Hey guys! This will be my first ever post on this site. Somehow, I'm not all that nervous (figuring out how formatting works on this damn site took the nerves right outta me) but whatever. S3 has gotten me pretty invested back into the universe and I just thought about writing this to work my writing muscles again. I'm not entirely sure how long I wanna make this. It's mostly gonna be fluff with no real overarching story (or so I say here but who knows? I might get bold as a writer down the road.)

Oh and this takes place after Volume 14 of the LNs so spoiler territory for you anime only's. Anyway, enjoy!

Positive reinforcement is the act of rewarding a desired behavior with something agreeable. If a child brings back a report card full of flying colors, the parents respond by increasing their allowance. If a dog indulges in their master's questionable requests for rolling, jumping, and shaking, they receive food as a treat. When a wage slave sacrifices his precious hours, sanity, and upper body posture, for a cold corporation, he takes money as compensation and a half-hearted pat on the back from his superiors. Positive reinforcement was born out of man's desire to bend things to their will out of necessity. Despite humans existing in this world for millennia, it was hardly built for us. Some places are quite hot, humid, and mosquito-ridden (seriously, all mosquitoes need to spontaneously combust). Some places would freeze the heart off of the coldest Haruno-san's you could find. Society was a way for our ancestors to band together and come up with ideas to survive. For that society to prosper, it needed order, and that's where norms and rules came in; don't kill, steal, or be a nuisance. Don't cross the street on a red light despite no cars being present; the usual. Not everyone seems to understand each other, so we figured rewards would make the indoctrination process agreeable. In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to resort to animal-taming methods. Why are we so dense? Why can't we let people be? What's so wrong with just having a can of MAX coffee for lunch? Why do I have to sit on a table to eat? I can hold my lunch just fine, thank you. Wait, did I just go off track in my own thoughts? That was really high in Hachiman points… Anyway, we're always expected to end up a certain way in society. Not everyone has the same idea for what we should be, and for good reason, that being for the sake of our individuality. Unfortunately, not everything turns out the way it should, and this world will eventually kick all the creativity we have into the dirt to fit a mold that's easy to follow and predict. In short, positive reinforcement nowadays is a means to ensure everyone grows up to be the perfect corporate slave; rewarded for having their souls drained from their myopic and UV light-infested eyes. All according to plan.

"Damn…"

"Hikigaya-kun, please open those deathly eyes of yours so you can function properly next time."

Needless to say, the voice to my left did not induce any desire to improve my behavior in this situation. Nothing's making me want to be better. I'm begging you, please be a bit nicer if you want me to improve my performance, Yukinoshita-sama.

"Onii-chan, I thought you'd have more experience with these kinds of things considering all the time you've wasted on them in the past…"

On the opposite end of the table, a cute and devious voice spoke out.

"…That was very low in points, you know?"

"Your brother might be having an off day, Komachi-san; please be kind to him."

So you can be understanding when you want to…

"-we can't expect that lifeless gaze to perceive anything faster than a snail go by."

Anndddd I take that back.

"I'm just- I'm not used to playing these games on a phone... I just started playing this a few days ago... A keyboard and mouse are way better for these games."

They really do! A mouse moves like it's just another part of your hand while controllers or touch-screens move like a deflated volleyball. My instrument is merely deficient, yes that's my excuse- I mean justification for my poor performance.

"Onii-chan… excuses are not cute."

"Well, then Hikigaya-kun, please do better. We're rooting for you."

Yukinoshita then sent a cute and reassuring smile my way and quickly resumed her eagle-like focus to her phone. That probably would've made my heart skip three beats if she wasn't in such a try-hard mood. It's just a game… My death screen showed my uh… mediocre K/D/A. I'd rather not disclose how bad it is. My pride wouldn't be able to handle the pain. (1)

"Yui-san? You should move to Yukino-san's position now that gomii-chan has died."

"Mou… come on…"

Yuigahama's eyes bore such a searing intensity that it made the rest of us uncomfortable. Her hands rested on the table as thumbs and eyes moved in perfect coordination. She quietly whispered her tactics and possibilities to herself. I don't think she's ever devoted so much brain power to something in her entire life… Okay, I don't mean that in a mean way, stop it with your judgemental glares.

"Yuigahama-san? You should not go down there alone. We're outnumbered."

"Mmmmm…Ahah!"

With a controlled and practiced movement, Yuigahama flicked her right thumb to the left and one-shotted an opponent, and then quickly readjusted her aim and flicked farther to the left and killed another player with three quick body shots, only sustaining minor damage herself.

"Woah… Yuigahama-san…"

"Oooohhh, I think we're the ones who need to group up now, Yukino-san…"

If this scenario was played to a teenager seven years ago, they'd rub their eyes and slap their cheeks. Back then, it'd be odd to find a group of girls playing a first-person shooter game. Even stranger would be the fact that said game was played on a smartphone. Nowadays it's not a rare sight to see a girl playing such games that were normally associated with being "games for boys". At lunch breaks or in between classes, friend groups would often team up for short LAN sessions (2). I've even spotted Miura playing the game we're on right now. In fact, I think Yuigahama introduced the game to us after she and her clique got into it. I never really had a problem when girls played video games, I mean it's just another hobby. It's no different from someone collecting knick-knacks, or being into fashion or makeup. Why's there the need to bring in roles and other troublesome concepts? Oh wait, I just talked about positive reinforcement, and society... Technology has come rather far in these couple of years. The 2010s introduced a phone that didn't need a keypad and that could access the internet in a convenient manner. Smartphones have introduced behaviors and cultures that I don't have the time to explain, but I'm sure you understand what I mean.

"Yeah! Take that!"

Right, this is a behavior I can't explain. I've never seen Yuigahama so cool. She just aced the entire enemy team. What world have we entered? That just makes me feel worse about dying first. It's like none of her teammates were even necessary. Have mercy on my poor ego, Yuigahama-san!

"Shall we continue for another round?"

"Yes please."

I reply a little too quickly and Yukinoshita shoots me a smug look while putting a finger to her lips.

"My, your pride must be properly thrashed right about now."

"Mhmm… I don't want to hear that from someone with zero kills."

"That's some cheap provocation. Yuigahama-san is skilled and has more experience, so I have no problem with being outplayed by her."

"Uhuh."

So the Ice Queen says, but I could see her eyebrow twitch at that last sentence. Can't get that by me… Yuigahama tilts her head and lets out a cute hmm as she looks at the screen.

"Oh… I don't really know this map."

"It's a new one. There was a pretty big update just this morning."

With my reply, a light flares up in her eyes and her posture straightens temporarily before leaning onto the table.

"Ohhhh, so that's what it was?"

"Yuigahama, you didn't check the patch notes?" (3)

"But, they don't really change much of the game, right?"

Of course they do! What if they nerfed the damage of your favorite weapon? Removed your favorite piece of cover from a familiar map? These things are the lifeblood to the body that is online first-person shooter games. Always review recent patch notes, otherwise you risk running into a match and ruining your ranking thinking your weapon was still in the meta. Source: me.

"They change everything..."

"Huh? I think I'm doing okay without reading them."

"Tch…"

"Hikki, you're not jealous, are you?"

An irritating grin creeps its way onto her face and reveals her inner Uzaki-chan. (4)

"D-don't say that… I'm just shocked you didn't know."

"Hikki… it's okay!"

You know, support is supposed to make me feel better about myself. Despite the words, I'm not getting any of that.

"Onii-chan, we accept you as the unskilled mobile gamer you are! In fact, I've been accepting all of you for the past 15 years!"

Wait wait wait… accepting? Not loving? Komachi-chan… that wasn't very nice. I'll make sure to ruffle your hair when we get home.

"But it's fine now… good people really love onii-chan now. Oh… that was so high in points!"

The other girls in the room chuckled. Yuigahama chuckled but I couldn't read her face from my seat. Yukinoshita made a small smile and made momentary eye contact with me but looked down as quickly as the blush that came to her. This girl is too cute, I swear…

As uncomfortable as that statement felt, I couldn't help but smile. How can someone be this cute? I walked up to my dear little sister and ruffled her hair a bit, to which she seemed to enjoy for half a second before realizing where she was.

"Oi oi, please don't mess my hair up, onii-chan. That was kinda gross to do in public, you know?"

"Yes yes, I'm the gross onii-chan who loves you too much, and you really like that."

After playing with my little sister's hair, I walked back to my seat.

"Yeah... people really do love Hikki."

Yuigahama smiled sweetly but didn't look at any of us, instead focusing on her screen once more.

"Ohhh, the match is starting!"

Yukinoshita and Komachi each sent their own sad smiles to no one in particular while the latter looked particularly uncomfortable and guilty. I just fixed my collar (or pretended to) and looked to the game that had just finished loading us in.

"Yukinon, let's go together!"

"Roger, I'll stack behind you."

"Komachi-chan, go with Hikki. We don't know this map well."

"Yes ma'am!"

Huh? Yuigahama wasn't this chatty previously.

"Oh!"

On the upper right corner of my screen, a notification presented itself saying Yuigahama had just gotten sniped. The victim pouted for a moment before shifting to a darker expression.

"Mou… Yukinon, avenge meeeee!"

She then hugged Yurinoshita tightly from behind, causing her to clam up and turn a bit red.

"Yuigahama-san… I can't play like this."

"Yukinon… you promised!"

"Huh? Oh, um… Y-yui-san, you're hugging me too tightly…"

To that, Yurigahama loosened her vise-grip around Yurinoshita's shoulders and instead opted to lightly embrace them instead. The hugger in question wore a soft expression; her eyes almost in a sleepy-state. What broke her out of it was the sudden blasting of a pop song from her phone.

"Waaah!"

She yelps in surprise and swipes her phone to answer a call.

"Yahallo! Huh? Oh, sure sure, I'm on the way!"

"Who was that, Yui-san?"

"Oh, just Yumiko… She uh, was inviting me somewhere... Is it okay if I go?"

"Hmm? You don't need to ask for our permission."

"Yeah, but like… I'm kinda used to leaving when you do, you know?"

"Ah… well go ahead."

Yukinoshita sent her off with a smile, though the cheery feeling seemed to have missed Yuigahama despite talking to Miura so joyously. Well… we knew what it'd be like down the road, right?

"Bye guys…"

"Bye bye, Yui-san!"

"Goodbye."

"See you…"

Yuigahama shut the door on her way out. I couldn't help but notice how the mood suddenly dropped, though we were all still looking at our phones while playing.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything bad when I said that thing about onii-chan."

Komachi spoke up softly with a somewhat empty smile.

"We know. I-it's not your fault, Komachi-san."

"Yeah… don't worry too much about that."

When I made my decision, I knew this was the kind of normal that we'd be experiencing, at least for a while or so. It wasn't what either of the girls had in mind, but I needed- no, wanted to achieve something tangible; something real, even if it would prove difficult or if we were scared of it. In fact, it's because we were scared of it that it needed to be tested and proven. It helps that Komachi was the new president of the club. It relieved some of the tension she'd feel if it was just the three original members. I'm glad she still wants to attend club meetings, even if her attendance was irregular or that she never stayed too long when she did attend. But I can't help but feel a little bad about the situation. The answer to Yuigahama's consultation was something she ultimately had to find the answers to herself. We're just here to help her on that path... or try to. One way or another, I was the one who caused this situation. It's not ideal, but it was better than the alternative. Anything was, really. Hiratsuka-sensei said that this is just something to be expected on the path to something genuine. People hurt each other just by existing; because they care; because they don't understand each other completely. It's a delicate balance. But, if our painful and uncomfortable experience leads to something like what we're experiencing now, then perhaps that's a big part of what makes life interesting. I wouldn't trade that decision no matter how selfish it was. Man… I was right about Hiratsuka-sensei. The men she meets just have no taste.

"Mhmm… I'm proud of the three of you, you know?"

The match had just ended and Komachi looked at us tenderly with a glint in her eyes. If I was in a particularly bad mood, I think that look would've saved and reaffirmed my belief. Yukinoshita seemed to agree as well, putting a softly closed fist to her chest.

"So am I."

My partner looked at me and smiled, to which I replied in similar fashion. Komachi on the other hand started to smirk.

"I don't mind if you two sit closer together, you know. Nothing's stopping you."

"Komachi-san!"

Yukinoshita exclaimed with a flustered look and I averted my eyes to stare at the door. What an interesting structure…

"Come on… I don't mind it, unless you went too far."

Komachi, that's not nice to say. We're quite an innocent pairing. Besides, I feel a bit guilty about it especially considering Yuigahama just left… Not that I don't want to. Well, let's see… if we continue to play together, it'll be easier coordinating strategies on the fly. If someone comes in with a request, they wouldn't have to look left and right while talking (that's quite tiring, you knowwww?). If I want to discuss plans for the request, it'd also be easier to dissect details with my clubmates right beside me… but that wasn't a problem before-

My excuses are locked and loaded.

"Well, it'd uh… be easier to communicate when playing or when we have a request, right? It's n-not a bad idea…"
"I s-see your point… Yes, you may sit here."

I scratched my head as Yukinoshita held her elbows like a bashful maiden. I took my chair and placed it on her left side in between her and my sister, not wanting to move Yuigahama's chair out of a weird respect. It's not like sitting on or moving that chair will incur a bad jinx, what's your problem? Stupid! Idiot! Hachiman!

"You two shouldn't have to make excuses, you know?"

Me and Yukinoshita gulped and flinched at Komachi's phrasing.

Hey hey, Komachiiiii… you've already stabbed us, why do you have to twist the knife further? I hate how right you are…

Yukinoshita moved her chair a little to her right and left less than an arm's distance between me and her. Komachi chuckled but otherwise didn't mind and looked back at her phone to browse her social media feed. Ahhh… doing this because your sister suggested it is the worst! I wanna hide under a duvet and die…

But that was pretty high in Komachi points, thank you.

Yukinoshita covered her mouth and uh, coughed twice. She still couldn't make eye contact with either me or Komachi. I wasn't doing any better, I didn't really know what to do. My senses were being overwhelmed on all fronts; my nose was enveloped by the subtle scent of her shampoo and soap, I could somehow feel her body heat from a considerable distance (or was that just me? Am I sweating?). Out of the corner of my eye I saw a blushing and uneasy Yukinoshita. In response, she tucked a strand of hair behind her reddening ear with the graceful movement of her hand.

Dammit… Why was that so attractive? What kind of riajuu have I turned into? Quick, find something to distract myself from these cringe-inducing feelings!

*Knock Knock*

As comical as this situation was turning out to be, we were saved by the sudden intrusion. Yes, one way to avoid your discomfort is to bury yourself in work to look like you have a reasonable excuse to be apart from your feelings for at least a little while. The Romcom Gods seemed to be way too playful with this plane of existence as of late.

"Come innnn!"

Komachi cheerfully exclaimed as she put her phone down and put her hands on the desk. My seatmate looked as well and I figured I should do the same.

"Excuse me…"

Our customer right now had blue-silverish hair in a ponytail held up by a scrunchie. The one and only brocon/siscon Kawasaki Saki. (5)

"Ah, Saki-san! Yahallo!"

"Good afternoon, Kawasaki-san."

I merely offered a wave of my hand and she nodded back awkwardly.

"Y-yo… so uh, I'd like to make a request."

"Mhmmmm?"

Now that I look at this poor sight. I realize what Hiratsuka-sensei meant when she said that me and Yukinoshita were "terrible at communicating". We can't help it, okay? Loners spend too much time thinking rather than acting and Kawasaki was no different. Eye contact seemed to be oddly hard for her but she did rather well and managed to at least look at me in the eyes as I was in the center.

"My parents won't be home for the weekend because of a work trip, and Taishi and I aren't gonna be home until tomorrow morning. I was looking for someone who could babysit Keika…"

Oh nice, a simple request, and one that's straight to the point. This semester starts off simple at least. And there's the added benefit of hanging with Kei-chan! I don't quite like to work, as I have told myself repeatedly. Hanging out with Keika is nothing like work, thankfully.

"I see, that's a rather simple request."

Yukinoshita tapped her chin.

"Hikigaya-kun, do you mind?"

"Hmm, alright."

"Onii-chan?!"

Komachi slammed the table in shock with a ridiculous expression, getting a yelp out of all of us.

"Y-yes, Komachi?"

"Are you okay? What kind of onii-chan of mine willingly accepts work without complaining first?"

"Komachi, that was a bit offensive to hear from you. What's Isshiki been telling you?"

"Um, I don't need Iroha-senpai to tell me how you are, you knowwww?"

I don't want to say it, much less think, but is Komachi jealous that I want to dote on another imouto? Wait, no. Stop projecting, gomii-chan!

"I don't see any problem with me taking up the request; Kei-chan's really friendly with me, you know? It's the most logical solution."

I waved my hands unnaturally at that last sentence, much to Yukinoshita's facepalming disapproval. Why did I do that? Is Tamanawa my puppet master? I should never say "logical" ever again. It brings up too many painful memories.

"Mou… what do you say, Saki-san?"

"Well… he's right about Kei-chan liking him a lot, so I'd like it if she was as comfortable as possible."

"Right…"

Komachi started scratching her head. Umm… why are you thinking so hard about this? Don't make this more complicated than it should be.

"Okay! I'm making a decision as club president."

Oh my, I'm so proud to see that my dear imouto has taken the initiative and already made decisive action. It might've brought a tear to my eye…

"Yukino-san, please accompany onii-chan on this request!"

Komachi… why? What did I ever do to you? Aside from being myself for the past 17 years, but still, why?

"Um, I'm not against the idea…" She said shyly.

"Then, n-neither am I."

The two of us made the silent agreement to stop trying to contain or react to Komachi. Better to spare ourselves the embarrassment, especially in front of Kawasaki. It's not like we didn't want this outcome, so if anything we should be thanking our club president. Key word is should. Komachi doesn't need that to go to her head.

"What time do you want us to be there, Kawasaki-san?"

"Um… I actually- could you pick Keika up from her school? It's ending in about 30 minutes."

As I was saying… the Romcom Gods are having a bit too much fun. It's as if each god was in a tournament arc of who could make Hikigaya Hachiman's life the corniest existence ever. With a sigh, I nodded and looked at my partner, who offered a shy smile.

"I gotta head home right now and prepare my things. After you pick Keika up, bring her home and I'll give you the rundown of the house and what you need to do."
"Sure, yeah."

Kawasaki gave a nod and looked at Komachi, who was smiling as if she had nothing to do with what was going on, which she didn't… sort of.

"Onii-chan, onee- I mean Yukino-san. It sounds like you need to fulfill a request right about now!"

A bit too late to correct yourself there, no?

"Sorry for bringing this up on short notice, by the way…"

"It's alright, Kawasaki-san. We don't mind."

Weren't you nervous about this just a second ago? At least you're positive about this.

"Let's go, Hikigaya-kun."

"Yeah… will you be fine here, Komachi?

"I was actually gonna close up the club right now. I've also got something to attend to!"

"Ooohhh, I see I see."

Would it happen to be related to a certain bedbug/mite/maggot who calls me onii-san? Why is that the vibe I'm getting?

"See ya."

Kawasaki walked out the door and we followed suit, only to wait for Komachi to properly lock the door. Following that, she walked fast to the faculty room, leaving me and Yukinoshita trailing behind, side-by-side at a significantly slower pace. The sun had already begun to set, weirdly enough. Which is particularly odd even though the start of spring has long gone. The hallways were decorated with orange-vermillion shades of sunset, like a scene from a movie; nothing more, nothing less than a beautiful view. (6)

"I just realized." Yukinoshita said.

"Hmm?"

"It'd be quite inconvenient for me to go back and forth between my apartment and Kawasaki-san's home for clothes. Not to mention the time constraint we're facing now."

"Right…"

Alright, do I have any more of those excuses ready to go?

"We can just stop by my place. I can just let you borrow some of my clean clothes that you can sleep in."

Wait… that's my excuse? What kind of excuse was that? That wasn't an excuse… Why do I keep saying excuse?

"Ah, you wouldn't mind?" She said, slightly shocked.

"I was gonna ask if you wouldn't mind."

"What?"

Huh… so she really doesn't mind.

"I was expecting you to state your concern of fearing for your chastity or your aversion to my Hikigerms."

"Is that so?" She smirked.

Now it just looks like I'm picking a fight. Where'd the Ice Queen go?

"As long as you're sure they're clean."

"Clean as can be."

"And that they've been decontaminated, purified, and sterilized sometime in the last 48 hours."

There she is.

"I'm sorry, but Hachi Co. had to cut corners on the cost of these processes."

"Why is that?"

"Our stocks are doing pretty badly; no one's willing to buy them and the labor cost is barely enough to cover expenses."

"What a horrible corporation. I don't understand how the bank hasn't hounded you down."

"Well, we're not a corporation, so we're not a legal entity."

"Even if you were alone, you'd still need some sort of certification."

"Huh? Who says?"

Yukinoshita chuckled dryly at the statement as she scratched her cheek.

"By the way, who's we?"

"Yeah, well… sole proprietorship is kind of a pain to deal with, you know? I had to look for more… a-attractive options."

"Oh, and what came to mind?"

"A p-partnership…"

As we walked and as I said that, Yukinoshita recoiled at her own interpretation, both of our faces warm. Wait, when did I get closer to her arm?

"A-ah… right, a merger between small businesses."

Yes, didn't you remember that you were in this business as well?

"I'm not sure that's the proper term. I think it's more appropriate to say I knocked on your door out of nowhere and asked to be a partner in your venture."

"Ah yes… ehehe. I remember clearly."

I do too… I'm almost at the point where I can recall it and not die of shame.

"It's a miracle you accepted the offer. All that risk and no guarantee of return; terrible negotiations."

"Oh, I know… but."

Yukinoshita stopped walking in front of the hallway windows and turned to me, bathing her beautiful and slender figure in a colored sunset that complimented her blushing expression. With a smile, she replied.

"I was, and still am, confident that it will work out."

1 Refers to a players amount of kills, deaths, and assists in a multiplayer game

2 Local Area Network

3 When a game makes a big update, developers note down the changes in the game for player information.

4 The female protagonist of the manga/anime series "Uzaki-chan Wa Asobitai/ Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!

5 Not to be confused with a brand of motorcycles

6 Quote from the anime film "Kimi no Na wa/Your Name"

Hope you guys liked that! Please don't hold back with your comments (inb4 i regret saying this) and stay safe!