Hi guys. I humbly present you my very first fanfic.

English is my second language so be warned. I tried to make as few grammar mistakes as possible but certainly there are some.

Chapter I

The Phantom Menace

"I want to be free" Yukinoshita said with determination in her eyes, quite different than a while ago. Just a moment ago she was trembling, on the verge of crying some would say, but to me she was struggling to express herself perhaps for the first time in a long time.

"I don't want to be dependent anymore. I-I want to l-love. I want to be l-loved. I want to make friends. I want to be accepted for whom I really are, not for my name or looks... I want to do all these things any normal girl would do." As she said these words, she looked at me with her beautiful blue orbs. Moist eyes, lips slightly open, hair winnowing. I was mesmerized… not by her of course… it's just I-I *sigh* whatever.

Finally she averted her gaze flustered like someone who has just realized what an embarrassing things he has done.

Damn, Devil Superwoman absolutely shouldn't be so cute… And I shouldn't be drinking so much MAX Coffee, it's not like my heart just skipped a beat because she's adorable, right? Definitely it's just a cardiac infarction caused by too much caffeine and stressful life. Yeah, I'm going to drink some healthier stuff like water or green tea…

"… so class…"

Meanwhile Yuigahama looked at Yukinoshita and I, with her eyes faintly closed, she was smiling. Probably thinking how to help her friend. How to make Yukinoshita act on her own. Yukinoshita at the other hand was looking at the Tokyo Bay, wishing the ground would swallow her up and I'm positive she's the most embarrassed person in the world right now.

It's awkward… I'm supposed to say something, but what? It's not like I am some omnipotent being I need some time to think… Drink MAX Coffee and chill out. Urgh, but I shouldn't be drinking coffee to avoid my heart skipping a beat lately. It's weird, though. I have those heart attacks in bizarre situation like being alone with Yukinoshita in infirmary or at this collaboration Valentine's Day event a few days ago. Huh? Maybe she's casting some curses at me? Yeah, so conclusion is she's cursed me, perhaps with some Voodoo doll or I'm like super stressed these days.

"… we have a transfer student…"

I need to say something… think Hachiman. What are you supposed to say in situation like this? I mean it's really embarrassing for myself, so Yukinoshita being quiet it's not a bit weird.

I wonder why Yuigahama is silent, though. Her communication skills are outstanding after all. She should say something and lighten the mood, right? Yuigahama Y U NO acting like your usual self?

"Urgh, guys it's getting dark. We should go home soon." Bravo Hachiman, 'the most awkward respond of the year' award comes to you. You should try to defuse the situation not worsen it…

"You are right, Hikigaya-kun. It is pointless after all… I-It's not like I can do anything, better f-forget about today…"

Hearing my idiotic self, Yukinoshita faced Yuigahama and I with sad smile and said words which made me feel like crap. Somehow I just can't stand her being so pessimistic, it's like my own failure. I don't get it, why am I so concerned anyway? Sometimes she's cute and I'm enjoying our conversations but it's not like we have any feelings for each other? I cannot be deceived and deluded. It's just you overreacting Hachiman, stay calm.

"Y-YUKINON!" Finally Yuigahama yelled. "I'm pretty sure Hikki's just as surprised as me, you know?"

Right! 100 points to Yuigahama-san. That's my girl! Not literally of course. I don't own her. The one owning Yuigahama are her boobs actually. If you remove them you literally remove Yuigahama.

Imaginary Yuigahama mode on. "Geez Hikki you're so mean…"

"R-right. Yukinoshita you really surprised me. It's not every day one see ojou-sama like you to act so girly." I said, trying to start our usual banter to defuse a situation.

"Ara. Hikigaya-kun are your eyes even worse than usual? I was merely…."

"…. my name is Orimoto Kaori, yoroshiku onegai shimasu."

"…huh?"

Crap. What is she doing here…? She's Kaihin High student… Huh? If I recall correctly Hiratsuka-sensei said something about new transfer student yesterday. But what the fuck? It's weird to transfer school just before your last year, but to transfer between two in the same city? It's too fishy.

While I was wondering about this unnatural behavior I caught Hiratsuka-sensei's eye. She was smirking devilishly and winked at me. The devil wears a lab coat and smokes like old seaman…

Damn you Hiratsuka, stop being such a bitch or nobody will ever take you, even I!

My sight moved to the girl standing next to my homeroom teacher and I saw a teenager wearing Sobu High uniform, her short wavy brown hairs shaking gently while her matching eyes scanning surroundings like a predator looking for its prey. If I didn't know her I would say she's cute and nice girl, but unluckily I do know her…

In that moment came the worst thing possible, she spotted me…

"Oi, Hikigaya! Yahallo, we're in the same class. What a coincidence!"

"Y-yo… Right, coincidence…" I said sheepishly, trying my best to look cool.

"Hilarious! Hikigaya we should definitely hang out later!" Orimoto said with her million watt smile.

Crap… Woman what are you saying? Stop making misunderstanding, I mean look at my class they definitely thinking we're friends….

As to prove my statement I looked around and meet some weird stares from my classmates.

"Who's that guy anyway..?" random girl #1 said.

"He's that creep who made Sagami cry" said random girl #2.

Nothing changed, I'm still as forsaken as ever. Not like it's something bad, actually I'm glad.

Trying to avoid any more unnecessary attention I felt weird gaze at my side. It was silver haired delinquent with purple eyes, staring at me with… anger? When our eyes met, her cheeks become as red as tomato while her eyes widened in surprise.

In no way would I lose this stare down. I will not avert my gaze! Hachiman be strong for Komachi and for your name. Oh, name... what's was her name anyway? Toyota-san? No, no. It definitely resembles some motorbike company. Ah, I know! It's Honda-san. Okay, Honda-san I swear I will never again forget your name.

After a while she averted her gaze being even more flustered than before. She's so weird. I guess she doesn't like to lose. Whatever.

In the meantime from the back of the classroom I heard someone fidgeting and making odd undefined squeaks. At my 'surprise' it was Yuigahama, she's probably shocked that someone actually knows me.

Oi. Yuigahama even I have some acquaintances from the middle school, however I would like to not have any… So please don't embarrass yourself anymore. As your fri… Uhm. I mean as your clubmate I'm being considerate of your reputation. So please just stop.

"Hikki! What's she doing here!?" Your typical blunt-gahama said.

"Uh… E…I…" I was trying to answer her, when certain person spoiled my sublimed respond.

"Yahallo Yuigahama-san. Do you remember me? We met a few times actually."

"Oh. Yahallo, O-Orimoto-san. Uhm. I do remember you. You are Hikki friend, right?" Yuigahama responded with.

"Hikki? Hilarious! I would never think that you have such a fancy nickname Hikigaya!" Said Orimoto trying to prevent from laughing out loud.

Someone, please help me. I want to die…

"Silence, the class is starting. Orimoto-san please take a sit at the desk behind Hikigaya." Hiratsuka-sensei said smirking even more devilishly than before.

"Okay." Simple word from Orimoto escalated the turmoil in the class... And made me want to disappear even more.

Lunchtime is a peaceful time for every loner in the world. You can go to your usual loner spot, eat lunch, preferably curry bread and avoid all these riajuu happily chatting and eating with their friends. It's certainly the best moment of the whole school day. So why am I siting in the class and not in my preferable spot? There are a few obstacles on my way to happiness.

Firstly it's raining, secondly I can't get up from my desk and finally somebody is constantly poking my back. Someone may ask why can't I get up and simply walk away. Actually I'm swarmed by horde of idiots wanting to get along with our brand new classmate. It's common to greet a new student etc. but I don't get why the simple loner must suffer? It's making me even more uncomfortable because every time I feel a finger on my back that barbarian horde focus on me for the moment.

A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!

Hachiman relax, in a few hours I will be in clubroom, drinking excellent tea brew by Yukinoshita, reading some light novel, then I would go home, sleep in kotatsu and adore my little sister. Ah, can't wait for these serene moments.

But now I can't bear all these idiots invading my personal space. It is really exhausting… I wonder how Hayama's dealing with it.

Speaking of the devil. While I was occupied his entire clique arrived to welcome Orimoto. It's funny how all these random students make space to our king and his queen, seems like nobody wants to expose himself to wrath of Fire Queen Miura, I definitely agree, Miura wrath isn't something one should underestimate if they want to make it through.

"Hello Orimoto-san. It's nice to see you again. We should all get along and make precious memories." Here you are guys, your typical smiling Hayama. Beside him stood Miura death glaring Orimoto. I guess she feels threatened by the new girl on the block.

Don't you worry Miura-san he's not interested. Although Orimoto might be into your beloved Hayama so you absolutely should stand your ground.

"A-ah. Hello Hayama-kun. It's nice to see you too. How you doing?"

It seems like Orimoto is still awkward around Hayama, they haven't spoken since that double date, even though they have seen each other a few times. It might be weird to speak to someone who made you feel ashamed and run away.

"I'm fine. Thank you. Have you met my friends?" Hayama said displaying his gang like some freak show. Then he started introducing them one by one queen bee Miura, fujoshi Ebina, noisy Tobe, and two dudes I personally don't bother to remember.

"I believe you have already met Yuigahama-san" Hayama finally said finishing introduction to his elite squad.

"Yes, I have. We've met a few times but never actually have a chance to talk." as she said that, Orimoto looked at me with her brown eyes, smiling faintly. Making Yuigahama slightly nervous.

"Oh. Orimoto-san if you don't mind I could show you school. We could chat and have fun." Yuigahama quickly responded with her usual joyfulness. It's pretty good idea I mean Yuigahama would distract Orimoto, that's my chance to have a peaceful afternoon.

"Thank you Yuigahama-san but I would rather have Hikigaya as my guide"

"Hikki? Like only you two? It-it's no good…." Yuigahama started mumbling and I widened my eyes in surprise. I thought she would rather have Hayama instead, Hachiman don't delude yourself she's just a nice girl you know.

"Orimoto I'm not a good guide, I don't really know school and I'm really gloomy" Damn, I should have thought a better excuse.

"That's exactly why I want you to show me school" she's too stubborn. Man what should I do? I looked at Yuigahama she was awkwardly smiling at me.

"I'm not feeling well, besides I have my club activities today. Soccer club won't have because of rain so you should ask Hayama."

"It's great idea Orimoto-san, I would like to show you around" Hayama to the rescue.

"Hayato, I would like to go too"

"Me too"

"And me"

So that's how Hayama and his gang become official Orimoto guides for today. Phew, I won't have to trouble myself. It's fine I should just relax and drink some tea. Before I turned away I looked at Orimoto, she was chatting with her new friends and smiling but oddly when her eyes met mine she seemed… unhappy?

I was standing at Service Club doors, thinking about recent events. It could be troublesome if Orimoto tries to get along with me, I mean she may destroy my peaceful Service Club and student council slave life. Sigh. I wonder who might be the real culprit, it's doubtful that she transferred on her own. What would be her reason after all?

There is no point doubting Orimoto right now. She's just an old acquaintance from the middle school, I thought she was kind to me because she liked me but she was, and I presume still is, a nice girl so I should be cautious and everything will be fine Hachiman. Don't panic.

After a while of standing idle I opened door to the Service Club and saw Yukinoshita in her usual spot reading some novel. Raindrops on the window and the sound of the rain make her look melancholic. I won't deny, she looked beautiful just like the first time I saw her nearly a year ago. Then we were just a strangers but now we are at least acquaintances so our relationship is progressing, slowly but steadily.

"Yo." I said my typical greeting.

"Good afternoon, Hikigaya-kun. Yuigahama-san is with you, isn't she?" she said smiling faintly. She's smiling more and more these days, so am I. Every now and then I think that smile actually suits her but I can't say it at loud, right? It would be totally embarrassing, also I bet she would think I'm even creepier than usual. That's why I won't dare to tell her.

"No. Yuigahama and others are showing school to new student."

"Why aren't you with them, Hikigaya-kun?"

"…"

"Don't bother answering, it's rhetorical question. Hiki-loner-kun"

"Good, I've run out of excuses."

With slight chuckle Yukinoshita stood up and asked "Would you like some tea, Hikigaya-kun?"

I nodded and sat down on my chair. Yes, actually I'm able to call it my chair. I even have my own mug, nothing special but it was gift from my clubmates and at the first I was startled but later I grow fond of it. To think I used to drink from paper cups…

After a while room filed with pleasant aroma of the finest tea Yukinoshita could get. While she was preparing tea I gazed at her and thought how to help her become independent from her family and expectations. It may be hard or even impossible but together the three of us should come up with solution because I'm done doing things on my own or being scapegoat. Sigh, maybe, maybe if there won't be another way I would sacrifice myself this last time...

Apparently she noticed my stare because her cheeks got red. Mental note: Yukinoshita flustered face is ridiculously cute.

"I'm frightened of my chastity. Please, stop staring Hiki-pervert-creepy-depraved-kun" Yukinoshita said standing in defense stance.

"Sugoi. My nicknames are getting longer and longer. Am I really that scary?"

"Yes, you are. Especially your dreadful dead-fish eyes. They make you look like Yakuza thug. Please be more considerate to environment and wear blindfold."

"I am considerate you know? My eyes are hard evidence of my consideration. If I had normal eyes all girls would be mad about me and I would be a harem king. I have very handsome face and I'm quite fit after all. Hence, in my opinion I am very thoughtful, don't you think?" I said playfully with a cocky smile. I hope my hair color didn't change because I'm pretty sure I don't have headband tied around my left wrist and only dish I can cook are curry and instant ramen. So my Totsuki student career is a big no-no right now.

Yukinoshita pressed her temples, closed eyes and sighed. The deepest and longest sigh I've ever seen by the way.

"You're unbelievably vain, Hikigaya-kun. In all meanings of this word. Your narcissism is beyond imagination, I wonder what a shameless woman would ever dare to marry or even touch someone like you." without opening her eyes, Yukinoshita responded with a strain of disgust in her voice.

"In fact you touched me in the infirmary a few weeks ago."

Yukinoshita opened her eyes and death glared me with the coldest look on earth. In the end Ice-Queen name oblige.

"Hikigaya-kun you grievously ill-mannered Neanderthal and a malingering stench-emitting unspeakably offensive barbarian." Honestly I don't know what she's talking about and at this point I'm too afraid to ask. "Sometimes I regret that we have met. Dimwit, dumbass, Hachiman! "

"Oi. Hachiman's not even an insult!" Oh, Déjà vu. Should I be looking for creepy guys in black suits?

Yukinoshita's face was deep pink while she was turning her gaze away from me. She must be really pissed. I need to be careful or else I might die today.

After that, Yukinoshita and I started to silently reading our respective books, silence don't bother me anyway. Actually I'm glad because I need some blissful time after today's Orimoto invasion.

It's been a while since I had a chance to calmly read a book. Oh my, I almost forgot how fun it is. Yukinoshita seems to agree with my life philosophy, she's been reading since our conversation died, it was about 40 minutes ago I guess. Anyway if Yuigahama or Isshiki were here I would have a very bad time. They literally cannot restrain from constant babbling, sometimes man need a time for himself and from that trio only Yukinoshita is well-mannered enough to be aware of this. Yukinoshita-san I sincerely thank you.

But even Yukinoshita isn't flawless. My peripheral vision glimpsed her quick glances at me. You know Yukinoshita-san, if you're so uncomfortable with only two of us in clubroom you should say it. I'm already starting to think I'm not a decent man…

Taking a sip of cold but still quite good tea I restarted our conversation.

"Hey. Yukinoshita."

"Yes, Hikigaya-kun?" she replied, still reading book.

"I've been thinking about your request for a while. It may be difficult but Yuigahama and I definitely won't let you down."

She peered at me with eyes wide open. Why are your cheeks so red Yukinoshita? Have a mention about Yurigahama makes you so excited? I knew it, she's cuddling you too much. Not that's unpleasant view, I mean every man likes to watch two pretty girls cuddling. Am I right? Please tell me I'm right, I'm not perverted… *sigh* I really might be perverted…

Seconds later Yukinoshita regained composure and said with small smile.

"Thank you, Hikigaya-kun. It means a lot to me."

"It's not a big deal. We're Service Club, remember?"

Looking into my eyes Yukinoshita said with kindness "Yes, indeed we are Hikigaya-kun."

Yukinoshita voice and her big blue eyes made me blushing, I had to look away.

"But you know, the most important thing is not to give a hungry man a fish but to teach him how to fish." I said after a pause to put myself together.

At the first there was no response but then I heard Yukinoshita chuckling. Chuckle became chortle and then a full blown laughter. One can say a lot about Yukinoshita but her laugh is certainly pleasant.

I looked at her with right brow up indicating my curiosity.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing's funny. N-nothing at all." Yukinoshita said trying to suppress her laugh.

"Something's funny otherwise you're loony."

"Just talking with pathetic loser and unsocial hermit like you, Hikigaya-kun might make one a madman"

Nope, she's one hundred percent fine.

"Whatever, just tell me what was so funny?" I said a little annoyed.

"I just realized something, Hikigaya-kun."

"Hmm?"

"I realized you're developing. You've become capable of actually learning from the others. Someday maybe you will evolve from Amphibia to Reptilian. Hiki-hebi-kun" Yukinoshita replied teasingly.

"Give me a break Yukinoshita. It's natural that even loner like me can learn. Actually I'm pretty good at learning, you shouldn't underestimate a third place in Japanese." I tried to hide my smile but I failed, in the end I really enjoy our little mockeries.

We stayed in silence for a moment still smiling at each other. Yukinoshita started blushing and lowered her head, then she cleared her throat and asked me.

"Hikigaya-kun. W-would you l-like to g-go..."

Sudden noise interrupted Yukinoshita question. Both of us instinctively turned to see open door and flash of flaxen hairs.

"~Senpaaaaai~"

Sigh, I guess my peaceful time just ended…

Phew. I haven't written so much in English since high school. What do you think?

I really like both Orimoto and Yukinoshita that's why I'm thinking about making two different endings, but according to your opinion I would reconsider and focus on one heroine.

About updates, unfortunately I'm in the middle of my engineer degree exams so it might take a time before next update.

Can't wait for both positive and negative feedback. See you soon.

#Edit

As you guys suggested I've removed italics from dialogues except those in the first part.

I'm still in dilemma about the main heroine, probably going with the both routes although I'm afraid that the story might lack quality. Anyway we'll see, now the most important to me is to nicely develop the storyline.

I really appreciate all reviews, they make me genuinely happy. Thank you for your support and see you next time.