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#Alternate_Universe_Fiction

#Out_Of_Character

LIFE, Adulthood, and the University

College life, the genuine, first hurdle towards adulthood and growing up. And to the loner's surprise, Hachiman found himself enjoying life at the university. Experiencing new stuff and learning invaluable knowledge was a treat. It was peaceful. Then, everything changed when the Monster of Logic got tangled up with some colourful characters. A fiery queen that glares a lot, an obnoxious (self-proclaimed) big sister and a ditzy yet well-meaning senior… yeah, what could go wrong?

The One with the Confessions

High school graduation, it's normally seen as the great stepping stone for teenagers to finally taste adulthood. Where almost everyone is bumbling in excitement and anticipation for their futures. It's the middle point where young people are old enough to choose their decisions and action. At the same time expressing youthful optimism in their abilities and the world. Family (well, caring ones to be exact), and friends are here to celebrate this special occasion with smiles and even genuine enthusiasm.

Graduation at Sobu High is no different from that description. The sight of parents giving their children proud smirks and tight hugs. With the richer ones were all too proud to brag about giving their offspring a new car, designer bags, or a paid vacation.

I observed there were a lot of crying and loud declarations of pride from the ecstatic relatives of the graduates. Loud enough for my sensitive ears to twitch in discomfort.

My stealth eyes also gave me a lot of numerous cliques huddled together in a big hug. Spouting all sorts of sentimental promises of staying together and "we're all in this together" lines. Normally, I would be appalled at such plastic situations but not today. Even I, the resident cynic of this relatively fine school, could give leeway for events such as this. Let the fools have their fun I say. Honestly, I'll find it funny just imagining how college will crush those cliques slowly but surely.

I found myself smirking as I continued to sight-see my surroundings. The guest speakers said their mass-manufactured speeches about achieving our dreams and other stuff I pretty much dozed off. The main ceremony had already ended and the faculty had already given me the diploma certificate, now handled in my left arm. I'm a humble person, boasting achievements do not suit me but…

I grinned as the not so distant memory began to playback in my mind. The sound of my principal telling everyone that I was the highest at Language (English and Japanese) for my batch. Seeing all my hard work getting some kind of recognition bumps my self-esteem up a bit. Also, seeing the shocked look of disbelief from Yukinoshita was just the icing on the cake.

I remained on my designated chair, content in my own serenity before I felt the wind knocked out of me. A heavy force collided with my abdomen, momentarily making me gasp in pain. Suddenly two small but strong arms continue to trap me a bear-like hug. "Oh, big brother! Komachi is so proud of you! I always believed in my big brother to be so smart despite his other pitiable attributes. Please don't forget Komachi if you go on to be a rich businessman when you're older! Oooh, that must have earned Komachi a lot of points."

Two adorable eyes gazed at me in jolly demure. I should be in cloud nine seeing my little sister showering we me with affection. However, I cannot breathe and I swear I hear my fragile bones cracking from the pressure of my smaller (yet embarrassingly physical superior) sibling. "Komachi… need… oxygen." I managed to gasp. My head frantically turned to two figures approaching us.

"Now, Komachi let go of your brother. I don't want your brother dying on his special day."

"Mom! Dad! Help me here!" I spluttered, waving my arms in a sign for help. Both of my beloved parents chuckled at my predicament, "Just a moment Hachiman, your father will help you in a sec." my mother said. Wearing only in her work clothes that fitted her nicely. Dad was also dressed quite neatly, his tuxedo covering his tall build.

"Now Komachi, let go now." my dad cooed gently. Trying his best to free me from my sister's clutches.

After a few moments, Komachi finally relented before giving one last squeeze on my poor ribs. Yeah, I'm going to feel that tomorrow…

My mother immediately enveloped me in another hug, albeit this time more subdued than my rambunctious little sis'. I then sense a light pat on my shoulder, I looked beside me to glimpse at my father… crying with a large grin while holding up a shaking thumbs-up. I blinked awkwardly at the sight.

Hey old man, shouldn't be mom be the more emotional one here? Also, crying doesn't suit with that dead eyes of yours' (Source: Me).

"Hey dear, stop crying already. You're going to be like that for the rest of the day if you don't stop with the waterworks."

My father simply huffed at his wife, "You can't blame me, honey. Our little boy is becoming a man here! And what a smart man is he? Just like his old man!" he bawled. He held up a red card over his head. Making me realize that my diploma certificate was not with me anymore. Humph, Komachi is getting sneakier by the day! I am now worried if leaving the Service Club to my sibling was the right decision.

"Come on, brother! I want to take a groupie to remember this once in a lifetime moment!"

Our family "sentimental happy times with the camera" continued for another ten minutes. My hardworking wellsprings had indulged themselves in taking pictures to commemorate this moment. "So where do you want to eat Hachi?" the oldest female of my family called out my sacred nickname and asked. I smiled again, the thought of free food is making me giddy up inside.

"Well, I-"

"And Saize is not allowed, big brother! Komachi wants to go somewhere special today! Come on please, do it for Komachi! That'll earn you a lot of points!"

I frowned at her heartless rebuttal before I was given the chance to speak! Oh, my dear precious sister, how you hurt me so for saying Saize is not special enough for you. I mean, come on. Give that diner a chance!

As we bickered, my mom took Komachi's hand and told us that they were going on ahead for the restaurant. My dad nodded as they left, we waved back at them.

"I'll let you and your father have your man-to-man talk. We'll just be going to do a few errands before Hachiman's graduate dinner! We'll call you if we're done!"

That was sudden and weird, I mean I did just graduated, right? I am presuming that they were just simply going to shopping to celebrate my success. At least those two women had the decency for not making us come with them. I see my sentiment is shared as I detected a sigh from my dad, obviously relieved. The old man abruptly gazed at my diploma certificate again. "Boy, Hachiman. I can't wait for your diploma to be framed to our wall alongside mine and your mother's. I am so proud of you." he expressed with a hint of childish glee.

I don't see my dad or mom most of the time, due to the fact they were corporate slaves. I don't blame them since I am statistically likely to follow the same path when I get older. And they favour Komachi for the reason she keeps the family from being indifferent from each other. But I am not some edgy teenager that so close-minded. I am smart enough to see that my parent love just as much. And I know they brag about my academic achievements when given the chance. Additionally, seeing my father being so jolly at my graduation gives me pride and validation that my sorry ass definitely needs.

"Thanks, pop. Hope I did you, mom, and Komachi proud."

"You did, Hachiman. And just like your old man, you got yourself a full scholarship at Chiba U. Damn, am I blessed." my dad chuckled as he ruffled my hair.

"So can I get a bump up in my allowance then?" I asked shamelessly. Hey, if my parents were in a so good of a mood, I should grab the opportunity, right?

"We'll see about that, kid." he humored, "Although I must ask. You still want to be a literature teacher right?" he questioned in a cryptic tone. The abrupt seriousness in his tone caught me off guard a bit.

"That's the initial plan, yes. But I'm still open to other courses." I answered vaguely, the future is a chaotic variable. My future prospects are still basically an enigma to me. My current plans do not give me enough confidence to safely say what I want to do when I finish college. But I do know one thing. My former dream of being a househusband went down the toilet for the moment I realized that I might not even have someone to marry me. That was already pipe dream the second I imagined it. Pity. I'm still hoping for it though. Even with my increased diligence, I remain steadfastly loyal to the concept that "To work is to lose".

"You'll cross that bridge when you get there, son. I believe in you to make the right decision. Your mother and I are relying on you to not screw too much."

Me too, old man. Me too. I am relying on myself and Japan's economy to not screw me over.

"I also took the initiative in picking an apartment for you. It's a steal since it's fully furnished and near the campus. The rent is cheap as hell. You can thank me later." my dad boasted as we maneuvered across the jam-packed ceremony hall. We're en route for dad's car to wait out for mom and Komachi to finish with their errands. I was surprised at what he said though, an apartment near Chiba U? I appreciate the gesture but the university is just a few kilometres farther than Sobu High.

"Uhm, thank you pop. But I don't think it's necessary. I could ride there on my bike." I explained.

"Don't be like that, Hachiman. You're just saying that you don't want to pay rent and you'll be missing Komachi. At least you'll be thinking about it, right? Right?" my father persuaded, a little too eager for my taste.

I rose a scrutinizing eyebrow. "Dad. Tell me you didn't pay advance for that apartment?"

My dad shrugged, "No comment. But you'll still think about it right?"

Rolling my eyes for my bumbling father, "I'll think about it. No promises though."

"But, son-" my dad tries to justify his premature financial decision, he stopped. His dead-fish eyes looking at something or someone behind me. In curiosity, I turned around to see two people I've grown attached in the past couple of years.

"Yahallo, Hikki. Uhm good afternoon, Sir Hikigaya." the pink-haired nice girl meekly introduced. A far cry from her usual peppy demeanor. Yukinoshita was more professional in greeting my father, she bowed slightly. Asking permission if it was alright borrowing me for a minute. Hey, how can she be polite for my dad and be a heartless insult machine towards me? I can't stand this blatant discrimination!

My pops agreed with her request, "Sounds important. Hachiman, I'll leave you with your friends. I'll be waiting in the car. Don't chat for too long, son. Your mother will hack off my ear if we're late."

"Don't worry, pop. I'll make this short." I replied as my dad continued his trek towards the car. I then focused my attention on the two women seeking me.

I signaled my co-members to follow me to the roof so we could some much-needed privacy. Well if I'm going to be blunt, I just wanted to take in what would have been my last chance to lounge the school's roof. Ah, I'm getting nostalgic now. All sorts of memories happened here… not all were good but still memories and experience. The skies were turning into a shade of orange hues, the sun now in the position of setting. I've been in Sobu for three years, my first year was alright, I have a rotten personality to thank for that. The third year wasn't all bad if I was to compare it to my second year. A lot of misadventures were had that year, and it all started in an insignificant essay.

An essay that some fruitcake of a homeroom teacher blew out of proportion.

I grinned, looking at the stupidity and drama that I caused. All for the sake of "helping people". What a comedy. Oh, that reminds, I should pay that shonen-loving instructor of mine a visit… and thank her for everything. If I hold my snark a little, I may have a chance of receiving a hug and not a punch in the gut.

"Hikki." I stopped reminiscing when I heard my pink clubmate calling me timidly.

I raised my arm seeing that I spaced out again, "Yo." I lazily greeted. Earning me a quick giggle from Yukinoshita, crossing her arms and showcasing her haughty grin. "Such a despicable person continues to disappoint me. I thought graduation would be the day you finally be rid of that lazy ethic of yours'. But I see my own fault in expecting that the Hikigerma would ever change."

I formed an annoyed frown at her insult. I knew this day was too good to last, not even graduation can save me from the ire of the ice queen. Oh, joy.

Planning my retort, I am ready to start another verbal wrestling match, "Well, someone's in a cranky mood. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I beat you for once! And what a victory that was!" I said with as much snark I could muster. And by golly, I could've sworn I saw tick marks forming at Yukinoshita's face. The ever nice Yuigahama trying to appease her.

"That's mean Hikki!" Yuigahama fired back at her best friend's defense.

Such bias and inequality, Yuigahama. I expected more from you! Have our relationship remained stagnant in the past two years?! I demand an explanation!

"Sure, whatever."

"That would be enough of that Hikigaya. I'm afraid we don't have time for our usual banter. Because… we have something important to tell you."

The busty friend of mine pouted but lingered in a silent state. My other friend (unfortunately not as "gifted") finally regained her bearings. Forming a poker face before breathing a sigh. I detected nervousness from her out of character actions. The two female acquaintances are acting strange if what I'm seeing is fact. Yuigahama is quieter and Yukinoshita is less confident than usual. Weird.

"You're still going to Chiba U, right Hikki?"

I nodded my head in confirmation, but I feel the air around us became heavier. I found myself curious about why these two are acting like this. And I could've sworn that we had already discussed where we're going to college and they even planned to form meet-ups if all of us had the time in case that we'll grow apart (which I sadly concur as a likely scenario). Furthermore, I vividly recall that Yukinoshita and Yuigahama would go to Tokyo for their education. Tokyo and Hosei Universities respectively.

We even celebrated for Yuigahama passing the entrance exam for Hosei just before the finals.

My thoughts were derailed as Yuigahama poked me in the cheek to remind me that they were still there.

"We might not see each other for a long time and-" Yukinoshita starts slowly as if subconsciously criticizing her own words.

Why do I feel awkward all of a sudden?

"Hikki, we know that you know our… feelings towards you."

Yukinoshita quickly added, "Feelings which haven't been entirely platonic."

Oh dear, oh no. Oh gods of romantic comedy, after giving me a year of peace this is how you end my high school life? No, no, no, no, oh god no, no, no, no, this cannot be happening, no, no, no. I am not ready for this. I am not ready for this! Curse my own complacency! No, no, no, no, no.

"Hikki… before we end part ways… at least… we want to know."

Wait, Hachiman, I can still deny this with my good ole self-deprecation!

"Okay, I am really confused on what are you two babbling about. I still see we're having a little miscommunication-"

Never would I ever be interrupted with such intensity and… the raw emotion in my entire existence. I blame myself for letting this happen. I've become so complacent in my third year, I failed to see the tension between the three of us. Feigning obliviousness has given me my comeuppance. And we were on a roof damn it! How cliche can you get?!

"I love you, Hikki!"

"I love you, Hikigaya!"

Shit.

…

I caught my dad fiddling with his smartphone while waiting for me in the car. I slowly tapped on the car window to let me in. Pops noticed me after a few taps and opened the door. I then sat my self at the seat next to him. My back taking in the soft cushions, I feel my very soul had left my body after that… ordeal.

"Ah, son! I was about to call you to hurry up but it seems you were already done. Your mother just told me that we'll meet them at some fancy restaurant for your graduation dinner. Also, those two girls seem serious earlier. I'm betting that they just confessed their undying love for you, eh?" he mocked, elbowing my ribs humorously.

Oh, dad, you had hit the mark alright. I cursed silently. He just had to make a joke about that. I decided to ignore it, for the time being, I need… I need to…

I inhaled and exhaled for a few times, I need to regain my composure. My lack of response made my dad a little worried, "Hey, son are you fine? Did you get a little spat with those girls?"

Adjusting my headrest, I began to caress my forehead in the midst of a migraine. Why did it have to be so complicated all of a sudden? No turning back now, Hachiman. I feel bile rising through my throat as I am not proud of things I will do in the near future. Oh yes indeed, I'm taking the cowards way out.

"I'm fine dad… I just want to say that… I'm taking that apartment. How soon can I move there?"

To be Continued…

Preview Title: The One with the Two Big Sisters

Synopsis: The first day of college is mostly a mundane affair that Hachiman wants to get over with. But having his luck, he is bound to have a day that is anything but ordinary.

Author Notes:

Also, please offer me constructive criticism. Even if this my first SNAFU work, I want my reviewers to be honest and merciless. Hope you enjoyed the prequel to my new story!

Reminder: This is a draft.

Have a Nice Day!