Epilogue – My Life as a (Part-time) Househusband

A/N Warning: This chapter is mostly fluff, which is very different from most of the main chapters of this fan-fic. You might feel uncomfortable.

Ah. To be able to live up to my dream. You know? My dream of becoming a househusband? That. Who knew that I'd be able to become one right? I'm sure that my seventeen year-old self wouldn't even give a chance to such thought. Heck, Shizuka and the rest of the service club did what they can to dissuade me from pursuing this dream afterall.

WELL THEY CAN GO KISS MY ASS BECAUSE HERE I AM LIVING THE DREAM! HA! HAHA!

…

Sort of.

You see, me being a househusband isn't really a full-time job. That's because I technically have three jobs. One of them is, as you may have figured out by now, being a househusband. And it's not really an all-year round career. More of like 'as the situation calls it' kind of career. Yeah. That should be it.

Anyway, as for my two other jobs, I would have to tell you later because-

"Papa! Papa! Papa!" –of that.

…

Yep. I was able to pass on the glorious Hachiman gene. And I didn't have to study the mechanics of MITOSIS in order to attain such an amazing achievement. The world should be happier knowing that the Hachiman gene will live on. The undying love for MAX COFEE should never be lost in this world. That's what the Hachiman gene is for! Mm-hmm!

Come to think of it, being a father is a kind of job. So that must mean that I am juggling between four jobs huh? And to think that I once proudly preached the mantra to work is to lose. But here I am, working. Not just one job; not just two. But three! Four if you consider being a father a job. Oh how the times have changed. Well, I guess that's what marriage does to people huh? When I was younger, I've never thought of its effects per se since I didn't really see myself as being able to marry someone. Much less someone who is as wonderful as my wife. I was pretty content with just being able to maintain the relationship that I had and have with the people I'm close to.

"What is it my lovely seed of love?" I finally acknowledge the little one who kept on pulling on my sleeve, doing what she can do to grab my attention.

"P-papa! I already told you to stop calling me that!" protested the little one.

Ah. To be able to have such a lovely daughter for our first child, the Rom-Com Gods must have really looked back and repented on what they have made me go through. They gave me a wonderful wife afterall. And that did not stop at that. They even gave much such a wonderful bundle of joy.

"I know not of such thing! Are you sure about that my lovely seed of love?" I actually do. I just like teasing the little one.

"PAPA! Geez! Really, stop calling me that. It's gross!" Ah, yes, call papa that more! He likes it when you are being bratty!

…

SHIT. I may have already graduated from my Sister Complex, but I have somehow enrolled myself to the school of Daughter Complex. Seriously, what is it with me and younger girls?

"What should I call you then?" I finally asked.

The little one then stood in front of me, one hand on her puffed chest, the other forming a fist of determination.

"Yui. I want you to call me Yui. My name is Hikigaya Yui afterall!" she proudly declared.

…

Ah. Yes. We named her Yui. We named her after her aunt Yui, a mutual friend of both me and my wife. Why? Well, why not? There's really no reason other than because we thought of it as a fitting name.

…Well actually, it's because Yui asked for it. Komachi did too (name our daughter after her that is).We made them toss coins, and my wife decided that our daughter's name should be Yui. So yeah, in the end, my wife and I decided on Yui. There you have it. No more questions.

…

Really, you should know not to reject the wishes and demands of a pregnant woman. She can get pretty scary you know?

Speaking of Yui, and I mean the 'big' Yui, she is unfortunately now in a very faraway place.

…

I meant that literally. I mean, I'm not really sure where she is right now. What I'm sure of is that it is really far from Japan. See, she is accompanying her fiancée who is currently on a world tour. See, this fiancée of hers is actually someone who has gained recognition from the global audience because of his talent and unlimited passion for the sport the he participates in. He's one of the people who had managed to secure a spot in my permanent life. I'll give you a hint on who he is: his last name ends with 'a'; he has silver hair; he loves tennis.

…

I know right? Who knew! I was shocked too when he confessed to me about… that. It's not like I thought that he wouldn't have interest in girls. It's just that, he has never shown it before his confession. But eh, Yui is a nice girl and she deserves to be cared for by a very caring… guy. So yeah, although I was shocked (and a little bit saddened because my lovely angel has been stolen from me), I am happy for them. I fully support them.

As for Yui herself, she works as a voice actress. How did she arrive to that? Well, it was during our third year in high school. Yui had to fill in for a vocalist of a band that participated during one of the school's festivals. During that time, a talent scout happened to be in the campus. The scout saw and heard Yui's performance, has recognized her potential and invited her to their studio. Yui was reluctant at accepting the invitation at first. But we've convinced her to take it (for reasons I will not divulge… for now). And the rest is history. She is currently on break because the studio that she's a part of does not have any projects for now. She deserves to have a break anyway. She's been working her ass of for the past years. The DVDs of the projects she has participated in has already occupied two of our DVD racks.

It may have taken them this long to tie the knot, what with us nearing our 30s but they don't mind. We are not getting younger right? But, don't they say that in love, age is just a number? Besides, better late than never right?

…

Well, back to tending to my daughter.

"Neh, I'd still call you my lovely seed of love." I teasingly told her.

The little one's face turned sour at that. Even so, she's still looks cute. Really, maybe my daughter is now the ultimate personification of cuteness… Nah. Komachi still owns that spot. But maybe she won't in a couple of years. Little Yui will only get cuter from here on afterall. Heh. What doting father I am!

The little one let out a sigh after a few seconds of pouting. "...fine. I guess papa will be always papa." Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!

"What do you mean by that?"

"It is what it is! Papa is papa!" declares the little one, forming a playful smirk as she finish.

Why you little brat.

…

Ah. Didn't I spend more than a year of my high school tending to another cheeky brat? I mean yeah, she has grown up a bit during my last year of high school. But once in a while, her being the brattiest brat of all brats just shows up at inopportune times. She'd just go and drag me anywhere, no matter the circumstances. Heck, because of her being a real pain in the ass, my relationship with my wife, then girlfriend, almost got in jeopardy. Thankfully, we were able to work things out.

Ahh. Isshiki Iroha. The brattiest brat of all brats. She really wormed her way into my life. Yes, she may have caused me a lot of trouble. Yes, she may have managed to truly piss me off. But eh, that's just how the way she is.

I've heard that she has her own idol agency now. And she co-manages it with her husband, who I've never expected to get married in this lifetime. And the next. And the next after that. And the next next next after that next… you get my point. And to think that he was able to snag my lovely kohai, Isshiki Iroha who was once a well-known icon in the idol industry. Heck, she would have been fine performing as an idol up until now just because of her sheer cuteness (yes, I do not deny it now. But still, Komachi is the cutest of all!). She ultimately decided that her career as an idol has to stop at one point. However, Isshiki realized that she cannot just leave the industry that has given her so much, and so she, along with her husband, has decided to put up and manage their own idol agency. She said that it is her way of paying back.

Wait.

I cannot call her Isshiki now can I? Since well, you know, she's married now. And to Zai… Zaimoku. Zaimokuza of all people!

…

Urgh, that was stupidly hard to say. I still can't figure out how those two ended up with each other. Issh- Iroha didn't even bat an eye on him on their first 'meeting'. Huh. I guess love really is blind.

…

"Anyways, I want to go to the café papa!" demands little Yui.

…

Ah. The café. The one where I frequent to. The one where I and Ruri eventually frequent to. The one where I've 'dealt' with my brokenness. The one where Ruri eventually brought me out of my misery. The one which has managed to get a hold of a part of my heart. I still go there frequently nowadays. It has received numerous renovations and changes over the years, most of which has made my love for the place even stronger.

Welp, I don't see why I can't grant her this 'request'. I need a break from my other job too. Although it's not really a physical intensive type of job, it can still get pretty tiring if worked on continuously without pause. So yeah, I guess going to a café to relax would be fine too. Going there with my lovely daughter is a bonus.

Oh, and if you're wondering why it's just the two of us here right now in our house, it is because my wife is currently at work. Yui doesn't have school today and that will be true for the next days too. See, it is now the school break. And that is one reason why I can pratice my 'profession' as a househusband right now. Yep. I think it is time to tell you about my other job. My 'main job' as one might say: I am a teacher. At Sobu High.

And yes. I have once worked with Shizuka, who is now no longer teaching in Sobu High. She chose to pursue her overwhelming passion for ramen. She now maintains a lot of ramen houses all over japan, and some in other countries as well. Currently, she is travelling around the world trying and exploring the things she could do with her beloved ramen. And of, if you're wondering, she's still single but I don't think it really matters to her now. She seems pretty content with herself. But hey, if you want to, you can still take her.

Hm? What's that? When did I start calling her Shizuka? Ah yeah. About that. It started on my first year as a teacher in Sobu High. It was pretty awkward to call her 'Hiratsuka-sensei' because, well, we are both teachers by then. I tried 'Hiratsuka-san' but it just didn't feel right. It felt like we were distant. Then I've tried 'Hiratsuka-senpai' and I got a punch to the gut. I guess she didn't want it because it emphasizes her age I guess? So I've finally tried 'Shizuka-san' but she told me to just drop the 'san', and that's it.

…

"Well, I guess it's about time to visit café-chan. I bet she misses me." I mused.

The little one made a disgusted face at that. "Eww papa. Gross!"

"Coffee with cream and lots of sugar on the side for the sir and a chocolate parfait for the young lady. Will that be all?" says the waiter as he repeated our order.

"Yes, that will be -"

"And some chocolate chip cookies too please." Interrupted the little one. She then looks at me with pleading eyes. Welp, I guess it's okay to spoil her once in a while.

I look over to the waiter and nodded signifying that I authorize the order of little Yui.

"Wonderful! I will then relay your order now sir. In the meantime, why don't you rent books while you wait? A new set of books has arrived just this morning."

"Oh. Will do that then. Thanks."

"Your welcome sir!"

The waiter then promptly left our table to process our order. We are now left to our own devices. I was about to prod the little one to start ordering her books, but when I looked over to her, she was already doing so. I shouldn't be surprised. This is what she really came for: to rent and read books about the thing she is currently obsessed about. Sure, I could have just bought her the books, but she and her mother preferred not to, saying that it is unnecessary expense. And she said that this is one of our ways bonding too. So there.

I let her be with what she's doing. It shouldn't take her a long while to finish her order. I took out the book that I have brought with me. If you're wondering what the book is, it is the same as the one Yukino once lent me [1]. This is probably the fourth time I'm reading this. What? The book is just so good. If a book is just that good, it deserves to be read over and over again.

Speaking of Yukino, she now runs an NGO. It's one of those that aim to help and assist those who need such. It works pretty much like our old service club. Seriously, her obsession with giving a lending hand to people… like I'm one to say considering how stupidly selfless I once was. Well I could still be selfless, but no longer as stupidly selfless as my younger self. Haha.

Her NGO is still young, being only three years old as of now. Before that, she was working as an economist, which seemed to be fitting considering the course that she graduated in. If you're wondering how she started, let me tell you first that her being a Yukinoshita has nothing to do with it. What I'm saying is, she did it all with her hard work. She did it as her own person, Yukino. She did get some help from me, Yui, and the rest of the gang. Forming an NGO is not a one-man affair afterall.

I really admire how Yukino has grown over the years. She is no longer the dependent aloof girl she was once. On our last year of high school, she became more open to people. Although I admit that it made me a little uncomfortable, I just let it be thinking that it is her way of improving herself. Of course, the only people she considered her friends are the ones who are able to be genuine to her. And I guess it's the same for me.

Her obsession of cats and the questionably cute Pan-san still hasn't left her system though. I guess some things would never change.

"Papa, here!" little Yui says as she handed me the tablet that she was fiddling with earlier.

I then looked at it to see the set of books that she wants to read. And to check whether they are appropriate for her age too.

…

Seems fine enough. It's amazing that as such a young age, little Yui is able to read a plethora of books. Her reading comprehension is levels above the other children her age. Just goes to show how much the Rom-Com Gods have repented on their sins huh? Well, I think it has to do with the Hachiman gene too. I am an avid reader afterall.

I pressed the ORDER button so that the library assistant can then work on her order.

"You sure like reading books of this type huh Yui?"

"Of course papa! They are very interesting afterall!"

"Here are the books you've ordered sir: Aliens 101; What I found out as a Time Traveller; and ESP: a study and how and why." says the library assistant as he confirms our order.

"Oh, thank you. Please just put them on the table near the young lady."

The library assistant did as he was requested of. He then promptly left as he finished.

The moment the library assistant was out her range of her sight, the little one's face formed into one that is full of delight. Ah, her passion for the paranormal. It reminds me of the times I've spent with the other young lady at this café.

Yuzumiya Ruri. And her passion for the paranormal. Little Yui has somehow inherited that particular trait of hers. It started about a year ago when we were visiting their house in Nishinomiya. Little Yui stumbled upon one of Ruri's grandmother's books. And as same with Ruri, little Yui got curious of the book and she had Ruri explain it to her. I probably don't have to explain now why little Yui likes to read these kind of books.

Ruri, along with Miyuki and Suzuki (one of the members of her old brigade, and also the husband of Miyuki), is now running a sort of Paranormal Agency. They write articles about anything paranormal, and they then submit them to several publications, such as the national newspaper, magazines, etc. They have their own publication too, and we have a monthly subscription to that. It is one way of showing our support to her business venture. And little Yui enjoys their publication too.

Ruri does most of the interviewing and investigation, while Miyuki does most of the writing, and also reviewing of the articles written by their staff. Suzuki handles the financial side of their business.

Ruri writes atleast one article per month and she sometimes seeks my consultation on it, mostly regarding the grammar and format. Sometimes, about the content, but because I am not really well versed on the subject that she handles, I can't give much comment on that.

As to the other two remaining members of her brigade, well, how should I say this? They are no longer in this world. Yeah, I think that's the best way to describe it. I'd like to tell you the details but I think that it deserves a story of its own [2].

…

"Papa! Papa! Look at this!" enthusiastically says little Yui as she shows me a picture of an 'alien'.

"Doesn't he look cute? He looks just like you papa!" What? What made you say that? Do I really look an alien to you Yui? Why would you say that to papa?

…wait. She did say that it looked cute. So that must mean that she finds me cute. Aww, my lovely seed of love already knows how to compliment people. What wonderful child you are.

"Ew papa, please don't make that face. It's gross!" Grk! What the hell!? And you were just complimenting me earlier!

…

I just let out a sigh and then gave her a smile. My daughther won't be my daughter if she doesn't have this side of hers. I would gladly take it as long as she stays true to herself.

I extended my hand to pat little Yui's head. I then said "You know Yui, papa really loves you."

The little one giggled at that.

I then asked her "Does Yui love papa too?"

She smiled at me before saying "Of course! Yui loves papa very very very much!"

We spent a couple more hours at the café up until it was about time to prepare for dinner. I wouldn't want my wife to go to a home without a warm meal waiting for her. That would make me a bad househusband now wouldn't it? And besides, little Yui is getting pretty tired. Reading may not be a physical activity, but it can still get pretty tiring you know? I guess that explains why most people avoid reading at all. Or they just detest reading. Meh.

Little Yui is now lying down on the couch, almost ready to take a nap.

"Ah… so tired." cries the little one. It is understandable. As I've said, reading can get tiring afterall.

I just let her be since I still have to prepare for dinner. I enter the kitchen and started gathering what I ingredients I could. Now, what should I be making for our dinner? Curry? Stew? Omelette du fromage [3]? Roasted legumes drizzled in garlic sauce accompanied by finely sliced fried thin potato cuts finished with cream fermented with lots of lactic acids? [4]

While it is true that at one time, I was only able to cook curry, I did what I could to hone my skills in order to become the ultimate househusband. As a result, I am now able to make a lot of dishes. And I'm doing a damn fine job at it. And that's the issue. Since I was so good at it, my family favorited all of my dishes. And that makes it hard to choose which meal to cook.

Hmm.

"Meow?" Oh. I almost forgot that we have one more family member. The spiritual descendant of the legendary Kamakura, I present to you, Shamisen [5]. Strange name for a cat right? My wife gave him that name. So please, don't say anything more about it.

…

Hmm, maybe I can ask him for his advice,

"What do you think Shamisen? What should I cook?" I asked the feline family member.

Shamisen cocked his to the side at that, as if contemplating on what dish I should go with.

"Meow." He finally replies.

"Hmm. That could work. They do say that there is beauty in simplicity."

"Meow Meow!"

"But maybe I could do a more complicated dish for tonight?"

"Meow! Meow meow meow."

…

"Alright, you already convinced me. Curry it is then."

"Meooooooow!" and with that, Shamisen left the kitchen and went towards little Yui. I guess he wants to snuggle with her? Seriously, that cat is too attached to the little one. I shouldn't be surprised though since he has been with her ever since her birth. He's sort of a big brother to her now.

Well, with the dish decided on, I think it's finally time to truly prepare for dinner. Let the Hachiman begin!

As I finish my preparations for dinner, the sound of a door opening can be heard. It seems like my wife is back from her work.

I exit the kitchen and went to the living room so that I can greet my lovely wife. She deserves a warm welcome after a day's work you know? It is one of the duties of a househusband, and I am not one to shrink on my responsibilities.

"Welcome home dear." I greeted my wife as she enters my sight. I wanted to greet her with the usual 'yo' but since she doesn't appear to be in the mood for that, I ultimately decided that I shouldn't. One must not invoke the wrath of a tired woman.

"Ah, I'm home dear." replied my wife, exhaustion evident in her voice. It must have really been a long day at work huh?

"You seem tired. Would you like to have dinner, or would you prefer to take a rest first?" I asked my wife with concern.

My wife made a look of contemplation at that. She let a hand hold her chin while she thought about it. After a minute of contemplating, she finally says with a smile on her face "Can I take the third option Hachi-dear?"

…

Ah, the third option. The one she always asks for whenever she has had a tiring day at work. The one where only she has the privilege to ask for. The one where only she has the right to ask from me. Welp, as a duty-bound househusband, I would have to tend to my wife's wishes right?

I spread out my arms widely, ready to take this 'third option' that she requested me of. My wife's smile grew even wider at that. She then moved closer to me, and then hugged me. And hugged me tightly she did.

"Ah, my very own life-size Pan-san." she says while rubbing her face on my chest. Ah yes Yukino, even if I don't fully agree with you, I am your Pan-san. And I will be for as long as you want me to.

"Mama, Papa and I went to the café today!" joyfully proclaims little proclaims little Yui.

"Oh? Did you have fun there dear?" curiously asks Yukino.

"Of course mama! Papa even let me have chocolate chip cookies!" Oh shit. I forgot.

As soon as she heard that, Yukino immediately gave me the sharpest glare she could give. She doesn't like it when I spoil little Yui. I guess I deserve the treatment though. I forgot to tell you about not telling her mother about it afterall. Woops.

At the sight of her mother's glare at me, little Yui made a face of worry.

"Ah mama, is Yui a bad girl for having chocolate chip cookies?" the little one shakily asks her mother. That's it Yui! Guilt-trip your mama so that she won't chew me on it!

"Ahh…" says Yukino, the look of guilt starting to form on her face. After a few seconds, she shook her head and let out a sigh.

"I guess it is fine once in a while." She says as she smiles to little Yui.

Little Yui was delighted at that as she proclaims, "Yay! I love you mama!"

Yukino giggled at that before she replied "Mama loves you too Yui."

…

The rest of our dinner was pretty normal after that. We talked about everyday whatnots, mostly about the rest of things we did for the day. Yukino did ask about my other job, my 'second main' job, which is sort of an all-year round type of career. She asked me on the progress of my current project. I just told her that it's doing just fine. She didn't press any further.

I contemplated on asking her about what happened at her work, but I decided that we'd just talk about it when it's just the two of us. I don't want to concern little Yui afterall. And I don't think that it's a topic that should be talked about around the table.

"Hachi-dear, I've heard news about Nee-san." says Yukino as I entered the living room where she was at.

I've just finished washing the dishes, while Yukino tucked Yui to bed. I guess what she did took less time than that of what I did. Meh, it is a househusband's duties to wash the dishes. And considering the long day she had had at work, I don't she deserves to be off from doing chores. I am a good husband aren't I? Do you worship me now?

Anyways, as to what she had said. So she has heard about Haruno. Maybe this is what has been eating her. She hasn't heard from her nee-san for the past three years afterall. Not since she ran away from it all. From her family. From her responsibilities. From the chains that has been holding her all this time.

"Hm? What about it?" I asked her signifying my willingness to listen her.

"Ah well, apparently someone saw her at one of the cities in the Philippines. And she was not alone."

Oh.

"She was with Hayama-kun."

I've expected that.

Afterall, just about a year ago, he suddenly appeared at my workplace.

-about a year ago-

"Hikigaya-kun, care to have lunch with me?"

…

What is he doing here?

"Ah, Hayama, I think you are at the wrong workplace. This is not your law office."

He chuckled at that. Uh, Hayama-kun, that was not a joke.

"Ah, you're right. But that doesn't mean that you can't have lunch with me right? Come on, I'll treat you to Saize."

Hmmm. Well free food is free food. And it just so happen that I haven't been able to bring lunch today due to my wife and I being so busy during the morning, what with Yui staying at her aunt Komachi's. What were we doing? Well that's for me to know and for you to keep on wondering about. Heh.

There's one more thing though.

"Okay, before I go with you, let me ask you one question: are you sure you're not gay?" I just have to make sure. It's not like I have anything against gay people. It's just that, I have a wife now and I don't want to give him any false hopes… as if I'd date him though. HAHA

Hayama laughed at that. Again, I am not joking Hayama-kun.

"What's up with that question? Haha!" Uhh, that doesn't make me feel any more comfortable you know?

"So what brought you to do this?" I asked him as we have just finished relaying our order to the waiter.

"Hm? Whatever are you talking about Hikigaya-kun?" Hayama replied.

…

Sigh. I know that he knows what I'm talking about. Seriously, what is with people beating around the bush? It does not make conversations any easier. And as if words aren't confusing enough. Isn't it a known fact that one's word may be interpreted differently by another? Geez, people really need to stop it with making communicating any more complicated. Seriously.

"You know full well what I'm talking about it."

Hayama let out a sigh of his own. He then made a defeated smile and said "Well, I just thought that it would be nice to have lunch with a friend you know?"

"Uh-huh. And since have we been friends?"

"Oh, right. I remember that we're not friends. We're best friends."

"Nope."

"Rivals?"

"I've already told you that I am not competing with you."

"Secret lovers?"

"…are you sure you're not gay?"

…

We both share a laugh at that. Yeah, I cannot deny it now. Ever since I got together with Yukino, my relationship with Hayama has upgraded to that of a friend. We're not best friends yet, but yeah, we are close friends. He often confides to me things about Haruno. They were engaged afterall. That is until Haruno ran away.

"So, is this about Haruno again?" I finally asked him, getting tired of beating around the bush already. And it's not like I have an unlimited supply of lunchtime. I am a teacher now you know?

"…yeah. I guess I can't hide it from you. You're Hikigaya-kun afterall." replied Hayama.

There was silence after that. It stayed like that for a few seconds until Hayama broke it by saying:

"I know where she's at right now."

…

I see. I have a faint idea of where he's going with this.

"Okay, and you've decided to tell me this because?" I asked him.

Hayama gazed at me before saying, "I just thought that it's appropriate to tell you. You were the one who she went to the day before she ran away afterall."

…

Ah, so he knew about that. I didn't intend to hide it from him, but Haruno specifically requested that I don't tell him. She didn't tell me to go all of my way to hide it from him though. So anyone's free to tell him of it.

"Uhh, you do know that I was already married to Yukino that time right? Who's to say that she did not come for her sister?" I bluffed.

"Hikigaya-kun, you know that she values your opinion. I know that you know that it was you who she came for that day."

…

Yeah, there's no point in denying it anymore then. It is true that it was me who Haruno went to that day. She timed it when Yukino wasn't at home afterall. I was reluctant at letting her enter our house that time thinking of her status as a Yukinoshita. It wouldn't do her good if rumors about her meeting a man other than her fiancée would start flying you know?

…

"I'm going after her." declared Hayama.

Yep. Called it. I knew that this was his plan all along. He's still head over heels for her huh? Even if she ran away from him. I can't blame him though. He has been chasing her all these years afterall.

"Are you sure about that? What about your-"

"It's fine. Didn't you once say that it is okay for me to do something that I want even if it doesn't meet everyone's expectations?"

…

Yeah I did. But that was a long time ago, when we were still young. We didn't have this thing called 'RESPONSIBILITIES' at that time.

…

But I guess that it still applies until now huh?

"You really sure? Don't get me wrong. I'm not worried about what would happen to you. I am worried about what your parents would do to me once they find out that I know of this."

…

"Yeah. I am sure. This is something that I really want to do."

…

I see. I don't think there's any point in stopping him. And as far as I know, this is the first time that he's doing something for himself. The first time he's doing something that he truly wants. The first time that he's doing something for Hayama Hayato.

…

"Well I guess that's it then. Bring her back will you? Yui misses her aunt you know?"

"..yeah. I'll try my best."

He then stood up, and then gave me a bow.

"Thank you Hikigaya-kun. For listening to me."

-back to the present-

"Oh. Well, I guess that it's just about time for them to meet each other anyway."

"…yeah. Hayama-kun did go after her right?"

…ah right. I've told her about it too. We've both agreed that we shouldn't hide things from each other as much as possible. We still maintain some secrets, because who doesn't have secrets right? But I swear, I am faithful to my wife. And it's not like any other woman would go after me you know?

…

Still, I don't know what it is exactly about this that bothers her.

"What is it Yukino? You want to go after them? The Philippines isn't really far from here. We could-"

"It's fine Hachi-dear. I'm just wondering if she's fine living with Hayama-kun there."

…

Yeah, I guess she has the right to worry about that. To this day, she still thinks that it was because of their engagement that Haruno ran away. I've already told her that it's not that but she just wouldn't listen. In truth, it was an action brought about the outburst emotions that Haruno has kept on bottling. I should know. I was the one she talked to the day before she ran away.

"I'm sure that they're doing just fine there. I don't think Hayama would force himself on her."

Yes. I know now that he is not that kind of guy. And although he tried to maintain his 'perfect boy' façade all this years, I know that he has changed… somewhat.

"…yeah. I suppose you're right."

"And he did promise me that he'll try his best to bring her back here."

"…I guess I'll just have to wait for them then."

And I guess that's the end of that

…

Wait, there's still something concerning about this.

"Uh, Yukino, do your parents know about this?"

"…yes."

…

"But we don't have to worry about them. Well, not about mother anymore. You know that we never had to worry about father. He was always so supportive of us two and our plea of independence."

Ah right. I guess that he's father has always been like that. I should know. When Yukino introduced me to him as her boyfriend, he readily accepted me. He said that he already knows things about me and that I shouldn't worry about his approval.

…

Ahh, the time when I was introduced by Yukino to her parents as her boyfriend. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. If you were at my place, I know that you would feel the same way too. I mean, you know how her mother. How controlling she is. How... high her standard is. You get the point.

And at that time, I have never met her father personally. All I knew is that he held a politically high position. So it is only understandable that I don't really feel confident at that time. I was a nobody. Yukino tried what she could to calm me down, but it was never enough. Although I tried to look confident so that she would stop her worrying.

"Uh…. Uh…."

"Hachi-kun, please you need to calm down. It's not like you'd be facing death."

"Ah, maybe I am. Your father holds a high position at the city council right?"

"Yes."

"Who knows what would happen if he does not approve of me? Maybe tomorrow, there will be reports of a body of a boy floating around one of the seas of Chiba!"

"H-hachi-kun! You really think that my father would do that?"

"…well. I guess I did go overboard with that o-"

"He would hire a hitman that can do the job cleanly instead. That way, he'll be able to secure his clean reputation."

…

"You know, that strangely calmed me down."

Yukino just giggled at that. Well I guess there's really no point in getting nervous about this. If I want to pursue this kind of relationship with her, I'd have to meet up with her parents sooner or later. Better be sooner because if they do not approve of me, it should be relatively easier to break up with her since the relationship is still young. We can always go back to how we were.

"Besides, it is mother who you should be worry about."

Yeah, her mother will be a hard one huh? I remember the past two 'meetings' that I have with her. She did not even bat me an eye. It is as if I was nothing to her. Well, I'm fine with that. That's just how stealth Hikki works right?

…

"They're calling for us Hachi-kun. Let's go."

"Ah right."

"Good evening, I am Hiki-"

"-gaya Hachiman. Yes, I already know so much about you. Come! Take a seat." interrupted the man who was already seated on one of the chairs of their dining table. I guess he is the father? What should I call him though? Otto-san? Pops? Yukidad?

…

Well, whatever. I guess I'll have to take him up on his offer and have me and Yukino seated on the chairs of their dining table. Isn't it pretty rude to keep on standing when you have been offered a seat?

As we finished taking our seats, Yukino's mother faked a cough. I guess it's her way of getting attention. Isn't that what Yukino does too? Like mother like daughter eh?

"Dear, I think it's rude to interrupt someone you just-"

"Ah dear, we don't have to be so formal. I want our guest to have a comfortable time afterall."

"…yes dear."

…

Ahm… this is pretty awkward. I don't know what to do here. So I looked over to Yukino and whispered to her "Hey Yukino, what am I supposed to do her. I've tried to introduce myself but it seems like they already know a lot about me."

She then quietly replied "Ah, just be your not-so-disgusting-self, Hikifamous-kun."

…

The hell? That didn't help me at all!

Ah well, maybe I could think of something if I could just have some time for myself. Yeah, I just have to excuse myself for a while.

I was about to do so when her father spoke to me:

"So Hachiman-san, I've read your book. I've heard that it is being well received by many. I admit that I enjoy reading it too."

Ah. The book. My book. The book that I previously had no knowledge of that I apparently authored. That is until Haruno-san told me about it. See, Hiratsuka-sensei published a book without my knowledge. It is a compilation of all the first version of the works that she made me rewrite. She did that as a prank, but after seeing that it was well received by the community, she didn't tell me until I found out about it because, to quote her own words "It's embarrassing! To have a well-crafted prank backfire on you, urggh!". Yep. She really said that. I sometimes question how old she really is.

Well, since the book was so successful, it got the attention of some universities. They offered me scholarships and whatnot. I felt pretty uncomfortable at first because of the sudden attention. But Yukino told me to just suck it up. And so I did.

With the royalties I receive from the book (I give 50% of it to Hiratsuka-sensei since she was the one who published it. She rejected my offer at first, but I insisted and I won), and the numerous scholarship offers, I'm already set for college. My parents won't need to work so late anymore. Heh.

Although, I still have to graduate from high school.

"Ah about that-"

"What book are you talking about dear?" Oi woman, weren't you the one who just said that it's rude to interrupt someone? "Don't tell me that at such a young age, this man has already his own book?"

…

Well yeah, I am indeed a bit too young to become a famous writer. I am still in high school afterall. And to think that what I've 'written' can be considered a philosophical piece...

"Oh come on dear, have you already forgotten about the book that I gave to you just a week ago? You still haven't touched have you?"

"Well I uh…"

…

Well this is awkward. I never thought that I would see this… side of hers. Yukino's mother that is.

"Would you please excuse us for a minute." Sternly says the father as he stood up and prodded the mother to go along with him. The mother complied.

"And oh, Hachiman-san, do make yourself comfortable. I already like you. You have my support!"

…

When they finally left the room, I looked over to Yukino who was already looking at me. We then both share a healthy laugh. Well, because that just happened. Considering how nervous I was before, and I'm sure that Yukino was too, what just happened is a lot different than what we've expected. In a good way that is.

"It seems that we really didn't have to worry at all now huh Hachi-kun?"

"Y-yeah, I worried for nothing."

"Aren't you going to sleep now Hachi-dear? It's already past 10 pm."

"Just a little more Yukino. I just have to write this down before I forget it. You know how it is being a writer."

"I see. Just don't take too long okay? It's pretty hard to sleep alone without my personal pan-san."

"Yes dear. I promise that I'll get to bed as soon as I'm done with this."

And at that, Yukino gave me her good night kiss and went to bed. Okay, time to get on with this. And oh, I'm sure you've already figure out what my three jobs are by now:

A teacher at Sobu High

A writer; and

A (part-time) househusband

And I guess 'A father' as my fourth? Meh.

I am already on the 12th volume of the light novel series that I'm working on. It is a sort of retelling of my life as high school student. Well, I did add some fictional elements so that it wouldn't be treated as some sort of my biography. I guess it's one of my ways of immortalizing the Hachiman gene too.

And if you're wondering what the title of this particular light novel series is, it's 'Yahari Ore no Seishun Rabu Kome wa Machigatteiru'. And I'm pretty sure that the previous volumes are still on sale at some stores. So if you happen to stumble upon it, be a lamb and buy a copy will 'ya? I promise you that it will be worth every yen that you pay for it.

…

I still don't know why my wife decided to give me the pen-name Wataru Watarithough. I asked her a lot of times about it but she just won't budge. Well, it's not like a bad name anyway. And I don't want to use my real name either. I'm still not that used to getting much attention you know?

Epilogue - End

[1] Reference to Chapter 4: Why He Refuses to Move Forward; in case you forgot, the book is 'The Catcher in the Rye' authored by J.D. Salinger

[2] I meant that literally; Refer to my A/N for this one

[3] Reference to legendary phrase of Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory. It means cheese omelet. And the grammatically correct way of saying it is 'omelette au fromage' (I am not French, and I don't speak French by the way)

[4] This is a gag on how they describe their dishes in Master Chef. They tend to go overboard with it. The 'dish' is actually just roasted peanuts and potato chips with garlic sauce and sour cream.

[5] Reference to the Haruhi Suzumiya Series. Name of the male calico cat that Kyon owns. See the lengths I go through just to keep you guys wondering on who the wife is? haha

A/N: And so that's it. The 'final final' chapter to this fanfic. It has been one amazing ride. And I thank you dear reader-san for sticking up to me, although I am a newcomer here who has not proven anything yet.

I know I know, this epilogue may have brought even more questions considering I've included mini-stories (referring to the conclusion each main heroine got). I made it that way though. I plan on fleshing them out via one-shot. Especially the Haruno-Hayato one.

And yes, I chose the Yukino route. I didn't let the countless 'fuck YukinoSHITa' comments deter me. Please hear me out first on this decision. I have always wanted to write a HachiYuki fanfic, since well, I am a HachiYuki shipper. And so I did. As I've said, this fic was meant to be HachiYuki one from the strat even with the inclusion of an OC. Although it got rocky on the way, I still decided that this is the conclusion that I want to give to this fanfic of mine.

…

However, don't fret HachiRuri shippers. Because of the positive response Ruri got from the community, and because I have realized that she too deserves her own HachiEnding, I've decided to write one for her. And it's not just another chapter. I plan on writing a whole story for the ship HachiRuri. Yep. That's right. I am making a sequel. An AU of some sorts, but not really. So if you are not satisfied with how this story ended, just think of it as a long introduction of Yuzumiya Ruri.

Well then, I think I've already said what needs to be said. Again, thank you for your continued support guys. I will continue writing so long as my mind and body allow me to. Till next time then! –diceWW

P.S. I'm pretty sure the W.W. is still unmarried (a quick google search couldn't confirm it though). So please, the fact that Hachiman as W.W. is married here, please indulge me on that one.