Why are all movies nowadays so bad?

There's poor acting, worse plot, and most movie premises these days are just sensationlist cash grabs. Actually, strike that, most movies these days are sensationalist cash grabs.

But wait! I hear a sound, as if a million riajus suddenly called out, and were abruptly silenced.

"How can you say the acting is bad! Don't you know the actors these days are much better than those in the past?"

The thing is, this is one of the rare times I agree with you scumbags. Back then, acting was an emerging field, and therefore not highly paid.

So now that the salaries have increased exponentially, expect that the number of aspiring actors increase exponentially.

But no matter how talented the actor is, they can't carry a character that simply does not work. Characters these days are written to be sex appeal, plot devices, or walking exposition.

And that means they end up flat and shallow . There's not a single person that is completely one-dimensional, even though riaajus try their best.

So actors try to fill the shoes of an impossibility, something that simply wouldn't work in the real world. And when they pile up inconsistencies on a character to add "depth", it gets even worse.

I'm fine with characters with contrasting aspects. In fact, if you're ever going to write a character, make sure they have some push and pull to them. But movie studios oblow this out of proportion, like they do with everything.

I can't stand the characters that basically become walking contradictions. Like the "Hero for Justice" that wants to save lives, but refuses to kill the mass-murdering villan that somehow escaped prison for the umpteenth time.

Or a unsocial high-school student suddenly ending up in the middle of a group of attractive girls.

Like seriously, when does that happen?

Who do you know that spends their time around attractive women, despite being a sel-proclaimed loner? Someone like this betrays the entire species of loners, and should just go die.

Wait. Something's off here.

Why does this sound like me?

I'm probably just assuming things again. Yuigahama is a nice girl, Yukinonishinita hates my guts, and Isshiki is the devil in high heels.

Speaking of, how did I let her drag me here?

Earlier in the day..

Plenty of people would call what Isshiki has "Effortless Charm." Guys everywhere would defintely be enraptured by her cuteness and the whole "Oh, I'm bad at this, please help me!" innocent vibe she gives off.

Not me.

In fact, it's not "Effortless" at all. She plots carefully, and abuses every single feminine power she has at her disposal. Seriously scary.

So when she breezed through the doors of the Service Club, and assumed the trademark Isshiki super-effective martial stance, I was already on edge.

What is the trademark Isshiki super-effective martial stance?

I'm glad you asked. You see, recently, I've had to spend more time with this fox,so I started studying her. Honestly, I don't know why she keeps calling me to help her.

The Isshiki super-effective martial stance is as follows: Tilt your head, around 45 degrees or so. Lean forward, make sure that the body does most of the leaning, not the neck. You run the risk of looking like a giraffe or an anteater if the neck is thrusted too far forward.

Wrap your hands behind your back, giving the double boost of the pretense of diligence, and making the chest area seem bigger. Purse the lips slightly, not too much, but just enough to make it seem like an unconcious action. Rotate the face so that you're pointed around a foot to the right of your target.

People aren't usually good looking straight on, and even if they are, slightly side profiles usually have maximum attractiveness.

All of this combines into one doozy of an attack.

But this wasn't why Isshiki was scary. Not even close. You see, other girls use variations of this move. Even Yuigahama does this to an extent. But to them, it's more instincual than anything. Like a habit picked up over time, instead of a planned action.

"People listen to me more when I do this, so I should do it more!" sorta thing.

Not Isshiki. Every part of the move was meticulously planned, rehearsed, and refined. She knows exactly what she's doing.

It's easier to enchant unwitting menfolk when you know the effect you have on them. But even when she has so many advantages over Yuigahama, her strengths are also her weaknesses. People are attracted to Yui because of her obvious lack of guile.

No matter how well you pretend at innocence, you will always fall short of actual innocence.

Sure, in first impressions Isshiki reigns supreme. But spend too long with her, and you will see cracks. Even a mildly observant riaaju would be able to sense that something was off. Hayama did, after all.

It was similar to Haruno, but Haruno had refined her art to a level where Isshiki couldn't approach.

"Hey Hikagaya-kun. You've been oddly silent "

But was she happier that way? Wouldn't forcing a facade be much harder than just being yourself?

"I don't think Hikki is listening to you."

Being a loner sure is great. I don't have to worry about that sort of thing. Plus, I get improved observational skills.

"Seeenpaaai, it's rude to ignore us, y'knooooooow?"

Yesiree, my perception is maxed out.

"HIKKI"

"Unh?"

I found myself shook out of my reverie by a pouting Yuigahama.

"Jeez, there you go, spacing out again. What were you thinking about anyway?"

I was thinking about someone in this very room, actually.

"Isshiki"

Wait

Wait...

I might've just made a huge mistake.

"EHHH?"

"Hikagaya-kun, can you refrain from accosting underclassmen? While I understand that as a disgusting outcast, it might be hard to stop yourself from following through with your obvious sis-con, but at least make an effort.

Likewise, if you are to unsuccessfully pursue female attention, then at least aim at or above your own age. While still disgusting, it is forgivable if you decide to chase a woman of maturity as someone who can take care of you."

"I didn't know you felt that way about me, but my heart isn't ready to accept a confession. There are too many other people here, pick a better and more isolated place and I'll consider it."

Jesus.. that was an explosive reaction. Yuigahama was muttering something under her breath that sounded oddly like "another one? I thought it would at least be Yuki or me..."

Both Yuighama and Yukinonishinita both looked ready to explode at me. Isshiki had was looking at her feet, and her expression looked... secretly pleased? I needed to remedy this situation, and fast.

"No, no it's not like that. I was thinking about what work I would have to do for her next."

All three of the girls gave me a look of frank disbelief.

"No I'm being honest. The student council's been really busy lately, and I've had to help more then often. If I really had intentions on Isshiki, would I be as stupid to say that aloud?"

They still don't look convinced. Yukinon specifically.

"This is Hikagaya-kun we're talking about here. His knowledge of social propriety is almost zero. Plus, I don't think you're capable of thinking that far forward."

"Hikki wouldn't tell a lie, right? Right Hikki?"

If I needed to get out of here alive I had to divide and conquer. Yuigahama first.

"Only those who have pride need to lie. Lying is always harder then telling the truth, and I wouldn't be bothered to spend the effort."

Her expression is shifting a little, but I don't think that'll be enough. I need something to distract her, and fast.

"I think about you sometimes to, Yui."

I was expecting an expression of surprise, followed by an expression of disgust, and then her avoiding me for the rest of the week.

Well, I was right about the suprise.

But Yuigahama perked up, shifted in her seat, and her face took a deep blush. "Ohhh..."

She unsuccessfully tried to fight back a smile that was forming on her face.

Her hands cupper her cheeks in a latch ditch attempt to stop her reaction from being seen.

"I guess that's okay then."

She sat back down, clearly embarrased, while humming a small cheery tune to herself.

That's one down, one to go.

Why does Yukinoshinita look even angrier now? Actually, better question, why does Isshiki look slightly peeved?

Nevermind that, I have to focus on the threat in front of me.

"I'm not pursuing Iroha, Yukinoshinita. I plan to be a professional house-husband in the future."

Yukino's eyes narrowed.

"The only defining attribute that you have when women are taken into account is your sis-con. As far as we know, you have no other preferences when it comes to women. Why shouldn't I be concerned... ahem, for her saftey?"

"I've told you before haven't I? To work is to lose. I'm planning on marrying a women who can take care of me. I'm looking for someone who knows how to cook

Yukino nods

preferably someone with a background in money

Yukino nods

and someone who is mature and well read.

Yukino nods

That's my ideal wife."

"That does make sense. What doesn't make sense is that it is exceedingly unlikely that someone of such high-caliber would choose you, of all people."

"Maybe I'll get lucky."

For some odd reason, Yukinonishinita blushed and looked away. "Yes, maybe you will.." she said under her breath, voice dwindling.

Whew. That takes care of that. I wonder why they weren't thoroughly disgusted by what I said.

Why does Iroha look even more peeved? This is starting to feel like whack-a-mole.

"Oh, by the way guys. I need to borrow Senpai for something about the student council."

Suscipions suddenly aroused, Yukinonishinita and Yuighama both looked at me. At me. Not Isshiki.

Why is life so unfair?

"Perhaps the entire Service Club would solve whatever problem you have more easily?"

"Senpai's been helping me for a long time. He knows the specifics of this problem."

"Do you really only need Hikki? You've been taking him more and more recently..."

Stop making me out to be some sort of barter material woman! I'm still human, I have rights y'knoooow?

"Don't worry, it'll be quick. Plus, that means less work for you guys."

Yukinon narrowed her eyes at me. And then sighed.

"We have no jurisdiction over what Hikgaya-kun chooses to do. Still, I believe whatever problem you have next time could be better approached with the entire club"

"Thanks! It'll only be a minute, I sweeaaar."

I didn't even know it was possible to extend the vowels in swear. Huh.

As Isshiki dragged me out of the Service Club, I felt murderous glares follow me. Spooky.

As the doors slammed shut, and as I was pulled into the relative privacy of the hallyway, Iroha spun around.

"Soooo, now that those two aren't here, is there anything you want to say to me?"

Iroha gave me a pointed look.

"I don't know what you're talking about. It was just a slip of a toungue."

Iroha assumed super-effective martial stance position four, the one with the finger to the chin to give the pretense of thought.

"But I think I've learned about that. Isn't that called a fruedian slip? How did it go? Oh yeah, mistakes in conversation might indicate"

Her smile turned wicked

"hidden desires. Are you planning to confess to me today?"

Tch. This fox.

"I-It wasn't like that. It was an honest mistake. By the way, aren't you after Hayama? If I confessed to you, wouldn't that just inconvenience you?"

"Ehhh? Are you trying to get me to answer questions about a hypothetical confession to clear the way for your actual confession? In that case-"

I held up a hand to stop her. I could tell where this was going, and getting rejected twice in the same day felt like too much.

"Cut the crap. What do you want me for?"

In response she lowered her hand into her jacket, and flashed a few slips of paper.

Slips of paper

Oh shit. The receipts

"The last date was a good reference, but there's a new bowling place opening up. You need come with me on a second date because,...uhh

She snapped her fingers

Oh right! I'm planning on taking Hayama there soon."

Why does that sound extraneous? Whatever, I couldn't afford to go anyway. I need to save my allowance for the new game coming out for Vita-Chan.

"In case you're planning on weasling out, Senpai..."

She looked meaningfully towards the receipts in her pocket.

like I had no choice.

I was going out with Iroha this weekend.

A/N:

Heya! I'm back! Appreciated all the reviews, even that one guy who really seemed to hate Yukinon. I don't personally get it, but maybe it's a preference thing.

Did anyone get to see the last Jedi? Good or nah?

Oh also, do you guys want a continuation of last chapter, or this one?