A/N: I expected more reviews telling me the numerous errors I made, but I suppose Ryuzaki's will do. Reading your review has only solidified my choice of making this story a series of one-shots. Mainly because 1: I don't wish to disrespect the characters of Oregairu, and thus will not attempt to continue where Wataru Watari left off with my limited understanding. 2: I get what you mean with how this site is populated with YukiGaya stories, thus one-shots of numerous pairings/no pairings should help in preventing the pool from being further saturated.

If at some point one of the one-shots I write is somehow an interesting concept you'd like to see more of, PM me or say so in a review of the chapter, preferably with why and what you'd like to see. I could always follow it up with a part 2.

Anyways, just like last time, feel free to utterly shatter my hopes and dreams with scathing reviews! It's the only way I will acknowledge the harsh reality that my writing is abysmal and attempt to improve it. With much thanks.

xXx

Their Story Began in Elementary

As I take in another breath of the magnificent Chiba air, I can't help but wonder if my life was never meant to be this way. It honestly feels like a god damned anime, or a poorly written fan fiction by some poor sod who could only come up with cliches. Actually, it feels like one of Zai-whatever's stories. I mean, considering the life I've had, can you even blame me for thinking that?

I sighed in frustration, taking another sip of my sweet, sweet, MAX Coffee. Ahhh, lukewarm, just the way I like it. I glanced at the clock again, and wondered what was taking her so long. At this rate, I'll finish my coffee before she arrives! Damn it Yukinoshita.

You must be thinking to yourself, 'Who the hell is this Yukinoshita person, and did you say she?' Well, have no fear inner monologue me, for I will once again remind you how we came to know her, and why the hell she's important enough to delay my lunch for.

It all started in elementary you see, when my mum caught wind of the ostracism I faced, and the bullying I had to put up with. Naturally, as the loving mother she is, she tried to resolve it peacefully, but when it became clear the situation wasn't about to change, she decided to have me transferred. Back then, I was actually against it. Going through so much trouble due to the opinions of others, it was a big blow to little ol' me. I remember hating that I was forced into changing schools, but I couldn't complain. My mum did it because she cared after all.

In the end, after much convincing over the weekends from both my mo, father, and Komachi, whom was barely capable of speech and was used to guilt trip me with the classic "imagine how sad she'd be knowing you went through all that" trick, I gave in, and was willing to be driven to my new school. Truth be told, I actually sorta looked forward to it with mum's reasoning in mind. To start from scratch, and finally try to live a normal life. It was an exciting prospect. So with this reset button that would normally only be available to protagonists of some form of manga or anime, what did little ol' me do?

Why, revert back to my old reputation of course!

Hear me out.

The first day was actually decent. My new teacher introduced me to my new class. I found a new seat next to new faces and began learning where my new class left off. Thankfully, it wasn't anything too out of my comfort zone, so I could follow along just fine. The rest of the day was spent getting used to my new surroundings, the new food choices available to me, and meeting the love of my life, MAX Coffee. Oh, did I not mention that this new school was where I found out about the God's gift that is MAX Coffee? Heresy I say, for this is by far the most memorable moment of my life!

Anyway, things were going smoothly for Hikigaya Hachiman, who was trying his damn hardest not to become the class clown. I even worked on my expression the day before, I was that dedicated! Maybe this experience is why I stopped putting in effort... Ah, where was I? Yes, of course. As I now know, life is never so kind, and this "New beginning" concept worthy of a trashy light novel could only go so far before reality crushes it.

I was on my way to class, thinking about how much better life would be. I mean, it was near the end of the year, and I didn't run into any problems with my classmates, hip hip hooray! Of course, these are exactly the kind of thoughts that send your life spiralling out of control.

Even though I had started to acquaint myself with people, my '28 Longer Skills' were still available to me. Yes, 28. I was young, and thus undeveloped, okay? Anyway, one of them was 'Amplified senses', which gave me better hearing than your average human being. It picked up the sound of malicious laughter nearby, and the near silent sobbing of someone.

Part of me considered ignoring it, that someone would deal with it. Yet, as I neared the intersection ahead, the laughter only got louder, and my instincts were telling me to check it out. As the saying goes, 'Curiosity killed the cat', and boy, did my following actions kill the cat that was my happy future.

I turned the corner to see three girls standing in a row, mockingly pointing and laughing at a fourth in front of them. The fourth whom I had dubbed 'The one typically described as "Raven haired beauty" in stories' due to her... well, hair, simply stood there as the other three attacked her with a slew of insults. She was crying, no doubt, and was currently clutching her arm rather forcefully. In fact, it looked like there was a bit of red. What was most interesting about this scene though, was how she was looking off to the side at this blond guy. He was standing a bit away from the scene with his head hung. It seemed as though he dared not meet her gaze.

I quickly deduced what was happening in front of me. The girl was likely a loner, ostracised by others. I could only assume it was her beauty and whatever relationship she had with the blond guy, who looked like the 'Knight of my dreams' kinda guy, thus leading to envy and the resulting treatment she was receiving. The guy is probably an average 'Nice Guy' who would want to get along with everyone, and didn't dare interfere, hoping someone else would do it.

Did I mention one of my skills was the ability to read the situation like an open book? Man, I sound like one of those authors who ignore the 'Show, don't tell.' rule.

In any case, young Hikigaya Hachiman immediately boiled at the sight, having been in similar situations before. I knew what it felt like, and I knew it was not a feeling I'd like anyone else to face. Thus, I did what seemed logical to me at the time. I committed 'Social suicide', as she succinctly put it.

"Oi." The three girls halted in their laughter, and turned to face the intrusion. "Would you three stop blocking the hallway? I'm trying to get to class."

"Oh? Aren't you the new guy? Your class is back there, stupid." The middle girl stated, pointing behind me.

"Eh? Is that so? Ah well, I wanted some MAX Coffee, so if you'd please."

"Get it somewhere else new guy, we're talking here."

That's my cue.

"Talking? Really? This is your definition of talking?" Everyone, the three girls, the fourth girl, and the blond guy turned to look at me questioningly. "From what I can see, you're really just barking like a couple of mad dogs."

"Haah? What did you just say?"

"Are you deaf? I said you're barking like mad dogs. Actually, calling you dogs is insulting to dogs. Dogs at least have the spine to fight one on one. You on the other hand, three on one? How cowardly. In fact, I'd go as far as say you all have some kind of inferiority complex, isn't that why you're ganging up on her? 'cuz you know she's better than all of you?"

The three dogs looked aggravated, albeit confused. The raven haired beauty-ah, see what I mean?- stared at me with her mouth agape. The blond... eh, who cares about that coward?

"In fact, judging from your faces, you don't even know what I'm saying, don't you? Maybe you should first improve your vocabulary before you go and insult someone. At least then they'd find your words somewhat amusing you unoriginal delinquents. Now would you do me a favour and step out of the way, or must I call a teacher here to listen to you insult her more?"

They recognised my threats by the time I finished, thankfully. Gosh, it took them long enough. With an arrogant turn of the head and a 'hmph!', they walked off, leaving me to take in the full scene.

With the trio out of the way, I was able to see the pile of books and papers on the floor, having spilled out of presumably the girl's bag. Half of them were soaked beyond saving, and the other half looked like they were in the middle of a buffalo stampede. It didn't take a genius like me to figure out what happened.

"Ah, I can help get you excused for that if you'd like. I'll tell your teacher I bumped into you, spilled my water, and trampled your books."

The girl loosened her grip on her arm, and with a few breaths managed to compose her once surprised face into a neutral facade, as though nothing ever happened.

"There is no need for that. You will already be on the receiving end of they and their friends due to your earlier act. I'd rather you not garner additional hate from my teachers for my sake."

What's with that formal tone? You make it sound like we aren't of elementary standards. Well, I suppose I have a better grasp on the language than others, and you seem like one of those prim and proper kind of people, so.

"Just so we're clear, I'm not doing this for you. It's just because I'd hate myself more if I didn't do anything. Besides, I hate having people feel indebted to me."

"Is that so?" the girl looks away, before taking a breath. "Well then. My name is Yukinoshita Yukino. I wish I could say it was a pleasure making your acquaintance, but..."

"Hikigaya Hachiman. And don't worry about it. I don't really care." saying that, I began to pick up what was salvageable of the pile, frowning when I noticed the familiar cover of a book I enjoyed reading torn to shreds. The rest of it seemed okay, thankfully.

"Y-Yukino-chan, I'll help-"

"No need, Hayama-kun." the blond flinched at Yukinoshita's rejection. Seems to me he just did something to hurt their first-name-basis relationship. Yukinoshita bent down to pick up what was near her, placing them delicately in her bag, and took what I gathered to do the same.

"Ah, I should be going now." I said, not knowing how to continue.

"Yes, I should as well. Goodbye then, Hikigaya-kun."

I turned to walk to class, giving a half-assed wave as I did.

That was the end of my interactions with Yukinoshita Yukino, or so I thought.

The very next day, I was in my usual spot in the back parking lot, munching on the snack I bought during break. Yes, I still liked to eat by my lonesome. It's because conversing while eating was annoyingly repetitive you know? It's always the same stuff we chat about. Not to mention earlier in the morning people were whispering to each other, sending wary glances to me every so often. I recognised the sight all too well, and knew it was the death of my supposed new life.

I shook my head with a chuckle. Ah well, life was back to normal now, except I had the newfound sweetness of MAX Coffee at my side. That was certainly an improvement. As I took another sip, flinching slightly at the abnormal sweetness I wasn't used to back then, my ears picked up the sound of footsteps. Strange, people don't usually come here.

"Hikigaya-kun?"

My eyes widened in shock at the familiar voice. I turn my head to see Yukinoshita walking towards me.

"Y-yo." I greeted.

She sat down next to me, and I noticed two bento boxes in her hand.

"Jeez, I get you're growing and all, but two boxes?"

"They're not both mine, o-obviously." she replied, blushing slightly.

"Oh. That blond guy coming here? I'd rather you two find somewhere else."

"Y-You're mistaken. I have informed Hayama-kun that I'd rather not speak to him for the moment."

"That so? Then the second box..."

"It... it is for you." she said, handing it to me along with a set of plastic utensils.

Of course, this was confusing to me, seeing as how I didn't remember doing anything to deserve it. Then I looked at it from her perspective.

"Ah, I told you you didn't owe me anything, didn't I?"

"Well, consider it an act for myself then. I felt obligated to thank you in a more... appreciative manner."

Damn it, stealing my excuse isn't allowed.

"Then, thanks for the meal." I hesitantly took the box. Oh god, I could smell it already. Such an aroma could only mean it was homecooked. "You made it yourself?"

"Yes. Is there a problem?"

"N-no, I just. Was surprised you could-can cook." I opened the box only to be hit with the full force of the aroma, and had to resist immediately stuffing my face. A simple set of rice, salmon and vegetables, yet it looked heavenly.

I tried to take as elegant a bite as possible, but I confess that I may have put a bit more than I usually would in one mouthful. It didn't taste as good as my mother's cooking, but it was still a lot better than what my snack offered.

It was then I noticed Yukinoshita was simply staring at me quizzically. She noticed I saw her, and immediately turned away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well?"

"It's great. Wish I knew how to cook like this."

"I see... that is good." She opened her own box which contents mirrored my own, and began to tuck in with a soft 'Itadakimasu.'

We spent the break eating in silence.

That was the beginning of our... huh. Relationship I suppose. We weren't exactly friends so to speak, having decided it be best that no one knew we communicated any more than simple greetings. Or rather, I insisted on it, and she complied with my wishes. Every day she'd come to the parking lot with two bento boxes, having decided to use me as her guinea pig. I gladly accepted of course. Free food is free food.

During middle school, she went overseas to study, something about her parents' wishes. We stayed in touch through email and the occasional phone call. We talked to each other about our days, more often than not with me recounting my everyday happenings which she supposedly found amusing. She even comforted me... eh, if you count 'I told you so's and companionable silence as comforting when I got rejected by this girl whom I shall not speak of.

I didn't have much hopes though. As we stood, it was likely we'd fall out of touch, since with high school once again came another chance to reset our lives. I figured with her looks and smarts, she'd find a new group soon enough, and I'll once again be a loner. Out of pure coincidence, we ended up both being accepted into Sobu High, and she spent the night shoving the fact that she bested me at my self proclaimed 'best subject', scoring first while I ended up only being third in my face. She might have said something along the lines of congratulations, but I can't remember due to my pride being hurt so badly.

With the fact that I'd be meeting her again after years in mind, I went to school early. An hour early actually, intent on taking full advantage of my third chance. But of course, as established, life is one harsh piece of shit, and I ended up in a car accident by Yukinoshita's family limousine no less.

Being excluded from the first two weeks of school inevitably lead to me once again being a loner, with only Yukinoshita to converse with. She had decided to help me catch up with what I missed, and I had to stop her from apologising for the 5th time.

The year went by quite quickly actually, though I wasn't sure why. The second year, she called me one night with the most baffling statement.

"I wish to set up a service club."

Seeing that I was unable to comprehend her words or rather, due to my lack of a reply, she explained the point of the 'Service Club' and her intentions, asking if I could assist her in her mission. It was... heartwarming I suppose, knowing she trusted me enough to ask for my help. Over the years, she showed me that she didn't like help. Or perhaps this was her way of coping with the betrayal of someone she used to rely on? In any case, I accepted.

And so, the Service Club was opened, and everything that followed lead up to this point.

The final day of our final year. Here I set in the room, all by my lonesome, with only my monologue to accompany me as I count the seconds that pass by.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I hear the familiar footsteps I had become accustom to. The door swings open, and Yukino walks in with her usual greeting, Yui behind her with her excessive 'Yahallo!'

"Took you long enough."

"Apologies Hachi-kun, something cropped up."

I shrugged. "So, we gonna do this?"

Yukino nodded, she and Yui move their chairs closer to me, and she boots up the laptop in front of the three of us.

"The Service Club's legacy. I wonder who will continue it." Yukino mumbles.

"Duh, people who wanna help the way you do, Yukinon!" Yui says bubbly, hugging the Ice Queen's arm. Yukino smiles ever so slightly, having gotten used to the contact.

"Well, let's get this over with so we can have our lunch."

The two of them nodded, as the webcam started up.

"Hachi-kun, would you like the honours?"

"Sure I guess."

With a breath, I put on a determined face.

"Good day to the latest member, or members of the Service Club. My name is Hikigaya Hachiman, the soon to be ex-vice president of said club, and I welcome you to your shitty future."

Both of them tug my ahoge.

When the three of us finished recording, we stepped out of the room with content sighs, and Yukino locked the room one final time.

"So, shall we go?" she asks.

"Yeah! I'm gonna have lunch with my two besties!" Yui beamed, grasping both me and Yukino's hands with her own.

"Besties? You only see us as best friends, Yui-san?" Yukino fakes a pout, but Yui falls for it, and shakes her head flustered.

"No no! Of course not! You're both more than that to me!"

Yukino chuckles.

"Guys, c'mon. Can we leave the flirting till after we eat? I'm starving."

And so, while the Service Club comes to an end, my new life had only just begun. Just this once, Life-chan, let me enjoy my happiness. Even if my next life is to be cursed, I want this. It took me 3 resets to find it.

xXx

Yes, this is in fact inspired by "In Which Hikigaya Meets Yukinoshita in Elementary". Bite me. So it's self indulgent, isn't that most fanfics?

Again, feel free to bash me for any and all mistakes. I'll gladly take it so long as it's constructive. Just a heads up though, I know the ending feels rushed, but it's well past my usual sleep time, and school will kill me if I don't go in roughly 30 minutes, so. I might rewrite it if enough people tell me it sucks to motivate me to do so.