Not my story
Original author: I'm Pretty Bored
Read it here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13345743/7/How-Do-You-Like-Me-Now
Chapter 7: Maiden Heaven (Totsuka)
Totsuka: Maiden Heaven
'…o-oi, Totsuka! Care to run that by me again!?"
"Shhhh, quiet! We're in a library, Mok-kun!"
Then again, I suppose if I needed to tell him about it, maybe we could have just chosen someplace more private. I thought the library would work, since it's supposed to be quiet.
…sigh, sometimes I hate my voice for being so soft.
"I-uh, my bad, Totsuka. I just thought I heard something pretty crazy just now. Your voice is actually pretty soft, ya know?"
Case in point.
"But yeah, what I heard sounded like something out of one of my manuscripts, haha. Because for a moment there, I thought you said that you-"
"That I'm in love with Hachiman?"
"Haha, yeah, that! Man, maybe Yukinoshita's got a point and I need to calm down on my readings. Otherwise I'll just end up assuming the….weirdest….things…."
Mouuuu, now he's just staring at me like there were eyes at the back of my head! Oh, oh no, that change of expression. He's about to-
"Wait, WHAAAAAAAA-HMPGMPH!"
"Calm down, Mok-kun! Please, I'm begging you! People are looking!"
Ahh, too much attention! Too much attention! Gotta get out quickly! Maybe this was a bad idea! Ahh, but he's the only one I can really trust about this kind of thing! Mmmm, why does this need to be so complicated!?
"Let it be said, that Yoshiteru Zaimokuza, from today till the end of days, shall refuse to quell the passion that lies within his ambitious heart!"
…oh, that's why. Sigh, well, it's not like he's a bad guy to hang around. In fact, after helping out the Service Club, he's actually really fun to be around!
With how things have been recently, it's actually been nice.
Ah, no no, Totsuka. Think positively. Being negative isn't going to get you anywhere. Those guys are…I hope things settle down soon.
Ok, here's an empty classroom. After school, nobody should be in this corner of the school. Closest club right now is the literature club, but they should be keeping to themselves, thankfully.
"Ok, let me get this straight, cause this is actually quite a lot to take i-!"
"Inside, first! Then we talk!"
He stopped what he was about to say, and started looking at me. Was he shocked at how loud my voice got? Well, he's nodding his head, and turned towards the door. Something must have gotten through to him.
"So, Totsuka." His voice was more level, looks like the whole shock part's finally worn off. "I'm just going to go over this one more time, just to make sure I'm not getting confused."
"Mhmmm, go on."
"So, uh….you like Hikigaya."
"..y-yes."
"Like, not as a friend or anything. More than that, is what you're saying."
"….yes. That's right."
"Like, not even as a best friend, or a brotherly-kind of relationship. We're talking about an actual, honest to god, 'I want to have his children', kind of-"
"OK! That's enough of that! At least you get it now!"
Mmph, I'm blushing so hard right now! He's not going to make it easy for me to ask at all, is he?
"Well, uhhh…I suppose you have my congratulations, then. Has Hikigaya been made aware of this news?"
"No, no, I haven't confessed to him yet."
"Ah, is that so! ….ahhh, I see, I see! I get why you needed to speak with me now!"
Oh, really? Well, I guess that just gonna make things go quicker the-
"You thought that I had lingering feelings for you, and in order to avoid confronting my affections, you're using Hikigaya as a way to set the record straight!"
….wat?
"Haha, no worries, Totsuka. If that's what you're worried about, there's no rough sentiments at all! I'm far too busy with my work to pursue such matters of the heart."
"…..that's not at all what I wanted to talk to you about, Mok-kun."
"….o-oh? Well, uhh, are you about to confess to Hikigaya, and you just wanted to tell your best friend about it first before you go on with it? If so, then I'll just wish you the best of luck!"
"No. That's not it either."
Best friend? Where did he even get that from? I mean, don't get me wrong, he's a really good friend, and I care for him dearly, but after Hachiman, there's….
….wait, after Hachiman, who else am I closest with? I mean, I'm friends with the girls, but I don't exactly hang out with them. There's my clubmates, but other than the meetings and the celebration parties, I'm no exactly close to any of them either. And the ones in my class, they…
….oh my god, Mok-kun is my closest friend. I…just….huh.
"Well, then even a genius tactician such as I am stumped here. What could possibly be the reason why you have brought me over to listen to your inner conflict, my dear friend?"
"….well, you're pretty close with Hachiman too, right?"
"Indeed I am! He and I are tied together by an invisible bond, as if fate has brought us together for us to unite and stand against this world's fiercest foes."
…I can't believe I'm actually curious about this.
"…what, like society or something like that?"
"No. The pandemic of subpar isekai."
…huh. Figures.
"Listen, Mok-kun, I…I need your help."
"You require my assistance? For what purpose, might I ask?"
"Hachiman. I, uhhh….I need you to help me out. With him, I mean."
He suddenly grinded to a halt, like a record scratch in a comedy skit. What, did I say something weird?
"…wait, seriously?"
"Ummm, yeah. Seriously. Would there be much trouble with helping me, Mok-kun?"
"….ok, I don't usually say this kind of thing, but uhhh…..you do know who you're asking, right?"
"Y-yeah, I know and I trust you! Geez, you're even breaking character and it's starting to freak me out!"
"Hey, there's no character being broken here! All of what you've seen of me is 115% guaranteed genuine!"
…you're using his word. That's his word. Why is it so disturbing when you're using his word?
"What I mean to say is, uh…if your problems are of the romantic nature, wouldn't it be a better idea to receive council from those of a more seasoned background? Like say, the Service Club?"
"Well, you see, that's kind of the problem, Mok-kun. I think you're the only one who I could trust with this."
"O-oh? I-is that so? While I am indeed flattered by your unwavering faith in me, permit me my curiosity? For what reason is it that requires you to specifically procure my skills?"
"Well, uh… it is your, um, skills, that I'd like helping me out. Well, that, and, I simply can't ask the others about this."
"And why is that?"
"Well, ummm, you see…."
"Yes, yes?"
"Chances are, most of the others….also….like Hachiman."
…
"PfffFFTHAHAHAHA, oh, oh by the gods up high, that's quite the jest you came up with! Hehe, talk about quite the sneak attack you pulled there! I thought for a moment that it was gonna be something dire, or…"
…..
…..
"….oh my god, you're actually serious, aren't you?"
Aaaand, he's breaking character again. Then again, if I were in his position….
"Yeah, I am. It's not just me that likes him. I'm pretty sure quite a lot of other girls want the same thing. That's why I can't talk to them."
"Indeed. This is, uh, quite the predicament, I must say. I can't say I imagined that I'd be participating in such a battlefield."
"I wouldn't call it a battlefield just yet! It's still calm, and all. That's why I kind of, you know….take the lead, before things get crazy."
I can imagine what's going to happen once more and more girls start being honest with how they feel for him. It's only Yui who's trying her luck right now, but I don't think I can deal with any other girls joining into the fray.
Especially Yukinoshita-san and Iroha-chan. One's so cool with the way she takes care of things, and the other seems to get her way all the time with the boys. I don't mind that. Normally.
I just don't want that to happen with someone I want to be mine and mine alone.
"Haha, but still, to think my dear comrade has managed to battle his way out of bachelorhood, like this. Heh, I must admit, I'm quite proud of him."
"Hehe, you aren't jealous? A lot of boys would be if they knew their friend had that kind of attention, Mok-kun."
It was true, after all. Lots of boys are getting more and more jealous of Hachiman. Even if they don't say it out loud, they don't try hiding it.
Chuckling to himself, Mok-kun's attention went outside of the window, like he wanted to bask in the atmosphere of the sunset arriving as time started to pass into the evening. Ah, I guess a lot of time must have passed when we were studying in the library before.
"The intimacy of a woman's affections, I can afford to be patient. For my passion lies behind my stories, and I refuse to make such compromises to something that could enrapture the world. Nevertheless, a man as distinguished, yet horribly mistreated as Hikigaya deserves some reprieve from how those full of envy looks towards him. And if that reprieve were to be from a woman's affections, who am I to complain or interfere?"
…wow, that was actually quite inspiring. Oh, if only you had more moments such as these, Mok-kun. Most of the time, you're too imposing for others to try to approach you, haha. Shame that big heart of yours is tucked that deep through all of that bravado.
"Haha, well it's nice knowing that a good guy like you is Hachiman's friends."
"Totsuka, my heart lies solely with my vision and dreams. And yet, if I were to have a second heart to give away, it would be to him, for all he's done for me. And if I a third, to you, for being my faithful companion."
"Pfffft, 'faithful companion?' I know I'm cute, but I'm not a puppy, you know?"
Both of us shared a chuckle, the previous awkwardness suddenly disappearing. I'm quite happy that this part of the school was practically abandoned. Not just because I didn't want other people to listen in on my secrets. But because it's nice to get to spend some time with a friend without other boys being angry at him out of jealously.
Just like him.
"Well, if it really comes to taking first blood, I suppose I can help you while the waters are still lucid. Just…try to make sure that none of the others notice your intentions."
"Ah, don't worry, Mok-kun, I'm nice with everyone, so I'm pretty sure the girls won't see it. Yui does the same thing, anyway."
"That wasn't whom I was speaking about. It's the other boys that make me feel for both your safety and Hikigaya's."
Ah, of course Mok-kun would have noticed that as well. The rumors aren't really subtle, if the first-years have heard of it.
"….yeah, I know. But if I'm going to confess to him, and he actually says yes, it's not like we can keep it a secret forever. Yukinoshita's scary smart, and Yui pays enough attention to know if somethings changed with Hachiman."
"Indeed, those vixens are quite conniving in their own right. But if it comes to that, I'm sure they wouldn't rat a secret like that out of spite. They say 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorned', but wouldn't have any harm done to the object of their affections.
"Hah, that's reassuring."
Because I can imagine what might happen if news like that heads out. I'm always put on a pedestal, paraded around by people saying that I'm an 'angel descended from the heavens', or something like that.
I don't like it. Not one bit. But with how passionate they were, I didn't have the heart to tell them off whenever they act that way. But now I wish I had, so that this whole reputation of mine would calm down. Once anyone finds out that Hachiman's got me wrapped around his finger, I…
I don't want to think about it. I'm here for help, so I'll focus on that.
"So, before we actually go through some kind of plan to help you confess to Hikigaya, I must admit my curiosity. What are the reasons for you liking him?"
"….ah, w-well, I suppose I can tell you, right? Secret's safe and all?"
"My lips are sealed."
Oh, jeez, where to start. All of a sudden, my head's starting to empty all those images of those boys with their angry faces and them cursing Hachiman's name. Now, it's entirely filled with pictures of him. How many were there, a hundred? Ten thousand? Ahhh, my cheeks are heating up.
"W-well, you know how when I first came out as a girl, all of a sudden, I got so many people wanting my attention, right? Well, Hachiman managed to protect me, thinking of a plan that could let me interact with lots of people equally without being biased."
"Hmmm, ok ok, so you appreciate his strategic mind. That's a valid quality of his to admire."
"A-and that's not the first time he's helped me either. Ever since I've met him, the first thing I remember was him helping me out when I had trouble. I could never forget the way he stood up to the popular kids for my sake. He even won that game too! It was so cool…."
"Ahhh, the Doubles Incident that occurred during the autumn. Haha, I hear that was quite the confrontation back then. Makes me wish I could have been there to see it."
"I-it wasn't like he was looking for a reward, either. Most people, girls or boys, want my attention all the time, so sometimes it gets hard, trying to respond properly to all of them. But Hachiman, he… he didn't even know who I was at first. Hehe, and I was in the same class as him last year as well!"
"Mmmm, humility. A noble virtue, go on, go on."
"And that wasn't the last time he ever did something like that for someone else. He just…kept doing things like that, over and over and over again, to protect others, even if it hurt himself. I…I was in the same class as him in the first year, so I had heard that he couldn't make friends because of some kind of accident that he had. If I knew, what kind of person he was, then maybe I would have reached out to him….maybe he wouldn't have been so lonely."
"Hehe, is that a motherly instinct I hear?"
"I-it's not like that, Mok-kun! A-and then, there's his smile…"
"….errr, his smile?"
"Yes! It's so rare, but when he does that smile of his, it's like the entire world seems to brighten up, like flowers of every kind was falling from the sky!"
"…well, I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, his smiles seem to be quite normal from my perspective, but I guess-"
"And! He's so sweet too! He acts quite sour from time to time, but in reality, I know that there's a prince waiting inside of that shell! Whenever he starts being honest to himself and start caring for others, he….oh my gosh, my heart is starting to beat fast, hehe…."
"…I mean, 'prince' wouldn't exactly be how I described it, but if you-"
"ALSO, his eye!"
"…his….eyes…."
"They're so gorgeous. Like, I know what others say about them, but how can you not love them!? It's like a puppy, it's so precious!?"
Like that time when he accidentally spent too much time being close to me on the train ride during the school trip. He was scooting back so quickly and shyly, and his eyes were constantly looking away because he was so flustered!
It was SO cute!
"…..his eyes?"
"And his muscles, oh my god.I wanted him to help me practice, but he also got stronger each and every time we had our tennis sessions! Oh god, did his body get toned…."
I remember it like it was yesterday, that image I hope would never leave my mind for as long as I lived. After a long day that was surprisingly hot for an autumn afternoon, he was practically dripping with sweat. So then he-he….ooooOOHHHHH…
"….errr, you're drooling now. You ok, Totsuka? …Totsuka?"
He went for the taps and just…covered himself with water. Completely. Then, when he was done cooling himself off with the water and panting in that husky voice of his, he pulled up his shirt! And as he was squeezing the water off his soaked shirt, I could see his abs. Glistening in the afternoon light, sweat and water dripping down and down….oh my god, I'm swooning so hard right now, haha.
I don't think I could ever see an image that could top something like that.
"Totsuka?"
"And his warmth. Oh god, his warmth!"
"…Totsuka?"
That time, when we were sleeping next to each other, it was cold, so I started shivering. I-it must have been his instinct while he was asleep, but…he rolled right over to me and held me in his arms. Pulling me into his chest. It was so warm. He was so warm!
"Totsuka!?"
Oh, god, I even found myself straddling him. Hehehe, luckily for me, if he was awake, he might have found out I was a girl since I had nothing down there. But Hachiman, on the other hand…
Oh, he definitely had something down there alright.
"Totsuka!"
"W-wha?"
"Ok, ok, I feel like that's enough information to prove you're enamored with Hikigaya. Yeesh, and I thought my passions were fiery…. remind me never to intervene a battle of love."
"A-ah, sorry, Mok-kun. I might have gotten carried away there, hehe…."
Note to self, Saika. Try not to be this obvious when around the girls. And especially when around him. Haha, kinda got carried away there, didn't you?
"But fine, I guess if I'm the only one you can turn to, and I now know the…extent, of your affections, I suppose I can't exactly turn you down, can I?"
"Oh, thank you, Yoshiteru! I'll be sure to be repay you someday, I promise!"
"….huh. Almost forgot I had a first name."
"What was that?"
"Oh, nothing. But anyways, I believe that on my own, I wouldn't be able to fully assist you regarding this matter."
"B-but I just said we can't get any of the girls involved."
"Oh, we can worry about those details later. But for now, I think I have figured out just how you might be able to conquer Hikigaya's heart!"
"R-really! Come on, don't make things suspenseful, tell me!"
Then again, it's just the first idea off the top of his head, Saika. And it is Mok-kun. I might have to be here for a while before we get anywhere.
"Simply put, increase your relationship values!"
….really.
"Come on, I know I promised to spend some time learning what types of games you play, but maybe bringing that kind of thing in this isn't the best idea."
"Ahhh, but it is, Totsuka. Much more relevant than one might think."
He then went towards the blackboard in the front of the room. Taking a bit of chalk resting on the side, he started drawing up some figures. Hmmm, some stick figures?
"As of now, there are eight billion people living in this world. Say we half that size for each gender, and liberally divide that amount even further based on demographic, we can say that there would be quite a large amount of potential mates available for one of the opposite gender, correct?"
"Well, yeah. But just because there are that many people, that doesn't mean that one boy or girl can attempt to start a relationship with every single one of them!"
"Mhmmm, and why is that?"
Ehhh, is he trying to help me or test me? Well, if he really is trying to help me, might as well go along with this.
"Well, it's time. It takes time to start a meaningful, genuine friendship with someone, let alone loving them."
"Exactly. That would be the case for most people. At times, a man would generally only have the capacity and the time to court one person. Luckier, or more charismatic ones, could potentially have that with several."
Ah, looks like he finished what he was drawing. Looks like a circle of stick figures, with one in the middle. He's drawing lines now…
"But if what you said is true, Hikigaya's different. In the span of one year, he's been able to court and attract quite a number of potential mates simultaneously. The fact that he's done this unknowingly is unprecedented to anything I've ever seen before. But because of this fact, that just means that whatever time he has, it's shared among all these girls."
Sigh, yeah, that's kind of the problem. Sometimes I wish he wasn't so nice, he might actually have some more free time. Time to spend with me. Ah, but then, he wouldn't be the one I've known and loved all this time, huh? Hehe, I've fallen for quite the boy.
"Hence, there is one way that we can secure time with him. Ensure that there is a mandatory timeframe in which he has to spend time with you. And ensure that it remains a routine. That way, your relationship values should be able to rise consistently, and if his remaining schedule would be allocated between the rest of his harem…"
"I-it's NOT a harem!"
"Ah, apologies, apologies. But think about it this way. You can't guarantee that you get to spend time with him, because there are others competing for the same times that you'd want to interact with him. So as long as you set up something with him that no other girl has, you'll be safe."
"Wait, but he already has the Service Club!"
"Ah, but that's shared between two girls most of the time. Three, if you count how often that council president seems to show up. Whatever attentions there, it's divided, and less effective."
"…but he already helps me out with tennis practice. It would be selfish for me to ask for more…"
"Hehe, but that's where the 'mandatory' part comes in, you see. What if, he was forced to spend time with you? Where he would have no other choice?"
"….go on."
"Hehe, now, remember when I said that this is a task I would not be able to complete on my own? Well, luckily for me, there's one person that should be able to help you out. One that I can personally attest through observation, would not have an iota of attraction towards Hikigaya!"
"W-who? Wait, you mean Hiratsuka-sensei?"
Wait, but wouldn't she…
"Hahaha, no. No, who I'm referring to would be…."
"….ok, so let me get this straight."
I'll be honest, when I first thought I'd get Mok-kun's help, I figured that he'd just tell me about Hachiman's past, or anything he secretly enjoys. Small things, enough for a head start.
I didn't think about this. I mean, all's fair in love and war, but thing's aren't that dire. Are they?
"Ugh, and I thought I was able to get away from talking about that idiot here, but clearly, the bastard's more popular than I thought he'd ever be."
Not to mention, the contact that was supposed to help me out.
She's…well, she's gotten nicer. But is she really the one who can help me out with this?
"Haha, well, I am his friend too, Sagami. One of his closest, in fact."
"Heh, well, when the 'angel' of the tennis club stops by for a visit, his name isn't exactly the first thing you'd expect to hear, is it?"
"P-please don't call me that, it's kinda embarrassing…."
"Oh? I've heard the others call you that. What, is there a problem when I'm saying it? You not fond of me, Totsuka-chan?"
"N-no! It's just….I haven't really been able to stop them from saying it. You know how they are…"
"What, because they're boys and you've got a cute face and all, they just wanna shower you with affection?"
"…you're teasing me, aren't you?"
A chuckle escaped her lips. She's clearly having fun with this whole situation. It didn't sound like she was trying to be mean, at least.
"Hahaha, relax. With this gig, normally only the club 'jockeys' come around. Aside from Hayato, other captains don't really bother themselves with all the technical crap. You're a breath of fresh air in this gig, that's for sure."
She then sat up, straight, like she was done with playing around and moving on to business. Huh, she really has changed, hasn't she…
"That being said, it's only gonna be fun so long as you don't make my job hard. And what you're suggesting, well….was what you said before correct, or is there just something in my ear?"
"Y-yeah, you heard right. With how strong the tennis club's been recently, we'll be travelling a lot outside our prefecture for official tournaments."
"Well, yeah, that goes without saying. And you want Hikitani around because…wait, you haven't exactly explained that part to me yet."
Just focus, Saika! Think about what he said yesterday.
"Yeah, definitely. Sagami wouldn't have anything going on for Hikigaya, if you look at all the evidence shown. And after her successful run with the athletic festival, one of the senpais offered her a top position as a general sports manager. With how many events you're expected to attend to during the end of this year and the start of the next year, you'd need all the practice you could get! And that's where Hikigaya's gonna come in…."
"He's practiced with me before, to the extent where he's quite familiar with my practice schedule and drills. Enough to the point where even though he's not a part of the club, he's skilled enough that he'd be really valuable as a scrim partner."
"So that's your reason why you want him to accompany the tennis club as your….what, you're caretaker or something?"
"Yes, I think that's what I want to say."
She looked at me for a moment, probably just waiting to see If I was hiding anything from her. Come on, Saika. Poker face.
"He's already part of the service club, though. I mean, there are people who commit to multiple clubs, but this is Hikitani we're talking about, right? Would that even be something up his alley?"
"H-he's actually really hardworking, despite what other people say! It would be fine!"
"Well, if you say so. But seriously, it'd be so much easier just for someone from your own club to do the same thing for you. You're not exactly unpopular if you're afraid they'd turn you down."
"No, they wouldn't. But, well…there are a lot of guys in the club that's been crushing on me. I don't want anything awkward to come out of that."
"Pffft, so it's the boys being idiots, is it? I mean, you play for the woman's divisions anyways, just have another girl be your handler."
"Well, I mean….that's not exactly…."
"What, you're afraid that the girls in your club might be in a back-stabby mood with how much of the boy's attention you've been stealing? I mean, Miura's in the same class as us, ask her or something. Girl's been a hoe-repellant for Hayato for god knows how long, I'm sure she'd handle your problem just fine."
"…I just feel that things would be best if it were Hikigaya-san filling in that position. I don't think that I would be as comfortable if it wasn't him."
"…so it's Hikita-, well, Hikigaya, that you want in the end, huh? What, do you have a crush on him or something?"
Poker face, poker face, poker face, Saika.
"N-no, it's nothing like that. I've already told you my reasons anyways."
"Well, fine, I get what you're trying to say now. So what, you want me to have the school permit Hikigaya to come along with you on inter-curricular activities? Can't he just join the tennis club directly, and he'd just be able to tag along with you?"
"That can't happen. The school doesn't let people who haven't been part of a sports club for at least one semester to move to the first string, even as a bench-warmer. And only first-string members are allowed to travel, so I wouldn't be able to get Hikigaya-san's help until the second semester of next year. He'd probably be busy with university exams at that point, anyways."
It's actually amazing how Mok-kun thought of all of this so quickly. I just told him about how the tennis club was handled, and he found a way to make the rules help me out. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he's almost as good as Hachiman when it came to these kinds of plans.
At least here, no one's really sacrificing themselves.
"Ahhh? Well, that just makes my job much harder doesn't it?"
Sighing, Sagami started scratching her head, like she was frustrated over the whole thing. I can't really blame her. The suggestion isn't something normal, just giving permission like that. Mok-kun said I might be able to pull this off with all the good will I have with the school faculty, but is it really enough?
"….look, are you sure that you can't find anyone else other than Hikitani?"
"…h-huh?"
"Answer the question, Totsuka. He's….well, you do realize the shitshow that's going to happen if they actually let this through, right?"
"What do you mean, Sagami-san?"
"Come on, you're cute enough that you can stay stupid crap and people'll bat an eye, but even that has limits. You wanna bring Hikitani whenever you head out to tournaments, right? So, he'll just hang out with you the entire time?"
"W-well, yes, what does that-"
"There's no way you actually missed something so basic. You just said that things might get awkward if you had one of the other be your partner. Exactly what do you think is going to happen when they realize that not only is Hikigaya Hachiman going to be coming along with some of them, but he's there solely to be your personal partner!"
…well, here's the main argument that we expected to come up. Just have to pull through, Saika.
"You're one of the girls from that stupid 'Golden Generation' crap that everyone's been spouting recently! How many dumb idiots do you think would kill just to be in his position for a day? People have seen how close you two are in class. What makes you think this kind of arrangement isn't going to set people off?"
"B-because, if something happens to him, then I would be upset! And they won't like it if I'm upset at them! Something like that happened one time, and they could not stop apologizing!"
Mouuu, that was an embarrassing memory as well. It was after a rough doubles game, where even though we won, the score was way too close for an opponent that we thought would be easy. Everyone was just joking around, even though there was so much we had to fix. I was a little annoyed, so I just told them off that our play was bad, and it wasn't something I was going to accept.
Two seconds later, everyone was just lining up apologizing to me, some more than once.
Was that what power felt like? I don't like it.
"….I mean, you still wouldn't be able to handle it on your own. He'd have to sleep close to them, eat with them, and there's no way they wouldn't be jealous him having your attention. Jealousy's a bitch, I would know. They'd do something to him sooner or later, when you're not looking."
"….I won't let that happen! He's not like what everyone says he is, he'll prove it. I won't let them hurt him! I…I don't want him to get hurt again."
Memories flooded back to the what happened after the culture festival. After his confession with Ebina. All the scribbles on his desk. Them messing up his locker. Terrible things. I don't know why people could be so terrible.
"….neither do I."
….eh?
"Ah, did you say something?"
"Huh? Oh, no, it's nothing. So, him being your practice partner would mean a lot to you, huh?"
I couldn't really say anything. I was never the best actor. I just didn't feel right lying about something for too long. I mean, yeah, I'm hiding part of the truth, so I guess that counts as a lie. But she'll probably just see through me. She's probably used to better liars than me.
"….look, you don't have to tell me everything, ok? But this is quite the trick you're having me pull, ya know? It's like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, you're trying to get me to get someone somewhere they shouldn't be."
She then looked at me right in the eye. Those grey eyes of hers used to be pretty scary. One minute, it looked like it was filled with rainbows and lollipops. And in another, it was like a tiger, just like Miura-san.
Here, though, it was almost…calm. Caring. Like she really wanted to help me, and she needed me to help her so she could help me.
Hehe, I guess spending time with Yui must have brought that side out of her. Or maybe…
"….I can't really trust anyone, as much as I used to before they figured out I was a girl. Now, girls are getting petty and jealous, and all the boys, those friendships aren't there like they used to. Now, anything I say, even a smile to someone, it just makes the others competitive. I…I'm just a normal girl, you know. I'm not some princess or anything like that."
Maybe once, I wanted to be, but...
"…so you trust him? Hikitani, I mean."
Probably the easiest question I've ever heard. Do I trust him? Do I trust Hikigaya Hachiman?
I've known for a long time now how to answer that.
"…yes. He….it really would mean a lot for me, if he was there."
The room fell quiet. It's supposed to, it's a private appointment, but if a loose strand of hair falls, I might actually hear it as it lands. It might be hard for her to figure out what to do with me. I was putting my heart out.
I could have put a lie here and there, but this entire plan already involved hiding the truth from some people. My friends, who I still care about, even if they do like the same boy. In fact, it's because they can see the good in him that makes me appreciate them. So, if there's a way for me to avoid lying, I would like it.
I don't want to be like the others, just putting empty smiles.
"…sigh, you're lucky you're pretty popular with the teachers as well. Otherwise, like hell something as strange as this would end up moving ahead."
"….wait, so does that mean…"
"Yeah, I'll put your idea through to the faculty. I've had weirder ideas get passed along, at least with this one, there's a chance it might work. Just brace yourself for failure, though."
"O-of course! Thanks!"
"Well, Hikitani would also need to swing by. Obviously, he needs to confirm the whole thing, otherwise…."
"I'll try to make sure he will! I haven't asked him about it yet, so just wait for me."
"Well, fine, I guess I ca- wait, what!?" she suddenly shouted. "You haven't asked him yet?"
"Haha, well, I was more concerned over actually getting permission from the school than him, so I thought asking him about it was the easy part."
"B-but that's why you're supposed to ask him first! You do realize the 'hard' part doesn't even matter if he just says no, right?"
"Haaaa, well, see, that's the thing, Sagami-san."
"e-eh?"
"I, uh….I've got one more favor I'd like to ask you."
"….Oi. Totsuka."
"O-oh, Hachiman! What a surprise, I'm the one coming up to you to talk!"
"Heh, that's how it is usually, isn't it? But, uh, I kinda need to ask you about something. Mind if you come up to the rooftop afterschool?"
"O-of course, Hachiman! I'll see you then!"
A fraction of a smile formed across his lips. Mmmm, I wish I could see more of those warm smiles. That does so many things to my heart.
"Yeah, same."
I shot a bright smile back, and he turned his head right away, before nodding. Awww, he's blushing a little! That's so cute!
You still not used to these talks after all this time? Hehe, you're surprisingly shy, how adorable!
And with that, he headed back to his desk, ignoring all the stares that came his way. Even Yui was looking at him. Can't blame her, he's normally not so direct. Wait, she's not jealous of me, is she?
Ugh, I'll have to think about that later. If he's coming up to ask me today, that means that Sagami must have helped me out after all.
"Hikigaya, in spite of his reputation with the student body, is actually on quite good terms with the school faculty. Were you aware of that?"
"…he is? I, uh, I wasn't aware of that."
"It's not something anyone would guess at first, admittedly. He's actually spoken to me about this on occasion. The old school council president often spoke quite highly of him, for his contributions to the previous festivals and his ability to resolve conflicts. Same with Hiratsuka-sensei, and apparently he's been getting a lot of praise from Yukinoshita's older sister."
"Haruno-san?"
"Ah, that was her name. But indeed, a prized alumni who's family has been known to make generous donations to the school would propel quite a few people to a favorable position. Remember how introverted Yukinoshita was? She was allowed to exempt herself from all social events mandated by the school due to her status alone. What do you suppose would happen if both siblings happened to show favor towards one specific individual? As such, Hikigaya has some pull with the faculty."
"Ah, well, that's good for him! But, how does that relate to the plan?"
"The problem is to make sure your intentions aren't made suspect by both the school and your rivals, right? As such, there's something specific you need to ask Sagami."
"…huh?"
I've never really been to the rooftop before. Sometimes, I see people just looking while I'm playing tennis with the club. Recently, there's been a lot more spectators than there used to be.
It's not hard to guess why. It only ever seemed to occur whenever I'm playing. I had to start wearing longer shorts and wider shirts just because I don't want to deal with all the gazes. Even if it was uncomfortable.
I tried talking to the other girls about it, at figst. They smiled and said it'll be alright, but I know what this school's like.
They're quite loud, whenever they talked in the bathroom, you know? Didn't even bother to check the stalls to see if anyone might be overhearing.
"God, she's actually complaining about having the attention of the boys? Damnit, even some of the cuter ones are ogling her all the time! What a stuck-up bitch, seriously!"
"No kidding! She acts all innocent and otherwise, but she's probably getting off on all of this! Hell, she got to sleep in the same room as some of the boys. I bet she gets around quite a lot, eh?"
Sometimes, I had to keep it in until they left the bathrooms. Them noticing me crying would just make it worse. It's painful, you know that? You're their captain. Every day, you try your best to be a role model.
And they just talk about you like that. I'm in the center of so much attention, and yet I feel so lonely.
That's why I'm so grateful for the friends I do have. Yui. Komachi-chan. Mok-kun.
And him.
"Did anyone see you come up here?"
"Haha, don't worry. I made sure to borrow one of your 108 skills. 'Stealth Hikky', right? Pffft, it's such a silly name, hehe."
"Heh. Cheeky girl."
And just like that, all my troubles are far away.
"I'm uh, sorry if you had other things to do in the evening, Totsuka. You've been busy taking care of things with the club, now that the third years of the tennis club are preparing for exams and all."
"Haha, don't worry about that, Hachiman! Just talking to you gives be a bit of a break from it all!"
It's true, you know. Lots of things has been on my mind recently. School. Friends. Tennis.
You.
"Well, I'll get to the point. I've been asked to do a request from the school directly. Was passed down by Hiratsuka-sensei, in fact."
"Hmmm? What do you mean, request?"
I already knew what he was going to say. To be honest, I felt bad, pretending not to know about things. But…I really need this. More than anything, I want him to help me.
"To be blunt, I was asked through special request to supervise you in sanctioned tennis events. Apparently, the teachers informed me that you've still been having a hard time dealing with everything."
"O-oh, is that so?"
"Yeah. I was surprised too. Apparently, Sagami of all talked to the teachers about how much of a problem you've been having recently. Considering how beloved you are by the school, I guess they couldn't let that slide. Pffft, not that it made them intervene when it came to others….."
"I-it's hard on you, I know. I'm so sorry that they weren't able to help you out when you needed it."
"Aaaah, don't sweat it. It's not like it's your fault, Totsuka. At the very least, I'm glad that they care enough about you so that you won't have to deal with the same thing I did."
He flashed a small smile at me. His eyes were a bit sad, but I could tell that he really did care. Oh, no, Saika. Don't blush, don't blush, don't blush, don't blush!
"But anyways, that, uh, 'suggestion' they brought up. They wanted to assign someone who could help out with your morale and ethic while you practiced. Sagami, for some reason, suggested me of all people. Apparently you don't do well with counselling, or something?
"Haha, yeah, I did. I just prefer talking to friends to cheer me up, you know?"
Like you.
At this point, Mok-kun might actually be some reborn tactician from the distant past! Everything's going according to plan!
"Because Sagami's the general sports manager, she's capable of permitting 'special considerations', based on whether a student would have any problems they need help dealing with."
"Well, yeah, I suppose Mok-kun. But if I'm asking Hachiman to accompany me, wouldn't that already count as 'special consideration'?"
"Aha, but here's where specific wording comes into play. One of Sagami's duties is to periodically observe the sports clubs, in order to verify whether budget allowances and allocation of resources is deemed necessary. If she were to say, spot something out of place, it's within her responsibility to report it."
"…so, what does that mean?"
"Well, she would have had to visit the tennis club at certain points, right?"
"Uh, yeah. She actually just visited last week."
"You see, this is where the great deception will come into play. This is what the story is going to be; she's noticed from her visits that you've still been having emotional issues regarding your division swap, and how you've lately been having low morale. Since the reveal of your identity's made your popularity on par with Hayama, it would be in the school's best interest to ensure that the celebrity captain of the tennis club is treated well, to maintain the publicity you're drawing. When it comes to suggestions, we have Sagami bring up the 'observation' that your morale improves whenever she gets to practice with Hikigaya."
He finally finished writing on the blackboard. Everything we just talked about was arranged in a mess of chalk and complicated diagrams.
"And with how Hikigaya himself is in the good graces of the faculty, then Sagami could open up the suggestion of having him come along. That way, since she's the one that's asking it instead of you, all you really have to do is be open to the suggestion when the teachers bring it up to you themselves, then it's only the matter of asking Hikigaya's permission that's left. Because it's a position asked by the teachers themselves, your rivals won't suspect that you're currently playing the game, they'd probably just assume Hikigaya's doing it out of obligation as your friend. Well, that, or that he might have a crush on you."
"A c-c-cr-cush!?"
"Haha, that's only hypothetical, of course. But either way, it's the ultimate sneak attack. You'd be able to curry favor with him without having to deal with the others."
"…but, you really think I'd be able to ask all of that from Sagami-san? How can you be so sure she'd help me out like this?"
"…Hikigaya talks to me a lot more than you think he would, you know? About what's been going on with his life. Even asked me for a favor when he had to help out Sagami a while back. Trust me, it'll be fine."
"…..it was hard for you, wasn't it? You basically had to be switched down to the female division, after almost two years of building up a high school career as a male tennis player. That sent a shockwave throughout the tennis community, and because of your looks, you ended up becoming a celebrity overnight. The 'Angel of the Court', as they call it."
"Heh, it was quite a rough time for me. Everyone suddenly completely changed how they acted around me. It was like….every friendship that I made in the club just suddenly became something else. It was already hard, with not being able to play in the same division I've been a part of my whole high school life. But my relationships suddenly changing with everyone…"
"So what made you think telling me about it firsthand would be different from everyone else? I'm not exactly Hayama's supposed levels of benevolence, you know?"
"…honestly, I just wanted to be able to talk with someone I knew I could trust. And this was after the Culture Festival as well. Everyone else was so hard on you during that time, I just wanted you to know that I trusted you through all of that."
"Heh, is that it? You told me your secret as a peace offering?"
"w-well, when you put it that way…."
I couldn't tell him the truth. Even back then, I had something of a small crush on him. Seeing someone act so humble and sweet behind such a rough face, it was the opposite of what I used to deal with back in middle school. Sweet smiles and bitter words, like what's going on even now.
"Haha, to be honest, I'm kinda flattered. A sweet, tender girl like you really shouldn't be mixed in with a guy like me. Cynicism is quite infectious, you know? A couple steps in the wrong direction, you just might end up not liking the world as much as you used to."
"T-that's not-!"
No, he needs to know that he's worth it! I'm tired of seeing him beat himself up like this, again and again!"
"I'm the only one who gets to decide that, Hachiman! If I'm not strong enough to deal with that, then fine, I might just be weaker than I thought I was."
I walked closer to him. He needs to know about how I feel about all this, he might as well get a good look at my eyes to make sure I'm not lying.
"But even so, I'd rather deal with that later on so long as I know you're there to support me! For the whole year that I've known you, not once have you ever let me down, Hachiman!"
He probably didn't expect me to be so forward. I did get quite close to him, after all, just to prove my point.
Heh, guess you shouldn't underestimate me after all, eh Hachiman?
"I-I'll keep that in mind, Totsuka."
"Hehe, just don't say those dumb things again, and then I'll be happy."
"…heh, you know, I was actually bringing you here to refuse, you know that? I was thinking, hey, there's Yui, or Miura, or even Komachi, that might be better than I am. Not just 'cause they're also girls, but I felt like you'd be more comfortable with them than with me."
"Awww, is that how you think? They're not the ones I've been practicing tennis with this whole time, ya know?"
"Hehe, I guess that's how it is, isn't it?"
Ok, Totsuka. It's a good mood, right now. The sky's a nice sunset, weather's nice, just a little bit more, and he'll say yes. Come on, charms. For once in my life, don't fail me now!
"I think if there's anyone who could help me out, it would be you, Hachiman. Just you, Hachiman."
"…god, y-you're starting to make me f-flustered, you know that? S-saying my first name, like they're lyrics to a song. That's not fair!"
Oh my gosh, he's too adorable! You're not fair, Hachiman!
"Ahh, but you're such a good friend to me, Haaachiman. If you want, you can call me by my first name too, you know."
Go on. Say it.
"W-well, while I'm happy you feel that way…."
Say it, say it, say it, say it, say it, say it.
"I, uh, well, maybe once in a while, ok?"
…awwww. Worth a shot.
"Hehe, sooo, about that request. The one that the teachers gave? I thought they'd just assign a sports counsellor to me. I don't think I would have minded, but I feel like having a good, close friend would be a lot better. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Mhmmm, well, um, yes. I…I suppose that would be the better option to your situation."
"…..so?"
…
…
"….yeah. I'll do it. We are friends after all, aren't we?"
Oh good, he accepted. Whew, I thought for a moment that he would still say no, my heart stopped for a moment there.
…and now's it's skipping a beat. Or two. Or twenty.
Well, that's understandable, after all. I mean, if the love of your life said he would be at your side, just the two of you? Any girl would be happy, right?
Ecstatic even.
She'd be over the moon, in fact.
Well, I better not overreact. After all, he just graciously accepted my request. I just got to make sure I don't scare him off, before he changes his mind.
"T-TOTSUKA, I think that's enough! Y-you're squeezing too tight!"
"Thank you so much, Hachiman! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank yo-!"
…huh? When did I start hugging Hachiman? Wait. Was I so happy that my emotions took complete control over my body? …was that even possible?
…oh, oh my gosh, I'm still hugging him!
"O-oh, sorry, Hachiman! I, haha, got carried away there!"
"H-haha, I just said yes, you know? Me helping you might improve your performance, but don't get carried away, now. It's not like you just won a competition just by me accepting."
…haha, that might be true.
But, it's going to make winning a whooooole lot easier.
Hehe, this could not possibly get any better.
Then, suddenly I was enveloped in warmth. And that familiar scent. It was so…it was driving me crazy.
"Haha, see, this is how you do a hug, Totsuka. Next time, don't be so pushy, ok? Nearly scared me to death, with how fast you jumped at me."
And with that, he let go. That was too short.
Waayyyy too short.
Come oooon, Hachiman, you could stay for a little longer.
Just a few seconds more. Or a minute. Two. Five.
Infinity.
"Well, anyways, I need to be headed off now. Sorry for calling you hear in the first place regardless, but I needed a private spot, and well….I just realized I needed to get some groceries for Komachi."
And with that, he set off for the entrance to the roof. I'd follow him, but I know what he would say if I tried to. 'People might notice us coming down alone, we shouldn't'. Hehe, let's not get greedy, Saika, we've already gotten so much today.
This can't possibly get any better.
"Well, guess I'll see you later…"
The next thing he did was something I'll never forget.
He flashed me a smile. It was a warm, amazing smile, that put the sunset behind us to shame. Or any other sunset I've ever seen in my life. I was glad that the shade of the sun was able to hide the red in my face…
"...other than Komachi, I think you're probably the closest female friend I have. I'll always be here to help you..."
Because his last words to me made me think I was able to explode.
….Saika."
And then, he left.
…..oh my god, ohmygod, ohmygosh, hrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmMMMMMMMMMMMMMMPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
….I'm naming my son Yoshiteru, in honor of you, Mok-kun.
Thank you. I salute you. I praise you.
Heheh, what a day.
And that hug too! He's….hehehe, he's getting much stronger. I could feel those muscles of his. And they're only going to get stronger, if he keeps practicing with me.
Maybe on a hot day, he might even practice with his shirt off.
Oh my god, Totsuka, now you're giggling. Stop giggling, this- hahahah, this is too much!
I'm so happy!
"O-ok. I trust you, Mok-kun."
"Good. Now, just one more thing?"
"Y-yes? What is it?"
"Well, when dealing with Hikigaya….just….try to control yourself. Ok?"
"E-ehhh? What's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm sorry, but this entire plan is under jeopardy if you acted as wild as you just did an hour ago!"
Hehe, now I know why he said that. I really did go overboard there, didn't I?
The sun was starting to fully set, the skies are starting to get dark. There's really a nice view above me.
A mixture of the sunset, where the stars were starting to show in the sky. Both of them, so different, and yet so bright, and so beautiful all the same.
Not as beautiful as his smile.
Haaaaaaah, what a lovely day.
This really can't possibly get any better.
Three weeks later
….maybe they're right. Maybe I am an angel after all.
After all, where else could this place be but heaven!?
Muscles. Gorgeous muscles. Shoulders. Arms. Abs. Abs.
And…..AND…..
….that hug should've lasted longer.
Infinity times longer.
No, no wait, that's not good. If he hugs me for the rest of our lives like he should, that wouldn't leave any time for….
….hehe. Hehehehehe.
…..hmmmm? You know what? He really has done soooo much for me, hasn't he?
He protected me against Miura-san. He helped me out with tennis practice. He's going to….stay by my side. Just the two of us.
And he's helped so many others too…..and, he hasn't gotten anything else in return.
It should be time, right? Time for him to be rewarded for his deeds?
Hehe, I remember when I was really young, back when I still happy with being a girl. I wanted to be a princess, like so many other girls. For a handsome prince, to one day take me away to marry, and we'd live happily ever after.
Of course, I stopped dreaming about things like that, once I started growing up. It was childish, that's what I thought.
But now, here I am. Feeling like a princess yet again. So happy, so joyful.
Because someone's here for me. But not a prince. No, not a prince at all.
But a knight.
A kind, strong knight that could carry me in his strong arms.
His hands might not be as soft as velvet. His eyes might not shine like diamonds, and his lips, they might be rough.
But I'm sure, he'll protect me. And he'll stay by my side forevermore.
But Sir Knight, you must be sooooo tired, after your journey. Poor, poor Sir, such a long quest, and yet, you haven't been rewarded for your troubles.
But Sir, I can reward you. You already have my heart. Are you sure you don't want all of me?
Hehehe, I'll be patient. He and I, we have a special bond, after all. He doesn't normally hug others, does he? Smile at them, hug them?
Just wait for me, Hachiman. Because, other than Komachi...
I'm your number one girl, after all.