I actually have rewrote half the entire chapter because it's so awkward. At the moment I'm posting this I'm also hospitalized and likely will get a surgery so don't expect fast updates for the next one either.

Hachi blinked her eyes open and then looked at the clock, it was almost six in the morning, but even so, she absolutely had to wake up quickly. Yesterday was tiring, but the tiredness gave her a good dreamless sleep that she desperately needs.

A dreamless sleep means less anxiety, and that means she can focus with the next day instead of being stuck in a never-ending loop of nightmares.

The first thing she did was to call Hachiman right as she went to wash her face in the bathroom.

"You woke up yet?"

"[Yeah, still feel sluggish but I'll manage.]"

"Chief reason Silverwind is an oddity, it's basically endurance match under the sun in the weekend. It's far more tiring than a typical Tennis tournament." Hachi explained, "In terms of physical burden inflicted on the winners, it's much closer to grade 2 Kanto tournament."

Most tennis tournaments are held in the period of national holidays. Usually, players wouldn't have to fight more than two matches daily, stretched over three or four days, which gives them time to recover.

Silverwind is different, qualifier began right on Saturday afternoon and finish on Saturday evening. Most of the competitor would have spent half a day at school, and they only have one night of rest before the final matches begin right in the morning.

In other words, for people who are proud of their physical endurance like the Hikigaya twins, Silverwind gives them an advantage that no other tournament would have, simply by how intense it was.

"[Kanto match is always best of two huh.]"

In best of two matches, there's always a good chance of the match being dragged even longer than it should, two sets become three.

Furthermore, the semifinal and final used official tennis rules of two games advantage in a set. Meaning even a single set may drag even longer than the hour-long average.

A single match can be anywhere from two to five hours. Silverwind tournament made the semifinal and final match specifically in Sunday to take this into account.

"Another thing, Hachiman." Hachi said, "I told you before I met Orimoto right?"

"[Mm, yeah, what's she's doing there again? I don't think she's playing tennis.]"

Hachiman hardly remembers much about Orimoto after desperately trying to scrub her existence, but sports tournament would be the last place that he expected Orimoto would be in.

"Well, she didn't." Hachi said, "Her friend Nakamachi is, and she's in the same club as Totsuka-senpai at the moment."

"[I see.]"

"One more thing, Orimoto is a close friend of Totsuka-senpai. And she knew my secret, more than my own closest friends. Orimoto knew everything about my circumstances. Every single detail of it." Hachi said, "The only student that know about as much is Yuri, as she directly helped me during my year of transition."

"[I see, she would've known that I'm not supposed to exist huh.]"

"Not necessarily. It's not like Orimoto knew my family to begin with." Hachi told him, "The explanation of you being my twin brother could still work, even so... are you fine with it?"

"[Another lie on the mountain of lies, why does it even matter.]" Hachiman scoffed, "[Not like you're friends with Orimoto or anything, right?]"

Hachi clicked her tongue in anguish, "Orimoto is different, Hachiman. She's literally the first person from our old school who recognized me as my old self. After I undergo physical therapy."

"[So, what do you want? To tell her I'm an entirely different Hachiman coming from an alternate universe?]"

"The worst part of it is that she would totally buy that explanation yes." Hachi sighed, "Orimoto had changed, ever since our school reunion, she ceased to be the brainless bimbo that gets along with the flow. If anything, the current Orimoto is too curious for her own good. Always seek the truth no matter what gets in her way, persistent as hell."

"[Oh? Looks like you have a high opinion of her, are you sure you two aren't friends or anything?]"

"No, for the love of god, no way." Hachi screamed, "Nevermind, just... I want to know what do you feel. It's your choice whether to tell her the truth or pretend that you didn't recognize her."

Hachi practically pleaded as she speaks, ultimately, it was Hachiman's own decision that mattered. Hachi herself has nothing to do with it, not like she wanted to connect with Orimoto or anything.

"[You said Orimoto always seek the truth.]" Hachiman chuckled ominously, "[Then let her find the truth on her own.]"

And then Hachiman closed the call, much to Hachi's relief.

Well, she really needs to start thinking for herself first and foremost, she had her own match to fight. Highly likely that Orimoto will watch Chika's match instead of Saika's, so not like she's going to see Hachiman unless Hachiman and Saika both reached finals.

Yumiko said that Silverwind is for scrubs, but for someone like her who wiped out Chiba Junior Circuit with little resistance, she would think it was easy. Yumiko could fit easily with the student of Paris Tennis Academy in a way that Hachi has massive struggle with.

Even today, Yumiko still kicked her and Hachiman's ass to next Sunday. Which says something when both Hachi and Hachiman vastly outstrip her in physical prowess. Yumiko has always been more of a skilled technician, than a powerful performer.

And yet Yumiko insisted Hachi's potential outstrip that of her own. Whether that as true or not, it doesn't matter to Hachi. Hachi took tennis seriously with the expectation of failing, but that does not mean she will not give it her fullest.

Because miraculous victory is where it feels best, when her skepticism get thwarted through sheer effort, just like how Yumiko reached for her, it was because Yumiko refused to give up on Hachi.

Hachi who lived all those months treading a safe, calculated path in pursuit of concrete career goal, finally managed to break her own self-imposed limits, gambling her own future in Tennis. Because she truly wanted to trust Yumiko's words.

Hachi couldn't really call it a dream, because deep down, she felt like the chances weren't zero and thus it would be considered a fairly realistic if somewhat difficult goal.

She simply wasn't sure if it's a goal she truly wanted. Which is why she swears she will never abandon her study at the same time. Tennis or not, her main career aim at the moment still the same, becoming a social service employee or a teacher.

And so, an hour before the match began, Hachi rides her bike to the court in her lonesome. She wonders if Hachiman will be there earlier.

She saw Hachiman was there, wearing a tennis hat and a glasses, seemingly fully intent to disguise himself, visually at least.

Which in all honesty, worked all too well. If not for him standing with Yumiko and wearing an S-Re jacket, Hachi could hardly recognize him at all. Hachiman didn't need extensive makeup or wig to appear like a different person than usual.

Hachi also noticed that they're getting the mother of all stares.

"Is it me or we're getting molested visually?" Hachiman asked lightly, "I'm getting a sense of discomfort here."

"Well with our achievement, why wouldn't we?" Yumiko chuckled, "Hell, I didn't even participate in this tournament."

"Duh of course, after your little rampage in Hyogo, people are going to notice, Miura-senpai." Hachi snorted, "S-Re Makuhari suddenly have all those talented junior players out of arse."

"Hmm? what did Miura do?"

"...Did you even notice that I was missing from 2nd to 5th September?" Yumiko raised her eyebrows

"Umm... No?"

That was basically when Hachiman reached his height of existential angst after the scene in the service club. So yes, he totally didn't notice. Considering Yumiko sit right beside her, that was embarrassing too. Especially since one of Hachiman's pride is being aware of his surrounding.

"I'm sorry Senpai, you know how difficult he can be at the start of the school." Hachi apologized in his stead.

Right as the school start, Yumiko went to Grade 5 ITF (International Tennis Federation) Tournament in Hyogo and managed to reach Semifinal before she got beaten. This is no small feat. A grade 5 ITF Tournament surpassed even grade 3 JTPA Tournament in competitiveness. Those who participated in ITF tournaments are those who are ready to notch their name on the world stage.

This is Yumiko's first international tournament in her tennis career. Yumiko who regained her Tennis sense today is different than Yumiko six months ago.

Whereas Hachi was aiming for All Japan Junior, Yumiko aimed for an even higher stage. The winner of All Japan Junior will be granted the right to participate in the World Super Junior tournament.

Hachi wasn't THAT optimistic.

"Actually, that was something I haven't talked with Totsuka yet because I don't want to put too much pressure on him." Yumiko said, "To some extent, he could still qualify for participation in a National Junior Tennis tournament."

"What? How? His birthday is in May!" Hachi said, "Kanto Tournament start in July!"

"All Japan Junior Indoor Selectional in March." Yumiko poked Hachi with her racquet, "In terms of ranking and prestige, it's not as high as All Japan Junior, it's still Grade 1 Tournament that only 8 players from entire Kantou can possibly participate in."

"8 Players from entire Kantou?!" Hachiman dropped his jaw, "Are you kidding? Even All Japan allowed 16 Players from Kantou!"

"Exactly." Yumiko said, "It's basically where the most die-hard junior tennis player gathered. Still, the chances are not that bad."

"First, Totsuka needs to qualify for All Japan Indoor Kantou preliminaries in November, where he need to be one of the best 32 Junior male players in Kantou. After that, he needs to win 2 matches in order to move to All Japan Indoor Selectionals in March."

"What are his chances?" Hachiman asked.

"With his current JTPA points, he probably only need to win one more Tournament to qualify or reach finals in two tournaments. Seriously, that guy is nuts." Yumiko said with a mix of pride and amusement, after all, she was Saika personal trainer for six months. "In fact, I am pretty sure both of you have the chance to Indoor Kantou Prelims as well."

"That's crazy talk, I haven't even won once." Hachiman pointed.

"True, which is why you should absolutely not lose today." Yumiko pointed at him, "Don't even think of going easy with Totsuka to make him win or something."

Hachiman didn't respond.

Honestly, part of Hachiman was sure he would throw away the match if he has to face Saika. Not like Hachiman have an ambition as Saika did.

But first, Hachiman will need to get rid of a pest. Then maybe he can decide what to do.

"Good morning, everyone." Yukino greeted them as she came in two with members of the Student Council (except Vice-president), Yui, Hayato, Iroha, as well as Hina and Zaimokuza. Most of them surely were here to cheer for Hachi, well, except for Zaimokuza.

"Hachiman, show me your fighting spirit and prove your worth as a man." He roared, "Your finest technique, as sharp as the edge of a katana!"

"Heh, I thought you'd be here for my sister?" Hachiman teased him, though Zaimokuza did watch his last match yesterday.

"How could I? My sworn brothers are going to shed their sweat and blood in this mighty battlefield?! How could I abandon you two in this climactic moment?!" Zaimokuza clenched his fist exaggeratedly, "Of course I will come to watch your matches in full today!"

Even when he's this fit and hot-looking, the inside remains unchanged at all.

"That's right! Boys belong together with boys! Uehehehhe." Hina grinned manically while a small amount of blood began to drip from her nose.

Hachiman just realized how perfectly compatible these two are. Otaku couple, someone dreaming of epic bromance and someone dreaming of a homosexual relationship. Truly a match made in hell.

"Well, I suppose I can also stick around here." Yukino said to Hachi, "I hope you don't mind, Hikigaya-san."

"Sure, please cheer on my brother on my behalf too!" Hachi winked and then left with Iroha, Yumiko, Hayato, Hina, Sawako, and Makihito to her assigned court, which on the entirely opposite end that Hachiman's own.

"Hikki, fight!" Yui happily shouted.

Hachiman simply lowered his hat and followed by Yukino and Yui, approach the court he assigned to.

There, he saw the members of Sainan Tennis Club, and in the center, Motemitsu.

Motemitsu was good looking, that was at least Hachiman would admit. Perhaps even more handsome than Hayato, to some people.

Even so...

He doesn't even have one-hundredth of Hayato's personal charisma, which even Hachiman would grudgingly admit.

Motemitsu approached his group with a confident smile, Hachiman offered his hand, in anticipation of a formal friendly handshake. True, Hachiman doesn't have the best impression of him. However, having a handshake with your opponent is part of Tennis championship ethic. And Hachiman is a very ethical person!

But he ignored Hachiman, instead, he kneeled down and handed out a pair of red and white rose to Yui and Yukino respectively.

"My name is Motemitsu Taizou, Captain of Sainan High Tennis Club, may I you for your name, ladies?"

"AS EXPECTED OF MOTEMITSU SENPAI! HE FLIRTS WITH TWO GIRLS AT ONCE!"

Yukino and Yui both looked at him weirdly, Yukino with disgust and Yui with confusion. Hachiman scoffed, it went exactly as expected.

"Excuse me but I am not interested," Yukino said to him, and Yui simply gives him a fake, half-hearted smile as she followed Yukino.

"AS EXPECTED OF MOTEMITSU SENPAI! HE GOT REJECTED IN AN INSTANT!"

Motemitsu stood up and dramatically bit one of the rose, and then posed glamorously. "That's not going to stop me."

Someone who lacked a sense of shame, that was Motemitsu Taizou. Someone like this, Hachiman couldn't accept as someone who can go to tournament finals.

"Hmph, instead of honoring his opponent, he let himself get distracted with women. How undignified." Zaimokuza crossed his arms, annoyed.

Well, Zaimokuza is also shameless in another way but at least he isn't sexually harassing anyone with his antics. So Hachiman wouldn't be too hard on him.

"Vice Chairman, would you please crush him until he can't get up?" Yukino requested with perfect clarity.

"That has been my intention from the start, Chairman." Hachiman raised his face and his glasses gleamed under the morning sun and made Yui gulped in fear.

"Hikki you're scary."

By any account, what Motemitsu did was exceedingly rude. You are supposed to greet your opponent at least, as a courtesy. Tennis had long identified itself as polite and dignified sports that promote friendship between opponents.

Even Hachiman, who joined this tournament only because peer pressure, won't cross that line.

And yet, this asshole just went straight for Yukino and Yui while ignoring him. And Hachiman saw this during Motemitsu's recorded match. And more than that Hachiman knew that Motemitsu didn't do it out of malice, it's because he's just that ignorant.

So Hachiman removed his jacket, revealing that he's been wearing a new weighed vest over his tennis shirt.

He threw the vest aside with loud, echoing thud, which made the spectator quiet in shock and even the referee blinks.

"H-how many kilos is in that vest?!" Yui asked.

Motemitsu looks like he just made a mistake that he didn't realize and began raining sweat.

やはり, 俺の関係の値はリセットされました
As Expected, My Relationship Values had been Reset

Disclaimer:

Original Story by Watari Wataru

Chapter 17 - Fire and Fury

It was less than two hours later that Hachiman managed to win the semifinal. He wasn't entirely satisfied, with the result, because even the fool was still a seeded player.

Under the hot Morning sun, Hachiman scored an overwhelming victory in the third set, after he absolutely, positively destroyed Motemitsu's confidence. Fighting Motemitsu honestly felt like fighting a discount Yumiko, his gaudy defense was almost impenetrable and managed to win several games in Hachiman's serve in the second set, which was how Motemitsu won.

It annoyed him supremely. The one person he seriously wanted to defeat also one that gave him a hard time. Had Motemitsu was more serious and focused, there's non-zero chance Hachiman would have lost.

Even as the referee announced it, Motemitsu was kneeling on the ground with ragged breath, while Hachiman was leaning on his racquet.

"Game set match won by Hikigaya."

The final score was 6-3, 4-6, and 6-1.

Hachiman offered a handshake, even as his hand still shaking, Motemitsu reached for it..

"G-good fight."

Hachiman glared at him but didn't say anything. Zaimokuza approvedly pats his shoulder and sing praises, in his usual chuunibyou way. But Hachiman felt a tinge of warmness because he was praised for something he actually did, for once.

"It's okay, Senpai. You've reached this far, it's amazing!"

"That's true!"

Motemitsu's teammates, which Hachiman would rather call fanboys, were all tried to console him. It was almost sad, there was not a single girl in sight and all of them lap up to Motemitsu the loser.

It was sickening, to the point of outright could totally imagine his middle school self in that kind of position had he been far more social, and it's disgusting him so much he wanted to puke. As if the exhaustion is not bad enough.

Still, he managed to get the last word as they both leave the court.

"Maybe don't ignore your opponent's greeting next time." Hachiman said aloud, "Though maybe I guess that was expected from someone who tried to use tennis tournament result to hit on girls."

Hachiman just can see the moment Motemitsu's overtly confident face froze and began to crumble. Meanwhile, Motemitsu's teammates were consumed by flames of rage.

"What did you say, you asshole?!"

"Apologize to Motemitsu-senpai!"

Motemitsu straightened himself and tried to put a brave facade as he combed his hair back, "Even so, I came here with that in mind. Was it really wrong if I want to win both the championship and hearts of these maidens? I'm a man of conviction after all!"

Yui could just feel murderous intent that came from Yukino's ensuing glare, much to her horror.

"Really?" Hachiman snorted, "Let me tell you something: I didn't even come here to win, or to test my abilities, or because I wanted to. I came here because people around me told me to enter and try my best. If you lose against a doormat like me, what does that say about YOUR conviction?"

As much as they seethe, none of the boys were able to raise their voice, while Motemitsu was completely devastated, this time for real.

Hachiman wanted to call himself a loner who defies the society, society will always come to hound him back. Hiratsuka, Hachi, Yui, Yukino, Saika, and Zaimokuza... those are important people that occupy part of his mind. And in the end, he never said no to them.

Part of Hachiman despise himself for being that way, but part of him also consider it's something of a necessary evil. Because he will never be able to understand them without actually taking action to pursue that.

His failure with Tsurumi Rumi was one part of it, he never considers what Rumi would do, just what he thought Rumi should do. In the end, Rumi defied his solution and choose to preserve instead of to sever the toxic bond she had with her so-called friends.

Hachi and others never pressured Rumi to do that, instead, it was Rumi's own crushing fear of loneliness that made Rumi took another solution. The world's Rumi did sever her friendship out of her own volition because Hachiman wasn't there.

Positive and negative, Hachiman knew his existence in this world has a meaning, now that he meets Saika and Zaimokuza.

That's why he entered Silverwind. He wanted to see it, the other side of Saika that he didn't know. The strong and masculine Saika that keeps moving forward out of his comfortable, lovely and feminine zone. Totsuka Saika who got inspired by Hachi and Yumiko, Hachiman wanted to see it.

This is Hikigaya Hachiman's conviction.

"Hikki, that's just rude." Yui chastised him.

"Well, Vice Chairman is not wrong," Yukino said with eyes closed, completely satisfied.

"That may be the case but still..."

Honestly, the only reason Yui tried to defend him was merely out of social decency. So in the end, she gave up and left with extremely content Yukino and borderline smug Hachiman. Zaimokuza shook his head and then shortly followed them as well.

"HACHIMAAAN!"

Saika's voice had a higher pitch than usual as he ran toward them, waving his hand like a maniac. Behind him, there was Anya who was wearing conspicuously big mirrored shades and a cute straw hat. Though her disguise makes her presence hard to ignore, Hachiman probably won't recognize her like this if not for the fact that she's following Saika around like a hopeless puppy with a crush.

Man, those idols sure know how to blend in, he sure hoped she wasn't here.

"Oh, Saika, did you lose?" Hachiman taunted.

"Of course I won! I heard you won against Motemitsu-san! Everyone has been talking about it nonstop in the other court too." Saika said between his breath, "And to consider this is your debut tournament, that's amazing!"

"I don't want to hear that from someone who got his Grade 4 title on his first try," Hachiman told Saika, in reference to his previous tournament.

"And I will win this one too!" Saika boasted.

Whoa, calm down dude. Hachiman laughed in mirth. To be honest, he wasn't confident he will win against Saika either.

"Well done you two." Zaimokuza patted them both, "Whatever the outcome of the next match, it will be an absolutely legendary fight that will be carved on this court's history!"

"I sure hope so, Yoshiteru-san!" Saika grinned widely.

"Before thinking about the next match, we still have two and a half hours left for the lunch break, what should we eat?" Hachiman asked.

Just as Hachiman said that Hayato came and called. "Ah! There you are."

"Hayato-san!" Saika greeted him, "Did you watch Hikigaya-san's match?"

"Yeah, with Yumiko and others. I assume both of you won?" Hayato was absolutely sparkling, to the point that Hachiman actually had to cover his eyes from the blinding, irradiating passion Hayato shown.

"That's right, we're going to face each other in the final match." Saika confidently replied, as if he was itching for the fight already. And it's kinda unsettling to Hachiman to see him so eager, more than the fact that the current Saika is much more masculine and grown up compared to what he remembers.

"That's awesome. Do you mind me watching?" Hayato asked.

"Of course not, it'll be great if you do!" Saika lighten up, "But are you sure? Hikigaya-san should be in final too right?"

"Nah, it's fine." Hayato patted Saika's shoulder to encourage him, then looked at Hachiman and said. "Oh, by the way, everyone else decided to go to Saize. Do you want to join?"

"Clarify 'everyone'?" Hachiman requested.

Man, that was kind of nostalgic. Hachiman actually asked the other Hayato that back then, in much more unfriendly capacity.

"Everyone along with Orimoto and Nakamachi-san," Hayato told him.

"I see." Hachiman sighed, to be honest he didn't want to join them because he wanted to avoid meeting Orimoto this soon. He was mentally unprepared to do that, but still... he doesn't want to be a coward. The reason he enrolled in Soubu in the first place was that he was running away from his shameful past, one that he shared with Orimoto.

He doesn't want to run away again.

"I don't mind joining, but are you guys fine with Italian? If you want something else, we can go elsewhere." Hachiman offered.

"Is Italian food good for a tennis player?" Yui asked curiously.

"Tennis player lunch need a lot of simple carbohydrates, some protein and little to no fat." Yukino said, "That's what Miura-san said at least when we got lunch together the other day, remember?"

"Ah, yeah, I do remember Hacchan and Sai-chan eating noodles after a match, so I guess they're going to get some pasta for lunch?" Yui guessed.

"Plain Peperoncino, garlic toast, appetizer, and seaweed salad." Yukino said with a straight face, "They would avoid meat sauce and mayonnaise as part of their dish because those are heavily laden with fat."

"That sounds awfully bland, and this is from honorable me who loves going to Saize," Zaimokuza muttered as he prefers his Peperoncino more seasoned and rich in animal fat. But he understood that there are things that you must sacrifice when you become an athlete. Especially your diet.

Hachiman widened his eyes in shock, Yukino not only in speaking terms with Yumiko but cordial enough to share a lunchtime together? He guessed Yui and Hachi might be involved somehow but still. It was kind of amazing.

"You go often enough to memorize all the menus?" Hachiman scoffed, "And I thought I'm the Saize maniac."

"Not really, it was after lunch we have that I started to learn more on the menu." Yukino told him with a condescending smile, "Saizeriya-kun."

"I see. I hope I didn't bring you down the path of poor dieting habits." Hachiman sighed.

Yui did remember about it since she also had lunch with Hachiman the day after. It was also the day Yui forced Yukino to spend a night at her home because Yukino's apartment started leaking from the storm.

Still, Yui was right all along. Even back then during the festival when Yui meet Hachiman the second time, she already knows Hachiman will get along with Yukino easily. Heck, even Hachi confirmed it as much.

"It would be nice if WE can go together this time, Hikki." Yui twiddled her fingers as she looked at Hachiman hopefully, with a hint of jealously in her voice.

Hachiman did not miss that cue and felt somewhat bothered, even if he had absolutely no obligation to accept let alone reciprocate Yui's crush on him. Plus, he and Yui had lunch together at school! Just how greedy is Yui?!

Sometimes Hachiman wondered if Yui's attraction is not as onesided as he likes to think.

Maybe part of Hachiman also feel that he hoped for something more, he's just in denial about it. Then again, he did the same with the other Yui in his original universe. They even get into a stupid misunderstanding too, during the workplace tour.

To be honest, Hachiman's hearts and minds still in shambles even now that he managed to regain somewhat functional social life, one that imposed to him against his will but he learned to accept as a bitter pill if only so he won't fall apart and cease function. He felt guilty of using everyone around him as an emotional crutch, he knew it's a weakness he absolutely has to fight someday.

"Well, what if we try something else?" Hachiman proposed.

"What about Oootoya?" Yui asked, "Though I wonder if it has a suitable menu for a tennis player."

"Ootoya sounds good!" Saika agreed, "I want cold Soba! What about you Anya? Do you mind?"

"I don't mind!" Anya shook her head, well as longas Saika likes it, she would not mind!

"I have no measurable objection here." Zaimokuza huffed.

"Ootoya huh." Yukino rubbed her chin subtly, "To be honest I've never been to one."

"Really? Then let's go!" Yui raised her fist.

"Hnn." Hachiman agreed, then switch back to Hayato, "We're going to Ootoya, please tell Hachi and Miura that."

"Ahh, sure." Hayama looks a bit dejected, but otherwise nothing he can do. After all, everyone bunching up together would be a problem as well. Family restaurant wasn't designed with that big of a group. "I'll be sure to tell them."

As Hayato waved at the group, he slowly but surely disappeared into the crowd.

"Found you, honey."

Hachiman felt like he experienced a mind flash, ringing like a pearl falling into a vase, and in split second managed to take two steps back, avoiding needlessly intimate contact as done by certain idol that he knew.

The young woman with glasses accidentally hugged Yui in the process, much to Yui's embarrassment and shock. "I'm sorry, who are you?"

Yukino blinked in somewhat milder surprise, the woman reminds her a lot of Haruno, perhaps even older. However, the way her black hair was dyed with faint outlines of blue, it actually made her resemble the Hikigaya siblings instead.

"Eh? Sorry, I was just too excited." Kanade released her and pouted, "Hikigaya-kun, how mean. Even though you're the only one I would do this for."

"I am not very good with clingy people so please don't," Hachiman said with a scornful tone.

"How could you this to your girlfriend?"

Yui's jaw stretched wide in panic while Yukino's eyes bulged out, so Hachiman not only have a girlfriend but a much older one too?

"Vice Chairman sure is unexpectedly adventurous." Yukino eyed him full of amusement, "Having an older lover."

"Why are you taking her words at face value?" Hachiman didn't even bother to get angry, instead, he calmly explained. "We just worked together that one time, and besides we're the same age."

Yui let out an audible sigh of relief, she can't really bear the thought of having a serious rival let alone a rival that already won. The pink haired girl wasn't entirely certain how much Kanade actually attracted to Hachiman, but she definitely knows she is. After all, what kind of girl would try to hug another boy in public to tease him?

Well, there's Hacchan but they're siblings so it doesn't count!

"Well, it is true that I'm attracted to Hikigaya-kun. Though it is onesided at the moment." Kanade bowed, "My name is Hayami, nice to meet you."

"Do-domo!" Yui hesitantly replied, "I'm Yuigahama Yui, I'm Hikki's classmate."

"Hikki, huh?" Kanade rolled her eyes at Hachiman, clearly envious that someone already one step further than her by giving Hachiman pet names, and this too, Hachiman did not miss. Of course, Hachiman was far more bothered by Kanade's advances than he is by Yui's.

Is this how Hayama feels all the time? Romcom Gods sure have a shit sense of humor. At least, from Hachiman's perspective.

"My name is Yukinoshita Yukino, I'm Student Council President of Soubu High and currently working together with Vice Chairman in the Culture Festival committee."

"My name is Zaimokuza Yoshiteru, Hachiman's one, and only soulmate." Zaimokuza declared, "Oh and an aspiring Novelist I guess."

"I suppose you met Saika before, he's Anya's cousin, speaking of which." Hachiman glanced at Anya, who then introduced herself.

"My name is Anya, I'm Saika-nii's cousin." Anya bowed and smiled.

"Domo." Yui and Yukino bowed politely.

"Crap-crap-crap-crap I'm late." They saw Jun running toward them while wearing a business suit, much to Yukino and Hachiman's bafflement. "Oh looks like I was late, the match already ended huh?"

"Vice President, why are you wearing that?" Yui asked.

"Oh no, I just returned from a family meeting." the spiky red-haired boy said nonchalantly as he removed his sunglasses, "So, did you win?"

* Family Restaurant

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