiman to this degree...
"Well, President did say that Uncle is not in mortal danger." Hayasaka somehow appeared behind him and hugged him to her. "Even if we say we're worried about him, it's not like we know him personally to feel that impact. We're all here because of you."
In other words, they were all here for Hachiman.
"That's stupid." Hachiman blushed a bit. "And please, stop making a scene and making me look like some playboy. People will misunderstand."
Although most people had ignored it, some were stealing glances and talking about what it looked like.
"Well, I don't care." Hayasaka made a cat-like smile until Hachiman disengaged from her hug to weakly slap her head with a slipper.
"I do." Hachiman said. "Since you're all here, might as well visit him."
"Is it alright?" Momo asked. "I don't want to make him uncomfortable."
"You, of all people, need to talk with him the most." Hachiman told Momo as he patted her head. "Things better be sorted out when there is an opportunity since no one is willing to spare their time."
That's right.
If Momo wanted to remain friends with Hachiman, she could not ignore his family forever. She had to face him sooner or later.
"But is your father really alright?" Chika asked as they walked toward the VIP ward. "The news made it sound like it was very grave."
"It was a dangerous situation, and he was stabbed for real. But the stabbing he suffered was not fatal, and the other problems were not exactly something modern hospitals can't deal with." Hachiman said. "The second victim had it much worse. She WAS actually in mortal danger from hemorrhaging and would've died if not for my father intervening."
"I see." Momo huffed. "So, if not the stabbing, what caused your father to be hospitalized?"
"Appendicitis."
The three girls all gawked.
"To be fair, appendicitis can be dangerous if not treated." Chika sighed in relief. "But it isn't an uncommon illness, and most hospitals are well trained to do such a surgery."
In other words, it was dangerous, but not so much that Hachiman's father would immediately die within a few hours. It would only be a problem if there were complications. Or worse, a rupture.
A rupture in the appendix can cause sepsis, which leads to death by bacterial poisoning! In such a situation, surgery can't be delayed even a second. And even with a successful surgery, the chances of ongoing infection are not low.
"Obviously? It happened because he doesn't live well, and that's why Komachi went apeshit." Hachiman snorted. "Somehow, we cared for ourselves better than the so-called independent, working adults."
"Ah." Hayasaka realized. "Did you use the stabbing incident as a PR boost and milk the public sympathy?"
Momo and Chika looked at Hayasaka like she was crazy, especially for how casual she was being about the situation.
"That's true too, of course." Hachiman smirked. "We might look like we're honest people, but all of the Hikigaya family's members are scum who would use rotten methods to achieve their objectives. Especially when we have enemies to deal with."
"To be fair, my family would do the same." Chika hummed. "It can't be helped."
"Even us -the Yakuza- would not miss such an opportunity." Momo said. "But for you to say it out loud, that's disconcerting."
At that moment, Chika realized why her parents were so scared of Hachiman's parents and why they had been paying attention to Hachiman's family ever since Hachiman had started helping Chika prepare for the exams.
"We're here." Hachiman said as they finally arrived in front of a VIP room.
Momo gulped, feeling a sense of dread she had never experienced before.
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ZeroXSEED
Economic Authoritarian Muslim Leftist
- Location
- In the name of orange!
- Pronouns
- He
I did say it would be a let down, but it's a bit more than I planned because I made this chapter mostly character exploration pieces.
Next chapter might be a bit more interesting with the actual meat of the arc.
Next chapter might be a bit more interesting with the actual meat of the arc.
…Ai Hoshino? Well they do exist in the same universe…
There is quite a number of Oshi no ko x oregairu fics lately. Not like I complain, Ai x Hachiman in a good writer hand can be very cute.
Potato
Randomly exploding
- Location
- Singapore
I wouldn't ship them both, though. God knows that the girl ain't right in the head. What 8man needs is not a project to fix, but someone who can support him.
ZeroXSEED
Economic Authoritarian Muslim Leftist
- Location
- In the name of orange!
- Pronouns
- He
As far as story concerned it is indeed Ai, but she will never make an appearance nor will have relevance to the ongoing plot.
The incident will become a catalyst for something else though, and only people who know the Idolmaster Quest would know why.
The incident will become a catalyst for something else though, and only people who know the Idolmaster Quest would know why.
TriGayatri
Butter Cookies Villainess
- Location
- Indonesia
- Pronouns
- She
Ah shit.
It is Oratorio Program right? I can guess how it would shake the status quo. 💀
(At least this is unlikely to be Kanade route)
It is Oratorio Program right? I can guess how it would shake the status quo. 💀
(At least this is unlikely to be Kanade route)
ZeroXSEED
Economic Authoritarian Muslim Leftist
- Location
- In the name of orange!
- Pronouns
- He
Virtually impossible. I don't want to introduce a love interest with zero buildup whatsoever. At least when it comes to fanfic.
Quest is entirely different, since readers get to decide.
Even if it happens it won't be a focus and will be entirely onesided.
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7734
Trust and verify.
- Location
- Philmont
Honestly there's the bones of a pretty solid chapter here. The issue is it's only bones; there's nothing actually holding it together. A few lines here and there for flow and control will do a world of good here.
Yukino saying 8man's love is too heavy... Well I mean he basically proposes in canon and for this yukino her friendships are precious enough that she probably wouldn't put any romantic relationship above them. Good chapter and I really love the hayasaka characterization the most.
I just love ships that border on toxic/are dramatic so I am a fan of hachixai.
I just love ships that border on toxic/are dramatic so I am a fan of hachixai.
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- Pronouns
- Reader
berserk Komachi. truly terrifying. the devil with an angel's face and smile dropping all pretence and mercy. no wonder Hachiman is exhausted.
Momo is willing to face Hachiman's papa to prove that she is a good friend and that he has a positive impact on her life and vice versa despite of her background.
GoukaRyuu
Shadow Cabal Made Man
- Location
- New Jersey
Wait. Why are people mourning about sinking Yukino now.
I am confused.
Because, regardless of how much you hinted at it previously, this past chapter was the first one that explicitly spelled out that she was not in the running.
- Location
- USA
It also seems to sink any friendship as well unless Yukino visited on another occasion
- Pronouns
- Reader
Yukino still attends his school. people are just being silly. yeah, Hachiman and Yukino are more distant chums and old friends than lovers or close friends, but that's hardly a bad thing. the whole point of this story was Hachiman having a different friend group and becoming a different person. all this means is Zero delivered. good on him.
TriGayatri
Butter Cookies Villainess
- Location
- Indonesia
- Pronouns
- She
Ff. net audience in a nutshellWait. Why are people mourning about sinking Yukino now.
I am confused.
"Oh hell no, go away"
"Ok"
"Oh hell yes, you go girl! "
"Oh no she's gone"
GoukaRyuu
Shadow Cabal Made Man
- Location
- New Jersey
Chapter 34 is here:
Hikigaya-kun's father has been stabbed!
Frantically, just about everyone had felt their hearts stop the moment they had heard those words. Worse yet, Hachiman couldn't be contacted at all.
It would be easy to find Hachiman... if he let them. Man was sneaky, like a ninja when at his best. He would only be found if he wanted to be.
That's why the girls had no choice but to seek out someone's aid.
"I figured you girls would be like this," Miyuki said. "Hachiman guessed it too, and that's why he told me ahead of time and not you girls."
Miyuki's face was eerily calm and composed, which only infuriated the girls.
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Momo barked while grabbing his collar. "This is no time to be cocky!"
"You girls will run around like headless chickens and try to find and comfort him, that's what." Miyuki glared back, slapping Momo's hand away. At times like this, the girls legitimately saw Hachiman's image projected over Miyuki. "Rest assured, I will help you, but you better fucking listen."
That seemed to lower the tension a bit. Or rather, the girls felt a bit scared of Miyuki right now. Even Kaguya, who stood by his side, was unsettled.
"The reason for Hachiman to keep things quiet is because his father isn't in mortal danger," Miyuki told them. "Even though it is true he was sent to the ER. That's why Hachiman had to leave early and didn't come to the Council today."
He isn't in mortal danger?
"But still..." Chika covered her mouth.
She wanted to say they were entitled to know... but were they? Even Momo had become deathly silent. They knew Hachiman just close enough to know that he loathed being pitied.
He had told Miyuki, his closest friend. Both because Miyuki knew what Hachiman would and wouldn't need in the situation, and because the President never felt entitled or demanded anything out of their friendship.
Miyuki and Hachiman were friends without rhyme or reason. Although they're polar opposites, they somehow understood each other and covered the other's flaws with strength. Despite being almost like brothers, they respected each other's boundaries and pride.
While the girls were close with Hachiman, their relationships could be transactional at the best of times, and the girls knew they had been intrusive into Hachiman's life at their worst moments.
This was why Hachiman had decided not to tell the girls. And this realization made them both mad and sad.
"We're just concerned." Chika firmly said. "After all, Hikki-san isn't just a member of the Council. He's our friend! With him disappearing like this, how could we not be worried?"
Hayasaka and Momo nodded.
"That's true, and because the three of you are close to him, I will tell you everything." Miyuki gently smiled and patted Chika's shoulder lightly. "Come on. We need privacy."
And so, they found someplace to talk without any prying ears.
"I assume you guys heard this from elsewhere?" Miyuki said. "What did your source say?"
"He was stabbed and sent to the municipal ER." Chika showed the news on her phone.
[Chief Producer H got stabbed after saving Idol A from a murderous stalker. Both received emergency care, and the suspect is under arrest.]
"I wouldn't have known about this at all if my mother hadn't told me," Chika said. "But the news itself was relatively public. He supposedly is in a hospital near Shibuya."
"Right. Uncle might be a small fry compared to your parents, and many might not realize they are related, but he is a big shot in the Idol industry." Miyuki explained. "Coupled with the person he saved, there's no way the media didn't notice."
"However, he has the exact same personality as his son inside. Do you think he would appreciate all the vultures in the news and internet media pecking on his still-warm body for content?" Miyuki shrugged.
"It... was faked?" Momo blinked. "It was fake news?"
"No, nothing about it was fake. But, there were a lot of things omitted." Miyuki explained. "Hachiman said that uncle's condition was not light, but it was nothing deadly with some quick intervention."
"And right now, he's not being treated in Tokyo." Miyuki used his phone map function. "He's at Chiba Municipal Hospital, much closer to the Hikigaya home in Mihama."
"Being transported that far... I guess his condition wasn't life-threatening." Hayasaka clapped her hands. "And Hikigaya-san went there to see him."
"Yes. Hachiman is in Chiba and likely will stay there overnight." Miyuki said. "But he said he will be back tomorrow."
"I see." Hayasaka faked a relieved sigh and wiped a small tear from her eyes. "Thank heavens they're both alright!"
The relief was genuine, but Hayasaka had never been that emotional about Hachiman. She only did it to maintain her friendly gal persona. Besides, she was the primary love interest, no? It would be weirder if she wasn't crying a little.
"Now, knowing all the facts, what do you girls want to do?" Miyuki asked seriously.
"...I'm going anyway," Momo said. "But there is a problem."
"The traffic in Tokyo is the worst at the moment." Chika nodded. "Even if I ask for a driver, it'll take thirty minutes from home to reach this place. Then god knows how long it will take to get to Chiba. If we take the train, it will take at least two hours!"
"I could call a helicopter, but Hachiman would beat me to death with a slipper if I pulled those shenanigans near him again. Especially close to a hospital." Momo winced. "I suppose the only solution is motorcycles. I might be able to call some people to pick us up. The Ryuju group isn't exactly a biker gang, though."
"To be honest, we traded our bikes just now. The Dragstar 400 with a sidecar is in my possession right now." Miyuki pulled out and dangled the key with a small wallet from his pocket. "I can send you there, but it can only carry two passengers. Unless someone amongst you has a bike license, I'm not lending it."
"It is technically my motorcycle, hey!" Momo barked, then looked at the other girls. "But that's not the point. Which of you has a license?"
"You know the answer to that, Momo-chan." Chika cringed.
Chika was banned from driving any vehicle other than a bicycle. Cycling from home to school was too painful, so she used public transportation or had a driver take her to school.
"I don't either." Hayasaka lied yet again. Actually, she had a motorcycle license, but it would be awfully suspicious for her image to show it now.
"I guess we have to use a taxi. Hopefully, we get someone competent instead of an old fart." Momo seethed.
"I don't mind staying." Hayasaka said. "If the President is willing to send them to Chiba, I'll stay. Besides, wouldn't it look bad if everyone went?"
"Hayasaka-san..." Chika grimaced. "Why do you say that?"
"That's very unlike you." Momo remarked questioningly.
"To be honest, I'd rather not go."
Hayasaka was smiling, but deep down, Kaguya somewhat understood that Hayasaka Ai also wanted to go. However, she had her responsibilities as Kaguya's valet.
She COULDN'T leave. At least not of her own will until school ended for the day.
Just go if you want to. Kaguya thought so, but she couldn't muster up anything to voice it.
"If I may." Miyuki raised his hand. "I can always beg someone for help."
?
"So, you want to go to the Chiba Municipal Hospital as soon as possible?" Yukino put her teacup down. "That's acceptable. I know a better route. We'll get there quicker than if we took the common roads."
"Thank you!" Chika happily bowed.
"Uh... thanks." Momo awkwardly scratched her chin.
"President, immediately thinking of Yukinoshita-san for help." Kaguya eyed him. "Isn't this a bit weird?"
Are you kidding me? All this time trying to make me jealous and trying to play that card yourself now? Fuck off, Shinomiya.
Miyuki was a bit mad at Kaguya but decided to be patient.
"I was trying to borrow her car, but she won't let me. I'm relieved, to be honest." Miyuki scoffed. "At least she is still as generous as I have come to expect from her."
Miyuki noticed that Kaguya looked legitimately angry, but brushed her glare off. She actually deserved that for once.
"...Well, I suppose you are actually worried about Hikigaya-san, after all." Kaguya sighed. "Otherwise, would you actually tell the girls?"
Miyuki was not supposed to tell them, wasn't he?
"Hachiman will be mad with me, but he will still fully understand why I did it." Miyuki crossed his arms and grinned. "He's a man of contradictions like that."
"He will understand? Are you sure?"
Kaguya could not say she had faith in anyone as much as Miyuki and Hachiman had in each other.
"His logical side will know that the less I tell the girls, the more they would panic. This would ruin the school's atmosphere. The same thing that Hachiman has desperately tried to maintain." Miyuki stopped smiling and looked at Kaguya seriously. "Next, we will do a VIP assembly to calm them down. Then, we deal with the rest of the students via the Mass Media Club. The less people gossiping about it, the better."
"I will never let Hachiman return to a chaotic school that makes him feel unwelcome."
Ah, the President is so cool. Kaguya thought to herself.
"Yes, President." Kaguya politely nodded.
Although their approaches were different, Miyuki was no less capable than Hachiman in taming the VIP groups. Otherwise, his prestige and authority as the Student Council President would be meaningless.
Although everyone called Hachiman the Shadow President, no one ever called Miyuki a puppet. No one dared to. Miyuki enjoyed as much protection from the VIPs as Hachiman did.
Because they were both capable negotiators. They solved last year's budget war together, after all.
Kaguya looked at Hayasaka and noticed Chika holding her wrist to drag her. Hayasaka helplessly looked at Kaguya, begging for an intervention.
"Hayasaka-san, if you want to go, please do not pretend otherwise." Kaguya grinned.
Kaguya waved her hand, signaling for Hayasaka not to follow her and Miyuki. For some reason, part of Kaguya thought Hayasaka would regret it if she didn't go.
It wasn't because Kaguya was worried about Hachiman or anything!
Chapter 34 - The boys wanted to be loved, part 3
Chika had to cover her mouth to stop herself from screaming as Yukino's car zoomed along the highway at the maximum legal speed. Momo almost laughed, but decided not to. She didn't want to disturb Yukino while their lives were on the line.
Crazy bitch. This girl has actually passed multiple cars like it was nothing. Momo thought. We even drifted a couple times. Just how deceptively powerful is this kei car?!
Hayasaka, riding shotgun, was the only one sporting a calm and composed face. Though, if the other two were to see this, they would think she was out of character.
"Hayasaka-san, you didn't seem eager to go," Yukino commented. "Unlike the other two."
"I bothered him enough when he was chilling at school. I don't think he'd appreciate my presence when things are this chaotic." Hayasaka wryly smiled. "To be honest? I'm afraid he will get mad at me for coming."
Yukino looked at Hayasaka weirdly. But Hayasaka was telling the truth, for once.
It wasn't that Hayasaka was not worried about Hachiman, she was just much more in control of her emotions. She knew how things would transpire if Hachiman were to see her face now.
Not to mention their agreement. Hayasaka never had to distract Hachiman because he was aware of her job. Instead, they worked together behind the scenes to ensure Miyuki and Kaguya stopped being foolish about their feelings.
In a situation like this, there was zero reason for Hayasaka to see Hachiman. However, Chika refused to let her go. And Hayasaka had been expecting Momo to bitch about it too. But, Momo said nothing.
"He will be angry, but deep down, he will appreciate it." Yukino said. "Hikigaya-kun is too often convinced that his presence has no value to others. But you and I know that it was not something he wanted."
"...just how close are you two to him, really?" Momo mumbled. "I always thought I was the closest to him... yet sometimes he feels like a stranger."
"Why even bother asking?" Yukino asked.
That chilled the air in the car considerably.
They never actually asked, did they?
"Don't worry, I'm not being judgmental here. Because that's exactly the kind of person Hikigaya Hachiman is. He thought he could flawlessly read people and know everyone like the back of his hand... but he never asks." Yukino scoffed. "Although he is often right, whenever he is wrong, it's almost always catastrophic."
"Is that not what most people do, anyway? We judge each other by our actions and prejudices." Hayasaka looked out the window beside her. Her cold and cynical face truly betraying her cheerful gal persona. "Intent or feelings never mattered."
"That's right. I, too, am not an exception." Yukino nodded. "So that's why you should not bother blaming yourself for not knowing. Blame yourself for not asking despite being curious."
There was a hint of pain in the second half of Yukino's words. Clearly, her statement came from somewhere deep and personal.
"Even if the answer is obvious, even better if the answer is not obvious. You can still be concerned without showing Hikigaya-kun pity." Yukino smiled. "I like to think... based on what I know about him, that it wouldn't hurt to try."
Momo quietly nodded while Chika took a deep breath to calm herself. Yukino was right. Showing their panic in times like these would only bring trouble for Hachiman.
"Should we bring fruit?" Chika asked. "Though, I'll be honest, sending a fruit basket to someone who got stabbed feels dubious at best."
"I think we can send him bananas and berries." Hayasaka said.
Momo raised her eyebrows.
"...Berries huh. Hayasaka, did you also know that..."
"Hikigaya-san always stocks a fridge full of frozen berries. He often uses berries to flavor the kvass and jellies he makes." Hayasaka interrupted. "Anyway, berries are good for surgery patients."
"Berries?" Chika blinked. "Does the whole family like them?"
"Yes, because bulk import berries are cheap." Momo scoffed. "1500 yen for a bag of four pounds. The Hikigayas always have their fridge stocked up."
"I never knew berries could be that cheap." Chika hummed. "You two DO know a lot about Hikki-san, huh?"
Hayasaka gave Chika a bright yet ambiguous grin. Momo? She knew Hachiman thick and thin. At least up until their recent awkwardness, they'd been as close as actual siblings. Of course, Momo would know.
Honestly, Chika felt a bit envious. Despite their apparent closeness, Fujiwara Chika knew Hikigaya Hachiman the least.
"You've been to his house before?" Momo asked. "No one would know this unless..."
"A long time ago, in fact. It was the previous apartment Hikigaya-san lived in." Hayasaka smiled. "It was the reason I fell for him, because he helped me."
That was a lie. But Hayasaka preferred a more romantic explanation, it would be more convincing.
"Was it really?" Yukino eyed Hayasaka. "You don't appear to be the type who falls in love at first sight, Hayasaka-san."
Motherfucker!
Was it a hunch or just an eagle-eyed observation? Hayasaka wasn't sure, and she didn't care, but if Yukino was anywhere as perceptive as Hachiman, Hayasaka was doomed. Doomed!
These two really are two peas in a pod. Birds of a feather flock together and all that.
"We actually met about three times before I decided to join the student council." Hayasaka told her. "That time when he took me to his apartment was our second meeting. But he had been helpful and understanding of my situation overall."
That was the truth.
However, in their third meeting, the situation was far from ideal. Hayasaka was in deep disguise, yet Hachiman had found her out. And she had no choice but to betray Kaguya and conspire with him to keep him from interfering.
Although Hayasaka didn't lack a guilty conscience, she thought the outcome was significantly better than if she had stubbornly worked alone.
"That sounds like Hikigaya-kun, alright." Yukino accepted that explanation, feeling that while Hayasaka was hiding something she didn't seem to be lying about what she was saying either. "Though I'm sure he's terrified about how openly affectionate you are."
"Hahahaha, you know him all too well." Hayasaka giggled. "Hikigaya-san has the intimacy levels of a feral cat. He hisses when you try to hug him."
"I am surprised he hasn't use slurs towards you." Yukino commented. "Don't be too forceful, or he'll run away."
He has, in fact, used slurs. Chika and Momo both thought.
That said, what made Chika feel strange was the vibe between Hayasaka and Yukino. Even though their personalities were polar opposites, they seemed strangely comfortable getting to know each other.
Throughout the 45-minute, speedy trip from Shuchiin to Chiba Municipal Hospital, Hayasaka talked with Yukino the most.
"How we drifted apart? We parted on bad terms, unwilling to apologize to each other and overcome our shortcomings. Hikigaya-kun had a complex about friends. His lack of friends, mostly. When he understood that I had started befriending some people, he became jealous and bitter. Yet he never tried to open up to people himself."
"But it was not like I had earned some of those friendships either. I was very closely guarded and kept things to myself, even if it hurt both of us. I kept an aloof air until I found myself losing Hikigaya-kun. We broke up before we could begin a proper relationship."
"By the time we resolved our internal problems, that feeling of interest and excitement of spending time together had died, replaced by a weird mixture of familiarity and awkwardness. Besides, we were also in separate cliques by then."
"Regardless, I am relieved to hear that he has a lot of friends now. He's even become casual friends with Erika-san and Karen-san." Yukino smiled. "I'm sure that, even though he still puts up a wall with everyone, that wall is shrinking."
"Have you never thought of... reconciling?" Chika asked. "You two are clearly fond of each other still."
Even in spite of their past, Hachiman had still casually carried Yukino when she collapsed after her competition with Kaguya. Hachiman would never be so casual with other girls, let alone so physically close, without squirming.
"I did in the past, but, the Hikigaya-kun at the moment... he deserves better. Both of us do." Yukino said. "And I will be frank, his love is too heavy to bear."
Too heavy?
"What do you mean by that?" Chika questioned. "His love is too heavy to bear?"
Unfortunately, her question would remain unanswered as they had reached their destination.
"We're here." Yukino said as she hit the brakes and maneuvered into the entrance but stopped before she could get to the parking area. "Do you want me to join you?"
"It would be best for you to decide for yourself." Momo chided. "With three troublemakers around, I don't think he'll have many more fucks to spare. It might even be a welcome surprise."
"In that case, I should leave for now." Yukino smiled. "Since I'm here anyway, I'll visit my family."
"Ah." Chika jumped out of the car and then bowed to Yukino. "Thank you for delivering us safely."
Hayasaka and Momo followed Chika's example. And with that, Yukino left.
"Should we try to find the room?" Chika asked.
"I think... that is a bad idea."
They had come this far, yet Momo could only get cold feet. Chika and Hayasaka didn't know this, but Momo was reminded why she and Hachiman had had a floundering friendship last year.
Would Momo's presence only add insult to injury?
"Since when did you become so cowardly?" Chika called her out, grabbing Momo's arm and forcibly dragging her. "Let's go."
Chika had been a little frustrated recently. It seemed that the world inside the student council and the school had been moving constantly, yet she was the only one unaware and seemingly stationary.
Deliberately or not, it seemed that people had started to exclude her recently. And it legitimately made her angry.
It was ridiculous since Chika spent more time with Yukino than Hayasaka did (via tea parties with Kaguya). Yet, Hayasaka could quickly open up Yukino to more conversation about Hachiman's past in just a single car ride.
But, looking back, it was because Chika was trying to be polite. Yukino had already pointed out Chika's mistake.
It was because she had hesitated to ask.
Hayasaka, in comparison, had never hesitated. Not once. Even when hesitating to visit Hachiman, it was only to prevent Hachiman from getting mad at her. Hayasaka had been firm and resolute even though she always acted like an airhead.
Chika wondered... just how much did Hayasaka like Hachiman, really?
Can't relate to her at all. Chika thought. It's not like I can ever get serious with Hikki-san. I'm just playing around, after all.
Even if Chika wanted to get serious, her parents would never let it happen. This was horrifying since they had gained such a high opinion of Hachiman ever since he had helped to significantly raise her grades. Yet, even Chika was unwilling to wager that Hachiman would have it easy if she tried to push things.
Other boys had a metaphorical Everest to climb if they wanted to date her. That was why Chika was usually unwilling to entertain the idea.
That would be a needless burden for Hachiman, who already had too much on his plate. Chika was selfish for sure, but not THAT selfish. The story would be different if Hachiman had fallen for Chika first...
But, judging by the presence of these other two young women, that seemed unlikely. Her boyfriend-girlfriend play might be expiring soon. That was why she wanted to treasure every moment they could have until things reached their end.
And she wanted everyone to enjoy the same feeling.
When they entered the lobby, they immediately recognized someone there. Yet that person had a different appearance from his usual self.
Momo, of all people, recognized that person the most. But the other two also knew him. That person was straight out of the recent gossip photo that had resurfaced after being buried for half a year.
That person was Hikigaya Hachiman.
Just like in the photo, he looked listless and weak. His back slumped, powerless, and lacking dignity. There were black streak under his eyelids, and his irises were devoid of light.
To put it simply, Hikigaya Hachiman looked ugly and gross.
It was like Momo had time-traveled back to the first time they had met.
"Hachiman!" Momo reacted entirely on instinct and rushed to his side to grab him. "Are you alright?!"
"Eh?" Hachiman looked up and wryly grinned. "Why are you here?"
"We're all worried about you, silly!" Chika smiled at him as she sat beside him. "Are you alright? You look like you just lost an entire night of sleep."
"I'm fine," Hachiman said. "I'm just tired because I had to calm down a very berserk Komachi. Besides, it's weird that that is the first thing you ask."
Berserking Komachi? No one there could imagine what that would be like. But, if it was such a drain on Hachiman to this degree...
"Well, President did say that Uncle is not in mortal danger." Hayasaka somehow appeared behind him and hugged him to her. "Even if we say we're worried about him, it's not like we know him personally to feel that impact. We're all here because of you."
In other words, they were all here for Hachiman.
"That's stupid." Hachiman blushed a bit. "And please, stop making a scene and making me look like some playboy. People will misunderstand."
Although most people had ignored it, some were stealing glances and talking about what it looked like.
"Well, I don't care." Hayasaka made a cat-like smile until Hachiman disengaged from her hug to weakly slap her head with a slipper.
"I do." Hachiman said. "Since you're all here, might as well visit him."
"Is it alright?" Momo asked. "I don't want to make him uncomfortable."
"You, of all people, need to talk with him the most." Hachiman told Momo as he patted her head. "Things better be sorted out when there is an opportunity since no one is willing to spare their time."
That's right.
If Momo wanted to remain friends with Hachiman, she could not ignore his family forever. She had to face him sooner or later.
"But is your father really alright?" Chika asked as they walked toward the VIP ward. "The news made it sound like it was very grave."
"It was a dangerous situation, and he was stabbed for real. But the stabbing he suffered was not fatal, and the other problems were not exactly something modern hospitals can't deal with." Hachiman said. "The second victim had it much worse. She WAS actually in mortal danger from hemorrhaging and would've died if not for my father intervening."
"I see." Momo huffed. "So, if not the stabbing, what caused your father to be hospitalized?"
"Appendicitis."
The three girls all gawked.
"To be fair, appendicitis can be dangerous if not treated." Chika sighed in relief. "But it isn't an uncommon illness, and most hospitals are well trained to do such a surgery."
In other words, it was dangerous, but not so much that Hachiman's father would immediately die within a few hours. It would only be a problem if there were complications. Or worse, a rupture.
A rupture in the appendix can cause sepsis, which leads to death by bacterial poisoning! In such a situation, surgery can't be delayed even a second. And even with a successful surgery, the chances of ongoing infection are not low.
"Obviously? It happened because he doesn't live well, and that's why Komachi went apeshit." Hachiman snorted. "Somehow, we cared for ourselves better than the so-called independent, working adults."
"Ah." Hayasaka realized. "Did you use the stabbing incident as a PR boost and milk the public sympathy?"
Momo and Chika looked at Hayasaka like she was crazy, especially for how casual she was being about the situation.
"That's true too, of course." Hachiman smirked. "We might look like we're honest people, but all of the Hikigaya family's members are scum who would use rotten methods to achieve their objectives. Especially when we have enemies to deal with."
"To be fair, my family would do the same." Chika hummed. "It can't be helped."
"Even us -the Yakuza- would not miss such an opportunity." Momo said. "But for you to say it out loud, that's disconcerting."
At that moment, Chika realized why her parents were so scared of Hachiman's parents and why they had been paying attention to Hachiman's family ever since Hachiman had started helping Chika prepare for the exams.
"We're here." Hachiman said as they finally arrived in front of a VIP room.
Momo gulped, feeling a sense of dread she had never experienced before.
Frantically, just about everyone had felt their hearts stop the moment they had heard those words. Worse yet, Hachiman couldn't be contacted at all.
It would be easy to find Hachiman... if he let them. Man was sneaky, like a ninja when at his best. He would only be found if he wanted to be.
That's why the girls had no choice but to seek out someone's aid.
"I figured you girls would be like this," Miyuki said. "Hachiman guessed it too, and that's why he told me ahead of time and not you girls."
Miyuki's face was eerily calm and composed, which only infuriated the girls.
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Momo barked while grabbing his collar. "This is no time to be cocky!"
"You girls will run around like headless chickens and try to find and comfort him, that's what." Miyuki glared back, slapping Momo's hand away. At times like this, the girls legitimately saw Hachiman's image projected over Miyuki. "Rest assured, I will help you, but you better fucking listen."
That seemed to lower the tension a bit. Or rather, the girls felt a bit scared of Miyuki right now. Even Kaguya, who stood by his side, was unsettled.
"The reason for Hachiman to keep things quiet is because his father isn't in mortal danger," Miyuki told them. "Even though it is true he was sent to the ER. That's why Hachiman had to leave early and didn't come to the Council today."
He isn't in mortal danger?
"But still..." Chika covered her mouth.
She wanted to say they were entitled to know... but were they? Even Momo had become deathly silent. They knew Hachiman just close enough to know that he loathed being pitied.
He had told Miyuki, his closest friend. Both because Miyuki knew what Hachiman would and wouldn't need in the situation, and because the President never felt entitled or demanded anything out of their friendship.
Miyuki and Hachiman were friends without rhyme or reason. Although they're polar opposites, they somehow understood each other and covered the other's flaws with strength. Despite being almost like brothers, they respected each other's boundaries and pride.
While the girls were close with Hachiman, their relationships could be transactional at the best of times, and the girls knew they had been intrusive into Hachiman's life at their worst moments.
This was why Hachiman had decided not to tell the girls. And this realization made them both mad and sad.
"We're just concerned." Chika firmly said. "After all, Hikki-san isn't just a member of the Council. He's our friend! With him disappearing like this, how could we not be worried?"
Hayasaka and Momo nodded.
"That's true, and because the three of you are close to him, I will tell you everything." Miyuki gently smiled and patted Chika's shoulder lightly. "Come on. We need privacy."
And so, they found someplace to talk without any prying ears.
"I assume you guys heard this from elsewhere?" Miyuki said. "What did your source say?"
"He was stabbed and sent to the municipal ER." Chika showed the news on her phone.
[Chief Producer H got stabbed after saving Idol A from a murderous stalker. Both received emergency care, and the suspect is under arrest.]
"I wouldn't have known about this at all if my mother hadn't told me," Chika said. "But the news itself was relatively public. He supposedly is in a hospital near Shibuya."
"Right. Uncle might be a small fry compared to your parents, and many might not realize they are related, but he is a big shot in the Idol industry." Miyuki explained. "Coupled with the person he saved, there's no way the media didn't notice."
"However, he has the exact same personality as his son inside. Do you think he would appreciate all the vultures in the news and internet media pecking on his still-warm body for content?" Miyuki shrugged.
"It... was faked?" Momo blinked. "It was fake news?"
"No, nothing about it was fake. But, there were a lot of things omitted." Miyuki explained. "Hachiman said that uncle's condition was not light, but it was nothing deadly with some quick intervention."
"And right now, he's not being treated in Tokyo." Miyuki used his phone map function. "He's at Chiba Municipal Hospital, much closer to the Hikigaya home in Mihama."
"Being transported that far... I guess his condition wasn't life-threatening." Hayasaka clapped her hands. "And Hikigaya-san went there to see him."
"Yes. Hachiman is in Chiba and likely will stay there overnight." Miyuki said. "But he said he will be back tomorrow."
"I see." Hayasaka faked a relieved sigh and wiped a small tear from her eyes. "Thank heavens they're both alright!"
The relief was genuine, but Hayasaka had never been that emotional about Hachiman. She only did it to maintain her friendly gal persona. Besides, she was the primary love interest, no? It would be weirder if she wasn't crying a little.
"Now, knowing all the facts, what do you girls want to do?" Miyuki asked seriously.
"...I'm going anyway," Momo said. "But there is a problem."
"The traffic in Tokyo is the worst at the moment." Chika nodded. "Even if I ask for a driver, it'll take thirty minutes from home to reach this place. Then god knows how long it will take to get to Chiba. If we take the train, it will take at least two hours!"
"I could call a helicopter, but Hachiman would beat me to death with a slipper if I pulled those shenanigans near him again. Especially close to a hospital." Momo winced. "I suppose the only solution is motorcycles. I might be able to call some people to pick us up. The Ryuju group isn't exactly a biker gang, though."
"To be honest, we traded our bikes just now. The Dragstar 400 with a sidecar is in my possession right now." Miyuki pulled out and dangled the key with a small wallet from his pocket. "I can send you there, but it can only carry two passengers. Unless someone amongst you has a bike license, I'm not lending it."
"It is technically my motorcycle, hey!" Momo barked, then looked at the other girls. "But that's not the point. Which of you has a license?"
"You know the answer to that, Momo-chan." Chika cringed.
Chika was banned from driving any vehicle other than a bicycle. Cycling from home to school was too painful, so she used public transportation or had a driver take her to school.
"I don't either." Hayasaka lied yet again. Actually, she had a motorcycle license, but it would be awfully suspicious for her image to show it now.
"I guess we have to use a taxi. Hopefully, we get someone competent instead of an old fart." Momo seethed.
"I don't mind staying." Hayasaka said. "If the President is willing to send them to Chiba, I'll stay. Besides, wouldn't it look bad if everyone went?"
"Hayasaka-san..." Chika grimaced. "Why do you say that?"
"That's very unlike you." Momo remarked questioningly.
"To be honest, I'd rather not go."
Hayasaka was smiling, but deep down, Kaguya somewhat understood that Hayasaka Ai also wanted to go. However, she had her responsibilities as Kaguya's valet.
She COULDN'T leave. At least not of her own will until school ended for the day.
Just go if you want to. Kaguya thought so, but she couldn't muster up anything to voice it.
"If I may." Miyuki raised his hand. "I can always beg someone for help."
?
"So, you want to go to the Chiba Municipal Hospital as soon as possible?" Yukino put her teacup down. "That's acceptable. I know a better route. We'll get there quicker than if we took the common roads."
"Thank you!" Chika happily bowed.
"Uh... thanks." Momo awkwardly scratched her chin.
"President, immediately thinking of Yukinoshita-san for help." Kaguya eyed him. "Isn't this a bit weird?"
Are you kidding me? All this time trying to make me jealous and trying to play that card yourself now? Fuck off, Shinomiya.
Miyuki was a bit mad at Kaguya but decided to be patient.
"I was trying to borrow her car, but she won't let me. I'm relieved, to be honest." Miyuki scoffed. "At least she is still as generous as I have come to expect from her."
Miyuki noticed that Kaguya looked legitimately angry, but brushed her glare off. She actually deserved that for once.
"...Well, I suppose you are actually worried about Hikigaya-san, after all." Kaguya sighed. "Otherwise, would you actually tell the girls?"
Miyuki was not supposed to tell them, wasn't he?
"Hachiman will be mad with me, but he will still fully understand why I did it." Miyuki crossed his arms and grinned. "He's a man of contradictions like that."
"He will understand? Are you sure?"
Kaguya could not say she had faith in anyone as much as Miyuki and Hachiman had in each other.
"His logical side will know that the less I tell the girls, the more they would panic. This would ruin the school's atmosphere. The same thing that Hachiman has desperately tried to maintain." Miyuki stopped smiling and looked at Kaguya seriously. "Next, we will do a VIP assembly to calm them down. Then, we deal with the rest of the students via the Mass Media Club. The less people gossiping about it, the better."
"I will never let Hachiman return to a chaotic school that makes him feel unwelcome."
Ah, the President is so cool. Kaguya thought to herself.
"Yes, President." Kaguya politely nodded.
Although their approaches were different, Miyuki was no less capable than Hachiman in taming the VIP groups. Otherwise, his prestige and authority as the Student Council President would be meaningless.
Although everyone called Hachiman the Shadow President, no one ever called Miyuki a puppet. No one dared to. Miyuki enjoyed as much protection from the VIPs as Hachiman did.
Because they were both capable negotiators. They solved last year's budget war together, after all.
Kaguya looked at Hayasaka and noticed Chika holding her wrist to drag her. Hayasaka helplessly looked at Kaguya, begging for an intervention.
"Hayasaka-san, if you want to go, please do not pretend otherwise." Kaguya grinned.
Kaguya waved her hand, signaling for Hayasaka not to follow her and Miyuki. For some reason, part of Kaguya thought Hayasaka would regret it if she didn't go.
It wasn't because Kaguya was worried about Hachiman or anything!
やはり, 彼らが望む告白は間違っている. S2
As expected, the Confession they want is wrong S2
Original Story by: Watari Wataru and Akasaka Aka
Written by: @ZeroXSEED, Co-written by: @GoukaRyuu
As expected, the Confession they want is wrong S2
Original Story by: Watari Wataru and Akasaka Aka
Written by: @ZeroXSEED, Co-written by: @GoukaRyuu
Chapter 34 - The boys wanted to be loved, part 3
Chika had to cover her mouth to stop herself from screaming as Yukino's car zoomed along the highway at the maximum legal speed. Momo almost laughed, but decided not to. She didn't want to disturb Yukino while their lives were on the line.
Crazy bitch. This girl has actually passed multiple cars like it was nothing. Momo thought. We even drifted a couple times. Just how deceptively powerful is this kei car?!
Hayasaka, riding shotgun, was the only one sporting a calm and composed face. Though, if the other two were to see this, they would think she was out of character.
"Hayasaka-san, you didn't seem eager to go," Yukino commented. "Unlike the other two."
"I bothered him enough when he was chilling at school. I don't think he'd appreciate my presence when things are this chaotic." Hayasaka wryly smiled. "To be honest? I'm afraid he will get mad at me for coming."
Yukino looked at Hayasaka weirdly. But Hayasaka was telling the truth, for once.
It wasn't that Hayasaka was not worried about Hachiman, she was just much more in control of her emotions. She knew how things would transpire if Hachiman were to see her face now.
Not to mention their agreement. Hayasaka never had to distract Hachiman because he was aware of her job. Instead, they worked together behind the scenes to ensure Miyuki and Kaguya stopped being foolish about their feelings.
In a situation like this, there was zero reason for Hayasaka to see Hachiman. However, Chika refused to let her go. And Hayasaka had been expecting Momo to bitch about it too. But, Momo said nothing.
"He will be angry, but deep down, he will appreciate it." Yukino said. "Hikigaya-kun is too often convinced that his presence has no value to others. But you and I know that it was not something he wanted."
"...just how close are you two to him, really?" Momo mumbled. "I always thought I was the closest to him... yet sometimes he feels like a stranger."
"Why even bother asking?" Yukino asked.
That chilled the air in the car considerably.
They never actually asked, did they?
"Don't worry, I'm not being judgmental here. Because that's exactly the kind of person Hikigaya Hachiman is. He thought he could flawlessly read people and know everyone like the back of his hand... but he never asks." Yukino scoffed. "Although he is often right, whenever he is wrong, it's almost always catastrophic."
"Is that not what most people do, anyway? We judge each other by our actions and prejudices." Hayasaka looked out the window beside her. Her cold and cynical face truly betraying her cheerful gal persona. "Intent or feelings never mattered."
"That's right. I, too, am not an exception." Yukino nodded. "So that's why you should not bother blaming yourself for not knowing. Blame yourself for not asking despite being curious."
There was a hint of pain in the second half of Yukino's words. Clearly, her statement came from somewhere deep and personal.
"Even if the answer is obvious, even better if the answer is not obvious. You can still be concerned without showing Hikigaya-kun pity." Yukino smiled. "I like to think... based on what I know about him, that it wouldn't hurt to try."
Momo quietly nodded while Chika took a deep breath to calm herself. Yukino was right. Showing their panic in times like these would only bring trouble for Hachiman.
"Should we bring fruit?" Chika asked. "Though, I'll be honest, sending a fruit basket to someone who got stabbed feels dubious at best."
"I think we can send him bananas and berries." Hayasaka said.
Momo raised her eyebrows.
"...Berries huh. Hayasaka, did you also know that..."
"Hikigaya-san always stocks a fridge full of frozen berries. He often uses berries to flavor the kvass and jellies he makes." Hayasaka interrupted. "Anyway, berries are good for surgery patients."
"Berries?" Chika blinked. "Does the whole family like them?"
"Yes, because bulk import berries are cheap." Momo scoffed. "1500 yen for a bag of four pounds. The Hikigayas always have their fridge stocked up."
"I never knew berries could be that cheap." Chika hummed. "You two DO know a lot about Hikki-san, huh?"
Hayasaka gave Chika a bright yet ambiguous grin. Momo? She knew Hachiman thick and thin. At least up until their recent awkwardness, they'd been as close as actual siblings. Of course, Momo would know.
Honestly, Chika felt a bit envious. Despite their apparent closeness, Fujiwara Chika knew Hikigaya Hachiman the least.
"You've been to his house before?" Momo asked. "No one would know this unless..."
"A long time ago, in fact. It was the previous apartment Hikigaya-san lived in." Hayasaka smiled. "It was the reason I fell for him, because he helped me."
That was a lie. But Hayasaka preferred a more romantic explanation, it would be more convincing.
"Was it really?" Yukino eyed Hayasaka. "You don't appear to be the type who falls in love at first sight, Hayasaka-san."
Motherfucker!
Was it a hunch or just an eagle-eyed observation? Hayasaka wasn't sure, and she didn't care, but if Yukino was anywhere as perceptive as Hachiman, Hayasaka was doomed. Doomed!
These two really are two peas in a pod. Birds of a feather flock together and all that.
"We actually met about three times before I decided to join the student council." Hayasaka told her. "That time when he took me to his apartment was our second meeting. But he had been helpful and understanding of my situation overall."
That was the truth.
However, in their third meeting, the situation was far from ideal. Hayasaka was in deep disguise, yet Hachiman had found her out. And she had no choice but to betray Kaguya and conspire with him to keep him from interfering.
Although Hayasaka didn't lack a guilty conscience, she thought the outcome was significantly better than if she had stubbornly worked alone.
"That sounds like Hikigaya-kun, alright." Yukino accepted that explanation, feeling that while Hayasaka was hiding something she didn't seem to be lying about what she was saying either. "Though I'm sure he's terrified about how openly affectionate you are."
"Hahahaha, you know him all too well." Hayasaka giggled. "Hikigaya-san has the intimacy levels of a feral cat. He hisses when you try to hug him."
"I am surprised he hasn't use slurs towards you." Yukino commented. "Don't be too forceful, or he'll run away."
He has, in fact, used slurs. Chika and Momo both thought.
That said, what made Chika feel strange was the vibe between Hayasaka and Yukino. Even though their personalities were polar opposites, they seemed strangely comfortable getting to know each other.
Throughout the 45-minute, speedy trip from Shuchiin to Chiba Municipal Hospital, Hayasaka talked with Yukino the most.
"How we drifted apart? We parted on bad terms, unwilling to apologize to each other and overcome our shortcomings. Hikigaya-kun had a complex about friends. His lack of friends, mostly. When he understood that I had started befriending some people, he became jealous and bitter. Yet he never tried to open up to people himself."
"But it was not like I had earned some of those friendships either. I was very closely guarded and kept things to myself, even if it hurt both of us. I kept an aloof air until I found myself losing Hikigaya-kun. We broke up before we could begin a proper relationship."
"By the time we resolved our internal problems, that feeling of interest and excitement of spending time together had died, replaced by a weird mixture of familiarity and awkwardness. Besides, we were also in separate cliques by then."
"Regardless, I am relieved to hear that he has a lot of friends now. He's even become casual friends with Erika-san and Karen-san." Yukino smiled. "I'm sure that, even though he still puts up a wall with everyone, that wall is shrinking."
"Have you never thought of... reconciling?" Chika asked. "You two are clearly fond of each other still."
Even in spite of their past, Hachiman had still casually carried Yukino when she collapsed after her competition with Kaguya. Hachiman would never be so casual with other girls, let alone so physically close, without squirming.
"I did in the past, but, the Hikigaya-kun at the moment... he deserves better. Both of us do." Yukino said. "And I will be frank, his love is too heavy to bear."
Too heavy?
"What do you mean by that?" Chika questioned. "His love is too heavy to bear?"
Unfortunately, her question would remain unanswered as they had reached their destination.
"We're here." Yukino said as she hit the brakes and maneuvered into the entrance but stopped before she could get to the parking area. "Do you want me to join you?"
"It would be best for you to decide for yourself." Momo chided. "With three troublemakers around, I don't think he'll have many more fucks to spare. It might even be a welcome surprise."
"In that case, I should leave for now." Yukino smiled. "Since I'm here anyway, I'll visit my family."
"Ah." Chika jumped out of the car and then bowed to Yukino. "Thank you for delivering us safely."
Hayasaka and Momo followed Chika's example. And with that, Yukino left.
"Should we try to find the room?" Chika asked.
"I think... that is a bad idea."
They had come this far, yet Momo could only get cold feet. Chika and Hayasaka didn't know this, but Momo was reminded why she and Hachiman had had a floundering friendship last year.
Would Momo's presence only add insult to injury?
"Since when did you become so cowardly?" Chika called her out, grabbing Momo's arm and forcibly dragging her. "Let's go."
Chika had been a little frustrated recently. It seemed that the world inside the student council and the school had been moving constantly, yet she was the only one unaware and seemingly stationary.
Deliberately or not, it seemed that people had started to exclude her recently. And it legitimately made her angry.
It was ridiculous since Chika spent more time with Yukino than Hayasaka did (via tea parties with Kaguya). Yet, Hayasaka could quickly open up Yukino to more conversation about Hachiman's past in just a single car ride.
But, looking back, it was because Chika was trying to be polite. Yukino had already pointed out Chika's mistake.
It was because she had hesitated to ask.
Hayasaka, in comparison, had never hesitated. Not once. Even when hesitating to visit Hachiman, it was only to prevent Hachiman from getting mad at her. Hayasaka had been firm and resolute even though she always acted like an airhead.
Chika wondered... just how much did Hayasaka like Hachiman, really?
Can't relate to her at all. Chika thought. It's not like I can ever get serious with Hikki-san. I'm just playing around, after all.
Even if Chika wanted to get serious, her parents would never let it happen. This was horrifying since they had gained such a high opinion of Hachiman ever since he had helped to significantly raise her grades. Yet, even Chika was unwilling to wager that Hachiman would have it easy if she tried to push things.
Other boys had a metaphorical Everest to climb if they wanted to date her. That was why Chika was usually unwilling to entertain the idea.
That would be a needless burden for Hachiman, who already had too much on his plate. Chika was selfish for sure, but not THAT selfish. The story would be different if Hachiman had fallen for Chika first...
But, judging by the presence of these other two young women, that seemed unlikely. Her boyfriend-girlfriend play might be expiring soon. That was why she wanted to treasure every moment they could have until things reached their end.
And she wanted everyone to enjoy the same feeling.
When they entered the lobby, they immediately recognized someone there. Yet that person had a different appearance from his usual self.
Momo, of all people, recognized that person the most. But the other two also knew him. That person was straight out of the recent gossip photo that had resurfaced after being buried for half a year.
That person was Hikigaya Hachiman.
Just like in the photo, he looked listless and weak. His back slumped, powerless, and lacking dignity. There were black streak under his eyelids, and his irises were devoid of light.
To put it simply, Hikigaya Hachiman looked ugly and gross.
It was like Momo had time-traveled back to the first time they had met.
"Hachiman!" Momo reacted entirely on instinct and rushed to his side to grab him. "Are you alright?!"
"Eh?" Hachiman looked up and wryly grinned. "Why are you here?"
"We're all worried about you, silly!" Chika smiled at him as she sat beside him. "Are you alright? You look like you just lost an entire night of sleep."
"I'm fine," Hachiman said. "I'm just tired because I had to calm down a very berserk Komachi. Besides, it's weird that that is the first thing you ask."
Berserking Komachi? No one there could imagine what that would be like. But, if it was such a drain on Hachiman to this degree...
"Well, President did say that Uncle is not in mortal danger." Hayasaka somehow appeared behind him and hugged him to her. "Even if we say we're worried about him, it's not like we know him personally to feel that impact. We're all here because of you."
In other words, they were all here for Hachiman.
"That's stupid." Hachiman blushed a bit. "And please, stop making a scene and making me look like some playboy. People will misunderstand."
Although most people had ignored it, some were stealing glances and talking about what it looked like.
"Well, I don't care." Hayasaka made a cat-like smile until Hachiman disengaged from her hug to weakly slap her head with a slipper.
"I do." Hachiman said. "Since you're all here, might as well visit him."
"Is it alright?" Momo asked. "I don't want to make him uncomfortable."
"You, of all people, need to talk with him the most." Hachiman told Momo as he patted her head. "Things better be sorted out when there is an opportunity since no one is willing to spare their time."
That's right.
If Momo wanted to remain friends with Hachiman, she could not ignore his family forever. She had to face him sooner or later.
"But is your father really alright?" Chika asked as they walked toward the VIP ward. "The news made it sound like it was very grave."
"It was a dangerous situation, and he was stabbed for real. But the stabbing he suffered was not fatal, and the other problems were not exactly something modern hospitals can't deal with." Hachiman said. "The second victim had it much worse. She WAS actually in mortal danger from hemorrhaging and would've died if not for my father intervening."
"I see." Momo huffed. "So, if not the stabbing, what caused your father to be hospitalized?"
"Appendicitis."
The three girls all gawked.
"To be fair, appendicitis can be dangerous if not treated." Chika sighed in relief. "But it isn't an uncommon illness, and most hospitals are well trained to do such a surgery."
In other words, it was dangerous, but not so much that Hachiman's father would immediately die within a few hours. It would only be a problem if there were complications. Or worse, a rupture.
A rupture in the appendix can cause sepsis, which leads to death by bacterial poisoning! In such a situation, surgery can't be delayed even a second. And even with a successful surgery, the chances of ongoing infection are not low.
"Obviously? It happened because he doesn't live well, and that's why Komachi went apeshit." Hachiman snorted. "Somehow, we cared for ourselves better than the so-called independent, working adults."
"Ah." Hayasaka realized. "Did you use the stabbing incident as a PR boost and milk the public sympathy?"
Momo and Chika looked at Hayasaka like she was crazy, especially for how casual she was being about the situation.
"That's true too, of course." Hachiman smirked. "We might look like we're honest people, but all of the Hikigaya family's members are scum who would use rotten methods to achieve their objectives. Especially when we have enemies to deal with."
"To be fair, my family would do the same." Chika hummed. "It can't be helped."
"Even us -the Yakuza- would not miss such an opportunity." Momo said. "But for you to say it out loud, that's disconcerting."
At that moment, Chika realized why her parents were so scared of Hachiman's parents and why they had been paying attention to Hachiman's family ever since Hachiman had started helping Chika prepare for the exams.
"We're here." Hachiman said as they finally arrived in front of a VIP room.
Momo gulped, feeling a sense of dread she had never experienced before.