Hello everyone!
What a surprise isn't it! Everyone is waiting for a new DxD chapter and guess what, a sudden new story for a new fandom.

I've been watching the second season of Oregairu for a week now over and over and I can't help how real it feels.

So I checked out the fandom and I couldn't believe how depressing most stories are.

I decided to write one myself, and why.

Happiness - If there's one person that deserves it, it's Hachiman. But I believe this goes for the girls too.

Harem – The girls deserve some love too so I would hate it if Hachiman had to make a choice. Those familiar with my stories, I'll write an entire backstory around it as well.

Anyhow, this chapter will be a teaser as I need to do some more research on the story but I do think it's a nice chapter for now.

Have fun reading!

''….'' – Speaking

''….'' – Thoughts or inner monologue

Chapter 1 – Words I was afraid to say.

It was a little after one in the morning. The air was cold and the world was sleeping, though the night was dark, it was illuminated by a bright full moon.

Under this light, a single dark-red sportscar was stealthily crawling through the streets until it came to a near soundless stop in front of a small family house.

With a soft click off the door, a young man calmly left the car. With a soft good night from his female teacher and a soft reminder of her on his ears, she smiled softly as he closed the door and she took off into the night.

''You don't want to hurt them, because you care about them.''

The words she had said on the bridge. Words he never thought to hear in his presence again.

''Hurting through existing…involving or not involving...in life and in death''

Hachiman's inner monologue had gotten out of control the more Hiratsuka-sensei spoke on the bridge.

''You're willing to get hurt to preserve the peace.''

She was right. Through middle school, grade school, and high school his classmates denigrated him to the position of loner, freak, creep and many more things.

Small signs of affection were wrongly interpreted as love and friendship, but every time his wish for acceptance and friendship had harshly hit him back in the face. After so many years of trying to build bonds with others, breaking all his emotional wishes to stop getting hurt, Hachiman was finally able to form loose ties with a precious few people. But even now there was no end to his suffering as those ties were ready to snap.

With his mind empty, his negative aura blanketing the couch he sat on, there was still a small spark of hope left as he remembered his sensei mention;

''The present isn't everything, but there are things you can only do now, only say now. Now or never.''

''The answer is definitely in sensei's explanation, but how does one make a coherent response for Yukinoshita. She will disregard anything and cause only more enmity.''

''Think, writhe, struggle, and agonize. If not, what you're going through now isn't genuine.''

''Genuine? How can only suffering be genuine..''

''Genuine..?''

''To have something genuine…is to suffer?''

However, before he could use the clogs in his head about the implications, a small voice called out to him from the darkness.

''Onii-chan..'' a drowzy voice mumbled as a small figure entered the dark living room.

Looking up from his seat, Hachiman sent his sister an apologetic look.

''Sorry, Komachi.'' He said as he felt a small weight plop next to him. ''Did I wake you up?''

''Nhhhmm..'' She mumbled negatively as she pressed herself into his sides. ''You know I can't sleep well when I don't know if you're home.''

Like many other nights, their parents weren't at home. For as long as Hachiman could remember, their parents would provide them with food, a roof and some spending money but that's all their relationship was. Though their parents tried to make it home for Komachi's birthday, as they grew older that became less and less till the day they were practically strangers now. Something Hachiman has never forgiven them for.

''Sorry I didn't call. Things happened with Yukinoshita and sensei picked me up.'' Hachiman explained as he softly petted his purring sister. There were no secrets between them anymore.

''What happened, Onii-chan.'' Komachi replied almost instantaneously. ''You always bicker with her.''

''That's true. Only this time one of the requests…'' Hachiman began as he lowered his voice till there was only unintelligent brabbling remaining.

Noticing how her brother was acting, Komachi took some forceful action.

Calmly she untangled her arms from his side, and before Hachiman knew it she lied on top of him staring into his small grey eyes with her large magenta ones.

She watched how his eyes wouldn't focus on her own and closed even more distance. Hovering only a palm width away from his face, her hands firmly pressed on his cheeks, she continued her impromptu interrogation.

Her warm breath leaked on his lips during her questioning as he began to spill everything under her watchful eyes that could detect the smallest of lies.

''I understand, Hachiman.'' Komachi uncharacteristically said as she released her hold on him, but remained on top of him. Carefully moving his arms on top of her back.

With no parental figures in their lives, even more so for Hachiman, they both tried to take the role for the other. Because of his harsh life they often did a lot of things together that parents should have done. From the smallest things as a ''Welcome Home'' to sleep together when one has a nightmare. They are much closer than ordinary siblings. To the outside world they are brother and sister but when alone they are Hachiman and Komachi

''So…what self-hating idea have you come up with this time...'' Komachi asked with a sigh. She loved her brother to death and beyond, but his plans she could do without. Counting the times she had to see her brother in pain because of his social suicides, all her toes and fingers combined wouldn't nearly be enough.

''I haven't. Hiratsuka-sensei spoke in riddles again, wanting me to give it my own interpretation.'' Hachiman replied calmly. ''But she told me something I can't forget.''

''She told me that she wanted me to save Yukinoshita with Yuigahama.'' He continued as he felt Komachi wrapping her arms a little tighter around him. ''..and also that something genuine means suffering.''

Having heard her brother, Komachi nodded interested before a small smile spread on her lips, causing a small tooth to protrude from between them.

Unlike Hachiman, she had to work hard at school to get decent grades. But emotionally wise she was far more superior than him.

''It's pretty simple.'' Komachi said cheekily as she rubbed Hachiman's hair. ''Just look at us.''

Closing his eyes, Hachiman revelled in his sister's touch, but he just couldn't find out.

Komachi watched in a small amount of pain how her brother's eyes scrunched in frustration at such a simple question.

''Well…whatever happens I'm always here for him.'' She thought after a few more seconds watching him.

As he never saw it coming, Hachiman was slightly surprised when he felt the soft touch of a pair of lips on his own, and again, and again, before the owner of said lips whispered something in his ears.

With one more kiss pressed a little longer to show him her genuine affection, her small body left her position on top of him. His small eyes opened and looked up in her own larger ones and lips with a sincere smile.

''Thanks, Komachi.'' He said with what Komachi considered a small smile.

''Now Onii-chan..'' Komachi cheekily began. ''I really like both Yui and Yukino so if you want to bring them both home, it's okay too.''

''It's time for your little sister to go back to bed. Are you coming too?'' She asked as she walked to the door.

With a firm headshake Hachiman declined her offer. ''I need to think a little more about tomorrow.''

''Onii-chan…whatever happens, Komachi is always here for you.'' She calmly said. ''I love you, Onii-chan. Always.''

''I love you too.. and thanks.'' He accidentally bashfully said.

''Kyaah!'' Komachi replied with a small screech of happiness. ''I earned many Komachi points tonight~''

With a final smile and small wave, Komachi left the room, trudging on the stairs until no more sounds were heard ready to slip back in bed with her cat.

Komachi was the most genuine thing he knew. He was unafraid to say that if she wasn't around in his earlier days that he wouldn't have been around anymore.

''I understand now. Thank you, Komachi-chan.'' Hachiman softly murmured groggily.

As he had used the last amount of his energy, Hachiman returned to his lying position on the couch as the sun slowly set with his final thoughts on his mind before closing his eyes,

''How does one understand the other…by going through the same suffering.''

''To suffer together…is such a bond possible?''

Love and friendship. Emotions he no longer considered applicable to his own situation had come back to hunt him with a bang.

After what happened last night, Hachiman hadn't been able to focus on the day's lessons. He was thankful to Hiratsuka-sensei that she didn't disturb him during his sleep in her class. Probably of what she expected him to do after her final lesson.

During lunch he couldn't be bothered to move to his usual lunch spot, so he wandered around with his eyes through the classroom. One of his 108 skills silently activated as no one paid him attention.

Firstly his eyes focused on his own dubbed angel; Totsuka Saika.

''Ahh Totsuka. I really can't give you to anyone else. You're too perfect.'' Hachiman fondly thought as he saw the silver-haired boy smile after tasting a small morsel from his bento.

Quickly and unnoticed, his eyes focussed on the next student. A female student he had tried to break during the last festival after she refused to address the student body and ran away. Unfortunately he was found by Hayama before he finished his plan. As far as he knew, it was the only time his plan did not succeed but did result in even more backlash from the students, avoiding him even more if possible.

The red-haired girl was giggling annoyingly loud with her small clique of friends, or as far as Hachiman could describe as friends.

Clicking his tongue in annoyance, he looked at the next student who was just as him a misunderstood loner. Her wavy silver hair in a knot was bobbing every time she took a breath. Her purplish-grey eyes staring into nothingness as she just focussed on the blue sky. Hachiman could appreciate her to a certain extent as he had spent time before with her siblings during her brother's first request for the Service club. Just like him, she also held great love for her siblings and did whatever she could in her parents' absence. Hachiman considered her, like himself, someone that is true to her own values.

He was also unfortunately aware that she was highly perceptive of her surroundings as he saw her eyes suddenly regaining life and began looking around the classroom. Time for him to quickly move on.

During lunch hours, Yuigahama was together with Yukinoshita in their club room and it looked like she did today as well. There was only one more group left.

The group that revolved around Hayama Hayato, the group he painstakingly tried to keep together even if he had to disregard feelings and other for them.

Yes. Hachiman who had no one close for the entirety of his school days hated him with a passion. Instead of looking for something genuine he was content with a group of fakes as he once in a while longily looked at someone else in class than the one blonde girl in their group looked at him.

With a foul taste in his mouth, Hachiman once again focussed his attention on himself and the task he would have to do later today.

''I'm stopping here for today.'' Hiratsuka-sensei bellowed as she put away her things. ''Assignment B has to be completed for next class, and if you have problems with it you can make Assignment C as well''

With a loud laugh at her silent students she walked off, but not before sending a quick but very motivational look towards Hachiman. Though she didn't lay it thick on him today and allowed him to take it easy during her lesson, she could almost hear his brain working over-time.

Taking his unopened bag with him, he quickly moved to the door as he didn't feel confident enough to speak to Yuigahama yet and left the room activating his disappearing skill.

Silently he walked through the hallways, hearing the sound of chatter around him growing softer and softer the further he walked towards his destination.

It was still too early to arrive at the club, which meant he could get himself his beloved MAX coffee.

Offering the machine his coins, he was rewarded with his sweet coffee. Gently opening the can with a psshh, the sugary liquid entered his parched throat.

''Bzz Bzz''

Unresponsive at first, Hachiman took his phone out of his blazer and saw a message from his sister.

''Don't give up now. I'm sure you haven't visited your club yet and are drinking somewhere in a dark corner again…''

''This girl..'' Hachiman whispered slightly irritated at the fact she knew him so well.

''…but I want you to be happy. Tell the girls what is on your heart, and if they can't accept it then your Komachi is always here. Good luck, Onii-chan''

Looking slightly defeated at her last line as it was the one thing that kept others out, he breathed deeply before emptying the remaining coffee in one go.

It was time to test his bonds the last time. The last time he would open up to others.

Finally, after a lengthy walk where he was more than tempted to turn around and run home, he arrived at his clubroom.

What previously was a place where he could relax together with the girls, where he could hear the happy voice of Yuigahama and the troubled though interested replies from Yukinoshita, he heard nothing but the near silent clicks from telephone buttons.

As the moment of truth was finally there and cold sweat began to drip down his face, Hachiman threw off his coat and bag before running his hands through his hair in frustration.

''Get it over with! The worst that can happen is alienation and disbanding of the group.'' He assessed. ''..Not like that has never happened before.''

Silently breathing through his nose to calm his body down, he knocked on the door twice before hearing a soft ''Come in'' from the room.

Two pairs of clearly surprised eyes gave nothing away as Hachiman opened the door.

''Hikki.'' The usually excited clubmate on the left said in surprise whilst the other clubmate looked away and closed her book.

''What is it, you never knock'' Yuigahama continued as her large orange eyes looked up at him.

Instead, his eyes were focussed on his other clubmates are her solemn blue eyes looked at the table in resignation, softly whispering again what she said last night. ''I told you not to force yourself to show up.''

Her eyes that usually shined like ice crystals were now covered in clouds, denying anyone from seeing the emotions behind those eyes.

''There was something I needed to do here today.'' He calmly replied, still standing near the door.

''Wh-Why don't you take a seat?'' His other clubmate interjected, which he acknowledged by a small bow of his head.

Instead of taking his usual seat, the girls were surprised as he came closer and closer until taking the seat that was in front of them, looking at each other in obvious surprise.

With Yukinoshita's eyes watching his empty seat on the side, Yuigahama was straight up with his unusual behaviour.

''Is something wrong? You're not acting like yourself.'' She asked in a soothing tone.

In the background, the sun was slowly setting as a dark orange glow now illuminated the room. Hachiman closed his eyes before taking a deep breath.

As his eyes opened and the air was released from his lungs, he said a sentence the girls never expected from him.

''I want to make a request.''

Both girls released small noises in the absurdity of the situation, but kept their mouth closed until Yuigahama couldn't take it anymore.

Her face and voice brightened up considerably and much more life was seen in her eyes as she said ''So you're finally gonna talk to us.''

''Hmm..Isshiki and the Christmas…'' Hachiman began as he explained the entire situation. The other council members, the grade schoolers and Rumi.

''…so please, I need your help.''

For a moment, the room was silent until a small noise was released from Yukinoshita's lap as she crumbled the edges of her skirt between her fingers.

''…so you're saying it's all your fault.'' She asked trembling.

''..Yes, I can't deny it.'' Hachiman replied with a guilty look on his face.

Yuigahama was watching Yukinoshita with an unsettling look on her face.

Yukinoshita kept looking away from Hachiman's eyes as she gave her verdict on the request.

''..If this is all you're doing and your responsibility. Then it is up to you to solve it.''

Yuigahama's and Hachiman's eyes widened upon her answer. Hachiman, who didn't expect an answer like this, held a saddened and resigned look in his eyes, which troubled Yuigahama greatly.

''Right..'' He quickly replied. ''Sorry. Forget I asked.'' His chair scraped over the floor before he stood up from his seat.

''Wait.'' Yuigahama said as she looked to the silent Yukinoshita and Hachiman.

''You're not the only one to blame for how things turned out.'' She continued as she watched Yukinoshita. ''You're being unfair, Yukinon. You and I, we too..''

''You bring that up now?'' She interjected with ice cold eyes. ''Talk about playing dirty.''

Yuigahama had a painful look on her face like she received a harsh slap. But bit her lips and pushed through.

Hachiman, who had the feeling the conversation focussed on something else entirely, tried to diffuse the tension. ''Hang on, that's not what I came to talk about.'' He said but was ignored by the other two who were staring at each other

''You never said anything. There's stuff others won't get unless you say it out loud.'' Yuigahama voiced.

''You never said anything either.'' Yukinoshita countered neutrally. You kept talking as though there was nothing wrong.''

Surprise was visible on Yuigahama's face as she listened to those words.

''So I thought that if that's what you – if that's what you both wanted..''

For a handful of seconds, both girls stared into nothing as they listened to her words until their thoughts were interrupted by a solemn voice.

''Won't get it if you don't say it out loud, huh..'' Hachiman muttered.

Both girls now looked at Hachiman as he looked defeated in front of them, mumbling ''But sometimes, you can't get through people even if you spell it out.''

His inner thoughts, he kept confined to himself in his inner monologs now spread from his lips through the room.

Yuigahama's eyes slowly filled with pearly tears and Yukinoshita's lips opened partially to take a sudden breath.

''I probably wouldn't accept anything anyone said at face value. I'd fall back in my habit of reading between the lines and think they had ulterior motives or selfish reasons for telling me.'' Hachiman said resigned as his eyes focussed on his feet.

''B-But..'' Yuigahama said as her voice trembled, rubbing the tears out of her eyes with her sleeves. ''But if they were perfectly straight with you, if we talk to you more, I..''

''That's not the point.'' Hachiman interrupted calmly as he shook his head. ''It's arrogant to think just saying things out loud is enough.''

The room was deadly silent for a small moment before he continued, grasping the attention of Yukinoshita and Yuigahama.

''Self-gratifying on the part of the speaker, and conceited on the part of the listener. You won't always come to an understanding by talking things out. So it's not mere words I want.'' He explained emotionally. Yukinoshita wrapped her arms around herself as his words effected her.

Once more, Yuigahama removed the tears from her eyes as she asked ''But, if you don't say it, you'll never get through!''

But this time the tears didn't stop any more from puddling in her eyes and slowly dripped down her cheeks, softly sobbing as Yukinoshita only wrapped her arms tighter around herself with a haunting look in her eyes.

''Yeah..'' Hachiman said as he gripped his hands together. ''Expecting other to read your mind is delusional.''

'' But...'' He softly shook as his eyes had gotten slightly teary, having the full attention of his clubmates. ''But...''

Their eyes were open as they were deeply affected by his soft shaking and croaking voice.

''I...'' Hachiman slowly began, his eyes looking away from his peers who were watching with open eyes and opened lips.

''I..It's not empty words I'm after.''

''There was something else I desired all along. Not mutual understanding, friendship, companionship, or anything of the sort.''

''I don't care about being understood. I simply wish to understand. Understand, know, and rest easy in that knowledge- gain some peace of mind.''

''Wanting to know people inside-out because being in the dark terrifies me is an awfully self-indulgement, egoistic, and arrogant wish. It's downright despicable and disgusting. Having a desire like that makes me sick to the stomach!''

His eyes leaked with a warm liquid as he balled his fists, continuing on.

''But if it's at all possible to share that desire- if it's possible to have a relationship where you're free to burden one another with that repulsive self-gratification...''

''I know that it's out of the question! I know that it's out of my reach!''

Hachiman knew he had already passed the point of no return. Softly biting his lip and balling his fists even more till they physically shook, he expressed his desires.

'' Even so!''

''…''

''Even so, I... I want something genuine".

In any other universe, Hachiman would have ended his monologue, but with Komachi's and Hiratsuka-sensei's trust in him, he forgot to keep his feelings bottled up inside.

His lips moved once more.

''I know I look like a creep. I've been told so a thousand times. My eyes have always been a bother to me as only one person is able to really look at them without walking away. Though there are three more that never look away. Those three I see in this room almost every day. A fragile bond I've managed to establish with them. A careful bond I never had before.'' He calmly whispered under his breath, unheard by his own ears but not to those silently seated in front of him. ''I feel we've come to a shallow understanding over some ideas. Making constant concessions over requests. Even the way I am, tortured still by the past, they tried to open up more and more.''

''There is more I want in this. Coming closer every day, but those carefully forged bonds are fragile. I don't wish to build on a simple thread. I want more from this club.''

Silently staring for a moment, the feeling that times stands still, before his soft voice filled the void again.

''I want to understand more and being understood. I want to do more, say more, share more. More and more to finally be able to come to a genuine understanding.''

''Share my desires and dreams without being condemned. I want to rely on others and be relied upon.''

Soft tears have been dropping on the floor for a while now, staining the area around his feet.

''Yuigahama….Isshiki….Yukinoshita…'' He softly mumbled. The owners of two of the names now paying even more attention.

Softly he chuckled, almost fondly to the ears of the listeners.

''Yuigahama…I wanted to hate her.'' Hachiman said to the shock of his clubmates.

''I hate nice girls, especially when they're airheaded.''

''They are nice to everyone making their feelings difficult to understand… I really hate them.'' He harshly said as he remembered the past before softening his voice. ''But I don't hate Yuigahama.''

Both girls were surprised when they saw the edges of his mouth rising a little. It was as much of a smile as Hachiman could make.

''After I found out about her being the owner of the dog in the accident, I told her to stay away from me and that her feelings of friendship were nothing more than the shallow infatuation she had with the image of a hero. But still, she didn't change the way she treated me at all.''

''Even now with our club almost in pieces, she's been doing everything to keep us together, even taking the time to make sure I was okay.''

Some sniffles could be heard from the mentioned girl, but she made no attempt to interrupt him.

''She never had the same treatment as Yukinoshita or I…but I do think we can connect.''

''Isshiki..'' Hachiman continued softly, never hearing the small gasp coming from outside the door.

''Almost just as bad as I am on the inside.'' He voiced quietly. ''Wearing the cunning mask of a fox as her true nature causes her to be ostracized.''

''The least-liked student council president just because she is close to Hayama.'' Hachiman continued on. ''Visiting the club because she can't form bonds in her own class. Delegated to eating lunches alone like I do.''

Just outside the door, a small girl was listening intently as she could refute any of her senpai's words, unknowingly she was spotted by a girl walking through the hallways and one texting on the stairs who stopped moving. Due to the fact the hallways were quiet, Hachiman's voice was audible to everyone that was listening.

''Still, I can't help but feel a sort of gratitude when she acts the way she does, acting sly and crafty to a fault. She's almost as rotten as yours truly.'' Were the words that reached her ears.

''She doesn't care about the words of others, only the way she is seen. As a quiet, airheaded, cute girl she tried to survive high school but everyone can see it's an act.'' Hachiman smirked creepily at the end of his sentence. ''I'm glad she's willing to spend some time with me, even if it's almost only grunt work for the student council.''

''She's like a combination of Yukinoshita and myself.'' Hachiman stopped. ''An uncute version of Komachi.''

Outside the door, only heavy breathing and a fast pounding heart was heard as a deep blushing Isshiki was holding her hand over her heart in an expression of either pain or gratitude.

''Yukinoshita..'' he finally began after a moment of silence.

The girl silently watched her clubmate with an insecure look, grasping her palms together with an unreadable aura surrounding her.

''A girl too similar to me. Constantly trying to distance herself from anything and anyone by hiding into her books much like myself. Her mind is full of traumas as those that she thought she could trust betrayed her in moments in counted the most.'' Hachiman explained. ''When we grew closer, Yukinoshita took more distance by making negative remarks towards me.''

''But a girl like her will never be able to take distance. She's a Yukinoshita, a beautiful girl. She'll always be the center of attention.''

''Knowingly, she never told me that it was her car that hit me. All to preserve what she tried to build together with us.''

Even Yukinoshita herself was softly whimpering under Hachiman's harsh facts.

''Even though we two are loners that went through a lot, we insult each other when we can…''

With an embarrassed blush as he didn't realize what he was thinking, he said..

''When we're together I feel a little less lonely.''

''So one day maybe…''

''Maybe I can come to lo-''

And with a particularly loud sob, Hachiman was interrupted and realized that instead of his inner monologue, his body betrayed him as he spoke out loud.

What greeted him were two girls both sobbing in their seats.

''Hi-Hikki'' Yuigahama muttered in a much clearer voice as she cried like she was calling out to him. Like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. At the same time, Yukinoshita was soundlessly staring into nothing as small tears smeared her cheeks.

''Tears.'' Was the only thing Hachiman saw. He only knew tears in a negative context.

''I-I blew it.''

''I-I-I'm sorry...G-Goodbye.'' Hachiman croaked before he ran to the door.

Slamming the door open, he almost jumped back when he came face to face with Isshiki Iroha.

What surprised him though was the way she looked at him. Yes, she just looked like an embarrassed fox, there was more in her eyes that he only saw before in the eyes of his sister.

''Ahh etto..'' She began but was unable to continue when Hachiman ran past her without looking back.

For a moment she considered persuing him, but she heard the sobs coming from inside and spoke to the girls, all under the careful listening ears of two other women.

The way home was nothing short of hell for Hachiman. Every light he saw was red, he was certain he saw his former middle school classmates all around him laughing at his latest failure.

''Hikkifrogya''

''Hikkigerma''

It was only when he reached his home, diving in his bed without any of his other fears that he let the tension he felt loose and like he did many years ago, softly bawled.

Later at night, when he was almost asleep, Komachi had eaten her dinner alone at the table. She heard her brother softly when she stood in front of his door. Komachi has never pitied her brother, but she wasn't able to stop a deeply saddened sob to leave her lips before she opened the door.

What has never changed was them sleeping together 2-3 times a week, or even more in situations like today.

Slowly she crawled next to him in bed and moved her arms around the back of his head, pressing his face in her developing chest. For hours on end, she combed his hairs with her hand calming him until his breathing evened out.

As she listened to him falling asleep, she nestled her own face in his hair and was deeply saddened as she could feel his pain transmitting into her.

''Komachi is always here..'' were her last thoughts before falling asleep herself.

It was 9am as Hiratsuka-sensei's class began.

During role call she was saddened by the fact that her favourite student was absent.

There was only one student visibly upset that there was an empty sit, but much to her surprise and confusion there were two others in her class that glanced at his seat and the door several times as well.

Unlike students, teachers were allowed to have their mobile phones on them during class. No one was surprised when she took her phone out.

However, many would be surprised to find out that she was reading a message from their absent classmate.

''Can't make it today. Didn't go well yesterday.''

His short message visibly saddened her. If it was any other situation she would have driven to his house and pulled him out of bed.

''I'm sorry, Hikigaya. But I do hope you won't neglect your service club request.''

''Of course. I will visit the Student Council at the community center after school has ended.''

Deeply sighing with an increased want for a cigarette, she took a seat and watched her own brats diligently working.

''The first time something goes wrong in any of your lives, is the moment you fall hard. Superficiality isn't going to help you.''

Though her boss had told her often not to, she still took one of her nicotine sticks and lit it up.

Hiratsuka slowly smoked the cigarette, chewing softly on it in stress.

''I'm pissed off.''

It was nearing 4 pm when Hachiman left the house. He wanted to hide from the world a little longer, but he hated to break his word.

Having eaten the breakfast Komachi had left for him in the refrigerator, she had also left him some change for two cans of MAX coffee, something that always cheered him up, how small that may be. MAX coffee was one of the two constants in his life next to his sister.

Arriving at his destination, still a few minutes before having to meet Isshiki, Hachiman entered the convenience store in front of the community center.

Grabbing two cans of his favorite coffee, he paid the bored cashier and left the store.

With the familiar psshh the can was opened and the contents were spilled in his mouth.

''Life is too bitter..'' He grimaced before taking another swig. ''So coffee, at least, should be sweet.''

Finishing his can, he was ready to pop open his second one as he heard a familiar voice nearing him.

''Senpaaiii~''

…and his appointment had arrived with a small sprint.

''How mean, Senpai. Not even greeting your cute kouhai.'' She said as she stood in front of him. ''Also, you weren't even in your club room when I wanted to forc- ask you to help me.''

''This girl..'' Hachiman thought as he looked in her devious brown eyes. ''Yo.''

''Ummu..'' Isshiki smiled in satisfaction. ''Now why weren't you at school, Senpai?''

The small figure stopped in front of him and turned around before taking an intimidating pose, which would have had some effect if she was a little taller.

''I felt a little sick after eating something bad, you can't trust every piece of fish you eat.'' Hachiman replied with a neutral look on his face. ''Too bad I didn't feel bad enough not to help you.''

''Muuhhh.'' Isshiki mumbled as she bloated her cheeks and huffed. ''I don't have your number so I didn't know if you'd come either.''

''Senpai, hand over your phone.'' She straight up told him. ''Because of you I had to get more help.''

His hands were quickly taken by Isshiki as she took his phone and made several movements with her fingers on the touchscreen.

When she was done, she held the phone still in her hands.

''Isshiki?'' Hachiman asked as she stopped moving altogether. ''What's wrong..?''

''Hmmhmm.'' Isshiki moved her head twice to the side. ''I'm just thankful, Senpai.''

''Thankful?''

''Yes, and I am also sorry, Senpai. But it has to be done for everyone involved.'' The student council president whispered with an indescribable look on her face.

With a single swift movement she grabbed both of his hands to stop him from moving.

''I-Isshiki..'' Hachiman voiced as he went over the words she just told him..

''….weren't in your club room.''

''….get more help.''

As he came to the conclusion, he tried to get his hands out of her surprisingly strong small palms, but it was too late as another pair of arms came into view.

His body froze when he felt a well-endowed female body collide with his back, softly shaking against him as her arms were wrapped around his abdomen, completely negating any form of defense he had towards others.

Sniffling and incoherent sobbing reached his ears as he felt a face rub in his back.

''Hikki!'' The voice mumbled in his coat. ''Hikkihikkihikkihikki.''

''Y-Yuigahama.'' Hachiman cornered quickly. ''L-Let me go…''

The duo made a surprising amount of noise in the street as other people watched the two, probably wondering if they had relational problems.

The more Hachiman tried to move, the tighter Yuigahama's held him. He couldn't remember the last time anyone but his sister had held him this long in one go. It might have been the first time. His face and Yuigahama's were as red as apples before Isshiki managed to calm Hachiman.

''Senpaaii..calm down..'' She said as she playfully pinched his red cheek. ''But a red senpai is pretty cute too, so please continue.''

Our protagonist remembered where he was and calmed down at Isshiki's words, though he had a small glare on his face, but the red on his face made it practically harmless.

The package on his back also calmed down but made no attempts to remove herself.

''Now, Senpai. Yui-senpai wanted to talk to you before our meeting so I let you come an hour earlier.'' The foxy kouhai said with a cunning smile as she pulled Hachiman with her.

''Talking..''

''Stay away, Bakagaya!''

''Leave me alone, Germigaya.''

As more and more memories assaulted him, Hachiman expressions became more and more distressed.

Yuigahama held on tight again when he tried to remove her arms forcefully. Almost crying out when he succeeded.

Even though she was weaker than Hachiman, she didn't lack any sort of trying as tears sprung in her eyes again, filling up those orange pools she had for eyes.

''Y-You're n-not running away again-n!'' Yuigahama yelled without concern of any other that were watching. ''Not before you've listened to what we have to say.''

The look in her eyes turned pleading and it was painful for Hachiman to look at. He had been hurt a lot in his eyes, but he never hurt others in return.

As the three reached a stalemate, a new voice cut through the air like it was butter.

''Hikigaya-kun.'' The ice cold voice said. ''You will be coming with us.''

Hachiman never gave any indication that he heard her words, but Yukinoshita wouldn't have any of it as she pulled on his hands and pulled his face closer.

''Are you perhaps unable to reply to a question a three-year old is perfectly capable of, Hikicantlisten-kun?'' The girl asked with a withering look in her eyes. Though they had the same intensity as always, they were a lot clearer than yesterday.

Knowing he couldn't escape anymore, Hachiman followed the three girls to the community center without having the ability to escape from their clutches.

The door closed with a click in Seminar hall #3

''I don't think we will be disturbed here.'' Yukinoshita said as she released Hachiman's hand and took her coat and scarf off.

Isshiki had also released her hold on his other hand as she turned the heater on.

Only Yuigahama still had a firm hold on Hachiman.

With Yukinoshita preparing some tea she found, the room was pleasantly silent to almost everyone.

Isshiki had taken four seats from around the table and set them all next to each other with a single one in front of Hachiman's seat. (like a + missing the bottom part)

''It would be in the best interest of all gathered here that you take a seat, Hikigaya-kun.'' Yukinoshita said as she carefully sipped her hot tea.

Taking the center seat, Hachiman was surrounded by the three girls he had been the closest to in school. Quietly he sat with an expression that didn't give anything away regarding his inner turmoil.

''Hikigaya-kun. Yesterday we were quite surprised by a number of words that left your mouth.'' Yukinoshita began as she removed the teacup from her lips.

Hachiman had gotten more nervous with every syllable leaving her mouth.

''I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say all those things. Please forget everything I said.'' Hachiman replied pitiable to the others. ''I had gotten ahead of myself.''

With his upper body perfectly at 90 degrees pointing at Yukinoshita, it was Yuigahama who took over from her.

''Hikki..'' Yuigahama whispered as a small blush covered her face when his eyes fell on her own.

Happiness and nervousness caused her voice to quiver as she spoke to him.

Her right hand touched his clammy left cheek as she looked at him and said;

''Hikki..I love you.''

Openly, honest and completely. Yuigahama was honest with the boy that once before stopped her from confessing during the festival they visited together.

Hachiman blushed brightly in embarrassment at her sudden confession.

''Yu-Yuigahama!'' He accidentally yelled. ''How could you say something like that?''

The three girls recoiled slightly from the volume of his voice but were all happily surprised at his bright red face.

''Because I listened to every word you said yesterday.'' She replied shortly after. ''I want to know what you're looking for too.''

Yukinoshita and Isshiki both agreed on it as well but didn't voice it yet.

''After you left yesterday, we three talked about what you said about us.'' She continued with a small smile.

''Isshiki-san and myself. We too hold you in high regard.'' Yukinoshita added. ''We- I wish to know more about what you called genuine and whether we can pursue it as well.''

Isshiki nodded in confirmation but she wasn't ready yet to share her own feelings.

The room fell in an awkward silence as neither knew how to follow up on her words. The four of them had never been in a familiar situation where hearts were opened up to strangers.

Hachiman coughed uncomfortably to get the attention of the others.

''T-Then why were you crying after I told you everything?'' He asked calmly now a huge burden fell off of his shoulders.

The three girls turned red at his sudden questioning. Yukinoshita began to pull on her skirt and Isshiki looked away from his view, so it was up to the only one left.

Yuigahama was the only one that had, what could be described as, a normal family situation with a stay-at-home mother.

''Hikki…'' She softly said as she took one of his hands in her own and smiled. ''When someone says or does something that makes them very happy they cry from happiness.''

Yukinoshita turned red from her clubmate's explanation but didn't see a reason to correct her.

''I think we were really, really happy that you finally told us something that you wanted.'' Yuigahama continued slowly as she stared in Hikki's eyes. ''I was really happy that I found out more about you when you always have that wall around you.''

''Iroha-chan, Yukinon, and me. We are here for you.'' And with those words, something inside of Hachiman broke.

Walls that have been held up for so long that and one day crumble make a whole world of difference. Because even though he was happy when he listened to her words, why was he crying.

All three of the girls wanted to console him, but only one of them knew how too.

Like a mother, Yuigahama softly spoke to Hachiman. ''I am not very smart. I don't get many things or difficult words when you and Yukinon use them. I also don't know what genuine means to me or you, but.. I do know that I love you very much…a-and that I want to help you find it.''

Shamelessly she pulled Hachiman closer and rested his head in her chest where she began rubbing his back with ease.

''First steps. You and Yukinon are not able to take them by yourselves.'' She continued in a mature fashion. ''It's up to me to take them for the sake of the service club.''

With her story being told, a large blush now covered the entirety of her face as she looked at Hachiman in a suggestive way.

''Hikki. We all know that you love all three of us.'' She said dropping the bomb on the room. ''But even so, I want to be a part of it. Is it still okay?''

''Ahh..'' were the words that came out of Hachiman's throat. Eloquent and just like him.

He tried to hide the growing blush on his face by looking away as he remembered that he, in fact, said that he liked all three of them, never knowing that Isshiki too heard his appraisal of her.

''It is okay.'' He softly murmured. Even if he didn't look at her and was visibly doing his very best to say the words that were on his heart, words that he genuinely wanted to tell her. This made Yuigahama very happy.

''To understand each other….is to be genuine?'' Yukinoshita was theorizing as she looked at her clubmates that managed to connect.

Isshiki, who had taken a role in the background, watched everything between her senpais unfold.

Yuigahama, in her happiness, had decided to take the next step in her relationship with Hachiman as she closed the distance between their lips.

Soft lips that tasted like peach were forcefully pressed on his own as Hachiman, a satisfied but small moan was released from Yuigahama's blushing but obviously very happy face.

Slowly she released his lips from her own as she looked in his eyes from up close. There was no sign of disgust in her warm look towards him, only affection.

''This was my first kiss, Hikki. Please take responsibility for it.''

''Yuigahama-san.'' Yukinoshita said softly. ''How would you describe the feeling when you kissed him.''

''Love.'' She instantly replied. ''Maybe something like happiness too.''

''What about you, Hikigaya-kun?'' She continued carefully.

''I believe the same things as well.''

''T-Then, if I would be correct, if kissing is cause for mutual understanding, does that mean that love is the inducer of something genuine?''

Yuigahama had difficulty with understanding the words, but both her own and Hachiman's replies were identical.

''Yes.''

''I-I see.'' Yukinoshita replied as her demeanor had completely changed with their answer. ''It's love that my life lacks.''

''Don't stop, Yukinon.'' Yuigahama said as she saw her mask break. ''Hikki and I, we both love you.''

''H-How do I..''

''You are everything Hikki said you are. Every word was true. It's time for you to let everything go.'' She almost shouted as she pulled on her unresponsive friend's shirt.

''Hikki, say something too.''

Hachiman saw the doubt and fear in Yukinoshita's eyes as she looked at him helplessly. It was time to save her as well from the same darkness.

''Yuigahama is right. You are very important to us. I too lo-love you like she does.'' He told her at face-value. ''Even if you don't believe me yet, we will show you and everyone else from now on.''

Every word hit her like a hammer so she couldn't help to respond with one of her harsh remarks at this absurdness.

Her words lacked a lot of the usual spice as she said ''Hikicreepy-kun, why would I be happy when you tell me that you lo-''

''lo-''

But no more sounds came from her parched throat as it constricted around the last word.

''Love. I can't even remember the last time I used or heard this word.''

Hachiman, Yuigahama, and Isshiki all looked at several emotions appearing and disappearing on Yukinoshita's face in the span of mere seconds before she started to release tears at a fast pace.

''Uuuhh..''

The wall she built around herself had fallen as well as Yukinoshita curled up and began to bawl in her knees.

There was no one that would condemn her.

The room was filled with the noises of a girl that had to hold in all her pain from an early age as there was no one that would listen to her.

Isshiki was watching how her senpai had once again helped someone around him, even if it was for himself as well.

''Senpai, you're a lot stronger than I am.'' She softly said before she silently left the room to give the service club some much needed time alone.

As the door silently closed, she walked away to the first seminar hall where her council was waiting on her, wondering if she too can find it in her to be genuine with herself.

Several more minutes, Yukinoshita kept on sniveling before Yuigahama decided that it was enough and pulled Hachiman with her.

Then she pulled Yukinoshita towards her and kept the three together as one.

''Yukinon. There's no need to do this alone anymore. We are here for you. Always and always.'' Yuigahama said as she hugged the girl closer to her.

Tentatively, Yukinoshita wrapped her arm around Yuigahama but was afraid of what would happen if she did the same with Hachiman.

''It's alright.'' She suddenly heard from the male. ''After everything that happened today and yesterday, I will accept all of you, Yukino.''

''Ahh so unfair!'' Yuigahama yelled. ''Than call me by my name too''

Hachiman nodded and received a dazzling smile from the orange haired girl.

Yukino wasn't even paying attention anymore as she felt a sudden weightlessness take over her body and fell forward in his arms.

On instinct, both Yui and Hachiman grabbed her tight but couldn't prevent the three falling to their knees.

''Are you okay, Yukinon?'' Yui asked distressed as the girl didn't move around anymore but remained unmoving in their arms.

Slowly her head began to bob again like she was laughing at a joke.

''I see..'' they heard coming from Hachiman's chest. ''So this is what something genuine feels like.''

Her troubled voice, her troubled eyes, they were no longer visible. Instead they saw a pair of very bright happy blue eyes watching them.

With some help from each other, the three members of the service club stood up and disentangled from one another.

A small cough and a small tinge of red on her cheeks, Yukino took the word again. ''I think we've spent enough time engaging in our internal affairs, but I do believe we've made quite some progress.''

''Hikigaya-kun.'' She said with a lot more fondness than before. ''I believe it is in the interest of the service club to formally accept your request. Your request for something genuine.

A couple more minutes were taken out to clean everything up. The tea set, the chairs back at their desks and red eyes and wet cheeks cleaned from their liquid.

''Let's go.'' Hachiman said lightly. ''We're already late.''

''This was really bad.'' Yukino said as she recovered from the dull council meeting. The other council had a lot of ideas that were all impossible to prepare or fund by the two schools combined.

''Heeheehee.'' Yui sheepily laughed, meaning she didn't understand a thing of it. Only this time Hachiman could understand.

As the three were quietly enjoying themselves, with the occasional question from Yui, like they did in their club room. An annoyance came by that spotted a familiar face.

''Ohya, is that Hikigaya?'' The female voice questioned, gaining the attention from the trio.

They saw a girl their own age with shoulder long curly hair stepping inside of their comfort zone.

She was recognized to be a member of the Kaigin Sougou high school student council.

''Hmm, Orimoto-san, what can we do for you?'' Yukino asked the girl that stood in front of Hachiman.

''Ara….might you be Hikigaya's girlfriend or something?'' She asked with an obvious rhetoric look on her face.

''Etto..I am Hikki's girlfriend.'' A voice from the side answered.

''Eeh really..?'' The girl screeched as she look at Yui holding Hachiman's hand in her own. He liked the way it felt, but under the scrutiny of someone he had asked out before it was quite embarrassing.

At the same time, Yukino also had her mouth open but didn't wish to plant any unnecessary information in the girl's ears. She hadn't even told Hachiman himself.

The girl didn't really know what else to say to her former classmate so she wished them a good night after shaking her head several times wondering if she hit her head somewhere.

''Hikki..'' Yui said softly. ''Did you know that girl?''

''She was in my middle school.'' He replied. ''I hate nice girls like her.'' And with that the three of them left, each with a mildly annoying after taste.

Having arrived home, having eaten dinner with Komachi. Hachiman spilled the beans about what happened today.

His sister was very happy, though a little mad as he didn't wait a little longer yesterday what spared them from a lot of sorrow, she reminded him that she too loved him very much.

It was the first day in many, many years for him where he felt a small amount of happiness. Something that felt genuine from the outside.

Hachiman washed away all the trouble and tears from today in a long soak, enjoying his MAX coffee.

Tonight he would sleep alone. Not that he didn't want to share his happiness with his sister, but by revelling in this very foreign feeling.

He couldn't wait to go back to school.

And like him, three others living at different locations in Chiba all had their minds on what happened today, for the first time wishing that the morning would come soon.

There we have it, an almost 9k long teaser chapter for my new story.

I didn't really expect the chapter to be this long but meh what gives.

I hope everyone liked the emotions I tried to add to the characters and they seem at least a little believable. I might re-edit it in the future to make them see more real after reading the light novels.

Anyhow, thanks for reading.