Warning: Might contain slight OOC (Out-Of-Character) involved in this story, especially with Hikigaya's point of view.

Chapter 1: And so, Hikigaya Hachiman notices a change.

They say love changes a person. From my own regulations and observations, I concluded that romance and everything related to the inadequate practice were just as useful as looking at paint dry. Even more so, I consider my lack of social interactions to be a positive, where I rather converse topics that require a fully functional human brain to process. I especially dislike gossips or discussions on whoever has the biggest pair of jugs…. n-not that I've heard of it.

However, some may find this trait attractive. This isn't a proclamation for someone to hit on me, if that possibility ever happened. Even if it did happen, the chances for me and said person to be in a relationship would be nil. They might find my appeal to most romantic situations far distasteful compared to others. Hell, even Zaimokuza would be a better candidate than I am. I know I had little, rather no experience at all when it came to relationships. The closest I had to one was sending a mountain of texts to an individual where no response was had. But even more so, I know far better that it didn't involve skimming through hours and hours of romantic comedies just to have a hint of common sense (I'm looking at you, Komachi).

They say love sucks the whole essence of one's mentality like a leech sucks its host's blood. It drains the energy of both parties as they attempt their best to satisfy their partners or prove their worth in any way possible, usually the latter being the motive for those who seek to garner their social status to the top of the food chain. It was a basic game of prey and predator; where in this case the most selfish comes out on top while their partner would be drowned in sorrow as they would always feel insignificant if they can't provide. Ultimately, when I came to that conclusion, I was confused to where Yukino and I stand.

More Importantly, I didn't know how did I ended up in a relationship myself.

As I sat on the vacant seat pasted with a non-existent sign that says 'Hikigaya' on the back, I bask upon the light novel Komachi had gifted to me on my birthday no farther than a week ago. Rather surprising too, I almost didn't believe her when she said it was picked at random. I was content with having the rest of the session at the club room to be as it always was; peaceful, quiet. For someone who yearns time for myself, I did admit, I felt giddy on my step on the way to the clubroom with hopes I didn't attract attention. Being the first there proved even more satisfying when I grabbed the novel out of the bag. Where this profound energy came from, I'll never know. But it only motivated me to finish the book with ease.

Unfortunately, I realised that was impossible the moment both girls walked in the room.

I had indulged too deep into the book to be distracted by this point, and so I held it close to my face, hoping it would prove my disinterest in their conversation. Their conversation was already tolerable to begin with, despite Yuigahama's occasional 'Ha…' spoken out loud. What really bugged me was their insistence (Yukino was the one in this case) to involve me with their chit chat. Yuigahama was already understanding as she faced back to my girlfriend. Yukino in the other hand was only growing more and more determined as she noticed my lacking presence. Her eyes flickered. Yes, the same flickering of profound cynicism. In most cases, I could only groan slightly as to what she'll do or say next.

"Hachiman, what does your lack of self-esteem convey about your appearance?" even without turning my head, I could picture her mischievous grin.

"The same as what my rotten eyes gaze at; unmatched beauty" I grumbled, locking my eyes to the book to appear busy. "Also, didn't you ask the same question a day ago?"

She shrugged her shoulders, intently ignoring my question. Whatever, she seemed content with it as she faced back to Yuigahama. Their menial chatter continued as I studied the literature. Yukino was the loudest here. To be precise, she was the only one who had more words to convey. It was especially weird when you knew Yuigahama's personality as the walking chatterbox. I heard someone call out to me no longer than a minute later. I peered over the novel to find the girls having pass on the cookies to me, whilst their backs turned save for Yuigahama. They were intent on their conversation together, despite the atmosphere feeling somewhat…. strange. It had been from the start, I just hadn't cared enough to investigate.

I grabbed the MAXX Coffee that I brought to the room. I took my time, studying every word and phrase that held content. It was the most I could do to avert my attention elsewhere. I clutched the novel tighter, annoyed that the air felt intrusive, like an irritating sister pestering me to fix some problem I didn't know about. Before I knew it, I had been exchanging glances back and forth the same page to both girls. The air around me then felt noticeably strange as my attention gave in to it.

Admitting to my defeat with a sigh, I glanced over to the girls; the only source of audible sound present. I noticed Yukino's calm but talkative character which was uncanny. I eavesdropped, they were advice regarding Yuigahama's leadership attributes. I studied Yuigahama, and her fading curiosity.

Ah, Yuigahama. I may have found the problem.

"Hikki, is something wrong?" She may have caught me staring.

"Nothing, just wondering if you're taking Yukino's biased advice well" That statement might be debatable, but I was intent on covering up the embarrassment from getting caught.

Yukino held her head straight up, a calm but thinly masked mischievous demeanour was only the beginning to our banter. "Of course they're biased to someone who is a masochist. I was giving advice so she would not refer to you for help"

"Ah, so you're passing on my teachings? Very good of you, my student"

Rolling your eyes wouldn't do justice, Yukino. "Then, would you do the honours?" She pulled her chair sideways to give way for me and Yuigahama to face one another.

I gave a blank stare to nowhere as I put my thinking cap on. From the corner of my eye, I noticed they were bracing for whatever I had to say, particularly Yuigahama, who seemed on alert from her shoulders tensing up. Was I really that bad at giving advice? Regardless, I had already placed my book down. I could already guess that this might take a while for me to explain, especially with her lack of vocabulary being an inconvenience.

After a short brainstorm, I asked a simple question, "Have you been a leader of any club before this?"

She took her time to figure out if that was true, scratching, rubbing and lightly tapping her forehead. No doubt she was having difficulty recalling some memory. No, it could just be she never had been a group leader. Being a part of a position that high for any club, even when it's short-lived, isn't a small matter. Some might consider it an achievement too, which is why memories like them last longer.

She responded with a solemn shrug, "I don't think so… I doubt they'd let me, but I have been known to give advices". Well, it does sound like the Yuigahama everyone was accustomed to.

"Then, have these people heeded your advice, or at least contemplated on using it?"

Again, another shrug of her shoulders, "N-Not really…. At least, I don't think so. Maybe I did… but then again…"

I've straighten my seat, sitting with body and eyes direct to Yuigahama. I did so to convey a message properly, now that I'm confident I have the answer. "You lack confidence" I stated.

She perked up almost instantly, "Huh?"

"You don't have confidence, it's as simple as that"

She paused for a moment, "I-I see… but how so?"

"Well, for starters you don't exactly decide properly; you jump from one conclusion to another"

She tried to process my words carefully, piecing the puzzle together. "I… give bad answers? Is that what you're saying?"

"No, it's not so much bad answers" I tried to breathe in deeply without making it look like I was annoyed. "You don't know when to stick to an answer. You always try to argue with yourself which one is the better candidate. Of course, that's not exactly a bad thing either. But simply put, you aren't confident with what you decide"

Yuigahama gave a firm nod. Well, it could just because Yukino did the same but I'll just assume she understood. "When you're a leader, you have to be confident that your choice would suffice, regardless whether someone else might agree or not"

"So… you mean I have to be confident with what I do?" Finally some progress. Well, even if it wasn't a hundred percent accurate.

"More or less. Confidence aspires others to do the same. I'm sure you want others to look up to you, Yuigahama, considering you're popular to begin with" I tried flattering her. Usually a person would accept advice more if there's complements involved, so Yuigahama should be no exception especially with her personality.

She retracted slightly from that statement, catching on what I'm trying to get her to understand, "N-Not really. I mean, it is nice to be taken as a role model, but what if I mess up? I wouldn't want to have others carry my burden" Of course, it doesn't work all the time.

I gave a sigh. I didn't mean to though, but this was more exhausting than expected. "You're not exactly bad inspiration, and I don't think anyone would be dense enough to tell a bad influence from a good one"

"I see..." She seemed slightly deflated. "So I just need to be a bit more confident then?"

I nodded, "Well, it's more to it than that but I suppose that suffices". I wonder how different things would've turned out if she was the student council president.

"Looks like I'll have to work on that problem" she smiled, having grown content with the resolve. "I do have some other questions but for now, interrogation time~!" despite her excessive optimism being something of an annoyance, her sudden change in attitude was a welcome. Whatever bad air occupying this room left as soon as she proclaim—Wait, interrogation time? "Yukino, Hikigaya, Valentine's Day is just around the corner! This could be a great time for a date, especially since both of you hadn't done anything romantic for the past few weeks"

"Ah" was all both me and Yukino muttered. Valentine's Day wasn't exactly detested by us, yet it wasn't a holiday that we considered too important to celebrate. We'd come to terms that neither of us would be interested to celebrate said occasion. Yukino was even more determined not to fall fo-

"I guess you do have a point. Hachiman, we hadn't done anything of a celebration lately haven't we?" she said. Hello? You were the first who considered Valentine's Day to be a private occasion. "I wonder, you did present me a toy panda as a congratulatory gift last time, what will you offer this time?" As she mentioned panda, her cheeks started to redden.

Also, why am I suddenly blushing at all this? Is it the sudden attention being brought to me? The recall of that embarrassing gift exchange? I never asked for another tiger toy after Yuigahama gave me one already. Thinking about it, I could feel my cheeks intensifying their already shade of red.

I gave a cough to clear my throat, "Weren't we having a conversation about how Valentine's Day was just another money-scamming scheme, to lure love-struck teenagers into forking out their parent's cash for a temporary occasion?"

"We did, but I've changed my mind after Yuigahama mentioned that it's mandatory for couples to do so" she said matter-of-fact. How did she get encouraged so easily?

"You're going to follow the advice of someone who isn't even in a relationship to begin w-"

It was probably too late to take back my response. The fidget Yuigahama gave was already evident. Realizing my mistake, I gave an apologetic look to her. "Sorry, I wasn't being sensitive…"

And just like an involuntary response, she held her hands up with a slight wave to them, "I-It's alright, it's alright. You and Yukinon were getting carried away with the conversation. But I'm getting my answers anyway". Weird, but I decided not to press on. Although, I decided to keep an eye on her from time to time, hoping she was true to her word.

"I never knew you grew prideful being with me" she said the last word with a little pride herself.

"Right back at you. It was all the more noticeable when Isshiki complemented me"

"T-That was because her complement was more of a flirt. Objectively, she was trying to hog you for herself"

Yuigahama's smile finally faltered.

"Yukino, if being called a hard-worker was a flirt, I might've believed every teacher was trying to hit on me"

"Isshiki was even asking if she could have alone time with you. No doubt she was flirting. She was even daring enough to request in front of me too"

As the conversation started to flow, I noticed Yuigahama growing... disinterested. Her gaze lowered to where her bag laid.

"Huh, so you were jealous"

Yukino blushed slightly "I-I wasn't saying I wasn't being jealous. Or possessive, or doing what every girlfriend should do to an unfaithful guy like you"

The way her eyes downcast were certainly abnormal. It wasn't disinterest she conveyed. Correct me if I'm wrong, but she may have been... sad.

She had been like this from the start. I just couldn't piece why exactly, given the lack of evidence. However, I just assumed it could've been exhaustion. The teacher did call her to answer questions in class more than once. Not to mention the homework she has to do later on.

The sliding door opened, making way for a lost fox. As she did, our conversation came to a halt, as did Yuigahama's shift in mood. Unsurprisingly, Isshiki must not have anything to do this evening, because she's been like this for the past few days.

"Hello, Isshiki. Nothing to do?" also unsurprising was Yukino being the first to greet. This recent routine could've been mistaken for déjà vu. Isshiki noticed me peering, giving a subtle wink to my direction when no one was looking. I could only roll my eyes…. maybe with a slight blush. Damn, that fox just doesn't quit. She took her place, before producing her own stories for them to follow. This was an opportunity for me to continue my book. I stole a glance to Yuigahama, finding her joining in their conversation shortly.

While the situation changed, the peculiar atmosphere stayed the same.

By the time we've reached outside, the clouds were already painted a shade of red. The number of students outside had dropped dramatically and we saw the guard about to close the entrance gate. If it weren't for me calling out, I'm pretty sure I would've needed to spend a whole night at class. I didn't want to think about spending here anymore than I already had all day.

I trudged away from the building, with my bike next to me. I would've cycled the way home, but considering the traffic would be suffocated with cars, I'd rather not. As I mentioned, being late wasn't uncommon, being late with someone else was. She gripped the shoulder straps as she jumped over a puddle, nearly falling in the process. Seriously, the hole wasn't even big to begin with. Her smile was part of her trademark. It was present, and almost every time I would notice it. It felt like forever since she's done that trademark smile today, almost to the point of…. Well, me missing it. Still, after the uncanny air in the clubroom, that smile was longed-for.

A lot happened in the clubroom, but I'll cut to the chase; Yukino had to go home early, Iroha stayed behind with Yuigahama momentarily. I did too, but it was probably an excuse to avoid doing the extra chores back home. Sad excuse for a house husband, I know, but I'd considered it justifiable since I've done the dishes like the good boy I am. By now we (well, they) decided to call it a day. The hour was growing late and we all have our curfews to abide.

"Hikky, have you finished the work due tomorrow?" Oh right, I suppose you could put her as another reason I can't cycle back home.

"Yeah"

"But it's not exactly easy, how did you manage to do it anyway? We've only had a few days to complete it"

"You're talking to someone who has far too much free time in his hands" Well, that and I have a genius for a girlfriend. I then took a short detour to the right.

She followed suit, giving a soft giggle, "I'm sure that free time would be spent on your new relationship then"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," She stated straight, the smile still plastered on her face. "It's just... I'm really happy seeing both of you happy."

"Ah, so am I then," Seeing me happy makes me happy, so it's a plus, I suppose. Seeing as this made me active somehow makes my mouth run faster than my thoughts. "But… I'm still new to all of this. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing or not."

Her smile, or should I say smirk, widened at the thought of relationships. It's like she has this weird obsession to them. "Well, since I've told Yukinon, I might as well tell you too! You have to get her a gift too, it's only fair if both parties did the same thing"

I acknowledged that piece of advice. "Oh, that should be easy then. Looks like I'll give her t—"

"Eh, you can't gift her Pan the Panda. She already has the full collection" Dammit, why did she have to mention that. I've already brought one. I groaned in slight frustration. My only option was shot down, as well as the pocket money I used up for that stupid panda. Yuigahama found that amusing apparently; she was giggling.

Oh right, I've forgot to mention her mood improved drastically. Who knew talking about other people's personal lives would be interesting to her, especially when it touches the subject of relationships. The mention of couples had her all giddy in no time. Well, whether I care about what she talks about or not, as long as I didn't have to worry all the time, I can't complain. That and… I guess you could say I do worry for her.

I tried to think of another solution. Girls are really hard to please in these cases. No, I suppose that reasoning was irrational. Let me rephrase, people are really hard to please. As nothing came to mind, I turned to Yuigahama who would probably know a thing or two. "Hey, Yuigahama. Do you think you could… accompany me to the mall tomorrow?" my tongue tangled at the last bit. Girlfriend, friend girl, asking any female that wasn't part of my bloodline out wasn't exactly my specialty.

"E-Eh?" She jumped at the request. Come on, it's not that surprising to be asked out right?

"I need to find a gift, and bringing Komachi along would just eat up my month's allowance. Besides, you know Yukino a lot more than I do"

She remained silent at the reasoning. Her eyes were downcast, the single strain of hair that was tangling in front of her was fondled. After some consideration, she spoke out, "I'd like to, but I can't"

That took me by surprise, "Huh? Why not?"

"Hikky, you can't just ask a girl out like that. It'll make it look like a date"

"So I take a guy and a girl walking home together doesn't make it look like a date?" I might have already cornered her, figuratively speaking. Come on, it sounded like a ridiculous excuse to begin with. Despite being a rarity amongst other people, especially schoolmates, the possibility of befriending someone opposite of your gender was there. The universe didn't create females just so they could fulfil men's sexual or romantic crave and if anyone could prove me wrong on that statement is welcome to try. Besides, a proof of that is what these months stuck in the club have proven. An exception to that rule might be between me and Yukino, but that's beside the point.

Yuigahama fidgeted with every word taken to account. I noticed her blush lightly but with a look that was in uncertainty, looking sideways with her hand tightening their grip on the shoulder-straps. She pouted, before retorting with a light punch to my shoulder, "Geez, you don't have to be right all the time! And no it's not a date" She muttered something else after so, but I wasn't about to try and generate more drama, so I relayed back to the original problem.

"I'm only asking you out for a favour. I don't think anyone is going to judge on that" I huffed, why was she being considerate now? I don't want to sound desperate but I do need some female advice about another female, "Besides, this isn't the first we've done this before."

"It doesn't work that way" she laughed dryly, "When you're in a relationship, you can't just go out with another girl on a whim. It makes you look bad"

Okay, I suppose this is the moment to be desperate. "Even when it's with friends?"

Again, another pause from her, "…yes, even if I'm your friend"

"What kind of secret rule is that? I don't see any girl reciting that quote as far as I'm concerned" No, it's because I haven't even been friends with any girl until now but I digress.

"But it's common sense!"

I could only look at her in irritation. The Yuigahama I knew would've been up on her heels just to make a friend happy. At least, that's the image she was painted with from the start; a nice person. It may be bad taking advantage of her kindness, even if she wouldn't mind in any way, but I do admit my own disability when it came to pleasing others, hence why I needed her help. Years of being an experienced loner had taught me that much. It's just… why would she be selfish now?

It was already now I realized the lack of movement, just facing one another with annoyed looks. We hadn't moved an inch since I've asked her the favour. I gave a sigh, facing sideways in a sort of guilty look, "Sorry, I kind of pushed you there"

"It's fine, it's my fault anyways" she responded with the same tone of guilt I conveyed.

"Homework sucks, eh?"

"Huh?"

"I remembered the teacher pinning you with loads of them, just because you couldn't answer a simple question. I swear, the system is going to be the downfall of us all."

"….yeah, you got me there" she gave another dry laugh. "I'm just tired is all, sorry I gave you a hard time there"

Looking at her now, I felt more embarrassed at my desperate attempts to pull her in to my own personal affairs. Still, it if involves a friend, shouldn't she….

I gave my hair a scratch, "It doesn't matter, but I'd suggest you lay off the phone for tonight, if what Yukino says about your night habits being true"

Silence passed by, but soon after a small giggle was heard from her side. I glanced my head sideways to find her small smile aimed towards me, "Yeah, now I feel guilty"

You know, if there was always one thing I'd applaud to Yuigahama (aside from her incredible determination to be a nosy parker) was her positivity. Call me old fashioned, but she does have a smile, what the others call it, brighter than the sun. It must've been her Yuigahama energy her mother passed on the last time we visited her (now that I've mentioned it, she may have also passed down the sense to pry into other people's affairs). I could only hope she doesn't notice me smiling for long.

I merely shrugged, looking forward the whole time. I guess I too felt exhausted to think this too deeply, despite not doing anything much. A sudden jolt of energy was present in the air, mostly because I felt her usual ecstatic voice piercing through, "So Hikki, I've heard you and Yukinon having plans to go to the mall the day after tomorrow?"

No wonder I felt something was missing. Having been reminded of that, I gave a mental thank you to Yuigahama. "Oh? Oh right, I nearly forgotten about that meet up"

She briefly pouted in a cute manner. Briefly. "Aww, come on Hikky, you're supposed to be a more responsible boyfriend"

"Humans tend to forget memories, regardless whether they're important or not. Why would you care about it anyway?"

"Of course I have to care; she's my best friend and so are you!" She gave a much needed hit to my shoulder, playful at that.

"Ah, you have a point then" Wait, Yuigahama having a point? Is this the part where I wake up from a dream? I didn't get to see any cool maidens in their clad battle armour. This isn't fair, Zaimokuza. "You know, I'd have a better chance of finding a UFO landing than you having a point for once" I say with a slight tease in my voice. The effects were already obvious, noticeably when she kept hitting my shoulder repeatedly.

"That's mean Hikky!" Okay, stop with the jabs. The pain tolerance is reaching its limit. However, despite all that I couldn't help but grin back at her like this. After her futile effort to inflict some sort of reaction, she gave up half-way with a hearty giggle and a fatigued smile as she looked back to me. I guess I couldn't help but admire her. It may be frowned upon, but if I were too drunk to filter my thoughts I may have spurted something like 'adorable' out loud. Of course, that would be frowned upon for an already taken guy like me. Then again, I would've been a hypocrite to consider that, because I don't know how long have we been staring at one another.

I gave a cough and a hand-wave to signal the end of this awkward (?) moment. Almost instantly my facial expression went back to their blank solemn look, at least on the outside. Ah well, I could only get away with looking at pretty things once in a while.

"S-Sorry, are your shoulders hurt?" A bit red I bet, but not as red your face.

"They won't break" I stated, "Here's your stop"

"Oh? Ah, it ended too quickly!" She gave a pouty look. I don't know how anyone would find spending time with me entertaining. Wait, sorry Yukino.

She came back to her senses, her lips turned upwards widely, "I'll see you eventually then?"

"You're going to be okay?" Of course, I can't help but worry. She is my girlfriend's best friend, after all.

She gave a nod, "It's nothing too serious. Besides, I just wanted to give the both of you time to spend together" She giggled again, how mischievous. Her look then transformed to a sad smile. I say sad because that's what her look conveyed. "You did change after all… Hikki"

I did? "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"

"You weren't the same Hikki like back then, always alone, always too shy to open up, always feels like he can't get involved with others. You could say I…. like this Hikki more"

"Sorry, but I have a girlfriend" I retorted fast. "And why does that statement have to be relevant? I don't feel like I've changed much"

"Nothing much, I'll see you eventually then, Hikki~!" Cheeky.

"Ah, see you then"

We parted ways; me going forward to my home while she turned right to her own. The brief hand wave we exchanged, along with the farewell, was the last contact we'd have until the next time. I'm pretty sure it would be another day, just like it had for the past few days; me basking in my book whilst Yukino would open up more with Yuigahama. It would then end with Isshiki coming into the room, pestering me every now and then which gets a disapproving look from Yukino. As much as I dislike having to be undergo the same routine every day, I could say this was an exception.

However, while the situation may remain the same, the peculiar atmosphere never changed.

Author's notes

And that concludes Chapter 1, days of writing and endless editing have finally came through. I was content with having the story a one-shot, but I realized it wouldn't be suffice, even to myself. That being said, a new chapter is on the way as we speak, but for now I'd like to see how this story goes, grammar-wise.

Also, if it wasn't said before, this story is dedicated to both of my brothers who helped show me this anime and prove that it's not just mindless romance (ish). Also thanks Ace for proofreading, you were really helpful.

Criticism is always helpful! I'd like to improve on my stories so everyone can enjoy them.