For The Better Future

"Hachiman, get down here, dear. Dinner's ready!" If it's not a high-pitched voice calling me incessantly while sneaking in her self-proclaimed points, it's as clear as day that the mother of the household is demanding for my presence right now.

"Roger that. I'll be there in a minute." I lazily responded as an answer. The light novel I was just indulged in closed shut for a short moment. Not sure if she heard my response or not, though.

"Hachiman?!" Oh, shoot. Apparently not.

Not having the intention of grating the nerves of the already raging behemoth, I promptly opened my door without any time to waste.

"I'm alive." How the heck is that a proper reply, Hachiman? Whatever it is, I made haste to quickly descent down the stairs. Mom was already having her hands on her waist and stared with utmost command.

The fuse have fortunately been diffused as a cheeky smile made way to her face. "Glad to hear. Come on, your father's already home." I responded with a nod of the head and followed her back to the dining room.

Looks like today is one of the rare occasions that Mom and Dad are able to spare some of their time for eating dinner at the same table. I don't particularly felt bothered about it. Me and Komachi are both fine with either, since the part where we share our daily activities and adventure, we've already got each other. Though the extra two heads is indeed great company.

Reaching the table, I was greeted with the sight of a deadbeat father growling satisfyingly as his daughter-con tendencies are being taken care of by Komachi, jovially massaging the back of his neck.

"Get up. It's not polite to grumble in front of the food."

Happiness is apparently temporary since Mom delivered a light smack to his face with today's newspaper, immediately receiving an actual grumble in return.

"Welcome back, Dad." Taking a seat beside the guy, I greeted the arrival of our leader in the house. After saying his gratitude to Komachi, the man warmly smiled at my direction.

"Good to be back, Acchi. But as blissful my beloved daughter's massages may be, it is still not enough to relief the strain in my muscles right now. Acchi, may I ask for you assista-"

"Come to think of it, my neck's been killing me these few days. Komachi, may I ask for your assista-"

"You should learn a thing or two about helping yourself. And those chicken wings are too far for my reach. Onii-chan, may I ask for your assista-"

"The familial activity called dinner..," Oh, crap. "...is something that should be conducted timely, energetically, and ethically."

Lips were closed shut, backs were impulsively straight.

Slowly opening her eyes like the angel of death itself, the leader of the leader of the house continued, "Everyone, may I ask for your obedience to follow these principles?"

"Yes." Timely, energetically, and ethically we answered. Seriously, even the man has his face hung down to the plate with arms straight on his hips. Show some male pride, Dad.

The silence was chilling for a moment, but it went by as soon as it came after a cheerful giggle emanated the dinner table.

Heads that were hung low were slowly brought up to face the tender smile of our beloved, prideful Mom.

"Thank you for giving me home. Now, let's seriously eat."

The atmosphere of our dinner was like any of the other dinners we had with each other. Relaxing, humorous and downright comfortable. Me and Dad don't talk much, but Mom and Komachi's daily endeavors made easy way for us to comment every now and then. The dinner Mom somehow had time to make was fairly succulent too.

"Hachiman..,"

It was a half an hour after, that Mom suddenly shifted to a much more serious tone. Swallowing the bite that was inside my mouth, I respectfully turned to her.

"I think it's about time for me to address the elephant in the room." Thanks to whatever gave my mind power, I was able to stop my mouth from saying a witless quip that may have me end up as dead as the possibility of Hiratsuka-sensei getting married.

However, probably being too engrossed with the spaghetti in his mouth, the clueless victim beside me didn't.

"You're going to address yourself?" Oh, Dad. How many pieces of bread to the face must be sacrificed for you to realize that weight jokes are not funny.

"Dad! No!" Komachi, after finishing the chicken wing in her hands, ran dramatically to the other side of the table, where a close to being dead body is already lying on the floor.

"It's not that serious of a matter. But I still think it should be discussed." After promptly flexing her hands, the woman faced me again.

My head should only nod lest I would receive the same fate.

Enjoining her hands on the table like the manner of a businesswoman, Mom continued, "Let's talk about your grades, Hachiman."

Oh, no. The very topic that all students alike, regardless of religion, ethnic and race are terrified to discuss about. Is it now? I'm going to be disowned now?

Hey, wait a minute. If I'd recall the past of my earlier exams, I wouldn't say the results were that bad, though. I fairly remember the scores I got were pretty commendable if it were to follow the course of my studies in the future.

"Though it may not be exemplary, I think the grades for the final exam went alright. Is there anything that was particularly bad?" I inquired.

"Yes, if you'd refer to most of the subjects, I'd say you even made your Mom proud. Heck, you were even way better than how your father did during our school years." Despite being so close to the brink of death, Dad was able to form a startled growl by the arrow to the heart.

"So what's been bothering you?"

Taking a moment to look at my clueless expression, Mom answered with a wistful sigh.

"I'm talking about the Maths and Science subject, Hachiman. The one tha- ...what'd you call it again?"

"The Troublesome Duo..." Which I would also call the Subjects I've Been Neglecting For The Longest Time Ever. Why is this something that Mom wants to talk about? I'm fairly certain that we've discussed on what my future goals would be, and I'm fairly certain it doesn't involve having to excel in these subjects.

"But why, Mom? I don't think those two are close to being significant to what I'm planning to achieve in the future," I tried to reason.

"Though it may not be that necessary, but your enrollment to a better university is unfortunately taking into consideration to that," she explained. "Trust me. This is experience talking."

"O, Father! Please don't thou leave me behind!"

"I-I can see the light… it's coming ever nearer to my eyes… that I can feel it blinding through…"

Trying my best to ignore the tasteless play that's going on, I continued, "I do trust you. And truthfully, I already know the fact. Just thought the possibility of enrolling still stands even if I am to neglect those two subjects," Suddenly feeling slightly hungry, I took a bite of another chicken wing.

"The better your overall results, the better your chances. I'm looking out for what's best for you, dear. Moreso after hearing you express about what you're aiming to become. The greater your foundation, the further you may achieve." After the string of advice she just gave, I was only able to stare listlessly at the empty plate in front of me.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not at all upset. How fragile can I be if that was enough to break my walls? I'm just figuring out a way to go with following Mom's advice with the current disadvantage I have. I hope my expression shows that as well.

"So that's why, I've come to a solution," Seeing my immediate response, the woman smiled warmly and took a small time to grab a bite of a meatball in her plate. I decided to give her some time.

Knowing that Mom have addressed the problem, while simultaneously provide a solution is definitely a major upbringing. Oh, Mom. Who knew you could be such a saint in helping out your helpless son.

Proudly swallowing the munched meatball into her throat, the woman triumphantly turned to me and I could already here a loud orchestra going on behind her. Maths and Science, here I co-

"I've found you a tutor." -wer in fear to you as my Mom had provided a solution which is merely an illusion.

Somehow still oblivious, Mom commented, "Eh? What's with the sudden long face?"

"I don't know, Mom. Probably not because you just suggested something that I already have. Mhm."

"You've already got a tutor?"

"Well, at school you'd usually call them a teacher." My quip had deserved me a click to the forehead by the momentarily annoyed woman.

"This and that is different. You don't usually have teachers that have more freedom to teach you however they like." Rubbing my forehead, I reluctantly listened.

"And how exactly is that going to help me?"

"Sometimes, to study something that we're not good at, you might just need a change of pace and atmosphere. A top-tier tutor can help you find that."

"Is the tutor really top-tier?"

"That is something you have to find out on your own." Well, from my experience, being top-tier doesn't make them any less vexatious and annoying. I don't think I want another Yukinoshita in my life.

Is having someone help me out on this really going to make such a significant difference? Should I just convince Mom that I would study harder so I can avoid this. How is studying with someone I don't know able to turn the tides?

Perhaps it was an act of comfort or encouragement, but a second I was contemplating whether to agree or not, her pleasant hand made its way to my messy hair.

"Well for starters, why don't you give it a try? It's not often you'll get this kind of experience, right?"

I'm not sure if there's a scientific explanation for this, but this woman's constant pats on my head have always made me feel calmer in organizing whatever is going on in my mind. Though I'd say it's a bit unfair that she does this every time she asks something of me that I'd find reluctant to do.

She knows this is my comfort zone.

"...Yeah, I'll do it. It's worth the try." I hung my head in defeat, "Though don't blame me if they immediately started to bail right after they take a look at me."

"Of course I won't. Just be yourself, and if they still do by you doing that, then I'd be happier if they did." After the mutual chuckle from both sides, Mom straightened herself and started organizing the mess on the table.

"If everything goes well, you can start next week. The tutoring session would begin after your club activities."

"Every night, then?"

"At weekdays, yep." Wow, the tutor must have invested a lot in this. Not being cooperative might just let the guy down after all this hard work he's planning to do.

Well if anything, I just hope it turns out to be a decent person. I'm not at all planning to jeopardize this whole thing and I'd hope my soon-to-be tutor would do the same. Though, if possible I'd still like to avoid this the best that I can.

"Don't worry too much, Hachiman. Besides, I've been assured that this tutor of yours is someone you can easily get familiar with."

"What does that supposed to even mean?" Perhaps you have forgotten, Mom, but your son isn't exactly the most social person around. How am I going to be acquainted with a person, where the people that actually are friends with me are just a bunch of weirdos?

With those last words, Mom continued to carry the plates to the kitchen, blatantly ignoring the cheap drama that have been going on since we started the conversation.

"Father! Where art thou when I need you?!"

"S-Save yourself, my beloved daughter. I'm afraid thy time of despair... have finally come hither..."

Ditto, Dad.

"My condolences."

Those were the two words that instantly echoed inside the proud Service Club after I shared the burden that is currently bestowed upon me right now. Like hearing it twice as much doesn't make it any better. Nothing I could do but hide my face inside my arms at this point.

"So, how are you planning to deal with this?" The question from our prideful president brought me to my main agenda. Instantly, I raised my head.

"With this." Yes, with this. That's why I'm sitting. That's why I'm sitting here. That's why I'm sitting here at the seat of the requester.

For a moment, I looked at Yuigahama who is sitting across me and sporting an embarrassed smile for some reason. Then, I turned to Yukinoshita, who's eyes can cut like a knife but her cheeks were as red as a brick.

"I'm making a request."

"Yes, that in itself is painfully obvious." Fingers holding on to the bridge of her nose, the girl quipped. Taking that as a hint to bring forward my request, I immediately hung my head back down but now in the form of a bow.

"Please, is there any way for you to rig our final exam resu-"

"That's out of the question, Hikigaya-kun. I'm aware it has been a life-long dream for you to become a full-fledged criminal, but I would appreciate it if you'd leave the two of us out of it." No good, huh? Well it was worth the try. Even when I just got mocked in return.

Finally giving up, I rest my back at the chair and let out an exhausted sigh. Yuigahama's chuckle and Yukinoshita's frustration were more than audible.

"Although... y-you could've just consulted with me beforehand if you're having trouble with these subjects. Before you're assigned to another tutor, to be precise."

"Didn't I tell you? It was Mom's idea."

"I know that...," Yukinoshita muttered that last one. I just sighed in response.

"I would just accept my fate if I were you, Hikigaya-kun. Besides, I don't imagine you have anything better to do with your life."

"That's right, Hikki!" Tch. I know you didn't mean it but don't agree with her, Yuigahama. "This might just turn out to be better for you!" With fists pumped to emphasize her point, Yuigahama justified.

"I guess so... It's just so bothersome that I just couldn't be bothered by it."

"Take it as a form of encouragement to live a more energetic life. Sooner or later, you might realize the extra skills you'll gain from this."

"Yeah? Like what?"

"Definitely socializing, Hikki! You totally suck at it." Oi, Yuigahama. Please be quiet if you have no justifiable arguments.

"What Yuigahama-san suggested is definitely true. Perhaps you'll learn a bit better on how to communicate with people of... your gender..." The Yukinoshita Mockery Express suddenly stopped in its journey. Don't know how. Don't know why.

"While we're on that topic, Hikigaya-kun..,"

"Yeah?" I raised my head to give her some of my attention.

"Are you aware of whoever it is going to be your tutor?" Yukinoshita asked a question that even I can't answer.

"Nope, no idea. Mom decided to keep that in the bag." It went quite for a brief moment.

"...Is it a girl?" Now it's Yuigahama who asked a question that even I can't answer.

"Well like I said, I have no idea who the tutor is." I responded with a scratch of the head. 'Though it's gotta be a guy right? Probably an adult too."

My off-handed response received a somewhat nervous chuckle by Yuigahama. "Y-Yeah, right..."

"That is true..." Yukinoshita's barely audible comment made what followed another quite situation.

Took a solid five seconds for me to realize I'm still sitting somewhere I don't belong even though the request have been savagely rejected. Might as well get on my merry way.

"Wait!" I don't know how they may have sensed it, but I've just barely lift myself up from the chair for them to both suddenly ask me to stay halt.

"Yeah?" I eyed them both curiously, thinking there might just be more that they wanted to ask or let me know.

After another solid five seconds of staring at them fidgeting uncomfortably, Yukinoshita finally decided to take the initiative.

"Y-You've spoke about how Mathematics and Science was not necessary for your future goals. What exactly do you have in mind, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Oh, yeah! Right!" Yuigahama follows with her signature strong nods.

Now that's a question I can actually answer. "Well, you guys know about what I'm planning to be in the future, right?"

"A househusband, I presume?"

"A househusband, right?"

"Uhhh, no." I answered with a deadpan expression.

"What?" My goodness. The fact that they look genuinely confused and surprised made this much more aggravating.

"You actually have an ambition, Hikki?!" Yuigahama actually stood up! What, are you serious right now? How low do you women think of me? Yukinoshita, bring back the light to your eyes!

"You guys seriously thought I was being serious about that? There's no way I'm doing that," I commented in annoyance. Yuigahama however, looked way too delighted for a normal person to be. Like, her future was getting much more brighter delighted.

"Then then, what's it gonna be?"

"It's not anything grand. But I'm trying to be someone that finds a source of income through writing. Novelist, journalist, writer anything. I think I'd do fine if It's anything related to literature."

Throughout my explanation, I couldn't ignore the giddy expression currently adorned on this pink-haired face. The further I go, the further her smile went and her face gradually turned the same colour as her hair.

Without a care in the world, Yuigahama suddenly exclaimed, "That's awesome, Hikki! It'll definitely make you much more convincing!" Convincing for what, woman? Interviews?

Anyways, all this sharing about my future path made me somehow felt a little bit embarrassed. Adding to Yuigahama's absolutely pure encouragement and praise, it's really making it difficult for me to keep a straight face.

While looking around the room to find a comfortable place to settle my gaze, my eyes paused at the black-haired who had finally restored the light in her eyes and as of currently, taking a sip of her tea like the arrogant woman she is.

"I'll have to admit, this ambition of yours would most undoubtedly make our future much brighter." My future, by the way. But, mhm. Okay. "But I'd like to know further, Hikigaya-kun. Are there any specifics on how you're imagining your job would be?" Yukinoshita curiously asked.

"I... haven't put much thought to it right now, actually. But I suppose, like writing books and reviews or somethi-"

"Then I'll have you know that the Yukinoshita Co. Is an essentially universal place. I think I remember my father spoke about the platform he provided for people to write books and reviews."

"I-I see... And I guess I'd like to proofread other people's works and journals or somethi-"

"Then I'll have you know that the Yukinoshita Co. is an essentially universal place. I think I remember my father spoke about the platform he provided for people to proofread others' works and journals."

"I-I''ll keep that in mind... And I suppose I'd like to compile research materials under one journal and compilation or somethi-"

"Then I'll have you know tha-"

"Yukinoshita-san, I think you already have me know that the Yukinoshita Co. is an essentially universal place."

"I'm merely broadening your options, Hikigaya-kun." More like brainwash me to it. What, you're trying to make me your slave or something? I think I've had enough share for that in high school, thank you.

As I stared dejectedly at the girl sipping her tea, a harmonious giggle was heard in front of me. Curious, I turned to her.

After gracefully finishing her fit of laughter, the girl wiped her eye and smiled.

"As I thought, this is much more fun, Hikki."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it was kinda hard to get your attention when you're so far away." Yuigahama took a glance at my initial seat. "I just thought it was much easier to get you to look at us like this."

Ignoring her use of words, I responded, "You think so?"

"I know so!" Emphasizing her point, her hand was shaped to a fist yet again. Yukinoshita was looking really intently at whatever is interesting at the tables in the back for some reason.

"Wh-What do you think, Hikki? Want to change your seat, you know, to celebrate the new term?" What, do people usually do that? I thought that place was fine as it is.

Besides, "If I'm sitting here, where would the client be sitting then?" Yuigahama had her mouth agape for a moment as if I just preached the most convincing, legitimate prophecy of all time. Didn't though of that, huh?

The girl continued to roam her eyes around the area with a melodious hum until she stopped at the space at her right.

She was staring so long at it. So long that for a moment I decided to call her out on it. But then the girl in question raised her hand and pointed to the spot.

"Wh-What about here, Hikki?" Oi, if you're talking to me, then at least look at me. There, there, that's right. W-Woah are you having a fever? So red!

I silently turn to the spot Yuigahama just suggested, sigh and provide an honest response. The largest space that is beside you and you chose the one uncomfortably closest to you. What are you, dense?

"No thanks, Yuigahama. I just can't see myself peacefully reading a book with your incessant clicking of the phone beside me."

"Geh!"

"Don't forget her endless prattle, Hikigaya-kun."

"Yeah, that too."

"You guys are being mean right now, you know?!"

Seeing that there's no client to distract our peaceful evening, we continued our sporadic conversations until the time of closing hours. Then another peaceful evening in the Service Club have passed.

"Well then, thank you for your cooperation today Hikigaya-kun," Yukinoshita phrased at our usual parting point.

"Don't need to. If you're not exactly aware, Your Highness, we don't actually have any clients for today." As rare as that may be.

"You'd say the same even if we actually had them, Hikki." Yuigahama lets out her own comment at my statement.

"You think so?"

"We know so." Yeah, it's definitely necessary to have you both say it.

After a brief moment of merely addressing a warm smile at each other, Yukinoshita continued, "Well then.."

"See you tomorrow." I briefly chuckled at the two palms waving slowly at my direction. Most adorable thing I've seen all day.

Won't tell them that, though.

"Likewise." And I responded with a wave of my own. After that, we went on our both separate ways.

I breathe in the gust of wind playing with my beautiful hair, and let it all out wistfully to join the evening air.

…

Now, to my next wonderful destination. My beloved home.

Oh, how I really wanted it to be that way. But my equally beloved mother just had to remind me of the first meeting I'll be having with this tutor of mine. You're gonna let me handle it myself, too! How irresponsible is that?!

"Hey, be glad that I actually took extreme attention to your education, you know?"

"I'd be glad if it wasn't this extreme, though."

"I'm surprised you're calling what is simply a one-to-one study extreme. Anyway, your tutor will be waiting for you at the nearby cafe after your club activities are over. Don't let her wait for you too long, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah… Truthfully, after arguing so many times over this I couldn't catch plenty of the things you just said…"

"Cafe. After club. ASAP. Got it?"

"Roger that."

"Good. I'm gonna hang up now. Do your best okay, dear?"

"I'll try. Thanks for the hard work, Mom."

"For you guys, gladly."

I barely recalled the phone conversation I just had with Mom while striding my way to the supposed meeting location. Taking in the blissful scenery around me, it was short after that I realize the designated location was already greeting my eyes. A moment was taken to breathe and with non-existent conviction I try to validate the location of our inevitable meeting.

"Teh Tarik Cafe..," What is that, Chinese? Some Thailand beverage that I don't know of? Well, it does have the required word in its shop's name. Guess it is the right location then.

Wasting no more time, Dullahan was left locked outside and I made my way inside.

"Welcome!" Hearing the bell ring at the opening of the door, some random waiter instantly shouted. Which one who did that, I don't even know. I took a second to stand and admire the interior of this place.

The coffee shop is quite the fine establishment. Decorations were not that much placed, but the simplistic painting of gradient brown gave me the impression of visiting a warm, spacious cottage. One that I can definitely get comfortable with.

After taking in the serene atmosphere surrounding the cafe, I scouted the area.

Well then, Mom had said just now the tutor have already gotten the picture of me for our meeting here today. Therefore dismissing the necessity of me having to know the guy I'm going to study with.

The reason to that, I don't even know. Would be a whole lot easier if both parties could try to identify each other among this crowd in the cafe. But knowing that would mean less work for me actually made me more grateful than clueless.

"Might as well sit somewhere obvious to the crowd," I muttered before making my way to the counter.

…

"Pleasure of doing business with you!"

After getting my drink paid, I walked slowly through the tables and chairs, searching for a comfortable and conspicuous place to sit. Not much attention to the people around me.

Seeing an empty seat next to a large window, I immediately make haste lest someone else would take my place.

Taking in the nice odour, my laggard stride was suddenly stopped by the pull of my sleeve. Mind instinctively focused to keep the coffee in my tray stabilized due to the sudden disturbance.

"Wh-What was that all abo..." My angry complaint left hanging as I took a glance at the culprit of my almost accident.

We took seconds or so just staring at each other, her small fingers still holding on to my shirt. Being the offended in this situation, I just curiously waited in this complicated scenario.

It's definitely a sight that I've familiarized with, but also one that I haven't seen for a long time.

"Y-Yo..," Not knowing how to start, I clumsily took the first step. Why did this girl even called for me in the first place? Now the both of us had to go through the bother of "catching up with each other" and "talking about how nice the weather is".

"Yahallo, Hikigaya-kun." Oh, that greeting fad had infected you also. My condolences. I'll make sure Yuigahama pay for this.

"What are you doing here?" I asked that.

"Not much. Just walking around," she answered that. "What about you, Hikigaya-kun?"

I politely gave an answer of my own. "Oh, nothing. Just waiting for this guy that is supposedly my tutor. None seems to paint the picture yet." My eyes scouted the area while answering her question.

"Ohhh, do you know how she looks like?"

"Well, I'm fairly sure it's a guy. But I don't know how he looks like." Momentarily giving up with my search, I slowly turned my head back to the girl.

"Though I was told that the person should have a picture of myself, so he should know... who I am... if he..," After seconds of incoherent mumbling, my mouth have finally been put to a stop. Now my mind is mumbling with the sight I'm currently seeing right now.

The person that I'm currently looking at is the same girl as before. Though the difference right now, made me somehow baffled.

Her blinking eyes looked more cheekier than ever. But my attention was all about the paper slightly below it.

Covering her mouth was a piece of portrait paper with a picture that I'm trying to analyse. To get a better view, I pushed my head nearer. Soon after, it was all becoming shockingly clear to me.

If I was narcissistic, I'd say the person in the picture is as suave a person can be. If I was grumpy, I'd be angry about how this picture was taken without permission. If I was me, I'd stand clueless without saying another word.

Because what is in front of me is indeed, a picture.

A picture of me.

"Wait, you're telling me..." I can't see her lips right now, but I'm quite sure there's a smile currently painted behind the picture.

"You're the tutor, Shiromeguri-senpai?" Who knows how dumbfounded I was in asking that question.

It's probably just the radiant sunlight, or how it permeates through the glass window of the shop. I'm not even sure.

But the cheeky giggle that made its way out of her lips after my question, I've got the distinct feeling that it's much warmer and comfier than the coffee I'm handling right now.

"Hikigaya-kun..," The girl was clearly amused for some reason, as she wiped a drop of tear that formed in her bright-coloured eyes. She lift her head once again, now hands on her waist and teeth bare with her lips.

"It's Shiromeguri-sensei for you!"

Truthfully, it's too early for me to say anything about this and I don't think I have the time. Just wanted to let you guys know it feels great to be back and I hope the, like what, 6 months of absence (?) won't have my writing skills be that rusty. I really hope it's in the verge of getting better.

Oh, and sorry if the title was so much of a dead giveaway till it became a major turnoff for you guys. Please let me know if it did. I just thought that if I kept it ambiguous until the end many of you readers might have already figured it out halfway or much earlier than that. So Catchy Title vs Temporary Ambiguity?

Anyway, as always thank you for reading and it will be much appreciated if you'd took some time to review.

It may have been obvious already, but this is not the same universe as Density, okay guys?! (For those who already read it).

The glorious Meguri cover was made by none other than our glorious PonPon. Link: /ponpon62126/status/955082677555576832

Till the next one!