After the fulfillment of Miura Yumiko's request, our Hachiman would finally rest. Or would he?

Disclaimer: I don't own Oregairu.

Chapter 1: Not a date in a mall with the fire queen

(Soubu High Rooftop, Hachiman's POV)

Rooftop, a place where many hearts were broken, or made. I don't want to be here in the first place, but a certain blonde haired girl asked me to be here.

And she was late.

"Hikio! Are you here?" Finally, she's here. "There you are!" She's a bit annoyed, like she wanted to be somewhere else.

"Yo." She just rolled her eyes and so I proceed. "So what did you want to tell me?"

"Honestly, I shouldn't have bothered if you're gonna dismiss me like this. Aren't you happy to see me or something!?"

"I always see you almost everyday."

"I really wish I just ditched you! Hayama would've wanted me to be with them, but since I already agreed to meet you here, I didn't come with them! Why can't you appreciate my effort!?" Woah, what an outburst. But since I don't have time for this, I didn't bother.

"Look, you should've just ditched me Miura, I already fulfilled your request. There's no need to interact with me now." My reply made her angrier.

"But I wanted to thank you for fulfilling my request!" She nearly shouted which is very unfortunate for me since I have sensitive hearing.

"Then you should've said so from the start! There's no need to beat around the bush or throw people off with your attitude!" This time, my irritation got the best of me and I couldn't control my voice. She looked shocked, as if she saw a ghost. "Sorry, my irritation got the best of me." Now she's silent. After a couple of seconds, she touches my hand.

"Hmph, Whatever. Just come with me okay?" She proceeds to drag me. If I am a lesser human, I would've imagined something stupid, like getting married or shit, but luckily, I am not that low.

Never underestimate the power of loners.

"Where are we going Miura?" She continued to walk, I guess she didn't hear me. I tried again. "Oi Miura, where are we going?" This time, she probably heard me since she stopped.

"I have a place in mind. Keep quiet Hikio." And that's what I did. I maintained my silence throughout the rest of the trip.

"So... Why are we in a mall?"

"Well, I wanted to treat you to Saize, since you won't appreciate food anyways. And I wanted to buy something, so I figured that I'd bring you here. Killing two birds with one stone, right?" She smiled and she looks beautiful actually.

"Well excuse me, I appreciate food. Free food is always good." And there goes her smile, replaced with a scowl.

"Let's just go."

"Where to first?" My question caught her off guard. Well she have 2 choices. Eat with me and then look around for whatever she wants, but become hungry so she will spend again. Or look for something she wants first, then eat so she will save money. Well I guess she is loaded anyways.

"Now that I think about it, you're right. Be grateful that you'll be able to accompany me." So I said that out loud?! Stupid Hachiman.

"So... Where to?"

"I have a couple of places I want to check out."

And so we went.

I, a male human being, believe that the sole purpose of being of the chairs in botiques were for unlucky men caught in the crossfire between women and fashion.

Today I am currently experiencing that battle firsthand.

This is the 4th store we've been to, and this is the first clothing store. I guess we can say that Miura is losing the battle, 2-1. I am holding the items she bought, and it's high heels. Maybe Miura will even the score with the 4th one. Good luck! Please find something to buy this time!

"Hikio... I know it's strange coming from me, but can you tell me what you think of this dress?" She does a twirl showing me the dimensions of the dress. Honestly, it looks nice on her. Nice of her to think of my opinion, especially when my clothes were picked by mom or Komachi.

She's wearing a white and green sundress that is perfect for the summer, and the green ribbon near the chest has an emerald that is complementing her eyes.

"That sundress do you no justice." Was my compliment wrong? Or perhaps it is too creepy? "I mean it complements your beautiful eyes so..." Before I trailed off, I realized what I had said. Did I really blurt out beautiful? Well she is so it's no problem right? I observed her face, and it looks awed and blushing.

Maybe she thinks that I like her. Well, who cares? She turns around and mouths off about finding another dress. The one she's wearing is too old for her she said. That left me to my own thoughts again.

I roamed the aisles next to the fitting room, to look for something that will look nice on her? Why am I looking for something again?

Because I want to see her in something that I think would be nice. Which brings me to a blue dress. A spaghetti strap for the back, a chest area that is modest so the dress is alluring but not lewd. And the length maybe falls just above the knees.

This would look nice on her.

Maybe Miura will wear this if I ask nicely? Surely she will, she's a good hearted girl. Pushing my luck, I decided to bring the dress.

(Miura's POV)

So even Hikio thinks I'm pretty huh?

What he said plagued my mind. Hikio doesn't babble like that but when he does, that means his mind is being honest. If Hikio thinks this sundress looks good on me, then maybe Hayato-kun will think that too.

Maybe I'll buy it.

What would be his reaction if I wore a skirt and blouse? I kinda wanna find out. Maybe I'll ask his opinion about it too?

(Hachiman's POV)

"Hikio... How about thi-" Her words died on her throat. Maybe because of the dress I'm holding. "Hikio... You want me to wear that?"

Carefully scanning her state of dress, I can safely say that all clothes would look good on her, like Chifuyu-nee(1). That red skater skirt will definitely be a tease to many men, including me. And the black knitted long sleeved blouse is very much fitting of a "virgin killer."(2)

How in the world did nobody ask her out?

The answer would be that Miura rejected them for Hayama, and being near him provided her a barrier, since the most popular guy and the most popular girl would be seen as dating 80 percent of the time. Not me though, I knew it long beforehand.

Hayama is just using her, and I can't do something about it.

Makes me a bit angry actually, and I don't even care about her that much.

"You look nice in that get up. I wanted to ask why guys didn't ask you out, but I guess being beside him automatically discourages them. Those who had the courage was brutally rejected, since you only had sights on Hayama right?" On point as always, judging from the reaction I get. I decided to fuel the fire. "If Hayama's mouth didn't water, remember that I would've, if I was a normal person." Critical strike! Target is red now!

How cute.

Certain thirsty vice president aside, I gave her the dress. "Oh, and would you please try this on? I swear you'll look nice on it."

"S-sure, I'll try it on. Wait a bit for me would you?" Then she disappeared back again. I guess waiting for it will be rewarding? I'm kind of excited to find out actually.

"Let's go to Saize, Hikio." Miura says as we walk towards the said restaurant. She won the battle against fashion and indecisiveness and got spoils of war, namely the clothes.

And she bought the blue dress and the sundress. I'm a victor too if we're looking at things positively.

"Welcome to Saize! How many are you?" The receptionist asked us. Miura replied two, since we're not expecting a guest anytime soon. "This way please." She led us to the table, mouthing off that we should wait until the waiter takes our orders. Replying with a thank you, we both sat down.

"So Hikio... Why did you want me to buy that blue dress?" She's getting cheeky now.

"Well that blue dress looks absolutely stunning if you've shown it to me, kind of unfair if you ask me." The words I answered we're enough to smash that cheekiness to smithereens, and replace the white cheeks with reddish ones.

"Shut up!"

"Yeah yeah I know."

"So what will your order be Hikio?"

"You choose. I don't have something in mind."

"I dunno if that's convenient or not, making me choose because I'm responsible for the bill." So she gets my point, nice.

"Free food is free food, no matter the cost." Stick to your roots Hachiman!

"That was a nice meal, certainly hits the spot."

"Hikio... I'm going to the restroom." She stood up.

"You didn't need to tell me that."

"Friends do that!" Well you forgot one thing.

"Are we?" And that stopped her. Poor Miura, always getting shut up.

"Hmph, Whatever. You're free to leave since I'll be the one paying." Then she left for the restroom. Maybe I should leave since she's right.

But it's wrong, and my gentleman senses tells me to do something. So I called the waiter, asking for the bill.

"Here's the bill sir." He nervously handed it. Maybe he's intimidated by me? "Sir... May I ask if the person you're with is your girlfriend?" The balls of this person... Something I could respect.

"Why, you're interested in her?" Coupled with my eyes, the intimidation levels rocketed.

"N-no sir! I just find her beautiful that's all!"

"Then you're in luck, she's not my girlfriend." I gave the bill back, and the waiter hurried back. Time to leave since Miura said I could.

(Miura's POV)

Why did he have to say that? I don't get him at all. He looks like he wanted to have a friend or someone to talk to.

We're friends aren't we?

So after fixing my make-up, I came back to our table, which is empty. So Hikio really left huh? I called the waiter for the bill.

A very handsome man came to me. Is he the waiter? He looks like Hayato, I guess because they have the same face shape?

"I'm asking for the bill."

"Ma'am, your companion already paid for it." Wow, a charming voice. Telling me that Hikio paid for it...

That bastard. But still, a very gentleman move. Though that defeats the purpose of this as my treat.

"Oh, I guess I'll take my leave."

"Wait, I know this sounds weird Ma'am but, can I get your number?" Very straightforward, I kinda like it. I took out my phone, and shown my number.

"Thanks! May I know your name?"

"Miura, Miura Yumiko." She shook my hand while saying his name. I think it's Jun? I don't remember.

"Looking forward to texting you, see you soon!" Honestly, it's not bad at all. Maybe I'll talk to him sometimes.

(Hachiman's POV)

I'm kind of scared going to school today, mainly because I'll see her today, and I know it left a bad taste in her mouth. So I decided to go to school early. That way, I won't be bothered by others since I'll be sleeping before the class starts. Might as well sleep now that I'm here.

"... kio ..." I heard a voice. With my semi-concious state, I ignored it. "... kio!" It called again. I feel like being summoned by someone to another world.

"Hikio!" That woke me up completely. Now that traces of sleep have left the borders of my consciousness, I feel the whole room looking at me.

More like they're looking at Miura.

"Geez Hikio, that's like the fifth time I called you, what's wrong with you?!" I guess you'll be angry too if someone is purposely ignoring you.

"So... What would you like to talk about?" I irritatedly asked. Who wouldn't be irritated?

"Why did you ditch me yesterday?!" Then the stares were on us. You're creating a giant misunderstanding here Miura!

"You said I could leave." No need to drag this conversation longer. "And that waiter wanted your number too." Someone, please save me! The more this conversation dragged on, the more scrutiny I will receive!

My savior came in the form of Hiratsuka-sensei. ありがとうございます!(3)

"Everyone sit down!"

(Afternoon, Service Club Clubroom)

After a bunch of boring lessons, I am currently sitting on my designated seat. Somehow this seat always stayed the same, like me. This peaceful atmosphere have been a solace for me. I am grateful for things you've done for me, Sensei.

"Hikigaya-kun." Oh yes, what is a typical day without Yukinoshita's barbs. "I heard you're getting close with Miura..." Nothing ever gets past her, especially when Yuigahama is her source. That girl was friends with everyone, except me.

"So, what's with it? You jealous?" Her face looks blushing, barely noticeable since the sun's blasting towards us.

"Why would I?! Never in a million years Hikihopeless-kun." Such a cold reply, expected from her.

Maybe if she just said different things we'll be together, and then comes a point where I can't take it anymore and then we split up. Only for me to realize that I want her back so someone with powers will help me. Sounds far-fetched right? Enough with delusions Hachiman.

"Why ask about it if you're not interested at all? Does the president need to know what happens with her members all the time?"

"No. But there's nothing wrong with asking right? Or are your water filled fish brain is dehydrated right now?" I can't even notice the sun when her replies were that cold.

"Whatever." Sometimes I don't have the energy to keep up with her. Miura's harsh but at least it's because of her loud voice. Now the silence permeates the room, and Yukinoshita smirked as she felt like she won.

Why does it sound like I want to be with Miura? It's just fundamentally wrong.

"Is Yuigahama-san absent today?" I heard her voice ask.

"No. Maybe she is with her friends. Check your phone or something." I replied. She was surprised to see a text message from Yuigahama saying that she won't be unable to join us today. Since it's near closing time for us, I decided to leave earlier.

Groceries are the best place to be when a zombie apocalypse happens. Free food, water, clothes, whatever you want, they're here.

So why am I here you ask? Well my dear sister Komachi wanted my special curry for dinner. Who am I to not be a good Onii-chan and give her what she wants?

You might not know it, but my 108 loner skills can also be called 108 househusband skills, and cooking is what I consider I'm the best at. Other than being ignored and having a stealth mode.

So I'm currently in the meat section, looking at selection of pork to use for pork curry.

Speaking of which, the pork cutlets I'm eyeing seems good, so I reached for it. And it looks like I'm not the only one with that idea. I bumped hands with someone.

"Sorry!" I quickly muttered an apology.

The person I bumped into was quicker to get angry though. "You should've watched we're you're touching!" And then we looked at each other.

"Miura?!"

"Hikio?!" We both shouted at the same time. " What are you doing here?" Miura shouted again, this time she caught the attention of people near us. She got embarassed, but she hid her blush quickly.

"Komachi wanted curry for dinner. I'm going to grab that pork cutlets but I guess you need it more than me." Chivalry mode activated! Now she won't have to be haughty.

"So you got a little sister too huh? I'm here because my little sister wanted to have pork stew." That's a surprising piece of information for me. So Miura can cook? This puts her into Kawasaki territory. "What's with that reaction?!"

"I was surprised you can cook. I thought you wouldn't touch anything related to cooking."

"I'm more surprised you can! I always thought you're just lazing around at home and being a burden. Besides, cooking is fun!" No need for that harsh rebuttal woman.

"Sounds like your little sister is a wonderful person. I'd like to meet her." Hold on Hachiman, did you just say you want to go at her house?! Let's look at the possible scenarios that will spring up.

Scenario one: she'll get angry and say "You want to go to my house?! Gross!"

Scenario two: she's going to leave as quick as possible.

Scenario thr- my simulations were interrupted by her saying that will be nice. Did Miura actually invite me to her house?!

"Since it can't be helped, shall we shop together?" Miura, you don't have to do this. "I'm not doing this out of pity, I enjoyed what happened yesterday." So I said that out loud again.

"Alright."

"That was fun! I didn't know you had a keen eye when it came to shopping." Nobody knew except my family, that's why I am in charge of the supplies.

"Trade secret."

"You're such a nice guy Hikio, I wonder if Hayato-kun would be nice as well." You could always entertain other guys Miura, just look at the right place. As I said this, I realized I was in her right.

You're sounding desperate Hachiman! Stop this nonsense at once!

"Is it right to give your number to a stranger?" She asks with a shy voice. It's very cute if you ask me.

"I guess you gave him your number then?"

"I like his straightforward personality. I think we'll get along fine." Then why did you ask for my opinion? This woman. "What's wrong about asking opinions?!" Yup Hachiman, you got a bad case of thinking out laudus. Seek help from a medical professional at once.

"Give him a chance then, you'll never know him if you won't interact with him."

"But I like Hayama!"

"I know. But does Hayama like you back yet?"

"I don't know."

"Exactly, you don't. Now go and give that guy a chance or two." I don't mind if Miura got a boyfriend or something, it's better than her being hopeless about Hayama.

"You're right, thanks Hikio! My house is near here, so I guess this is goodbye then." She cutely waved her hands as she slowly walked away.

"Yeah yeah, see you around." That should be fine right? I swiftly walked to our house, where my beloved imouto is waiting for me outside. When she saw me, she immediately waved her hand like a cute neko charm.(4)

"Onii-chan! What took you so long?!"

"Sorry Komachi, grocery got a long line. That and I happened to meet a classmate along the way."

"Is it Yui-san?" Why did you think it's Yuigahama? Am I really that pathetic to only have one person come up in your mind? "Onii-chan, your acquaintances can be counted in a single hand." Crap, I think I said that out loud.

"Anyway, let's go inside so I can cook dinner." She smiled and replied a loud Hai!

After the dinner, I decided to go straight to bed.

*Buzz*

Well that's something you won't see ever, my phone is ringing. Picking up my phone, I am informed that a message has arrived. I opened my inbox to see a very unexpected person to text me, Miura.

- Text -

Hikio,

You might be wondering how did I get your number. I asked Yui about your number and she agreed to give it to me. Well, I just wanted to thank you for accompanying me earlier, and that I owe you again.

Miura.

- Text End -

So it's just a text of gratitude huh? No need to reply to it I guess. Go to sleep Hachiman, you have a lot of things to do tomorrow.

(Chapter End)

(1) Chifuyu Orimura from Infinite Stratos

(2) Google Virgin Killer Sweater. It was a trend in Japan in 2016? I do not remember. When I think about knitted sweater, this always comes to mind.

(3) Kanji for Arigatou gozaimasu, which means thank you very much.

(4) The cat that waves it's right paw forward and backward. A lucky charm for stores.

A/N: Hi! Thanks for reading! Review if you want to say something.

This is the long awaited prequel! I know this is a bit disappointing, but I try my best. Might be long before I update again, since midterms are coming up.

Anyway, thanks for reading again!

Please Review, I appreciate it a lot.

Jssrr out!