AN: God this took forever. You know how you just keep thinking up a scenario, writing it down and it turns out like shit? Imagine that for FOUR FREAKING MONTHS! I literally was stuck brain dead on how to even do this chapter right! I rewatched every scene with that had Kawasaki, read every minuscule part she had in the novel, and STILL I couldn't come up with anything good to write.
Until this week that is.
Now I don't know how people will receive this chapter. I honestly was squeezing my brain dry while writing this. So if you don't like it then too bad for you and me. I hope you Saki fans enjoy this. I honestly was so close to giving up and just start writing about Orimoto, the runner-up for last chapter's voting. But I knew if I did that then I wouldn't forgive myself. And also the Saki-fans would hunt me down like it's open season.
And now I'm done ranting. You can all proceed to the chapter. Enjoy.
Chapter 4: Cold Rainy Day, Warm Stormy Night
I've never been fond of rain.
It's a cumbersome weather. Makes doing certain chores harder. Makes going out a hassle. It didn't help that getting caught in the rain gets you wet and prone to sickness; which unfortunately for me is happening right now.
I cursed under my breath and ran for cover as rainwater showered my person. Just my luck that today of all days is when I forget to pack an umbrella or wear a hoodie. I clutched my bag to my chest in an effort to keep it dry. It would be a nightmare if any of my books get soaked.
I rushed through the familiar street of my neighborhood. Just around this corner will be a park and-YES! Shelter!
I rushed forward and literally jumped under the canopy of the park gazebo. Haggard breaths escaped me as the small bit of adrenaline in my system slowly began to fade away. Placing my bag down, I took a moment to assess my clothes. My shirt was soaked through even the camisole I wore underneath. My jean shorts fared a bit better but my stockings were uncomfortably wet and clingy.
I sat on the open bench to slowly catch my breath and to check the condition of my bag. It was a bit wet but I managed to keep it and the contents inside dry. I checked my watch, noting the time to be only half past six.
"Need to send a text or they'll get worried. Maybe I can get Taishi to fetch me with an umbrella. I'm only a few streets away…"
I fished my phone from my pocket to do just that… only to let out a suffering groan.
Of all the times to get a dead battery… my luck is so screwed today.
…
…
"Looks like I'm going to have to wait this rain out."
With that said, I got to work on drying myself. Let's get these stockings off first. Damn things are starting to chafe.
It was when I was halfway removing the second stocking that I suddenly hear the sound of splashing water. I looked up and almost jumped up in surprise when I spotted a hooded figure rushing over. The second he was under cover he crouched over exaggeratedly with a hand on one knee to catch his breath. The other hand was clutching a large paper bag to his chest.
I couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive at this stranger's presence. While his intentions were most likely just to seek cover from the rain, the feminine part of me was automatically cautious of him.
"Haah… haah… stupid rain."
I felt a sudden nagging feeling rise up at the sound of his voice. I couldn't help but question the fact that it sounded oddly… familiar.
Of course, I got my answer the second he pulled down his soaked hood.
Long and messy black hair was revealed under the hood, framing sharp facial features to a roguish degree. His eyes, at first glance, seem either dead to the world or pathetically lethargic. But that was all on the surface. Those pools of grey held a very… subtle keen edge to them that complemented the acute mind I know he possessed.
Recognizing him for who he was, I couldn't help but call out to him. His name left my lips in a whisper that was somehow audible through the rain.
"… Hikigaya…"
He jerked a bit in surprise at the sudden call before slowly turning to me. When our eyes met I felt my throat tighten ever so slightly.
"Kawasaki…"
We stared at each other for what felt like the longest time. Being under his gaze made my heart drum as loud as ever, the sound only I could hear almost drowning out the rain.
"… You're drenched."
Well of course he's drenched. He got caught in the rain!
"Yeah… that's what happens when you get caught in the rain."
The deadpan tone in his voice made my stupid statement sound even more ridiculous. My whole face burned up as my social-mental-health took a haymaker of a hit.
"You don't seem so dry yourself."
His words made me conscious of my state of dress. My wet shirt was all but see through and the only thing covering my modesty was the black camisole underneath. From my mid-thigh to feet I was bare due to removing my stockings and sneakers. I felt the blood rushing up to my face when I caught him openly staring at my legs. I quickly pulled my bag over my bare thighs in a vain attempt to cover them up from his eyes.
"O-Oi, stop staring, idiot!"
"A-Ah, m-my bad."
Only when I called him out did he awkwardly avert his eyes.
Aaaah, this is the worst.
As if to confirm my thoughts, the rain got even heavier and a strong chilling breeze passed us. The cold air made me shiver all over.
Great. I'm drenched, embarrassed and now cold. I'm so gonna get sick from all this.
"Hey, take off your shirt."
Huh?
…
…
WHAT?!
"A-Are you crazy?!"
"… Right, could have worded that better. Just do it if you don't want to get sick."
He began to take off his hoodie and it took me a few seconds to realize what he intended. A strong sense of gratefulness welled up inside me at the kind gesture.
"… Y-You could have worded it better."
I awkwardly began to comply with his intentions. It felt so weird to voluntarily unbutton and undress in front of a guy. When I slipped off my shirt he promptly handed me his hoodie while respectively looking away.
"T-Thanks…"
"… J-Just hurry up and put it on."
Well, it looks like I wasn't the only one flustered up by all this. Slipping my arms through the sleeves, I promptly zipped up all the way to my chin. While the outer side was wet from the rain, the inner layer was as good as dry. A sigh escaped me as the hoodie brought back warmth to my body. When I looked up from my little haze it was to the sight of a horribly red-faced Hikigaya.
What's wrong with him? Is it that embarrassing to lend a girl your jacket? He's even holding a hand up to his face.
"Is something wrong?"
"N-No… just seems like your enjoying yourself."
Heh?
I looked down. My arms were currently wrapped around my person. My shoulders were hiked up and my chin was pressed to my chest. If you were looking at me from another's point of view, it looked like I was trying my hardest to bury myself into the oversized hoodie.
It felt so good that I didn't realize I was unconsciously snuggling into it.
…
…
AAAAAAHHHHH!
"N-No! I-It's j-just… I… uh…"
"I-It's… fine. I get it."
You say that but you know it isn't!
"… Kuuhh…"
With a pathetic whimper, I pulled up my hood and did my best impression of a turtle and huddled myself further into the piece of comfortable clothing.
This is the worst!
"I'm sorry, Saki. We're still not back yet from the communal hall. The meeting is going to take a while more till it's done. Thank god I decided to bring Keika and Rikku with me. Where's Taishi?"
"He's out with his friends."
"That means no one's at home… I guess you'll just have to wait until the rain is over, or when it lightens up at least. When you get home and if you're going to cook, just cook enough for yourself and Taishi. I'm probably going to bring the kids to see Papa and we'll eat out together for dinner."
"Alright. I'll make do with what we have or something. See you tonight."
"Wait, Saki. Can you pass the phone to uhmm… Hikigaya-kun, was it?"
"Uh… ok?"
I offered the phone to Hikigaya who was looking at me questioningly as he took it. I answered him with a clueless shrug as he hesitantly began to talk to my mother.
"… Yeah… alright, I understand… it's no problem at all… ok."
It seems he was finished with whatever mom wanted to say to him as he handed her call back to me.
"Mom? What did you say to him?"
"Just thanking him for keeping you company, sweetheart."
I have a feeling it's not as simple as that but I didn't press it any further. We talked for a bit more before exchanging a short goodbye and ending the call.
"… Today just seems to be having it out for me." A heavy sigh left my lips before I turned to the only other person beside me.
"Thanks for letting me use your phone."
"No problem. Sounds like help isn't coming."
"Yeah. Mom took my two youngest siblings with her for a communal meeting. She'll be rendezvousing with my dad after he finishes work and they'll be eating out together."
"And Taishi?"
"Out with his friends. What about you? Why don't you give your sister a call?"
"She's not home. Sleeping over at a friend's place."
"That's… inconvenient."
"Tell me about it. It's indirectly her fault I'm stuck here anyway." He then gestured to the paper bag beside him. I took a peek inside and could see a variety of groceries. "She didn't even tell me we were running low on some stuff. Really, how cruel can you be my precious imouto."
Ignoring the fake tears running down the sis-con's face, I took a moment to inspect his purchases. "Chicken breasts, coconut milk, basil, spice blend… are you making curry?"
"It's practically the only thing I can make other than egg dishes and instant ramen."
I gave him an amused yet curious look. Not many boys I know could cook for themselves. I know Taishi can't even stir a pot of soup properly.
Makes me curious how good he is at cooking.
"Hey, looks like the rain is letting up."
I looked up at the sky hoping his words to be true. He was half right. While it wasn't as heavy, it still was more than just a drizzle.
"Now's probably a good time to head home."
"It can take a turn for the worse at any moment. You sure you want to risk it?"
"Yeah. My place is near the end of the street. Wouldn't take long to get there even if the rain picks up again." I wanted to argue against it but he was already standing up and holding his groceries.
Seeing him ready to leave, I couldn't help but feel a slight pang in my chest. I had the strangest urge to cry out to him to stay. To hold him back and keep me company.
But I couldn't be so selfish.
"… Well… I guess you'll be needing this back."
I gestured to his hoodie with a jittery tug. I haven't taken it off yet but I'm already starting to miss the warm comfort it provided. I pinched the zipper and pulled it about halfway down before he stopped me.
"Keep it on. You'll need it to cover yourself."
"… A-Are you planning to lend it to me or something?"
"For the moment. Don't want you getting any more wet from the rain."
What's he talking about? It's not like I'm leaving with him right now.
"You're confusing me, Hikigaya. It sounds like you're expecting me to come with you back to your house."
"That's the plan."
…
…
…
Ha?
"Tadaima… I say it but not like anyone's gonna answer."
I shuffled my feet with a bit of unease as I awkwardly stood at the entrance of Hikigaya's home.
How did it even get to this point?
"W-What?"
"Your mom asked me to look out for you during the call. Wanted me to stay with you at least until the rain ended or we somehow managed to get you back home."
"A-And how does that equal me following you back to your place?"
"Isn't it obvious? Figured I'd kill two birds if I just sheltered you at my place until the rain is over. Now c'mon let's go."
"You're gonna catch a cold just standing there."
I jumped a bit as his voice broke my thoughts, "A-Ah… pardon the intrusion…"
Seriously, why am I being so timid? It's not like anything is gonna happen. He's not that kind of guy.
I followed after Hikigaya into a large living area. I glanced around from where I stood at the door. The kitchen was simple like most houses, separated only by a counter. The dining table was smaller than the one in my place, but that's a given since this was meant for a family of four rather than six. The rest of the living space was as cozy as it can get, what with the large couch, flat-screen TV, and bookshelves filled to the brim with texts.
"Your family must like to read a lot."
"Everyone except my sister. Most of that belongs to my folks so you'll find a lot of classics." He answered me from the kitchen where he was busy putting down the new groceries. "You should probably take a bath to properly warm up. Wait here while I prepare one."
"You don't have to go through the trouble."
"I don't, but I've got something called a conscious. Don't want to be the one responsible for you getting sick. Now just wait here."
Before I could say anything else he was already out the door.
… That was so… roundabout. Couldn't he just admit he was worried? Is he a tsundere or something?
It was a while later when he came back and showed me where the bathroom was. I thanked him for the courtesy which he just played off nonchalantly.
"I'll be in the kitchen while you freshen up. Just shout if you need anything."
"Alright."
Then he left me to my own privacy. I let out a tired sigh and began to remove my soaked clothes. His hoodie was the first to come off. I smiled wryly at the comfortable thing and a part of me wished I could keep it. I shook my head at the thought before folding it up and placing it next to the small clothing basket where soon enough the rest of my wet clothes went in. I couldn't help but pause for a moment as I felt a sudden nagging feeling grow at the sight.
"I can't help but feel something missing from all this… but what?"
There are my wet clothes. A clean towel for when I'm done bathing. All I need now is a dry set of-Oh…
…
…
"Hi-Hi-Hikigaya…"
My pathetically trembling voice managed to carry itself across the hallway. Hikigaya came out to the sight of me peeking my head out of the bathroom door. His face instantly grew red at the sight and I can't blame him. I was basically naked save for the towel wrapped around me to keep my modesty.
"I-Is something wrong, Ka-Kawasaki?"
…
…
"… Is there a spare change of clothes?"
"… Stop staring at me."
"… S-Sorry. Wasn't my intention."
"Yeah. Right."
"… Well… can you blame me?"
"… N-No… b-but have a little self-restraint, would ya?"
"Trying my best."
…
…
"It… looks good on you."
"… Just shut up and cook."
I tried my best to suppress it but the warmth in my cheeks betrayed the growing blush on my face. What a stupid boy, getting excited over the fact I was wearing h-h-his clothes. It's just a T-shirt and track pants!
I decided to clear my mind by focusing on the task before me. My hands moved in practiced motion as a chopped the few vegetables before me before moving on to sauté it with some mushrooms. I glanced beside me at my cooking partner. The curry he was stirring up smelled appetizing from where I stood. A small ding resounded near us. Looks like the rice is ready.
"Finished?"
"Give me a few minutes till they're a soft brown. Are you done with the curry?"
"Yeah. I'll grab the plates and prepare the table."
A few moments later and the both of us sat across the other, freshly cooked food before us.
"Itadakimasu."
…
…
"… Delicious…"
"… Thanks. Your vegetables taste good too. Would have been better if you hadn't added in tomatoes."
"Don't be picky."
…
…
"I'll remember that next time."
"Thank you for the meal."
The two of us sighed in unison as we gave thanks for the food in our stomachs. Without even thinking about it I began to pick up the dirty dishes back to the kitchen.
"You don't have to do that. You're a guest so just leave it to me."
"You say that but you're not moving to stop me."
"It's bad to move around with a full stomach."
"Is that mouth only made to spout bullshit?"
"Words are words. It's up to the interpreter whether it's bullshit or not."
"So bullshit it is."
I placed the dirty plates in the sink and began to clean up. It wasn't a moment later that another pair of hands made to help me.
"… What was that about moving with a full stomach?"
"I'm just burning calories. Don't want to end up like Zaimokuza."
"… Idiot."
…
…
"… The curry."
"Hm?"
"It was good. I'm surprised you actually have any home skills. Here I thought you were just a cynical lazy bum."
"You should never underestimate the abilities of a future house-husband." I rolled my eyes at that.
"You still talking about that crap? You're a third year now. Have you even considered what you're actually going to do after you graduate? Your future is not something to joke about."
I expected him to pull another cryptic remark on me; His usual bullshit about useless efforts and slave-labor salarymen.
I didn't expect the look of silent contemplation as he mulled over my words.
"… My future, huh?"
A particularly heavy sigh escaped his lips as his stilled for a moment. There was an unreadable look in his eyes but it quickly disappeared before he resumed with the dishes. "I've always preached about how society is a broken mess of hypocrites and attention seekers. How the working world only cares about what you can bring to the table, not giving a damn about your personal life as they work you to the bone for the benefit of the company." He turned to me with a sardonic half-smile, "You should know well how right I am about that last one."
I did.
I see the effects of how screwed up our country's work ethics can do to people. Heard enough sob stories from drunk workers when I worked at the bar to get a good picture of the dirty side of corporate labor. And part of that fault lies in our own people.
We're all natural workaholics.
Perfectionists.
People pleasers.
There's a reason we're the best in the world when it comes to our service industry. Can this be considered a good thing? Well if you believe sacrificing time with family, friends and personal leisure for the sake of work at the expense of mental and physical health then sure. Source: Every middle-class working parent.
Thanks, Mom & Dad.
"The whole house-husband thing is just me pulling excuses out of my ass. To work is to lose, my go-to motto in life… at least, it was…"
There was something in his expression now that ached my chest. The wistful smile on his face looked painfully out of place and his eyes held a sense of melancholy to them that pulled at my heartstrings. But just as soon as it came that look disappeared, replaced by his usual lax countenance.
"You don't need to worry about my future. All that's been taken account for, at least for my education at least. I'm not the type of person to do things that won't benefit me in the end."
…
…
"You've changed."
My words gave him pause, "… In what way?"
"In… your outlook I guess. Maybe it's because I don't interact with you often so I've always had a basic impression of the type of guy you are; an idiot who's too damn cynical and pessimistic for his own good. I always thought you annoying because of that. Though, you can be kind of caring in a backward sort of way."
"Thanks for adding the last part. I was about to seriously cry if you didn't."
"See that? That right there? That's why you're annoying."
"My obviously irresistible yet stunted personality aside, I'm sensing another 'but' coming soon."
Again, I rolled my eyes at him, "… but, you've always had this strong personal side to you as well. It's like you're this boat in the middle of the ocean and the waves keep crashing into you yet you refuse to topple over… at the same time though you're too scared to set a course to a proper destination."
"… That's… an accurate analogy. A scarily accurate analogy. You've been stalking me or something, Kawasaki?"
I lightly smacked his shoulder for that, "Don't start talking shit, idiot. I've got better things to do than to waste time stalking people."
"Ouch. And here it sounded like you cared."
Well, it's natural to care for the person I like.
"Do you want me to get to the point or not?"
"Please, continue to deconstruct my character."
"Dumbass… Like I said, you've changed ever since we became third years. Maybe somewhere after the start of the semester? You became… more focused. It's like you've finally found something… something to finally push you to sail that boat of yours."
"How could you tell? I don't feel like I've changed much these past few months."
I blew an unladylike snort at that, "Please. It's not like you were trying hard to hide it."
"And how would you know?"
"Miura."
And with that one word, that one name, I could see his whole visage take a whole 180. He literally paused for a good two minutes before burying his face in his wet hands with a groan.
"… It wasn't intentional, damn it. I was just helping her. I didn't expect her to… ugh…"
Even with his face covered up, I could still see his ears burning red all over. An uncomfortable sense of jealousy began to well up inside me but I kept it under wraps. If this little reaction from him can twist me this way I'm scared to think what it does to Yuigahama and Yukinoshita.
"Haaaah… whatever. What's done is done and I'll have to live with that fact. Even when it's a pain in the ass to deal with." He says as he straightens back up.
"… If you feel it's a pain then why do you even bother with her?"
There was a long pause at that. He had a faraway look as he mulled over an answer.
"… Because she's being genuine…"
That… was not what I expected. What does he mean by genuine? Something real?
I was about to ask him to elaborate.
Then Mother Nature decided to be a bitch and scare the shit out of me. The only warning given was a bright flash and not a second later the sky cried out with a crack and boom.
And then the lights went out.
KRAKA-BOOM!
"KYAAHH!"
"Son of a bitch!"
I jumped in fright and instinctively grabbed onto the closest thing to me, which happened to be Hikigaya's arm.
"Hi-Hikigaya?"
"Bloody storm must have caused a blackout. Either that or something tripped."
Another loud boom made itself known and I gripped his arm even harder.
"Argh! Kawasaki, you're digging your nails into my arm!"
"S-Sorry!"
"I-It's fine. Just don't grip so hard."
"Right…"
"We need to find a light. You got your phone on you?"
"It's dead, remember?"
"… Ok, mine is just on the dining table. C'mon."
I felt myself get tugged along as Hikigaya navigated in the darkness easily enough. It only took him a short moment to find his phone. The second he opened his lock-screen the room was partially lit up. We then moved to the curtains which he pulled aside.
"… I don't see any lights from the neighbors. Looks like this really is a blackout."
"S-So what do we do?"
"Just wait it out I guess. But damn, the rain is getting crazy. Imagine if we had waited under that gazebo."
We would have been pelted by the rain and get scared shitless from the thunderstorm.
BOOM!
"Ow! Kawasaki, nails!"
"I can't help it, ok?!"
I hate lightning! And with the lights out it makes it a hundred times worse!
"Sniff…"
"… O-Oi, you ok?"
"Sniff… I'm fine…"
"Since when is sniffling fine?"
"S-Shut up! I just… I'm just not good with these things."
We stood there in silence. Well, as silent as can be with a thunderstorm raging about.
"… Let's just sit down for now."
I didn't protest when he slowly brought me over to the couch. When the both of us sat down I immediately entrapped his arm again.
"You… You're really bad with this stuff. Even back then."
"Back then?"
"The Kyoto trip. You were practically scared shitless when we went to the haunted house. You practically ran out of there at one point."
"… I-I can't help it. I've never been good with anything scary. Horror especially."
"Compared to how you portray yourself, it really is image breaking. Is this what Zaimokuza meant by Gap*?" He may have mumbled that last part but since we were currently so close I could hear him loud and clear.
"Hey, don't go treating my fears as some stupid trope."
"But that's…" He stopped himself and suddenly grew quiet. I looked up at him in concern. My eyes have adjusted a bit to the darkness and I could see he was staring at me with wide eyes.
"What is it?"
"Kawasaki… you understood that reference?"
"Uh… yeah?"
"… You're a closet otaku, aren't you?"
"… Huh?! N-No! How'd you even think that?!"
"Only one of us will understand what I was referring to." He was now looking at me with such intensity I felt actually intimidated. "Don't try to run away, Kawasaki. Are you one of us?"
"L-Like I said, I don't-"
"I'm going to leave you here alone."
"WAIT! Alright! Alright, I admit it!"
"Admit what?"
"T-That… that I like… anime and manga… h-happy now?"
"Very. Now I understand how you can get along with Ebina."
…
…
"… Kawasaki?"
"… Meanie."
"Huh?"
I hugged his arm tighter and glared up at him with tears in my eyes, "… Meanie."
…
"… Now that's just cheating."
…
…
"I'm sorry."
"… Idiot."
"Yup."
…
…
"What anime do you watch?"
"… Romance."
"… Straight?"
"Obviously. Just because I'm friends with a fujoshi doesn't mean I'm one."
"Right."
…
"What about you?"
"Anything that catches my interest really."
"And most of the time?"
"… Romance."
"… Now who's the Gap?"
"Not denying it."
…
…
"My arm's getting sore."
"Not my problem."
"Can't you at least loosen up your hold?"
"… Change."
"Huh?"
"Change position."
"… My other arm?"
"No. Just lie down."
"What? What do you-Woah!"
I pushed him down on the couch and before he could get up I pinned him by the shoulders.
"… Oi, aren't you embarrassed?"
"Shut up. Don't complain."
"… I'm not."
"Then stop talking."
I grabbed my scrunchie and pulled it off, letting my hair fall free. I then promptly laid on top of him with my head on his chest. I could practically hear his heart beating now. It was rather soothing. Just what I needed.
"… Comfortable?"
"Mmm."
…
…
"Hikigaya."
"Yeah?"
"… Thank you."
…
…
"Anytime."
AN: Aaaaand Done. Finally! We can move on with our lives! I really have to wonder why a lot of people love Saki. I mean, I just don't get it! Somebody, please enlighten me why?
So how was it? I decided to just throw caution to the wind with this one. I mean, I had to. No matter what kind of constructive scenario I wrote, it just never fit with this girl. So tell me your thoughts, please.
Now to talk about some future news. I've decided to add the Moe President into the ring of females; Welcome to the fight, Shiromeguri Meguri!
How about RumiRumi? Sorry, I don't do girls below the age of 14.
Also, Totsuka was just a joke.
...
... maybe. I'm not sure. Probably a gag chapter if I do one. Meh.
So now we have: Shizuka,Yumiko, Hina,Kaori and Meguri.
Now cast your votes people, I'm giving it a free for all for the next chapter!
...
...
... What? Where's Haruno? Hmm? Route locked? Hmm... finish all routes first... Huh, well that's sad. Guess you Haruno fans have to wait. Too bad! See you next time!