Chapter Text
"Well, I should be going by now. See you again." Hinata said as he got up from the hard floor covered in colorful carpet, the room was cramped with people yet only a few turned around before shifting their attention back to the big screen. The Reserve couldn't blame them since they were witnessing a heated moment between Tanaka and Nidai while they fought to death in the digital world. He too would like to see, however staying even a little longer meant missing the only bus that drove closest to his home.
"Take care." Said the host Nanami in a low voice, without breaking a contract from the big screen.
"And you too Komaeda-kun." Then she added, which forced Hinata to acknowledge the other boy. He couldn't help but to glance at the pale boy getting his school bag ready, filling too much soda as usual as others gave their farewells. Although this same scenario repeated itself multiple times it was nerve wrecking each time. Their eyes met for a second, acknowledging what was to come but Hinata quickly averted his.
They were bound to walk the same path again, wait at the same bus station alone together. It didn't matter if Hinata left the occasion hours early or after midnight, as if it is fate they were bound to meet at that cursed bus station and endure that awkward silence. Like many days prior. Maybe together, maybe not. They were bound to be seated next to each other like how it happens after each hang out. Walk together, wait at the same station and drink the unease the silence brings to them. Too much of coincidence yet no evidence to say it's a purposeful action. All of which could be summarized with 3 simple words, Lady Luck's prank. Was it to him, or Komaeda or both? No matter how hard Hinata thought he couldn't answer that.
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As Hinata expected, they walked the path together. Their step was slow and the silence was almost deafening, a few times the brunet questioned if he should start a conversation but couldn't bring himself to speak. He then heard Komaeda comment on the weather once as they came close to the station, "It seems like it'll rain soon." the boy mumbled but Hinata couldn't be sure if he was trying to open a small talk or muttering to himself. In the end he could only respond with a weak "I guess…".
It's not that he hated Komaeda. Hinata reminded himself while they stood under the plastic roof, his throat heavy as if there was a lump inside. Hate was a strong word, really and Hinata knew how it felt like, for once hated that stupid meat head guard that punched him, but he didn't hate Komaeda.He didn't even disliked him, like he would dislike Sakuramochi.
His emotions regarding this strange boy were far more complex. He wasn't obsessed with him of course but maybe a little curious, tad bit drawn onto what his existence offers. It's why he couldn't help but to glare as he waited for his bus to come. Soon, as the time moved slower than usual, the water drops fell from the sky as the others anticipated. Hinata saw Komaeda's pale lips move but for a moment couldn't comprehend what just said.
"Huh? What?" He asked as he leaned closer.
"I am asking if you have an umbrella? It looks like it'll be a long storm." Thus Komaeda repeated himself, perhaps a little annoyed to have to do so.
"Oh. I-i don't. I didn't bring any." Hinata stuttered the words, he couldn't shake off the daze his mind had left yet and found focusing a little difficult at the moment. He must've looked pretty stupid, how embarrassing.
"Ahh, I figured it out so. Here." After that Komaeda handed him a small black umbrella, adding more to the surprise, that Hinata found himself staring at it like a deer on a headlight.
"I carry an extra for any case, you can have it." Then the boy explained himself as he extended the umbrella a little closer. However the Reserve continued staring with clear confusion behind his gaze for some time before he finally accepted the offer.
"Thank you." He thanked with a timid voice, unsure what to feel about the kind offer. He felt his heart tighten in an awkward ache while he held the item with his both felt, his eyes going back and forth between the boy and the little umbrella.
"Don't mention, after all I am probably the cause of this rain anyway." He then saw Komaeda sigh ever slightly as he gazed at the silvery scene painted wet by the rain itself.
"Are you talking about your luck or did you develop a God Complex?" Following, Hinata raised the question with a clumsy sarcasm.
"My luck of course, a pest like me is not allowed to even fathom Godhood." Luckster then let out a biting comment, his self depreciation echoed at the back of Hinata's mind, twisting his stomach. That was the worst part of speaking with Komaeda, it was as if a poison would leak from his words.
"I guess bad luck was expected huh? Today's game night was fun after all." He attempted to ignore it, and continue the conversation. Following his words Komaeda's eyebrow raised slightly.
"Bad luck?" He said, then averting his eyes for a moment. His hand was on his chin, indicating how he was wandering around and analyzing each word that came while Hinata was left in a blank state. However he couldn't even guess what he was thinking.
"So that's the conclusion you'd come with?"
" I would not expect less from a normal teenager like yourself." After seconds he spoke; in a mellow, quiet tone that Hinata couldn't decipher. Was it supposed to be sarcastic?
"What? Am I wrong?" His burrows frown slightly.
"Of course! There's not an ounce of bad luck behind this moment." Then Komaeda followed with a carefree reply, as if Hinata missed something obvious like he was saying 'It's a sunny day, isn't it?'. That joyous smile that simply felt mocking was enough to irritate the Reserve's nerves, therefore he gave a quick "Is that so, it's good then." before he took out his phone to keep himself occupied with something.
He knew better than to not question the logic Komaeda sets, or the luckster himself deeply, yet the question back on his mind was itching his brain. How is it not bad luck to wait for a busy, delayed 30 minutes mind you, under the freezing storm? Komaeda was no Pollyanna to find positivity in misfortunes, he would usually shrug off the bad moment and hope for something good. Nor was he the type to enjoy the rain, Hinata heard him complain about it multiple times.
Then what was so good about this moment for Komaeda to ignore all this misfortune?
While the thought puzzled Hinata's mind as he mindlessly scrolled on social media to ignore his companion, his attention shifted on the sudden notification. It was from Nanami, that fact was enough to soften his face.
She had sent a photo of Tanaka, the Ultimate Breeder, where he was posing for his victory while Nidai had a mellow smile that presented his loss. There were some celebrating Tanaka's victory, some indifferent, some comforting Nidai and Souda just jealous of Sonia cheering for the Breeder.
There were two texts under the photo.
[Today's winner is Tanaka-kun!]
[After me of course <(￣︶￣)>]
The silly photo managed the unnerved Hinata, even making him giggle as he typed [ Congratulations him for me, but don't let his ego get the better of him]. And seconds after he got a reply [Of course! (￣▽￣)b]. The contrast between the Gamer's texting style and speaking manners was truly jarring as well as hilarious that another few more lovely giggles escaped from Hinata's now bright pink lips. He really was lucky to have her as a friend, and for her to accept him in her group even if he is just a Reserve Course student.
It took a while for the brunet to realize he was reacting noisily than he intended to, and that caught Komaeda's attention, who he believed did not receive a text from Nanami or anyone. The moment he realized the situation he felt rather bad for him to be excluded, thus -despite the bitter conversation they had minutes prior- he decided to walk a little closer to him and show the text between Nanami and him.
"Here, look." He extended his arm and positioned his phone to face Komaeda, he then watched the boy lean awfully close next to him.
"What's it?"The luckster asked and Hinata explained it briefly, as he spoke he saw something twinkle behind those grayish eyes and another joyous smile formed on Komaeda's face.
"Oh how marvelous! I guess Tanaka's hope was the strongest for today's match!" He raised that usually calm voice of his, which definitely rang in Hinata's ear. However, to not ruin the mood, he didn't comment.
"Now not being able to see that…* that * is such bad luck." Then Komaeda’s eyes began to get a dangerous glint to them that spook Hinata, although he should be used to it by now.
"Yeah, I don't get you." The comment slipped, and in response Komaeda's face soured slightly, a little pout appeared however the dim light allowed only so much for Hinata to see. Regardless, the boy wondered if he offended his companion. Even with the rocky relationship on the hand he knew he wouldn't want that.
"I don't expect you to understand me or the reason behind this rain." However, before he could apologize to him, the boy spoke. His confusing words mixed with the turmoil of the worsening storm and left Hinata speechless once again. He wanted to throw a hissy fit, yell at him, telling him that it was him who was at fault, who wouldn't let Hinata understand him by being intentionally confusing yet…nothing came out of him. In the end he didn't want to fight Komaeda, not when he was stuck next to him for about 20 minutes.
However he also couldn't form a good response to give, not even an indifferent shrug while the lingering worry still caressed his thoughts. Therefore he ended up silent while the tension filled the little space between them.
"I apologize, I freaked you again didn't I?" After a few seconds Komaeda chose to apologize, probably feeling guilty of the way the conversation turned, or maybe not. Regardless, his apology felt insincere to the Reserve.
"It's okay, I am sorry too." He hastily threw a sorry before he prepared to put some distance between them. Whereas Komaeda thought differently. It appeared he had no such intention to let go of Hinata yet.
"But isn't it beautiful? To be allowed to witness such a sight." He dared to come close, his eyes sparkling again as if he was chasing a high; like pleading, hoping for Hinata to understand the thrill he feels towards the one blessed with talent.
"Allow?" However Hinata was far more concerned with the way he worded his sentence. "To be allowed", that had a nasty implication that felt…wrong?
"Yes, after all I wouldn't be able to if they didn't tolerate my existence and be so kind as to invite me." He explained himself, using that language that put others up high while he was placed at the lowest. Unaware of how uncomfortable he is making the other. Hinata could of course end the conversation right there with another indifferent reply yet he couldn't stop himself from speaking.
"You are exaggerating…there are not many in your class that are that kindhearted." The Reserved wanted to add 'You are part of the class, of course they'll accept you' but couldn't be sure of how appropriate that comment would be, therefore ended up keeping that thought to himself.
He then watched Komaeda's expression change, the exaggerated smile was no longer stitched on his face but replaced with a sorrowful smirk, the grayish blue staring in a semi sardonic, biting look that froze Hinata on the spot.
"I suppose, however, Nanami-san is and our class is being guided by her gentle spirit." He said in that soft tone that tickled Hinata's heart. His words sunk in the Reserve's mind, and he found his chest tightening.
"I am sure as long as she tolerates me others will do so as well." Komaeda continued, perhaps it was Hinata's imagination but his words felt dragged and slow, the brunet's eyes widened as he listened and for an odd reason his heart stung a bit.
For a moment he couldn't find the strength to speak; the sound of rain drops and the horrid traffic filled the awkward silence, scolding Hinata for keeping his mouth shut by filling his ears with foul noises. Nevertheless, before Komaeda could utter another plastic apology the words jumped out his heart to the cold air.
"That…"
"That's wrong!" An intense shout came out of him which startled the luckster for a second.
"I-i am sure they want you in the group, not just tolerating."His hope was to comfort Komaeda,just a bit was fine, however the words weren't aligning correctly.
"How so?"
"Why would anyone want someone like me to be around, Hinata-kun? The question followed and added more to Hinata's internal panic.
"I mean…You are pretty fun to be around…"
"Your…your- your luck!" He attempted his best to come up with something but that dull face of Komaeda's was enough to tell how he didn't believe what he just said.
"It's pretty funny, don't you think?" Komaeda gave a blank stare, then he asked.
"Oh, are you someone who enjoys the misfortune of others, Hinata-kun?" 'Crap' Hinata thought before shouting a response.
"N-no! It's not that…" He murmured and pouted like a kid caught doing something bad, although he was pretty much innocent.
"Anyway, scratch that…" He added before thinking deeper. Talking with Komaeda was much like being stuck in a visual novel -although Nanami was the Ultimate Gamer-, and every wrong 'option' lead to Hinata searching for a correct one. Too bad there weren't any option sheets or game guides in real life.
"You also help others a lot, I am sure everyone appreciates that!" After a few seconds of thinking he yelled again, this time he had a little more confidence in his reply.
"I believe that's the least I can do, not be a burden at least." However, Komaeda's god awful inferiority complex shattered the little confidence he had built, reverting back to square 1.
"Well…um…" He groaned and chewed on his damaged lips as Komaeda watched him. His eyes were closed now but Hinata could feel the curious gaze on him, expecting…something. He wasn't sure if he could give Komaeda exactly what he wants or specifically what he wants to hear. Nevertheless he figured it would be best to be honest. Even if the bastard didn't like his answer. He just had to come up with a reason why someone would want Komaeda to be around.
"I…I don't know about others but.." His voice softened as he finally spoke, he talked in a very quiet voice, almost like a whisper.
"I really like to be alone with you sometimes." The uncertainty was clear behind his words, wondering if it was even okay to talk about this with Komaeda. But it was too late to back down, not that the luckster would let him.
"I-i don't know if you even noticed it but..." Therefore he spoke about Komaeda and one thing about him that Hinata enjoyed. To show that there was at least one person that liked his company, not just tolerating.
"…we end up being alone together quite a lot, and I don’t hate it. " Anxiety formed into a clumsy smile as he averted his eyes, too bad he missed the way Komaeda's face painted in surprise, eyes wide and mouth open.
"It's nice, in a way, it makes me feel less lonely." When he turned back his gaze he found Komaeda covering his mouth, Hinata couldn't see under the dim light but there was a silly smirk underneath.
"Oh." The sound came involuntarily, way before the luckster could gather his thoughts.
"Hehe…" Then awkward breathy laughter slipped under that smirk, which was hard to tell whether it meant to be mocking or not.
"I guess it's nice to have the company of another miserable bystander." He then commented as he turned his face, his curly white locks covering his face thus making it even harder for Hinata to read his expression. Although it wouldn't matter even if the Reserve were to see that flustered look, since the degrading words were enough to switch his mood.
'That maybe but…' The thought flashed before heat covered Hinata's face.
"I-I am not miserable!" He stomped his foot on the ground, while his voice echoed inside Komaeda's ear. Hinata believed he had thick skin but when he was with luckster he couldn't help but to react. Who would react like that after the boy poured his heart into that reply!
"I refuse to be miserable." He then added, albeit it felt like the words were just decorative. Disappointment left a bad taste on his mouth, and soon the brunet was shaken by the intense urge to get away from Komaeda. He checked the clock, there was still 10 minutes left until that damned bus arrived.
"Ah, I am sorry I ended up enraging you. I keep doing that again and again." Understanding he is the cause of such reaction Komaeda let out another apology, yet it only felt plastic. Hinata knew better to continue from this moment, to keep silent however…
"God…" The word slipped from his lips.
"Why do I even try? It's not like anything I say matters to you since you hate me." He murmured, his voice rough, although he meant to keep the thought silent the other boy heard him clearly.
"What?" Hinata saw those gray eyebrows furrow, as if Komaeda deserved to get mad at him.
"Who said I hate you?" The absurdity of the question slapped Hinata on the face, and for a moment he stood there with a dumbfounded face. Komaeda looked serious enough for his words to come as mockery, yet it was difficult for the Reserve to believe.
"Don't you? You hate the Reserve Course after all." Komaeda sighed, and that look of disappointment twisted the heavy mood further.
"I can't deny I do feel a little indifferent towards the Reserve Course." He began, and as he talked it felt as if the time got slower, like he could pick Komaeda's words one by one.
"I believe it's rather arrogant to attend the Academy by using something shallow as money."
"However I myself am also an arrogant pest so I don't have the right to judge." He finished his rant with now-familiar self-deprecating language that soothes nothing, in fact it appeared to make things worse.
"Then? You hate me because you think I am an arrogant pest, right?"
"Huh? Is that all you get from this?" Hinata felt as if Komaeda's intense glare called him many names. However, that disappointment was what irritated the brunet the most. He didn't do anything to deserve such a brutal look, he was the one who was angry and he was the one who should make Komaeda feel cornered. NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND! If they weren't in the middle of a conversation, if Komaeda wasn't watching he would even go under the rain to cool himself.
"I will ask you this Hinata-kun, is all your identity tied up to being a Reserve Course student?" Yet before he could voice anything, the bastard hit him with a mind-numbing question, with such straightforwardness that just made it even more piercing to his heart.
"I'll say, I also hate people who eat hotdogs at movie theaters but you don't see me hating Owari-san, do you?"
"Well…"
"I suppose…" Hinata murmured, pouting slightly.
"I don't hate you. I think you bestow many good qualities as a person, that's probably why my classmates are so fond of you." Following, the luckster continued in a calm manner.
"Huh?" And Hinata, who didn't expect a simple compliment, stared at him like a kitten.
"I shameful. I always told to keep my mouth shut, yet you go around talking to them so care-freely even though you are just a Reserve Course student, as if you are part of the class." If Komaeda ended the conversation a sentence ago Hinata would've forgiven all that other shit-talk, look behind everything and even smile at him. However the (un)lucky student mentioned something that he shouldn't have, the reality that Hinata would rather avoid.
The words 'as if' pierced Hinata’s chest, perhaps deeper and more painful than Komaeda ever intended. Yes,he wasn't part of the class, part of the group of awesome talented people. He was just arrogantly tagging along, acting like there's no difference between them and him. He knew that already, and he did not want to hear that from Komaeda. That's when he realized how sick he was of this conversation, of the luckster's words, expecting things he would never get. He didn't care if he had to walk hours under the heavy rain, if it meant he could finally get away from him.
"But I am not, that’s what'll get to it right?" He groaned, shooting a piercing glance that shut that nasty mouth.
"You are lucky, after all you have your talent so no matter what, you'll always belong in that class." He clenched his fist, almost hard enough to break that umbrella in his hand. Soon he ended up looking down on his shoes, his sight was slightly blurry, the blood rushed on his face and ragged breathing followed it after. Even the dim light, southerly breeze and the sound of raindrops could not calm him down.
"Whereas I can never be like…them." Hinata heard his voice crack as Komaeda watched him anxiously. He only noticed Komaeda's hand extending towards him when he began to talk.
"I feel like you are misunderstanding what I am trying to say."
"I don't care." He slapped the hand as hard as one could, that the slapping sound startled the birds nesting. And at the right timing the cursed bus finally arrived.
"Anyway, I'll be going now." He grumbled before the door of the old rusty bus opened loudly.
He really wished he didn't hear it, to go deaf for 10 seconds but before he drifted away he heard Komaeda mumbling in a low choked tone that carried the colors of mystery.
"You are very beloved, I wonder why you choose to be blind to that…."
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Just as Komaeda guessed, the rain continued after he arrived at his station, and without his umbrella Hinata would be soaking wet by now. That very fact stung hard as the conversation replayed in his head. He ended up practically dragging himself to his home, and collapsed in front of the door like a drunk bastard. Not that his parents were around to care, in its own way he was lucky, since hearing his mother pester him back and forth wasn't the thing he looked forward to.
Luck…thinking about that brought back the image of that jerk, therefore that sickly irritating feeling arose. He felt like breaking the umbrella, smashing it on the wall until it was unrecognizable. But he couldn't. And like that the piece of kindness stayed glued on his hand for a few minutes, laying on the ground with Hinata.
Now that he was at home he could feel how much talking with Komaeda -after spending so much time with others- drained the brunet's energy, yet somehow he couldn't simply fall asleep on the ground. Alas it wasn't the discomfort of the cold wooden base or the dust covering his nose and eyes that kept him awake, if he were to guess he'd blame his mind who couldn't relax. He truly wished he could just sleep there and skip eating and showering part of his evening ;but once that dream appeared to be impossible Hinata got up and walked towards the kitchen.
A cup noodle and semi cold shower, neither were effective to cool down his overworking mind. If only he didn't speak to Komaeda his boring and repetitive night would've been more bearable. Nevertheless he couldn't stop thinking about their conversation. What was he a maiden in love?
"What's wrong with me?" He murmured before dragging his body to the living room.
Laying on the couch, scrolling on social media or the voices from the TV helped him ease his mind, in fact the growing silence was worsening his inner turmoil. Why did his parents have to be out of the city today? Worst timing ever, he would rather talk to his parents about his grades then think about that bastard now.
Thus about an hour had passed by Hinata filling his ears to noise and visual pollution called reality TV. Granted he wasn't really watching it so the boy hoped it didn't damage his brain much. However as much as he hates to admit being subjected to absolute idiocy on the screen had helped him calm his nerves. In fact, now he felt like he could finally sleep.
Although he didn't want to move an inch from his couch he couldn't afford to get a backache when his body felt weary enough, also his parents would scold him back and forth for leaving his stuff on the ground.
"I'll do a quick cleaning before I sleep." Following that thought, he found himself going back to the front door, facing the semi-wet umbrella on the ground.
"I really need to apologize huh?" He sighed before picking up its handler. He knew it already, Komaeda wasn't trying to start a fight there, it was him who got offended and lashed out. He knew the luckster enough to not be offended by him, but why did it irritate him so much when they couldn't get along?
Laying on the bed Hinata thought about what was about Komaeda that triggered him. After all he had friends with worse mouth, he certainly wasn't the first degenerate around and his self hatred wasn't something new that Hinata didn't deal with before. He was surrounded by odd characters yet Komaeda stood among them like a sore thumb. He took so much space in his mind..but why? What was about him that was so biting that drove Hinata to act strange whenever their path would cross? What was he expecting from Komaeda that he would act like a brat whenever he couldn't get it?
A guy like that, he knew better to not get involved,to not get attached, to not mind. However whenever Komaeda spoke Hinata could see a familiar look behind those eyes that reminded him of storm clouds. The things that worried him, the things that calmed him; his likes and dislikes, Hinata could understand him, to an extent before he couldn't.
Before his eyes gave in to the weight of gravity he made his decision, he was going to apologize and he was going to make up with him. That was the only right way and the only way to calm this storm in his heart.
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When morning arrived Hinata was more tired than rested, however when it was Monday he had no right to hide behind the excuses to avoid school. More so, he still had an apology to deliver.
He wished to keep his mind positive, therefore avoided any negative thoughts. He was going to apologize to Komaeda properly and invite him to hangout after school, maybe to a cafe. It was going to give them both a chance to repair their rough relationship. A simple plan -so much that Hinata could hear Komaeda smearing about how fitting it was to him-,but that meant not much could go wrong. Right?
Therefore his day went with hopeful thoughts, although anxiety would come from time to time he managed to brush it off each time. He clung onto that hope the remaining day, until he finally arrived at the gates of the Main Course.
The kind teacher handed him the visitor card as the nasty guard watched, but regardless of how much the meathead would squirm and groan behind his teeth Hinata was allowed to go inside the Main Course. Soon to face the door of class 77.
He stared at the wooden door before coming closer. For a second he wondered if Komaeda was even there but the worry was silly, they had about an hour before the school ended. The silence was suspicious but he wanted to believe there’d to be someone behind the door.
He gulped before his hand reached towards the handle yet his attention shifted once he felt something poking out his uniform. He whirled around in shock but calmed quickly once he recognized the person behind him.
"Nanami, you scared me!"
"Oh, sorry…I didn't mean to." She quickly apologies as she rubbed her eyes, Hinata figured she must've pulled another all nighter, which was rather impressive considering how they spend the whole Sunday playing games.
"Are you looking for Komaeda-kun?" She then asked which forced Hinata had his head slumped automatically at the awkwardness of her hitting the bulls-eye, how could she know that?
"Oh well…I am but how do you know about that? Did he say something?" The reply leaked nervously onto her, yet to his anxiety the girl was pretty calm. In fact there was a light behind her tired gazes, similar to how she would look at her beloved games.
"Komaeda-kun said a lot of things, but you are not at the level to reach the truth yet." She spoke nonsense in a serious tone, as if they were in a light novel.
"You first have to battle with me."
"What? Why?" More question marks swirled around the boy's head but the girl didn't look like she'd be providing him answers anytime soon.
"Trust me, you'll get it once you finish every level."
And like that Nanami took her to play a fighting game for one round which Hinata obviously lost. Then Sonia snatched him and questioned him about the history of royalty that Hinata did not know of. After that Mioda appeared, forcing him to perform a song he couldn't sing. And it continued like that. Playing with engines with Souda, sword practice with Pekoyama, cooking with Hanamur. It all reminded Hinata of the difference between him and his friends. And the reason why he wasn't fit to the Academy he adored so much.
He couldn't shoot a gun as good as Kuzuruyu, his anime impressions were just comedy, his dance was sloppy just like the photos he took, he did not know about either animals or humans enough to nurture them. In the end…he was just another nobody. Surrounded by amazing people, just another avarage boy that could be found anywhere.
After the intense training with Nidai and Owari he basically had to hide away.
Never in his life Hinata felt this exhausted. Why did he have to face such torture? What the hell was going on? Hinata wondered as he tried to take a breather. He laid his head on the wall, the sweat dripping from his forehead as the sound of his breath filled his ear. Once he was calm enough to even allow himself to think Nanami's words came to his mind.
'Komaeda-kun said a lot of things.'
Of course that bastard was to blame! He got pissy because Hinata didn’t tolerate getting insulted and now he was taking sweet revenge on him, showing him how he was just a Reserve Course student. His plan must’ve been to display how average he truly was and hurt his ego. Hinata didn't know how he managed to trick his friends to go along but that asshole was going to pay for it.
Thus the brunet slammed the wall, and again and again, until his hand began to swell. He looked like a kid having a tantrum but he couldn't hold himself. And to think he was going to apologies to him, and invite the guy to hangout-
"Oh,there you are Hinata-kun!" The calm voice put chills on Hinata's spine.
"Y-you!" He jumped out, he was welcomed by the presence of Komaeda Nagito who was holding something like a bag in his hand.
"You got everyone else looking for you, thanks to my luck I was able to find you.”
“Now for the final rou-" The boy complained as if he was the one who's been getting ridiculed this whole time. Hinata couldn't hold it in him anymore. He grabbed him by the collar, and glared at him with hatred painted on his eyes.
"Thanks for your talent right?! The talent that all of you can't help but to rub it on my face!" He yelled as tears filled his vision, he didn't cry, not fully but a tear or two ran down his cheeks.
"I don't know what you said to make my friends act like that but I am done okay!" Komaeda called him a pest, tricked his friends to ridicule him and now he was showing off his talent, he would be really lucky if Hinata let him off without breaking his nose.
"I KNOW that I am just an arrogant pest, I know I am not part of the special elite class, I know I am just average. I have known that since forever!!" His grip tightened, and slightly choked Komaeda while simultaneously hurting Hinata's hand yet the brunet couldn't let go.
“Insulting me wasn’t enough yesterday?”
"You knew how being reminded of that would hurt me, right? That's why you planned all of this, right?" But he also couldn't bring himself to actually hurt him. In the end Hinata simply felt so tired…his whole body was being controlled by intense exhaustion that in seconds washed the rapid anger away.
"You just…"In the face of slight calmness ,Hinata was able to see the expression behind Komaeda's face. It wasn't the face of a villain caught in an act but a boy who appeared confused and hurt.
"…sorry. I-i…" A childish apology escaped from Komaeda's lips, and Hinata immediately let go of him. Seeing him like that drained all the malice left in Hinata's mind.
"I wanted to make it right with you but it seems I just can't." He appeared the most passive Hinata has ever seen him that the boy could only stare at the luckster as their distance expanded.
"I-i should go…"
"I keep enraging you, but that's expected isn't it?" As soon as Komaeda was done speaking, he hastily left the area.
"W-wait! Hinata found himself yelling behind him, but not having the strength to chase after. For a minute he stood there, like a mannequin, feeling lost. When he was left wondering what he should do now the sight of the bag on the ground caught his attention. It was what's on Komaeda's hand before he tackled him, which he must've dropped when Hinata cornered the guy.
It didn't take long for the brunet to check what's on inside -mostly empty little papers- and find one paper that had 'Lucky' written on one side and 'Go to the class 77' on the other side. He of course didn't know the meaning of it, but hoping to find Komaeda he decided to drag his feet towards the classroom.
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Confetti, loud cheering and a feast behind the background welcomed Hinata while he stood there like a mimic of a person. The word "Congratulation" rang in his ear as his eyes scanned the scenery. [For The Honorary Member of Class 77] was written on a cloth,hanging above anything else, everyone had a pleasant and joyous look on their face, they looked a little bit relieved but for what?
"C-can anyone explain what's going on?!" The Reserve pleaded as he tried to make sense of the situation. He saw his question plant confusion on other's heads, as if he should've known what's going on before he arrived.
"Didn't Komaeda-kun tell you? He said he would explain in the last round." Said Nanami, unaware that the brunet never let him. Then she explained the situation. Apparently Komaeda told them about yesterday's conversation, and how Hinata felt like he didn't belong in the class. He seemed to offer an idea, to make Hinata earn a position in the class, challenge him in a way. The plan was that Hinata would be subjected to everyone's talent and show if he can handle being in the presence of everyone. The final round was reserved to Komaeda, all Hinata had to do was choose the right paper out of the bag to meet with everyone. Rely on his luck how Komaeda would.
"We said that we didn't need to go this far to prove you belong here but Komaeda-kun insisted we should." Then added the gamer girl after explaining everything.
"That guy said you would never accept the position if we handed you in a silver plate." Koizumi expanded her sentence, before she sighed.
"He practically begged us to contribute to his silly plan, how lame!" Saonji's sardonic remark followed after. She giggled and sneered like a little kid as if she didn't lend a hand.
"But this way it's official that Hajime is so with us and should never ever say he doesn't belong in our class, right!! He should always accept hanging out with us and never doubt our sincerity!! Mioda's eccentric voice echoed in the classroom, loud like heavy drums and enough to wake up a guy from a coma.
"So…um…this should be a merry moment but, why do you look so sad Hinata-san?" When Sonia pointed out others noticed how shrunken Hinata's face was, similar to a man in Russian literature. Regret, guilt and shame written on his creased eyebrows.
"Yeah, what's the deal man?"
"A-are you sick!"
"Was the training too much??" Some bombarded him with questions, Kuzuruyu brought a chair closer for him to sit on, and Pekoyama handed him a glass of water to drink. Tsumiki was the closest to him now, observing every little tick with troubled eyes. It took a while for Hinata to regain strength to speak, although if the moment allowed him he would use that little energy to dig himself a hole.
"I…I messed up big time." He murmured before he explained what happened prior to him coming to the classroom. How he thought Komaeda was trying to humiliate him by using his classmates, how he attacked him and what went through his mind from last nigh to the current time. His words dragged with shame, few tears dropped but never resulted in full steam weeping. His voice cracked when he mentioned how he grabbed Komaeda by the collar and meek woe gleamed from his frown as he talked about how Komaeda mentioned wanting to make it right with him. Everyone listened to him quietly, understanding and kind as they usually were.
"I-i wanted us to get along too…I wanted that ever since we began to wait for that damn bus…" He whined while he rested his head on his palm. A small hand was caressing his back, which belonged to the gamer. It would bring comfort if only Hinata didn't believe himself to be a total douche that didn't deserve to be comforted.
"And I was going to apologize today. I wanted to make up with him. Didn’t think he would pull out some grand gesture to do the same!" His words came like a cry. One time Komaeda decided on doing something nice and now their relationship was worse than ever.
"Well…Komaeda-kun can be hard to understand."
"I don't think anyone would blame you for misunderstanding." He heard Nanami speak gently and others agreeing; their words were as if blending in a mixer that Hinata could hardly make it up. He has been tired before but he has never been this drained.
"Still…" He murmured, then a silence followed after. For a few seconds he stood there thinking, his mind filled with the luckster like he was parasite-like being moving between the gaps of his brain. A while ago he thought he would be free of him, and this immense guilt that he left but it appeared Hinata still had some work to do.
He got up and before allowing anyone to react he bowed down.
"I am really sorry!" He yelled an apology that sank in the air.
"I am really touched how everyone went out their way to prepare a celebration party but I can't accept the title yet. Not until I make up with Komaeda." He then continued with most sincerity, determination was hidden in his words. It wasn't a maybe but a promise.
"So, please enjoy today's party on my behalf, okay?" He then pushed a clumsy smile.
"Even though it's a party for YOU?"Kuzuruyu raised an eyebrow. The class wasn't sure if the boy knew it but the party wouldn't be much fun without him.
"I'll throw even a better one later, I promise."
"If you say so…" Said the guy.
"Better keep your promise Hajime-chan!!" Then the musician pat Hinata on the back, although she was harsh the boy appreciated her easing up the tension like that.
"Don't you dare disappoint us like how you did with your dance." After her the dancer sneered and giggled between insults, yet before Hinata could make a remark the gymnast shook him as he was sitting.
"You better prepare lots of grubs!!" She laughed while making a milkshake out of the brunet's brain.
"Although none of it will be as tasty as my cooking, huhuhu."
After a few more chats Hinata was finally able to leave the Main Course building. Others appeared happy enough as he left, he was glad at the very least he didn't ruin their day. Now was the time to think about how to fix this mess…
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Komaeda was okay, from what Hinata heard from Nanami. He had his smile on, and talked when spoken to and never missed the chance to to hand an exaggerated compliment, as usual he was there but never took up space.
Hinata clenched his fist as he waited for the luckster to arrive, Nanami purposely dumped some chores on him just so the brunet wouldn't miss his chance. How ironic, just two days ago he was groaning to be alone with Komaeda but now he was chasing after him.
Soon the white fluffy hair caught his attention, he ran towards the boy that hunched as he walked. The sound "Ko-" came out but interrupted by the boy running away he couldn't finish the word. Within seconds he found himself chasing after him, until they arrived at an area that was away from the school and appeared empty.
"H-hey." His hand extended towards him, like how Komaeda's did two days ago but the soon he called out for the boy he was met with piercing command.
"Stay away!" The words froze Hinata on the spot, the worry swelled on his mind and he felt his stomach ache yet the moment he opened his mouth to say anything a baseball bal hit him right on the face.
"Ow… Now that's out of the way…" Komaeda groaned and whined as he tried to keep his body from falling. It was like witnessing a cartoon gag on life, that Hinata could only stare at.
"What's wrong? Do you want something from me, Hinata-kun?" Then Komaaeda turned around like nothing happened, that he wasn't assaulted by a home-run ball or yelled at the brunet two seconds ago. That carefree attitude was definitely something.
"A-are you okay?" Hinata asked. Komaeda's face was bruised but not wounded, the Reserve figured he was probably fine. Unless there was somehow an internal bleeding, but again knowing Komaeda he would be fine.
"Yeah, as I was on the cleaning duty I found something pretty. I knew the bad luck would follow it afterwards so I ran away to not inconvenience others." The other boy explained ever so casually. Nevertheless, Hinata was glad Komaeda wasn't running away from him. He didn't appear angry either, again it was a relief.
"Is that so…" Hinata averted his eyes for a second as his own soft voice filled his ears, wondering if it was the right time to bring the topic. Yet the other boy spoke before him.
"So, why were you following me?" Komaeda's question guided Hinata. Now it was the time.
"Well- um…I wanted to apologize for how I acted..." He admitted. Contrary to the last time they interacted Hinata was far more mellow now, compared to the two days prior his meek behavior was somewhat embarrassing.
"It wasn't right of me to lash out on you like that. Not especially when you were just trying to do a nice gesture in your own way." To show his sincerity Hinata tried his best to keep his chin up, but as he spoke he found it hard to keep up the eye contact. As if his words were going to fall into Komaeda's blue if he stared at him for too long.
"It's okay, I am sorry too."
"I have been insensitive. I now understand how much of a delicate matter talent is to you. If we ever talk I'll try to not bring up as much as I am capable of." Komaeda looked apologetic and genuine from the bottom of his heart. Although Hinata knew Komaeda was aware how sensitive of a topic the talent was beforehand -how wouldn't be?- it was clear that he didn't mean to offend the Reserve to this extent.
"I…I don't mind it, you don't have to hold yourself around me or avoid me. I'd like it if we talk more." Sweat began to run down Hinata's back, he was now noticing how dry his throat felt, and was his face always this hot?
"You do?"
"I want us to patch things up, it's not right like this." He knew he had to keep his chin up,that any cowardice would likely scare Komaeda away but his eyes were refusing to face the other. He didn't know if he could handle seeing the face behind that monotone voice.
"Really? After all the inconveniences I put you on?" Doubt was in the luckster's heart and Hinata knew he had to prove that he meant it.
"Yes, and I'll show how serious I am about this." He came close and took out a ring from his right pocket. The silver ring belonged to Hope's Peak Academy, it stood as a symbol of youthful friendship.
"I brought this as part of my apology. Well, more like I’ve abused the Mono-mono machine in the hallway, but it doesn't matter." The luckster stared at the palm that was holding the ring, his eyes were wider than usual yet his face looked almost frozen.
"Is this for me?" He asked and Hinata nodded.
"Do you know the meaning behind this item? I don't think our relationship is that deep. Or did you just buy this because it's made by Hope's Peak Academy."
"Don't take me for a fool! I know what it means, that's exactly why I brought it." Hinata didn't feel like getting treated like an idiot, he brought this gift because he wanted to be Komaeda's friend. Whether the bastard acknowledges it or not,that was the only truth.
"It's a promise from me to you; that'll I'll try my best until the meaning of this ring comes true." Their eyes locked, and for a second Hinata thought he could see beyond the facade.
"I think we can be close friends. I feel like you want it too, if not why would the rain trap us in that bus station?" Their distance shortened further, Komaeda could feel the heath behind Hinata's words. He didn't speak, or more like he couldn't. The Komaeda Nagito, who always got something to say, was so baffled that he couldn't utter a word. However Hinata was willing to wait.
He thought it would take a while to see what the luckster thought about his speech but another baseball ball answered that question for him.
"What! You okay?!" He yelled while Komaeda whined in agony on the ground.
"I am fine…" He cried, Hinata guessed experiencing bad luck back to back must've been annoying. He then reached out a hand to help him.
"Weren't you supposed to be clear from bad luck?" He teased slightly while he laughed underneath his breath.
"Ugh…why are you grinning like that? It's creepy." Komaeda pouted, like a normal teenager would. It was the first time he saw him sulking like that, which amused Hinata to the fullest.
"Was our conversation such a good luck Lady Luck had to punish you right away? He teased even further, giggles escaping from his mouth.
"Figure it out on your own." The luckster hastily shook him off, then got ready to walk away, however Hinata followed after him.
"Sooooo ,will you take the ring?" He asked playfully as he held the ring in his fist.
"…"
"Under one condition." What Hinata didn't expect between all the teasing and laughter was for Komaeda to take out a ring identical to one in his hand. Was that the item he found earlier?
"Eh?"
"Promises like that don't mean anything if two people don't put their weight on it, right?" He gently held the other hand and placed the silver ring on the finger before the pinky. The gleam of the jewelry was so captivating that the brunet couldn't help but to gaze, it looked fitting on Hinata's hand.
"You are right." He murmured as he handed the other ring. Komaeda's rough boney hands held the ring most elegantly, and the slight hint of smile showed how much he liked the present.
They then walked the path together, walking closer than ever before, like the invisible wall between them was defeated for a day. Their fingertips touched once or twice as they let the moment consume them. The cold of Komaeda's hand, Hinata could almost feel it, his warmth attracted his cold and vice versa. Soon the long pinky wrapped around the other's.
"It's okay, right? We promised to get along after all." The tip of Komaeda's ears were read, when Hinata leaned he could see pink tainting on his handsome face, but he wasn't the only one. The brunet knew the heat around his cheeks meant he was blushing.
"Of course..." He then surprised Komaeda by wrapping his hand around his.
The luckster was usually hard to understand, however today Hinata felt like he could understand Komaeda a little bit better. The silly smile on their face proved it all. Nothing was without a reason and there was a reason why fate pitted them against each other.
When they arrived at their usual bus station they had already missed the last bus. The craziest part was that Komaeda had enough money to call a taxi for them both.
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Today, Komaeda thought Hinata finally hated him beyond saving, that he would never want to be subjected to his presence ever again. Yet the evening proved him wrong, and the luck shined upon him once again. He let his thoughts come forwards as he laid down on the two person bed he owned.
Hajime Hinata, he was just an ordinary person and was going to be an ordinary person until the day he died. Komaeda couldn't pinpoint why he cared about someone like Hinata. They were somewhat similar, two trash in one trash can yet they were so different as well. Was it that or something else? Perhaps he didn't need to know what was about him that he found so alluring and simply let it go.
Ever since realizing that Hinata had become an integral part of the class, the young man had been constantly on Komaeda's mind. In fact, thanks to Komaeda himself, Hinata had technically become an honorary member of the class. A party for him had been organized even—a gesture showing that the others had already accepted him. And yet, Hinata hadn't even accepted such a kind act! Komaeda had learned this in the taxi, when the topic came up that Hinata would have to organize another party since he hadn't attended the first one. How foolish! But it wasn't the most idiotic part, the greatest folly of all had been inviting Komaeda as well. Like as if he deserved it.
"We will become friends, won't we? Of course I'll invite you! Not to mention it was YOU who came up with this idea first. It'd only natural for you to be in the party." was what the Reserve said in the yellow car. Komaeda didn't say it, but the thought of being invited as a friend not just a classmate tightened his heart then a wide smile he couldn't calm down appeared.
He raised his arm and looked at the ring on his hand —which he did not dare to take off. He knew that ring was going to attract overwhelmingly bad luck, but today, for a minute he just wanted to be glad of the good luck that came.